Pakistan Optimistic About Hosting Champions Trophy Next Year

Pakistan Optimistic About Hosting Champions Trophy Next Year

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.

IPL Match Halted for Seven Minutes Due to Spidercam Wire Snapping

IPL Match Halted for Seven Minutes Due to Spidercam Wire Snapping

IPL Match Halted Due to Spidercam Wire Snapping

In an unprecedented incident, the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants was briefly halted for seven minutes on Sunday due to a snapped spidercam wire. The incident occurred during the first over of Rajasthan’s innings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

As skipper Sanju Samson elected to bat after winning the toss, the spidercam wire fell onto the outfield after just two balls were bowled. Engineers swiftly responded, rushing onto the ground to retrieve the fallen wire and remove it from the field of play.

The spidercam, a camera system suspended from wires above the field, is used to capture aerial footage of the match. The snapping of the wire raised concerns about safety and the potential for further disruptions.

Despite the brief interruption, the match resumed without further incident. Rajasthan Royals, fielding three overseas players in Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, and Shimron Hetmyer, faced off against Lucknow Super Giants, led by returning wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul.

The two teams have a history of close encounters in the IPL, with Lucknow Super Giants emerging victorious once and Rajasthan Royals securing wins twice. In their most recent meeting, Lucknow Super Giants triumphed over Rajasthan Royals by a margin of 10 runs.

The incident highlights the importance of safety measures in sports events, particularly those involving high-tech equipment. The swift response of the engineers ensured that the match could continue without any major delays or injuries.

Tom Moody Slams RCB's Predictable Bowling in IPL Opener

Tom Moody Slams RCB’s Predictable Bowling in IPL Opener

Former SunRisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody has expressed his disappointment with Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) bowling strategy in their opening match of IPL 2024 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Moody criticized RCB’s bowlers for their excessive use of short balls, which he believes made them “predictable” and allowed CSK to chase down the target comfortably.

Moody pointed out that RCB’s bowlers, particularly Alzarri Joseph and Cameron Green, repeatedly targeted Shivam Dube with short deliveries. While Dube initially struggled, he eventually smashed an unbeaten 34 to guide CSK to victory. Moody argued that RCB’s bowlers should have varied their tactics and not relied solely on short balls.

“The art of bowling short balls well is not being predictable with it,” Moody said on ESPNcricinfo. “And I thought they were predictable with that plan (vs CSK). Yes, Dube has got a potential grey area when it comes to the short ball, but you’ve got to use it as a surprise. You can’t use it nearly every single ball.”

Moody emphasized that RCB’s bowlers need to be more strategic in their use of short balls and not become too reliant on them. He suggested that they should mix up their deliveries and use short balls sparingly to catch the batsman off guard.

In the match, CSK chased down RCB’s total of 173/6 with relative ease. CSK pacer Mustafizur Rahman was the star performer with figures of 4-29. Anuj Rawat (48) and Dinesh Karthik (38*) were the top scorers for RCB, while Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shivam Dube contributed to CSK’s victory.

CSK’s win extended their unbeaten streak against RCB at home since 2008. The result also highlighted the importance of tactical bowling and the need for teams to adapt their strategies to the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.

Sri Lanka's de Silva and Mendis Make Test History with Double Centuries

Sri Lanka’s de Silva and Mendis Make Test History with Double Centuries

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis etched their names into Test cricket history as the third pair to score centuries in both innings of a match. Their remarkable feat helped Sri Lanka set a daunting 511-run target for Bangladesh in the first Test at Sylhet.

Resuming on 119-5, Sri Lanka lost nightwatchman Vishwa Fernando early, but de Silva and Mendis took control. De Silva reached his century with a single off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while Mendis brought up his ton just before tea. The pair shared a 173-run partnership, becoming the third and fourth Sri Lankans to score centuries in both innings against Bangladesh.

Mehidy broke their partnership, but de Silva added 108 to his first-innings 102, while Mendis scored 164 after his 102 in the first innings. Their combined efforts helped Sri Lanka post a formidable 418 in their second innings.

Bangladesh’s bowlers toiled hard, with Mehidy claiming 4-74. However, Sri Lanka’s batting dominance proved too much to overcome.

The victory sets up an intriguing second Test in Chittagong, where Sri Lanka will aim to seal the series. They have never lost a Test series to Bangladesh, and their current form suggests they are unlikely to break that streak.

WA Clinch Historic Hat-Trick of Sheffield Shield Titles

WA Clinch Historic Hat-Trick of Sheffield Shield Titles

Western Australia’s dominance in Australian domestic cricket continued as they clinched a historic hat-trick of Sheffield Shield titles with a crushing 377-run victory over Tasmania at the WACA.

Resuming on day four with a commanding lead of 316 runs, WA’s batsmen extended their advantage to 537 before declaring their second innings on 376. Hilton Cartwright led the way with an unbeaten 94, while Cameron Gannon and Corey Rocchiccioli wreaked havoc with the ball for Tasmania.

Tasmania’s chase of an improbable 538 runs proved futile as they were bowled out for a mere 160 in just 40.5 overs. Gannon starred with a five-wicket haul, while Rocchiccioli claimed three wickets.

The Tasmanian innings imploded under a withering new-ball spell from Gannon and Joel Paris, who reduced them to 26 for 3. Beau Webster, the Shield’s leading run-scorer, provided a brief glimmer of hope with a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Aaron Hardie, but his dismissal late in the day ended any chance of a miracle.

WA’s victory cemented their status as the powerhouse of Australian domestic cricket. It was only the second three-peat over the past 20 years and WA’s first since the late 1980s. They are also the only team to have won three consecutive Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup titles.

Tasmania, who needed an outright victory to end an 11-year drought, played aggressively but were outmatched by WA’s brilliant attack. WA dominated all facets of the match, while Tasmania appeared overmatched after missing their chance to host the final due to a last-round loss to South Australia.

Sophie Molineux Returns with a Bang as Australia Dominates Bangladesh

Sophie Molineux Returns with a Bang as Australia Dominates Bangladesh

Australia’s all-rounder Sophie Molineux made a triumphant return to ODI cricket, leading her team to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second match of the three-game series. Molineux, who had been sidelined for over a year due to injuries, claimed impressive figures of 3 for 10 from 10 overs, helping to restrict Bangladesh to a meager total of 97.

Bangladesh’s innings was characterized by a lack of resistance, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Molineux played a pivotal role in their downfall, claiming the wickets of opener Shamima Sultana, captain Nigar Sultana, and all-rounder Fahima Khatun. The Australian bowlers, including Megan Schutt, Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Wareham, and Alana King, collectively overwhelmed the Bangladesh batters, with only No. 9 Nahida Akter managing to reach double figures.

In response, Australia’s batters chased down the target with relative ease, despite losing three early wickets. Ellyse Perry top-scored with an unbeaten 35 from 50 balls, anchoring the innings and guiding her team to victory. Phoebe Litchfield and Tahlia McGrath both fell cheaply, but Perry combined with Gardner to steer Australia to a comfortable win.

Molineux’s performance was particularly impressive, as she demonstrated her versatility and ability to contribute in both bowling and batting. Her return to the Australian set-up is a significant boost for the team, as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Australia’s victory gives them a 2-0 lead in the series, with the third and final ODI scheduled for Wednesday. The series will be followed by three T20Is, providing both teams with valuable preparation for the global tournament.

Tilak Varma: Leadership Change in MI Unchanged, Rohit Sharma Still a Guiding Force

Tilak Varma: Leadership Change in MI Unchanged, Rohit Sharma Still a Guiding Force

As the Mumbai Indians (MI) embark on their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign, a significant leadership change has occurred with Hardik Pandya taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma. While the impact of this transition remains to be seen, middle-order batter Tilak Varma believes the team’s core values remain intact.

Varma, who has played under both Sharma and Pandya, emphasized the continuity in the team’s approach. “Rohit has always been there for us, and Hardik bhai has also been there for us,” he said. “It’s been the same, just following the basics. Strategy-wise, everything is going well.”

Varma’s experience playing under Pandya for India has given him confidence in the new captain’s leadership abilities. “I debuted under him when I played for India, so it’s going well,” he said. “Hardik is the captain, but Rohit is always there for Hardik and the team. We gel well together.”

Despite the captaincy change, Varma believes Sharma’s presence remains influential. “Rohit is always there for Hardik and the team,” he said. “We gel well together as a team.”

Varma also acknowledged his own increased responsibility within the team following his India debut. “Last year was a good season, but now, as a senior player and having played for India, I have a slightly bigger responsibility to play mature innings,” he said. “I always want to finish games, and I have good knowledge and experience of it when playing for India, so I am looking forward to using it now.”

As MI prepares for their opening match against the Gujarat Titans, Varma expressed optimism about the team’s prospects. “We have a good team, and we are looking forward to the season,” he said. “We have a good mix of experience and youth, and we are confident that we can do well.”

Mitchell Starc's Underwhelming Performance Raises Concerns for Kolkata Knight Riders

Mitchell Starc’s Underwhelming Performance Raises Concerns for Kolkata Knight Riders

Mitchell Starc’s underwhelming performance in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) nail-biting 4-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has raised concerns despite the team’s triumph.

Starc, who was acquired for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, failed to live up to expectations in his much-anticipated return to the KKR lineup. The Australian speedster struggled against SRH batters throughout his spell, leaking 53 runs in his four-over quota.

Despite maintaining a pace above 140kmph, Starc’s economy rate of 13.20 and six wide deliveries highlighted his struggles. Tasked with leading the bowling attack while defending a formidable target of 209, Starc’s performance was inconsistent.

While he started by conceding 12 runs in his first over, he failed to maintain control, conceding 10 runs in the second. Although he bounced back with an impressive 16th over, conceding only 5 runs, his costly 19th over, where he gave away 26 runs, allowed SRH to mount a significant comeback.

Starc’s lackluster display has left Kolkata fans questioning his ability to justify his hefty price tag. Signed for a record-breaking amount, his performance against SRH has raised doubts about his potential impact for KKR this season.

With the spotlight firmly on him, Starc will be under pressure to rediscover his form and make a meaningful contribution to Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign in the remainder of the IPL season.

IPL 2023 Final to be Held in Chennai on May 26

IPL 2023 Final to be Held in Chennai on May 26

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is set to culminate in a grand finale at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 26, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision aligns with the tradition of hosting the opening and final matches at the home ground of the defending champions, which in this case is the Chennai Super Kings.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will play host to one Qualifier and one Eliminator, while the other Qualifier will be held in Chennai. The BCCI has meticulously planned the schedule to avoid any clashes with the upcoming general elections.

The knockout games in Chennai will be a special treat for fans of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is expected to play his final IPL season. The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman has a massive following in the city, and his presence on the field is sure to electrify the atmosphere.

The BCCI has also finalized the schedule for the remainder of the IPL, taking into account the general election dates. The tournament will resume on March 31 with a match between the Chennai Super Kings and the Gujarat Titans in Chennai. The league stage will conclude on May 21, followed by the playoffs and the grand finale on May 26.

The IPL is one of the most popular cricket tournaments in the world, attracting millions of viewers and generating significant revenue. The 2023 edition promises to be even more exciting with the return of some of the biggest names in the sport, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and David Warner.

MCA Announces 100% Pay Raise for Senior Men's Team

MCA Announces 100% Pay Raise for Senior Men’s Team

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has taken a bold step by announcing a 100% pay raise for its senior men’s team from the 2024-25 season. This move is a significant boost for domestic cricketers and could potentially set a precedent for other state associations to follow suit.

The MCA’s decision was driven by a desire to incentivize players and prioritize red-ball cricket. The association believes that the Ranji Trophy holds a special place in Mumbai and that players should be adequately compensated for their contributions.

Under the new scheme, players’ earnings from the MCA will match their earnings from the BCCI during the domestic season. This effectively doubles a player’s income, providing a substantial financial incentive to perform well in domestic competitions.

The move is particularly beneficial for players who do not have an IPL contract. For example, opening batter Bhupen Lalwani, who played in all 10 Ranji Trophy games for Mumbai in 2023-24, would have earned INR 17.2 lakhs as match fees. Under the new scheme, he would have earned INR 34.4 lakhs, a significant increase.

The MCA’s decision has been met with praise from former players and cricket enthusiasts. Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary India captain, has voiced his support for extending a similar scheme to first-class cricketers across the country. He believes that doubling or tripling match fees would encourage players to prioritize domestic cricket and strengthen the feeder system for the Indian team.

The MCA’s move is not the first time a state association has considered such a measure. In 2022-23, the MCA proposed annual contracts for its players but the proposal was not passed by the Apex Council. However, with the current president, Amol Kale, at the helm, the MCA has revisited the idea and implemented it successfully.

The MCA’s decision is a positive step towards recognizing the importance of domestic cricket and providing financial security to players. It is hoped that other state associations will follow suit and invest in their domestic teams, creating a stronger and more competitive domestic cricket ecosystem in India.

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