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Category: Cricket

Zaheer Abbas Calls for Babar Azam's Removal from Pakistan Team

Zaheer Abbas Calls for Babar Azam’s Removal from Pakistan Team

By October 3, 2024 0

Legendary Pakistani batter Zaheer Abbas has joined the chorus of former cricketers and pundits calling for the removal of Babar Azam from the national team. Abbas’s criticism stems from Azam’s underwhelming performances as both a batter and captain in recent major tournaments, including the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Abbas dismissed comparisons between Azam and Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli, highlighting the vast difference in their consistency levels. “The comparisons are pointless. Virat Kohli scores in every match, the other player (Babar) doesn’t score in any match, so then how can you compare? The person who scores, he is the bigger player,” Abbas said.

After resigning from the captaincy following Pakistan’s failure to reach the semifinals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Azam was surprisingly reinstated as captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Pakistan’s performance in the tournament was even more disappointing, as they failed to qualify for the Super 8s after losses to India and co-hosts USA.

Abbas also expressed concern about the overall performance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the national team. “The performance of PCB and the team is not that good,” he said.

Abbas emphasized the importance of maintaining the India-Pakistan rivalry on the international stage. “If India don’t come to Pakistan, that’s no good for cricket. Maybe sometimes Pakistan can also refuse to go to India. But cricket without Pakistan and India playing together is not complete,” he said.

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Lancashire Retain Chris Green, Northamptonshire Re-Sign Matthew Breetzke

Lancashire Retain Chris Green, Northamptonshire Re-Sign Matthew Breetzke

By October 3, 2024 0

Lancashire Cricket Club has secured the services of Australian all-rounder Chris Green for the next two seasons of the Vitality T20 Blast. Green, 31, played a pivotal role in Lancashire’s successful Blast campaign this summer, emerging as their leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps. His contributions helped the club qualify for the knockout stages, although he was unavailable for their quarter-final defeat due to prior commitments in the Caribbean Premier League.

Green’s contract includes the option to participate in the County Championship and One-Day Cup, subject to availability. In 2024, he made six appearances in the One-Day Cup, scoring his maiden century, and one in the Championship for Lancashire.

Expressing his excitement about returning to Lancashire, Green said, “I absolutely loved my first year with the club and I am even more excited to be coming back for the next two seasons. It is a really special group of players at Lancashire. I know that there are big things to come, and I am looking forward to playing my part in that during 2025 and 2026.”

Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, hailed Green’s impact on the team. “Chris made a huge impact for us on the field and had a number of options and offers to play around the world, but we are delighted that he has committed to being here at Emirates Old Trafford,” Chilton said. “Not only did Chris’ performances with bat and ball stand out this season, but he also really impressed us with his leadership and his personality had a huge influence on the dressing room.”

Meanwhile, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club has re-signed South African top-order batter Matthew Breetzke for the first half of the 2025 summer. Breetzke will be available for Northants’ first eight games in the County Championship, as well as the whole of the Blast group stage.

Breetzke, 25, was Northants’ leading run-scorer in the 2024 Blast, amassing 460 runs at a strike rate of 153.84. His contributions helped the club reach the quarter-finals.

“I’m delighted to sign with Northamptonshire for the 2025 season,” Breetzke said. “I really enjoyed my time at the club this year. I think the team has a lot of potential to push for promotion as well as go a few steps further in the Blast and win it. I’m looking forward to helping the team and hopefully achieving many more victories along the way.”

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Abhimanyu Easwaran's Century Boosts Test Debut Hopes

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Century Boosts Test Debut Hopes

By October 3, 2024 0

Abhimanyu Easwaran, the talented right-handed batsman from Bengal, has strengthened his case for a Test debut with a magnificent century for Rest of India against Mumbai in the Irani Cup. Easwaran, who replaced Ruturaj Gaikwad in India’s squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa last year, has been consistently performing at the domestic level.

Easwaran’s century, which came off 117 balls, is his third in as many games. He scored two centuries in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy. The 29-year-old has been among the top run-getters for Bengal in the domestic circuit, with his breakthrough season coming in 2018-19 when he scored over 800 runs in the Ranji Trophy.

Easwaran’s forte is red-ball cricket, but he has also been a steady performer in List A cricket. He has represented India A in multiple tours, showcasing his potential to break into the Indian national team. He was named in the standby list for India’s Test squad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 against Australia and was part of the squad for the England Test series in 2021 and 2022.

With India set to tour Australia later this year, the management will likely include a third opener in the squad. Easwaran’s recent performances have put him in contention for that role. He faces competition from Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mayank Agarwal, and Sai Sudharsan, but his consistent run-scoring has given him an edge.

Easwaran’s century against Mumbai has further strengthened his case for a Test debut. He has shown that he has the temperament and the skills to succeed at the highest level. If he continues to perform at this level, he could soon be donning the Indian whites.

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Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan White-Ball Captain Amidst Criticism

Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan White-Ball Captain Amidst Criticism

By October 3, 2024 0

Former Pakistan pacer Sikander Bakht has vehemently criticized Babar Azam’s decision to step down as the captain of the white-ball team. Bakht believes that Babar should have resigned immediately after Pakistan’s humiliating exit from the T20 World Cup in June.

Pakistan’s failure to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament, including a shocking loss to tournament debutants USA, was widely regarded as one of the most embarrassing moments in the country’s cricketing history. Bakht believes that Babar should have taken responsibility for this debacle and stepped down as captain.

“He should have resigned on June 16th, as soon as our World Cup was over,” Bakht told Geo News. “The whole nation was saying that he should have resigned. But he was stubborn. He thought he was king.”

Bakht also questioned Babar’s performances as both a captain and a batter, suggesting that he has not been up to the mark in recent times. “His performance was not good, neither was theirs,” Bakht said. “They should have realized that we were being removed in two ways.”

Bakht went on to claim that Babar did not resign voluntarily but was told to do so. He also alleged that the atmosphere in the dressing room is not conducive to success, with three players—Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, and Mohammad Rizwan—vying for the captaincy.

“He was told to resign,” Bakht said. “We have three captains in our base. There are groups of three captains. One is Babar, another is Rizwan. They want to become captains. Shaheen wants to become captain again. And there is also Shan Masood.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a statement acknowledging Babar’s decision to step down. The PCB stated that it had backed Babar as the white-ball captain but respected his decision to focus on his batting.

“This decision is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to Pakistan cricket,” the PCB said. “He believes that dedicating himself fully to his batting will enable him to play a more decisive role in the team’s success in the shorter formats.”

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IPL 2025 Auction: Mumbai Indians Face Retention Dilemma

IPL 2025 Auction: Mumbai Indians Face Retention Dilemma

By October 3, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is set to be a pivotal event for all 10 franchises. With a mega auction on the horizon, teams must carefully consider their retention strategies to build competitive squads.

According to the BCCI, franchises can retain a maximum of six players, either through retention or the Right to Match (RTM) option. The combination of retentions and RTMs can include up to five capped players (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped players. The auction purse for each franchise has been set at INR 120 Crore.

For five-time champions Mumbai Indians, who endured a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, the upcoming auction holds immense significance. The team boasts a star-studded roster, including Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma. However, the franchise faces a crucial decision regarding player retention.

Former IPL-winning coach Tom Moody has expressed his reservations about Hardik Pandya’s potential retention at the highest price of INR 18 crore. Moody believes that Pandya’s recent struggles with fitness and performance may not warrant such a high valuation.

“When you dissect all of those areas with Hardik Pandya, does he deserve to be an 18 crore player? Is he worth it? If you’ve got to be an 18 crore player, you’ve got to be a genuine match-winner and do it regularly,” Moody said.

Moody also highlighted Mumbai Indians’ past struggles at the auction table, particularly in retaining players at inflated prices. He cited the examples of Ishan Kishan and Jofra Archer, who failed to deliver consistent returns despite their hefty price tags.

“They’ve had a little bit of a problem at the auction table the last couple of years. They’ve gotten caught up in a way too loyal in some cases and tried to retain, or get players back into their squad, which has cost them dearly,” Moody said.

The Mumbai Indians management will have to make some tough decisions regarding player retention. They must balance loyalty with performance and value for money to build a squad capable of challenging for the IPL title in 2025.

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Bangladesh Triumph in Women's T20 World Cup Opener Against Scotland

Bangladesh Triumph in Women’s T20 World Cup Opener Against Scotland

By October 3, 2024 0

Scotland vs Bangladesh: Bangladesh Opt to Bat First in Women’s T20 World Cup Opener

In the inaugural match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana elected to bat first after winning the toss against Scotland at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium.

Scotland, making their tournament debut, have a 0-4 record against Bangladesh in T20Is, with their last encounter in September 2022. However, Bangladesh has not tasted victory in a T20 World Cup match in a decade.

This edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup marks the first time the tournament is being held at a neutral venue.

Bangladesh’s Batting Performance

Bangladesh openers Shamima Sultana and Murshida Khatun provided a solid start, putting on a 45-run partnership. Shamima, in particular, looked in good touch, hitting some elegant boundaries.

However, Scotland’s bowlers fought back, with Katherine Fraser dismissing both openers in quick succession. Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with only Fargana Hoque (27) and Rumana Ahmed (22) offering significant resistance.

Scotland’s Bowling Effort

Scotland’s bowlers were disciplined and accurate, making it difficult for Bangladesh to score freely. Fraser was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/22. Sarah Bryce and Abtaha Maqsood also chipped in with two wickets each.

Scotland’s Batting Chase

In response, Scotland got off to a shaky start, losing opener Sarah Bryce early. However, skipper Kathryn Bryce and Rachel Slater steadied the innings with a 40-run partnership.

Slater played a particularly aggressive innings, hitting three boundaries and a six. But Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Nahida Akter and Rumana Ahmed taking two wickets each.

Bangladesh’s Victory

Despite a valiant effort from Scotland, Bangladesh managed to defend their total of 120/8. The Scottish batters were unable to find the boundaries consistently, and the Bangladeshi fielders were sharp in the field.

Bangladesh ultimately won the match by 18 runs, securing their first victory in a T20 World Cup match since 2014.

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Tabraiz Shamsi Opts Out of South Africa Contract for T20 League Freedom

Tabraiz Shamsi Opts Out of South Africa Contract for T20 League Freedom

By October 3, 2024 0

South African left-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi has made a significant decision to opt out of his national contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA), effective immediately. This move allows him to become a free agent and participate more freely in T20 leagues worldwide without being bound by South African obligations.

Shamsi’s decision stems from a desire for greater flexibility during the domestic season. He aims to explore all available opportunities and prioritize his family’s well-being. However, he remains committed to representing South Africa and will be available for selection in white-ball squads at major tournaments.

“This will not impact my ability or motivation to play for the Proteas in any way,” Shamsi stated. “It has always been my dream to bring the World Cup home to South Africa, and no franchise league will ever be more important than playing for my country.”

Shamsi’s last appearance for South Africa was in the T20 World Cup final against India in June. He has not been part of the ongoing tour of the UAE, where South Africa is facing Afghanistan and Ireland. The team has rested several senior players and used the matches to expand its player pool.

One potential factor behind Shamsi’s decision is CSA’s decision to withdraw him from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year to play for the Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge. This resulted in Shamsi missing six matches for the Karachi Kings and losing out on match fees.

Another possible reason is CSA’s requirement for contracted players to attend the CSA awards night, even if they are not award winners. Shamsi had to return home during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to attend the event, missing three matches for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and losing portions of his match fee.

Match fees from overseas leagues are reportedly substantial and more lucrative than national contracts. The clash between the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge and the PSL in 2025 would have forced Shamsi to miss portions of the PSL if he remained contracted to CSA.

Shamsi’s decision follows a similar move by fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who opted out of his central contract earlier this year due to physical concerns and a desire to play more in T20 leagues.

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Bangladesh to Kick Off Women's T20 World Cup Journey Against Scotland

Bangladesh to Kick Off Women’s T20 World Cup Journey Against Scotland

By October 3, 2024 0

Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana, will embark on their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 journey against Scotland in the tournament opener on Thursday, October 3. The match will be played at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium, commencing at 3:30 PM IST.

Bangladesh, who recently lost to Sri Lanka in a warm-up game, will be eager to showcase their talent and make a mark in Group B. The group also includes England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland.

Captain Sultana expressed her team’s determination to prove their worth. “We are excited to start our World Cup campaign against Scotland,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to show the world what we can do.”

Bangladesh will be hoping to upset some of the more established teams in the group and secure a spot in the knockout stages. They will need to rely on their key players, including all-rounder Fahima Khatun, who has been in impressive form lately.

Scotland, on the other hand, will be making their debut in the Women’s T20 World Cup. They will be led by Sarah Bryce and will be looking to make a strong impression.

The match between Bangladesh and Scotland promises to be an intriguing contest. Both teams will be eager to start their World Cup campaigns on a positive note.

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Rohit Sharma Defends Aggressive Approach in Bangladesh Test Victory

Rohit Sharma Defends Aggressive Approach in Bangladesh Test Victory

By October 3, 2024 0

Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, has expressed confidence in his decision-making abilities, as evidenced by his team’s recent Test match victory against Bangladesh. Despite losing over 220 overs due to weather, India secured a seven-wicket win by adopting an aggressive approach.

Sharma believes that his experience has equipped him to trust his instincts. “I have been out there enough to trust my judgments on what I do,” he stated. While open to suggestions, he emphasizes that the final call is his.

Sharma acknowledges that not all decisions will be successful, but experience and knowledge are crucial. “At the highest level, you need to have a bit of everything,” he said. “You need to be calm to take decisions wisely, and you need to back it with your experience.”

Sharma admits that India’s aggressive approach could have backfired, but he was prepared for the consequences. “We had to take risks to get a result,” he explained. “I know the result could have gone either way, but I was okay with it.”

He praised his team’s fielding performance, highlighting the 23 catches they took out of 24 opportunities. “The catches are hard to take as reaction time is very less,” he said.

Sharma emphasized that his style of aggression is not about body language but rather about actions on the field. “The kind of batting we do, the kind of field positioning we do, the kind of bowling we do, that to me is aggression,” he said.

However, he does not object to players like Mohammed Siraj engaging in verbal exchanges with batters, as it can unsettle them. “Siraj, superb athlete, he gives everything on the field he has,” Sharma said. “He wants to do something — talk to the batter, make him uncomfortable so that the team gets into the game.”

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Harbhajan Singh: India Faces Tough Challenge in Women's T20 World Cup

Harbhajan Singh: India Faces Tough Challenge in Women’s T20 World Cup

By October 3, 2024 0

India’s World Cup-winning spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his concerns about the challenges that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s cricket team will face in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament, which begins on Thursday in the UAE, will see India placed in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand.

Harbhajan believes that Australia will pose the biggest threat to India’s title hopes. “Australia is a good team, even though these matches are being played in Dubai, on subcontinent pitches that might not suit them as much as their home conditions,” he said. “But Australia, no matter where they play, are hard to beat.”

India’s recent record against Australia in T20Is is not encouraging, with the Aussies winning 23 of the 32 matches played between the two teams. However, Harbhajan also warned India of the potential threat posed by Sri Lanka, who recently defeated India in the Asia Cup final.

“Sri Lanka, too, after their recent series win against India, will be confident when they play against India,” Harbhajan said. “So, that will also be a good contest.”

Despite the challenges, Harbhajan believes that India has the potential to win their maiden ICC title. “Team India will be the team to beat in this tournament,” he said. “They have both experience and youth. Harman is in good form, Smriti is in good form, and Deepti is an unbelievable spinner.”

“They are a very capable team and have been playing very good cricket,” Harbhajan added. “The unit looks solid. If India plays good cricket overall, I believe they will win this tournament.”

Harbhajan also advised the Indian team to take it one match at a time and not succumb to the pressure of the big occasion. “You have to try to give your best and not take pressure,” he said. “At this stage, the only thing that matters is to know yourself and play as a unit. Results will follow.”

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