Cricket

Mohammad Amir Reverses Retirement, Available for T20 World Cup

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

Mohammad Amir, the enigmatic Pakistani fast bowler, has made a sensational U-turn on his international retirement, declaring his availability for selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Amir’s last appearance for Pakistan was in a T20I against England in 2020, after which he abruptly announced his retirement from international cricket, citing mental torture.

However, in a recent social media post, the 31-year-old Amir expressed his renewed desire to represent his country. “I still dream to play for Pakistan!” he wrote. “After positive discussions with the PCB, I feel that I am needed and can still contribute to the team. I am available to be considered for the upcoming T20 World Cup.”

Amir’s decision comes after a successful stint in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he claimed 10 wickets in nine games for the Quetta Gladiators. His impressive performances have reignited hopes that he can still be a valuable asset to the Pakistani team.

Amir’s announcement follows a similar move by all-rounder Imad Wasim, who also reversed his retirement to make himself available for the T20 World Cup. The return of these experienced players is a major boost for Pakistan, who will be looking to make a strong impact in the tournament.

Amir’s return to international cricket is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains committed to representing his country and contributing to its success. His experience and skill will be invaluable to Pakistan as they aim to lift the T20 World Cup trophy for the second time.

Categories: Cricket

Afridi’s T20 Captaincy in Jeopardy as PCB Defers Decision

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s tenure as Pakistan’s T20 captain hangs in the balance after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi declined to confirm his continuation in the role. Naqvi stated that the newly appointed selection committee will determine the captaincy, leaving Afridi’s future uncertain.

Afridi’s appointment in November 2023 was met with skepticism after Pakistan’s 4-1 series loss to New Zealand under his leadership. His tactical decisions were questioned, and his PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars’ disastrous campaign further fueled speculation about his suitability as captain.

Naqvi’s comments suggest that Afridi’s performance during the upcoming fitness camp in Kakul will be crucial in determining his fate. The PCB’s decision to defer a decision until after the camp provides them with additional time to evaluate his fitness and leadership abilities.

Afridi’s potential removal as captain would mark the third T20 skipper change in five months for Pakistan. Babar Azam’s resignation in November paved the way for Afridi’s appointment, but his recent struggles have cast doubt on his long-term prospects.

Naqvi emphasized the PCB’s desire for a long-term solution, indicating that Afridi’s tenure could be cut short if he fails to meet expectations. The 23-year-old’s appointment was seen as an opportunity for him to develop as a leader, but his recent performances have raised concerns about his readiness for the role.

The PCB’s decision to recall Imad Wasim from international retirement was also addressed by Naqvi. He stated that the all-rounder’s return was deemed necessary to strengthen the team ahead of the T20 World Cup. Wasim has clarified that his return is only until the end of the tournament and that he does not expect a central contract.

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RCB Aim to Bounce Back Against Powerhouse PBKS at High-Scoring Chinnaswamy

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Face Punjab Kings in High-Scoring Chinnaswamy Clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday, April 10, in a highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter.

After a disappointing loss to Chennai Super Kings in their opening match, RCB will be eager to bounce back on their home turf. However, they face a formidable challenge in PBKS, who boast a powerful batting lineup and are brimming with confidence after their victory over Delhi Capitals.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium is renowned for its flat pitches and high-scoring games, which suits PBKS’s aggressive batting style. Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone are all capable of explosive innings, while Sam Curran provides all-round balance.

RCB’s batting, on the other hand, struggled against CSK’s left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman. PBKS also possess a left-arm seamer in Arshdeep Singh, who has developed an effective legcutter. However, the ball is unlikely to grip at the Chinnaswamy, especially under lights.

Anuj Rawat’s impressive performance against CSK provides a glimmer of hope for RCB. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the death overs could be crucial for the team’s success.

RCB may consider bringing in Reece Topley for Alzarri Joseph, while PBKS is expected to field an unchanged lineup.

Impact Player Strategy:

RCB will likely start with Dinesh Karthik if they bat first, with Yash Dayal coming in as Impact Player in the second innings. If they bowl first, Dayal will feature in the playing XI, with Karthik replacing him during the chase.

PBKS will slot in Prabhsimran Singh if they bat first, with Arshdeep Singh replacing him in the second innings. Vice versa, if they bowl first.

Key Stats:

* Kagiso Rabada has a strong record against RCB batters, particularly Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell.
* Harpreet Brar has been PBKS’s most economical bowler in the middle overs, with a favorable matchup against Maxwell.
* Jonny Bairstow has a high strike rate against Mohammed Siraj, Karn Sharma, and Maxwell.
* Kohli has enjoyed success against Arshdeep and Harshal Patel, but Rahul Chahar has been able to contain him.
* Karthik has a strong record against Sam Curran.

Pitch and Conditions:

The Chinnaswamy Stadium has the highest scoring rate of any IPL venue, with teams averaging 9.42 runs per over since 2018. The temperature on Monday is expected to be around 28C, with no dew anticipated.

Categories: Cricket

Kenya’s Collins Obuya Retires from Cricket After 23-Year Career

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

Kenya’s veteran allrounder Collins Obuya has bid farewell to cricket after a remarkable 23-year career. The decision came following Kenya’s defeat to Uganda in the third-place play-off match at the African Games on Saturday.

“It’s been a big honor playing for Kenya,” Obuya said after the match. “I have decided to retire from the game after 23 years.”

Obuya, a legspinning allrounder, made his mark in international cricket with 104 ODIs for Kenya. He amassed 2044 runs and claimed 35 wickets, making him the third-highest run-scorer for Kenya in the format.

In T20Is, Obuya holds the distinction of being Kenya’s highest run-scorer with 1794 runs from 76 appearances. His contributions were pivotal in Kenya’s historic run to the 2003 World Cup semi-finals.

Obuya’s career-best bowling performance came against Sri Lanka in the 2003 World Cup, where he took 5 for 24 to help Kenya secure a famous victory. He finished the tournament with 13 wickets at an impressive average of 28.76.

In the 2011 World Cup, Obuya showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten 98 against Australia, earning him the player-of-the-match award.

Obuya’s leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed Kenya’s captain after the 2011 World Cup. However, he stepped down in 2013 after Kenya failed to qualify for the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Obuya’s retirement marks the end of an era for Kenyan cricket. His contributions to the sport have been immense, and he will be remembered as one of the country’s greatest players.

Categories: Cricket

Bangladesh Collapse Leaves Sri Lanka on Cusp of Test Victory

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

Bangladesh’s hopes of salvaging a draw in the second Test against Sri Lanka dwindled on day three in Sylhet as they collapsed to 43 for 5, needing an improbable 464 runs to win.

Sri Lanka’s lower middle order had earlier extended their dominance, with Kamindu Mendis scoring 164 and Dhananjaya de Silva completing his second century of the match. Their 173-run partnership transformed Sri Lanka’s position from a comfortable lead to an utterly dominant one.

Bangladesh’s quicks struggled to make an impact on a pitch that still rewarded high-quality seam bowling. Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha shared the wickets, but it was Vishwa who impressed with his movement through the air and late swing.

Bangladesh’s batting implosion began with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s reckless dismissal, throwing his bat at a wide delivery. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shahadat Hossain also fell cheaply to Vishwa’s accurate bowling.

Litton Das’s dismissal was the most frustrating for Bangladesh. After keeping wicket all day, he ran down the track and hoicked a delivery from Kumara straight to cover.

Sri Lanka’s quicks maintained their discipline, bowling testing lines and exploiting the pitch’s bounce and pace. Bangladesh’s spinners were unable to find purchase off the wicket, and the hosts’ batting lineup crumbled under the pressure.

With just five wickets remaining and two scheduled days of play left, Sri Lanka are on the brink of a comprehensive victory. Rain is forecast for Monday afternoon, but the weather in Sylhet is otherwise conducive for cricket.

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Shubman Gill: From Stadium Sneaking to IPL Captaincy

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

Shubman Gill, the newly appointed captain of the Gujarat Titans, has embarked on a remarkable journey from sneaking into stadiums to watch IPL matches to leading a team. Reflecting on his path, Gill shared his admiration for iconic stars who will guide him as a leader.

Gill’s journey began in 2008 when he stealthily entered stadiums to witness the inaugural IPL season. He recalled jumping over gates and evading security guards to catch a glimpse of legendary players like Brett Lee, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene.

As a captain, Gill draws inspiration from MS Dhoni, India’s World Cup-winning skipper. Dhoni’s leadership qualities and ability to handle pressure have left an indelible mark on Gill. However, he also acknowledges the influence of Rohit Sharma, under whom he has played extensively at the international level.

“I have played most of my cricket under Rohit Sharma; there are a lot of qualities I will be picking up from him,” said Gill.

Gill’s upcoming encounter with Hardik Pandya, his former captain and teammate, promises to be intriguing. “It is going to be exciting. Hopefully, the stadium will be fully packed, cheering for us,” he said.

Gill’s focus remains on creating lasting memories with his team. “If we make some good memories, I would be able to sit back and tell myself that we had a great season,” he concluded.

Gill’s journey from a young fan to a team leader is a testament to his passion and determination. As he embarks on this new chapter, he carries the wisdom of his mentors and the unwavering support of his team.

Categories: Cricket

Riyan Parag Silences Critics with Impressive Knock in IPL Opener

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, has silenced his critics with an impressive knock in the opening match of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Parag, who has often been criticized for failing to capitalize on his opportunities, showcased his talent with a blistering 43 off just 29 deliveries against the Lucknow Super Giants.

Parag’s innings was a testament to his hard work and dedication in the off-season. He had a stellar run of form in domestic cricket, and he has carried that momentum into the IPL. His knock was characterized by aggressive strokeplay, with three towering sixes and one boundary.

Parag’s performance earned him widespread praise on social media, with fans and experts alike applauding his efforts. Many hailed it as a sign of his redemption and a potential breakout season for the young all-rounder.

The Rajasthan Royals captain, Sanju Samson, had expressed confidence in Parag before the match, stating that he would be their number four batter. Parag justified Samson’s faith with his impressive display, providing a much-needed boost to the Royals’ batting lineup.

The Royals, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a competitive total of 180/6. Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer also made significant contributions with scores of 45 and 37, respectively.

The Lucknow Super Giants, in reply, fell short of the target, managing only 165/8. Marcus Stoinis top-scored for the Giants with 46, while Quinton de Kock and Nicholas Pooran chipped in with 35 and 32, respectively.

The Royals’ victory was a perfect start to their IPL campaign, and Parag’s knock was a major highlight. The all-rounder has proven that he has the talent and determination to succeed at the highest level, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form throughout the season.

Categories: Cricket

Hardik Pandya Returns to Ahmedabad as Mumbai Indians Face Gujarat Titans

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

Hardik Pandya’s return to Ahmedabad as Mumbai Indians face Gujarat Titans, the franchise he led for two seasons, has set the stage for an intriguing encounter. After Pandya’s departure for Mumbai, Gujarat promoted Shubman Gill as their skipper. On Sunday, Gill and Pandya will reunite as MI travel to Ahmedabad for their opening game of the season against GT.

Gill acknowledged the dynamic shift in IPL dynamics and expressed excitement about facing Pandya at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Before the match, Gill shared his admiration for some of India’s finest captains. While he hasn’t played under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, he has been inspired by the wicket-keeper batter’s leadership. “I haven’t played under Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni) as such, but watching him as a kid go about things on the field, he is my inspiration,” Gill said.

Gill also looked up to Virat Kohli but has played most of his Team India career under Rohit Sharma. “I have played under Virat (Kohli) Bhai as well, but I have played most of my cricket under Rohit (Sharma) Bhai and there are a lot of qualities I will be picking personally from him,” the 24-year-old added.

Gill expressed confidence in Gujarat’s home advantage against Mumbai Indians. “It is amazing to play against Mumbai Indians, who have won the title five times. But playing them in Ahmedabad, we haven’t lost a match here against MI, so hopefully we are going to continue the streak,” he explained.

Regarding Pandya, under whom Gill has played both in the Indian team and Gujarat Titans, Gill anticipates an exciting challenge. “It is going to be exciting. Hardik (Pandya) bhai is someone, who I have played under in the Indian team as well as at GT. So it is going to be an exciting and fantastic dynamic,” Gill asserted.

Gill expressed his hope for a packed stadium and a thrilling atmosphere. “Hopefully it is going be a hundred and ten thousand people cheering for us and there is nothing better than that,” he said.

Categories: Cricket

PCB Reinstates Haris Rauf’s Central Contract After Acknowledgment of Error

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

PCB Reinstates Haris Rauf’s Central Contract After Acknowledgment of Error

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated fast bowler Haris Rauf’s central contract after he acknowledged his mistake in writing. Rauf’s contract was terminated in February due to disciplinary reasons, as he declined to participate in the Test tour of Australia, citing workload and Big Bash commitments.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that there was a misunderstanding regarding Rauf’s decision. “After receiving his written reply, the board has decided to restore his central contract,” Naqvi stated.

In his response, Rauf expressed his unwavering commitment to playing for Pakistan and acknowledged that his viewpoint had been misunderstood. “I accept my mistake,” he wrote.

Naqvi emphasized the importance of Rauf’s fitness, noting that he sustained an injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). “We need to take proper care of him,” Naqvi said.

Rauf’s reinstatement comes as a relief for the PCB, which values his contributions to the national team. The fast bowler has been a key member of Pakistan’s bowling attack in recent years, showcasing his pace and wicket-taking abilities.

The PCB’s decision to reinstate Rauf’s contract is a testament to the board’s commitment to fostering a positive and productive relationship with its players. It also highlights the importance of open communication and the willingness to resolve misunderstandings.

Categories: Cricket

Pakistan Optimistic About Hosting Champions Trophy Next Year

By Nilay March 24, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eagerly anticipating the hosting of the Champions Trophy next year, as an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to visit the country on March 25 to assess the ongoing preparations for the prestigious tournament. The delegation, which will include a security expert, will inspect all proposed venues, with particular emphasis on Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

Pakistan has the opportunity to host an ICC event for the first time since it co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with India. “The delegation will be given briefings on the preparations. They will visit the venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to see the upgradation work we will be carrying out for the Champions Trophy,” stated Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday.

Last month, a delegation from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) also visited Pakistan to evaluate security and other arrangements for their team’s tour to the country in mid-April for five T20 Internationals. Naqvi reiterated that the Champions Trophy would be held as scheduled in Pakistan.

When asked if Pakistan would consider a tit-for-tat response if the Indian government refused to send its team to Pakistan, Naqvi responded, “why are we even discussing such possibilities?” He added, “We had a good meeting in Dubai on the tournament and its technical side and as far as we are concerned we see no reason the event would not be held in Pakistan so why even discuss other scenarios.”

India had declined to send its team for the Asia Cup last year in August, resulting in several matches being relocated to Sri Lanka.

Categories: Cricket

Mohammad Amir Reverses Retirement, Available for T20 World Cup

Afridi’s T20 Captaincy in Jeopardy as PCB Defers Decision

RCB Aim to Bounce Back Against Powerhouse PBKS at High-Scoring Chinnaswamy

Kenya’s Collins Obuya Retires from Cricket After 23-Year Career

Bangladesh Collapse Leaves Sri Lanka on Cusp of Test Victory

Shubman Gill: From Stadium Sneaking to IPL Captaincy

Riyan Parag Silences Critics with Impressive Knock in IPL Opener

Hardik Pandya Returns to Ahmedabad as Mumbai Indians Face Gujarat Titans

PCB Reinstates Haris Rauf’s Central Contract After Acknowledgment of Error

Pakistan Optimistic About Hosting Champions Trophy Next Year

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