WCA Launches Comprehensive Review of Global Cricket Structure

WCA Launches Comprehensive Review of Global Cricket Structure

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has initiated a comprehensive review of the global cricket structure, aiming to address the increasingly fragmented and congested calendar. The review is driven by players’ concerns and seeks to find solutions to the challenges facing the sport.

The WCA, formerly known as FICA, has expressed frustration with the lack of a coherent structure that allows international cricket and domestic leagues to coexist harmoniously. The review will examine three key areas:

1. Scheduling Model: The current scheduling model is deemed “broken and unsustainable,” forcing players to choose between representing their countries and maximizing their earning potential. The review will explore alternative scheduling options that provide clarity and balance.

2. Economic Disparity: The growing economic disparity between cricket boards is a concern, with a few wealthy boards funding the majority of the game. The review will investigate ways to distribute revenue more equitably and support the development of smaller cricket nations.

3. Player Employment and Contracts: The lack of a clear global calendar makes it difficult to regulate player contracts and employment transnationally. The review will seek to establish guidelines and standards to ensure fairness and transparency.

The review will be led by a six-member group headed by former Australian Cricketers’ Association chief Paul Marsh. The group includes former Pakistan captain Sana Mir, former FICA chief Tony Irish, former ECB CEO Tom Harrison, and Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney Star.

The group will consult with various stakeholders, including players, administrators, and franchise owners, before presenting recommendations to the WCA board and the wider cricket community. The aim is to produce recommendations by the end of the year, although this is not a strict deadline.

The WCA represents players from 16 different member associations, including Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. The BCCI and PCB are the only major Full Members without representation in the WCA, as they do not have active player associations.

The WCA believes that change is essential to create clarity and value for players, boards, and fans. The review is a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing cricket and shaping its future.

Shami's Border-Gavaskar Trophy Participation Hinges on Fitness Assessment

Shami’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy Participation Hinges on Fitness Assessment

Mohammed Shami’s participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia remains uncertain, pending a final fitness assessment from the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The Indian pacer has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last November and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru.

Shami’s recovery has progressed well, with the pacer resuming bowling last month. He has gradually increased his workload and has reported no pain, indicating a potential return to competitive cricket. However, the BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, has emphasized that Shami’s participation in the Australia series will be contingent on his fitness, as determined by the NCA report.

Shami’s importance to the Indian team, particularly in Australian conditions, cannot be overstated. In eight Tests down under, he has claimed 31 wickets at an average of 32.16, including two five-wicket hauls. His ability to exploit the Australian pitches makes him a crucial asset for India’s hopes of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on foreign soil.

In addition to Shami’s fitness update, Shah also confirmed that VVS Laxman will continue as the head of the NCA. Laxman, who took over the role in December 2021, has played a significant role in overseeing the rehabilitation of players like Shami. His current contract expires in September, but he will remain in charge, ensuring continuity at the academy during this crucial period.

Indian Cricketers Join Trinbago Knight Riders for Women's Caribbean Premier League

Indian Cricketers Join Trinbago Knight Riders for Women’s Caribbean Premier League

Indian cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey, and former pacer Jhulan Goswami have joined the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) for the inaugural Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) scheduled from August 21 to 29.

The Trinbago Knight Riders Women, led by Deandra Dottin, will commence their campaign against defending champions Barbados Royals Women on Thursday. The team boasts an impressive roster, including Australian captain Meg Lanning, all-rounder Jess Jonassen, and the newly arrived Indian trio.

Jhulan Goswami, who retired from international cricket last year, will serve as the mentor for the Knight Riders this season. Her experience and guidance will be invaluable to the team as they navigate the tournament.

The WCPL is a significant development for women’s cricket in the Caribbean region. It provides a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and gain international exposure. The tournament also aims to inspire young girls to pursue cricket and break down barriers in the sport.

The Trinbago Knight Riders, with their diverse mix of international and local talent, are poised to make a strong impression in the WCPL. The team’s success will not only benefit the franchise but also contribute to the growth of women’s cricket in the Caribbean and beyond.

Pakistan's Aamer Jamal Ruled Out of Bangladesh Test Series Due to Back Injury

Pakistan’s Aamer Jamal Ruled Out of Bangladesh Test Series Due to Back Injury

Pakistan’s fast-bowling allrounder Aamer Jamal will miss the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh due to an ongoing back injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Monday. Jamal was initially included in the squad with his participation contingent upon fitness clearance. However, his recovery has been slower than anticipated, ruling him out of both Tests.

Jamal, who emerged as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker during the 2023-24 away series in Australia with 18 scalps in three Tests, has been battling lower back issues since May. The injury hampered his multi-format stint with Warwickshire in England, where he last played competitive cricket in June.

As the lone seam-bowling allrounder in the squad, Jamal’s absence leaves Pakistan with a 14-man roster for the first Test. Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam have also been released to play for the Shaheens. Consequently, Pakistan is likely to field an all-seam attack for the first Test, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali vying for selection.

Jamal will now focus on regaining fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. His aim is to be ready for the Test series against England in October.

Healy Questions Bangladesh as T20 World Cup Host Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

Healy Questions Bangladesh as T20 World Cup Host Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

Australia’s T20 World Cup captain, Alyssa Healy, has expressed concerns about hosting the tournament in Bangladesh due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country. Healy believes it would be inappropriate to divert resources from relief efforts to a sporting event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce the tournament’s host this week, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) considered the frontrunner. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are also potential options.

Healy’s comments reflect the concerns of several governments, including Australia, the UK, and India, which have issued travel warnings for Bangladesh. The country has been grappling with the aftermath of recent violence that has resulted in hundreds of deaths and the ousting of the government.

“I find it really hard to see a cricket event going on over there at the moment and taking resources away from a country that is really struggling,” Healy said. “They’re needing everyone they can possibly get in there helping people that are dying.”

Healy emphasized that her concerns are based on humanitarian grounds rather than safety issues. Australia toured Bangladesh earlier this year and played six matches without incident. However, she believes that hosting a major sporting event at this time would be insensitive.

“I’d find it hard to fathom playing there at the moment, as a human being, I feel like it might be the wrong thing to do,” Healy said. “But I’ll leave it to the ICC to work out.”

Allrounder Sophie Molineux confirmed that players have been kept informed about the situation and trust the ICC to make the right decision.

Australia will name their World Cup squad next Monday, and Healy is confident they will be able to adapt to any host country. They gained valuable experience during their tour of Bangladesh earlier this year.

“I feel like we’re so well balanced in the…players that we get to choose from, wherever the World Cup gets put, I think we’re going to have the right squad to take it on,” Healy said.

The World Cup squad will also play three T20Is against New Zealand in September as preparation for the tournament.

Rohit Sharma's Meticulous Leadership Earns Player Support, Praises from Former Coach

Rohit Sharma’s Meticulous Leadership Earns Player Support, Praises from Former Coach

Rohit Sharma’s exceptional leadership qualities have earned him the unwavering support of his players, according to former India opener and batting coach Vikram Rathour. Rathour, who played alongside Rohit in the Indian team, has witnessed firsthand the captain’s meticulous approach to strategizing and his ability to inspire his teammates.

In a recent podcast hosted by Taruwar Kohli, Rathour praised Rohit’s involvement in the team’s game-planning. “I have never seen a captain get so involved in strategy and game-planning,” Rathour said. “He might forget whether he has decided to bat or bowl at the toss, or his phone and iPad in the team bus, but he never forgets his gameplan.”

Rathour highlighted Rohit’s exceptional tactical acumen and his willingness to invest time in understanding the perspectives of his players. “He spends a lot of time on the team’s strategy,” Rathour said. “He is part of the bowlers’ meeting, batters’ meeting. He wants to sit with the bowlers and batters to try and understand what they are thinking. He invests a lot of time with the players.”

As a batsman with exceptional skills and consistency, Rohit leads by example and sets a high standard for the rest of the team, especially the batsmen. “His first quality is that as a batsman he is a phenomenal player,” Rathour said. “I think he is someone who understands his game really well. He always has a clear game plan.”

Rathour also commended Rohit’s on-field decision-making, which he described as “spot on.” “His tactical decisions on the field are spot on,” Rathour said. “Sitting outside, it surprises you as a coach as well. We sometimes think what is he doing, but then you realize after a while what he has done.”

Rathour cited Rohit’s decision to finish Jasprit Bumrah’s overs early in the T20 World Cup final as an example of his astute tactical thinking. “In the T20 World Cup final, he finished (Jasprit) Bumrah’s overs early,” Rathour said. “A lot of people must have questioned the decision, but that decision put us in the situation where 16 (runs) were needed in the last over.”

Rohit’s leadership has played a crucial role in India’s recent successes, including their victory in the T20 World Cup earlier this year. His ability to connect with his players, inspire them to perform at their best, and make astute tactical decisions has made him one of the most respected and successful captains in Indian cricket history.

Rinku Singh Hints at RCB Preference if Not Retained by KKR

Rinku Singh Hints at RCB Preference if Not Retained by KKR

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has hinted at his preferred destination if not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming mega IPL auction. In an interview with Sports Tak, Rinku revealed that if KKR decide not to retain him, his next choice would be none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

“I don’t know anything yet. I haven’t been told whether I will be retained or go into the auction. Let’s see what happens,” Rinku said when asked about his future with KKR. However, when pressed on which team he would prefer if not retained, he responded with a smile, “RCB.”

Rinku, who has been with KKR for several seasons, was part of the franchise’s IPL 2024 title-winning squad. Despite a quieter season due to the ‘Impact Player’ rule limiting his opportunities, Rinku’s potential as a dynamic finisher remains highly valued.

In addition to discussing his potential move, Rinku also shared a good relationship with cricket legend Virat Kohli, who is synonymous with RCB.

“Virat bhaiya gave me a bat, which broke. I asked him for another one, and he didn’t refuse. He gave me another bat. It’s a big thing for me that he gave me a second bat,” Rinku recounted, underscoring the respect and admiration he holds for Kohli.

Rinku also touched upon his experience with Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian team and his mentor during the IPL. He revealed that Gambhir, known for his serious demeanor on the field, also knows how to unwind after the game.

“He is very serious about the game…but after the match is over, he enjoys himself. It’s not like he’s always serious,” Rinku shared.

As the IPL auction draws nearer, Rinku’s comments have sparked speculation about a possible move to RCB, a franchise known for its passionate fan base and star-studded lineup.

Dinesh Karthik Unveils His All-Time XI of Indian Cricket Teammates

Dinesh Karthik Unveils His All-Time XI of Indian Cricket Teammates

In the realm of cricket, comparing players across generations is a contentious topic. Factors such as playing conditions, rule changes, opposition strength, and opportunities must be considered. However, it remains a captivating subject for discussion.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik recently unveiled his all-time XI of Indian cricketers on Cricbuzz. Notably, the video caption clarified that it was a list of his “top XI teammates.” Karthik acknowledged the difficulty in accommodating all deserving players.

Among the notable omissions from the XI were Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and MS Dhoni, all of whom Karthik has played alongside for India.

Karthik, who made his international debut in 2004, explained his selections:

* Openers: Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma
* No. 3: Rahul Dravid
* No. 4: Sachin Tendulkar
* No. 5: Virat Kohli
* No. 6: Yuvraj Singh
* No. 7: Ravindra Jadeja
* No. 8: R Ashwin
* No. 9: Anil Kumble
* No. 10: Jasprit Bumrah
* No. 11: Zaheer Khan

Karthik also named Harbhajan Singh as the 12th man, acknowledging the many other deserving players who missed out, including Gautam Gambhir.

Dhruv Jurel Praises Rohit Sharma's 'Chill' Captaincy

Dhruv Jurel Praises Rohit Sharma’s ‘Chill’ Captaincy

Dhruv Jurel, the young wicketkeeper-batter who made his India debut under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, has praised the Indian skipper’s approachable and relaxed demeanor. In an interview with Sports Tak, Jurel described Rohit as a “very chill” captain who makes it easy for junior players to feel comfortable in the team.

“To be honest, he is very chill. When you talk to him, it doesn’t feel like he is a senior and you are a junior. He always talks very casually,” Jurel said.

The 23-year-old, who has represented India in three Tests and two T20Is so far, also revealed that Rohit goes out of his way to ensure that young players feel comfortable in the team.

“He always said, ‘If you need any help just come over, I don’t have any problem.’ He makes you feel comfortable. When my name came up for Test cricket, Rohit bhaiya was the captain, so I spoke to him. It felt very good. Like everything is normal,” Jurel added.

Jurel’s comments provide a glimpse into the team environment under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, where the captain’s down-to-earth nature and open communication style seem to be fostering a supportive atmosphere for young talents like him.

Rohit Sharma, who took over the captaincy of the Indian team in all formats in 2021, has been praised for his leadership skills and ability to connect with players. Under his leadership, India has won several major tournaments, including the Asia Cup in 2022 and the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.

Jurel’s praise for Rohit Sharma is a testament to the Indian skipper’s ability to create a positive and supportive environment for his players. This is essential for the development of young players and the overall success of the team.

BBL and WBBL Release Initial Player Nominations for Draft

BBL and WBBL Release Initial Player Nominations for Draft

The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have released their initial batches of player nominations ahead of the upcoming drafts. Among the notable names is Shamar Joseph, who could return to the tournament where he made his triumphant Test debut.

Joseph, who has been in impressive form for the West Indies, has nominated for the BBL draft. He could potentially join his former teammate Finn Allen, who has already signed with the Perth Scorchers.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is among the first group of players confirmed for the WBBL draft. She could be retained by the Melbourne Renegades, who she has played for in the past. Other notable Indian players in the draft include Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma.

England captain Heather Knight and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone have also nominated for the WBBL draft. However, their availability for the entire tournament is uncertain due to England’s tour of South Africa.

Other notable retention options include Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), James Vince (Sydney Sixers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars), and Shabnim Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes).

Players are drafted in either Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze categories, and clubs must select at least two during the draft. Those signed under pre-draft agreements are allocated a pick that matches their salary band.

The BBL and WBBL drafts will take place on September 1.

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