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Home / Tagged "DomesticCricket" (Page 2)

Tag: DomesticCricket

Kulkarni: Domestic Cricket Key for Test Aspirations

Kulkarni: Domestic Cricket Key for Test Aspirations

By September 24, 2024 0

Dhawal Kulkarni Emphasizes Importance of Domestic Cricket for Test Aspirations

Former India pacer Dhawal Kulkarni has underscored the paramount importance of domestic cricket for aspiring Test cricketers. Kulkarni, who retired last season after an illustrious 18-year domestic career, believes that consistent performances in domestic red-ball competitions are crucial for Test selection.

“Playing domestic cricket is very important if you want to play Test cricket for India,” Kulkarni asserted. “It is not easy to perform consistently in domestic cricket, but it is essential for Test aspirations.”

Kulkarni highlighted the value of domestic cricket in providing players with a deep understanding of conditions and the challenges of playing in different environments. “You get the idea of conditions in domestic cricket,” he explained. “There is no option other than domestic cricket to play Test.”

While acknowledging the importance of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kulkarni emphasized that domestic cricket should take precedence for players aiming to represent India in Test matches. “IPL is also important, but I give more importance to domestic cricket,” he said.

Reflecting on his own career, Kulkarni expressed satisfaction with his achievements, which include five Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai. He retired last season to make way for younger fast bowlers in the Mumbai team.

“I planned to retire well in advance last season,” Kulkarni said. “I thought this was the right time for them [young fast bowlers] to come into the team and perform.”

Kulkarni’s retirement coincided with Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph, a fitting end to his illustrious domestic career. “I bagged the first and last wicket in that match, so it was a proper send-off for me,” he said.

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Ford Trophy to Open New Zealand's Domestic Cricket Season in 2024-25

Ford Trophy to Open New Zealand’s Domestic Cricket Season in 2024-25

By September 20, 2024 0

New Zealand’s domestic cricket season will undergo a significant change in 2024-25, with the Ford Trophy, the men’s 50-over competition, kicking off the season instead of the traditional Plunket Shield. This marks the first time in six years that the Ford Trophy will open the domestic campaign.

The season will commence on October 20 with three rounds of Ford Trophy matches. Defending champions Canterbury will face Wellington in one of the opening day fixtures. The Plunket Shield will then take over from November 11, with two rounds scheduled before New Zealand’s home series against England. The first Test against England begins on November 28, coinciding with the third set of Plunket Shield games.

Similarly, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, the domestic one-day tournament for women, will start on November 16, aligning with Australia’s inbound tour, which includes three ODIs. Six rounds of Johnstone Shield games will be played before New Zealand takes on Australia in the first ODI on December 19.

The change in the domestic schedule was made after consultations with players, coaches, and turf managers. Richard Brewer, NZC head of cricket operations, explained that the move will provide different pitch conditions for both competitions, presenting new challenges for batters and bowlers. Additionally, the alignment of the Plunket Shield with the England Test tour is seen as an added benefit.

For men, five rounds of the Ford Trophy will be followed by four in the Plunket Shield until December 10. The Ford Trophy resumes on February 6 and concludes with the final on March 2 in Dunedin. The Plunket Shield then takes over again from March 5, with the domestic season concluding with the Plunket Shield final round from March 29 to April 1.

For women, the Johnstone Shield breaks after six rounds on December 15 and restarts on February 8. The final will be played on March 1 in Dunedin.

The NZC is yet to confirm dates for the men and women’s Super Smash, the T20 competition.

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Tejashwi Yadav Claims to Have Captained Virat Kohli in Domestic Cricket

Tejashwi Yadav Claims to Have Captained Virat Kohli in Domestic Cricket

By September 15, 2024 0

Tejashwi Yadav, the prominent Indian politician and son of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, has sparked a stir on social media by revealing his cricketing past. Yadav claims to have captained Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli during his domestic cricket days.

Yadav’s assertion has raised eyebrows, as his cricketing career has largely been forgotten despite his claims of being a star player. In an interview with Zee Media, he expressed his disappointment that his cricketing achievements have been overlooked.

“I was a cricketer and no one talks about it. Virat Kohli played in my captaincy – did anyone ever talk about it? Why don’t they do so? As a professional, I played good cricket. Many Team India players are my batchmates,” Yadav said.

Yadav’s statement has drawn mixed reactions from cricket fans. Some have questioned the veracity of his claims, while others have expressed amusement.

According to Yadav, he played alongside Kohli for Delhi in domestic cricket. However, records show that Yadav played for Jharkhand in the domestic spectrum, making his First Class debut in 2009. He also represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008 to 2012, but did not play a single game.

Despite his limited playing time, Yadav insists that he was a talented cricketer who had to retire due to injuries. “I had to quit as my both ligaments were fractured. Let it be,” he said.

Yadav’s cricketing claims have become a topic of discussion on social media, with many users expressing skepticism and humor. Some have even joked that Yadav’s “captaincy” of Kohli was limited to the popular fantasy cricket game Dream11.

Regardless of the validity of Yadav’s claims, his revelation has brought attention to his cricketing past and sparked a debate about the recognition given to former players.

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Kevin Pietersen Recalls Fond Memories of Playing in Duleep Trophy

Kevin Pietersen Recalls Fond Memories of Playing in Duleep Trophy

By September 9, 2024 0

The Duleep Trophy, India’s premier domestic First-Class tournament, kicked off with India C and India B securing emphatic victories over India D and India A, respectively. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for India’s top stars to gain match practice ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

Amidst the ongoing tournament, former England captain Kevin Pietersen reminisced about his experience playing in the Duleep Trophy in 2004. As part of England A, who were invited by the BCCI, Pietersen made a lasting impression on Indian soil.

Sharing a nostalgic picture on Instagram, Pietersen expressed his fondness for India and its bowlers. “India 2004! Playing in the Duleep Trophy. This is when I first fell in love with India or should I say, Indian bowlers,” he captioned the image.

Pietersen’s performance in the tournament was remarkable, as he emerged as the highest run-getter with 345 runs. His tally included two centuries and a half-century, but England A narrowly missed out on the semi-finals after defeats to South Zone and East Zone.

A year later, Pietersen made his Test debut for England in the Ashes at Lord’s. Despite scoring two half-centuries, England lost the match by 239 runs. However, Pietersen’s debut Test series proved to be a resounding success, as he finished as the leading run-scorer with 473 runs from five matches.

Pietersen’s international career spanned 104 Tests, 136 ODIs, and 37 T20Is, during which he amassed 13,779 runs at an average of 44.30. Notably, MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh also participated in the 2004 Duleep Trophy, with Yuvraj scoring a century in both innings of the final against Dhoni’s East Zone.

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Indian Cricket Soars to New Heights with Nationwide Talent Pool

Indian Cricket Soars to New Heights with Nationwide Talent Pool

By September 8, 2024 0

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer and current head coach of the national team, has hailed the remarkable transformation of Indian cricket into a formidable force, attributing it to the burgeoning talent pool that now spans the entire country.

Dravid, who guided India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2023, emphasized the pivotal role of a robust club cricket culture in breaking the traditional dominance of city-based players in the national team. “Indian cricket today is incredibly strong and powerful,” Dravid declared during the 50th anniversary celebration of Mount Joy Cricket Club. “One of the key reasons for this is that talent is emerging from every corner of the country.”

In the past, Dravid noted, the majority of talented cricketers hailed from major cities or a select few states. However, today, boys from even the most remote areas are making their mark on the national stage. This shift is evident in the elevated standards of domestic cricket in India, particularly in the Ranji Trophy.

“In the past, you could take certain teams in the South Zone for granted,” Dravid said. “But today, there is no team that you can walk into and expect an easy victory.”

Dravid lauded the club cricket structure in India, especially in Karnataka, for fostering accessibility to the sport for all. “We need strong clubs to ensure that cricket is not concentrated in the hands of a few,” he stressed. “It must be egalitarian and available everywhere.”

To maximize the potential of young talent, Dravid emphasized the importance of providing access to quality infrastructure in every part of the country. He recalled his own club career at HAL, where he would eagerly stay back after practice to listen to the wisdom of senior players like BK Kumar and Nandan.

“Those conversations were invaluable for my growth as a cricketer,” Dravid said. “We need to create similar opportunities for young players today.”

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Duleep Trophy and DPL Showcase India's Rising Cricket Stars

Duleep Trophy and DPL Showcase India’s Rising Cricket Stars

By September 7, 2024 0

The Duleep Trophy, the season-opening domestic cricket tournament in India, has witnessed a surge in participation from top players this year, thanks to pressure from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Former India cricketer Vijay Dahiya has praised the players for prioritizing the tournament.

“Domestic tournaments are crucial for the game,” Dahiya told IANS. “When youngsters enter the side, the value of their runs is higher if they’re scored against strong bowlers. I’m delighted to see the talent on display in this year’s Duleep Trophy.”

Dahiya, who is currently the head coach of Purani Dilli-6 in the Adani Delhi Premier League (DPL), believes that confidence is paramount in knockout games. “Confidence is essential, especially when you’re making a comeback,” he said. “We lost our first game in the DPL, but we’ve bounced back. The support staff has created an environment where players can perform to their best.”

The DPL has been a resounding success, providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills. “The DPL is a brilliant concept,” Dahiya said. “It gives opportunities to around 200 players. Credit must go to Rohan Jaitley for organizing it so well. The tournament will only grow from here.”

Dahiya emphasized the importance of countering South Delhi Superstarz’s key batters, Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya, in the upcoming semifinal. “They’re the main pillars of their team,” he said. “We need to get them out early.”

The Duleep Trophy and the DPL have played a vital role in developing Indian cricket. They provide opportunities for players to hone their skills and compete against the best in the country. The BCCI’s emphasis on domestic tournaments is a testament to their commitment to fostering the growth of the game at all levels.

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Women's Cricket in England Aligns with Men's Competitions

Women’s Cricket in England Aligns with Men’s Competitions

By September 5, 2024 0

England’s top women’s cricket teams will embark on a new era in 2025, with the introduction of the Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One-Day Cup, mirroring the competitions played by their male counterparts. This alignment aims to enhance the visibility and growth of women’s cricket in England.

The Vitality Blast Women’s Finals Day will crown the T20 champions, while the Metro Bank One-Day Cup will feature semi-finals and a final. The eight teams competing in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup will represent Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire, Somerset, Surrey, Warwickshire, and The Blaze (representing Nottinghamshire and surrounds).

The Vitality Blast will feature eight teams: Birmingham Bears (Warwickshire), Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire Thunder, Somerset, Surrey, and The Blaze. Yorkshire will join the top flight in 2026, followed by Glamorgan in 2027.

A knockout cup competition will also be introduced in 2025, involving teams from all three tiers of the women’s domestic structure. This will provide opportunities for counties at all levels to compete against each other.

Beth Barrett-Wild, ECB director of the women’s professional game, emphasized the importance of aligning the men’s and women’s competitions: “By putting our men’s and women’s competitions and players on the same platform, we can exponentially increase the reach of the women’s domestic game and intensify the depth of feeling fans have for our women’s teams moving forwards.”

The new structure will see an investment of £8m per year into women’s domestic cricket by 2027, bringing the total annual investment to £19m. This funding is expected to increase the number of professional female players in England and Wales by 80% by 2029.

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Rishabh Pant Advocates Elite Player Involvement in Domestic Cricket

Rishabh Pant Advocates Elite Player Involvement in Domestic Cricket

By September 5, 2024 0

Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, has expressed his support for the involvement of elite players in domestic cricket as the Duleep Trophy commenced on Thursday. Pant, who is representing India B in the tournament, shared his excitement about returning to red-ball cricket after a two-year hiatus.

“It’s an amazing feeling, especially after the accident I had two years ago,” Pant said. “I always wondered when I would be able to play for India again. In the past six months, I’ve played in the IPL and won the World Cup, which was a dream come true. Now, I’m back in red-ball cricket and playing my first Duleep Trophy match in over two years.”

Pant emphasized the importance of domestic cricket, particularly the Duleep Trophy. “Match practice is crucial for cricketers,” he said. “Youngsters learn a lot from us when they see us playing here, even after playing international cricket. We have a responsibility to share our experiences and knowledge with them.”

The 26-year-old believes that the gaps between international teams are narrowing, leading to increased focus on improvement. “Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka perform well in Asian conditions,” Pant said. “But as the Indian team, we focus on our own standards and how we can improve. We strive to play with the same intensity and give our best every day.”

Pant acknowledged the pressure associated with international cricket but emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. “The pressure will always be there,” he said. “But we have to give our hundred percent regardless. That mindset has worked well for me so far.”

Pant is hopeful of making a return to the Test side for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. “The margin between winning and losing is very small nowadays,” he said. “But we have to give our hundred percent and focus on our own improvement.”

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Duleep Trophy Returns to Assess Bowlers Ahead of India's Busy Test Schedule

Duleep Trophy Returns to Assess Bowlers Ahead of India’s Busy Test Schedule

By September 1, 2024 0

The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic cricket tournament in India, is set to kick off the 2024/25 season on September 5. The tournament will feature many players from India’s current Test team and those close to national selection, providing a crucial platform for selectors to assess their performances.

The Duleep Trophy has undergone several format changes over the years, including a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new format features four teams, labeled A, B, C, and D, with the top two teams advancing to the final. This revamped format aims to provide bowlers with ample opportunities to showcase their skills ahead of India’s busy Test schedule.

According to former India’s men’s bowling coach Bharat Arun, the Duleep Trophy offers an ideal opportunity to assess bowlers before India plays ten Tests by January 7, 2025. “It provides an opportunity for all the cricketers to have enough number of overs under the belt. Also, it’s a great process to see how they fare with the red ball,” said Arun.

The Duleep Trophy’s format change coincides with a new structure for the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic first-class cricket tournament. The Ranji Trophy will be split into two phases, with the first phase featuring five group matches. The second phase, including the last two group stage games and the knockouts, will commence after the Vijay Hazare Trophy ends on January 18, 2025.

Arun believes that the new Ranji Trophy format will benefit players by providing them with more competitive matches against teams of equal strength. “It would work because you are playing more against teams that are equals rather than you pit it against someone who’s well below the expected standards,” said Arun.

The Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy format changes aim to enhance the quality of domestic cricket in India and provide players with the best possible preparation for international competition. The tournaments will serve as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring cricketers to showcase their talents and earn a place in the national team.

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Ahmed Shehzad Blasts PCB, Withdraws from Domestic Cricket

Ahmed Shehzad Blasts PCB, Withdraws from Domestic Cricket

By August 30, 2024 0

Ahmed Shehzad, a former Pakistani cricketer who was once compared to Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, has ignited a firestorm in the cricketing world with his scathing criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). In a series of tweets, Shehzad announced his withdrawal from the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup and expressed deep frustration with the current state of Pakistan cricket.

Shehzad, now 32, accused the PCB of favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players. He criticized the board for squandering resources on “mentors for doing nothing” and rewarding players who, in his view, have contributed to Pakistan cricket’s “all-time low.”

“In a time when Pakistan is struggling with inflation, poverty, and massive electricity bills, the PCB is wasting 5 million Rs on mentors for doing nothing and rewarding failed players in the current team who brought Pakistan cricket to an All-time Low,” Shehzad tweeted.

He further added, “As a Pakistani and true cricket lover, I cannot support a system that has no value for merit. I refuse to be a part of this failed setup.”

Shehzad’s outburst came in the wake of Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory over Pakistan on their home soil. Shehzad described the defeat as a “new low” for Pakistan cricket, expressing disbelief over the team’s current state.

“Pakistan cricket has reached a point where today Bangladesh defeated Pakistan on home soil for the first time ever. I have never seen Pakistan cricket sink so low in my life,” Shehzad said in a video posted on Twitter.

Shehzad argued that the problem lies not with the players but with the PCB’s lack of vision and poor selection policies. He suggested that the board’s short-term decisions have pushed the team towards a decline similar to that of Pakistan’s once-great hockey team.

“I don’t blame the players. The fault lies with the Pakistan Cricket Board,” he asserted.

Shehzad’s comments have sparked a debate about the future of Pakistan cricket and the role of the PCB in its decline. It remains to be seen whether the board will respond to Shehzad’s criticism and take steps to address the issues he has raised.

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