India's Champions Trophy Participation Hinges on Government Approval

India’s Champions Trophy Participation Hinges on Government Approval

The Indian cricket team’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, remains uncertain pending approval from the Indian government. The decision hinges on the prevailing diplomatic and security situation between the two nations.

Since 2008, tensions between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted cricketing relations. Bilateral series have been suspended since 2012-13, with ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup serving as the primary platforms for their encounters.

Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has clarified that the Indian team’s participation in the Champions Trophy is contingent upon government approval. “We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission,” he said.

Pakistan’s hosting of the Asia Cup last year saw a hybrid strategy, with India’s matches played in Sri Lanka due to logistical and security challenges. However, Pakistan did not consider a similar approach for the ODI World Cup hosted by India in 2023, instead participating in the tournament across various venues.

Pakistan, the defending Champions Trophy champions, has designated Lahore as the sole venue for India’s matches in the upcoming tournament. This decision aims to minimize logistical and security concerns related to their travel.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with discussions among participating members expected to focus on India’s participation.

The decision on India’s participation will be subject to careful consideration and consultation with relevant authorities, given the history of strained relations and security concerns between the two countries.

India Dominates Bangladesh in Fourth Women's T20, Leads Series 4-0

India Dominates Bangladesh in Fourth Women’s T20, Leads Series 4-0

India continued its dominance over Bangladesh in the fourth women’s T20 match in Sylhet on May 6, securing a 56-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method. The match was shortened to 14 overs per side due to persistent rain and hail.

Harmanpreet Kaur (38) and Richa Ghosh (24) shared a crucial 44-run partnership to help India post a competitive 122 for six. Bangladesh, chasing 125 in 14 overs, struggled to keep up with the required run rate.

Opener Dilara Akter (21) provided some resistance, but the rest of the batters failed to reach double digits. India’s bowlers, led by Asha Sobhana (2/18), Deepti Sharma (2/22), Radha Yadav (1/15), and Pooja Vastrakar (1/16), restricted Bangladesh to 68 for seven.

India now leads the five-match series 4-0. The victory was particularly significant for Kaur, who played her 300th international game. She and Ghosh played key roles in boosting India’s total after a rain break.

Bangladesh’s batters, on the other hand, were unable to cope with the pressure of chasing a revised target. The Indian bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making it difficult for the hosts to score boundaries.

India’s victory extends their impressive record against Bangladesh in women’s T20 cricket. The team has now won 10 consecutive matches against their neighbors.

David Warner Expresses Love for India, Considers Buying a House

David Warner Expresses Love for India, Considers Buying a House

David Warner, the renowned Australian opener, has expressed his deep affection for India, a country that has showered him with immense love and admiration. Warner, who won the IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, has always been a fan favorite in India.

In a recent interview with Ashwin, Warner revealed that he has been overwhelmed by the love he has received in India. He said, “I get a lot of people asking me if I want a house here. One day, maybe when I finish my cricket, I would like to come here and spend some time.”

Warner’s popularity in India is such that he is often joked about owning a place in the country. However, he clarified that he does not currently have a house in India but has considered it in the past.

Warner also spoke about his controversial exit from Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team he led to the IPL title in 2016. He said that he was hurt by the way he was treated by the franchise, especially the fact that he was blocked on social media.

“It did (hurt) because it was a sense of hurt for fans. The fans are the most important relationship you could have,” Warner said. “Not sure why I was blocked. But, I did engage with a lot of fans on the social media side for SRH.”

Despite the acrimonious end to his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Warner remains grateful for the love and support he has received from Indian fans. He said, “I still got fans who come onto my page and talk to everyone. So it’s great.”

Warner’s love for India is evident in his frequent interactions with fans on social media and his willingness to embrace the country’s culture. He said, “I go to the malls with my girls and I embrace everything.”

Warner’s popularity in India is a testament to his charisma and his genuine love for the country. He is a true ambassador for the sport of cricket and a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.

Middlesex and Leicestershire Draw Rain-Hit Vitality County Championship Clash

Middlesex and Leicestershire Draw Rain-Hit Vitality County Championship Clash

Middlesex and Leicestershire’s Vitality County Championship encounter ended in a tame draw due to persistent rain on the final day. The hosts, Middlesex, held a 101-run lead with two wickets remaining heading into the fourth day. However, the inclement weather that had marred the opening day returned with a vengeance, drenching the outfield and preventing any play.

Umpires Paul Baldwin and Robert White patiently waited for the ground to recover, calling an early tea at 3:10 pm after an inspection at 2:35 pm. However, further downpours forced them to abandon the match at 3:25 pm.

Middlesex earned 15 points from the draw, while Leicestershire collected 12. Both teams now have 68 points, six behind leaders Sussex. However, Middlesex holds the advantage in the standings due to a superior win-loss record.

The draw was a disappointing end to a match that had promised much. Middlesex had posted a formidable 407 for 8 declared, thanks to centuries from Sam Robson (162) and Pieter du Plooy (131). Leicestershire responded with 306, with Peter Handscomb scoring a valiant 109.

Middlesex’s bowlers, led by Ethan Bamber’s 4-68, had put the hosts in a strong position heading into the final day. However, the weather intervened, denying them the opportunity to secure a victory.

Mumbai Indians Eliminated from IPL Playoffs Race After Loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mumbai Indians Eliminated from IPL Playoffs Race After Loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mumbai Indians, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, faced a do-or-die match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 6 in Mumbai. The match was crucial for Mumbai, as a loss would have eliminated them from the playoffs race.

Mumbai won the toss and elected to field first. They handed a debut to 23-year-old all-rounder Anshul Kamboj, who replaced pacer Gerald Coetzee. Sunrisers, on the other hand, brought back Mayank Agarwal as their number three batter.

Mumbai’s bowling attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah and Nuwan Thushara, who picked up two wickets each. However, Sunrisers’ batters put up a strong performance, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 43 runs and Heinrich Klaasen contributing 35 runs. Sunrisers eventually posted a competitive total of 193/6 in their 20 overs.

In response, Mumbai’s batting lineup struggled to get going. Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a duck, while Rohit Sharma and Naman Dhir managed only 16 and 14 runs, respectively. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma provided some resistance with scores of 36 and 28, but it wasn’t enough to chase down the target.

Mumbai’s hopes were pinned on Tim David, who had been in excellent form throughout the tournament. However, he was dismissed for just 13 runs, leaving Mumbai in a precarious position. Hardik Pandya and Anshul Kamboj tried to salvage the innings, but they were unable to prevent Mumbai from falling to a 36-run defeat.

The loss was a major setback for Mumbai, who are now in danger of missing out on the playoffs. Sunrisers, on the other hand, kept their playoff hopes alive with the victory.

Shreyas Iyer Groomed for Future India Captaincy, Says Former BCCI Chief Selector

Shreyas Iyer Groomed for Future India Captaincy, Says Former BCCI Chief Selector

Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has revealed that Shreyas Iyer was being groomed to become a future Indian cricket team skipper. Prasad, who served as the BCCI chief selector between 2016 and 2020, said that Iyer caught their eye while captaining the India A side.

“If you go back to the stats, in the last two years, when we were at the helm, Shreyas Iyer led the side (India A). I think out of the 10 series that India A played, we won 8. In the majority of those series, Shreyas led the side. He has been in and around as captain. He has been groomed for that particular slot,” Prasad said.

Prasad also said that Iyer was considered to be a top contender for India captaincy after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. “We felt that post Virat, post Rohit Sharma, you needed someone to lead the side that’s when we started thinking about Shreyas Iyer or Rishabh Pant. But even ahead of Pant, was Iyer as a captain,” he added.

Iyer has been impressive as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Prasad believes that Iyer is maturing into a very good leader. “He is slowly maturing into a very good leader. It’s very important at the start of your captaincy career to have good team management. That’s what he’s getting from KKR. He is young, and they are going to invest in him. In the next two or three years, we will see Shreyas evolve into a wonderful captain,” Prasad said.

Iyer has not been included in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. However, Prasad believes that Iyer is still a future captaincy prospect for India. “He is a very good player. He has got all the shots. He is a very good fielder. He is a very good runner between the wickets. He is a complete package. He is a future captain of India,” Prasad said.

Kuldeep Yadav Urges Bowlers to Embrace Courage and Strength in IPL 2024

Kuldeep Yadav Urges Bowlers to Embrace Courage and Strength in IPL 2024

IPL 2024: Kuldeep Yadav Emphasizes Courage and Strength for Bowlers Amidst Big Hitting

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed a surge in high-scoring matches and record team totals, largely attributed to the impact player rule. However, Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm spinner for Delhi Capitals, believes that bowlers must remain courageous and rely on their strengths to counter the relentless batting onslaught.

“Every team is aiming to attack in the powerplay and accumulate as many runs as possible,” Yadav stated. “The middle overs provide some respite due to the open field, but batters are taking more risks in the powerplay. Teams no longer target 45-50 runs in that phase.”

Yadav emphasizes the importance of bowlers sticking to their strengths rather than attempting to outsmart batters. “Bowlers should understand their capabilities and back them,” he said. “Jasprit Bumrah is an excellent example. He dominates batters mentally by bowling to his strengths.”

Despite the challenges, Yadav has impressed with 12 wickets in eight innings and an economy rate of 8.45. He showcased his resilience in Delhi Capitals’ match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, conceding 55 runs but claiming four wickets.

“Confidence is crucial,” Yadav explained. “It allows bowlers to attack even in the powerplay. I’m ready for any challenge and always seek wickets. My self-belief has grown, and I trust my abilities.”

Yadav has primarily been utilized in the middle phase, where he has been most effective. However, he is also eager to contribute with the bat, having scored an unbeaten 35 against Kolkata Knight Riders.

“Rohit Sharma has encouraged me to improve my batting,” Yadav said. “I worked on it during the Test series against England, and he was impressed. He has guided me in the nets, which has significantly enhanced my batting.”

With the T20 World Cup approaching, Yadav is expected to play a vital role for India. His ability to bowl economically and contribute with the bat makes him a valuable asset for the team.

Babar Azam Confident of Pakistan's T20 World Cup Chances, Addresses Squad Selection

Babar Azam Confident of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Chances, Addresses Squad Selection

Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, recently addressed the media ahead of the team’s departure for Ireland and the UK, their final preparatory stop before the T20 World Cup. As usual, Babar faced questions about Pakistan’s chances, squad selection, and top-order concerns.

Regarding Pakistan’s trophy aspirations, Babar reiterated his belief in his team’s ability to bring home the title. He emphasized that their aim has always been to win the World Cup, and they remain confident in their chances.

One of the key talking points was the inclusion of Haris Rauf and the absence of Mohammad Haris. Babar praised Rauf’s fitness and determination, expressing confidence that he will make a strong comeback. However, he acknowledged that Mohammad Haris has not received the opportunities he may have expected after the last T20 World Cup.

Babar explained that the top order already includes Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and himself. While Haris belongs in the top order, he has not been able to execute his plans effectively in recent times. The team has opted for the best possible combination, which does not currently include Haris.

Another controversial selection was the recall of Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I in 2022. Babar clarified that Hasan is primarily there as backup and is not guaranteed a spot in the World Cup squad. His experience was a factor in his selection.

Babar also addressed questions about his own place in the top order. While acknowledging the potential of dynamic players like Saim Ayub, he defended his own track record, highlighting Pakistan’s consistent high scores in the Powerplay.

The captain emphasized that team goals will take precedence over individual preferences. He is in constant communication with the newly appointed white-ball coach, Gary Kirsten, who is working towards the same objective.

Babar concluded by expressing his hope that the team will continue to inspire the nation. He acknowledged the responsibility they carry and promised to give their best at the World Cup.

Kent Triumph Over Lancashire in Vitality County Championship

Kent Triumph Over Lancashire in Vitality County Championship

Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond guided his team to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Lancashire in the Vitality County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford. The Kent skipper’s unbeaten 79 steered his side to their target of 164, securing their first win on the ground since 1997.

Lancashire’s bowlers, led by Nathan Lyon and Tom Hartley, posed a significant challenge to Kent’s batters. However, the Kent top order remained resilient, keeping the scoreboard ticking over despite the difficult batting conditions. Lyon eventually dismissed Ben Compton for 29 and Jack Leaning for 16, but these wickets failed to derail Kent’s momentum.

Bell-Drummond’s partnership with Compton had laid the foundation for Kent’s victory, and he continued to anchor the innings with aplomb. Joe Denly struck the winning four to finish on 19 not out, completing Kent’s first win of the season.

Lyon finished with figures of 2 for 48 from 22 overs, while Hartley bowled 13 wicketless overs for 42 runs. The victory lifts Kent to sixth in the First Division table, while Lancashire remain winless and bottom of the pile.

Scotland's T20 World Cup Squad Reshuffled: Jones and Wheal Return, Davey Misses Out

Scotland’s T20 World Cup Squad Reshuffled: Jones and Wheal Return, Davey Misses Out

Scotland’s Men’s T20 World Cup squad has undergone a significant reshuffle, with the return of experienced duo Michael Jones and Brad Wheal. However, the absence of Somerset seamer Josh Davey has raised eyebrows.

Jones and Wheal, representing Durham and Hampshire respectively, were initially omitted from Scotland’s squad for the T20 Tri-Series against Netherlands and Ireland. However, they have now been cleared by their counties to participate in the World Cup campaign. Sussex 2nd XI wicketkeeper Charlie Tear has also been added to the squad, replacing seam bowler Gavin Main.

Davey’s exclusion is a notable setback for Scotland. The Somerset seamer has been a key figure in the team’s recent T20 World Cup campaigns, including the 2021 tournament where he claimed nine wickets at an impressive average of 13.66.

Sources indicate that neither Davey nor his Somerset teammate Andy Umeed, who is uncapped at T20I level, were made available for World Cup selection. Davey’s absence is particularly disappointing given his wealth of experience and consistent performances for Somerset.

Scotland head coach Doug Watson acknowledged the difficulty in selecting the final squad. “It was a really difficult selection meeting and it’s never easy getting it down to a squad of 15,” Watson said. “It was ultimately about getting the balance of the squad just right and we feel we’ve done that here.”

Watson expressed excitement about the squad’s potential. “It’s good that we’ve got some of our county players available, and we are really excited with the 15 we’ve chosen, so now we can look forward to what lies ahead.”

Scotland will face a challenging group stage in the World Cup, with matches against England, Namibia, Oman, and Australia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight phase, followed by the knockout semi-finals and final.

“To have Michael Jones and Brad Wheal available, their experience from previous T20 World Cups is crucial for the group,” Watson said. “The bulk of the squad have been together for a while now and did a fantastic job last summer at both the 50-over Qualifier and the T20 Qualifier. It’s nice to have a bit of continuity along the way, although they haven’t played a lot of cricket since.”

Watson is optimistic about Scotland’s chances in the tournament. “Hopefully, we can see the same level from these players, if not higher, when we get to the Caribbean,” he said. “I’m very excited about what lies ahead and I think the players are too, the closer we get to it. For us as a nation, it’s a real opportunity to shine on the global stage. That first game against England, it’ll be quite a day – but we won’t look too far ahead.”

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