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Category: Cricket

Yashasvi Jaiswal to Remain India's Backup ODI Opener Until 2025 Champions Trophy

Yashasvi Jaiswal to Remain India’s Backup ODI Opener Until 2025 Champions Trophy

By August 21, 2024 0

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive performances in international cricket have yet to translate into an ODI cap. According to former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, Jaiswal is likely to remain a “back-up opener” for India until the 2025 Champions Trophy, with Shubman Gill expected to continue opening alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.

Karthik believes that Jaiswal has a great opportunity to be the backup opener and will get his chance if Gill does not perform as expected. He also highlighted India’s solid middle order as a factor in Jaiswal’s current status.

Gill has been India’s preferred opening partner for Rohit in ODIs since the beginning of last year, earning 47 caps so far. However, his inconsistent form has raised questions, especially with Jaiswal’s strong performances in Tests and T20Is.

Karthik predicts that Rohit and Gill will continue to open for India in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, with only three more ODIs scheduled against England at home in February.

India’s last ODI assignment was a 2-0 series loss to Sri Lanka. The eight-team Champions Trophy will return to the ICC calendar next year, hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.

India’s participation in the tournament remains uncertain due to political tensions between the two nations and the Indian government’s reluctance to allow the team to travel to Pakistan since 2008.

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Smriti Mandhana Jumps to Third in ICC ODI Rankings, Retains Fourth Spot in T20s

Smriti Mandhana Jumps to Third in ICC ODI Rankings, Retains Fourth Spot in T20s

By August 21, 2024 0

India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has ascended one spot to third in the latest ICC ODI rankings for women, released on Tuesday. With 738 rating points, Mandhana is the top-ranked Indian batter in the 50-over format, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur maintains her ninth position.

Sri Lanka’s star batter Chamari Athapaththu has slipped behind Mandhana to fourth place, but her compatriots Nilakshika de Silva (up three places to 32nd), Harshitha Samarawickrama (up eight places to 44th), and Kavisha Dilhari (up four places to 50th) have all made significant gains in the ODI batting rankings.

Mandhana also retained her fourth spot in the T20 rankings, with Sri Lanka’s Samarawickrama and Ireland opener Gaby Lewis reaching career highs. Samarawickrama’s impressive knock of 65 off 44 balls in the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Ireland propelled her up three places to 13th position, while Lewis’s match-winning 119 off 75 balls has lifted her four places to a career-best-equalling 21st position, which she had previously attained in July 2022.

Mandhana’s consistent performances in both ODI and T20 cricket have solidified her status as one of the world’s leading batters. Her ability to score runs at a rapid pace and her versatility in playing different roles in the team make her a valuable asset for India.

The rise of Sri Lankan batters in the rankings is a testament to the team’s recent resurgence in women’s cricket. Athapaththu, Samarawickrama, and de Silva have all played key roles in Sri Lanka’s recent victories over Ireland and Pakistan.

The ICC rankings are a reflection of the current form and performances of players and teams. Mandhana’s rise in the rankings is a recognition of her exceptional batting skills and her contribution to India’s success in women’s cricket.

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WCA Reviews Cricket Calendar, But India Remains a Challenge

WCA Reviews Cricket Calendar, But India Remains a Challenge

By August 21, 2024 0

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) is taking steps to address the increasingly fragmented and congested cricket calendar. However, the WCA lacks influence over India, which has a players’ association solely to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive. The Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) is not a member of the WCA.

Currently, the future of cricket lies in the hands of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI’s financial dominance and influence over Associate Members have given it significant power. India generates the most revenue and dictates the terms of the game.

The WCA’s review group includes Sanjog Gupta, a representative from Disney Star, the channel that has transformed cricket’s landscape. India’s dominance stems from its large audience, lucrative television market, and talented players.

The WCA’s survey reveals that 84% of players support specific windows for domestic franchise leagues and international cricket to coexist. This idea was initially proposed by India but was rejected. The WCA is exploring areas for change, including scheduling, economic disparity, and player employment.

However, the BCCI has historically viewed players’ associations as trade unions that need to be controlled. Indian players lack an organized platform to voice their concerns, leaving it to a few top players who prioritize their individual interests. Former players also hesitate to criticize the BCCI for fear of losing post-retirement opportunities.

The WCA’s success depends on the ego-boosting and esteem-pandering of one individual. While this approach has worked in other fields, it remains to be seen if it will be effective in cricket.

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West Indies Stars Bring Dikec Pose to Cricket in Hundred Final

West Indies Stars Bring Dikec Pose to Cricket in Hundred Final

By August 21, 2024 0

The Paris Olympics 2024 has etched itself into the annals of sports history, not only for its thrilling competitions but also for an iconic moment that has transcended the boundaries of the Games. Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec’s unconventional shooting pose, which propelled him to a silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, has become a global sensation.

Dikec’s seemingly relaxed and carefree approach, with his gun held loosely and his body leaning back, has captivated audiences worldwide. The pose has become a symbol of confidence and nonchalance, inspiring countless imitations and memes.

Now, the Dikec pose has made its way into the world of cricket, thanks to the infectious enthusiasm of West Indian stars Kieron Pollard and Akeal Hosein. During the Hundred final between Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave, the duo showcased their own rendition of the iconic celebration.

After taking the wicket of Sam Curran, Hosein struck the Dikec pose, much to the delight of the crowd. Pollard followed suit later in the innings, replicating the pose after catching Donovan Ferreira.

Despite their spirited celebration, the Southern Brave fell short of their target, with the Oval Invincibles securing their second Hundred title. However, the Dikec pose had already left an indelible mark on the match, adding a touch of humor and camaraderie to the intense competition.

The Hundred Final also witnessed the crowning of Sam Curran as the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of the tournament. The England all-rounder, who played a pivotal role in England’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year, showcased his versatility and skill throughout the Hundred.

While Curran’s performance was commendable, it was Saqib Mahmood who emerged as the hero of the final. The 27-year-old pacer claimed three wickets and conceded only 17 runs in his 20 balls, proving to be a formidable force on the field.

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England to Honor Graham Thorpe in Sri Lanka Test Series

England to Honor Graham Thorpe in Sri Lanka Test Series

By August 20, 2024 0

England’s Test series against Sri Lanka, commencing in Manchester on Wednesday, will be marked by a poignant tribute to the late Graham Thorpe. Thorpe, a legendary English batter and former coach, tragically took his own life at 55 due to severe depression and anxiety.

Thorpe’s impact on English cricket was profound. With an impressive Test average of 44.66, he was one of England’s most accomplished batters. He later served as their batting coach and assistant coach, mentoring many current squad members, including Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

Stokes, now England’s captain, paid tribute to Thorpe by wearing a shirt bearing his name during his first Test as full-time captain. Ollie Pope, standing in for Stokes, expressed the team’s deep sorrow: “He was a great man… He’s such a sad loss to everyone.”

The teams will observe a moment of applause before the national anthems at Emirates Old Trafford, accompanied by a tribute video on the big screens. Sky Sports will also honor Thorpe, who was a close friend and former teammate to many of their commentators.

Thorpe’s death has been ruled as a result of traumatic injuries sustained after being struck by a train. An inquest into his death is ongoing.

In addition to the Thorpe tribute, Lancashire will recognize James Anderson’s illustrious career throughout the Test. Anderson will ring the bell before play and be celebrated during the lunch interval. The club has sold a significant number of advance tickets, with Friday’s match already sold out.

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ICC Chairman Greg Barclay Opts Out of Third Term, Jay Shah's Future Uncertain

ICC Chairman Greg Barclay Opts Out of Third Term, Jay Shah’s Future Uncertain

By August 20, 2024 0

Greg Barclay, the current chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has announced that he will not seek a third term after his tenure ends on November 30. This has sparked speculation about the future of BCCI secretary Jay Shah at the ICC.

Shah, who is considered one of the most influential figures in the ICC boardroom, is currently the head of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee. He enjoys a lot of goodwill with most of the 16 voting members.

As per ICC rules, the chairman’s election comprises of 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) required for the winner. Earlier, a two-third majority was required.

Current directors are required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by August 27, 2024. If there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on December 1, 2024.

Shah has one year left as the BCCI secretary before going on a mandatory cooling-off period of three years from October 2025. If he decides to move to the ICC with a year of his secretaryship still left, he will have four years left in the BCCI.

At 35, Shah could become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar are the Indians who have headed the ICC in the past.

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PCB's Test Venue Shift Draws Criticism from Kamran Akmal

PCB’s Test Venue Shift Draws Criticism from Kamran Akmal

By August 20, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to shift the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi has drawn criticism from former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal. The move was necessitated by ongoing renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi, which is being prepared for the Champions Trophy.

Akmal expressed his disappointment with the PCB’s handling of the situation, calling it an “international mockery.” He pointed out that Pakistan has world-class stadiums beyond the three major venues (Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi) and could have hosted one of the Tests in cities like Multan or Faisalabad.

“We don’t just have 2-3 stadiums; we also have Faisalabad Stadium and Multan Stadium,” Akmal said. “These are top-class stadiums where much cricket has been played. The crowd also comes there. It would have been good to host a Test match at one of these venues.”

Akmal’s criticism stems from the fact that international cricket in Pakistan has been restricted to only three venues since its resumption following the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team. He believes that the PCB should have explored alternative options to avoid the embarrassment of playing Test matches without spectators.

The PCB had initially announced that the second Test would be played behind closed doors in Karachi, but later reversed its decision and shifted the game to Rawalpindi. Construction experts had advised the PCB that the renovations at the National Stadium could continue during playing hours, but the noise and dust produced by the work could distract and disturb the players.

The renovations at the National Stadium are part of a larger effort to prepare the venue for the Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host in 2025. The PCB is keen to ensure that the stadium meets international standards and provides a world-class experience for players and fans alike.

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Sri Lanka Women Seal Consolation Win in Final ODI Against Ireland

Sri Lanka Women Seal Consolation Win in Final ODI Against Ireland

By August 20, 2024 0

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team ended their tour of Ireland on a high note, securing an eight-wicket victory in the third and final ODI in Belfast. The win was set up by a dominant bowling performance led by Achini Kulasuriya, who claimed three wickets in the opening overs.

Ireland, who had already clinched the series 2-0, were sent into bat after Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss. Kulasuriya struck with the first two balls of the innings, dismissing Sarah Forbes and Amy Hunter for ducks. Orla Prendergast, the Ireland captain, also fell cheaply to Kulasuriya, leaving the hosts reeling at 10 for 3.

Inoshi Priyadharshani and Amy Kanchana chipped in with a wicket apiece, and Ireland were reduced to 28 for 5 in the 15th over. A fightback was led by Leah Paul and Arlene Kelly, who added 36 runs between them. However, Paul was eventually dismissed by Sachini Nisansala for 19, and a flurry of wickets followed.

Canning became Athapaththu’s first wicket, Kelly the second, and between them Athapaththu and Nisansala finished the innings off. Priyadharshini returned remarkable figures of 10-5-7-1, the second-most miserly ODI spell by a Sri Lanka woman cricketer.

In reply, Sri Lanka’s openers Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne put on a 32-run stand. Athapaththu then combined with Harshitha Samarawickrama for a 62-run partnership, taking Sri Lanka to 94 with 32 overs remaining.

Athapaththu’s 48 came off 49 balls and included ten fours. Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 48, hitting seven fours of her own. Kavisha Dilhari contributed 10 not out as Sri Lanka reached their target in 23.1 overs.

The win was a consolation for Sri Lanka, who had lost the first two ODIs and the two-match T20I series 1-1.

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PCB Rebuts Rumors of Champions Trophy Date Changes

PCB Rebuts Rumors of Champions Trophy Date Changes

By August 20, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied recent media reports suggesting potential date changes for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. The board has emphasized that the tournament remains a top priority and preparations are well underway.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent statements during a media interaction were misconstrued, the board clarified. While Naqvi acknowledged that some domestic matches might be relocated to accommodate ongoing stadium renovations, he explicitly stated that the Champions Trophy schedule remains unaffected.

This clarification comes after the PCB’s decision to move the second Test match against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction work at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, one of the designated venues for the 2025 tournament.

“It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi’s comments from yesterday’s media interaction, misleadingly quoting him on the potential change of dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns, thus creating unnecessary sensationalism,” the PCB statement reads.

The PCB stressed that the stadium redevelopment and redesign projects are progressing as planned and will be completed well ahead of the Champions Trophy. The board reiterated its commitment to delivering a world-class event across three iconic Pakistani venues, providing an exceptional experience for cricket enthusiasts.

Addressing concerns about potential schedule conflicts, the PCB confirmed that a draft schedule for the tournament, spanning from February 19 to March 9, 2025, has already been submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

While the relocation of the Bangladesh Test match sparked speculation about similar changes for future fixtures, including the England Test series scheduled for October, the PCB has not confirmed any further alterations.

The board remains focused on ensuring the smooth execution of the Champions Trophy, stressing its dedication to hosting a successful tournament and showcasing Pakistan’s passion for cricket on a global stage.

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Bess Heath Signs with Durham, Bolstering Tier 1 Women's Cricket

Bess Heath Signs with Durham, Bolstering Tier 1 Women’s Cricket

By August 20, 2024 0

Bess Heath, England’s rising star wicketkeeper-batter, has inked a three-year deal with Durham, solidifying her position as a cornerstone of the Tier 1 outfit. The move marks a significant shift in the women’s county cricket landscape, as Durham prepares to replace the Northern Diamonds in the new competition from 2025 onwards.

Heath, 22, has amassed over 3000 runs across all formats since her professional debut four years ago. Her impressive performances earned her a place in the England squad, where she has made five appearances, including against Sri Lanka last year.

Throughout her burgeoning career, Heath has represented various teams, including Brisbane Heat, Northern Superchargers, Melbourne Stars, and Yorkshire. With Northern Diamonds, she reached the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final in her debut season in 2020 and lifted the trophy two years later. Her exceptional 286 runs in the same competition last summer earned her a nomination for the PCA Women’s Young Player of the Year award.

Heath’s decision to join Durham comes amidst a period of transition for the Diamonds squad, following the relocation of the new club’s base from Headingley to Chester-le-Street. Her teammate and fellow wicketkeeper, Lauren Winfield-Hill, is expected to remain with her native Yorkshire, despite their Tier 2 status next summer.

Upon joining Durham, Heath expressed her excitement: “I am so excited to be joining Durham from next season and get going in the North East. The opportunity to join Durham is something I am very much looking forward to and hopefully I can play my part in creating new history for Durham.”

Marcus North, Director of Cricket, hailed Heath’s signing: “Bess is one of the most exciting young talents in England, and we are thrilled to have recruited her to Durham on a long-term contract.”

“Despite being only 22, she already has a tremendous amount of experience in the domestic game and we look forward to seeing her continue to thrive at Durham as she looks to add more England caps.”

Meanwhile, David Ripley has been appointed as the Head Coach of Northamptonshire’s Women for their inaugural Tier 2 season next year. Ripley, who guided Northamptonshire’s men to two T20 Blast titles in 2013 and 2016, also achieved two promotions to the County Championship Division One.

Ripley will officially take up his new role in February 2025, ahead of a maiden Tier 2 season that will also feature Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire, and Yorkshire.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Women’s Steelbacks as Head Coach, it’s exciting times ahead as the new format is rolled out,” Ripley said. “As well as a competitive senior team I hope to help develop our younger girls into future professional players, in partnership with our pathway coaches.”

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