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Ben Stokes Signs Long-Term Contract, Commits to England Until 2026 Ashes

Ben Stokes Signs Long-Term Contract, Commits to England Until 2026 Ashes

By October 5, 2024 0

England’s talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has pledged his long-term future to the national team by signing a new central contract that will extend until the 2025-26 Ashes tour. The exact duration of the contract remains undisclosed, but it is believed to be a two-year deal.

Stokes’ commitment is a significant boost for England, who have endured a frustrating period without his services due to injuries. The 33-year-old missed the recent Test series against Sri Lanka with a hamstring injury sustained in August. Despite the setback, Stokes is confident that he is ahead of schedule in his recovery and does not anticipate any long-term concerns.

The ECB has yet to announce the latest batch of central contracts, but Stokes’ new deal is expected to take him through until September 2026. This commitment is particularly notable given Stokes’ lucrative contract to play in the SA20 in January, which highlights his value on the franchise circuit.

However, England recognizes Stokes’ immense importance to their Test team, not only as a player but also as a leader and figurehead for Brendon McCullum’s regime. In Stokes’ absence, England have opted for a five-bowler formula, with Chris Woakes batting at No. 7. Woakes has a chance to improve his away Test record, which currently stands at 36 wickets at 51.88.

Beyond his batting and bowling, England will miss Stokes’ captaincy in Multan. He was the mastermind behind their unexpected series sweep in Pakistan two years ago, where his bold declaration in Rawalpindi defied conventional wisdom. Ollie Pope, who will captain England in Stokes’ absence, faces the challenge of matching Stokes’ proactivity in changing the tempo of matches.

Pope has experience keeping wicket in Test cricket and is one of six players in England’s XI who played in the 2022 series in Pakistan. However, he lacks Stokes’ ability to seize opportunities and influence the game through his field placements. Stokes will be on hand to provide advice, while James Anderson, who has experience of reverse swing in Multan, will join the squad on the second day.

Pakistan’s desire for surfaces that suit their seamers has piqued England’s interest, and the Test strip in Multan has a significant grass covering. England will not take Pakistan lightly, especially with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah in their ranks.

England’s clean sweep in Pakistan in 2022 remains their best series result under Stokes and McCullum. With Stokes unavailable for at least the first Test, a repeat performance on this tour would be a remarkable achievement.

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PCB Reinstates Haris Rauf's Central Contract After Acknowledgment of Error

PCB Reinstates Haris Rauf’s Central Contract After Acknowledgment of Error

By March 24, 2024 0

PCB Reinstates Haris Rauf’s Central Contract After Acknowledgment of Error

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated fast bowler Haris Rauf’s central contract after he acknowledged his mistake in writing. Rauf’s contract was terminated in February due to disciplinary reasons, as he declined to participate in the Test tour of Australia, citing workload and Big Bash commitments.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi clarified that there was a misunderstanding regarding Rauf’s decision. “After receiving his written reply, the board has decided to restore his central contract,” Naqvi stated.

In his response, Rauf expressed his unwavering commitment to playing for Pakistan and acknowledged that his viewpoint had been misunderstood. “I accept my mistake,” he wrote.

Naqvi emphasized the importance of Rauf’s fitness, noting that he sustained an injury during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). “We need to take proper care of him,” Naqvi said.

Rauf’s reinstatement comes as a relief for the PCB, which values his contributions to the national team. The fast bowler has been a key member of Pakistan’s bowling attack in recent years, showcasing his pace and wicket-taking abilities.

The PCB’s decision to reinstate Rauf’s contract is a testament to the board’s commitment to fostering a positive and productive relationship with its players. It also highlights the importance of open communication and the willingness to resolve misunderstandings.

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PCB's Handling of Haris Rauf's Contract Termination Draws Fire from Qalandars Owner

PCB’s Handling of Haris Rauf’s Contract Termination Draws Fire from Qalandars Owner

By March 3, 2024 0

Lahore Qalandars’ owner Sameen Rana has vehemently criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its handling of Haris Rauf’s central contract termination, which was announced just two days before the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Rana condemned the timing of the decision as “pathetic” and accused the PCB of “really poor management.”

Rana expressed his dismay at the lack of communication with Rauf, stating that the player was not given proper notice or explanation for the termination of his contract. He emphasized that such a public humiliation was unprecedented and disrespectful.

The decision came after Rauf made himself unavailable for Pakistan’s Test series in Australia, a move that drew criticism from chief selector Wahab Riaz. However, Rana questioned the timing of the announcement, arguing that it was unnecessary and disruptive to Qalandars’ PSL campaign.

Rana highlighted the impact of the decision on Qalandars, who have struggled in the tournament due to injuries, unavailability, and poor performances. He expressed concern that Rauf’s psychological state was affected by the termination, which coincided with his search for form.

Rana also revealed that Rauf suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Qalandars against Karachi Kings, which is expected to sideline him for six weeks. He lamented the additional burden placed on the team to motivate Rauf and keep him focused.

Rana’s criticism reflects the growing frustration within the Qalandars camp over the PCB’s handling of the situation. The team has been left reeling from the loss of their premier fast bowler and the negative impact it has had on their PSL campaign.

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Ishan Kishan's IPL Redemption: Aakash Chopra Predicts Career Revival

Ishan Kishan’s IPL Redemption: Aakash Chopra Predicts Career Revival

By March 3, 2024 0

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) presents a golden opportunity for Ishan Kishan to reignite his career after being omitted from the BCCI’s central contract list for 2023-2024.

Kishan, 25, has been absent from the domestic circuit, citing personal reasons, despite not being on national duty since the tour of South Africa in December 2022. Chopra believes that this absence has fueled Kishan’s hunger to prove himself.

“Ishan Kishan will be hungry, as he has not got a central contract. This is the only thing he is playing. What else is he playing?” Chopra said in a YouTube video.

Chopra also highlighted Kishan’s absence from the recent Test series against England, emphasizing that the IPL provides him with a platform to showcase his abilities and potentially earn a recall to the national team.

“Either he has himself opted not to play, or he won’t be selected now. So this is his chance. If you make the IPL your own, you have chances of going forward. Then there is, of course, Wankhede’s flat pitch. The ball will come nicely onto the bat and go far,” Chopra added.

The BCCI’s decision to exclude Kishan from the central contract list has raised questions about his future prospects. However, Chopra believes that the IPL can serve as a catalyst for Kishan’s resurgence.

“This is a big opportunity for Ishan Kishan. He has to make the most of it. He has to score runs, win matches, and show that he is still a force to be reckoned with,” Chopra concluded.

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Shreyas Iyer's Central Contract Omission Sparks Controversy

Shreyas Iyer’s Central Contract Omission Sparks Controversy

By March 3, 2024 0

Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the BCCI’s central contract list has sparked controversy, with many questioning the decision to exclude the talented batsman. Iyer’s recent performance in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, where he scored just 3 runs before being dismissed, has further fueled the debate.

Iyer’s absence from the central contract list has been attributed to his alleged prioritization of the Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic red-ball cricket. Reports suggest that Iyer attended a pre-IPL camp with his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, while claiming to have a back injury that prevented him from playing in a Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai.

However, a report by The Indian Express revealed that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) provided a contradictory fitness report on Iyer, casting doubt on the validity of his injury claim. This has led to speculation that Iyer’s exclusion from the central contract list may have been influenced by his perceived lack of commitment to domestic cricket.

Iyer’s supporters argue that he has consistently performed well for India and Mumbai, and that his decision to attend the KKR camp was solely to improve his fitness. They point out that Iyer skipped the IPL to participate in the World Cup and played through pain during the tournament.

Furthermore, they argue that players should have the freedom to train under coaches of their choice and that Iyer’s decision to work with the KKR Academy should not be held against him. They also question why Iyer was not given a break after the World Cup and was asked to play in a Ranji game ahead of the Test series against England.

The BCCI’s decision to exclude Iyer from the central contract list has sent a strong message to young cricketers that they must prioritize domestic cricket over the IPL. However, it remains to be seen whether this decision will have the desired effect or if it will simply alienate talented players who feel they are not being treated fairly.

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BCCI's Dropping of Iyer and Kishan Sparks Debate

BCCI’s Dropping of Iyer and Kishan Sparks Debate

By March 3, 2024 0

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to drop Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from its central contract list has sparked a global debate. While some have criticized the board for its harsh action, others have supported its stance.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has backed the BCCI, stating that such a move was necessary to punish the players for ignoring the board’s orders. Akmal believes that by dropping Kishan and Iyer, the BCCI has demonstrated its “good management.”

“If you don’t value the cricket because of which you made it to the national team, what message is it going to give to all the youngsters?” Akmal said on his YouTube channel. “BCCI has made the right call, taking such strict action early on to control the damage.”

Akmal added that the BCCI’s decision sends a clear message to players that they cannot play on their own terms. “Nobody is bigger than the game,” he said.

Kishan and Iyer were reportedly reluctant to play in national-level domestic tournaments, which is believed to be the reason for their exclusion. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who is also a former BCCI president, has urged the board to speak to Kishan about his decision.

“All this while he has played Ranji and then played white-ball cricket. Has it made him a poorer player? It hasn’t,” Ganguly said. “All the players picked in Delhi Capitals have played Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Ranji Trophy.”

Ganguly’s comments suggest that the BCCI may be willing to reconsider its decision if Kishan and Iyer show a willingness to play in domestic tournaments. However, it remains to be seen whether the players will change their stance.

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