PCB Concerned Over Ihsanullah's Recovery, Questions Commitment

PCB Concerned Over Ihsanullah’s Recovery, Questions Commitment

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing concerns over the prolonged recovery of young fast bowler Ihsanullah from an elbow injury that has sidelined him for over a year. The 21-year-old’s recent behavior has raised questions about his commitment to his rehabilitation program.

According to a reliable PCB source, senior officials are frustrated with Ihsanullah’s actions, particularly his contradiction of a statement made by his father. Ihsanullah’s father had visited Lahore to request that his son continue his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) rather than in his hometown of Swat. He also informed the media that Ihsanullah preferred to continue his rehab at the NCA.

However, the next day, Ihsanullah tweeted that he was comfortable with continuing his rehabilitation in Swat and did not see the need to travel to Lahore. This directly contradicted his father’s statement.

“The board officials are worried with the sincerity and hard work Ihsan is putting into his rehab program which was designed for him by experts after he was sent to the UK for an appointment with a specialist,” the source said.

The PCB had appointed an independent medical panel to review Ihsanullah’s diagnosis and treatment. The panel recommended that he continue his rehab in Swat under the supervision of an assigned trainer.

However, with fitness tests approaching before the Champions Cup domestic event, there are growing concerns about whether Ihsanullah is taking his rehab process seriously.

Ihsanullah emerged as a promising talent for Pakistan during last year’s Pakistan Super League. He was quickly integrated into the national white-ball squad for T20 and ODI matches before suffering his elbow injury.

The handling of Ihsanullah’s injury also led to the resignation of the PCB’s head of the medical panel, Dr. Sohail Saleem.

Barinder Sran Announces Retirement from International and Domestic Cricket

Barinder Sran Announces Retirement from International and Domestic Cricket

Barinder Sran, the left-arm fast bowler who represented India in six ODIs and two T20Is, has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket at the age of 31.

Sran’s international career was brief but memorable. He made his ODI debut in January 2016 against Australia in Perth, taking 3 for 56. He also played in the white-ball tour of Zimbabwe in June 2016, where he made his T20I debut and took 4 for 10 in the second game in Harare.

Sran’s journey to international cricket was a remarkable one. He started out as a boxer at the Bhiwani Boxing Club in Haryana before switching to cricket after seeing a Kings XI Punjab advertisement calling youngsters to take part in a trial.

Despite not getting an IPL contract initially, Sran’s talent was evident. He was picked up by Rajasthan Royals at the 2015 IPL auction and made his ODI debut for India a year later with only eight List A matches under his belt.

Sran’s retirement marks the end of a promising career. He was a talented bowler who represented India with distinction. He will be remembered for his brief but impactful international career and his journey from village cricket to the highest level.

TNCA XI Dominate Mumbai, Secure Semifinal Berth in Buchi Babu Tournament

TNCA XI Dominate Mumbai, Secure Semifinal Berth in Buchi Babu Tournament

TNCA XI tightened their grip on the Buchi Babu tournament, piling on the misery for Mumbai in the third round match at the Sri Ramakrishna College Cricket Ground. After dismissing Mumbai for a paltry 156 in the first innings, TNCA XI piled up a mammoth 286 in their second essay, leaving Mumbai with an improbable target of 510.

Mumbai’s batting woes continued in their second innings, as they stumbled to six for no loss at stumps on day three. The home team is now on the cusp of a semifinal berth, having virtually sealed three points from this match.

TNCA XI’s dominance began with their bowlers, led by Sai Kishore’s five-wicket haul. Mumbai captain Sarfaraz Khan, who missed the second day due to illness, returned to bat at No. 10 but was dismissed by Kishore along with Divyansh Saxena (70).

Undeterred, TNCA XI opted to bat again and established a solid opening partnership of 142 runs between S.R. Athish (57) and S. Lokeshwar (73). Despite a spirited fightback from Mumbai’s tweakers Shams Mulani (four for 73) and Tanush Kotian (five for 91), the damage had already been done in the first innings.

Suryakumar Yadav, who had bowled the final over before lunch, did not field in the later part of the innings after suffering a blow to his hand while fielding in the slips.

Mumbai’s hopes now rest on a miracle, as they need a win to secure a place in the next stage. The scores at the end of day three stand as follows:

TNCA XI 379 & 286 in 79.2 overs (Athish 57, Lokeshwar 73, Mokit 52, Mulani 4/73, Kotian 5/91) vs Mumbai 156 in 63.2 overs (Divyansh 70, Sai Kishore 5/36) & 6/0 in two overs.

Sai Kishore Sharpens Red-Ball Skills for India-B Opportunity

Sai Kishore Sharpens Red-Ball Skills for India-B Opportunity

R. Sai Kishore, the left-arm spinner from Tamil Nadu, is determined to enhance his red-ball skills to seize opportunities that come his way. His impressive performances in the previous Ranji Trophy (53 wickets) and the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament (14 wickets so far) are a testament to his dedication and talent.

Sai Kishore believes that being prepared will increase his chances of selection. “If I am ready for something, the opportunity will come my way. In terms of confidence, I think that I am ready. I consider myself a tool, the tool is doing its best to be ready. If there is an opportunity somewhere, they could call me,” he said after the third day’s play against Mumbai in the Buchi Babu tournament.

The Tamil Nadu player will have a significant role in the upcoming Duleep Trophy for India-B, as fellow left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja will not be participating. Sai Kishore expressed his satisfaction with his decision to play in the Buchi Babu tournament before the more challenging assignments.

“There was an option to go to the NCA in Bengaluru for a spinners camp. I felt ‘if I cannot handle the pressure in Buchi Babu, how will I handle it in Duleep Trophy’. So I looked at Buchi Babu as a good preparation. No practice is equal to playing a match. Luckily, it has panned out very well,” he said.

Sai Kishore’s determination and hard work are paying off. He is eager to prove his worth and contribute to his team’s success. With his impressive performances and unwavering focus, he is well-positioned to make a mark in the upcoming Duleep Trophy and beyond.

Deandra Dottin Returns to West Indies Squad for T20 World Cup

Deandra Dottin Returns to West Indies Squad for T20 World Cup

Deandra Dottin, the West Indies’ explosive all-rounder, has made a sensational return to the national team after a two-year hiatus. Dottin, who holds the record for the fastest century in women’s T20Is, had abruptly announced her retirement in 2022, citing a challenging environment within the West Indies setup.

However, the 32-year-old has now reversed her decision, with her sights set on the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Dottin’s return is a major boost for the West Indies, who are looking to regain their status as one of the top teams in the world.

Dottin’s decision to retire had come as a shock to many, as she was at the peak of her powers. She had been a key member of the West Indies team that won the T20 World Cup in 2016 and had also played a starring role in the team’s run to the final of the 2018 tournament.

However, Dottin had been vocal about her frustrations with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and had accused the board of not providing adequate support to the women’s team. She had also criticized the WICB for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had led to the cancellation of several women’s tournaments.

Dottin’s return to the West Indies team is a sign that the WICB is taking steps to address the concerns of its female players. The board has recently appointed a new director of women’s cricket, and it is hoped that this will lead to improved communication and support for the women’s team.

Dottin’s return is also a major boost for the West Indies’ chances of success at the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament will be held in the UAE from February 10 to 26, and the West Indies will be looking to make a strong impression.

With Dottin back in the fold, the West Indies will have one of the most dangerous batting lineups in the tournament. Dottin is a powerful hitter who can clear the boundary with ease, and she will be a major threat to opposing bowlers.

The West Indies will also be hoping that Dottin can contribute with the ball. She is a handy off-spinner who can bowl at a good pace, and she will be a valuable asset to the team’s bowling attack.

Dottin’s return is a major boost for the West Indies, and it will be interesting to see how she performs in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Ravi Bopara Ruled Out of T20 Blast Knockout Stages with Finger Injury

Ravi Bopara Ruled Out of T20 Blast Knockout Stages with Finger Injury

Ravi Bopara, a seasoned English cricketer, has been ruled out of the T20 Blast’s knockout stages due to a finger injury sustained while playing in the Cayman Islands. Bopara, known for his prolific run-scoring and all-round abilities, is a significant loss for Northamptonshire, who have reached the quarter-finals for only the second time since their 2016 title triumph.

Bopara, who joined Northamptonshire on a T20-only contract earlier this year, made a significant impact in the group stages. He was the team’s second-highest run-scorer and third-highest wicket-taker, helping them finish second in the North Group and secure a home quarter-final. However, his participation in the knockout stages has been cut short by the unfortunate injury.

According to a club statement, Bopara “ruptured the tendon in a finger on his right hand while attempting a caught-and-bowled” during a match for Miami Lions in the Max60 tournament in the Cayman Islands. He underwent surgery but will require three weeks of recovery time, ruling him out of the crucial quarter-final against Somerset on September 5.

Northamptonshire has also been dealt another blow with the news that 19-year-old seamer Raphy Weatherall has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a lower-back stress fracture. Weatherall had taken 11 wickets in the group stages, showcasing his potential as a promising young fast bowler.

Furthermore, Northamptonshire will be without Sikandar Raza for the quarter-finals and are awaiting confirmation from Cricket South Africa regarding the availability of Matthew Breetzke. However, they have received a boost with the return of Australian allrounder Ashton Agar, who has been cleared to play.

Bopara’s absence is a major setback for Northamptonshire, who will be looking to make a deep run in the T20 Blast. His experience and leadership will be sorely missed, and the team will need to find a way to compensate for his contributions.

Jay Shah to Become Youngest ICC Chairman in December 2024

Jay Shah to Become Youngest ICC Chairman in December 2024

Jay Shah, the 35-year-old secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to become the youngest chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) when he takes over on December 1, 2024. Shah’s election was met with unanimous support from 15 out of 16 ICC Board members.

Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave attributed Shah’s election to his impressive leadership at the BCCI. Grave highlighted Shah’s successful hosting of the Women’s Premier League, the 50-over World Cup in India, and the signing of lucrative broadcast deals.

Former Australia head coach John Buchanan urged the ICC under Shah’s leadership to make long-term decisions for cricket’s future. Buchanan expressed concerns about the proliferation of T20 leagues and emphasized the importance of Test cricket as the foundation of the game.

Buchanan believes the ICC needs to carefully consider the number of leagues it approves to avoid overwhelming players and ensure the relevance of the ODI format as a transition between Tests and T20s. He also acknowledged the financial incentives for players to participate in T20 leagues but stressed the need for a balance to maintain the integrity of the sport.

Buchanan anticipates a transition phase for the Australian Test side after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year, as many players are over 30 years old. He expects changes in the team’s composition to accommodate younger talent.

England Anticipate Empty Stadiums at Women's T20 World Cup

England Anticipate Empty Stadiums at Women’s T20 World Cup

England’s Women’s T20 World Cup preparations have been thrown into disarray by the late venue change from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team is now anticipating empty stadiums and different playing conditions, but they are confident that their upcoming training camp in Abu Dhabi will help them mitigate the impact.

The ICC’s decision to move the tournament from Bangladesh due to civil unrest has forced England to adjust their plans. Captain Heather Knight acknowledges that the lack of crowds will be a significant change, as Bangladesh would have provided a more enthusiastic atmosphere. However, she emphasizes that the team’s focus should be on the World Cup itself, which should provide enough motivation.

England will play their first three matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which has a capacity of 16,000, and their final group match at the Dubai International Stadium, which can accommodate 25,000 spectators. However, neither venue has a history of attracting large crowds for women’s cricket matches.

Knight acknowledges that the lack of crowd support could affect some players, but she believes that the team needs to prepare for all possibilities. She also highlights the importance of safety and security, which were key factors in the ICC’s decision to relocate the tournament.

Despite the venue change, England’s head coach, Jon Lewis, supports the ICC’s decision. He believes that the conditions in the UAE will not be drastically different from those in Bangladesh, and that the team’s spin-heavy strategy will still be effective.

To prepare for the tournament, England will arrive in Abu Dhabi on September 13 for a three-week training camp. Lewis emphasizes the importance of this camp, as it will allow the team to practice on wickets similar to those they will encounter in the World Cup.

England’s squad remains unchanged despite the venue change. Lewis believes that the team has enough seam bowling options, despite concerns that they may be one seamer short. He also highlights the effectiveness of spin bowling in women’s cricket, which will be a key factor in the UAE.

Lauren Filer, who impressed in the Hundred, was the only player to miss out on selection. However, she will travel to Abu Dhabi for the training camp. Knight praised Filer’s performances but acknowledged that Linsey Smith’s versatility as a left-arm spinner gave her the edge.

ICC T20 World Cup Faces Criticism from Broadcast Partner

ICC T20 World Cup Faces Criticism from Broadcast Partner

The ICC’s recent men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies has faced criticism from its broadcast partner, Disney-Star, raising concerns about the event’s value and the overall return on investment.

Disney-Star has expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of matches, particularly those that aired during unfavorable hours in the subcontinent, impacting viewership. The broadcaster also raised concerns about the drop-in pitches used at the Nassau County stadium in New York, which produced bowling-friendly surfaces and resulted in low scores.

The first two pitches were deemed “unsatisfactory” by the ICC, while the pitch for the marquee India-Pakistan match was rated “satisfactory” despite Pakistan’s failure to chase down a modest target. The semi-final pitch in Trinidad, where Afghanistan was dismissed for a mere 56, was also rated “unsatisfactory.”

Disney-Star’s dissatisfaction is significant given its long-term partnership with the ICC, holding the rights to every ICC event since 2011. The broadcaster’s concerns have implications for ICC members, who rely heavily on revenue from the rights deal.

Discussions within the ICC to swap the USA-West Indies event with India or England in future years to provide more preparation time for venues were considered but did not progress.

In addition to the pitch issues, the venue in Florida also faced criticism due to inadequate drainage and insufficient covers, leading to match abandonments.

The ICC is currently conducting an audit of the event’s handling after it emerged that the original budget for the US leg exceeded by up to USD 20 million. The dissatisfaction with the event has prompted suggestions to convert the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy to T20Is, although no developments have been made on this proposal.

'Impact Player' Rule Divides IPL Stars: Ashwin, Zaheer Back Retention

‘Impact Player’ Rule Divides IPL Stars: Ashwin, Zaheer Back Retention

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to return for its 16th season, but the fate of the controversial ‘Impact Player’ rule remains uncertain. Despite calls for its removal, several players and experts have expressed their support for its retention.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, believes the rule adds strategic value to the game. “It gives a little more value for strategy,” he said. “The other side of that argument is it doesn’t encourage all-rounders. But no one is stopping them.”

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan, now the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, echoed Ashwin’s sentiments. “I’m all for it,” he said. “It has definitely given opportunities to a lot of uncapped Indian talents.”

Khan emphasized the rule’s positive impact on young players. “That opportunity goes a long way with improving Indian cricket on the whole,” he said. “The time spent in match time, it’s something you cannot beat.”

However, not all players are convinced. Virat Kohli, the former India captain, has criticized the rule for disrupting the game’s balance. Rohit Sharma, the current India skipper, has also expressed his reservations.

The ‘Impact Player’ rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, providing tactical flexibility. However, critics argue that it undermines the role of all-rounders and disrupts the flow of the game.

As the IPL auction approaches, teams will be weighing the pros and cons of the rule. While some may see it as an opportunity to bolster their squads with versatile players, others may prefer to stick with traditional team compositions.

The ultimate decision on the rule’s future lies with the IPL Governing Council. With the tournament set to begin in March, the fate of the ‘Impact Player’ rule will be closely watched by fans and players alike.

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