Cricket Archives

Kohli’s Fake Video Blast on Gill Raises AI Concerns

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, is currently enjoying a well-deserved break from international cricket. Having last played in an ODI series against Sri Lanka, Kohli is now spending quality time with his family. His illustrious career, spanning nearly two decades, has cemented his status as one of the greatest batters of all time.

Kohli’s journey to the pinnacle of cricket began with the 2008 U-19 World Cup. Similarly, another promising young top-order batter, Shubman Gill, embarked on his international journey with the 2018 edition of the U-19 World Cup. Gill has been hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket, and together with Kohli, they form a formidable top order.

However, a recent fake video has surfaced online, causing a stir among cricket fans. The video features Kohli allegedly blasting Gill, claiming that there’s a “big gap between showing promise and becoming a legend.” Kohli also reportedly compares himself to Sachin Tendulkar. The comments in the video appear to be lip-synced, and the video has gone viral, sparking concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI).

Despite the fake video, Kohli remains a respected figure in Indian cricket. He recently moved up two rungs to eighth place in the latest ICC Test rankings, while his captain Rohit Sharma dropped a spot to sixth. Young Yashasvi Jaiswal also made a significant jump, moving up to seventh place.

In the ICC Test rankings, England’s Joe Root remains the top-ranked batter, followed by Harry Brook, who has made a massive jump to fourth place. Pakistan’s Babar Azam has dropped to ninth place, while Mohammad Rizwan has achieved a new career-high rating by moving into the top 10.

Among bowlers, India’s Ravichandran Ashwin continues to hold the top spot, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja maintain their third and seventh positions, respectively. England’s Chris Woakes and Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando have gained ground, while Pakistan’s Naseem Shah and England’s Gus Atkinson have attained career-best ratings.

In the all-rounders’ rankings, Jadeja and Ashwin continue to occupy the top two spots, with Axar Patel ranked sixth.

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Pakistan Recalls Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam for Second Test Against Bangladesh

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Test squad for the second Test against Bangladesh has undergone significant changes, with the recall of Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, and Aamir Jamal. The trio had been released from the squad for the first Test but have now been brought back to bolster the team’s performance.

Abrar Ahmed, a leg-spinner known for his exceptional control and ability to extract turn on subcontinent pitches, is expected to provide Pakistan with additional spin options. He has been in impressive form, contributing in a four-day match for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh ‘A’ at the Islamabad Club from August 20 to 23.

Kamran Ghulam, a middle-order batsman, brings depth and stability to the batting lineup. He has also been in good form, contributing to Pakistan Shaheens’ performance in the four-day match.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s spearhead fast bowler, has also rejoined the squad after being released at the conclusion of the first Test. His return will provide a significant boost to the bowling attack.

Aamir Jamal, an emerging all-rounder with promising potential, has been recalled to the squad, although his participation in the second Test will depend on his fitness clearance. He had been working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) after being released from the squad earlier.

The changes to the squad come after Bangladesh scripted history by registering their first-ever victory over Pakistan in Test cricket through a ten-wicket win in the series opener at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The victory was largely due to the stellar show from spinners Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Pakistan will be hoping to bounce back in the second Test and level the series. The match is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 30 to September 3.

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Sanjay Manjrekar Advocates for Inclusion of Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah in Duleep Trophy

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his opinion that star players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah should have been included in the first round of the Duleep Trophy. The tournament, which marks the beginning of India’s domestic season, will commence on September 5 in Bengaluru and Anantapur.

Manjrekar’s suggestion stems from the fact that these players have had ample rest in recent times. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma has played only 59% of India’s 249 international matches in the last five years, while Virat Kohli has played 61% and Jasprit Bumrah has played only 34%.

“I see them as well-rested India players. Could have been selected for the Duleep trophy,” Manjrekar said on ‘X’.

The BCCI has announced that Ravindra Jadeja has been released from participation in the Duleep Trophy without providing a reason. Additionally, Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik will not feature as they are recovering from recent illness. Navdeep Saini and Gaurav Yadav have been named as replacements.

The Duleep Trophy is crucial in identifying key players for India’s packed Test calendar and their readiness for the World Test Championship final. India’s home season will commence with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai, followed by a second game in Kanpur beginning on September 27. Following this series, India will play three Test matches against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Subsequently, the team will travel to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth.

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Harry Brook Soars to Fourth in ICC Test Batting Rankings

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

England’s Harry Brook has ascended to the fourth position in the ICC Test batting rankings, a testament to his impressive performances in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Brook’s contributions of 56 and 32 at Old Trafford have propelled him up three spots, surpassing the likes of Babar Azam, Steven Smith, and Rohit Sharma.

Joe Root remains the undisputed leader in the Test batting rankings, followed by Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. Babar Azam’s recent struggles have seen him drop six places to ninth, while Mohammad Rizwan’s heroics in Pakistan’s loss to Bangladesh have earned him a seven-spot jump to joint 10th with Usman Khawaja.

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim has achieved a career-high rating after his match-winning 191 against Pakistan, moving up seven spots to 17th. Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya has also made strides, climbing one place to ninth among Test bowlers after his five-wicket haul in Manchester.

In the T20I rankings, West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran has risen three places to ninth among batters following their 3-0 sweep of South Africa. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie have also made significant gains, moving up to second and third spots respectively among bowlers, behind only England’s Adil Rashid.

These rankings reflect the dynamic nature of international cricket, with players constantly vying for supremacy. Brook’s rise and Babar Azam’s decline serve as reminders that form and consistency are crucial factors in determining the best players in the world.

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PCB Appoints Legendary Mentors for Champions Trophy Preparations

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a proactive step towards preparing for the 2025 Champions Trophy by appointing five legendary cricketers as mentors for domestic and international players. This move aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket and identify and nurture future stars.

The Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to commence on September 12, will serve as a platform for domestic players to showcase their skills alongside senior team members. To ensure the tournament’s success, the PCB has enlisted the expertise of Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq as mentors.

These former stalwarts will provide guidance and support to the teams, focusing on strategic planning, team-building, leadership development, and personal growth. Their vast experience and knowledge will be invaluable in shaping the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of these mentors, stating, “They will play a pivotal role in the development and progression of our emerging cricketers. Their expertise will help us identify, develop, and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats.”

The Champions One-Day Cup will be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, marking the return of One-Day cricket to the venue after a two-year hiatus. The tournament will provide a competitive environment for domestic players to impress the selectors and earn a spot in the national team.

The PCB’s decision to appoint these mentors reflects its commitment to improving the quality of domestic cricket and preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy. With their combined experience of over 32,000 runs and 1,500 wickets in international cricket, these mentors will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the development of Pakistani cricket.

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Yash Dhull Returns to Cricket After Heart Surgery

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Yash Dhull, the former captain of India’s U-19 team, is making a cautious return to the field after undergoing heart surgery earlier this year. The 21-year-old cricketer had a congenital heart condition that required surgical intervention, which was promptly addressed after being discovered during a routine check-up at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

During the NCA check-up, the medical team detected a congenital condition – a hole in Dhull’s heart. The NCA’s medical team advised immediate surgery, which Dhull underwent in Delhi. According to a News18 report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ensured he received the best possible care and monitored his recovery closely.

“During the NCA check-up, the team, after consulting with a set of doctors, advised him to undergo surgery for the hole in his heart,” said Pradeep Kochar, Dhull’s childhood coach. “He was attending a camp with the rest of the emerging players a couple of months back in Bengaluru. The surgery went well, and Yash has been on a steady path to recovery.”

Dhull’s father, Vijay, explained that the condition was congenital and the surgery was necessary for his son’s long-term health and cricket career. “It wasn’t anything serious. The hole in the heart was a condition from birth, and the NCA team advised a minor surgical procedure. He underwent that in Delhi, and the BCCI continued to keep a check on him during the period,” said Vijay.

Since receiving a fitness certificate from the NCA, Dhull has been gradually rejoining competitive cricket. He has been playing in the Delhi Premier League (DPL), but his performances have been subdued, reflecting his ongoing recovery process.

“Certain things have happened in the past, and I have returned after a recovery. It’s taking time, but I am positive and will give 100 percent for my game,” Dhull said after a recent DPL match.

Despite the slow start, Dhull’s determination has impressed both his coaches and teammates. “The NCA has given him the certificate of fitness, so there shouldn’t be an issue in any of the formats going forward. Even going forward, there shouldn’t be any problem for him to play the Ranji Trophy and the longer formats,” Kochar asserted, expressing confidence in Dhull’s ability to bounce back fully.

Dhull’s journey back to the cricket field after heart surgery has highlighted his courage and dedication. As he continues to work on his fitness and form, the cricketing fraternity remains hopeful that he will soon return to his best, fulfilling the immense potential he has shown at a young age.

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Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket at 37

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Dawid Malan, England’s former top-ranked T20I batter, has bid farewell to international cricket at the age of 37. Malan, who represented England in 22 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, is one of only two English batters (alongside Jos Buttler) to have scored centuries in all three formats.

Malan’s international breakthrough came on the 2017-18 Ashes tour, where he scored his only Test century, a gritty 140 in partnership with Jonny Bairstow at Perth. However, it was in the T20I format that he truly made his mark.

In September 2020, Malan ascended to the top of the ICC’s T20I batting rankings. The following March, he became the fastest men’s player to reach 1000 runs in the format, achieving the milestone in just 24 innings. He was also a member of England’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in Australia in 2022.

Despite his success in T20Is, Malan’s ODI career took longer to take off. However, he seized his opportunity when it came, scoring five ODI centuries in the space of 15 innings between June 2022 and September 2023. This impressive run of form earned him a place in England’s 2023 World Cup squad.

Reflecting on his career, Malan expressed both pride and regret. He acknowledged that he had “exceeded all expectations” in white-ball formats but admitted that his inability to establish himself consistently in Test cricket was a disappointment.

Malan’s departure from international cricket is likely to open up opportunities for younger players. He is expected to remain in high demand on the T20 franchise circuit, having recently played for Oval Invincibles in the Men’s Hundred and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.

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Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Should Visit Pakistan Before Retirement: Kamran Akmal

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, have a massive fan following worldwide, including in Pakistan despite not playing even a single international match in the country. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal believes that Virat and Rohit, who have already bid adieu to T20Is, should visit Pakistan before retiring from international cricket.

“Virat and Rohit should visit Pakistan before they retire,” Akmal said in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com. “These two are stars of world cricket, traveling across the globe to play the game. Every single fan loves them. They have a massive fan base due to their batting and match-winning performances.”

Akmal believes that the fan following Virat and Rohit will experience in Pakistan will surpass anything they’ve seen elsewhere. “The last series between India and Pakistan took place in 2012-13. Since then, the two teams have only clashed in multination tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events. The absence of regular bilateral series has left fans longing for the resumption of the thrilling India vs Pakistan contests,” Akmal said.

“Virat is a role model for many around the world, Rohit is the World Cup-winning captain, and Bumrah is currently the best pacer in the world. When players like Virat, Rohit and Bumrah visit Pakistan, it will evoke unique feelings in every fan. Virat has been to Pakistan during his under-19 days, but he wasn’t as popular then,” Akmal said.

“If Virat visits Pakistan now, he will truly see his popularity here. He will receive a different kind of support in Pakistan. No cricketer is more popular than Virat in Pakistan; he has a bigger fan-following than any other cricketer in the world. Pakistani fans love Virat, Rohit and Bumrah more than any of their own cricket team players,” the former wicketkeeper said.

Virat and Rohit will be back in action in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The first Test will begin on September 19 in Chennai, followed by the second Test at Green Park in Kanpur from September 27.

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Virat Kohli’s Transformative Test Captaincy: Dominance, Historic Wins, and Inspiring Leadership

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Virat Kohli’s tenure as India’s Test captain marked a transformative era for the team, characterized by dominance, historic victories, and an aggressive leadership style that inspired players.

Kohli, alongside head coach Ravi Shastri, fostered an environment where India’s pace attack flourished, becoming one of the most formidable in the world. Under their guidance, India achieved historic series wins in Australia and drew a series in England, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.

Kohli’s aggressive captaincy left an indelible mark on the players who played under him. Leg-spinner Karn Sharma, who made his Test debut under Kohli, lauded the former skipper’s leadership style.

In his first Test as captain, Kohli’s unwavering determination to win was evident. Despite facing a daunting target of 363 in the fourth innings, Kohli instilled a belief in his team that they could chase it down. “We are going to chase it down,” he declared, injecting positivity into the dressing room.

Although India ultimately fell short by 48 runs, Kohli’s flamboyant 141 off 175 balls demonstrated his unwavering belief in his team’s abilities. “It was a different approach,” said Karn. “His words sent a wonderful indication to the players in the dressing room, that your captain has different plans.”

Kohli’s resilience was also evident in his ability to overcome poor form. Despite enduring a rough patch during India’s tour to England in 2014, he put that behind him to heap runs in Australia.

“He always gave the impression that everything is fine,” said Karn. “Through his preparations, fitness, mental approach, Kohli never appeared too bothered or was fretting over the fact that he had a bad Test series.”

Kohli’s leadership style not only inspired his players but also left a lasting legacy on Indian cricket. His aggressive approach, unwavering determination, and ability to overcome adversity continue to serve as a model for future generations of cricketers.

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BBL and WBBL Drafts Set for September 1: Everything You Need to Know

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

The BBL and WBBL drafts are set to take place on September 1, where the eight clubs in each competition will secure overseas players for the 2024-25 season. The draft process has undergone significant changes this year, with clubs now allowed to pre-sign one overseas player before the draft.

Draft Order and Rounds:

The draft order was determined by a weighted lottery based on last season’s finishing positions. In the WBBL, Hobart Hurricanes have the first pick, while Perth Scorchers have the last. In the BBL, Melbourne Stars will have the first pick, and Sydney Sixers will have the eighth.

The draft consists of four rounds, with each round featuring different player categories:

* Round 1: Platinum players
* Round 2: Platinum and Gold players
* Round 3: Gold and Silver players
* Round 4: Silver and Bronze players

Pre-Signed Players and Retention:

Clubs have already taken advantage of the new pre-signing rule, with all eight clubs securing at least one overseas player before the draft. These pre-signed players will be allocated to a specific round based on the value of their contract.

Each club also has one retention pick, which can be used to retain a player who played for the club the previous season or who was signed last year but did not play.

Player Availability:

The WBBL and BBL seasons have been reduced to 40 games each, which has impacted player availability. The WBBL starts just seven days after the T20 World Cup, and there are various bilateral cricket series scheduled during the competition.

In the BBL, most pre-signed players have committed to a full season, but some players drafted in the draft itself may leave early due to commitments to other T20 leagues.

Player Salaries:

Players are divided into four price bands based on their value:

* WBBL:
* Platinum: $110,000
* Gold: $90,000
* Silver: $65,000
* Bronze: up to $40,000
* BBL:
* Platinum: $360,000-$420,000
* Gold: $300,000
* Silver: $200,000
* Bronze: up to $100,000

Categories: Cricket

Kohli’s Fake Video Blast on Gill Raises AI Concerns

Pakistan Recalls Abrar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam for Second Test Against Bangladesh

Sanjay Manjrekar Advocates for Inclusion of Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah in Duleep Trophy

Harry Brook Soars to Fourth in ICC Test Batting Rankings

PCB Appoints Legendary Mentors for Champions Trophy Preparations

Yash Dhull Returns to Cricket After Heart Surgery

Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket at 37

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Should Visit Pakistan Before Retirement: Kamran Akmal

Virat Kohli’s Transformative Test Captaincy: Dominance, Historic Wins, and Inspiring Leadership

BBL and WBBL Drafts Set for September 1: Everything You Need to Know

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