Warner, Smith Sign New BBL Deals, Boost League's Star Power

Warner, Smith Sign New BBL Deals, Boost League’s Star Power

David Warner and Steven Smith, two of Australia’s most decorated cricketers, have committed their futures to the Big Bash League (BBL) with new contracts. Warner has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder, while Smith has inked a three-year contract with Sydney Sixers.

Warner, who recently retired from international cricket, will be available for a full BBL season for the first time in his career. The explosive opener has played just eight games for Thunder over the past two seasons, but he is now set to be a mainstay in the team’s lineup.

Smith, on the other hand, could potentially play a full BBL season beyond his Test career. The former Australian captain has not ruled out retiring from Test cricket over the next three years, which would free him up to play more games for Sixers.

The Test stars are set to be available for a handful of games between the end of the Sydney Test against India and their departure for the Sri Lanka tour on January 21. This includes the BBL’s knockout stage, which begins on the same day.

Other Test team-mates Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey have also re-signed with their respective BBL franchises, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers. Labuschagne will return to Heat, the reigning champions, after India’s Australia tour concludes on January 7. Carey has signed a four-year deal with the Strikers, with whom he has played all 56 BBL games of his eight-year career.

The signings of Warner, Smith, Labuschagne, and Carey are a major boost for the BBL, which is set to begin its 14th edition in December. The league has been struggling to attract fans in recent years, but the presence of these star players is sure to generate excitement and interest.

Ishan Kishan's Duleep Trophy Inclusion Sparks Comeback Hopes, But Former Pakistan Star Advises IPL Focus

Ishan Kishan’s Duleep Trophy Inclusion Sparks Comeback Hopes, But Former Pakistan Star Advises IPL Focus

Ishan Kishan’s rollercoaster year continues as he earns a spot in the Duleep Trophy squad, reigniting hopes of a national team return. Despite being omitted from the BCCI’s central contracts, Kishan’s impressive century in the Buchi Babu tournament has caught the attention of selectors.

However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Kishan’s chances of a comeback are slim, advising him to focus on the IPL instead. Ali suggests that Kishan’s return is unlikely until the Australia series or even the Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, Ali expresses concerns about India’s upcoming Test series against Australia, highlighting the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara. He emphasizes Pujara’s ability to tire bowlers and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Pujara played a pivotal role in India’s Test series triumph in Australia in 2021-22, but has since lost his place due to poor form. Ali believes that despite India’s potential to win the series, Pujara’s absence will be felt.

Kishan’s inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad indicates that the BCCI is willing to give him another chance to prove his worth. However, with the national team’s focus on the upcoming Test series and the IPL, Kishan’s path back to the Indian side remains uncertain.

Sourav Ganguly Blackouts Profile Picture in Solidarity with Kolkata Rape Victim

Sourav Ganguly Blackouts Profile Picture in Solidarity with Kolkata Rape Victim

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has faced criticism for his initial comments on the horrific rape and murder of Dr. Moumita Debnath in Kolkata. Ganguly had initially referred to the incident as a “stray incident,” drawing widespread condemnation.

In response to the backlash, Ganguly has now blacked out his profile picture on social media platform “X” in apparent solidarity with the victim and her family. However, this gesture has elicited mixed reactions.

Some users have praised Ganguly for taking a stand, while others have criticized him for not directly addressing the issue. They argue that a blacked-out profile picture is a token gesture that does not address the underlying problem of violence against women.

Ganguly has since clarified that his initial comments were taken out of context. He has condemned the incident as “terrible” and “shameful” and called for severe punishment for the perpetrators.

The investigation into the case has been handed over to two senior women officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Sampat Meena, who handled the Hathras rape-murder case, and Seema Pahuja, who was part of the Hathras investigation team, will lead the probe.

The incident has sparked outrage and protests across India, highlighting the urgent need to address violence against women. Ganguly’s initial comments and subsequent actions have brought the issue into the spotlight, but it remains to be seen whether they will lead to meaningful change.

Karun Nair Blasts Unstoppable 124 in Maharaja Trophy T20

Karun Nair Blasts Unstoppable 124 in Maharaja Trophy T20

Karun Nair, the former Indian Test batsman, showcased his exceptional batting prowess in the Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament on Monday, smashing an unbeaten 124 off just 48 balls for the Mysore Warriors against the Mangalore Dragons.

Batting first, Mysore got off to a slow start, reaching 61/2 in 8 overs. However, Nair, who joined skipper Samit Dravid at the crease, accelerated the innings, adding 36 runs in 21 balls. After Dravid’s dismissal, Nair took charge, hitting boundaries at will.

In the last 29 balls of the innings, Nair and Manoj Bhandage (31 not out off 14 balls) plundered 85 runs, leaving the Dragons bowlers helpless. Nair’s innings included 13 fours and 9 sixes, with a staggering strike rate of 258.33.

In response, the Dragons struggled to keep up with the Warriors’ total, reaching only 138/7 in 14 overs before rain interrupted the match. Only wicketkeeper-batsman K Siddharth (50 off 27 balls) and Nikin Jose (32 off 21 balls) offered any resistance.

Nair’s blistering knock was a reminder of his talent and potential. The 31-year-old has played six Tests and two ODIs for India, but has not been able to cement his place in the national team. However, his performance in the Maharaja Trophy suggests that he is still a force to be reckoned with.

The Warriors’ victory was their second in the tournament, while the Dragons suffered their first defeat. The tournament, which features eight teams from Karnataka, is a platform for young and talented players to showcase their skills.

Dan Lawrence to Open for England in First Test Against Sri Lanka

Dan Lawrence to Open for England in First Test Against Sri Lanka

Dan Lawrence, a versatile cricketer who has patiently awaited his opportunity, is set to make his Test debut as an opener for England in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Despite spending years as a drinks carrier and filling various batting positions, Lawrence is eager to seize this chance and prove his worth.

Lawrence’s journey to the Test team has been marked by both perseverance and adaptability. After initially being groomed as an opener, he transitioned to a middle-order role and even developed his spin bowling skills. His recent stint as captain of London Spirit has honed his leadership abilities.

Despite his eagerness to bat at any position, Lawrence acknowledges the challenges of opening the batting. However, he is determined to embrace the opportunity and make a positive impact. His aggressive strokeplay and resilience align well with England’s current approach under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.

Lawrence’s selection as an opener has raised some eyebrows, but he remains unfazed. He believes that his experience and versatility make him a suitable candidate for the role. The absence of Ben Stokes and the decision to replace him with Matthew Potts have also contributed to Lawrence’s selection.

As England prepares for the first Test, Lawrence is focused on enjoying the experience and contributing to the team’s success. He is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his abilities and hopes to earn a permanent spot in the Test side.

BCB Director Jalal Yunus Resigns Amidst Reform Push

BCB Director Jalal Yunus Resigns Amidst Reform Push

Jalal Yunus, a former fast bowler and prominent sports organizer, has resigned from his position as a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director and chairman of the cricket operations committee. This move comes after the National Sports Council (NSC), the governing body for 41 sports organizations in Bangladesh, requested his resignation.

Yunus’s resignation is part of a broader effort by the NSC to reform sports federations in the country, including the BCB. The NSC’s new sports adviser, Asif Mahmud, has called for a politics-free sporting arena, a departure from the BCB’s history of political influence.

Yunus, who played professionally in the 1980s, has been involved in cricket administration since the late 1990s. He has held various key roles within the BCB since 2009, including his most recent position as cricket operations head.

In his resignation statement, Yunus expressed his support for the NSC’s efforts to improve cricket governance. “I have resigned for the greater interest of cricket,” he said. “I am all for cricket running properly and correctly.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed Sajjadul Alam, another NSC-nominated director in the BCB, has declined the board’s request to step down. Alam, a veteran sports organizer and current chairman of the BCB’s tournament committee, stated that the NSC should make the decision regarding his position.

The NSC is expected to nominate a replacement for Yunus as their director in the BCB. Faruque Ahmed, a former Bangladesh captain and two-time chief selector, is reportedly the likely candidate.

The BCB, which oversees Bangladesh’s most popular sport, has been criticized for its political connections in recent years. The board has included members of parliament, former MPs, and relatives of the country’s prime minister.

The NSC’s move to reform the BCB is seen as a step towards creating a more transparent and accountable sports administration in Bangladesh.

Jonny Bairstow Returns to Yorkshire in Bid to Regain England Place

Jonny Bairstow Returns to Yorkshire in Bid to Regain England Place

Jonny Bairstow, the explosive English batsman, is set to make his long-awaited return to Yorkshire’s County Championship side this week. After a six-week break, the competition resumes with Bairstow eager to prove his worth and regain his place in the England team.

Bairstow has only played two first-class matches for Yorkshire since the end of the 2020 season, due to his commitments with England and the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has yet to feature for his home county in any format this season, having taken a break after the T20 World Cup and the Hundred.

However, Bairstow will be back in action on Thursday against Sussex at Scarborough. Yorkshire currently sit just outside the promotion places in Division Two, four points behind second-placed Middlesex. They have a chance to close the 27-point gap on leaders Sussex this week.

Bairstow’s return is a major boost for Yorkshire, who have struggled for consistency in his absence. The 32-year-old is a proven match-winner and his experience will be invaluable in the final five games of the season.

Bairstow lost his place in England’s Test team after a disappointing tour of India earlier this year. He is unlikely to feature in the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Australia in September. However, he remains determined to regain his place in the national side.

“All I want to do is play for England,” Bairstow said at the start of the Hundred. “I’m not going to give up on that.”

Yorkshire head coach Ottis Gibson believes Bairstow can rediscover his best form at the county level.

“Jonny still has ambitions of getting back into the England team,” Gibson said. “We can help him get into a position where he puts good performances in, and everybody benefits from that.”

Yorkshire confirmed on Monday that Bairstow is available to play at Scarborough after recovering from a shoulder niggle. However, his availability for the final four games of the season has not yet been confirmed.

Pakistan Unveils Playing XI for Bangladesh Test Opener

Pakistan Unveils Playing XI for Bangladesh Test Opener

Pakistan Announces Playing XI for First Test Against Bangladesh

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its playing eleven for the first Test match against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This two-match Test series marks the debut of Jason Gillespie as Pakistan’s Test coach.

Pakistan’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali. Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha will provide spin support.

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the batting for Pakistan, followed by captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam in the middle order. Mohammad Rizwan will don the wicketkeeping gloves.

Aamir Jamal has been released from the squad due to ongoing fitness issues. The 28-year-old fast bowler suffered a back injury while playing County cricket in England earlier this year and has been sent to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore for rehabilitation.

Lucknow Super Giants in Talks with Zaheer Khan for Mentor Role

Lucknow Super Giants in Talks with Zaheer Khan for Mentor Role

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, is reportedly in negotiations with former Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan for the role of mentor. This move comes after the departure of Gautam Gambhir, who left the franchise in 2023 to join the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Zaheer, 45, is a highly respected figure in Indian cricket, having played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for the national team. He was known for his exceptional bowling skills and his ability to mentor young fast bowlers.

If the negotiations are successful, Zaheer will fill the void created by the departures of Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel, who has joined Team India in the same capacity. Sources within the IPL indicate that Zaheer is being considered for the role previously held by Gambhir.

Zaheer was initially considered for the bowling coach position under Gambhir’s new set-up in Team India, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly preferred Morkel on Gambhir’s recommendation.

During his playing career, Zaheer was recognized for his role in mentoring young fast bowlers within the Indian team. If he joins LSG, he will be collaborating with head coach Justin Langer and a robust coaching team, including Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes.

The report also indicates that another notable coach may be added to the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise, though details are not yet clear.

LSG, which came into existence in 2022, reached the play-offs in their first two seasons. However, they missed out on a top-four spot in the 2023 edition due to an inferior Net Run Rate (NRR).

Meanwhile, the BCCI is expected to announce the retention rules by the month’s end. Teams are projected to be allowed around six retentions, including the Right to Match (RTM) option. Despite calls from some franchises to discontinue the Big Auction, the BCCI plans to retain it for now.

Bangladesh Coach Hathurusingha Committed to Contract Amidst Political Turmoil

Bangladesh Coach Hathurusingha Committed to Contract Amidst Political Turmoil

Bangladesh’s head coach Chandika Hathurusingha remains committed to fulfilling his contract with the national cricket team despite the recent political turmoil in the country. Amidst the possibility of a major shakeup in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Hathurusingha expressed his willingness to continue in his role.

“I have signed a contract till whatever the date and I’m looking forward to serve that term,” Hathurusingha stated. “If the board (is) changed and the new people want to make a change, I’m OK with that. (If) they want me to continue, if they’re happy with me, I’m happy with that.”

Hathurusingha’s focus remains on preparing his team for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, starting Wednesday in Rawalpindi. The former Sri Lankan international was appointed as Bangladesh’s all-format coach in early 2023 on a two-year contract. This is Hathurusingha’s second stint as Bangladesh coach, having previously served from 2014-17 before leaving to coach Sri Lanka.

The political unrest in Bangladesh disrupted the team’s preparations back home, prompting them to seek additional training in Lahore upon their arrival in Pakistan. Six Bangladesh Test players, who came with the country’s “A” team, also participated in a four-day practice game against Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad.

The Bangladesh Test squad includes star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was a lawmaker in ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. However, Shakib was playing in Canada at the time of her resignation earlier this month.

Pakistan has named a strong bowling attack for the first Test, including pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, and Mohammad Ali. The selectors have released leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam.

Hathurusingha expressed his condolences for the families who lost loved ones in the political turmoil. He emphasized that his “thoughts and prayers are with them.”

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