Zimbabwe Cricket Lifts Suspensions of Madhevere and Mavuta After Drug Rehabilitation

Zimbabwe Cricket Lifts Suspensions of Madhevere and Mavuta After Drug Rehabilitation

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has lifted the suspensions of Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta, allowing them to resume competitive cricket after completing their four-month bans for drug use. The duo tested positive for a recreational drug during an in-house dope test in December 2023.

As part of their rehabilitation, Madhevere and Mavuta underwent training under ZC’s high-performance program and were fined 50% of their salaries for three months. They have since cleared drug tests conducted after their suspension period ended.

ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni welcomed the players’ return, stating, “I am pleased to welcome Wessly and Brandon back to competitive cricket after both of them underwent rehabilitation and also passed a drug test carried out to check if they were now clean.”

Makoni emphasized the players’ acknowledgment of their mistakes and their commitment to staying clean. However, there is no update on batter Kevin Kasuza, who was also suspended in January for a similar offense.

Meanwhile, ZC academy player Davis Murwendo has tested positive for a social drug in the latest round of internal tests and is scheduled for a hearing.

ZC’s anti-drugs program is voluntary and separate from ICC and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) obligations. Makoni explained, “Recognizing the dangers that recreational drugs may cause, ZC opted to go beyond the ICC and WADA obligations by implementing an in-house drugs testing programme.”

This initiative provides education, counseling, and treatment to rehabilitate players involved with social drugs.

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma's Record-Breaking Partnership Powers SRH to Historic Chase

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Partnership Powers SRH to Historic Chase

Travis Head, the destructive Australian batter, has hailed his Sunrisers Hyderabad opening partner Abhishek Sharma as an exceptional talent for Indian cricket. The duo’s explosive partnership propelled SRH to a record-breaking chase in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Head (89 not out off 30) and Sharma (75 not out off 28) annihilated the Lucknow Super Giants’ 166-run target in just 9.4 overs, setting a new record for the highest 10-over score in men’s T20 cricket. The southpaws unleashed a barrage of fours and sixes, showcasing their immense power-hitting abilities.

“The partnership with Abhi has been fantastic, he’s such an exciting talent for Indian cricket,” Head said in the post-match press conference. “We complement each other so well and he’s very very enjoyable to be around, he’s so excited and thinks about the game and yeah he’s got a lot of energy so it’s a great partnership to be involved in.”

Head is in top form ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas next month, having amassed 533 runs in 11 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 201.89. Sharma too has been striking at over 200.

“Whenever you’re playing you want to be be as consistent as you can, you want to be getting runs. It’s nice to be among the runs been nice to be playing well. That’s not going to guarantee anything in the West Indies but it gives me the best chance to be in a very good mindset,” said Head.

“Working hard on training and I think we face a fair bit of spin in the Caribbean and wickets might become tougher as the tournament goes. So very pleased with how I played spin tonight, things that I’m working on in training are somewhat working in the moment,” he added.

Sharma has also earned high praise from West Indies legend Brian Lara, who is a former coach of SRH. “Again he is someone who I met while I was batting coach of SRH. I spent two years there. I am allowed to a bit biased when I see a left-hander, I just love a left-hander.”

“Myself and Abhishek have developed a very good relationship, these youngsters are very humble. they want to learn,” Lara had said.

LSG's Batting Performance Draws Ire from Matthew Hayden

LSG’s Batting Performance Draws Ire from Matthew Hayden

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has expressed his disappointment over Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) batting performance in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). LSG failed to accelerate despite losing only four wickets during their innings, ending up with a below-par score of 165 runs in 20 overs.

Hayden, who was on commentary during the match, criticized LSG’s lack of intent and slow powerplay. He emphasized that against a team with dangerous batters like Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, LSG should have aimed for a score of 160-170 runs.

“I have to call them out. This is not a five runs per over wicket. Somebody needed to show intent. They had one of the slowest powerplays. That took the innings nowhere. When the opposition team has Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, your intention should be to go at 10s and over. 160-170 will never be enough,” Hayden said.

LSG captain KL Rahul admitted that his team was “lost for words” after the carnage from the SRH batters. Head and Abhishek Sharma took the LSG bowlers to the cleaners, leading SRH to a comfortable victory in just 9.4 overs.

“We have watched that kind of batting on TV. But this is unreal batting. Everything seemed to find the middle of the bat. Kudos to their skills. They have worked hard on their six-hitting skills. They didn’t give us a chance to know what the pitch played in the second innings,” Rahul said.

Rahul also acknowledged that LSG was short on runs and that the team’s momentum was hampered by the loss of wickets in the powerplay.

“Was hard to stop them as they teed off from ball one. Once you are on the losing side, there are question marks on the decisions taken. We were 40-50 runs short. When we lost wickets in the powerplay, we couldn’t get any momentum. Ayush and Nicky batted well to get us to 166. But even if we would have got 240, they could have chased it as well,” Rahul added.

Yuvraj Singh Lauds Abhishek Sharma, Urges Patience and Perseverance

Yuvraj Singh Lauds Abhishek Sharma, Urges Patience and Perseverance

After Sunrisers Hyderabad’s emphatic victory over Lucknow Super Giants, former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh heaped praise on the SRH openers, particularly young Indian batter Abhishek Sharma. Sharma’s stellar performance prompted him to express gratitude towards Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara, and his father for their guidance and support.

Sharma acknowledged the profound impact of experienced players in nurturing emerging talents, stating, “I think the hard work I put in before the tournament is showing now, thanks to Yuvi Paaji, Brian (Lara) as well and my father, who is my first coach.”

Yuvraj Singh responded to Sharma’s heartfelt gratitude with a spirited message, urging the young batter to maintain positivity and perseverance. “Well played @IamAbhiSharma4. Be consistent, be patient! Your time is around the corner! @travishead34 what planet are you batting on, my friend? Unreal!!! #SRHvsLSG #IPL2024,” Yuvraj posted.

Yuvraj’s words of encouragement resonated deeply, reaffirming the belief in Sharma’s potential and reminding him that his time for international cricket will come.

Head and Sharma continue to dominate the IPL six-hitting batters’ chart with their exceptional batting prowess. Yuvraj’s message serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, highlighting the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Virat Kohli Crashes Kagiso Rabada's Podcast, Leaves Fans Delighted

Virat Kohli Crashes Kagiso Rabada’s Podcast, Leaves Fans Delighted

Virat Kohli’s unexpected appearance on Punjab Kings’ fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s podcast has become a viral sensation on social media. During a podcast with ‘Willow Talk,’ Rabada was caught off guard when he noticed Kohli behind his computer screen.

“Virat Kohli is right there; he’s dancing,” Rabada exclaimed to the interviewer. “I’m on a podcast,” he informed Kohli. “With who?” Kohli inquired. “It’s called Willow Talk,” Rabada replied.

The interviewer, hearing their conversation, requested Rabada to ask Kohli to join the podcast. “Hello boys,” Kohli greeted, appearing on camera. “What’s happening? Big boy KG here,” the RCB icon said.

The interviewer asked Kohli about Rabada’s bowling abilities, but Kohli couldn’t hear due to Rabada’s headphones. “I can’t hear anything, so I am just going to keep blabbering as I always do,” Kohli joked.

“He thinks I am a weak bowler,” Rabada answered the interviewer’s question, as Kohli shook hands with him before leaving. “That’s a pretty cool guest on your show,” Rabada remarked, continuing with the podcast.

Both RCB and Punjab have 8 points from 4 wins in 11 matches heading into their match on Thursday. Their playoff hopes are fading, as only the top four teams advance to the playoffs.

IPL 2024 Playoff Race Heats Up: KKR, RR Lead the Charge

IPL 2024 Playoff Race Heats Up: KKR, RR Lead the Charge

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season reaching its climax, the race for the playoffs intensifies. While no team has yet secured a berth, the remaining 13 games hold the key to determining the fate of the contenders.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) currently lead the pack, each with a 36% chance of finishing as the sole toppers. Their chances of sharing the top spot with other teams are an impressive 62.5%. However, despite their strong position, they are not guaranteed a playoff berth.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has emerged as a strong contender, with their recent victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) boosting their chances of making the top four to nearly 94%. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) also have a decent chance of qualifying, with over 73% and 50% probability, respectively.

LSG, despite their recent setback, remains in contention with a 50% chance of making the playoffs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) have slimmer chances, with only an 8% probability of finishing in the top four.

Gujarat Titans (GT), the defending champions, find themselves at the bottom of the table with a meager 8% chance of progressing. Mumbai Indians (MI), on the other hand, have been eliminated from playoff contention.

The remaining games will be crucial in determining the final standings. KKR and RR are the favorites to make the playoffs, with CSK and SRH having a strong chance of joining them. DC, LSG, and RCB are also in the mix, but they will need to perform exceptionally well to secure a berth.

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli: A Bond Beyond Cricket

Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli: A Bond Beyond Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis and batting legend Virat Kohli have forged an unbreakable bond both on and off the field. Their friendship has blossomed since Du Plessis joined RCB and they began opening the batting together in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Du Plessis recently shared insights into their close relationship on the ‘Captains Speak’ segment of Star Sports. He revealed that they share a common passion for food and fashion, often discussing their outfits and exchanging pictures.

“We both love food. We both are really into our fashion. That’s another thing we spend a lot of time talking about. The way we dress, what style of clothes. We would send each other pictures of outfits and stuff like that,” said Du Plessis.

Kohli’s love for watches has also rubbed off on Du Plessis. “He’s been a terrible influence on me when it comes to watches, but he’s got a real passion for watches,” said the former South African captain with a smile.

Beyond their shared interests, Du Plessis and Kohli have connected on a personal level. They are both fathers and their families have bonded over their similar ages.

“He’s got a daughter, I’ve got two daughters. He’s got his second child now as well. Our wives and kids, having them at similar ages, (we) really connected at that front as well,” said Du Plessis.

Their friendship has translated into success on the field. RCB has been a formidable force in the IPL, with Du Plessis and Kohli forming a formidable opening partnership. Their strong bond has created a positive atmosphere within the team, contributing to their consistent performances.

As RCB prepares for their crucial match against Punjab Kings, Du Plessis and Kohli will be looking to continue their impressive partnership. Their friendship and mutual respect have become a cornerstone of RCB’s success, and they will be determined to lead the team to victory.

Kuldeep Yadav's Resurgence Makes Him India's Top Spin Option for T20 World Cup

Kuldeep Yadav’s Resurgence Makes Him India’s Top Spin Option for T20 World Cup

Kuldeep Yadav’s resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has propelled him to the forefront of India’s spin bowling options for the upcoming T20 World Cup. After a dismal 2019 season, where he struggled for wickets and economy, Kuldeep has transformed into a formidable force, showcasing his improved pace and accuracy.

In the ongoing IPL, Kuldeep has been a revelation for the Delhi Capitals, claiming 14 wickets in just nine matches at an impressive average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 8.20. His ability to break the bail with his deliveries highlights his increased pace, which has made him a more challenging proposition for batters.

Kuldeep’s resurgence has come at a crucial time for India, who are seeking a replacement for the injured Ravindra Jadeja in their T20 World Cup squad. With his current form, Kuldeep is the frontrunner to join Axar Patel as India’s primary spin duo in the tournament.

In contrast, Yuzvendra Chahal, who initially impressed for the Rajasthan Royals, has endured a dip in form in recent matches. His struggles have raised concerns about his ability to handle the pressure of the World Cup, especially on flat pitches where batters can dominate.

Kuldeep’s resurgence and Chahal’s struggles have created a clear hierarchy in India’s spin bowling department. Kuldeep is now the undisputed number one spinner, while Chahal’s place in the World Cup squad is in jeopardy. However, Chahal has the experience and talent to bounce back and prove his worth in the business end of the tournament.

Rohit Sharma's Poor Form Raises Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma’s Poor Form Raises Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles with the bat have raised concerns ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Mumbai Indians captain has managed just 33 runs in his last five IPL matches, including scores of 4, 11, 4, 8, and 6.

Former South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock believes Rohit’s poor form is due to a combination of factors, including the pressure of captaining the Indian team and the upcoming World Cup selection process.

“He’ll be disappointed with that. He got off to a fiery start. Some people were saying, ‘Look he’s no longer captain so he’s getting back to his old form’. He’s still got two more games so hopefully he fires before he heads off to the World Cup,” Pollock said on Cricbuzz.

“It’s the manner in which he’s getting out that will be more concerning for him. He’s one of those when he’s playing straight down the ground, there’s not much that can go wrong, but he has tried to introduce a bit of a fiddly element to the game. To get the odd scoop here but he’s popping the odd one up in the air. If he gets a good nut, he won’t be too concerned, but to be honest, he’s kind of got out to soft dismissals, to be honest.”

Pollock also suggested that the stress of captaining the Indian team and the upcoming World Cup selection process may have played a role in Rohit’s poor form.

“I presume for the last few weeks, there has been a few conversations about trying to pick the Indian team. With that stress of finding the right balance, which player should be picked, all of a sudden, you are back in captaincy mode… The naming of the side, going to the press conference, explaining why you have picked a certain may have added to the stress,” Pollock added.

Rohit Sharma will be hoping to regain his form in the remaining two IPL matches before the World Cup. The Indian team will be relying heavily on their captain to lead them to success in the tournament.

KKR's Nitish Rana Faces Off with Wife Saachi Marwah in Fun Cricket Session

KKR’s Nitish Rana Faces Off with Wife Saachi Marwah in Fun Cricket Session

Nitish Rana and Saachi Marwah Engage in Playful Cricket Face-Off

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Nitish Rana recently found himself on the receiving end of some friendly competition from his wife, Saachi Marwah, in a lighthearted cricket session. The playful exchange was captured on video by KKR and has since gone viral on social media.

In the video, Rana is seen bowling to Marwah, who effortlessly dispatches his deliveries with ease. “What’s this face-off all about?” asks the person filming the video. “Husband and wife face-off,” replies Rana with a grin.

Marwah’s impressive batting skills drew praise from her husband, who exclaimed, “She’s got a better pull shot than me.” The video showcases the couple’s playful banter and their shared love for the sport.

KKR is currently enjoying a successful IPL 2024 campaign, sitting atop the points table with 16 points from 11 matches. The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, is looking to secure its third IPL title, having previously won under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy in 2012 and 2014. Gambhir currently serves as KKR’s mentor.

Rana’s performance in the tournament has been crucial to KKR’s success. The left-handed batsman has scored 350 runs in 11 matches, including three half-centuries. His contributions have helped KKR maintain its position at the top of the standings.

The viral video of Rana and Marwah’s cricket face-off has garnered widespread attention, highlighting the couple’s love for the sport and their playful relationship. It also serves as a reminder of the growing popularity of women’s cricket in India.

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