India's Sleepless Return from T20 World Cup Triumph

India’s Sleepless Return from T20 World Cup Triumph

India’s triumphant return from the T20 World Cup 2024 was a memorable occasion, but it was also a sleepless one for the team and accompanying journalists.

After a grueling tournament and a delayed departure due to a hurricane, the Indian team finally boarded a 16-hour flight from Barbados to Delhi. However, the flight was far from restful.

According to a producer on the flight, no player slept for more than six hours. The atmosphere was lively, with players mingling with journalists and Star Sports engineers who had been stranded on the island.

Even head coach Rahul Dravid was unable to find a comfortable spot to sleep. He reportedly moved to the economy section in search of a four-seater, where he managed to catch some shut-eye.

Rohit Sharma, known for his jovial nature, was overheard jokingly scolding someone during the flight. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant also engaged in conversations with the media.

The constant chatter and excitement made it difficult for anyone to get a good night’s sleep. The producer recalled, “I remember I was sleeping and I could suddenly hear Rohit scolding somebody. I saw and he was standing right there. But Rohit, in his style, was scolding jokingly.”

Despite the lack of sleep, the Indian team arrived home to a hero’s welcome. Their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket, ending a decade-long drought in ICC events.

Mohsin Naqvi Set to Become Asian Cricket Council President

Mohsin Naqvi Set to Become Asian Cricket Council President

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is poised to become the next President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later this year, as per the organization’s rotation policy. The matter was discussed at a recent ACC meeting, with Naqvi emerging as the frontrunner for the position.

“When the ACC meets later this year, it will confirm that Naqvi will be the next president for a two-year term,” a source revealed.

Naqvi’s appointment will follow the tenure of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who has held the ACC presidency for three consecutive terms. Shah received a one-year extension in January this year.

The ACC has recently awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Asia Cup to India, which will be played in the T20 format. The 2027 edition will be held in Bangladesh in the ODI format.

This development sets up two major events in 2025: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February-March, followed by the Asia Cup. The proximity of these events has reignited discussions and speculations about whether India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy or whether Pakistan will travel to India for the Asia Cup.

Pakistan last toured India for the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2016 T20 World Cup. India, on the other hand, has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

The potential for political tensions to overshadow these events remains a concern. However, the ACC’s decision to award the hosting rights to both countries suggests a desire to promote cricket diplomacy and foster goodwill between the two nations.

India to Host 2025 Asia Cup T20 Tournament

India to Host 2025 Asia Cup T20 Tournament

India has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup cricket tournament in the T20 format, serving as a precursor to the T20 World Cup scheduled in the country in 2026. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced this decision in its Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI).

The Asia Cup has traditionally been used as a dress rehearsal for the global event and is played in the same format as the World Cup. The 2023 edition, hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, was held in a ‘Hybrid Model’ due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. Instead, India played its matches in Sri Lanka.

The 2027 Asia Cup will be held in Bangladesh in the ODI format, aligning with the 50-over World Cup scheduled in South Africa that year. Both the T20 Asia Cup in India and the 50-over continental event in Bangladesh in 2027 will comprise 13 games each, with 26 matches allocated in the said period.

The ACC’s IEOI statement defines the “Men’s Asia Cup Tournament” as a biennial senior men’s cricket tournament organized and administered by the ACC involving designated Members. It includes participation from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and one Non-Test playing Member of ACC selected through qualifying events.

Suryakumar Yadav Embraces Leadership Role, Inspires Indian Team to Victory

Suryakumar Yadav Embraces Leadership Role, Inspires Indian Team to Victory

Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed permanent T20I captain of the Indian cricket team, has embarked on a journey to become a true leader, inspiring and guiding his team beyond the responsibilities of a captain. In his first series as captain, Suryakumar showcased his exceptional skills, earning the prestigious ‘Player of The Series’ title with two outstanding performances in the initial matches.

However, his contribution extended further when he claimed two crucial wickets with his off-spin bowling during a nail-biting Super Over victory, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to his achievements. “Like I said before the series, I don’t want to be the captain, I want to be the leader,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

He expressed endless admiration for his fellow players, who demonstrated immense courage and determination while safeguarding a humble total of 137 runs. “The amount of skill they have, self-confidence, it makes my job easy. The positivity, the care for each other is unbelievable. After the last game, I told few boys will be rested and they were ready to sit out.”

The Indian skipper said that just as people enjoy high scores of 220 or 230, they should also start appreciating low-scoring games, as it brings balance to the sport. “More than the last over, I feel when we were around 30/4 and 48 for 5, how the boys showed character, 140 was a par score on that track. I told, if we put our heart in it, we could pull it off.”

Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka couldn’t explain what went wrong with the middle-order in all three games. “Definitely, really disappointed, especially the middle-order and lower-middle order. Very bad shot selection. The thinking was spinners were bowling and that’s why Wanindu Hasaranga came up the order and we gave him the license to hit one or two boundaries,” Asalanka said.

“I think especially we played some wrong shots and when the ball gets old, the shot selection has to be spot on. We can’t give excuses and we have to do more than this.”I want to see good batting performance in ODIs and I think the boys will do better,” the dejected Lankan skipper added.

India Clinch 3-0 T20I Sweep Over Sri Lanka with Miraculous Collapse

India Clinch 3-0 T20I Sweep Over Sri Lanka with Miraculous Collapse

In a thrilling conclusion to the three-match T20I series, India secured a 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Tuesday. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh emerged as unlikely heroes with the ball, orchestrating a remarkable collapse that handed India the victory.

Chasing a modest target of 138, Sri Lanka appeared in control at 110 for 1 in the 15th over. However, Suryakumar and Rinku turned the tide with two game-changing overs. Suryakumar, bowling the 20th over, defended six runs successfully by taking two wickets in his first two balls. Rinku, in a pressure-filled 19th over, bagged two crucial wickets, including that of Kusal Perera, when Sri Lanka needed just nine runs from 12 balls.

The two incredible overs from Rinku and Suryakumar stopped the Lankans on 137, taking the game into the Super Over. Washington Sundar then shone in the Super Over, giving away only two runs and taking two wickets. Suryakumar sealed the win with a sweeping shot on the first ball he faced in the Super Over.

Suryakumar’s strategic move of introducing Rinku in the 19th over proved decisive. Rinku’s dismissal of Perera, who had scored 46 runs, came just when Sri Lanka appeared to have the match secured.

Earlier, India had posted 137 for 9, with Shubman Gill (39 off 37 balls) and Riyan Parag (26 off 18 balls) stitching a crucial 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Sri Lankan spinners effectively restrained the Indian batters on a pitch offering significant turn and variable bounce.

Despite the challenges, Gill adjusted his play style, curbing his natural attacking instincts, and Parag showcased his potential with explosive shots. However, both fell attempting glory shots.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, missed the services of their premier pacer Matheesha Pathirana due to a shoulder injury. Skipper Charith Asalanka effectively used their four-pronged spin attack, maintaining pressure on Indian batsmen and taking wickets at regular intervals.

Gloucestershire Triumph Over Surrey in Metro Bank One-Day Cup

Gloucestershire Triumph Over Surrey in Metro Bank One-Day Cup

Cameron Bancroft’s masterful century and a disciplined bowling performance propelled Gloucestershire to a convincing 37-run victory over Surrey in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.

Bancroft’s 100 from 109 deliveries laid the foundation for Gloucestershire’s imposing total of 301. Miles Hammond contributed a brisk 51, while skipper Jack Taylor’s explosive 44, featuring five sixes, provided late impetus.

Surrey’s chase was anchored by Ryan Patel’s defiant 87 and Josh Blake’s 50, but they fell short of the target, mustering only 264. Conor McKerr impressed with List A best figures of 4-32, while Cameron Steel claimed 4-61.

Gloucestershire’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout Surrey’s innings. Matt Taylor’s 4-44 and Ajeet Singh Dale’s 2-49 proved crucial in restricting the hosts.

Surrey’s top order struggled against Taylor’s new ball burst, with Dom Sibley and Ben Geddes dismissed cheaply. Patel and Ben Foakes rallied with an 89-run partnership, but Singh Dale and Taylor broke the stand.

Blake and McKerr threatened with an 85-run seventh-wicket partnership, but Taylor’s sharp lifter ended McKerr’s resistance. Singh Dale then removed Foakes and Patel, leaving Surrey on the brink of defeat.

Blake and McKerr’s late resistance delayed Gloucestershire’s victory, but Dom Goodman’s dismissal of Blake sealed the deal.

Bancroft’s century anchored Gloucestershire’s innings, while Hammond’s half-century provided early momentum. Taylor’s late cameo gave the visitors a significant boost.

Surrey’s bowlers, led by McKerr and Steel, kept Gloucestershire in check for much of the innings. However, Taylor’s aggressive batting and Bancroft’s steady accumulation proved too much for the hosts.

Kagiso Rabada Embraces Transformation Challenges in South African Cricket

Kagiso Rabada Embraces Transformation Challenges in South African Cricket

Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s star fast bowler, has opened up about the challenges and responsibilities he faces as the only black African player in the national T20 World Cup squad. Rabada emphasized that he embraces his role and encourages discussions on transformation in South African cricket.

Despite the pressure and scrutiny, Rabada remained focused on the team’s success at the World Cup. He believes that his inclusion is not solely based on his race but on merit. However, he acknowledges the need to address the underrepresentation of black African players in the national team.

Rabada’s comments come amidst ongoing debates about transformation in South African cricket. The country has had transformation targets in place since 1999, but the progress has been slow. The recent T20 World Cup squad included only one black African player, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current policies.

Rabada understands the challenges faced by players of color and the potential impact of media scrutiny on their mental health. He believes that the transformation issue often becomes more prominent during World Cups, leading to unnecessary pressure on players.

Despite the challenges, Rabada remains optimistic about the future of transformation in South African cricket. He believes that the system is complex and requires a nuanced approach. He also emphasizes the importance of celebrating achievements regardless of race, citing the recent Olympic gold medal won by South African swimmer Tatjana Smith.

Rabada’s insights provide a valuable perspective on the ongoing transformation debate in South African cricket. He highlights the need for a balanced approach that addresses the underrepresentation of black African players while also recognizing the importance of merit-based selection.

Clive Lloyd Receives Prestigious Order of the Caribbean Community

Clive Lloyd Receives Prestigious Order of the Caribbean Community

Clive Lloyd, the legendary West Indies cricketer who led the team to back-to-back World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979, has been bestowed with the prestigious Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC). This honor, the highest in the region, recognizes Lloyd’s exceptional contributions to cricket and his unwavering leadership.

As a batter, Lloyd was renowned for his aggressive style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace. His astute tactical acumen as a captain played a pivotal role in West Indies’ dominance during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Under his leadership, the team became the first-ever world champions in cricket.

Lloyd’s legacy extends beyond his playing career. He has served as a coach, selector, and match referee, continuing to contribute to the development of cricket. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to the Caribbean region have earned him widespread admiration.

In addition to his cricketing achievements, Lloyd has also made significant contributions to Guyana as a civil servant in the Ministry of Health. His knighthood in 2019 further recognized his exceptional service to the nation.

The OCC award is a testament to Lloyd’s enduring impact on the Caribbean and the sport of cricket. His leadership, determination, and sportsmanship have set an enduring example for generations of West Indians.

Rohit Sharma Prepares for Sri Lanka ODI Series, Eyes Milestones

Rohit Sharma Prepares for Sri Lanka ODI Series, Eyes Milestones

Team India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma is gearing up for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, set to commence on August 2. Sharma has been diligently practicing in the nets, honing his batting skills, as evident from the photographs he shared on social media.

The Indian team’s tour of Sri Lanka commenced on July 27 with the Twenty20 International (T20I) series. India made a strong start, winning the first T20I by 43 runs. The subsequent T20I saw India clinch a victory by seven wickets in a rain-shortened match. The T20I matches were hosted at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the ODI series will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with matches scheduled for August 2, August 4, and August 7.

Sharma’s return to the Indian squad marks his first appearance since leading the team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup. In the tournament, Sharma played a pivotal role, amassing 257 runs across eight games, with an average of 36.71 and a strike rate exceeding 156. His highest score was 92, and he hit three half-centuries, making him the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament.

Sharma’s last ODI appearance was during the ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad in November last year, which resulted in a loss for India. Currently, Sharma is on the cusp of achieving significant milestones in his ODI career. He is 291 runs short of joining the elite group of Indian cricketers with over 11,000 ODI runs. Furthermore, he requires just 60 more runs to surpass former Indian batter and head coach Rahul Dravid as the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in ODIs. To date, Sharma has played 262 matches, scoring 10,709 runs at an average of 49.12. His record includes 31 centuries and 55 fifties, with a highest score of 264.

Superchargers and Brave Tie in Thrilling Hundred Encounter

Superchargers and Brave Tie in Thrilling Hundred Encounter

Northern Superchargers and Southern Brave played out a thrilling tie in the Hundred, with Kate Cross scrambling two runs off the final ball to level the scores.

On a slow and used wicket, boundary-hitting was at a premium, and Superchargers’ chase of 100 was a tense affair. Southern Brave, led by captain Georgia Adams, used the conditions to their advantage, keeping the stumps in play and applying constant pressure.

Lauren Bell was the standout performer for Brave, taking 4 for 11 with her accurate seam bowling. Phoebe Litchfield and Alice Davidson-Richards looked to have the chase under control for Superchargers, but both were dismissed at crucial moments.

Only Maia Bouchier and Chloe Tryon passed 20 for Southern Brave, but Rhianna Southby and Bell played important roles with the bat, guiding their team to a three-figure total.

Superchargers’ chase was always behind the required rate, and they needed 10 runs from the final five balls. Cross hit a boundary off the fourth ball, and then scrambled two runs off the final delivery to secure the tie.

Both sides will feel they missed the opportunity to get their first win of the Hundred, but the tie was a fair reflection of a closely contested match.

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