Pakistan Cricket Coach Resigns Over Corruption and Nepotism

Pakistan Cricket Coach Resigns Over Corruption and Nepotism

Pakistan Cricket Coach Resigns Amidst Allegations of Corruption and Nepotism

Former fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed has resigned from his position as a regional coach at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), citing rampant political interference, favouritism, and nepotism in cricket affairs at the grassroots level.

In his resignation letter, Shabbir, who served as the head coach in the Dera Ghazi Khan region, expressed his frustration with the deplorable conditions prevalent in Pakistani cricket. He stated that merit was disregarded in player selection, with political connections and favouritism taking precedence.

“How can Pakistan cricket improve when there is no merit in selection of players at regional level and there is so much interference and nepotism and favouritism by cricket officials?” Shabbir said.

Shabbir had taken on the role of head coach in Dera Ghazi Khan with the aim of promoting and developing the game at the district and regional levels. However, he found the situation untenable and chose to distance himself from the current state of affairs.

“Unfortunately what I have experienced is very frustrating. A player who works hard throughout the year and is a good talent is overlooked in the final selection to pick a player who use political and other connections to get in,” he said.

Shabbir’s resignation comes amidst Pakistan’s recent 0-2 loss to Bangladesh, a result that has highlighted the decline of Pakistani cricket. Shabbir believes that the current system is hindering the development of talented players and contributing to the team’s poor performance.

“Even if coaches who are sincere want to do something they are helpless in the existing system,” Shabbir said.

The PCB has yet to comment on Shabbir’s resignation, but his allegations have raised serious concerns about the state of cricket in Pakistan. If the PCB fails to address these issues, it could have a detrimental impact on the future of the sport in the country.

New Zealand Arrives for Historic Test Against Afghanistan

New Zealand Arrives for Historic Test Against Afghanistan

New Zealand’s formidable Test squad, led by veteran pacer Tim Southee, has arrived in India for their historic one-off Test against Afghanistan. The match, scheduled for September 9 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, marks the first red-ball encounter between the two nations.

The BlackCaps boast a star-studded lineup, including former skipper Kane Williamson, who recently opted out of a central contract. Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra add depth to the batting order, while Tom Latham remains the vice-captain.

Recognizing the importance of spin bowling in Indian conditions, New Zealand has included five spin options in Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and part-timers Phillips and Ravindra. They will hold their first practice session on Friday.

This Test serves as a crucial preparation for New Zealand’s upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, which is part of the World Test Championship (WTC). After Sri Lanka, the BlackCaps will return to India for a three-match Test series against Rohit Sharma’s men, also part of the WTC calendar.

The three games against India will be played in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai in October and November. New Zealand currently sits third in the ICC WTC points table, behind India and Australia.

This historic Test against Afghanistan provides a valuable opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience ahead of the upcoming WTC challenges.

Gus Atkinson Makes Unprecedented Impact in Debut Test Summer for England

Gus Atkinson Makes Unprecedented Impact in Debut Test Summer for England

England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, has hailed the remarkable impact made by Gus Atkinson in his debut Test summer. Atkinson, a fast bowler, has taken 30 wickets and scored a maiden Test century at Lord’s, earning him the Player of the Series award against West Indies.

Stokes believes Atkinson’s success is a testament to his talent and the team’s belief in him. “I earmarked him as someone I thought could be successful at Test cricket on the India tour even though he didn’t play a game,” Stokes said. “I watched him train for basically two months, and he bowls at a high pace and is a very skillful bowler.”

Atkinson’s batting ability has also impressed Stokes. “Seeing him bat before, I knew he had potential, and that 100 he got at Lord’s, to say I wasn’t surprised is a bit of an overstatement, but I have always known he has talent with the bat,” Stokes said.

Stokes believes Atkinson’s success is a result of the team’s encouragement to express himself. “If you see someone with a bit of talent, with the skillset and armoury he has as a player, and tell them to go out and express themselves and be who they want to be, it is amazing what results you can get from that,” Stokes said.

England are looking to complete a clean sweep of their Test matches this summer when they face Sri Lanka in the final match of their series starting at The Oval on Friday. Stokes, who is recuperating from a hamstring injury, believes the side has it in them to complete a winning clean sweep.

“It would be great to finish off the summer with another win and say we have won all six games we have had this summer,” Stokes said. “A summer of Test cricket is hard, six games is a lot. We feel like we have been pretty compact and there hasn’t been too much break between the games.”

“Winning six Test matches in one summer is no mean feat, so it would be great to finish off the summer in the last match against Sri Lanka with a win,” Stokes concluded.

Musheer Khan's Unconquered Century Rescues India B in Duleep Trophy

Musheer Khan’s Unconquered Century Rescues India B in Duleep Trophy

Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, showcased his exceptional batting skills on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B in Bengaluru. Despite facing a formidable pace trio of Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, and Avesh Khan, Musheer remained unyielding, scoring an unbeaten 105 to rescue India B from a precarious position.

Musheer’s innings was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Coming in at No. 3, he witnessed the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz, and Rishabh Pant. Undeterred, he absorbed the pressure exerted by the fast bowlers and patiently built his innings.

Initially, Musheer struggled to gauge the seam movement on the green-tinged surface. However, he gradually adjusted his technique, walking down the pitch to defend and counter the exaggerated movement. As the innings progressed, he found his rhythm, hitting delicate paddles and full-blooded sweeps to accumulate runs.

Musheer’s century was a significant milestone in his young career. It marked his third first-class century and further cemented his reputation as a promising batsman. His innings was particularly impressive considering the challenging conditions and the quality of the opposition’s bowling attack.

As Musheer raised his bat to acknowledge the applause from his teammates, his brother Sarfaraz was among the first to congratulate him. It was a poignant moment, as Musheer had often been the one applauding Sarfaraz’s achievements.

Musheer’s performance in the Duleep Trophy has caught the attention of national selectors. He has proven his ability to handle pressure and perform at the highest level. As he continues to develop, Musheer has the potential to become a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team.

Axar Patel's All-Round Brilliance Rescues India D from Collapse

Axar Patel’s All-Round Brilliance Rescues India D from Collapse

Axar Patel’s Heroics Rescue India D from Collapse in Duleep Trophy Opener

In a thrilling opening day of the Duleep Trophy match between India D and India C in Anantapur, all-rounder Axar Patel emerged as the star performer, rescuing his team from a precarious position with a counter-attacking 86 and then chipping in with two crucial wickets.

India D’s batting order crumbled early on, with the pace duo of Anshul Kamboj and Vijaykumar Vyshak exploiting the responsive pitch to reduce them to a dismal 48 for six. However, Axar, batting at number seven, played a defiant innings, transitioning from a cautious start to an aggressive approach. He smashed six sixes, including three off left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, and propelled India D’s total to 164 in 48.3 overs.

Axar’s batting heroics were complemented by his bowling contributions. He dismissed Aryan Juyal and Rajat Patidar to dent India C’s progress, who ended the day at 91 for four, trailing by 73 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel remained unbeaten on 32, while Baba Indrajith was on 14 at stumps.

India C’s bowlers had earlier made early inroads into India D’s batting lineup. Shreyas Iyer fell to a notable delivery from Vyshak, while opener Atharva Taide and Devdutt Padikkal were dismissed cheaply.

Despite Axar’s heroics, India D’s innings was marred by questionable shot selections from several batsmen. Taide’s attempted pull shot early in his innings and Padikkal’s dismissal at cover off a straightforward ball highlighted the need for more disciplined batting.

Brendon McCullum Embraces White-Ball Challenge, Extends England Contract

Brendon McCullum Embraces White-Ball Challenge, Extends England Contract

Brendon McCullum, the architect of England’s Test resurgence, has embraced the challenge of leading the white-ball teams as well, extending his contract until 2027. The New Zealander, who has instilled an aggressive “Bazball” approach in the Test setup, aims to replicate the success in limited-overs cricket.

McCullum’s appointment as white-ball coach aligns with a tour of India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in January. He replaces Matthew Mott, who was dismissed after England’s disappointing performances in defending their World Cup titles.

The 42-year-old McCullum acknowledged the increased workload but expressed his willingness to be judged by results. “It’s going to be an added workload, but some bets are worth it,” he said. “I’m happy to be governed by results and be in the gun if things don’t work out.”

McCullum’s decision to expand his responsibilities was influenced by his growing knowledge of English cricket and the talent available. “A couple of years ago, I didn’t have a whole lot of knowledge about English cricket,” he said. “But fast forward two years and I’ve had a great time, I absolutely love being in the position I am in.”

England’s packed schedule, including a T20 series against Australia just 24 hours after the third Test against Sri Lanka, necessitated the split coaching responsibilities. Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the Australia series.

However, McCullum believes the workload will ease in the lead-up to the next T20 World Cup in 2026 and the 50-over World Cup in 2027. “I think if we look at the schedule, it is easing,” he said. “Now with it easing — I say slightly — it can have one person in the role.”

McCullum emphasized the importance of player and support staff management to ensure the success of the combined coaching role. “We’ll have to be smart with stepping (down) players and support staff, including myself, but I don’t see it being a problem,” he said.

Rohit Sharma: The Only Batsman with Three ODI Double Centuries

Rohit Sharma: The Only Batsman with Three ODI Double Centuries

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian captain, has etched his name into the annals of ODI cricket history as the only batsman to have scored three double centuries in the format. His remarkable ability to construct colossal innings with elegance and flair has left cricket enthusiasts and experts alike in awe.

Sharma’s first monumental knock came against Australia in 2013, where he unleashed a breathtaking assault on the hapless bowlers, amassing a colossal 209 runs off a mere 158 deliveries. The Bengaluru crowd witnessed a spectacle of unrivaled brilliance as Sharma’s bat conjured a symphony of boundaries and sixes, leaving the opposition in a state of stupefaction.

Lightning struck twice when Sharma, donning the iconic blue jersey, took center stage against Sri Lanka in 2014. In a display of unmatched batsmanship, he surpassed his own record, accumulating an astonishing 264 runs, the highest individual score in ODI history. The cricketing world stood in raptures as Sharma’s willow danced to a mesmerizing tune, dispatching the ball to all corners of the Eden Gardens with unerring precision.

The magnum opus of Sharma’s ODI odyssey unfolded against the same opposition, Sri Lanka, in 2017. In a masterclass of timing, technique, and temperament, he conquered yet another summit, registering a sublime 208 not out. The Mohali crowd was enthralled as Sharma’s bat orchestrated a rhapsody of cricketing strokes, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s folklore.

Sharma’s tryst with ODI greatness is a testament to his unquenchable thirst for runs, his unwavering determination, and his sublime mastery of the willow. His ability to build colossal innings with such ease and consistency has set him apart as one of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era.

India to Make Australia Run in Their Own Backyard, Says Chetan Sharma

India to Make Australia Run in Their Own Backyard, Says Chetan Sharma

Team India is poised to embark on a highly anticipated five-match Test series against Australia later this year. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds immense significance, as Australia has historically held an edge over India in Test bilaterals. However, India has emerged victorious in the last four Test series between the two nations, including back-to-back wins on Australian soil.

Former Team India chief selector Chetan Sharma believes that the Rohit Sharma-led side has the potential to dominate Australia in their own backyard. Sharma, who was the chief selector during India’s last tour of Australia, feels that the visitors will have the upper hand, having consistently outplayed the Pat Cummins-led side in recent times.

“We have built a reputation as the No.1-ranked team in the world,” Sharma said. “We will not only give them a tough fight but we will make them run in their own backyard. I have a lot of confidence in the players.”

Sharma also highlighted the strength of India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah. “Bowlers will win you Test matches,” he said. “Right now, Team India has the best bowling attack in the world. We have seen it in recent times that we have bowlers to bowl the opposition out for even 150. Our bowlers are our trump card.”

This will be the first time since the early 1990s that India will play a five-match Test series in Australia. India won the last two tours of Australia with an identical scoreline of 2-1. In 2018-19, the Virat Kohli-led side won the final and decisive Test in Sydney. On the other hand, Kohli only played one match of the last tour as Ajinkya Rahane guided the team to victory in his absence.

Chhattisgarh Draws Buchi Babu Semifinal with Lakshay Jain's Ten-Wicket Haul

Chhattisgarh Draws Buchi Babu Semifinal with Lakshay Jain’s Ten-Wicket Haul

Off-spinner Lakshay Jain’s remarkable performance propelled Chhattisgarh to a tame draw against TNCA XI in the Buchi Babu semifinal at the NPR College cricket ground in Natham. Jain’s five-wicket haul in the second innings, coupled with his five-wicket haul in the first innings, gave him a match haul of ten for 216.

Chhattisgarh, having secured the first-innings lead, opted not to enforce the follow-on. However, TNCA XI’s batting lineup struggled against Jain’s guile. Mohammad Irfan was dismissed leg before wicket, while Amandeep Khare’s expansive cover drive was thwarted by the spinning ball.

Khare, who had earlier struck two sixes, shared a 60-run seventh-wicket stand with left-hander Gagandeep Singh (30). However, Jain’s relentless bowling proved too much for TNCA XI, as he dismissed Jeevesh Butte and Anuj Tiwari in quick succession.

The umpires ended the match prematurely due to the lack of competitive play. Chhattisgarh’s first-innings total of 467, featuring Ayush Pandey’s 82, Anuj Tiwari’s 93, Amandeep Khare’s 97, and Prateek Yadav’s 109, proved to be insurmountable for TNCA XI.

BCCI AGM to Inaugurate New NCA Center, Discuss Secretary Election

BCCI AGM to Inaugurate New NCA Center, Discuss Secretary Election

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold its 93rd Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) on September 29 in Bengaluru. While the election of a new board secretary is not expected to take place at the meeting, the AGM will coincide with the inauguration of the state-of-the-art National Cricket Academy (NCA) center on the outskirts of the city.

The appointment of a new secretary became necessary after incumbent Jay Shah was unanimously elected as the ICC Chairman. However, Shah will continue as BCCI secretary until December 1, when he assumes his new role.

Another key agenda item at the AGM is the appointment of a BCCI representative to the ICC meetings, as Shah will no longer be available for that role. Current BCCI president Roger Binny is a potential candidate, but at 69 years old, he may not meet the age requirement of 70 for administrative positions.

The AGM will also see the induction of two general body representatives into the IPL Governing Council and one representative from the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA).

Other regular board activities include the ratification of the annual budget for 2024-25, the appointment of an Ombudsman and Ethics Officer, and the formation of a new Umpires Committee.

The AGM will also consider the report of the Internal Committee of BCCI formed under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy and approve rules formed by the Apex Council pertaining to domestic cricket.

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