Gautam Gambhir Takes Charge as India's Head Coach, Begins Training in Sri Lanka

Gautam Gambhir Takes Charge as India’s Head Coach, Begins Training in Sri Lanka

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, commenced his tenure on Tuesday as the team initiated their first practice session in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. The session marked the beginning of preparations for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the host nation.

Gambhir, who succeeded the esteemed Rahul Dravid, led the team onto the field and oversaw the training session. The session encompassed fielding drills, running exercises, and one-on-one interactions with the players. Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed T20I captain, also actively engaged with the team members.

During the session, Gambhir was observed providing batting guidance to Sanju Samson and engaging in discussions with all-rounder Shivam Dube. Gambhir’s coaching staff for the Sri Lanka tour includes former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and Dutch batter Ryan ten Doeschate. The trio recently collaborated to guide the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to victory in the IPL 2024.

Their maiden assignment with the national team will commence on July 27 with the T20I series, followed by three ODIs. T Dilip, who was part of Dravid’s support staff, will continue as the fielding coach. Sairaj Bahutule, affiliated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, will serve as the interim bowling coach.

Gambhir’s appointment as head coach has generated significant anticipation among fans and experts alike. His proven track record as a successful player and his recent coaching success with KKR have raised expectations for the Indian team’s performance under his leadership.

The upcoming series against Sri Lanka will provide an early indication of Gambhir’s coaching philosophy and the team’s progress under his guidance. The series will also serve as a crucial preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup later this year.

Mohammed Shami's Journey: From Suicide Contemplation to Triumph

Mohammed Shami’s Journey: From Suicide Contemplation to Triumph

Mohammed Shami, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, has faced significant challenges both on and off the field. Despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in the last three ODI World Cups, his personal life has been marred by controversy.

Shami’s tumultuous separation from his wife, Hasin Jahan, made headlines when she filed a police complaint against him for domestic violence. She also accused him of match-fixing after allegedly receiving money from a Pakistani woman.

While Shami was cleared of these allegations by authorities, his friend and fellow cricketer Umesh Kumar revealed on a podcast that Shami contemplated suicide during that time.

“Shami was shattered when the fixing allegations broke out,” said Kumar. “He said he could tolerate anything but not accusations of betraying his country.”

Kumar recalled an incident where he found Shami standing on the balcony of their 19th-floor apartment at 4 AM. “I understood what was happening,” said Kumar. “That night was the longest of Shami’s career.”

Shami later received a clean chit from the investigating committee, which brought him immense relief. “He was probably happier that day than he would have been if he had won a World Cup,” added Kumar.

Shami himself opened up about his struggles during that period. “When you know the other person’s actions are invalid, you should not leave your priorities,” he said. “If I had not been the Mohammed Shami I am today, no one would have cared about my situation.”

Shami’s resilience and determination have been instrumental in his recovery. He has continued to perform at the highest level, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can overcome challenges and achieve success.

Ajinkya Naik Elected as Youngest Mumbai Cricket Association President

Ajinkya Naik Elected as Youngest Mumbai Cricket Association President

Ajinkya Naik, a former Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary, has been elected as the new president of the association, securing a decisive victory with 221 votes against Sanjay Naik’s 114. The 37-year-old Naik becomes the youngest president in MCA history, backed by veteran politician and former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar.

The election process commenced on July 4 following the untimely demise of previous MCA president Amol Kale. Kale had traveled to New York with MCA officials to witness the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan when he passed away.

“The victory is a testament to Amol Kale’s exemplary achievements. My efforts will be to replicate his commitment and dedication to improving the quality of Mumbai cricket and take his legacy forward,” Ajinkya said in a statement.

A total of 335 votes were cast on Tuesday afternoon, including those from prominent cricketers such as India’s chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, Sanjay Manjrekar, Balvinder Singh Sandhu, and Paras Mhambrey. The voter base also comprised members of maidan clubs, gymkhana clubs, and college representatives.

Election officer JS Saharia announced the result after 14 rounds of counting, with none of the candidates’ representatives objecting to any ballot paper.

Speaking to the media after his win, Ajinkya said, “This is the victory of Maidan cricket. It’s a triumph of all the Maidan club secretaries, schools and college gymkhana secretaries, and the former cricketers. I am only their representative.”

“I have been serving MCA since 2015 in various capacities, and it is a pyramid-like journey, thanks to maidan clubs and their secretaries.”

BJP leader Ashish Shelar, the current BCCI treasurer, expressed support for the newly elected president. “This was a friendly contest in which Ajinkya Naik emerged victorious. From hereon, we will all work towards the betterment of the association. He (Ajinkya) will have my backing. Our focus will be on developing Mumbai players and providing them with the best of facilities.”

PCB Prioritizes Exposure for Backup Players with International Matches

PCB Prioritizes Exposure for Backup Players with International Matches

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on a mission to enhance the exposure of its backup players through a series of international matches for its national A and junior teams. This initiative follows the lead of other leading cricket nations and aims to provide a pathway for talented players to gain valuable experience against international opposition.

The PCB has announced that the Pakistan Shaheens will engage in a return series of four-day and one-day matches against Bangladesh A in August. Additionally, Sri Lanka A will tour Pakistan in November for a five-match series.

“The objective is to revitalize pathway cricket projects so that our backup talent consistently receives exposure to international cricket against teams other than domestic opponents,” stated a PCB official.

The Pakistan Shaheens will face Bangladesh A in two four-day matches in August, followed by three 50-over fixtures. Notably, the Bangladesh national team will also be in Pakistan during August for two ICC World Test Championship matches.

In November, Sri Lanka A will visit Pakistan for five matches against the Pakistan Shaheens. The four-day matches will be played from November 11-14 and November 18-21, while the 50-over clashes will take place on November 25, 27, and 29. Venues will be announced in due course.

The Pakistan Emerging team will defend its ACC Cup title in October, while the Pakistan U-19 team will participate in a U-19 50-over Tri-Nation Tournament and ACC Asia Cup U-19 in November/December.

According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of arranging matches against other teams for the Pakistan A and junior outfits following the disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup.

“During meetings with Pakistan team coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillispie, as well as the national selectors, it was unanimously agreed that Pakistan’s backup talent requires regular games, similar to other teams like India, England, and Australia,” a source said.

The Pakistan Shaheens are currently in Darwin for two four-day games against Bangladesh A, having won the opening match on Monday. They will also play white-ball matches.

PCB Leaves Champions Trophy Schedule to ICC, Hopes for India's Participation

PCB Leaves Champions Trophy Schedule to ICC, Hopes for India’s Participation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted the International Cricket Council (ICC) with the task of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for early 2024. The ICC recently approved the event’s budget during meetings in Colombo, but the schedule and format remain undecided.

The PCB has submitted a draft schedule and format for the tournament, along with a budget, to the ICC. The board has proposed hosting all of India’s matches in Lahore, including a potential semi-final and the final. The PCB has also provided the ICC with details on tax modalities, venue selections, and government clearance for the Indian team to visit Pakistan.

The PCB initially expressed interest in hosting the Champions Trophy in 2021, and the ICC awarded hosting rights in 2022. The final documentation for the host agreement was submitted during Ramiz Raja’s tenure as PCB Chairman.

Although PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi did not have formal meetings with BCCI secretary Jay Shah or other BCCI officials at the ICC meetings, interactions were described as cordial. The PCB has now delegated the responsibility of finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule to the ICC.

The ICC must also obtain confirmation from the BCCI regarding the Indian team’s travel to Pakistan. The BCCI has historically maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is a decision made by the Indian government. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its games in Sri Lanka based on a ‘Hybrid Model.’

The PCB has fulfilled its obligations as hosts by submitting the draft schedule and budget, as well as providing detailed documentation to the ICC. The ICC now has the responsibility to finalize the event logistics and secure India’s participation.

Afghanistan Pledges Participation in ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan

Afghanistan Pledges Participation in ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a major boost in its bid to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, with Afghanistan pledging its participation in the tournament. This assurance was given by Mirwais Ashraf, the president of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), and Naseeb Khan, the CEO, during the ICC Annual Board Meeting in Colombo.

The PCB has been working tirelessly to secure the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, which will be the first major ICC event to be held in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. However, there were concerns that some countries might follow India’s lead if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided not to send its team to Pakistan.

Khalid Mehmood, a former PCB chairman, had recently stated that if India didn’t send its team to Pakistan, one could expect teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to follow suit and insist on shifting the tournament to an alternative location.

However, the ACB officials’ assurances to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi have allayed those fears. Afghanistan’s participation in the Champions Trophy is a significant development, as it shows that the country is willing to support Pakistan’s efforts to host the tournament.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan during February and March 2025. It will be the first time that the tournament has been held in Pakistan since 2008.

Kohli, Sharma, Jadeja Retire from T20 Internationals After World Cup Triumph

Kohli, Sharma, Jadeja Retire from T20 Internationals After World Cup Triumph

Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shocked the cricketing world by announcing their retirement from T20 internationals after India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. The unexpected news left fans and experts alike stunned.

While Kohli made the announcement during the post-match presentation ceremony, Sharma shared his decision in a press conference after the game. Many speculated that the retirements were pre-planned, but India’s former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey revealed that neither Kohli, Sharma, nor Ravindra Jadeja had hinted at their intentions to quit the shortest format.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Mhambrey expressed surprise at the trio’s sudden decision. “I think no one was expecting that,” he said. “If you had any conversation earlier, we would have known this would be coming. But none of them had this conversation.”

Mhambrey believes that the retirements were a fitting end to the illustrious careers of Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja. “If you look at it from the players’ perspective, there can’t be a better end to one format, right?” he said. “We are talking about people who have been part of the dressing room for maybe more than a decade, 12-13 years.”

Kohli, who was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, had been desperate to add a T20 World Cup title to his resume. “Not to win a World Cup since 2011 must have been big,” Mhambrey said. “He wanted that badly.”

Sharma, who led India to victory in the 2024 tournament, also felt that it was the right time to step away from T20 internationals. “After winning the T20 World Cup, especially the stage that their careers are in… they’re no longer young,” Mhambrey said. “You’ve got to sometimes choose. You have to decide what formats you’re going to play and cut down the cricket to focus on a particular format because age is not on your side.”

The retirements of Kohli, Sharma, and Jadeja mark the end of an era for Indian cricket. However, Mhambrey believes that the team has a bright future ahead. “We have a lot of young players who are coming through,” he said. “We have a lot of talent in the country. So, I think Indian cricket is in good hands.”

Suryakumar Yadav Hints at Axar Patel's Inclusion in Sri Lanka T20I Opener

Suryakumar Yadav Hints at Axar Patel’s Inclusion in Sri Lanka T20I Opener

Suryakumar Yadav Hints at Axar Patel’s Inclusion in Playing XI for Sri Lanka T20I Opener

Newly appointed Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has dropped a strong indication that left-arm spinner Axar Patel will play a crucial role in the upcoming series opener against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.

As India embarks on a new era under Yadav’s leadership, the team’s strategy and team selection will be closely scrutinized. Yadav, who previously captained India to a 4-1 series victory over Australia in 2023, will be eager to establish his authority and guide the team to success.

During India’s first training session in Sri Lanka, Yadav was captured on camera advising Patel to “take it easy” and that he would be “seen bowling in the third and fourth over.” This comment suggests that Patel is likely to be included in the playing XI for the first T20I, especially considering the spin-friendly conditions expected in Pallekele.

Patel’s inclusion aligns with the strategy employed by former T20I captain Rohit Sharma, who frequently utilized Patel’s skills during the powerplay overs. Patel’s ability to control the run rate and pick up wickets early on could prove invaluable for India in the upcoming series.

Yadav’s decision to include Patel in the playing XI also highlights the importance of spin bowling in T20 cricket. With the advent of power-hitting and aggressive batting, spinners have become increasingly crucial in providing control and variation. Patel’s left-arm orthodox bowling style and ability to generate turn and bounce could be a potent weapon for India in Sri Lanka.

As India prepares for the first T20I against Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on Yadav’s leadership and the team’s performance. The inclusion of Patel in the playing XI is a clear indication that Yadav is keen on utilizing the spinner’s skills and establishing a balanced and effective team.

India Eye Third Win in Women's Asia Cup 2024 Against Nepal

India Eye Third Win in Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Against Nepal

India vs Nepal: Women’s Asia Cup 2024 Match Preview

India will face Nepal in their third match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 on Tuesday, July 23, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. The match will commence at 7:00 PM IST.

India has had a strong start to the tournament, defeating United Arab Emirates by 78 runs and arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets. They will be aiming for their third consecutive victory against Nepal.

Nepal, on the other hand, has had a mixed start. They defeated UAE in their opening game but lost to Pakistan in their second match. They will be looking to bounce back and secure a win against India.

Key Players to Watch:

* India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur
* Nepal: Rubina Chhetry, Sita Rana Magar, Indu Barma

Match Prediction:

India is the clear favorite to win this match. They have a more experienced and talented squad, and they have been in good form in the tournament so far. Nepal will need to play out of their skins to pull off an upset.

Live Streaming and Telecast:

The India vs Nepal match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. It will also be streamed live on Hotstar.

Conclusion:

The India vs Nepal match promises to be an exciting contest. India will be looking to continue their winning streak, while Nepal will be aiming to cause an upset. With both teams having something to prove, the match is likely to be a close and competitive affair.

ICC Launches Forensic Audit into T20 World Cup Financial Irregularities

ICC Launches Forensic Audit into T20 World Cup Financial Irregularities

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed a three-member committee to investigate allegations of financial impropriety and poor oversight in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The committee, comprising Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo, and Imran Khwaja, has been given a free hand to conduct a thorough forensic audit and probe the matter.

The decision to launch an investigation follows the resignations of two high-ranking ICC officials, Chris Tetley and Claire Furlong. The committee will examine the roles of Tetley and Furlong during the World Cup and determine if any further action is necessary.

Sources within the ICC indicate that the committee has the authority to recommend the resignation of both ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice if the investigation uncovers evidence of wrongdoing. The committee will also review the financial management of the tournament and identify any areas where improvements can be made.

The ICC’s Annual Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, concluded on Monday, with the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) and the Finance & Commercial Affairs Committee holding meetings. The conference discussed the ongoing investigation and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability.

The ICC has a responsibility to its members and fans worldwide to ensure the integrity of its tournaments. The investigation into the T20 World Cup is a crucial step towards restoring confidence in the organization and ensuring that future events are conducted with the highest standards of financial oversight.

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