Kwena Maphaka Earns Proteas Call-Up After Stellar Year

Kwena Maphaka Earns Proteas Call-Up After Stellar Year

Kwena Maphaka, the standout performer at the Under-19 World Cup, has earned a call-up to South Africa’s senior team for their upcoming T20I series against West Indies. The 18-year-old fast bowler, who was named Player of the Tournament, has impressed with his pace and control, taking 21 wickets at an average of 9.71 in the tournament.

Maphaka’s inclusion is a testament to his rapid rise in the cricketing world. He made his provincial debut for Lions just before the World Cup and was subsequently picked by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. His selection for the Proteas is a recognition of his exceptional talent and potential.

South Africa’s squad for the West Indies series also includes Jason Smith, a middle-order batter who was Dolphins’ top-scorer in the CSA T20 Challenge. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, with several regulars absent due to the recent T20 World Cup and upcoming CPL.

Quinton de Kock, who has not confirmed his international retirement, is the most notable absentee. Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, and Tabraiz Shamsi are also missing, while Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen are being rested.

Bjorn Fortuin, who was a reserve player at the T20 World Cup, will take on the main spin-bowling duties. Lungi Ngidi will lead the pace attack, supported by Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams. Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger provide seam-bowling allrounder options.

Rassie van der Dussen has been recalled after missing out on the T20 World Cup, but there is no room for Matthew Breetzke. Aiden Markram will continue to captain the side.

“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players,” said South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter. “It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition.”

The three matches will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium from August 23-27. South Africa will be looking to improve on their performance in their previous T20I series against West Indies in May, which they lost 0-3.

Ben Stokes Signs with MI Cape Town for SA20 2025

Ben Stokes Signs with MI Cape Town for SA20 2025

Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, has signed with MI Cape Town for the upcoming season of the SA20, joining Azmatullah Omarzai as the franchise’s marquee overseas signings. The duo will bolster a squad that includes Rashid Khan, Trent Boult, Nuwan Thushara, and Chris Benjamin, who have been retained from the previous season.

MI Cape Town’s domestic contingent is equally impressive, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, and George Linde. They are joined by Delano Potgieter, Thomas Kaber, and Connor Esterhuizen, who have been added to the roster.

For Boult, this marks his fourth stint with a Mumbai Indians-owned team, having previously played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, MI New York in MLC, and MI Emirates in the ILT20.

The SA20 franchises have been actively targeting top English Test players for the 2025 season, with Joe Root joining Paarl Royals, Ollie Pope signing with Pretoria Capitals, and Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes joining Joburg Super Kings and Durban’s Super Giants, respectively. Zak Crawley has been acquired by Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the two-time SA20 champions.

England’s Test tours to Pakistan and New Zealand in the winter of 2024-25 will conclude before Christmas, making English players available for the full duration of the ILT20 and SA20. The 2025 edition of the SA20 will run from January 9 to February 8.

Stokes’ England contract expires in September, and he has not played a white-ball game for England since the 2023 ODI World Cup. He is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, but is targeting a return for England’s Test tour of Pakistan in October.

If Stokes participates in the SA20, it will be a rare appearance for him in a franchise league. His previous IPL stints were disrupted by injuries, and he opted out of IPL 2024 to manage his workload.

Shan Masood Rejects Naseem Shah's Language Barrier Claims

Shan Masood Rejects Naseem Shah’s Language Barrier Claims

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has refuted claims made by teammate Naseem Shah regarding a language barrier between the team and foreign coaches. Masood emphasized that Pakistan has made significant progress in improving communication, citing the successful tenure of former head coach Mickey Arthur as an example.

Naseem Shah had previously expressed concerns about communication difficulties with foreign coaches, stating that players prefer to interact with coaches in their native language. However, Masood strongly disagrees, highlighting the team’s exposure to different dressing rooms and the presence of foreign support staff.

“I think now there is no communication gap,” Masood asserted. “All of us have spent a lot of time in different dressing rooms. Foreign coaches have come before in Mickey’s time. Mickey has come twice. Different assistant foreign coaches have come.”

Masood pointed out that Pakistan’s backroom staff also includes personnel from overseas, including the strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist. He believes that the players have gained valuable experience through playing in different leagues and franchises, including club cricket in England.

“Over the years, the boys have picked a lot of things, played in different leagues, played franchises. Some people have even gone to England and played club cricket in the past,” Masood added.

Pakistan is set to host Bangladesh for the first of two Test matches on August 21. The team currently sits fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) table for the 2023-25 cycle. Masood’s comments suggest that the team is confident in its ability to communicate effectively with its new head coach, Jason Gillespie, and achieve success in the upcoming series.

Aleem Dar's Heartbreaking Secret: Daughter's Death Concealed During World Cup

Aleem Dar’s Heartbreaking Secret: Daughter’s Death Concealed During World Cup

Pakistan’s most experienced umpire, Aleem Dar, has shared the heartbreaking story of how his family concealed the death of his seven-month-old daughter from him during the early stages of his international career in 2003.

The 56-year-old umpire recounted on a Pakistani television channel that his wife and family chose not to inform him about the tragic loss while he was officiating in the 2003 World Cup. “It was the beginning of my career as an ICC panel umpire, and it was a crucial assignment for my career,” Dar said. “They knew that if I learned about my daughter’s passing, I would immediately return home.”

Dar, who has officiated in 145 Tests, 231 ODIs, and 72 T20 Internationals, said that when he eventually discovered the truth, it was the most devastating moment of his life. “I was kept in the dark for almost a month after her passing, and I only found out by chance in Johannesburg when a Pakistani man from my hometown of Sialkot came to offer his condolences,” he said.

“It was a huge shock to me at that time, and I immediately informed the ICC and returned home,” Dar added. He recalled that when he called his wife, she broke down in tears over the phone.

Dar’s family had strictly instructed the media not to report the news, fearing it would affect his performance on the field. “I came to know later that my father had strictly told the media friends not to print the story,” he said.

Despite the immense personal tragedy, Dar continued to excel in his umpiring career, earning widespread respect for his integrity and professionalism. He is considered one of the most respected umpires in the world and has officiated in some of the most high-profile matches in cricket history.

Pakistan-Bangladesh Test in Karachi to be Played Without Spectators

Pakistan-Bangladesh Test in Karachi to be Played Without Spectators

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled for August 30 to September 3 in Karachi, will be played behind closed doors due to ongoing construction work at the National Stadium. The decision was made as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) stadium renovation project ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is also undergoing similar upgrades in preparation for Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since 1996. The PCB opted to keep the Test in Karachi to distribute its home matches across three venues: Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Multan will host Pakistan’s first Test against England from October 7.

The England Test scheduled in Karachi from October 15 is expected to have spectators in attendance. The PCB has suspended ticket sales for the first Test against Bangladesh with immediate effect, citing the health and safety of fans as its top priority.

“We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we want to assure our valued fans that the ongoing stadium upgrades are aimed at enhancing their experience,” the PCB said in a statement.

The Bangladesh squad arrived in Lahore four days ahead of schedule to begin training after their preparations were disrupted by political unrest in Bangladesh. The team will train at Gaddafi Stadium before traveling to Rawalpindi for the first Test, which begins on August 21.

Bangladesh’s previous bilateral tour of Pakistan in 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming series marks their first full tour of Pakistan since 2003.

Dodda Ganesh Appointed Head Coach of Kenya's Men's Cricket Team

Dodda Ganesh Appointed Head Coach of Kenya’s Men’s Cricket Team

Former Indian all-rounder Dodda Ganesh has been entrusted with the responsibility of reviving the fortunes of Kenyan cricket. The 51-year-old has been appointed as the head coach of Kenya’s men’s cricket team, with the primary objective of guiding them through the Africa Qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Ganesh, who represented India in four Tests and an ODI, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Despite limited success at the international level, he enjoyed a successful first-class career with Karnataka, amassing over 2000 runs and claiming 365 wickets.

Kenya’s cricket team has experienced a decline in recent years, failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup since 2007. Ganesh’s appointment marks a significant step in their efforts to regain their former glory. The team will face Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Denmark, and Jersey in the ICC Division 2 Challenge League in September, followed by the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers in October.

The 2026 T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, providing Kenya with an opportunity to showcase their resurgence on the global stage. Ganesh expressed his excitement about the new role, stating, “Privileged to be named the head coach of the Kenya cricket team.”

Ganesh will be supported by former Kenyan internationals Lameck Onyango and Joseph Angara, who will serve as his deputies. The trio will work together to develop a competitive team capable of challenging for a place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Indian Cricket Team to Rest Jasprit Bumrah for Bangladesh Series

Indian Cricket Team to Rest Jasprit Bumrah for Bangladesh Series

After a well-deserved break following the Sri Lanka series, the Indian cricket team will reconvene next month for a two-Test series against Bangladesh. This extended break is a rarity for Indian cricketers, providing much-needed respite after a grueling schedule.

However, according to reports, India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for the Bangladesh series. The decision stems from the team’s hectic upcoming schedule and the spin-friendly conditions expected in Bangladesh. With Mohammed Shami likely to make a comeback, the BCCI selectors may opt to give Bumrah additional rest.

Bumrah has a history of injury-related breaks, including a stress fracture surgery in March 2023. To ensure his fitness for the upcoming tour of Australia, the selectors may prioritize his recovery.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has shifted one of the opening matches of the Duleep Trophy from Anantapur to Bengaluru to accommodate top players who are likely to feature in the Bangladesh series. Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may be exempted from the tournament, while others like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and KL Rahul are expected to participate partially or fully.

The Duleep Trophy, scheduled to begin on September 5, will provide an opportunity for players to prepare for the Bangladesh series. The two Tests will be played in Chennai (September 19) and Kanpur (September 27).

Katie Mack's Century Leads Australia A to Four-Wicket Victory Over India A

Katie Mack’s Century Leads Australia A to Four-Wicket Victory Over India A

Australia A emerged victorious in the first one-day match against India A in Mackay, securing a four-wicket triumph thanks to a superb century from Katie Mack.

Mack’s masterful 129 off 106 deliveries anchored Australia A’s chase, guiding them to a comfortable victory despite a late flurry of wickets. She forged crucial partnerships with Maddy Darke (50), Charli Knott (65), and Tahlia McGrath (56), who continued her impressive form from the T20 series.

India A, batting first, faced early setbacks as Nicola Hancock dismissed Shweta Sehrawat and Priya Punia cheaply. Raghvi Bist played a pivotal role in rebuilding the innings, anchoring three consecutive partnerships of 55, 52, and 68. However, Grace Parsons’ sharp leg-break removed Tejal Hasabnis for 53, and Maitlan Brown’s late heroics, including three wickets in the final over, restricted India A to 249 for 9.

Mack’s century, coupled with McGrath’s half-century, ensured Australia A never faced significant pressure during their chase. They reached the target with five balls to spare, despite losing wickets in quick succession towards the end.

The victory extends Australia A’s dominance over India A, having swept the T20 series 3-0. The two teams will face off in two more one-day matches in Mackay before a four-day match on the Gold Coast next week.

Sachin Tendulkar's Maiden International Century: A Legacy Unmatched

Sachin Tendulkar’s Maiden International Century: A Legacy Unmatched

Sachin Tendulkar’s Maiden International Century: A Defining Moment in Cricket History

On August 14, 1990, at the iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, a young Sachin Tendulkar etched his name into the annals of cricket history by scoring his maiden international century. This remarkable achievement marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would redefine the sport.

At just 17 years of age, Tendulkar faced a daunting task. India, trailing in the second Test against England, needed to bat out the final day to avoid defeat. With the pressure mounting, Tendulkar stepped up to the plate and delivered an unforgettable performance.

His unbeaten 119 was a testament to his composure, technique, and maturity beyond his years. Tendulkar’s innings was a masterclass in batting, showcasing his ability to play shots all around the wicket with ease. He dominated the English bowlers, hitting 16 fours and 2 sixes.

This century was not just a personal milestone for Tendulkar but also a turning point for Indian cricket. It signaled the arrival of a generational talent who would go on to become one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

Tendulkar’s maiden century was the first of his 51 Test centuries, a record that remains unmatched. He also holds the record for the most runs in international cricket, with over 34,000 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Beyond his statistical achievements, Tendulkar’s impact on cricket is immeasurable. He is celebrated for his humility, sportsmanship, and the inspiration he provided to countless cricketers around the world. His technique, consistency, and adaptability made him a role model for aspiring cricketers.

Tendulkar’s retirement from international cricket in 2013 marked the end of an era. However, his legacy continues to inspire and motivate cricketers and fans alike. His maiden international century remains a defining moment in cricket history, a testament to the brilliance and determination of one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.

Franchise Cricket: The Future of Women's Cricket, Says Jhulan Goswami

Franchise Cricket: The Future of Women’s Cricket, Says Jhulan Goswami

The rise of franchise cricket has sparked a debate in women’s cricket, with former India fast bowler Jhulan Goswami advocating for its prioritization over bilateral series. Goswami, who has been involved in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and Women’s CPL, believes that franchise cricket is crucial for the growth of the sport.

Goswami highlights the success of franchise leagues like the WBBL and Hundred in producing quality cricketers. She argues that giving priority to these leagues will ensure the availability of top players, leading to more competitive and successful tournaments.

The calendar clash between franchise leagues and bilateral series has become a concern, with players facing difficult choices. Goswami suggests that the ICC should prioritize franchise league windows to avoid losing out on quality cricketers. She believes that bilateral series should be scheduled after these windows to ensure the growth of women’s cricket.

Goswami’s views are supported by the busy calendar for the rest of 2024. The women’s Hundred, WCPL, T20 World Cup, and WBBL are all scheduled within a short period, followed by international matches and home seasons for various teams.

The prioritization of franchise cricket is seen as a way to address the limited pool of quality cricketers in women’s cricket. By giving priority to these leagues, the ICC can ensure that the best players are available for the most competitive tournaments, which will ultimately benefit the growth and development of the sport.

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