Bangladesh Cricketers Rally Around Shakib Amid Murder Allegation

Bangladesh Cricketers Rally Around Shakib Amid Murder Allegation

Bangladesh’s cricket team has rallied around star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is facing a murder allegation stemming from recent political unrest in the country. The accusation, made by Rafiqul Islam, alleges that Shakib’s actions during the protests led to the death of Islam’s son.

Despite the allegations, Shakib played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s historic 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. The win marked Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory over Pakistan.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto dedicated the victory to those who lost their lives in the protests. “He’s been raising the name of Bangladesh in the world for 17 long years,” Shanto wrote on Facebook. “Such a case against Shakib bhai is unexpected. In the new Bangladesh, we all want to see something new. I hope all the darkness will pass off and new light will come.”

Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim also expressed solidarity with Shakib. “As a teammate and a brother, I will be there during his tough times, and I do not support the false allegations made against him because I know he would never engage in inhumane actions,” Rahim stated.

Shakib has yet to publicly address the murder allegation. The team’s morale remains high following their maiden Test win over Pakistan, achieved under challenging conditions on a flat Rawalpindi pitch.

The second and final Test of the series will also be played in Rawalpindi, starting Friday.

New Zealand Women's Domestic Cricket Teams Finalize Contracted Player Rosters

New Zealand Women’s Domestic Cricket Teams Finalize Contracted Player Rosters

New Zealand’s women’s domestic cricket teams have finalized their contracted player rosters for the 2024-25 season. The signings include a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents.

Central Districts

Central Districts have added uncapped right-arm seamer Grace Foreman to their roster. Foreman has impressed through Taranaki and Central Districts’ pathway systems and joins Anna Gaging as the new faces on the team.

Canterbury

Canterbury have signed batter Emma Irwin, who previously represented the team. Irwin was part of the New Zealand Under-19 side at the World Cup last year.

Auckland

Auckland have elevated fast bowler Sophie Court to their contract list. Court has risen through Auckland Cricket’s Talent and Pathway programme and was part of the Auckland Under-19 team that won the national under-19 tournament this year.

Northern Districts

Northern Districts have signed allrounder Carol Agafili, who has represented the team in the past and also played for Samoa in T20Is.

Wellington

Wellington have added right-hand batter Gemma Sims to their roster. Sims played for Wellington in the Super Smash last season.

Otago

Otago have awarded their maiden contract to Isy Parry. Parry has been a standout performer in Otago’s age-group teams.

The contracted players will represent their respective teams in the upcoming domestic season, which includes the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (one-day competition) and the Super Smash (T20 competition).

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Bodyguard Act for Kedar Jadhav Captured by MS Dhoni

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Bodyguard Act for Kedar Jadhav Captured by MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni Captures Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Bodyguard Act for Kedar Jadhav

In a lighthearted moment captured on camera, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni filmed a comical scene involving Rohit Sharma and Kedar Jadhav. The video, which has gone viral on social media, showcases the playful camaraderie among the Indian cricket team members.

The incident occurred during a team stay at a hotel. Dhoni, armed with his phone, began recording as Kedar Jadhav walked down a corridor. Rohit Sharma, standing nearby, instructed a team support staff member to pretend to be a fan. Another support staff member positioned himself to the right of Jadhav, acting as his bodyguard.

As the trio walked down the corridor, Dhoni’s voice can be heard saying, “Start kar diya hai” (It has started). Suddenly, the “fan” approached Jadhav for a selfie, but Rohit swiftly intervened, pushing him aside with a nonchalant gesture. The entire scene erupted in laughter, with Jadhav collapsing on the floor in amusement.

The video highlights the close bond and playful nature of the Indian cricket team. It also showcases the lighter side of the players, who often engage in fun activities to relieve the pressure of international cricket.

KL Rahul Retained by LSG, Captaincy Uncertain

KL Rahul Retained by LSG, Captaincy Uncertain

Star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is set to be retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, but not as captain. Sources close to the franchise have confirmed that Rahul’s decision to step down from the captaincy stems from the pressure associated with the role, allowing him to focus on his batting performance.

The uncertainty surrounding the LSG captaincy has opened up a race between two prominent candidates: Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran. Both players have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and could potentially lead the team to success.

Rahul’s meeting with LSG CEO Sanjiv Goenka on Monday solidified his retention as a player, but the captaincy remains up for grabs. Sources indicate that Goenka has full confidence in Rahul’s abilities as a batter and believes he can make significant contributions to the team.

The LSG franchise is actively exploring its captaincy options, with Pandya and Pooran emerging as the frontrunners. Pandya, a seasoned all-rounder, has captained the Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022, while Pooran, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, has led the West Indies in international cricket.

Rahul’s decision to step down as captain follows a disappointing IPL season for LSG, which failed to qualify for the playoffs despite a promising start. The team’s performance under Rahul’s leadership has been a subject of scrutiny, with some fans and experts questioning his tactical decisions.

After the IPL, Rahul’s form dipped, leading to his exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad. He is now eager to regain his place in the national team and believes that focusing solely on his batting will enhance his chances of selection.

The LSG franchise is expected to announce its captaincy decision in the coming weeks, as the IPL player retention deadline approaches. The appointment of a new captain will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming season.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-Up Matches Announced

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-Up Matches Announced

The upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off in the United Arab Emirates, and the warm-up matches have been announced. All 10 qualified teams will participate in these practice games, with each side playing two matches.

The warm-up fixtures will be held from September 28 to October 1, and will provide teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the main event. The matches will be 20 overs per side and will not have international T20 status, allowing teams to field all members of their 15-player squad.

Group A of the tournament features defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Group B includes England, South Africa, West Indies, Scotland, and Bangladesh.

The warm-up fixtures will begin on September 28 with Pakistan taking on Scotland and Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh. Australia will face arch-rivals England the following day, while India will take on 2016 edition champions West Indies on the same day.

The warm-up matches will be crucial for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and to build momentum ahead of the tournament. The matches will also provide an opportunity for players to gain valuable match experience and to adjust to the conditions in the UAE.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be held from October 10 to 20 in Dubai and Sharjah. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will be held on October 17 and 18. The final will be played in Dubai on October 20.

PCB Chief Blames Lack of Quality Players for Pakistan's Humiliating Defeat

PCB Chief Blames Lack of Quality Players for Pakistan’s Humiliating Defeat

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his disappointment over the team’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Test. This was the first time Pakistan had lost to Bangladesh in the longest format of the game, sending shockwaves through the nation.

Naqvi attributed the loss to multiple factors, including skipper Shan Masood’s captaincy, team selection, the performances of top batters like Babar Azam, and the inability of pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah to deliver with the ball.

Former Pakistan cricketers have also criticized the selectors for not picking talented players from the domestic pool. However, Naqvi believes that there aren’t many quality players in Pakistan’s domestic pool to choose from.

“It was a very disappointing loss,” Naqvi said. “The problem is the selection committee has no pool to turn to.”

Naqvi had promised a “surgery” after Pakistan’s early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024, but the same problems resurfaced in the first Test against Bangladesh. While the PCB chief remains keen to find a solution, he admitted that there aren’t many quality players to choose from.

“We want to fix our problems,” Naqvi said, “but when we look at how to resolve them, we don’t have any solid data or (elite) players pool which we can draw from.”

After the first match, Pakistan captain Shan Masood accepted that mistakes were made by him and the team.

“Never to make an excuse, it (the pitch) didn’t play the way we thought it would. Also the weather had been around in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it rained around 8-9 days before the first day of play. Firstly looking at the pitch, we expected it to do a bit more. With three pace bowlers, they were gonna be pushed to the limit. At the end of the day, we got it wrong,” he said.

Kohli and Sharma Poised for Record-Breaking Careers, Says Bangar

Kohli and Sharma Poised for Record-Breaking Careers, Says Bangar

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Longevity in Cricket’s Modern Era

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have the potential to surpass the illustrious careers of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. This optimistic outlook stems from the evolving landscape of modern cricket, which emphasizes workload management and player longevity.

Bangar, speaking on The Rao Podcast, highlighted the advancements in fitness regimes and support systems that are enabling players to extend their playing years. He noted that Rohit Sharma, who is currently 35 years old, could continue playing for several more years if his fitness permits.

“Sachin played till 40, and even Rahul played till 40,” Bangar said. “With better fitness standards and more professionals looking after players, including nutritionists, careers are going to get longer.”

Bangar also emphasized Kohli’s unwavering commitment to Test cricket, suggesting that it would be the last format he would give up. “Even with Virat, it depends on his body,” Bangar said. “The last format that he would give away will be Test cricket. So, I am sure that you will see Virat playing Test cricket for another five years.”

The pursuit of major trophies, such as the World Cup and World Test Championship, could further motivate Kohli and Sharma to prolong their careers. “India winning the World Cup doesn’t mean that Rohit is going to walk away,” Bangar explained. “Rohit has tasted success now, and India still wants to win the World Test Championship—there is something to look forward to.”

Bangar’s predictions are based on the changing dynamics of modern cricket, where players are increasingly prioritizing their health and longevity. With the support of advanced fitness and recovery techniques, Kohli and Sharma have the potential to continue their dominance in the game for years to come.

Rohit Sharma Set for IPL Mega Auction, Punjab Kings Express Interest

Rohit Sharma Set for IPL Mega Auction, Punjab Kings Express Interest

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is poised to be a blockbuster event, with several high-profile players potentially switching franchises. Among the most sought-after names is Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians captain.

Rohit’s departure from the Mumbai Indians has been widely anticipated since his removal as captain ahead of the 2024 season. The move, which saw Hardik Pandya take over the reins, drew criticism from fans and former cricketers alike.

Given his immense brand value, Rohit is expected to attract significant interest if he enters the auction pool. With the BCCI likely to limit teams to retaining only six players, the chances of Rohit playing for a new franchise next season are high.

One team that has openly expressed interest in Rohit is the Punjab Kings, who are yet to win an IPL title. Sanjay Bangar, the team’s Director of Cricket Operations, acknowledged their desire to acquire Rohit but emphasized that it would depend on their financial situation.

“It all depends on whether we have the money in our pockets. If Rohit comes in the auction, I certainly believe he is going to go for a high price,” Bangar said in an interview.

With Shikhar Dhawan retiring from all forms of cricket, the Punjab Kings are in need of a new captain. Rohit, with his experience and leadership qualities, would be an ideal candidate for the role.

Despite being 37 years old, Rohit’s performances in the recent T20 World Cup demonstrated that he still possesses the skills and determination to excel at the highest level. His presence in the Punjab Kings lineup would undoubtedly boost their chances of success in the upcoming IPL season.

Rinku Singh Excluded from T20 World Cup Squad, Rohit Sharma Offers Encouragement

Rinku Singh Excluded from T20 World Cup Squad, Rohit Sharma Offers Encouragement

Rinku Singh, India’s promising batter, was surprisingly omitted from the main squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, despite his impressive performances. However, he was named as a reserve player, sparking discussions among fans and analysts.

Following the squad announcement, Singh revealed insights from his conversation with India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, who offered him words of encouragement. In an interview with News24, Singh shared Sharma’s advice, emphasizing perseverance and the opportunities that the future holds.

“He came to me and made me understand that it was okay; you are still very young. There will be many World Cups in the future. Keep working hard. There is a World Cup every two years, so focus on that. Don’t be disappointed,” Singh quoted Rohit.

Sharma’s message appears to have given Rinku a positive perspective on his future career. According to the young cricketer, Sharma stressed that age is on Rinku’s side and that his chance to shine at the global level would come with ongoing effort and dedication.

Even though he was not part of the main squad, Rinku expressed his admiration for Rohit’s style of leadership and his respect for Virat Kohli’s aggressive approach to captaincy. “I like Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. I like Virat Kohli as well because aggression is very important while leading a team. So, his captaincy was also very good,” Rinku stated.

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team successfully ended their 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, further demonstrating the effectiveness of Sharma’s leadership and the team’s cohesion. Despite his exclusion from the main squad, Rinku Singh’s positive attitude and respect for his leaders underline his maturity and potential as a future star in Indian cricket.

Smriti Mandhana Joins Adelaide Strikers for WBBL Season

Smriti Mandhana Joins Adelaide Strikers for WBBL Season

Defending Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) champions Adelaide Strikers have secured the services of Indian batting sensation Smriti Mandhana for the upcoming season. Mandhana, who has previously represented Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, and Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, will be the Strikers’ pre-draft signing.

Mandhana’s signing is a major coup for the Strikers, who have been keen to acquire her for several seasons. The left-handed opener is one of the most prolific batters in the world, having captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) title earlier this year.

During her stint with Sydney Thunder in 2021, Mandhana showcased her exceptional batting prowess by smashing an unbeaten 114 off just 64 balls against Melbourne Renegades. This innings remains the joint second-highest individual score in WBBL history.

Strikers head coach Luke Williams, who also coached Mandhana at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, expressed his delight at her signing. “Smriti is an exceptional talent, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Strikers,” Williams said. “Her technical skill, experience, and strategic insights are a tremendous asset for us.”

Mandhana’s arrival could further strengthen the Strikers’ already formidable top order, which includes South African captain Laura Wolvaardt. However, if Mandhana is allocated as the Strikers’ first-round platinum player, they will not be able to use their retention rights for Wolvaardt in the same round.

Ahead of the WBBL draft on September 1, the Strikers have also made a pick trade with Melbourne Renegades, acquiring picks 22 and 27 in exchange for picks 19 and 30. The Strikers now hold pick 6 in the first round and pick 14 in the second round.

Other notable pre-draft signings in the WBBL include Nadine de Klerk (Brisbane Heat), Lizelle Lee (Hobart Hurricanes), Hayley Matthews (Melbourne Renegades), Marizanne Kapp (Melbourne Stars), Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers), Amelia Kerr (Sydney Sixers), and Chamari Athapaththu (Sydney Thunder).

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