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Zaheer Khan in Talks for Lucknow Super Giants Mentorship Role

Zaheer Khan in Talks for Lucknow Super Giants Mentorship Role

By August 22, 2024 0

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan is reportedly in talks with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise to assume the role of mentor ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 45-year-old, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2017, has a wealth of experience in the IPL, having played 100 games for three different franchises.

As a player, Zaheer was known for his incisive swing bowling and ability to extract bounce from the pitch. He claimed 102 wickets in the IPL at an impressive economy rate of 7.59. After retiring, he joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise as head of global development and later served as director of cricket from 2018-2022.

LSG, which is owned by the RPSG Group, is keen on bringing in a top former India player with extensive T20 experience to strengthen their coaching setup. The franchise has already parted ways with former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who led them to the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023.

Apart from the mentorship role, LSG is also considering giving Zaheer a wider profile that would involve involvement in scouting and player-development programs during the off-season. The franchise believes that Zaheer’s expertise and connections in the cricketing world would be invaluable in identifying and nurturing young talent.

Zaheer is not the only former India player being considered for a mentorship role in the IPL. Punjab Kings are reportedly looking to hire an Indian head coach, with VVS Laxman being a potential candidate. However, Laxman’s current role as head of the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy makes it unlikely that he will be available for the position.

The IPL is one of the most popular and lucrative cricket leagues in the world, attracting top players from around the globe. The upcoming season is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the mega auction. Zaheer’s potential appointment as mentor of LSG would be a significant boost for the franchise, which is aiming to make a deep run in the tournament.

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Sussex Battle to Competitive Total in Promotion Clash with Yorkshire

Sussex Battle to Competitive Total in Promotion Clash with Yorkshire

By August 22, 2024 0

Sussex and Yorkshire engaged in a captivating opening day of their Vitality County Championship promotion battle at Scarborough, with Sussex battling to a competitive 187 for nine despite Yorkshire’s early dominance.

Sussex, the Division Two leaders, faced challenging conditions and a determined Yorkshire side. Matthew Revis’s seam bowling proved effective, claiming three wickets as Sussex struggled to 14 for 2. However, left-handers Daniel Hughes and Tom Alsop steadied the innings with half-centuries.

Hughes, who has impressed since joining Sussex, drove the first ball of the match for four and contributed 53 before falling to Ben Coad. Alsop, dropped on nine, showed resilience and determination, top-scoring with an unbeaten 84 off 184 balls.

Despite the loss of Hughes, Alsop and captain John Simpson shared a 40-run partnership. However, Yorkshire continued to apply pressure, with George Hill dismissing Simpson and Fynn Hudson-Prentice edging Revis to first slip.

Alsop reached his half-century off 142 balls, but Sussex’s hopes of a larger total were dented by Revis’s continued success. Jack Carson, Jaydev Unadkat, and Ollie Robinson all fell to his bowling, leaving Sussex at 172 for 9.

Alsop remained defiant, hitting two boundaries off Dan Moriarty before running out of partners. Yorkshire’s Jonny Bairstow, making his first county appearance of the season, kept wicket tidily.

The day’s play was shortened by rain and bad light, but Sussex’s total could prove to be competitive on a pitch showing signs of uneven bounce. Both sides will be eager to resume the battle on day two, with promotion to Division One the ultimate goal.

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Durham Dominate Day One with McKinney's Maiden Century

Durham Dominate Day One with McKinney’s Maiden Century

By August 22, 2024 0

Durham’s batting prowess was on full display on day one of their Vitality County Championship clash with Nottinghamshire, as Ben McKinney and Alex Lees powered the hosts to a commanding 393 for 5.

McKinney, making his second County Championship appearance, showcased his exceptional talent with a maiden first-class century. The 19-year-old left-hander dominated the Notts bowling attack, smashing boundaries with ease and laying a solid foundation for Durham.

Lees, the experienced opener, provided stability and anchored the innings, reaching his third century of the season. The pair put on an impressive 189-run opening partnership, the highest for Durham this season.

Nottinghamshire fought back with three wickets, but Lees combined with Ashton Turner for a 122-run partnership to keep the hosts in control. Turner, making his first-class debut for Durham, played a crucial role in accumulating runs and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

McKinney’s innings was a testament to his aggressive approach and shot-making ability. He reached his fifty with a cover drive and brought up his century with a beautiful cover drive. However, his knock ended on 121 when he chipped a delivery to midwicket.

Lees, on the other hand, played a more patient innings, reaching his century from 223 balls with just seven boundaries. His innings was a display of resilience and determination.

Despite Notts’ efforts, Durham remained in a dominant position at the close of play. Turner remained unbeaten on 62, while Graham Clark contributed 7. The visitors face an uphill battle to contain Durham’s batting lineup and prevent them from posting a mammoth total.

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Surrey Dominate Lancashire on Day One, Flintoff Debuts

Surrey Dominate Lancashire on Day One, Flintoff Debuts

By August 22, 2024 0

Surrey asserted their dominance on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Lancashire at the Kia Oval, restricting the visitors to 204 before reaching 83 without loss in reply.

Lancashire’s batting lineup struggled against Surrey’s potent seam attack, with no batsman reaching the half-century mark. Matty Hurst top-scored with a gritty 46, while George Balderson and Josh Bohannon contributed 33 and 26 respectively.

The highlight of the day was the debut of 16-year-old Rocky Flintoff, son of former England captain Andrew Flintoff. The young all-rounder showed glimpses of his potential, scoring a creditable 32 before being caught at backward point.

Surrey’s bowlers were in fine form, with Jordan Clark leading the way with four wickets for 57 runs. Dan Worrall claimed three wickets, while Conor McKerr and Sam Curran each took two.

In reply, Surrey openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley put on an unbeaten 83-run partnership. Burns looked particularly impressive, hitting successive boundaries off George Balderson’s medium pace.

The match was halted early due to bad light, but Surrey will be confident of extending their lead on day two.

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Jayasuriya’s “Ball of the Century” Moment at Old Trafford

By August 22, 2024 0

On the hallowed turf of Old Trafford, where Shane Warne’s “Ball of the Century” became etched in cricketing history, Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya conjured a delivery of similar brilliance to dismiss England’s Harry Brook on the second day of the first Test.

Brook, who had reached a half-century and appeared poised for a substantial score, fell victim to Jayasuriya’s guile shortly after tea. The left-arm spinner delivered a ball that landed on a perfect length, tempting Brook forward. The delivery then spun sharply, deceiving Brook’s defensive prod and clipping the top of off stump.

The dismissal, reminiscent of Warne’s magical delivery to Mike Gatting at the same ground three decades prior, shifted the momentum back to Sri Lanka. Brook, who had been a thorn in the visitors’ side with his fluent strokeplay, departed for 56, leaving England at 187-5, still trailing Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 236 by 49 runs.

The significance of the wicket, taken on the same ground where Warne etched his name into cricketing folklore, was not lost on those present. Just as Warne’s delivery had left Gatting bewildered, Jayasuriya’s left Brook equally stunned, highlighting the enduring magic of leg-spin bowling.

Jayasuriya’s delivery, while inevitably drawing comparisons to Warne’s “Ball of the Century,” stands on its own merit. The combination of flight, turn, and bounce showcased the spinner’s skill and game awareness. The dismissal also served as a reminder of the crucial role spinners can play in Test cricket, particularly on surfaces that offer assistance.

With England seemingly in control and Brook looking comfortable at the crease, the wicket provided Sri Lanka with a much-needed breakthrough. It remains to be seen whether this moment of brilliance will prove decisive in the context of the match, but it undoubtedly added another chapter to the rich history of spin bowling at Old Trafford.

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ICC Seeks New Female Independent Director, Prepares for Chairman Change

ICC Seeks New Female Independent Director, Prepares for Chairman Change

By August 22, 2024 0

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively seeking a new female independent director to fill the vacancy left by PepsiCo executive Indra Nooyi, whose six-year tenure recently concluded. The global cricket governing body is also preparing for a change in leadership, as incumbent chairman Greg Barclay has declined to seek a third term.

Nooyi, who became the ICC’s first female independent director in 2018, has completed her full term. The ICC’s influential board has reportedly begun the search for a high-profile replacement, similar to Nooyi, who is highly respected in the corporate world.

According to the ICC statute, “The Board of Directors shall elect one individual who must be a female and who must meet the Director Eligibility Criteria to ensure that equality, diversity and inclusivity interests in the sport of cricket are appropriately represented from time to time, and such individual so elected shall be a Director (the ‘Independent Director’).”

A source close to the ICC board clarified that the criteria for the appointment are flexible, allowing for the selection of any distinguished woman from the corporate or sports sectors. “It could be anyone who has contributed in sports, business, or in general. Just for example, it could be Meg Lanning, Charlotte Edwards or someone powerful from the business community. Basically anyone who is eligible and a person of eminence with a contribution to sport,” the source explained.

The Independent Director will be elected for an initial two-year term by the Board of Directors from a list of at least three recommendations provided by the Nominations Committee. She will also have voting rights during the chairman’s election.

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KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit's Coaching Style Sparks Controversy

KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit’s Coaching Style Sparks Controversy

By August 22, 2024 0

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have experienced a remarkable resurgence under the guidance of coach Chandrakant Pandit, culminating in their third IPL title in 2024. However, former KKR player David Wiese has raised concerns about Pandit’s coaching style, alleging that it created a tense atmosphere within the team.

Wiese, in an interview with the ‘Hitman for Hire’ podcast, claimed that “guys weren’t happy with certain things that were going on” under Pandit’s leadership. He described the changing room as “tough” and suggested that Pandit’s strict disciplinary approach did not sit well with some players.

In contrast, England opener Philip Salt, who played for KKR in IPL 2024, has praised Pandit’s coaching abilities. Salt emphasized that Pandit “reads a room very well” and knows how to motivate and discipline players effectively. He also revealed that he has a “great relationship” with the coach.

Despite the contrasting views on Pandit’s coaching style, KKR’s success under his leadership cannot be denied. The team has won the IPL title twice in the past three seasons, and Salt played a crucial role in their 2024 triumph.

However, Salt expressed disappointment at being recalled by England before the IPL playoffs. He felt that he had unfinished business with KKR and wanted to contribute to their title victory. Despite his absence, KKR went on to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

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County Cricket Schedule Remains Unchanged Despite Player Concerns

County Cricket Schedule Remains Unchanged Despite Player Concerns

By August 22, 2024 0

Despite concerns raised by players about the demanding schedule, the volume of men’s county cricket in England will remain largely unchanged in 2025. A survey conducted by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) revealed that over 80% of players expressed concerns about their physical well-being due to the packed schedule.

However, the only modifications for the upcoming season will be minor adjustments. Each county will continue to play a minimum of 14 County Championship matches, eight Metro Bank Cup matches, and 14 Vitality T20 Blast matches.

The PCA continues to advocate for gradual changes, such as spreading out T20 fixtures throughout the week to reduce tight turnarounds and implementing uniform three-day gaps between Championship matches.

“There’s definitely room for improvement in 2025 compared to 2024,” said Daryl Mitchell, the PCA’s interim chief executive. “The schedule can definitely be managed better.”

The main point of contention for the 2025 schedule revolves around the T20 Blast and the timing of the knockout stages. In 2023, the knockout stages were held immediately after the group stages in July, allowing counties to retain their overseas players. This year, they will be held in September, giving clubs more time to sell tickets for home quarter-finals.

Kent’s T20 captain Sam Billings criticized this year’s Blast schedule as “ridiculous,” arguing that holding the final two months after the group stages “just does not make sense.” However, it is understood that T20 Finals Day is likely to remain in September next year, potentially overlapping with England’s white-ball series against South Africa.

“Everyone’s in agreement that the schedule isn’t perfect, is it?” Mitchell said. “The ECB and the counties – particularly the directors of cricket that I’ve spoken to – are on board with what we’ve said. I don’t think players in general would actually want a significant reduction in cricket, maybe just a few days here and there… we’re looking for small, incremental change.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently announced the international fixtures for the 2025 summer, including incoming men’s tours from Zimbabwe, India, West Indies, and South Africa, as well as women’s tours from West Indies and India. The Hundred will be played in August, starting immediately after the fifth Test against India and running until the end of the month.

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Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant Share Heartwarming Moment in Delhi Premier League Opener

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant Share Heartwarming Moment in Delhi Premier League Opener

By August 22, 2024 0

Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant Share Heartwarming Moment in Delhi Premier League Opener

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, out-of-favour India batter Shikhar Dhawan and his national and state teammate Rishabh Pant shared a warm hug during the Delhi Premier League 2024 opener at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. Dhawan, the co-owner of South Delhi Superstars, and Pant, the captain of the Purani Dilli 6 team, were playing against each other in the opening game of the tournament.

On the sidelines of the match, Dhawan was giving an interview to the host broadcaster when Pant, after getting dismissed for a 35 off 32, walked past him. Dhawan stopped his interview mid-way and shared a warm hug with the wicketkeeper-batter. The picture of the two players embracing has gone viral on social media, showcasing the strong bond between them despite their current cricketing situations.

In the match itself, remarkable fifties from skipper Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya led the South Delhi Superstarz to a three-wicket victory over Purani Dilli 6. Arpit Rana’s 59 off 41 and Vansh Bedi’s 47 off 19 helped Purani Dilli 6 put up a competitive 197/3 in 20 overs, but South Delhi Superstarz chased down the target in 19.1 overs.

South Delhi Superstarz began their run chase aggressively, smashing 73 runs in the Powerplay thanks to the free-flowing strokes from opener Priyansh Arya and Sarthak Ray. Arya reached his fifty off 27 balls, while Badoni struck four consecutive sixes in the 12th over to take the team’s total to 140/1. However, Purani Dilli 6 fought back, claiming four wickets in quick succession to shift the momentum.

Badoni (57 off 29) and Tejasvi (0 off 1) were dismissed in the 15th over, Kunwar Bidhuri (5 off 7) in the 17th over, and Sumit Mathur (9 off 10) fell in the 18th over, leaving South Delhi needing 13 runs off the last two overs. Vision Panchal and Digvesh Rathi then displayed resilience, chasing down the target with five balls to spare.

Earlier, Purani Dilli 6 were invited to bat first and faced an early setback when Manjeet (13 off 8) was dismissed in the third over. Arpit Rana and Rishabh Pant then took control of the innings, guiding Purani Dilli 6 to 58/1 by the end of the powerplay. Rana reached his fifty off 37 balls, while Pant played a supporting role. The duo brought up the team’s 100-run mark in the 13th over. However, Rana (59 off 41) was dismissed in the same over, and Pant followed soon after, dismissed by Kunwar Bidhuri in the 15th over after scoring 35 runs off 32 balls.

With Purani Dilli 6 at 129/3 after 15 overs, Vansh Bedi and Lalit Yadav upped the tempo, adding 79 runs in 34 balls. Bedi’s quickfire 47* off 19 balls and Yadav’s 34* off 21 powered Purani Dilli 6 to an impressive total of 197/3 in their allotted 20 overs.

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Luck Plays a Pivotal Role in Major Cricket Matches, Says Rahul Dravid

Luck Plays a Pivotal Role in Major Cricket Matches, Says Rahul Dravid

By August 22, 2024 0

Luck Plays a Pivotal Role in Major Cricket Matches, Says Rahul Dravid

Legendary cricketer and former India head coach Rahul Dravid has emphasized the significant role that luck plays in determining the outcomes of major cricket matches. Reflecting on India’s recent ICC campaigns, Dravid highlighted the team’s defeat in the ODI World Cup final against Australia and their subsequent victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa as examples of how fortune can influence even the most well-prepared teams.

India entered the ODI World Cup final with an unblemished record, having won 10 consecutive matches. However, in the final against Australia, things did not go according to plan, and Australia emerged victorious, leaving Indian fans disappointed. Six months later, Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma had another opportunity for glory in the T20 World Cup final against a formidable South African team. On this occasion, luck favored India.

Speaking at the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards, where Dravid received the Lifetime Achievement Award, he discussed the fine margins that often separate victory from defeat in high-stakes matches. “I’ve had time to reflect on it. I’ve had time to reflect on a lot of things we’ve done. You do realize, sometimes, you have to do a lot of these things, you have to do the process, you have to do everything right. Sometimes at the end of the day, you need a little bit of luck,” Dravid said.

Dravid recounted the intense moments in the T20 World Cup final, where India defended 30 runs from the last 30 balls. He credited the team’s execution and Rohit’s calmness under pressure but also highlighted a pivotal moment when Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch at the boundary dismissed David Miller, changing the course of the game in India’s favor.

“Sometimes, it’s the skill, but you also need someone who can keep their foot within one inch of a line,” Dravid said, referring to Yadav’s game-changing catch.

In contrast, Dravid recalled how Australia’s Travis Head rode his luck to score a match-winning century in the ODI World Cup final, despite India’s bowlers frequently beating his bat. “I remember whatever it was, we beat Travis Head’s bat 15 times — he didn’t touch a single ball. You know, things can go your way sometimes,” Dravid noted, underscoring the unpredictable nature of sports.

As he steps down from his coaching role, Dravid expressed optimism about the future of Indian cricket. He believes that under the leadership of players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, the team will continue to achieve great success on the global stage.

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