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

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

By 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

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

By 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

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

By 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

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Impact Player Rule Adds Strategic Depth to IPL, Says Ashwin

Impact Player Rule Adds Strategic Depth to IPL, Says Ashwin

By August 28, 2024 0

The Impact Player rule, introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023, has sparked controversy among players and experts. While some, like Rohit Sharma, believe it hinders the development of all-rounders, others, like R Ashwin, argue that it adds strategic depth to the game.

Ashwin believes the rule encourages innovation and makes the game fairer. He cites the example of Shahbaz Ahmed, who became a match-winner for Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024 after being brought in as an Impact Player.

“It gives a little more value for strategy,” Ashwin said. “The other side of that argument is it doesn’t encourage all-rounders. But no one is stopping them.”

Ashwin argues that the rule has not prevented all-rounders from emerging. He points to Venkatesh Iyer, who has impressed for Lancashire in England.

“There’s an opportunity for innovation and it makes the game fairer,” Ashwin said.

He also believes the rule has helped players move up the ranks, including Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube, and Dhruv Jurel.

“If not for the Impact Player rule, he may have never gotten the chance,” Ashwin said of Jurel.

However, Ashwin opposes the reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) rule, which allows teams to retain players they have released.

“If a franchise has released a player because they don’t see him in their top four or five, then what gives them the right to jump in during an auction,” Ashwin argued.

He suggests that players should have the option to decide if they want to be RTMed and that a pre-determined price should be set by the player.

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BBL and WBBL Release Draft Nominations for 2023 Season

BBL and WBBL Release Draft Nominations for 2023 Season

By August 28, 2024 0

The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have released their respective lists of nominations for the upcoming draft, scheduled for September 1. The BBL list features 432 players, while the WBBL list includes 161 players.

BBL Nominations:

The Adelaide Strikers have retained Adam Hose, Jamie Overton, and David Payne. The Brisbane Heat have retained Paul Walter and Tom Banton. The Hobart Hurricanes have retained Corey Anderson and Sam Hain. The Melbourne Renegades have retained Joe Clarke, Jordan Cox, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The Melbourne Stars have retained Dan Lawrence, Imad Wasim, Liam Dawson, Olly Stone, Usama Mir, and Haris Rauf. The Perth Scorchers have retained Zak Crawley, Stephen Eskinazi, Laurie Evans, and Tymal Mills. The Sydney Sixers have retained Izharulhuq Naveed, Rehan Ahmed, and James Vince. The Sydney Thunder have retained Alex Hales, Zaman Khan, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

WBBL Nominations:

The Adelaide Strikers have retained Georgia Adams and Laura Wolvaardt. The Brisbane Heat have retained Bess Heath. The Hobart Hurricanes have retained Shabnim Ismail and Bryony Smit. The Melbourne Renegades have retained Eve Jones and Harmanpreet Kaur. The Melbourne Stars have retained Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley. The Perth Scorchers have retained Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Danni Wyatt. The Sydney Sixers have retained Suzie Bates, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Kerr, Chloe Tryon, and Linsey Smith. The Sydney Thunder have retained Heather Knight.

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Kohli to Face Mixed Reception in Australia, Says Lawson

Kohli to Face Mixed Reception in Australia, Says Lawson

By August 28, 2024 0

Former Australian cricketer Geoff Lawson predicts a mixed reception for India’s Virat Kohli from Australian crowds during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Lawson believes Kohli’s fierce competitive nature could paint him as a “faux villain,” contrasting with the more amiable Jasprit Bumrah.

Lawson told Mid-day, “Virat Kohli will play the faux villain to Jasprit Bumrah’s likeable nature.” He added, “Bumrah, with the fast bowler’s privilege of spending half a life at fine leg, has the perfect chance to interact with the crowd, winning smiles and hearts. Meanwhile, Kohli will lurk in the infield, appealing vociferously, fielding magnificently, and engaging verbally with any Australian player so inclined to conversation — and there will be one or two of those.”

Lawson commented on the complicated relationship Australian fans have with Kohli, noting they appreciate strong competition yet may react to his on-field demeanor. “They may give him some grief if he plays the antagonist, but you can guarantee that if he makes 50s and 100s, he will be loudly applauded by the fans. He has shown a liking for Australian conditions ever since his first tour 13 years ago. Bounce and pace suited his two-footed game, but the question in 2024 is whether he still has the razor sharpness to best Australia’s attack on their home surfaces. I wouldn’t count him out.”

Despite Australia’s overall superior record in Test cricket against India, recent years have seen the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remain intensely competitive. India have held onto the trophy through three successive series wins, including two victories on Australian soil. Nevertheless, Lawson believes it is time for the trophy to return to Australia.

“Pat Cummins may smile a lot, but his competitiveness is ingrained and powerful,” Lawson noted. “Some Australian players have been quoted as having unfinished business. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been loaned to the BCCI for a decade; it’s time to get it back on the trophy shelves in Jolimont [Cricket Australia’s headquarters in Victoria]. Australia may hold the World Test Championship, but without a home series win against India, the crown sits unsteadily.”

Lawson, who represented Australia in 46 Tests and 79 ODIs between 1980 and 1989, emphasized the significance of reclaiming the trophy to reinforce Australia’s dominance in Test cricket, particularly on home soil.

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Shakib Al Hasan to Continue Playing for Bangladesh Despite Legal Involvement

Shakib Al Hasan to Continue Playing for Bangladesh Despite Legal Involvement

By August 28, 2024 0

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran all-rounder, will continue to play and represent Bangladesh until proven guilty. This decision comes despite Shakib’s involvement in a First Information Report (FIR) related to a murder case amid recent unrest.

Initially, BCB officials had suggested that a decision regarding Shakib’s future participation would be made after the opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. However, the situation escalated legally when Shajib Mahmood Alam, a lawyer from the Supreme Court, on behalf of Advocate Md Rafinur Rahman, sent a legal notice to the BCB.

The notice demanded Shakib’s immediate removal from cricket, stating that according to the rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a player named in a legal case should not remain part of the national team. It also called for Shakib to aid in the investigation and urged the BCB to inform the ICC about the situation.

BCB president Faruque Ahmed confirmed Shakib’s continuation in an interview with Bengali daily Prothom Alo. He stated, “He [Shakib] will continue playing. We received a legal notice regarding bringing him back, and we replied to them saying this.”

Ahmed explained that since the FIR is in its initial stages and no guilt has been proven, Shakib will remain with the team. He added, “The Bangladesh team will go to India after the Pakistan series, and we want him in that series as well. He is our contracted player, and if necessary, we will provide him with legal assistance.”

Despite his legal situation, Shakib is set to meet his international and domestic commitments. He won’t return to Bangladesh with the team after the Test series against Pakistan as he is scheduled to play a four-day match for Surrey in England. The BCB has granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from September 5 to 14 to participate in the County game against Somerset.

A BCB official confirmed Shakib’s participation to Cricbuzz, saying, “He [Shakib] has not played red-ball cricket for a while, and that is why we have given him an NOC to play for Surrey, as it will help him adjust to red-ball cricket more than anything else.” The match between Surrey and Somerset is scheduled from September 9 to 12.

Following his stint in county cricket, Shakib is set to rejoin the national squad in India, where Bangladesh is scheduled to play two Tests and three T20Is starting September 19.

As legal proceedings continue, the BCB’s stance underscores a commitment to due process while remaining focused on upcoming international fixtures.

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Zaheer Khan Set to Join Lucknow Super Giants as Mentor

Zaheer Khan Set to Join Lucknow Super Giants as Mentor

By August 28, 2024 0

Zaheer Khan, the former Indian fast bowler, is poised to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise as their mentor, succeeding Gautam Gambhir, who departed after the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Gambhir has since assumed the role of mentor at Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024 and has recently been appointed head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team.

Zaheer’s potential appointment as LSG’s mentor raises questions about whether he will also assume the role of bowling coach, a position vacated by Morne Morkel, who joined Gambhir’s coaching staff with the Indian team. From 2018 to 2022, Zaheer held various positions with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise, including director of cricket and head of global development.

Prior to his administrative roles, Zaheer enjoyed a successful playing career in the IPL, representing three different teams: MI, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils. Over ten seasons, he amassed 102 wickets in 100 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.58. His last IPL appearance came in 2017 while leading the Daredevils, before he retired from all forms of cricket.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, LSG intends to grant Zaheer a broader role beyond mentorship, involving him in scouting and player development programs during the off-season. The franchise’s coaching setup is currently led by Justin Langer, who replaced Andy Flower as head coach ahead of IPL 2024. Lance Klusener and Adam Voges serve as his assistants.

After securing playoff berths in their first two seasons, LSG narrowly missed out on a top-four finish in 2024 due to net run rate. Zaheer’s potential return to the IPL coincides with teams preparing for a mega auction, with the IPL expected to announce retention rules by early September.

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Pakistan Cricket in Crisis After Humiliating Defeat to Bangladesh

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis After Humiliating Defeat to Bangladesh

By August 28, 2024 0

Pakistan’s cricket team has come under intense scrutiny after suffering a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series. This marks Pakistan’s first-ever loss to Bangladesh in the longest format of the game.

The defeat has reignited concerns about the team’s performance, which has been plagued by poor decision-making and questionable team selection. Pakistan has undergone significant changes since their disappointing performances in the ODI and T20 World Cups, but these changes have yet to yield positive results.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen expressed shock at Pakistan’s dismal display, questioning the current state of cricket in the country. He praised the high standard of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but wondered what had gone wrong since then.

Ahmad Shehzad, a former Pakistan star who was overlooked for the Test series, also criticized the team’s performance, calling it an “all-time low.” He blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the team’s struggles, accusing them of favoring established players over domestic talent.

Shehzad questioned the PCB’s decision-making, arguing that they have failed to develop a strong domestic system that can produce players capable of replacing the current underperforming squad. He believes that the PCB’s short-term decisions have contributed to the team’s decline.

Pakistan’s batting, bowling, and fielding have all been criticized for their poor performance in the first Test. The team’s inability to adapt to the conditions and execute their plans effectively has raised concerns about their preparation and tactical awareness.

The defeat to Bangladesh has dealt a major blow to Pakistan’s confidence and has put the team under immense pressure. They will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back in the second Test if they want to avoid a series defeat and further damage to their reputation.

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Rinku Singh Reveals Rohit Sharma's Encouraging Words After T20 World Cup Snub

Rinku Singh Reveals Rohit Sharma’s Encouraging Words After T20 World Cup Snub

By August 28, 2024 0

Despite his impressive performances for Team India, Rinku Singh was surprisingly omitted from the nation’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. However, the young batsman has revealed the encouraging words he received from captain Rohit Sharma after the setback.

“He (Rohit Sharma) came to me and said that it is okay, I’m still young, and there are many more tournaments to come. There is a World Cup every two years, so I shouldn’t be disappointed by this but focus on my game instead,” Rinku said in an interview.

Despite winning the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rinku was left out as India opted for four spin options. However, he was included as a traveling reserve.

Immediately after the tournament, Rinku was included in India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe, where he played in every game as a middle-order batter. He then starred in the T20I series in Sri Lanka, impressing with the ball by picking up two wickets in the penultimate over of the final T20I to turn the game in India’s favor.

Presently, Rinku boasts an average of nearly 60 and a strike rate of 174 in 17 T20I innings for India. Remarkably, he has remained not out in 10 of those innings.

Rinku also acknowledged Virat Kohli’s style of leadership. “I like Virat Kohli as well because aggression is very important while leading a team. So, his captaincy was also very good,” he said.

Rinku had recently expressed his desire to play for Kohli’s franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) if he is not retained by KKR.

Currently, Rinku is playing in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League (UP T20), where he is captaining Meerut Mavericks. He has not been included in any of the four squads for the Duleep Trophy to be held in September.

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