Ishan Kishan's Conversation with BCCI Secretary Sparks Comeback Hopes

Ishan Kishan’s Conversation with BCCI Secretary Sparks Comeback Hopes

Ishan Kishan, the talented wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, has found himself in a precarious position after being excluded from the BCCI’s central contract list. However, a recent conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah has sparked hope for a potential comeback.

Kishan’s exclusion from the contract list was a result of his reluctance to play first-class cricket. Despite repeated attempts by the Indian team management to involve him, he did not participate in any Ranji Trophy games this season. Instead, he opted to practice with his Mumbai Indians skipper, Hardik Pandya, in preparation for the IPL.

This decision ultimately cost him his contract, but Shah’s gesture of engaging in conversation with Kishan and national captain Rohit Sharma could be a sign of a potential thaw. While the contents of the discussion remain unknown, the fact that Shah, an influential figure in Indian cricket, is showing interest in Kishan is a positive development.

Kishan’s chances of a comeback in the T20 World Cup have dwindled in recent months, with Rishabh Pant back in contention and KL Rahul also expressing his desire to keep wickets. However, the IPL provides him with a massive opportunity to make a case for himself with consistent performances.

The presence of national captain Rohit during Shah’s conversation with Kishan is significant. It suggests that Kishan’s performance will be the primary factor in determining his future with the Indian team, despite his past attitude issues.

Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has also expressed confidence in Kishan, stating that he is an “experienced” player within the setup and expects big things from him. With the selectors traveling to select IPL games to check on World Cup hopefuls, Kishan has a golden opportunity to prove his worth.

IPL 2024 Schedule Unveiled: Chennai to Host Grand Finale on May 26

IPL 2024 Schedule Unveiled: Chennai to Host Grand Finale on May 26

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the remaining schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, with the tournament set to culminate in a grand finale in Chennai on May 26.

All 74 matches of the tournament will be played in India, with the crucial stages taking place in Ahmedabad and Chennai. The Lok Sabha elections, scheduled from April 19 to June 1, have influenced the scheduling to avoid any clashes.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host Qualifier 1 on May 21 and the Eliminator on May 22. The iconic Chepauk in Chennai will then stage Qualifier 2 on May 24 and the much-anticipated final on May 26.

The IPL governing council has maintained the tradition of holding the opening game and final at the home venue of the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings. Earlier, the BCCI had announced the schedule for only the first 21 matches of the 17th edition of the IPL, which commenced on March 22.

The IPL 2024 promises to be an exciting spectacle, with all the top players from around the world set to participate. The tournament has become a global phenomenon, attracting a massive fan base and generating significant revenue for the BCCI.

Pakistan Summons UAE's Usman Khan to Training Camp, Eyes T20 World Cup

Pakistan Summons UAE’s Usman Khan to Training Camp, Eyes T20 World Cup

UAE’s top-order batter Usman Khan, born in Pakistan, has been summoned to Pakistan’s training camp with the army in Kakul. This move signals Pakistan’s eagerness to entice him to represent the country of his birth in international cricket. Usman joins 28 other players for the camp, which runs from March 26 to April 8.

Despite the PCB’s silence on Usman’s inclusion or any official change in his status as a UAE player, his selection for the camp is a clear indication of Pakistan’s intentions. In the recent PSL, Usman played as a registered overseas player, amassing the second-highest run tally. Prior to that, he participated in the ILT20 and Abu Dhabi T10 as a local player for the UAE.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo earlier this month, Usman downplayed his chances of playing for Pakistan in the near future, expressing his determination to complete the residency period to qualify for the UAE. However, he still has 14 months to go before becoming eligible for the UAE.

Usman had previously cited the uncertainty in Pakistan and the ease of obtaining no-objection certificates from the Emirates Cricket Board as reasons for switching allegiances. However, since he has not yet played for the UAE, he can still return to Pakistan without any waiting period.

Given the rapid developments at the PCB, it is highly likely that Usman will be included in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. This move is part of Pakistan’s preparations for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June.

The training camp also marks the return of two players who recently reversed their retirement decisions: Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir. Imad’s success in the PSL and CPL makes him an attractive prospect for Pakistan, while Amir remains hopeful of representing his country again. Haris Rauf, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, has also been included after his central contract was reinstated by the PCB.

Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians Captaincy Debut Met with Dismay

Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians Captaincy Debut Met with Dismay

Hardik Pandya’s maiden outing as Mumbai Indians captain proved to be a baptism of fire, as he faced a barrage of criticism from fans, commentators, and experts alike. The decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Pandya as skipper drew widespread disapproval, with fans expressing their dismay at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Pandya’s tactical decisions during MI’s opening match against Gujarat Titans came under intense scrutiny. His choice to bowl the first over himself instead of Jasprit Bumrah raised eyebrows, with former England player Kevin Pietersen expressing disbelief at the crowd’s reaction. “I have never seen any Indian player getting booed like they are booing Hardik Pandya here in Ahmedabad. This is a rare happening,” Pietersen said.

Pandya’s decision to send Tim David ahead of him also drew criticism, with Irfan Pathan suggesting that the new MI skipper may have been trying to avoid facing Rashid Khan. Former India head coach Anil Kumble took a dig at Pandya for not revealing the names of the players when asked about the team combination at the toss.

The criticism extended beyond the match itself, with fans taking to social media to express their disapproval. Videos of fans booing Pandya circulated widely, reflecting the sentiment of those who were unwilling to accept him as the Mumbai Indians skipper.

Pandya’s performance on the field did little to quell the criticism. He scored just 12 runs and conceded 30 runs in his two overs, failing to make a significant impact on the game. MI ultimately lost the match by 5 wickets, adding to the disappointment of the fans.

The backlash against Pandya highlights the high expectations that come with captaining one of the most successful teams in the IPL. Rohit Sharma’s legacy as a leader looms large, and Pandya will need to prove himself worthy of the role if he wants to win over the hearts of the Mumbai Indians faithful.

Chennai to Host IPL 2024 Final After 12 Years

Chennai to Host IPL 2024 Final After 12 Years

Chennai, the home of the defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings, is set to host its first IPL final in 12 years. The iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as the Chepauk, will be the venue for the title match on May 26, 2024.

The Chepauk has previously hosted two IPL finals, in 2011 and 2012. Chennai will also host the second qualifier on May 24, while the first qualifier on May 21 and the eliminator on May 22 will be played in Ahmedabad.

The IPL playoffs will follow the usual format of evening games. The league phase of the tournament will begin on March 22 and conclude on May 19. The second part of the schedule, comprising 52 matches including the playoffs, will commence on April 8.

The ten IPL teams have been divided into two groups of five each. Each team will play the other four teams in their group twice and four teams in the other group once. The remaining team from the other group will be picked via a draw and played twice.

Chennai Super Kings are grouped with Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. The second group includes Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.

The 2024 IPL league phase will feature 11 double-header days, including two on the opening weekend. Apart from the main home grounds of the ten teams, the tournament will also visit Visakhapatnam, Dharamsala, and Guwahati, which will host two games each as the respective second home grounds of Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.

Africa Games T20I Status Confusion: Some Matches Not Recognized

Africa Games T20I Status Confusion: Some Matches Not Recognized

Confusion over T20I Status at Africa Games

The recent Africa Games witnessed a mix-up in communication, resulting in some matches being granted T20I status while others were not. The International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that fixtures involving South Africa’s men’s and women’s teams, as well as Zimbabwe’s men’s team, were not considered T20Is. However, games between the other six men’s teams and seven women’s teams were recognized as T20Is.

The confusion arose after Cricket South Africa (CSA) inquired about the official status of the matches. According to the ICC’s “Classification of Official Cricket” document, all T20 matches played under ICC regulations are considered internationals, except for those involving A teams or age-group sides.

South Africa sent an emerging women’s team and a university men’s team to the Africa Games due to player commitments elsewhere. Zimbabwe selected an under-25 men’s side but fielded a first-choice women’s squad. The other participating countries, all Associate nations, sent their strongest available sides and believed they were playing internationals.

The miscommunication raised concerns for South Africa and Zimbabwe, who are Full Members of the ICC. They questioned whether the results would affect their T20I rankings. CSA also expressed concerns about the impact on 16-year-old wicketkeeper Karabo Meso, who played at the Africa Games and was subsequently named in the senior squad to face Sri Lanka.

Additionally, there were concerns about the infrastructure in Accra, particularly the suitability of the cricket venues. CSA intervened, and a ground consultant from Zimbabwe assisted in preparing the pitch and outfield.

The Africa Games organizers were contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of writing.

Anrich Nortje Joins Delhi Capitals Squad for IPL 2024

Anrich Nortje Joins Delhi Capitals Squad for IPL 2024

South African speedster Anrich Nortje has joined the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Nortje’s arrival comes after DC’s disappointing 4-wicket loss to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their tournament opener.

Nortje, known for his express pace and ability to generate steep bounce, is expected to bolster DC’s bowling attack. The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for South Africa, claiming 10 wickets in his last five T20I appearances.

In DC’s first match against PBKS, the team struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 174/9 in 20 overs. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh provided a solid start, but the middle order failed to capitalize. Abhishek Porel’s late cameo helped DC reach a respectable score.

In response, PBKS chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a 67-run partnership between Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone. Curran was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning knock of 63 runs.

Nortje’s addition to the DC squad is a significant boost for the team. His pace and accuracy will provide much-needed support to the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed. DC will be hoping that Nortje can help them turn their fortunes around and secure their first win of the season.

RCB vs PBKS: Clash of the Titans in IPL 2024

RCB vs PBKS: Clash of the Titans in IPL 2024

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is underway, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face off against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a highly anticipated match. Both teams are coming off contrasting results in their opening matches, with RCB suffering a defeat to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and PBKS securing a thrilling victory over the Delhi Capitals (DC).

RCB, led by Dinesh Karthik, will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing start. Despite a challenging start, RCB’s middle-order batsmen, Anuj Rawat and Karthik, rescued the team from a precarious position of 78 for 5 to 173 for 6. However, their bowling fell short as they struggled with length, allowing the CSK batters to capitalize and secure a 6-wicket victory.

On the other hand, PBKS, led by Mayank Agarwal, began their IPL 2024 campaign with a resounding 4-wicket victory against DC. Arshdeep Singh and Harpreet Brar impressed with the ball, restricting DC to a total of 174 runs. With the bat, Sam Curran’s remarkable innings of 63 runs off 47 balls, supported by Liam Livingstone, guided PBKS to victory.

Looking at the head-to-head record, PBKS have faced off against RCB in 31 matches, securing victory in 17 of them. However, RCB emerged victorious in their last encounter in 2023. PBKS will be confident in their ability to reverse the outcome this year and come out on top.

The match between RCB and PBKS promises to be an exciting contest. RCB will be looking to return to winning ways, while PBKS will aim to maintain their winning streak. Both teams have a wealth of talent and experience, and the outcome of the match could have a significant impact on their respective campaigns in IPL 2024.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy Extended to Five Tests for 2024-25 Series

Border-Gavaskar Trophy Extended to Five Tests for 2024-25 Series

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a prestigious Test cricket series between India and Australia, is set to expand to five matches for the first time since the 1991-92 season. The announcement was made by Cricket Australia (CA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The extended series will be a highlight of the 2024-25 home summer schedule for Australia. The full schedule is expected to be released soon. The opening Test of the five-match series is scheduled to be played in Perth.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a fiercely contested rivalry between India and Australia. India has won the last four series, including back-to-back away Test series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21. However, Australia, led by Pat Cummins, defeated India in the World Test Championship final in London last year.

The extension of the series to five Tests is a testament to the intense rivalry between the two cricketing nations. It will provide more opportunities for both teams to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted trophy.

The BCCI and CA have expressed their commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Test cricket. The extended series is seen as a way to elevate the significance of Test cricket and uphold its legacy.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar. The five-match series promises to deliver thrilling contests and unforgettable moments.

Chelsea's Missed Opportunity: Endrick's Wembley Display Highlights Transfer Regret

Chelsea’s Missed Opportunity: Endrick’s Wembley Display Highlights Transfer Regret

Chelsea’s missed opportunity to sign Endrick, the Brazilian wonderkid, has become painfully evident after his impressive performance against England at Wembley. Endrick’s goal proved decisive in Brazil’s victory, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential.

Chelsea had been heavily interested in the teenager, with scouts flocking to witness his brilliance in the Under-16 Montaigu Tournament in France. His senior debut for Palmeiras further solidified his reputation, prompting an invitation from Chelsea to visit their training ground.

Despite the presence of Brazilian stars Thiago Silva, Jorginho, and Cesar Azpilicueta, and the promise of a local church, Chelsea’s pursuit of Endrick hit a snag due to the astronomical $64 million transfer fee demanded by Palmeiras. Real Madrid seized the opportunity, securing the services of the highly sought-after prospect.

Endrick’s partnership with Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid promises to be formidable, as evidenced by their connection in Brazil’s victory over England. Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole likened Endrick’s style to Brazilian legend Romario, highlighting his body shape and clinical finishing.

Brazil’s new manager, Dorival Jr, has high expectations for Endrick, believing he can become a significant figure in both Brazilian and world football. Endrick’s international debut against Colombia made him the youngest Brazilian to play for the national team since Ronaldo, and his goal against England marked another milestone.

Chelsea’s failure to sign Endrick is a significant setback, as they have struggled in recent years. The missed opportunity to acquire a future star has left them with a sense of despair. Endrick’s move to Real Madrid will undoubtedly enhance his reputation, while Chelsea will rue their decision not to invest in his potential.

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