Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Pakistan's Ireland T20I Series

Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Pakistan’s Ireland T20I Series

Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Ireland T20I Series

Pakistan cricket authorities have received a sigh of relief as the Irish consulate has granted a visa to Mohammad Amir, clearing the way for his potential inclusion in the team for the second T20I in Dublin on May 12.

The opening match of the three-match T20I series is scheduled for Friday at the Clontaff ground. A source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that they have been informed about Amir’s visa approval and are currently arranging his travel from Lahore to join the squad.

While the rest of the team departed for Dublin on Tuesday, Amir remained in Lahore awaiting his visa clearance. After a period of impasse, the breakthrough came following discussions between the PCB and Cricket Ireland regarding the delay in visa issuance.

Although the Irish consulate did not provide a specific reason for the delay, the source indicated that it was due to technical issues, which have since been resolved.

“Obviously, the PCB was unhappy with the visa delay as it affects the team management plans for the (T20) World Cup and also has a bearing on the affected player who has returned from retirement to international cricket after four years,” the source said.

After the series against Ireland, Pakistan will move to England for four T20Is starting from May 22 at Leeds. Interestingly, Amir was readily issued a visa to play in Ireland’s inaugural Test match against Pakistan back in 2018.

Amir’s inclusion in the team will be a significant boost for Pakistan, as he is a seasoned campaigner with a wealth of experience in international cricket. His return to the national team after a four-year absence has been met with much anticipation, and his presence in the squad will undoubtedly strengthen Pakistan’s chances of success in the upcoming T20I series and the T20 World Cup later this year.

Abhishek Sharma Credits Success to Support and Aggressive Approach

Abhishek Sharma Credits Success to Support and Aggressive Approach

Abhishek Sharma, the 23-year-old Sunrisers Hyderabad opener, has attributed his success in the ongoing IPL to the unwavering support of skipper Pat Cummins and the entire think-tank. Sharma has been a revelation for Hyderabad this season, amassing 401 runs from 12 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 205.

“Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that,” Sharma said after Hyderabad’s record 10-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. “They’re like, ‘Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we’ll back you.’ I think that matters a lot.”

Sharma’s aggressive approach has paid dividends, as he has hit 35 sixes so far, the highest by any batter this season. Along with Travis Head, Sharma has rewritten the record for the quickest chase of 150-plus in T20 cricket, scaling down 166 in just 9.4 overs.

Sharma credits his success to the approach he adopted during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a key role in Punjab’s domestic T20 title win last season. “I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure,” he said.

Sharma has been particularly impressed by Head’s ability to play spin. “I don’t think anyone plays spin better than Travis,” he said. “The shots he hit off (Krishnappa) Gowtham, normally batters can’t do that, that shows how special he is.”

Sharma and Head have formed a formidable partnership, smashing several batting records this season. Sharma believes their understanding and friendship off the pitch have contributed to their success.

Against the LSG bowlers, Sharma and Head had a specific strategy for dealing with the cutters. “They were bowling cutters in the middle,” Sharma said. “I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin.”

Sharma’s success in the IPL is a testament to the support he has received from the Hyderabad think-tank and his own aggressive approach. He will be looking to continue his impressive form as Hyderabad aim to make a strong push for the playoffs.

PBKS and RCB Set for Thrilling Clash in Dharamshala

PBKS and RCB Set for Thrilling Clash in Dharamshala

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face off in a highly anticipated clash in the 58th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Thursday.

PBKS, currently eighth in the standings with four wins from 11 matches, will be looking to improve their position in the tournament. RCB, on the other hand, are seventh with eight points from 11 matches and will be eager to secure a victory to boost their playoff hopes.

PBKS Predicted XI:

* Prabhsimran Singh
* Jonny Bairstow
* Rilee Rossouw
* Shashank Singh
* Sam Curran (captain)
* Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
* Ashutosh Sharma
* Harpreet Brar
* Rahul Chahar
* Harshal Patel
* Kagiso Rabada

RCB Predicted XI:

* Virat Kohli
* Faf du Plessis (captain)
* Will Jacks
* Rajat Patidar
* Glenn Maxwell
* Cameron Green
* Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper)
* Swapnil Singh
* Karn Sharma
* Mohammed Siraj
* Yash Dayal

Key Players to Watch:

* Virat Kohli (RCB): The leading run-scorer in IPL 2024 with 542 runs, Kohli will be crucial to RCB’s batting success.
* Kagiso Rabada (PBKS): The South African pacer is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 scalps and will be a key threat to RCB’s batters.
* Shashank Singh (PBKS): The top-scorer for PBKS this season with 315 runs, Singh will be looking to continue his impressive form.
* Yash Dayal (RCB): The left-arm pacer has been RCB’s most successful bowler with 10 wickets and will be a key factor in containing PBKS’s batting lineup.

Match Preview:

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. PBKS will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a much-needed victory. RCB, on the other hand, will be determined to bounce back from their recent defeat and strengthen their playoff chances.

The battle between the two bowling attacks will be crucial, with both teams boasting a mix of experienced and talented bowlers. The batting lineups of both sides are also packed with match-winners, so fans can expect a high-scoring affair.

KL Rahul's Captaincy in Doubt as Lucknow Super Giants Face Playoff Elimination

KL Rahul’s Captaincy in Doubt as Lucknow Super Giants Face Playoff Elimination

KL Rahul’s Captaincy in Jeopardy as Lucknow Super Giants Face Playoff Elimination

Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) dismal performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad has cast a shadow over KL Rahul’s captaincy, with rumors swirling that he may step down to focus on his batting.

Despite being signed for a record Rs 17 crore, Rahul’s leadership has come under scrutiny due to LSG’s poor showing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team’s chances of reaching the playoffs are virtually non-existent, and Rahul’s slow batting in the Powerplay has been a major concern.

Sources within the IPL suggest that Rahul may voluntarily relinquish the captaincy to improve his batting performance in the remaining two games. The management is reportedly open to this decision, given the team’s current situation.

Following LSG’s heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, videos emerged on social media showing an agitated conversation between team owner Sanjiv Goenka and Rahul. The incident further fueled speculation about Rahul’s future as captain.

Rahul’s batting has been a major disappointment for LSG. In 12 games, he has scored 460 runs at a strike rate of 136.09. His slow starts have hindered the team’s momentum, particularly in the Powerplay.

Despite their mathematical chances of reaching the playoffs, LSG’s poor net run-rate (-0.760) makes it highly unlikely. If Rahul does step down, vice-captain Nicholas Pooran is likely to take over for the remaining two games.

Pooran has been LSG’s most impactful batter this season, scoring 306 runs at a strike rate of 154.55. His aggressive approach could provide the spark that LSG desperately needs.

PBKS vs RCB: A Crucial Clash for Playoff Survival

PBKS vs RCB: A Crucial Clash for Playoff Survival

PBKS vs RCB: A Battle for Survival in the IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is nearing its climax, and the race for the playoffs is heating up. Two teams desperately vying for a spot in the postseason are the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They will face off on Thursday in a crucial encounter that could determine their fate in the tournament.

RCB has endured a rollercoaster season, starting with a dismal run but recently finding their rhythm. They have won their last three matches convincingly, boosting their morale and propelling them to seventh place in the standings. With eight points from 11 games, they still have a mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs if they win their remaining three fixtures.

PBKS finds themselves in a similar predicament. They occupy eighth place with eight points from 11 games. However, only one team between the two can reach the coveted 14-point mark.

RCB will enter the clash with more confidence, having defeated PBKS earlier in the season and riding a three-match winning streak. Virat Kohli remains a consistent force at the top of the order, while skipper Faf du Plessis has rediscovered his form with a belligerent knock in the last game.

Will Jacks has also impressed with a match-winning century against Gujarat Titans, and Cameron Green has showcased his all-round abilities with crucial contributions in runs and wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

PBKS, on the other hand, will need to find their consistency. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but they have also been plagued by inconsistency. Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow have been their most reliable batters, while Kagiso Rabada has been their standout bowler.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. RCB will be the slight favorites, but PBKS has the potential to upset the odds.

India Opt to Bat First in Bid for Clean Sweep Against Bangladesh

India Opt to Bat First in Bid for Clean Sweep Against Bangladesh

India’s Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first in the fifth and final T20I against Bangladesh in Sylhet, aiming to complete a clean sweep of the series. India currently holds a 4-0 lead.

Bangladesh made three changes to their lineup, bringing in Sobhana Mostary, Sultana Khatun, and Fariha Trisna. India, on the other hand, retained the same XI from their previous match.

The match marks the 100th international appearance for 20-year-old Shafali Verma.

Bangladesh:

1. Dilara Akter
2. Sobhana Mostary
3. Rubya Haider
4. Nigar Sultana (c & wk)
5. Ritu Moni
6. Sultana Khatun
7. Rabeya Khan
8. Nahida Akter
9. Shorifa Khatun
10. Fariha Trisna
11. Shorna Akter

India:

1. Shafali Verma
2. Smriti Mandhana
3. D Hemalatha
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
5. Richa Ghosh (wk)
6. Deepti Sharma
7. S Sajana
8. Pooja Vastrakar
9. Titas Sadhu
10. S Asha
11. Radha Yadav

After a rain-affected fourth match, a full game is anticipated today. India will be eager to test their batting skills after chasing in two of the previous three games.

Bangladesh Focuses on World Cup Despite Mixed Reactions to Zimbabwe Series

Bangladesh Focuses on World Cup Despite Mixed Reactions to Zimbabwe Series

Bangladesh’s 3-0 lead in the T20I series against Zimbabwe has been met with mixed reactions. While some fans celebrate the victories, others dismiss them due to Zimbabwe’s lower ranking. However, Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed emphasizes that the team remains focused on improving ahead of the T20 World Cup.

“Our goals are World Cup-oriented,” Taskin said. “We have to give our best in all conditions. If we can get into the World Cup with five or ten percent improvement, we can start well in that tournament.”

Taskin has been a standout performer for Bangladesh, taking six wickets in three games. He attributes his success to improved rhythm and hard work.

“I struggled with my rhythm in the BPL and Sri Lanka series, but it’s improving now,” he said. “I’m working hard, and the team expects me to bowl at high pace.”

Despite the low-scoring nature of the series, Taskin believes Bangladesh is giving its all.

“Conditions are different here than in the IPL,” he said. “We’re giving our 100 percent, even against Zimbabwe.”

Bangladesh’s top-order batters have struggled, but Taskin remains optimistic.

“We’re working on it,” he said. “I hope we can do better in these two matches.”

Taskin is also encouraged by the emergence of young fast bowlers in domestic cricket.

“It’s a great sign that more fast bowlers are coming into the scene,” he said. “It’s an additional motivation for us in the national team.”

Controversial Catch Sparks Debate in IPL 2024 Match

Controversial Catch Sparks Debate in IPL 2024 Match

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals witnessed a controversial catch that sparked a heated debate. The incident occurred when Sanju Samson, batting at 86, hit a shot straight down the ground off Mukesh Kumar. Shai Hope, fielding at deep mid-wicket, caught the ball but came dangerously close to the boundary line.

The third umpire ruled Samson out, but the batsman refused to leave the field. He engaged in a lengthy discussion with the officials before eventually departing. The decision sparked a fierce debate on social media, with many questioning whether Samson was actually out.

A new video released by official broadcasters Star Sports has shed light on the incident. The footage shows that Hope’s leg did not touch the boundary cushion, indicating that Samson was indeed out. IPL-winning coach Tom Moody explained that the “boundary cushion” remained stationary during the catch.

However, former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has expressed a dissenting opinion. In a separate video, Sidhu claimed that Hope had touched the boundary rope. He argued that the side-on angle clearly showed the ball touching the boundary twice.

The controversy has highlighted the challenges of using technology in cricket. While the third umpire’s decision was based on the available replays, some experts believe that the technology may have made a mistake.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of the on-field umpires. Some argue that the umpires should have intervened and overruled the third umpire’s decision. Others maintain that the third umpire has the final say and that the on-field umpires should not interfere.

The controversy is likely to continue for some time, as fans and experts debate the merits of the decision. It serves as a reminder that even in the age of technology, human error and interpretation can still play a significant role in cricket.

MS Dhoni's Heartwarming Gesture and Injury Revelation

MS Dhoni’s Heartwarming Gesture and Injury Revelation

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, continues to captivate fans with his exceptional skills and humble demeanor. In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon has been battling age and injuries, yet he continues to entertain the crowd with his brilliant batting cameos.

Recently, Dhoni’s immense popularity was evident when he made a fan’s day by signing his hand-made portrait. In a heartwarming video that went viral on social media, a fan approached Dhoni with two portraits of the CSK legend. The intricate details and artistry of the paintings left Dhoni impressed, and he applauded the fan’s talent. As a token of appreciation, Dhoni signed both portraits, leaving the fan overjoyed.

On the field, Dhoni has surprised many by batting at the No. 9 spot in CSK’s match against the Punjab Kings. This decision raised eyebrows among fans and experts, with some questioning Dhoni’s place in the team if he was unwilling to bat higher in the order.

However, it has now been revealed that Dhoni’s delayed arrival at the crease is due to an injury. According to a report by the Times of India, Dhoni is carrying a muscle tear in his leg, which restricts his running ability. As a result, the veteran cricketer prefers to come out to bat later in the innings to avoid excessive running between the wickets.

“We are virtually playing with our ‘B’ team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni don’t know the sacrifice that he is doing for this team,” a source was quoted as saying in the report.

The report also suggests that if Devon Conway, CSK’s second wicket-keeper batter, was available, Dhoni would have been given a rest from a few matches.

Despite the challenges, Dhoni remains a vital part of the CSK team, providing guidance and support to his younger teammates. His unwavering determination and love for the game continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike.

T20 World Cup to Spark Cricket Awareness in US, Olympics to Drive Growth

T20 World Cup to Spark Cricket Awareness in US, Olympics to Drive Growth

The upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States is poised to ignite a surge in cricket awareness within the country. However, it is the allure of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics that is expected to truly captivate local Americans and propel the sport beyond its current expat-dominated status, according to USA Cricket chairman Venu Pisike.

The United States, co-hosting the event with the West Indies, will make its World Cup debut against Canada on June 1. The team primarily comprises semi-professional cricketers of South Asian heritage, with former New Zealand star Corey Anderson also representing his adopted homeland. Former Indian first-class cricketer Milind Kumar and ex-India U-19 player Harmeet Singh are also part of the squad.

Pisike acknowledges the challenges in popularizing cricket in the US, where it has largely been confined to expat communities. “With the marketing and promotion activities during the World Cup, there is some momentum, and the event will definitely boost opportunities to expand the game,” he said.

However, it is the prospect of cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics that Pisike believes will have a transformative impact. “The Olympics is the prime area where all sports bodies are focusing on. That will actually give more opportunities to expand the sport between the World Cup and the Olympics.”

The World Cup will be played across three venues in the US, with the spotlight on the makeshift stadium in New York, where India and Pakistan will face off on June 9. The stadium, with a capacity of 34,000, is expected to be ready within a week, according to Pisike. “The pitches were recently brought in and dropped into the stadium. We are expecting decent pitches in terms of striking a balance between the bat and ball,” he said.

Post-World Cup, Pisike is seeking the assistance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for training and exposure opportunities for his players. “We have sent our men’s team to Karnataka before they participated in the CWC qualifiers in 2022. There was some alliance with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and Andhra Cricket Association to send our under-19 boys before the World Cup in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Governance issues have plagued cricket in the US in the past, but Pisike assures that the current regime is fully compliant. “The governance will be streamlined with the opportunity to become an Olympic National Governing Body because the US Olympics requires certain guidelines to be followed and certain policies to be adopted,” he said.

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