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Category: Cricket

Hardik Pandya Should Embrace Decision to Focus on Playing, Says Robin Uthappa

Hardik Pandya Should Embrace Decision to Focus on Playing, Says Robin Uthappa

By July 23, 2024 0

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed his belief that Hardik Pandya should not be disheartened by his exclusion from leadership roles in Team India. Uthappa believes that the decision was made with Pandya’s long-term interests in mind.

“If I was in Hardik’s place, I would feel taken care of to a certain extent,” Uthappa said in an interview with NDTV. “If I am 34 or 35 years old, and I am someone who has been injury-prone throughout my career, and a certain responsibility has been taken away from me with the mindset of extending my career, it has given me the best chance of offering my service to my country, for as long as possible.”

Uthappa emphasized that the absence of captaincy responsibilities could prolong Pandya’s international career. “Knowing Hardik Pandya on a certain level personally, I would say he’ll be someone saying ‘fine, their perspective is also right’. They want a player of my quality and caliber to serve the country for as long as possible, I would love to do that as well,” Uthappa added.

“If you ask me between the two what would I pick, I would say representing my country and winning as many world cup championships, irrespective of the fact whether I am the captain or just a player,” Uthappa continued.

Pandya’s exclusion from leadership roles was attributed to his fitness and availability concerns, according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar. However, Uthappa believes that the decision was ultimately made to protect Pandya’s long-term health and performance.

“I think it’s a great decision for Hardik Pandya,” Uthappa said. “It’s a great decision for Indian cricket. It’s a great decision for the future of Indian cricket. I think it’s a great decision for Hardik Pandya’s career.”

Pandya is currently part of India’s squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka.

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Oval Invincibles Crush Birmingham Phoenix in Hundred Opener

Oval Invincibles Crush Birmingham Phoenix in Hundred Opener

By July 23, 2024 0

Oval Invincibles, the two-time Hundred champions, kicked off the fourth season of the tournament with a dominant 45-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix. Paige Scholfield, batting at the top of the order in place of Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, led the charge with a sparkling 71.

Scholfield and England’s Alice Capsey formed a formidable partnership, putting on 90 runs for the second wicket. Capsey contributed 52 runs, and the duo shared 17 boundaries. Their explosive batting threatened to set a new record in the Hundred women’s competition.

However, a flurry of late wickets slowed down the Invincibles’ progress. Nevertheless, they set a challenging target of 150 runs for Birmingham Phoenix.

The Phoenix’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets with just 32 runs on the board. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and Birmingham local Amy Jones offered some resistance, but the Invincibles’ bowling attack proved too strong.

Australian legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington was the standout performer with the ball, taking three wickets for just nine runs. Her economical spell helped restrict the Phoenix to 105 runs, securing a comfortable 45-run victory for the Invincibles.

Scholfield, named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her delight at her performance. She credited her success to the support of Lauren Winfield-Hill and her trust in her own abilities.

The Invincibles’ victory sets the tone for the upcoming Hundred season, showcasing the exciting and competitive nature of the tournament.

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Shafali Verma's Career-Best 81 Powers India to Asia Cup Semis

Shafali Verma’s Career-Best 81 Powers India to Asia Cup Semis

By July 23, 2024 0

India’s explosive opener Shafali Verma led the charge with a remarkable 48-ball 81, her career-best, propelling the defending champions to a decisive 82-run victory over Nepal in the Women’s Asia Cup T20 tournament at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Tuesday. This win ensured India’s progression to the semifinals.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India capitalized on the opportunity with Hemalatha contributing a valuable 47 runs. The partnership’s aggressive approach was instrumental in India reaching a competitive total of 178 for three. Jemimah Rodrigues further bolstered the innings with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, enhancing the score with three boundaries in the concluding over.

Facing a challenging target, Nepal’s pursuit was hindered by India’s proficient bowling attack, limiting them to 96 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The requirement for Nepal to surpass Pakistan’s net run rate and secure a semifinal berth necessitated achieving the target within 10 overs, a feat they were unable to accomplish.

Deepti Sharma emerged as the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 13 runs. She was well-supported by Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy, who took two wickets each, contributing to a formidable bowling performance that stifled Nepal’s chase.

Nepal’s innings was characterized by regular wicket losses, with their top order struggling against India’s seam and spin attack. Arundhati Reddy’s early dismissal of Nepal’s openers set the tone, while Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance, including a direct hit, showcased India’s dominance in the field.

Shafali Verma’s innings was a highlight, featuring an array of shots that put the Nepalese bowlers under pressure. Her aggressive batting, marked by 12 fours and a six, was particularly punishing against medium pacer Kabita Joshi and off-spinner Sabnam Rai. Hemalatha, despite a slower start, managed to support the innings effectively, contributing with both boundaries and a six.

The match also witnessed moments of resilience from Nepal, including a missed catch opportunity that could have broken the opening partnership earlier. However, India’s batting prowess and disciplined bowling ultimately proved too strong for Nepal, confirming India’s place in the semifinals alongside Pakistan from Group A.

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England Secure First Multi-Match Series Win Since 2022

England Secure First Multi-Match Series Win Since 2022

By July 23, 2024 0

England’s victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Trent Bridge marked their first multi-match series win since the end of 2022. This triumph has instilled a sense of optimism within the team, with vice-captain Ollie Pope expressing his hope that it can become a habit.

Despite losing only one series under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, England’s recent defeat to India highlighted the need to regain their winning ways. The team’s success in this series, which gives them a 2-0 lead heading into the final Test at Edgbaston, has provided a much-needed boost.

The series victory has been achieved with the help of several new faces, reinforcing Pope’s belief in the team’s future. Gus Atkinson’s impressive debut performance, with 12 wickets in the match, has compensated for the absence of James Anderson. Jamie Smith’s 70 in his maiden innings and seven catches have ensured a smooth transition in the wicketkeeper position. Shoaib Bashir’s match-winning 5 for 41 in the second Test vindicated the decision to select him over Jack Leach.

The seamless integration of new players into the team is a testament to the positive environment fostered by the selectors. Pope believes that the team has a “really nice balanced attack and batting line-up” that can continue to build on its success.

Pope’s own contribution to the batting line-up was evident at Trent Bridge, where he scored 121 in England’s first innings and 51 in the second. Despite being dropped twice, he has emerged from a slump that saw him average just 19.05 in his previous 18 red-ball knocks.

The team’s ability to score 400 runs in both innings for the first time in history is a testament to their aggressive approach. Pope acknowledges that the batters are looking to adopt a more “ruthless” approach while retaining their capacity to attack opposition attacks.

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Hardik Pandya's Woes Continue: Fitness Concerns, Captaincy Loss, and Personal Struggles

Hardik Pandya’s Woes Continue: Fitness Concerns, Captaincy Loss, and Personal Struggles

By July 23, 2024 0

Hardik Pandya’s personal and professional life has been marred by a series of setbacks. His recent separation from wife Natasa Stankovic has been followed by his demotion as India’s T20I captain, with Suryakumar Yadav taking over the reins.

The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has expressed concerns about Pandya’s fitness, which has been a recurring issue for the all-rounder. The committee is seeking a long-term captain and is monitoring Pandya’s progress closely.

To assess his fitness in the ODI format, Pandya will represent his home team Baroda in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. This marks his first appearance for Baroda since 2018.

Pandya has faced criticism for his absence from domestic cricket, with former Baroda coach Dav Whatmore accusing him of neglecting his state team. Whatmore pointed out that Pandya has not played white-ball cricket for Baroda in years, despite being labeled as an all-rounder from the state.

Agarkar, however, emphasized that Pandya remains a valuable asset to the Indian team due to his unique skill set. However, he acknowledged that fitness concerns have made it challenging to consider Pandya for the captaincy role.

With the next T20 World Cup approaching, the selection committee is evaluating options and has time to make a decision on the captaincy. Pandya’s fitness and performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be crucial factors in determining his future role in the Indian team.

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Gautam Gambhir Takes Charge as India's Head Coach, Begins Training in Sri Lanka

Gautam Gambhir Takes Charge as India’s Head Coach, Begins Training in Sri Lanka

By July 23, 2024 0

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, commenced his tenure on Tuesday as the team initiated their first practice session in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The session marked the beginning of preparations for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the host nation.

Gambhir, who succeeded the esteemed Rahul Dravid, led the team onto the field and oversaw the training session. The session encompassed fielding drills, running exercises, and one-on-one interactions with the players. Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed T20I captain, also actively engaged with the team members.

During the session, Gambhir was observed providing batting guidance to Sanju Samson and engaging in discussions with all-rounder Shivam Dube. Gambhir’s coaching staff for the Sri Lanka tour includes former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and Dutch batter Ryan ten Doeschate. The trio recently collaborated to guide the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the IPL 2024.

Their maiden assignment with the national team will commence on July 27 with the T20I series, followed by three ODIs. T Dilip, who was part of Dravid’s support staff, will continue as the fielding coach. Sairaj Bahutule, affiliated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, will serve as the interim bowling coach.

Gambhir’s appointment as head coach has generated significant anticipation among fans and experts alike. His proven track record as a successful player and his recent coaching success with KKR have raised expectations for the Indian team’s performance under his leadership.

The upcoming series against Sri Lanka will provide an early indication of Gambhir’s coaching philosophy and the team’s progress under his guidance. The series will also serve as a crucial preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup later this year.

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Mohammed Shami's Journey: From Suicide Contemplation to Triumph

Mohammed Shami’s Journey: From Suicide Contemplation to Triumph

By July 23, 2024 0

Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, has faced significant challenges both on and off the field. Despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in the last three ODI World Cups, his personal life has been marred by controversy.

Shami’s tumultuous separation from his wife, Hasin Jahan, made headlines when she filed a police complaint against him for domestic violence. She also accused him of match-fixing after allegedly receiving money from a Pakistani woman.

While Shami was cleared of these allegations by authorities, his friend and fellow cricketer Umesh Kumar revealed on a podcast that Shami contemplated suicide during that time.

“Shami was shattered when the fixing allegations broke out,” said Kumar. “He said he could tolerate anything but not accusations of betraying his country.”

Kumar recalled an incident where he found Shami standing on the balcony of their 19th-floor apartment at 4 AM. “I understood what was happening,” said Kumar. “That night was the longest of Shami’s career.”

Shami later received a clean chit from the investigating committee, which brought him immense relief. “He was probably happier that day than he would have been if he had won a World Cup,” added Kumar.

Shami himself opened up about his struggles during that period. “When you know the other person’s actions are invalid, you should not leave your priorities,” he said. “If I had not been the Mohammed Shami I am today, no one would have cared about my situation.”

Shami’s resilience and determination have been instrumental in his recovery. He has continued to perform at the highest level, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can overcome challenges and achieve success.

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Ajinkya Naik Elected as Youngest Mumbai Cricket Association President

Ajinkya Naik Elected as Youngest Mumbai Cricket Association President

By July 23, 2024 0

Ajinkya Naik, a former Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary, has been elected as the new president of the association, securing a decisive victory with 221 votes against Sanjay Naik’s 114. The 37-year-old Naik becomes the youngest president in MCA history, backed by veteran politician and former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar.

The election process commenced on July 4 following the untimely demise of previous MCA president Amol Kale. Kale had traveled to New York with MCA officials to witness the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan when he passed away.

“The victory is a testament to Amol Kale’s exemplary achievements. My efforts will be to replicate his commitment and dedication to improving the quality of Mumbai cricket and take his legacy forward,” Ajinkya said in a statement.

A total of 335 votes were cast on Tuesday afternoon, including those from prominent cricketers such as India’s chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, Sanjay Manjrekar, Balvinder Singh Sandhu, and Paras Mhambrey. The voter base also comprised members of maidan clubs, gymkhana clubs, and college representatives.

Election officer JS Saharia announced the result after 14 rounds of counting, with none of the candidates’ representatives objecting to any ballot paper.

Speaking to the media after his win, Ajinkya said, “This is the victory of Maidan cricket. It’s a triumph of all the Maidan club secretaries, schools and college gymkhana secretaries, and the former cricketers. I am only their representative.”

“I have been serving MCA since 2015 in various capacities, and it is a pyramid-like journey, thanks to maidan clubs and their secretaries.”

BJP leader Ashish Shelar, the current BCCI treasurer, expressed support for the newly elected president. “This was a friendly contest in which Ajinkya Naik emerged victorious. From hereon, we will all work towards the betterment of the association. He (Ajinkya) will have my backing. Our focus will be on developing Mumbai players and providing them with the best of facilities.”

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PCB Prioritizes Exposure for Backup Players with International Matches

PCB Prioritizes Exposure for Backup Players with International Matches

By July 23, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on a mission to enhance the exposure of its backup players through a series of international matches for its national A and junior teams. This initiative follows the lead of other leading cricket nations and aims to provide a pathway for talented players to gain valuable experience against international opposition.

The PCB has announced that the Pakistan Shaheens will engage in a return series of four-day and one-day matches against Bangladesh A in August. Additionally, Sri Lanka A will tour Pakistan in November for a five-match series.

“The objective is to revitalize pathway cricket projects so that our backup talent consistently receives exposure to international cricket against teams other than domestic opponents,” stated a PCB official.

The Pakistan Shaheens will face Bangladesh A in two four-day matches in August, followed by three 50-over fixtures. Notably, the Bangladesh national team will also be in Pakistan during August for two ICC World Test Championship matches.

In November, Sri Lanka A will visit Pakistan for five matches against the Pakistan Shaheens. The four-day matches will be played from November 11-14 and November 18-21, while the 50-over clashes will take place on November 25, 27, and 29. Venues will be announced in due course.

The Pakistan Emerging team will defend its ACC Cup title in October, while the Pakistan U-19 team will participate in a U-19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament and ACC Asia Cup U-19 in November/December.

According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of arranging matches against other teams for the Pakistan A and junior outfits following the disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup.

“During meetings with Pakistan team coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillispie, as well as the national selectors, it was unanimously agreed that Pakistan’s backup talent requires regular games, similar to other teams like India, England, and Australia,” a source said.

The Pakistan Shaheens are currently in Darwin for two four-day games against Bangladesh A, having won the opening match on Monday. They will also play white-ball matches.

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PCB Leaves Champions Trophy Schedule to ICC, Hopes for India's Participation

PCB Leaves Champions Trophy Schedule to ICC, Hopes for India’s Participation

By July 23, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted the International Cricket Council (ICC) with the task of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for early 2024. The ICC recently approved the event’s budget during meetings in Colombo, but the schedule and format remain undecided.

The PCB has submitted a draft schedule and format for the tournament, along with a budget, to the ICC. The board has proposed hosting all of India’s matches in Lahore, including a potential semi-final and the final. The PCB has also provided the ICC with details on tax modalities, venue selections, and government clearance for the Indian team to visit Pakistan.

The PCB initially expressed interest in hosting the Champions Trophy in 2021, and the ICC awarded hosting rights in 2022. The final documentation for the host agreement was submitted during Ramiz Raja’s tenure as PCB Chairman.

Although PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi did not have formal meetings with BCCI secretary Jay Shah or other BCCI officials at the ICC meetings, interactions were described as cordial. The PCB has now delegated the responsibility of finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule to the ICC.

The ICC must also obtain confirmation from the BCCI regarding the Indian team’s travel to Pakistan. The BCCI has historically maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is a decision made by the Indian government. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its games in Sri Lanka based on a ‘Hybrid Model.’

The PCB has fulfilled its obligations as hosts by submitting the draft schedule and budget, as well as providing detailed documentation to the ICC. The ICC now has the responsibility to finalize the event logistics and secure India’s participation.

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