CSA Reports Record Profits of R815 Million, Women's Cricket Benefits

CSA Reports Record Profits of R815 Million, Women’s Cricket Benefits

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a remarkable financial turnaround, posting profits of R815 million (US$ 45.6 million) for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This significant achievement marks a departure from the losses incurred over the past three reporting periods, totaling R538 million (US$ 30.14 million).

The turnaround is primarily attributed to increased revenue from broadcast rights, which now account for 54% of CSA’s income. The successful hosting of the 2024 Under-19 men’s World Cup and a bumper SA20 tournament, in which CSA holds a majority stake, further contributed to the financial boost.

CSA’s total ICC disbursements for the period amounted to R566 million (US$ 31.63 million), a significant increase from the previous year’s R290 million (US$ 16.2 million). The organization anticipates another strong financial year in 2024-2025, largely due to hosting India for four T20Is in November, with revenue projections exceeding R150 million (US$ 8.38 million) per match.

The financial turnaround has had a positive impact on the women’s game in South Africa, with CSA investing R32 million (US$ 1.78 million) in professionalizing domestic women’s cricket. The cost of running professional cricket remains CSA’s largest expense, with R633 million (US$ 35.3 million) allocated to domestic men’s and women’s teams.

Despite the financial challenges, CSA reported strong performance across all levels of cricket. The men’s team reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, while the women’s team achieved historic victories against Australia. Grassroots cricket also saw a surge in participation, with the KFC mini-cricket program reporting a 20% increase.

The CSA AGM marked the end of Lawson Naidoo’s three-year tenure as chair. A new chair will be elected at a special general meeting this month, with the selection process limited to independent directors.

Bangladesh Pacer Shoriful Islam Ruled Out of India Test Series

Bangladesh Pacer Shoriful Islam Ruled Out of India Test Series

Bangladesh Pacer Shoriful Islam Ruled Out of India Test Series Due to Groin Injury

Bangladesh’s hopes of continuing their Test success in India have been dealt a blow with the news that pacer Shoriful Islam will miss the two-match series due to a groin injury.

Shoriful, 23, played a key role in Bangladesh’s historic Test series win in Pakistan, taking three wickets in the first Test in Rawalpindi. However, he sustained the injury during the match and was unable to feature in the second Test.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed Shoriful’s absence in a statement on Thursday, saying that he is still recovering from the injury and is unavailable for the series.

The injury is a significant setback for Bangladesh, who are looking to build on their momentum after defeating Pakistan. The team will now have to rely on their other pacers, including Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Syed Khaled Ahmed, to provide the necessary firepower.

Despite the absence of Shoriful, Bangladesh will still be confident of putting up a strong fight against India. The team has a number of experienced players, including Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das, who have all performed well in Test cricket.

India, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their dominance in Test cricket. The team is currently ranked seventh in the ICC Test rankings, seven places ahead of Bangladesh. India is also leading the World Test Championship standings.

The first Test between India and Bangladesh will begin on September 19 in Chennai, while the second match will start on September 27 in Kanpur.

Ishan Kishan's Surprise Duleep Trophy Inclusion Sparks Confusion

Ishan Kishan’s Surprise Duleep Trophy Inclusion Sparks Confusion

Ishan Kishan’s Surprise Inclusion in Duleep Trophy Raises Questions

In a surprising turn of events, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has made an unexpected appearance in the playing XI of the India C team in the second round of the Duleep Trophy. This development has raised eyebrows, as Kishan was previously ruled out of the tournament due to a groin injury.

The confusion began when Kishan, a regular in India’s cricket squad until last year, was initially ruled out of the Duleep Trophy’s first round. The BCCI had announced his injury, sustained during the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, with Sanju Samson named as his replacement in the India D squad.

When the second round squad lists were released, Kishan was not mentioned, and there were no updates about his recovery. However, on September 12, Kishan appeared in the playing XI for India C against India B, causing speculation and confusion among fans and cricket analysts. The second-round announcement had stated no changes in the India C team, adding to the surprise.

The uncertainty over how Kishan, initially ruled out with an injury, suddenly joined the India C lineup has escalated without an official statement from the BCCI. Previously, Kishan had stepped away from cricket due to mental health issues, causing him to be dropped from the Indian squads and lose his central contract. His recent century in the Buchi Babu Invitational was seen as a positive sign of his return.

With Kishan’s unexpected inclusion in the Duleep Trophy, fans await clarification from the BCCI. The situation has led to further speculation about his future in Indian cricket. Some believe that his inclusion indicates a return to form and a potential recall to the national team, while others question the timing and circumstances of his recovery.

The BCCI’s silence on the matter has only added to the intrigue surrounding Kishan’s inclusion. It remains to be seen whether the board will provide an official explanation or whether Kishan’s return will remain shrouded in mystery.

Hazlewood's Cunning Deception Foxes Livingstone in T20I

Hazlewood’s Cunning Deception Foxes Livingstone in T20I

Bowlers’ Trickery: Josh Hazlewood’s Cunning Deception to Dismiss Liam Livingstone

In the ever-evolving landscape of cricket, where batsmen continuously innovate with audacious shots, bowlers must also adapt and devise new strategies to outwit their opponents. One such instance of bowling brilliance was witnessed in the first T20I between England and Australia at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood showcased his cunning deception to dismiss England’s Liam Livingstone. Bowling the 14th over, Hazlewood initially displayed the grip and hand position of an off-cutter, leading Livingstone to anticipate a slower delivery. However, in a swift move, Hazlewood switched his grip and unleashed a full-paced delivery.

The ball crashed into the hard length outside off stump, catching Livingstone off guard. The batsman’s lack of footwork and attempt to stab at the ball resulted in an inside edge that crashed into his stumps. Despite the absence of significant movement, Hazlewood’s clever deception proved decisive.

Bowlers employ various tactics to disrupt batsmen’s rhythm and force errors. Some slow down their deliveries or accelerate them unexpectedly to unsettle the batsman’s timing. Others rely on swing and seam to make the ball move unpredictably.

These strategies demand a combination of skill, guile, and an understanding of the batsman’s mindset. Hazlewood’s dismissal of Livingstone exemplified all these qualities, demonstrating the importance of bowling variations and outsmarting the opposition.

Basit Ali Slams PCB, Calls Promises to Fix Pakistan Cricket 'Gimmicks'

Basit Ali Slams PCB, Calls Promises to Fix Pakistan Cricket ‘Gimmicks’

Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali has once again criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, following the team’s recent struggles. Pakistan’s humiliating Test series loss against Bangladesh and their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 group stages have put immense pressure on the team and its management.

Ali slammed Naqvi’s leadership, stating that his promises to fix Pakistan’s cricket are mere “gimmicks.” He cited the views of Indian cricket legends Sourav Ganguly and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have also expressed concerns about Pakistan’s decline.

“Mohsin Naqvi, please open your eyes,” Ali said on YouTube. “You say you will fix Pakistan’s cricket, but it cannot happen like this. It is the bitter truth.”

Ali pointed out that Ashwin had questioned the lack of quality spinners in Pakistan, while Ganguly had commented on the deterioration of Pakistan’s cricket. “The promises made to fix Pakistan’s cricket are nothing but gimmicks,” Ali asserted.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal called for the resumption of cricket matches between Pakistan and India in their respective countries. He emphasized the strong bond between the two nations and the immense popularity of such matches.

“Even if the India versus Pakistan match happens on the moon, it will be huge,” Ajmal said. “There is a lot of love between India and Pakistan, and we must go to each other’s countries.”

Pakistan last toured India in 2012/13, while India’s last visit to Pakistan was in 2008. Since 2007, there has been no Test series between the two teams due to political tensions.

Rain Threatens to Wash Out Afghanistan's Historic Test Debut

Rain Threatens to Wash Out Afghanistan’s Historic Test Debut

Persistent rain has cast a shadow over the inaugural Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Complex near New Delhi. The relentless downpour has prevented any play for four consecutive days, leaving the fate of the match hanging in the balance.

This Test marks a significant milestone for Afghanistan, as it is their first at their adopted home ground. However, the incessant rain has rendered the field unplayable, with umpires deeming it too wet for play after an inspection at the scheduled start time of 9:30 am local time. Even the toss has yet to take place.

Afghanistan’s Test debut has been marred by the weather, as this is only their 10th Test since gaining Test status in 2017. New Zealand, led by Tim Southee, are scheduled to embark on a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka after the scheduled final day on Friday. They will then return to the subcontinent for three more Tests against India.

Greater Noida is hosting its first Test match, but the venue has faced criticism for inadequate facilities, particularly its poor drainage system. Attempts to dry the field using hand-held electric fans earlier in the week proved futile due to the ongoing rain.

Afghanistan, unable to host matches at home due to security concerns, have been using the Greater Noida ground for several T20Is and ODIs since 2017, thanks to an offer from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to use its facilities. However, the wet weather has exposed the venue’s limitations in handling such conditions.

The persistent rain has raised questions about the suitability of Greater Noida as a Test venue, especially during the monsoon season. The BCCI, which is responsible for the upkeep of the ground, will likely face scrutiny over the drainage system and other facilities.

As the rain continues to pour, the hopes of a competitive Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand dwindle. The match is now in danger of being abandoned, which would be a disappointing outcome for both teams and the fans who have been eagerly anticipating this historic encounter.

India's Test Schedule Packed with WTC Implications

India’s Test Schedule Packed with WTC Implications

India’s Test cricket schedule for the next nine months is jam-packed, with a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and the World Test Championship (WTC) final in London.

Currently, India leads the WTC standings with a win percentage of 68.52%, followed by Australia at 62.5%. New Zealand, the reigning WTC champions, are third with 50%.

India’s upcoming series against Bangladesh and New Zealand are crucial for their WTC aspirations. They need to win seven of their next 10 Tests to maintain their current win percentage. This is achievable if they sweep both series at home.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia will be a major test for India. They need to win at least two Tests Down Under to stay on top of the WTC table.

According to calculations by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru website, India needs to add 63 points to their current tally of 74 to finish in the top two of the WTC. This means they need to win at least five Tests and draw one in their next 10 matches.

Australia, who have seven Tests remaining, need 47 points to stay above 60% win percentage. They need four wins or three wins and a draw to achieve this.

New Zealand, with five Tests remaining in Asia, need six wins or five wins and a draw to end up with a win percentage of above 60%.

The WTC final will be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11. The top two teams from the WTC points table will contest the final.

Rain Ruins Historic Afghanistan-New Zealand Test

Rain Ruins Historic Afghanistan-New Zealand Test

Unrelenting Rain Forces Abandonment of Historic Afghanistan-New Zealand Test

Greater Noida, India – The inaugural Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand has been abandoned without a ball being bowled due to incessant rainfall that has plagued the venue for the past seven days.

The relentless downpour has left the outfield waterlogged and unplayable, making it impossible to conduct any meaningful cricket. The decision to abandon the match was made before the scheduled start time on the second day, leaving both teams disappointed and fans heartbroken.

“There has been more than 1200 mm of rain over seven days,” a broadcast message stated. “The scale of rainfall has made it absolutely impossible for cricket today. We are going to come back on day five just in case, but the reality is there will be absolutely no prospect of play. We can’t envisage anything else but an abandonment very early tomorrow morning.”

This marks the first time since 1998 that a men’s Test match has been abandoned without a ball being bowled. The previous instance occurred in Dunedin, New Zealand, during India’s tour of the country.

The abandonment of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test is a major setback for both teams, who were eager to make history in this historic encounter. Afghanistan was playing its first-ever Test match, while New Zealand was looking to extend its impressive record in the format.

The weather conditions have also taken a toll on the players and support staff, who have been forced to endure long delays and uncertainty. The abandonment of the match will undoubtedly leave a bitter taste in the mouths of all involved.

India-Bangladesh Test in Kanpur to Proceed Despite Protest Threats

India-Bangladesh Test in Kanpur to Proceed Despite Protest Threats

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the second Test match between India and Bangladesh will proceed as scheduled in Kanpur on September 27, despite threats of protests.

The decision comes after concerns arose following threats issued by the Hindu Mahasabha regarding alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. However, a BCCI source has stated that they are not considering alternative venues and the match will take place as planned.

“We are monitoring the situation with the concerned authorities, but we have done everything to hold that match,” the source told India Today. “The stadium is ready to welcome our and visitors’ teams. It’s not going anywhere. It will be in Kanpur, but we will keep monitoring the situation.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh batter Litton Das has revealed that the team is adjusting to the SG balls ahead of the series. Bangladesh typically uses Kookaburra balls in home internationals, but India uses SG balls, which have a more prominent seam.

“The ball will be a different one in India,” Das said. “It is a little harder to play against the SG ball. The Kookaburra ball is easier to play when it gets old. It is the opposite with the SG ball. It is harder to get away against the old ball when it’s the SG.”

India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh includes Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal.

India D vs India A: Shreyas Iyer's Team Opts to Bowl First in Crucial Encounter

India D vs India A: Shreyas Iyer’s Team Opts to Bowl First in Crucial Encounter

India D vs India A: Shreyas Iyer’s Team Opts to Bowl First

In a crucial encounter between India D and India A, India D captain Shreyas Iyer made the decision to bowl first after winning the toss. The match serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot in the national Test squad.

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has been included in the India A team, has a lot to prove in this match. His performance in red-ball cricket will be closely scrutinized as he aims to enhance his credentials. Similarly, Devdutt Padikkal and Sanju Samson, who were notably absent from India D’s playing eleven against India C, will be eager to make an impact.

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of India D, is another player who has been sidelined from the Test squad. A strong performance in this match could potentially bring him back into contention for national selection.

Mayank Agarwal, who last played a Test match in March 2022, is captaining the India A unit. He will be looking to score a significant number of runs to regain his place in the national team. The emergence of Shubman Gill has led to Agarwal being overlooked for the Test squad, but a dominant performance in this match could change that.

The match between India D and India A is a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their talent and stake their claim for a spot in the national Test squad. The performances of Arshdeep Singh, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, and Mayank Agarwal will be closely monitored as they aim to impress the selectors.

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