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CA's Decision to Cap Lyon's County Stint Draws Criticism

CA’s Decision to Cap Lyon’s County Stint Draws Criticism

By April 11, 2024 0

Nathan Lyon’s County Championship stint with Lancashire has been capped at seven games by Cricket Australia (CA), a decision that has drawn criticism from former players and commentators. Lyon, 36, had initially signed to play the entire 2024 season across all three formats, but discussions with selectors reduced his stint to the first half of the season and red-ball cricket only.

Lyon expressed disappointment at the restrictions, while Lancashire was further frustrated when the first game of the season was washed out, leaving Lyon with just two overs bowled. CA’s high-performance team, led by selectors and the Sport Science Sport Medicine (SSSM) team, carefully monitors the total number of first-class matches senior players participate in to prevent injuries.

Lyon played 12 first-class matches in the 2022-23 summer, including a tour of India where he had a heavy workload. After bowling 53 overs in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, he tore his calf badly in the first innings at Lord’s, which changed the trajectory of the series. The selectors became acutely aware of Lyon’s importance to the side as they did not win another Test in the series in his absence.

Former Test captain Michael Clarke questioned CA’s decision, saying it “doesn’t make sense” for Lyon to return home for pre-season when Australia’s next Test match is not until November 22. Clarke believes Lyon would benefit from playing more cricket rather than doing a pre-season that could lead to injuries.

Former Australia batter Callum Ferguson also criticized the decision, saying he would like to see Lyon get the opportunity to play the full season if he thinks it’s best for his career. Ferguson believes it would leave Lyon in better shape for the next Ashes series.

CA’s chair of selectors George Bailey said the decision was made with the next summer in mind, where Australia is set to play seven Tests in less than three months. Bailey emphasized that the decision is not necessarily made for every player.

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LSG Favored to Overcome Struggling DC in IPL Clash

LSG Favored to Overcome Struggling DC in IPL Clash

By April 11, 2024 0

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face off against Delhi Capitals (DC) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Friday, with LSG holding a significant advantage.

LSG, currently third in the points table, boasts a formidable bowling attack. Despite the potential absence of Mayank Yadav due to an abdominal niggle, they have a strong lineup including Yash Thakur, Naveen-ul-Haq, Krunal Pandya, and Ravi Bishnoi. Their opening pair of Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul has been consistent, while Nicholas Pooran has been in exceptional form. However, Devdutt Padikkal remains a concern, having yet to reach double digits.

DC, on the other hand, has struggled to find a Plan B, as evidenced by their recent losses to Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians. Their Indian pace attack lacks firepower, with Khaleel Ahmed and Ishant Sharma failing to deliver consistently. Mukesh Kumar is expected to return from injury, but his performance has been underwhelming. Medium pacers Sumit Kumar and Rasikh Dar could face challenges against LSG’s strong batting lineup.

Pace spearhead Anrich Nortje has also been inconsistent, leaking runs at a high economy rate. DC’s batting has been heavily reliant on skipper Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs, with a lack of depth in Indian talent on the bench. Prithvi Shaw has shown some improvement, but uncapped Indian players have failed to make a significant impact.

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India's 2024 T20 World Cup Squad: Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube Emerge as Contenders

India’s 2024 T20 World Cup Squad: Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube Emerge as Contenders

By April 11, 2024 0

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 in full swing, the anticipation for the announcement of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad is reaching fever pitch. The deadline for naming the squad is May 1, and the selection committee faces the daunting task of choosing the best players to represent India in the global tournament.

India’s quest for an ICC trophy since 2013 has been a long and arduous one, and the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies presents a golden opportunity to break the drought. In recent years, there has been a growing clamor for the inclusion of young and fearless players in the T20 format.

One player who has emerged as a strong contender for a spot in the squad is Riyan Parag. The Rajasthan Royals batsman has been in scintillating form in the IPL, scoring three half-centuries in his last four matches. In his last 15 T20 innings, Parag has amassed 771 runs at an astonishing average of 90 and a strike rate of 170.7.

“He is somebody that the selection committee has kept an eye on. All he needs to do is keep playing,” said legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar about Parag.

Another player who has impressed the selectors is Shivam Dube. The all-rounder has showcased his exceptional striking ability against spinners, making him a valuable asset in the middle order. Venkatesh Prasad, a former India pacer, has advocated for Dube’s inclusion in the squad, along with Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav.

“Shivam Dube for his striking ability against spinners, Surya for being the best T20 international batter, and Rinku Singh for his exceptional finishing ability. It will be great if India finds a way to have these 3 in the 11 in the T20 WC,” Prasad posted on social media.

However, the wicket-keeper’s spot remains a contentious issue. Prasad did not mention any specific names, leaving the door open for a number of players to stake their claim.

The selection committee will have a tough decision to make when it comes to the batting unit. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being automatic selections, the remaining spots will be fiercely contested. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul will all be hoping to prove their worth in the IPL and earn a place in the World Cup squad.

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Indian Grandmasters Rebound with Wins in Candidates Tournament Round 6

Indian Grandmasters Rebound with Wins in Candidates Tournament Round 6

By April 11, 2024 0

Round 6 of the Candidates Tournament witnessed a resurgence for Indian grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi and R Praggnanandhaa, who secured the only decisive victories in the Open section.

Praggnanandhaa, after a disappointing draw against Ian Nepomniachtchi in Round 5, bounced back with a win against the tournament’s lowest seed, Nijat Abasov. The endgame proved to be a thrilling affair, with Abasov desperately trying to avoid a second consecutive loss. However, his decision to capture a pawn on a6 proved costly, as Praggnanandhaa spotted a brilliant move (40.Nd7) that sealed the game.

Gujrathi, who had endured two losses and a tough draw in the previous rounds, found redemption against Alireza Firouzja. The French-Iranian GM, known for his stylish attire, has struggled in this tournament. Gujrathi capitalized on Firouzja’s early mistakes, taking a pawn with 13…Qxf2? that ultimately led to his downfall.

The marquee matchup between Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana ended in a quick draw, continuing the trend of drawn encounters between the two former Candidates winners.

In the Women’s section, all games in Round 6 were decisive, with three victories for Black. Former world champion Tan Zhongyi maintained her lead with a win over Anna Muzychuk. Indian players Koneru Humpy and R Vaishali suffered losses to Kateryna Lagno and Lei Tingjie, respectively.

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Hardik Pandya's Stepbrother Arrested for Alleged Fraud

Hardik Pandya’s Stepbrother Arrested for Alleged Fraud

By April 11, 2024 0

Indian cricketers Hardik and Krunal Pandya’s stepbrother, Vaibhav Pandya, has been arrested by the Mumbai Police for allegedly defrauding them of approximately Rs 4.3 crore. The arrest stems from a complaint filed by Hardik Pandya, who accused Vaibhav of diverting funds from a partnership firm they had established in 2021.

According to the agreement, Hardik and Krunal were to receive 40% each of the profits, while Vaibhav was entitled to 20%. However, instead of sharing the profits, Vaibhav allegedly formed a separate company and transferred the funds into it.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police charged Vaibhav with cheating and forgery. The arrest comes amid Hardik’s recent appointment as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Hardik’s captaincy tenure has faced criticism from fans following MI’s poor start to the season, losing their first three matches. However, the team secured their first win against the Delhi Capitals in their last game.

In a post-match interview, Hardik acknowledged the challenges faced by the team and the efforts made to improve their performance. He emphasized the importance of clearing minds and ensuring that plans and intentions were aligned.

The win against Delhi Capitals has provided a much-needed boost to MI’s campaign, and Hardik expressed optimism about the team’s future prospects. He highlighted the hard work and support within the dressing room as key factors in their success.

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Mumbai Indians Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Crucial IPL Clash

Mumbai Indians Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Crucial IPL Clash

By April 11, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Both teams are looking to improve their standings in the points table, with Mumbai currently eighth and Royal Challengers ninth.

Mumbai Indians have shown signs of improvement in their recent matches, securing a 29-run victory over Delhi Capitals in their previous outing. Gerald Coetzee emerged as the top fantasy performer for Mumbai with 112 points, while Rohit Sharma and Tim David also contributed significantly.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, suffered a six-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in their last match. Virat Kohli was the standout performer for Royal Challengers, amassing 165 fantasy points. Faf du Plessis and Reece Topley also made notable contributions.

The pitch at the Wankhede Stadium is expected to favor pacers, with 75% of wickets taken by fast bowlers in the past 20 matches. The weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions, which could further assist the pacers.

In terms of head-to-head records, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s all-rounders have been the most consistent fantasy point earners, while Mumbai Indians’ batters have been the most productive.

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MS Dhoni's Ex-Business Partner Arrested for Alleged Fraud

MS Dhoni’s Ex-Business Partner Arrested for Alleged Fraud

By April 11, 2024 0

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s ex-business partner, Mihir Diwakar, has been arrested for alleged fraud. The arrest stems from a criminal case filed by Dhoni himself, who accused Diwakar of unauthorized use of his name and financial irregularities.

Diwakar, the director of Aarka Sports Management Pvt Ltd, was taken into custody by the Jaipur police on Tuesday. The arrest follows allegations that he established cricket academies using Dhoni’s name without his consent.

According to Dhoni’s complaint, Diwakar continued to operate cricket academies and sport complexes in his name even after his authority was revoked in August 2021. The former India captain claims that he was not informed about these activities and did not receive any share of the profits.

The Chennai Super Kings skipper has filed a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. The complaint also names Soumya Das, another director of Aarka Sports Management Pvt Ltd.

The investigation revealed that Diwakar allegedly collected money for MS Dhoni Cricket and Sports Academies, amounting to over Rs 15 crore. However, Aarka Sports was obligated to pay Dhoni a franchise fee and share profits, which they allegedly failed to do.

Dhoni’s lawyer stated that the cricketer academies were set up without his knowledge and that the authority letter granted to the partners was revoked in 2021. Despite this, Diwakar and Das continued to use Dhoni’s name and establish academies without sharing any information or profits with him.

The arrest of Mihir Diwakar is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Dhoni and his former business partners. The investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged fraud and the involvement of other individuals.

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Dinesh Karthik Hints at IPL Retirement, Expresses Regrets and Discusses Leadership Challenges

Dinesh Karthik Hints at IPL Retirement, Expresses Regrets and Discusses Leadership Challenges

By April 11, 2024 0

Veteran Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has hinted at a possible retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the end of the ongoing 2024 season. Karthik, who is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will see his contract expire at the conclusion of this season, as the competition will have a mega auction next.

In a recent interview, Karthik discussed his possible future and took a sly dig at former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi for his multiple retirements and comebacks. “Unless you are Shahid Afridi (on retirement), but in most cases, once it’s done, it’s done,” Karthik said.

Karthik also revealed two big regrets of his IPL career: not being retained by Mumbai Indians in the 2014 season and never playing for Chennai Super Kings despite being a local boy. “I think I missed the opportunity; they were keen on me not playing for the Super Kings because I am from Chennai. They have always bid for me but could never get me,” Karthik said.

Karthik, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2018-20, admitted to having some “tough conversations” with spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who had to stay benched after taking just four wickets in nine games in the 2019 season. Karthik revealed that Yadav was not performing as well as he is now and that he had to be “honest” with him. He expressed happiness at Yadav’s progress since then, saying that he has become a better bowler and a “world-beater.”

Karthik also spoke about the challenges of leading a franchise. “Leading a franchise is altogether a different job. There are many other cultures, and you will find it challenging to deal with other individuals. You can be very honest with them. As a leader, you will lose out on certain friendships,” he said.

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Sanju Samson Fined Rs 12 Lakh for Slow Over Rate in IPL Match

Sanju Samson Fined Rs 12 Lakh for Slow Over Rate in IPL Match

By April 11, 2024 0

Rajasthan Royals Skipper Sanju Samson Fined Rs 12 Lakh for Slow Over Rate

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been penalized with a hefty fine of Rs 12 lakh for his team’s sluggish over rate during their thrilling encounter against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday. The Titans, led by Shubman Gill, emerged victorious in a nail-biting last-ball finish, snapping the Royals’ four-match winning streak.

According to an official IPL statement, Samson was fined as it was his team’s first offense of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offenses. The statement emphasized that teams must adhere to the required over rate standards to ensure smooth and timely completion of matches.

In the match, Samson played a valiant unbeaten knock of 68 off 38 deliveries, while Riyan Parag’s blistering 78 helped the Royals post a formidable total of 196 for 3. However, the Gujarat Titans, propelled by Gill’s fine 72 and Rashid Khan’s crucial cameo innings of 24 off 11 deliveries, successfully chased down the target on the final delivery of the match.

The fine serves as a reminder to all IPL teams to maintain the required over rate standards. The IPL’s regulations aim to ensure that matches are completed within the stipulated time frame, providing a fair and consistent playing field for all teams.

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Adam Zampa Withdraws from IPL 2024 to Focus on T20 World Cup

Adam Zampa Withdraws from IPL 2024 to Focus on T20 World Cup

By April 11, 2024 0

Adam Zampa, Australia’s premier leg-spinner, has opted out of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season to prioritize his mental and physical well-being ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.

Zampa, who was set to join Rajasthan Royals, withdrew on the eve of the season after a grueling 12 months that included the ODI World Cup, T20I series against India, and the Big Bash League (BBL).

“I’m completely drained from 2023,” Zampa explained on the Willow Talk podcast. “I did the full IPL last year, and the World Cup was three months in India as well.”

Despite his initial intentions to play in the IPL, Zampa realized he couldn’t offer his best to the Royals. “I felt like I just couldn’t really offer the Rajasthan Royals the best version of myself,” he said.

Another factor in Zampa’s decision was the uncertainty surrounding his playing time. With Indian spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin in the Royals’ squad, Zampa wasn’t sure how many games he would get.

“It came down to my decision being I probably need to put my body and my mental health first,” he said. “I’ve got a young family, and it’s not easy to spend nine weeks in India.”

Zampa’s absence from the IPL is a significant blow to the Royals, but it’s a necessary step for the 30-year-old as he looks to maintain his peak form for the T20 World Cup.

“Looking forward to the World Cup, that’s what’s more important to me, that’s for sure,” Zampa said.

Zampa will be a key figure in Australia’s quest to win the T20 World Cup and complete the trifecta of men’s world titles. He is expected to form a spin partnership with Ashton Agar, who is in contention for a recall to the squad.

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