Jay Shah to Become Youngest ICC Chairman in December 2024

Jay Shah to Become Youngest ICC Chairman in December 2024

Jay Shah, the 35-year-old secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to become the youngest chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) when he takes over on December 1, 2024. Shah’s election was met with unanimous support from 15 out of 16 ICC Board members.

Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave attributed Shah’s election to his impressive leadership at the BCCI. Grave highlighted Shah’s successful hosting of the Women’s Premier League, the 50-over World Cup in India, and the signing of lucrative broadcast deals.

Former Australia head coach John Buchanan urged the ICC under Shah’s leadership to make long-term decisions for cricket’s future. Buchanan expressed concerns about the proliferation of T20 leagues and emphasized the importance of Test cricket as the foundation of the game.

Buchanan believes the ICC needs to carefully consider the number of leagues it approves to avoid overwhelming players and ensure the relevance of the ODI format as a transition between Tests and T20s. He also acknowledged the financial incentives for players to participate in T20 leagues but stressed the need for a balance to maintain the integrity of the sport.

Buchanan anticipates a transition phase for the Australian Test side after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year, as many players are over 30 years old. He expects changes in the team’s composition to accommodate younger talent.

West Indies Cricketers Prioritize T20 Leagues Over Tests, Says Andre Russell

West Indies Cricketers Prioritize T20 Leagues Over Tests, Says Andre Russell

West Indies Cricketers Prioritize T20 Leagues Over Tests, Says Andre Russell

Andre Russell, the explosive West Indian all-rounder, has shed light on the ongoing issue of premier West Indian cricketers opting out of Test matches in favor of lucrative T20 leagues around the world. Russell believes that the lack of interest in Tests stems from a shift in priorities rather than financial concerns.

“I don’t think it’s the money, I don’t think money is the issue,” Russell told Press Association. “Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests.”

Russell’s comments come amidst West Indies’ struggles in the World Test Championship, where they currently languish at the bottom of the table. Despite a recent draw against South Africa, the team has been plagued by inconsistent performances and a lack of depth in the Test format.

Russell, along with several other high-profile West Indian players, has been absent from the Test team in recent years, opting instead to participate in T20 leagues such as The Hundred. This has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket in the Caribbean.

“I’m always excited watching the other West Indian batters, especially when they’re hitting boundary after boundary,” Russell said. “As long as you can do well from contracts outside your nation I think they are going to grab that opportunity but everyone wants to play on the big stage.”

Russell believes that the allure of T20 leagues, with their shorter format and higher financial rewards, has made it difficult for players to commit to the rigors of Test cricket. He also acknowledges that the physical demands of Test cricket may not be suitable for all players.

“Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don’t think my body will keep up with Test cricket,” he said. “But those in the team at the moment are fit enough and taking on the challenge.”

Russell’s comments highlight the challenges facing West Indies cricket as it grapples with the changing landscape of the sport. The team’s struggles in Test cricket have raised questions about the future of the format in the Caribbean, while the popularity of T20 leagues has created a new set of priorities for players.

ICC Urged to Structure T20 Leagues to Preserve Test Cricket

ICC Urged to Structure T20 Leagues to Preserve Test Cricket

The proliferation of T20 leagues has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket, prompting West Indian legend Brian Lara to urge the ICC to intervene and establish a structured framework for franchise-based tournaments.

Lara believes that the ICC should take a proactive role in regulating the relentless expansion of T20 leagues, which have encroached upon the traditional space occupied by Test cricket. He emphasized the need for a more organized approach to ensure that Test cricket remains relevant and viable.

Lara acknowledged that T20 leagues have become increasingly popular due to their entertainment value and shorter format, which caters to the demands of modern-day spectators. However, he stressed that Test cricket offers a unique experience that should not be overlooked.

“I like the Test Championship and I think it is important to make sure that the game remains relevant,” Lara said. “We haven’t educated the present-day public about the importance of batting a session and not losing a wicket.”

Lara also highlighted the financial challenges faced by smaller cricket nations, which rely heavily on gate receipts and TV rights revenue. He expressed concern that the wealth accumulated by the “big three” nations – India, Australia, and England – could further exacerbate the financial disparities within the sport.

“It’s hard to see outside of the big three – Australia, England, and India – how countries are going to survive when economically it’s tough for them,” Lara said.

To address these concerns, Lara suggested that the ICC consider incentivizing Test cricket and exploring ways to attract spectators back to the grounds. He emphasized the importance of creating a compelling experience for fans, both on and off the field.

“Try to get them (crowd) back into the ground,” Lara said. “I’m almost sure you’ve experienced it in India, where a sponsor preferred to spend his money on three hours of cricket instead of five days of cricket.”

Lara’s appeal to the ICC underscores the growing need for a balanced approach to cricket, one that recognizes the popularity of T20 leagues while preserving the legacy and significance of Test cricket.

Sehwag's Blunt Remarks: 'Indian Players Don't Need to Play in Poor Leagues'

Sehwag’s Blunt Remarks: ‘Indian Players Don’t Need to Play in Poor Leagues’

Virender Sehwag, the former Indian cricket opener, is renowned for his witty remarks and humorous takes on various topics. His humor often shines through on social media, where he engages with fans and followers with light-hearted banter. Sehwag’s commentary, whether on cricket or everyday observations, is filled with laughter and puns. He has a knack for making people smile with his straightforward and playful language.

During a recent appearance on the Club Prairie Podcast alongside former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, Sehwag once again hogged the limelight for his blunt remarks. When asked if he foresaw a time when Indian players would participate in other T20 leagues, Sehwag responded with a touch of lighthearted overstatement, “No, we don’t need to. We are rich people, we don’t go to poor countries for other leagues.”

Sehwag also recounted a moment when he turned down an offer from the Big Bash League due to the offered amount being insufficient. “I still remember when I was dropped from the Indian team and I was playing IPL. Then I got an offer from BBL that I should participate in the Big Bash, I said okay how much money, they said $100,000.” “I said I can spend that money in my holidays, even last night’s bill was more than that,” the 45-year-old jokingly revealed.

Sehwag’s remarks have sparked a debate on social media, with some fans applauding his honesty and others criticizing his dismissiveness of other T20 leagues. However, one thing is for sure: Sehwag’s wit and humor continue to entertain and engage cricket enthusiasts around the world.

Shahbaz Nadeem Retires from Cricket to Focus on T20 Leagues

Shahbaz Nadeem Retires from Cricket to Focus on T20 Leagues

Shahbaz Nadeem, the left-arm spinner from India and Jharkhand, has bid farewell to all forms of cricket in the country. This decision stems from his desire to participate in T20 leagues worldwide, including legends competitions.

“I’ve been contemplating this decision for a while, and now I’ve decided to retire from all three formats,” Nadeem told ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve always believed that if you have the motivation to play for India, you’ll always push yourself to perform well. However, I recognize that I may not get another chance in the Indian team, so it’s best to give younger cricketers a chance. I also intend to play in T20 leagues around the world.”

Nadeem, 34, has amassed 542 wickets in first-class cricket, including eight in two Test matches for India. He made his Test debut in Ranchi against South Africa in 2019 and had to wait nearly two years for another opportunity, which proved to be his last. In the IPL, he represented Delhi Daredevils from 2011 to 2018 and Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2019 to 2021, claiming 48 wickets. Despite being acquired by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2022, he did not feature in any matches.

“I always put emotions aside when making decisions,” Nadeem said. “I’ve been with the Jharkhand team for 20 years. While we haven’t won the Ranji Trophy, we’ve built a strong team that consistently reaches the knockout stages of the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments. As a result, no one takes the Jharkhand team lightly anymore. I believe it’s time to pass the torch to the younger players, and I’m confident they’ll bring home trophies in the future.”

Nadeem began playing for Jharkhand at the age of 15 and received his India call-up at the age of 30. He was the leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy in 2015-16 (51) and 2016-17 (55). He also finished the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2018-19 with the most wickets (24), including a List-A record spell of 8 for 10 against Rajasthan.

Nadeem was named Player of the Match in Jharkhand’s victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2010-11 final, which remains one of his most memorable matches. “Apart from winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the most memorable game for me would be the one against Rajasthan. But nothing can compare to playing for India. Looking back on my career, I feel I could have accomplished more, but I’m content.”

Nadeem expressed his gratitude to his childhood coach, Imtiaz Hussain, saying, “He taught me how to bowl. I still seek his advice on my bowling. I’ll never forget how much S Rahman of Indigo Club assisted me. I’ve been able to continue my cricket journey for so many years because of these individuals and my family.”

Nadeem joins Saurabh Tiwary and Varun Aaron (only red-ball cricket) as the third Jharkhand player to announce his retirement this Ranji Trophy season, in which he claimed 23 wickets, the most for Jharkhand.

Cricket Australia Rejects Claims of Ignoring Test Cricket Blueprint

Cricket Australia Rejects Claims of Ignoring Test Cricket Blueprint

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has refuted claims that India, England, and Cricket Australia have disregarded a proposal to safeguard Test cricket. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald alleged that the three influential boards dismissed a document drafted by New Zealand Cricket chair Martin Snedden, which suggested overhauling the future tours program (FTP) to preserve the longest format of the game.

Hockley vehemently denied these allegations, stating that ongoing discussions are centered on optimizing the calendar and fostering cricket’s global growth. The proposed blueprint includes additional windows for T20 leagues beyond the Indian Premier League, modifications to the World Test Championship points system, 40-over ODIs, concerns about T20Is, and efforts to pool broadcast rights revenue for bilateral series.

Hockley emphasized Australia’s commitment to supporting the ICC in ensuring the health of all three cricket formats. He highlighted the country’s role in introducing the World Test Championship and its involvement in the ICC’s FTP working group.

Hockley acknowledged the global expansion of cricket, citing the United States’ embrace of the game and its co-hosting of the T20 World Cup with the West Indies later this year. He stressed the importance of a format strategy that accommodates all formats and fosters their coexistence.

Regarding the World Test Championship, Hockley emphasized its significance and Australia’s unwavering support for men’s Test cricket as its most valuable asset. He emphasized the need to enhance the prominence of the World Test Championship and ensure its economic viability in all territories.

Hockley concluded by highlighting the ongoing efforts to configure the calendar to accommodate all three formats. He emphasized the collaborative nature of these discussions, involving all ICC members, to ensure the continued growth and success of cricket worldwide.

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