BCCI's Domestic Cricket Mandate Welcomed by Mohinder Amarnath

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate Welcomed by Mohinder Amarnath

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Step in the Right Direction, Says Mohinder Amarnath

Legendary Indian cricketer Mohinder Amarnath has lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to prioritize domestic cricket, making it mandatory for all fit and available players to represent their state teams.

“It’s a positive move that should have been implemented long ago,” Amarnath said at the launch of the JITO Premier League. “It should apply to all cricketers, not just a select few.”

Amarnath emphasized the importance of domestic cricket in developing players’ skills and fostering a strong foundation for the national team. “Everybody should play domestic cricket,” he asserted.

When asked about the specific cases of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer being instructed to play domestic cricket, Amarnath stated, “There should be no need for warnings. Decisions should be made and applied to everyone.”

He urged the BCCI to enforce strict rules and ensure that all Indian players participate in domestic competitions. “Players cannot make their own decisions,” he said. “It’s up to the BCCI and state associations to determine what’s best.”

Amarnath also praised R. Ashwin for surpassing 500 wickets in Tests and playing his 100th Test for India. “He’s a fantastic cricketer,” Amarnath said. “I remember watching him for the first time when I was a consultant with Bengal Cricket. He showed his class immediately.”

Amarnath expressed surprise at Ashwin’s occasional exclusion from the team but expressed confidence in his continued success. “He’s a fine bowler both at home and overseas,” he said. “I’m sure he will keep performing and contributing to the team.”

Rohit Sharma Unsure of 'Bazball' Meaning Ahead of Fifth Test

Rohit Sharma Unsure of ‘Bazball’ Meaning Ahead of Fifth Test

Ahead of the fifth and final Test of the five-match series against England in Dharamsala, India captain Rohit Sharma expressed uncertainty about the meaning of “Bazball.” The term, coined by English cricket commentator Simon Hughes, refers to England’s aggressive batting approach under new coach Brendon McCullum.

“I honestly don’t know what [Bazball] means, whether it is to go and strike, whether it is to go and defend and wait for the loose ball,” Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.

Rohit questioned the significance of the term, stating that he had not witnessed any excessive swinging from England’s batters. “I have not seen any wild swinging from anyone, so I don’t know exactly what this term means,” he added.

Despite his uncertainty about the term, Rohit acknowledged England’s improved performance since McCullum’s appointment. “But, yeah, clearly they have played better cricket from what they played the last time they were here,” he said. “And you got to give credit to two of their batters who got big hundreds there and played well.”

Rohit also responded to England opener Ben Duckett’s comment that Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive batting was influenced by Bazball. “There was a guy called Rishabh Pant in our team, probably Ben Duckett hasn’t seen him play,” Rohit said.

England have faced three consecutive losses in the series, unable to capitalize on their early 1-0 advantage. The visitors had their chances, notably in Rajkot and Ranchi, but India came back strong on both occasions to win.

The fifth and final Test match will begin on March 7 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala and conclude on March 11, 2024. India and England still have World Test Championship points to gain in Dharamsala, even though the series is decided. India is on top of the World Test Championship standings while England is eighth on the points table.

Sri Lanka Outraged by Controversial Umpiring Decision in Bangladesh T20I

Sri Lanka Outraged by Controversial Umpiring Decision in Bangladesh T20I

Sri Lanka’s frustration boiled over in the second T20I against Bangladesh after a controversial decision by third umpire Masudur Rahman overturned an on-field call.

In the fourth over of Bangladesh’s chase, opener Soumya Sarkar was adjudged out by umpire Sharfuddoula for edging a short delivery from Binura Fernando behind. Sarkar immediately reviewed the decision, but began walking off the field when the big screen displayed a clear spike on Ultra-edge.

However, Rahman ruled that the spike was not caused by bat on ball, claiming there was a “clear gap” between the bat and the ball when the spike appeared. While there was a slight misalignment, it is customary in such situations to give the batter out, attributing the discrepancy to calibration differences in the technology.

The lack of an alternative source for the spike further perplexed the Sri Lankan team. When Rahman communicated the overturned decision to the on-field umpire, Sri Lanka’s players erupted in protest, surrounding Sharfuddoula and questioning the call. Coach Chris Silverwood also approached the fourth official to express his concerns.

Sarkar, who was on 14 at the time, eventually fell for 26 in the seventh over. The controversial decision left a sour taste in the Sri Lankan camp, who felt they had been unfairly denied a wicket.

The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the use of technology in cricket. While Ultra-edge has been instrumental in reducing umpiring errors, it can also lead to contentious decisions when the evidence is inconclusive. In this case, the misalignment between the ball and the spike on Ultra-edge left room for interpretation, ultimately resulting in a decision that favored the batter.

Sachin Tendulkar Returns to Cricket, Dismissed by Bigg Boss Winner

Sachin Tendulkar Returns to Cricket, Dismissed by Bigg Boss Winner

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently made a return to the cricket field in a match of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). The ISPL is a T10 tournament featuring celebrities like Kareen Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan as team owners.

In the fun match, Tendulkar, along with other notable players like Robin Uthappa and Akshay Kumar, faced off against Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui. Faruqui, known for his comedic skills, surprisingly dismissed Tendulkar for 30 runs. The dismissal sent shockwaves through the stadium, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.

Despite the setback, Tendulkar remains a strong advocate for the importance of domestic cricket. He believes that playing in the Ranji Trophy provides national players with an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and elevate the level of domestic competition.

“When India players turn up for their domestic teams, it raises the quality of play for youngsters and sometimes new talent is identified,” Tendulkar said. “It also gives the national players a chance to sometimes rediscover the basics.”

Tendulkar’s comments come in the wake of the BCCI’s recent decision to make it mandatory for centrally contracted players to participate in domestic red-ball cricket when not on national duty or at the NCA. This move aims to strengthen the domestic circuit and provide more opportunities for young players to learn from experienced professionals.

Tendulkar’s own experience playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy has shaped his belief in the importance of domestic cricket. “Growing up, we had almost 7-8 India players in our dressing room, and it was fun to play alongside them,” he said.

The participation of star Indian players in domestic tournaments is expected to generate more interest and support for these competitions. Tendulkar believes that over time, fans will become more invested in their domestic teams, leading to a stronger and more vibrant domestic cricket ecosystem.

Kohli's IPL Participation Uncertain, de Villiers Hints at Possible Presence

Kohli’s IPL Participation Uncertain, de Villiers Hints at Possible Presence

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to kick off in less than 20 days, with the opening match featuring MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, on March 22 in Chennai.

Amidst the ongoing Test series against England, where Kohli has opted out due to personal reasons, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar raised concerns about his participation in the upcoming IPL. However, RCB great AB de Villiers has hinted at Kohli’s potential presence in the tournament.

“Nothing confirmed yet. Virat Kohli has hinted that he might want me to come over just to spend a bit of time with him and some of the batters perhaps. Nothing confirmed yet. I think the call has got to come from Andy Flower, Faf, and the team,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

Gavaskar, while acknowledging India’s impressive performance against England despite the absence of key players, emphasized the importance of team spirit and the contributions of young players.

“Three years back, India missed a lot of big names in Australia but they still managed to pull off a fantastic win not just in Gabba. After getting all out in Adelaide for 36, they won in Melbourne and drew in Sydney. They battled hard to save the Sydney Test match. If Rishabh Pant stayed on the crease for half an hour, then India could have won that match as well,” Gavaskar said.

“That’s why I always say, you don’t need big names… If any big name thinks that India won’t win without him, these two series have shown that whether you are there or not… Cricket is a team sport. It doesn’t depend on one individual.”

The success of the Indian team under captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid has highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering a positive team environment.

“Credit must go to the way captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid have managed the team. They gave chances to the young players, molded them, and encouraged them to play their natural game. This shows that whether we have big names or not, if we have players with big hearts, then we can win,” Gavaskar added.

Karachi Kings Crush Quetta Gladiators with Hasan Ali's Four-Wicket Haul

Karachi Kings Crush Quetta Gladiators with Hasan Ali’s Four-Wicket Haul

Karachi Kings’ hopes of reaching the Pakistan Super League (PSL) playoffs received a significant boost on Wednesday as they secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators. Fast bowler Hasan Ali played a pivotal role in the triumph, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs.

Quetta Gladiators, led by Shan Masood, elected to bat first but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Hasan Ali’s variations proved too much for the Gladiators’ batsmen, as he dismissed Saud Shakeel, Khawaja Nafay, and Sarfaraz Ahmed in quick succession. Blessing Muzarabani also contributed with two wickets, including that of Jason Roy.

Quetta’s innings crumbled to a dismal 118 all out in 19.1 overs, marking the lowest total in the current PSL season. Rilee Rossouw and Usman Tariq offered some resistance, but they were unable to prevent the collapse.

In response, Karachi Kings openers Tim Seifert and James Vince played with confidence and composure. Seifert top-scored with 49 runs, including six fours and two sixes, while Vince contributed 27. Shoaib Malik remained unbeaten on 27, guiding Karachi to victory with more than four overs to spare.

The win lifts Karachi Kings to fifth place in the PSL standings with six points from seven matches. Quetta Gladiators remain in the top two with nine points, but their recent form has been a cause for concern.

WPL: Giants Seek Redemption in Delhi, RCB Eyes Home Advantage

WPL: Giants Seek Redemption in Delhi, RCB Eyes Home Advantage

WPL GG vs RCB Live: Giants Seek Redemption in Delhi, RCB Eyes Home Advantage

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) moves to Delhi for its second leg, with Gujarat Giants (GG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) set to clash in Match 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Gujarat Giants, led by Australian captain Beth Mooney, have endured a disappointing start to the tournament, losing all four of their matches in Bengaluru. Mooney has acknowledged the team’s batting struggles, which have left them as the only side yet to register a win.

RCB, on the other hand, ended the Bengaluru leg on a positive note with a victory over UP Warriorz. Skipper Smriti Mandhana is eager to see how the Delhi crowd embraces the WPL, having played in front of a packed stadium in Bengaluru.

Mandhana has been in impressive form, scoring 164 runs in five games at a strike rate of 120.58. She has also praised her opening partner Sabbhineni Meghana, who has contributed 164 runs so far.

The Giants face an uphill battle, needing to win all their remaining games to salvage their campaign. They will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in Delhi, where they will have the opportunity to play on a different surface.

RCB, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their momentum and secure a top-four finish. They will be buoyed by the home advantage, having a large fan base in Delhi.

The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. Gujarat Giants will be desperate to break their losing streak, while RCB will be aiming to continue their winning ways.

Ravichandran Ashwin Set for 100th Test, Rohit Sharma Lauds “Rare” Talent

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian off-spinner, is set to become the 12th Indian cricketer to play 100 Tests when he takes the field against England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala on Thursday. The match is inconsequential to the final outcome of the series, as India has already taken an unbeatable 3-1 lead. However, it has become significant due to Ashwin’s impending milestone.

Ashwin’s captain, Rohit Sharma, has heaped praise on the off-spinner ahead of his 100th Test, calling him a “rare” talent who has been critical to the team’s success. “His performances over the last five-seven years, every series he has contributed. It is rare to have players like him,” Rohit said.

Ashwin has taken 507 Test wickets, making him only the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble (619) to go past the 500-wicket mark. He has also scored over 2,500 runs in Tests, including five centuries.

Ashwin’s journey to 100 Tests has been a long and winding one. He made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and has since become one of the most successful bowlers in the world. He is known for his ability to bowl with accuracy and control, and he has a wide range of deliveries that he can use to deceive batsmen.

Ashwin has also been a key member of the Indian team that has won the World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in recent years. He is a respected figure in the dressing room and is known for his intelligence and his ability to read the game.

As Ashwin prepares to play his 100th Test, he will be hoping to add to his already impressive tally of wickets. He will also be hoping to help India win the series against England and cement his place as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

Bangladesh Opt to Bowl First in Second T20I Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh Opt to Bowl First in Second T20I Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, opted to field first in the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Sylhet. The hosts retained the same lineup that narrowly lost the first match by three runs.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, made one change, bringing in left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka for spinner Akila Dananjaya. Pitch expert Farvez Maharoof noted that the surface had a more even grass covering and that dew could potentially impact the game.

In the first T20I, Sri Lanka successfully defended a total of 206, thanks to a last-ball thriller. Jaker Ali’s blistering 68 off 34 balls had given Bangladesh a scare, but Dasun Shanaka’s composed bowling in the 20th over sealed the victory for the visitors.

Bangladesh XI:

1. Litton Das (wk)
2. Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt)
3. Soumya Sarkar
4. Towhid Hridoy
5. Mahmudullah
6. Mahedi Hasan
7. Jaker Ali
8. Taskin Ahmed
9. Rishad Hossain
10. Mustafizur Rahman
11. Shoriful Islam

Sri Lanka XI:

1. Avishka Fernando
2. Kusal Mendis (wk)
3. Kamindu Mendis
4. Sadeera Samarawickrama
5. Charith Asalanka (capt.)
6. Angelo Mathews
7. Dasun Shanaka
8. Maheesh Theekshana
9. Dilshan Madushanka
10. Binura Fernando
11. Matheesha Pathirana

Kane Williamson Set for 100th Test, Recalls Surreal Debut Against Indian Legends

Kane Williamson Set for 100th Test, Recalls Surreal Debut Against Indian Legends

Kane Williamson, the star New Zealand batter, is set to play his 100th Test match, a milestone that has him reflecting on his journey and the surreal experience of his debut against India in 2010.

Williamson, now 33, vividly recalls the awe he felt when he walked out to bat in Ahmedabad, surrounded by legendary Indian cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman.

“I remember walking out and looking around the field and seeing all my heroes,” Williamson said. “I used to love playing backyard cricket as a youngster, and all those guys were in that team that I would try and select.”

“It was Tendulkar and Laxman and Dravid, and it was kind of like, ‘How am I here? I’d better start watching the ball and try and compete.'”

Despite the intimidating presence of the Indian greats, Williamson made a memorable debut, scoring 131 in New Zealand’s first innings. He credits that experience with shaping his approach to the game.

“It was quite surreal,” he said. “I remember being quite eager to try and get into the opposition’s dressing room and chat to some of those guys if I could.”

Over the past decade, Williamson has established himself as one of the world’s leading batters, amassing 8675 runs at an average of 55.25, including 32 centuries and 33 fifties. He has also led New Zealand to the World Test Championship title in 2021.

Reflecting on his journey, Williamson emphasized the importance of continuous learning and improvement.

“Then a few grey hairs later and (after) a number of different experiences over that time, there’s not been many days – probably any – where I haven’t tried to improve and get better as a player,” he said.

“It’s never a perfect journey. You go through so much. The format of Test cricket in particular really takes you through that. The learning – physically, (and) mentally – the reflection, (and) the memories of almost every Test that when you sit down and dissect it, there’s so much that you do recall.”

Williamson’s 100th Test match will be a special occasion for him and for New Zealand cricket. It is a testament to his longevity, skill, and dedication to the game.

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