BCCI's Expansion of IPL to New Cities Lauded by Former Commissioner

BCCI’s Expansion of IPL to New Cities Lauded by Former Commissioner

The Indian Premier League (IPL), under the stewardship of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has witnessed remarkable growth and success, according to former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. Modi lauded the BCCI’s efforts in expanding the league’s reach to new cities and markets, effectively opening up the tournament to the entire country.

“The IPL has become the world’s best sports league, with a valuation second to none,” Modi said. “The BCCI has done a fantastic job in taking the games to newer cities and markets, bringing the IPL to the entire country.”

Modi emphasized the importance of innovation, particularly from team owners, in areas such as merchandising and ticketing. He suggested the creation of a centralized IPL store and collective efforts by team owners to enhance the fan experience.

“For the BCCI, they should consider a secondary league in tier two or tier three cities,” Modi added. “This would cater to the growing appetite for cricket in these areas and could potentially promote the winner to the IPL for the next season.”

Modi attributed the IPL’s success to its ability to nurture Indian players and inspire them to achieve their aspirations. He highlighted the performances of Anuj Rawat and Harshit Rana, who made significant contributions to their respective teams despite the presence of international stars.

“The tournament is no longer reliant on foreign stars,” Modi said. “It is the Indian core that drives it. The success of the South African League (SA20) and the Caribbean League (CPL) is also due to the involvement of local stars.”

Regarding the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies/US and cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Modi expressed skepticism. He believes that the T20 World Cup in New York will be driven by expats and that cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics would have been more impactful if it had occurred in countries with a strong cricket culture.

RCB's Anuj Rawat Stuns with One-Handed Catch to Dismiss Sam Curran

RCB’s Anuj Rawat Stuns with One-Handed Catch to Dismiss Sam Curran

RCB’s Anuj Rawat Stuns with One-Handed Catch to Dismiss Sam Curran

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) young wicket-keeper Anuj Rawat showcased his exceptional fielding skills during the IPL match against Punjab Kings in Bengaluru on Monday. In a moment of brilliance, Rawat grabbed a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss dangerous all-rounder Sam Curran.

The incident occurred during the penultimate delivery of the 18th over. Pacer Yash Dayal’s well-directed bouncer caught Curran off guard, forcing him to attempt a hook shot. However, Rawat’s agility and quick reflexes proved too much for Curran.

With a graceful leap, Rawat extended his right hand backwards in the air, plucking the ball out of thin air. The catch was a testament to Rawat’s exceptional hand-eye coordination and athleticism.

Curran, who was looking to accelerate the innings, had scored 23 runs off 17 balls, including three boundaries. Rawat’s dismissal proved crucial in restricting Punjab Kings’ late surge.

In addition to his stunning catch, Rawat also contributed with the bat, scoring a brisk 25-ball 48 in the tournament opener against the Chennai Super Kings. His versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman has made him a valuable asset for RCB.

“The communication has been very clear to me, as in batting down the order. As someone keeping wickets, you have to bat in the middle-order a lot,” Rawat said in a pre-match presser.

The Delhi cricketer, who has kept wickets for RCB in the last couple of matches, expressed his growing confidence in the role.

“Last season also, I kept wickets in a few games, and it gave me more confidence, and as this season goes on, I am looking forward to contributing more as a wicketkeeper batsman,” Rawat added.

Rawat’s impressive performance against Punjab Kings highlights his potential as a rising star in the IPL. His ability to combine exceptional fielding with solid batting skills makes him a valuable asset for RCB and a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Faf du Plessis: The Leg-Spinning Captain of RCB

Faf du Plessis: The Leg-Spinning Captain of RCB

Faf du Plessis: The Unexpected Leg-Spin Wizard

Ahead of their first home match of the IPL season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players were stumped by a trivia question: who was the first current RCB player to take two consecutive 5-wicket hauls in T20s?

To everyone’s surprise, the answer was none other than their captain, Faf du Plessis. Back in 2011 and 2012, du Plessis achieved this feat in the South African domestic circuit with his leg-spin skills.

His second five-wicket haul was particularly impressive, as it included wickets of Quinton de Kock, Neil McKenzie, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, and Thami Tsolekile, all of whom represented South Africa.

Du Plessis’ bowling prowess extends beyond T20s. He has also picked up 2 ODI wickets and has a respectable bowling record across first-class, List A, and T20 cricket. In T20s, he has claimed 50 wickets at an average of 18.34 and an economy rate of 6.96.

Despite his bowling abilities, du Plessis has opted to focus on his batting in recent years. However, his teammates were quick to express their surprise and admiration for his leg-spin skills.

“Who bowls leg-spin? Faf? What!” exclaimed Virat Kohli. “Faf, I never expected you to do that!” added Dinesh Karthik.

As RCB prepares to take on Punjab in their first home game of the season, it remains to be seen whether du Plessis will showcase his bowling talents once again.

Virat Kohli Breaks Record for Most Catches by Indian Fielder in T20 Cricket

Virat Kohli Breaks Record for Most Catches by Indian Fielder in T20 Cricket

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, has etched his name in the record books once again, this time as the Indian fielder with the most catches in T20 cricket. During the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings, Kohli surpassed Suresh Raina’s previous record of 172 catches.

Kohli’s remarkable catch at covers to dismiss Jonny Bairstow marked his 173rd catch in T20s, solidifying his position as the most prolific Indian fielder in the format. The former India and RCB skipper has consistently showcased his exceptional fielding abilities, often making spectacular catches look routine.

Kohli’s achievement is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field. His agility, anticipation, and quick reflexes have made him a formidable presence in the outfield.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma follows Kohli on the list with 167 catches, while Manish Pandey (146) and Suryakumar Yadav (136) round out the top five.

In the same match, Kohli also became the first Indian batter to complete 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. The milestone came during RCB’s opening match of the season against Chennai Super Kings. Kohli has amassed these runs in 377 T20 matches and 360 innings, including 8 centuries and 91 fifties.

Kohli’s recent achievements underscore his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, both with the bat and in the field, makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

IPL Stars Celebrate Holi Amidst Rigorous Schedule

IPL Stars Celebrate Holi Amidst Rigorous Schedule

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, love, and friendship, painted the Indian Premier League (IPL) in its hues as cricket stars celebrated the occasion amidst their rigorous schedule. Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, kicked off the festivities before their upcoming match against SunRisers Hyderabad.

The festival brought together cricketers from diverse backgrounds, transcending nationalities and communities. Mumbai Indians’ players, including Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Ritika Sajdeh, immersed themselves in the revelry.

Delhi Capitals’ star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, back on the field after a life-threatening accident, enjoyed the festival with his teammates. Australian opener David Warner and head coach Ricky Ponting also joined in the celebrations.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper Shreyas Iyer found himself drenched in water and color within seconds of meeting his teammates. Mentor Gautam Gambhir and players Suyash Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Chetan Sakariya were among those who participated in the festivities.

Rajasthan Royals’ spinner Yuzvendra Chahal celebrated with teammates Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Steve Smith and Stuart Broad, former rivals in the Ashes series, shared the joy of Holi as part of the IPL’s broadcasting team.

The festival of colors not only brought joy to the cricketers but also symbolized the inclusivity and unity that the IPL represents. As the tournament progresses, the spirit of Holi will continue to inspire the players and fans alike, creating a vibrant and unforgettable spectacle.

Sri Lanka Soar in WTC Rankings After Crushing Bangladesh in Sylhet

Sri Lanka Soar in WTC Rankings After Crushing Bangladesh in Sylhet

Sri Lanka’s emphatic 328-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has propelled them up the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. This triumph marks their eighth away Test win over Bangladesh, maintaining their undefeated record in the format against the hosts.

Prior to this match, Sri Lanka languished at the bottom of the WTC standings with zero points, while Bangladesh occupied the fourth spot with 12 points and a points percentage of 50. However, Sri Lanka’s resounding victory has earned them 12 points in three games, boosting their points percentage to 33.33. This surge has lifted them above South Africa (25%) and England (17.50%), tying them with Bangladesh in sixth place.

The first Test result has triggered a reshuffle in the WTC table. The West Indies have ascended to fifth place with the same points percentage as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but a superior points tally (16). Pakistan, with a points percentage of 36.66, has moved up to fourth place with 22 points.

On Day 4 of the match, Mominul Haque displayed remarkable resilience against Sri Lanka’s formidable bowling attack. His steadfast batting kept the Sri Lankan bowlers at bay and helped Bangladesh navigate the first session. However, wickets continued to fall at the other end, limiting Bangladesh to a score of 182 and sealing a 328-run defeat in the first Test.

Sri Lanka’s victory has not only bolstered their WTC standing but also instilled confidence within the team. They will be eager to maintain their momentum in the second and final Test of the series, which commences on May 23rd at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Sri Lanka's Pace Trio Captures All 20 Wickets in Historic Test Victory

Sri Lanka’s Pace Trio Captures All 20 Wickets in Historic Test Victory

Sri Lanka’s pace trio of Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha etched their names in history by capturing all 20 wickets in the first Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. This feat, last achieved by Sri Lanka in 1986, was made possible by the green tinge of the pitch, which provided ample pace and bounce.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to field three pacers proved to be a masterstroke, as they exploited the conditions to the fullest. The visitors completed a comprehensive 328-run victory with a day and a half to spare, giving the pace trio much-needed rest ahead of the second Test in Chattogram.

De Silva praised his bowlers for their exceptional use of the new ball and their ability to maintain their shape despite the pitch slowing down. He emphasized the importance of pace bowlers in extracting wickets, especially when the conditions favor them.

The Test also marked a memorable milestone for De Silva himself, who became the first Sri Lankan captain to score twin hundreds in a Test. He and newcomer Kamindu Mendis formed crucial partnerships in both innings, showcasing their patience and skill.

De Silva expressed his satisfaction with Mendis’s performance, highlighting his determination and suitability for the No. 7 role. He also acknowledged the support he receives from experienced leaders in the team, which helps him navigate the challenges of captaincy.

Despite Sri Lanka’s impressive victory, De Silva remains focused on the present and is not preoccupied with the World Test Championship points table. He believes in taking one match at a time and addressing areas for improvement, such as the top-order batting, before the next Test.

Shubman Gill's Winning Debut as Gujarat Titans Captain

Shubman Gill’s Winning Debut as Gujarat Titans Captain

Shubman Gill’s maiden victory as Gujarat Titans skipper marked a momentous occasion for the young cricketer. In their opening match of IPL 2024, the Titans emerged victorious over Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya. Gill’s appointment as GT captain followed Pandya’s departure to MI, making his first win against his former team even more significant.

Gill’s leadership was lauded by fans and experts alike. After the match, he shared an emotional moment with his father and sister at the team hotel, a video of which has gone viral on social media.

Mumbai Indians’ inexplicable batting strategy at the death proved costly, allowing Gill to make a successful debut as captain. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance with the ball, restricting Gujarat Titans to 168/6, batters like Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya failed to capitalize on his efforts.

MI’s inability to chase down the target of 169 runs with seven wickets in hand and just 43 runs required in the last five overs highlighted their batting woes. The team’s opening game jinx continued, as their last IPL opener win came against Chennai Super Kings in 2012.

Spinners Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore kept the Mumbai batters in check, while veteran Mohit Sharma’s variations proved decisive. Spencer Johnson and Umesh Yadav’s brilliant bowling in the 19th and 20th overs sealed the victory for Gujarat Titans.

Hardik Pandya’s decision to bat at No. 7 raised eyebrows, as he could only manage a six and four in the final over. The Titans’ victory was a testament to Gill’s leadership and the team’s collective effort, while Mumbai Indians will need to address their batting concerns to improve their chances in the tournament.

Ishan Kishan's Conversation with BCCI Secretary Sparks Comeback Hopes

Ishan Kishan’s Conversation with BCCI Secretary Sparks Comeback Hopes

Ishan Kishan, the talented wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, has found himself in a precarious position after being excluded from the BCCI’s central contract list. However, a recent conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah has sparked hope for a potential comeback.

Kishan’s exclusion from the contract list was a result of his reluctance to play first-class cricket. Despite repeated attempts by the Indian team management to involve him, he did not participate in any Ranji Trophy games this season. Instead, he opted to practice with his Mumbai Indians skipper, Hardik Pandya, in preparation for the IPL.

This decision ultimately cost him his contract, but Shah’s gesture of engaging in conversation with Kishan and national captain Rohit Sharma could be a sign of a potential thaw. While the contents of the discussion remain unknown, the fact that Shah, an influential figure in Indian cricket, is showing interest in Kishan is a positive development.

Kishan’s chances of a comeback in the T20 World Cup have dwindled in recent months, with Rishabh Pant back in contention and KL Rahul also expressing his desire to keep wickets. However, the IPL provides him with a massive opportunity to make a case for himself with consistent performances.

The presence of national captain Rohit during Shah’s conversation with Kishan is significant. It suggests that Kishan’s performance will be the primary factor in determining his future with the Indian team, despite his past attitude issues.

Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has also expressed confidence in Kishan, stating that he is an “experienced” player within the setup and expects big things from him. With the selectors traveling to select IPL games to check on World Cup hopefuls, Kishan has a golden opportunity to prove his worth.

IPL 2024 Schedule Unveiled: Chennai to Host Grand Finale on May 26

IPL 2024 Schedule Unveiled: Chennai to Host Grand Finale on May 26

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the remaining schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, with the tournament set to culminate in a grand finale in Chennai on May 26.

All 74 matches of the tournament will be played in India, with the crucial stages taking place in Ahmedabad and Chennai. The Lok Sabha elections, scheduled from April 19 to June 1, have influenced the scheduling to avoid any clashes.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host Qualifier 1 on May 21 and the Eliminator on May 22. The iconic Chepauk in Chennai will then stage Qualifier 2 on May 24 and the much-anticipated final on May 26.

The IPL governing council has maintained the tradition of holding the opening game and final at the home venue of the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings. Earlier, the BCCI had announced the schedule for only the first 21 matches of the 17th edition of the IPL, which commenced on March 22.

The IPL 2024 promises to be an exciting spectacle, with all the top players from around the world set to participate. The tournament has become a global phenomenon, attracting a massive fan base and generating significant revenue for the BCCI.

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