BCB President Faruque Ahmed Reiterates Call for Hathurusinghe's Removal

BCB President Faruque Ahmed Reiterates Call for Hathurusinghe’s Removal

Faruque Ahmed, the newly appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president, has reiterated his stance that Chandika Hathurusinghe should no longer continue as the head coach of the Bangladesh national cricket team. Ahmed had previously expressed this view before taking up the BCB job.

“I have not moved from my previous stance,” Ahmed said. “I have to see some stuff officially, but I have to speak to my colleagues over the next two or three days and see if we can find someone better than him.”

Ahmed had resigned as the chief selector in 2016 after then-BCB president Nazmul Hassan put in place a two-tier selection panel, reportedly at Hathurusinghe’s request. Hathurusinghe’s current contract as the head coach runs till the end of February 2025.

Ahmed questioned Hathurusinghe’s credibility and background, stating that there was no reason for him to stay as Bangladesh’s coach. He believes that Hathurusinghe’s presence is causing greater damage to the team.

When Hathurusinghe was brought back for a second stint in 2023, Ahmed was one of those who had questioned his return. Despite the BCB showing confidence in Hathurusinghe, Bangladesh’s performance has not improved.

Within a few months of Hathurusinghe’s appointment, there was instability in the dressing room, with Tamim Iqbal retiring and Shakib Al Hasan lashing out at Tamim in the media. Allan Donald soon left his role as fast-bowling coach. Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup performance was also sub-par, with many questioning Hathurusinghe’s decision-making.

Ahmed believes that it was a blunder to bring back Hathurusinghe for a second stint. He feels that Hathurusinghe had left Bangladesh in trouble when he left the job in 2017 and that Bangladesh was merely a stepping stone for him.

Ahmed also expressed his desire to understand if Shakib Al Hasan is willing to play in Bangladesh this year. Shakib was an Awami League member of parliament until the government fell on August 5.

Ahmed is hopeful of Tamim Iqbal’s return to international cricket. He believes that Tamim can still play for two or three more years and that he has leadership qualities.

Wasim Akram and Shaniera Celebrate 11th Anniversary with Social Media Humor and Heartfelt Messages

Wasim Akram and Shaniera Celebrate 11th Anniversary with Social Media Humor and Heartfelt Messages

Wasim Akram and Shaniera Celebrate 11th Wedding Anniversary with Social Media Creativity

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram and his wife Shaniera marked their 11th wedding anniversary on August 19th with a touch of humor and heartfelt messages on social media.

Shaniera took to the social media platform ‘X’ to wish her husband in a unique way. She showcased her photoshopping skills by portraying Akram with a bald head and a thick beard. “11 years on, you look as good as the day I met you,” she captioned the humorous image.

Shaniera, an Australian-born social worker in Pakistan, is Akram’s second wife. His first wife, Huma, passed away in 2009.

In a heartwarming message, Shaniera expressed her gratitude for Akram’s presence in her life. “Thank you for everything you are and everything you give to my life, you are my world and 11 years on you look as good as the day I met you, you haven’t changed a bit!” she wrote.

Akram, who has 916 international wickets across formats, responded with a heartfelt letter to his wife. “Happy anniversary to the love of my life. With you in my life, I became a better person. You are that gift that keeps on giving, not just to me but to everyone around you. Your positive energy is so infectious it lifts everyone around you and shines wherever you go,” he wrote.

Shaniera later tweeted a more recent photo of Akram, saying, “Ok ok I’ll be nice, here is a more current pic haha! I love you more every day. No matter what look you go for, as long as that smile stays the same. Happy 11 years to us!”

Akram and Shaniera met in Melbourne in 2011 and married in 2013. They have one child together, born in 2014.

Rahul Dravid Hints at Bollywood Debut in Biopic

Rahul Dravid Hints at Bollywood Debut in Biopic

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer and former head coach, has hinted at a possible Bollywood debut during an awards function. With his characteristic wit, Dravid suggested that he might play himself in his biopic if the financial compensation is attractive.

During a Q&A session following India’s long-awaited ICC T20 World Cup victory over South Africa, Dravid was asked who would portray him in a biopic. With a broad smile, he replied, “If the money is good enough, I will play the role.”

Dravid’s humorous response has sparked interest in the possibility of seeing him on the silver screen. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic brilliance, Dravid recounted the team’s journey to T20 World Cup success. He attributed their unbeaten run to consistent preparation and strategy.

“Honestly, I did not want to do anything different,” Dravid said. “We ran a fantastic campaign in the one-day World Cup. The common consensus among the team was that we needed to create the same energy, vibe, and team atmosphere that we had before, and then just hope for a bit of luck.”

Dravid also shared his unique experience of participating in a World Cup campaign in India as a coach rather than a player. He highlighted the enthusiasm of fans across the country:

“To travel all over this country and to experience the joy and passion of the fans was phenomenal. It was incredible to see what this game means to the people of this country.”

Dravid’s witty comment about his potential Bollywood debut has added to his charm and sparked interest in the idea of seeing him on the silver screen.

Shakeel and Rizwan Complete Rare All-Run Four in Pakistan's Dominant Partnership

Shakeel and Rizwan Complete Rare All-Run Four in Pakistan’s Dominant Partnership

In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan etched their names in the annals of Test cricket by completing an all-run four during the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. This rare feat, a testament to their exceptional agility and understanding, highlighted a dominant partnership that propelled Pakistan to a commanding position.

The incident unfolded in the 49th over of Pakistan’s innings. Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana unleashed a fiery delivery at 147.6 km/h, which Shakeel drove straight towards mid-off. Fielder Shoriful Islam managed to slow down the ball, but it still threatened to reach the boundary. However, it fell short, giving the batsmen ample time to complete four runs without the ball crossing the fence.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto gave chase from mid-on, but Shakeel and Rizwan had already seized the opportunity to run all four. This rare all-run four showcased the sharp running between the wickets and the clear communication between the two batters.

Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 86 from 169 balls, and Rizwan, not out on 89 from 129 deliveries, played pivotal roles in resurrecting Pakistan’s innings after a shaky start. The hosts had been in trouble on the first day, losing three wickets for just 16 runs. However, a solid 98-run stand between Shakeel and Saim Ayub (56 off 98) for the fourth wicket laid the foundation for Pakistan’s fightback.

Their ongoing partnership for the fifth wicket has now surpassed 100 runs, putting Pakistan in a strong position as they look to build a substantial lead against Bangladesh. The all-run four, a rare and exhilarating moment, further cemented the dominance of Shakeel and Rizwan, who have emerged as key figures in Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Team India's Champions Trophy Preparations Hit by Limited ODI Schedule

Team India’s Champions Trophy Preparations Hit by Limited ODI Schedule

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy looms large on the horizon, but Team India’s limited-over schedule before the tournament raises concerns. With only three ODIs remaining, the recent series defeat against Sri Lanka has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations.

Former India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has weighed in on the team’s composition, particularly the opening department. Karthik believes Shubman Gill is the ideal partner for skipper Rohit Sharma, while Yashasvi Jaiswal should serve as the backup opener.

“Rohit and Shubman are a very good combination,” Karthik said. “Jaiswal has a great opportunity to be the backup opener and will get his chance if Shubman doesn’t perform as expected.”

Karthik expressed confidence that Gill and Rohit will open the batting for India in the Champions Trophy. However, the tournament’s location remains uncertain, with Pakistan scheduled to host but the BCCI reportedly seeking alternative venues.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event in Pakistan, submitting a draft schedule to the ICC. However, the BCCI has reportedly expressed concerns about the security situation in Pakistan and is exploring the possibility of moving the matches to the UAE or another country.

“The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan’s iconic venues,” the PCB said in a statement.

The uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s location adds another layer of complexity to Team India’s preparations. With limited opportunities to fine-tune their game before the Champions Trophy, the team will need to make the most of their remaining matches to ensure they are ready for the challenge.

Tim Southee Hails Jasprit Bumrah as World's Best All-Format Bowler

Tim Southee Hails Jasprit Bumrah as World’s Best All-Format Bowler

Tim Southee, the New Zealand Test captain, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the world’s best all-format bowler, echoing the sentiments of Australian legend Ricky Ponting. Bumrah’s remarkable return from an 11-month injury layoff has seen him excel in all three formats, earning him the Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup.

Southee praised Bumrah’s ability to juggle multiple formats with ease, saying, “He’s probably more experienced, understands his game a bit more… I think we’ve just seen a great version of Jasprit Bumrah across all three formats.”

Southee also acknowledged the challenges of playing in subcontinental conditions, where spin plays a significant role. He indicated that he may not play every Test match in India and Sri Lanka, but emphasized his desire to feature in as many as possible.

“I love Test cricket, but I understand there is a balance to the side… We have got nine Test matches in the next few months so there is a lot of Test cricket. So it is all about managing workloads,” Southee said.

Regarding the impact of T20 leagues on player availability for international cricket, Southee expressed uncertainty. He noted that New Zealand Cricket’s decision to allow Devon Conway and Finn Allen to decline central contracts while remaining available for most Test matches was a step in the right direction.

“It would be nice to see the international and the leagues working together in some way because especially Test cricket, I think a lot of players, it’s still the pinnacle of the format,” Southee said.

Shane Warne's Guidance Transformed Piyush Chawla's IPL Career

Shane Warne’s Guidance Transformed Piyush Chawla’s IPL Career

Shane Warne’s Profound Impact on Indian Cricket: Piyush Chawla’s Transformative Encounter

Shane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner, left an indelible mark not only on his home country’s cricket but also on the Indian cricketing landscape. Piyush Chawla, a prominent Indian spinner, recently revealed the profound guidance he received from Warne during a pivotal moment in his career.

In 2008, Chawla, then an 18-year-old leg-spinner, was struggling to adjust to the demands of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His debut match for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Chennai Super Kings proved disastrous, with Michael Hussey’s century leaving him demoralized.

“I got smashed for 20 runs in just one over,” Chawla recalled on the 2 Sloggers podcast. “I thought, ‘This T20 cricket is not my cup of tea.'”

At this critical juncture, Chawla’s captain, Yuvraj Singh, intervened and arranged a meeting between him and Warne, despite the language barriers. This encounter proved transformative for Chawla.

“Warne said so many things to me and made me understand the little things about cricket,” Chawla said. “After 40 minutes, I left his room and I felt there is no bowler better than me.”

Warne’s advice rejuvenated Chawla’s confidence. In his next match, he delivered an impressive spell of 2/19, showcasing his true potential. This performance marked the beginning of a long and successful IPL career.

Seventeen years later, Chawla has become a veteran of the IPL, amassing 192 wickets over his career. He credits Warne’s guidance as a pivotal moment in his development as a spinner.

“Shane Warne’s impact on Indian cricket is immense,” Chawla said. “He not only inspired me but also countless other young spinners in India.”

Warne’s legacy extends beyond his own playing career. His mentorship of young players, including Chawla, has left a lasting impact on the game of cricket in India and around the world.

Pujara Departs Sussex as Hughes Returns for Full Season

Pujara Departs Sussex as Hughes Returns for Full Season

Cheteshwar Pujara Departs Sussex for Daniel Hughes’ Return

Indian Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara will not be returning to Sussex for the 2023 County Championship season. The English club has opted to retain Australian Daniel Hughes, who will be available for all Championship and T20 Vitality Blast matches next year.

Pujara, a renowned Test specialist, had rejoined Sussex for a third stint in 2024. He featured in the first seven Championship matches before Hughes’ arrival. However, the club has decided to prioritize Hughes’ availability for the entire season.

Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace praised Hughes’ contributions, stating, “Taking over from Cheteshwar is not an easy task, but Dan has fitted in brilliantly and we are all delighted he will be back for the whole of next season.”

Hughes emerged as Sussex’s leading run-scorer in the group stages of this year’s Blast, amassing 560 runs at an average of 43.07. He notched up five half-centuries and a career-best 96 not out. His heroics helped Sussex reach the quarterfinals after defeating Lancashire Lightning at home on September 4.

Farbrace further lauded Hughes’ impact, saying, “Dan has been top class for us on and off the field. He has brought a wealth of experience to the dressing room and has seriously helped some of our young batters with the development of their games.”

In addition to his role in the Blast, Hughes will also feature in Sussex’s final five Championship matches of the current campaign.

Philip Salt Credits Gautam Gambhir for KKR Success

Philip Salt Credits Gautam Gambhir for KKR Success

England opener Philip Salt has hailed the pivotal role of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Gautam Gambhir in his success during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Salt, who played a crucial role in KKR’s title-winning campaign, credited Gambhir’s mentorship for helping him adapt to the challenging conditions in India.

Reflecting on his time with KKR, Salt praised Gambhir’s competitive nature and relentless pursuit of improvement. “He’s a competitor. I could really relate to him from that point of view. He’s always looking for those one percenters that will get the individual and team better,” Salt said.

Salt’s performance in the 2024 IPL was impressive. Despite leaving before the playoffs to join England’s T20I series against Pakistan, he managed to score 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.55 and a remarkable strike rate of 182.01.

One specific piece of advice from Gambhir had a significant impact on Salt’s batting strategy. “He told me to take the game deep, especially here in India. He said, ‘I know you’re going to score runs for us, but I want you to score the majority of your runs between overs ten and 20,'” Salt recalled.

Gambhir’s strategy aimed to ensure Salt could exploit the latter stages of the innings, particularly at KKR’s home ground, Eden Gardens. “Even if it can be a little bit slow to start with, I want you to hang in there and make sure you’re there from overs ten onwards and get the big overs,” Gambhir advised.

Salt acknowledged the value of Gambhir’s guidance. “Of all the conversations I had, I think that’s the best bit of coaching I had,” he said.

Salt’s success with KKR is a testament to the impact of Gambhir’s mentorship. The former India opener’s competitive spirit and tactical acumen have helped Salt develop into a more effective batsman in Indian conditions.

Sri Lanka's Samarawickrama Replaces Lanning at Trinbago Knight Riders in WCPL

Sri Lanka’s Samarawickrama Replaces Lanning at Trinbago Knight Riders in WCPL

Sri Lanka’s rising star Harshitha Samarawickrama has been signed by Trinbago Knight Riders as a replacement for injured Australian captain Meg Lanning in the upcoming Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2024.

Samarawickrama, a left-handed top-order batter, has been in impressive form for Sri Lanka, earning the Player of the Final award in their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title win in 2024. She has also scored back-to-back fifties in the T20I series against Ireland and became the third Sri Lankan woman to hit an ODI century.

With 1463 runs in 65 T20Is at a strike rate of 99.72, Samarawickrama is a valuable addition to the Knight Riders squad. She joins Shikha Pandey, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Jess Jonassen as the other overseas players for the team.

Lanning, who recently led London Spirit to victory in the Hundred, was forced to withdraw from the WCPL due to an injury. She had a lean run of scores in the Hundred, with 170 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 125.

The Knight Riders will begin their WCPL 2024 campaign against Barbados Royals in Tarouba on Thursday. With Samarawickrama’s inclusion, they will be hoping to make a strong start to the tournament and challenge for the title.

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