#cricket icc 2021

[beardedmrbean]

The future of the French international women’s cricket team is in doubt after 17 players called for an investigation into allegations that its governing body staged fake matches to secure funding from the International Cricket Council. With cricket set to become an Olympic sport after the 2024 Paris Games, FRANCE 24 looked at the reasons behind the team's collapse.

Tara Britton turned up to training, held every Thursday for the men’s and women’s French national cricket teams, last November 16 as scheduled. It wasn’t a big turnout for the women’s side, as she was one of only two who showed.

A day earlier, she had joined 16 of her national side teammates in signing an open letter calling for an official investigation into France Cricket following allegations published by FRANCE 24 in November, including that the governing body was staging fake women’s matches to access more funding from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“If the allegations are true, we condemn the actions as outrageous and, as players of the national Women’s team, we wish to strongly and firmly dissociate ourselves from the behaviour and actions of France Cricket,” the letter read.

France Cricket’s sporting director Saravana Durairaj arrived at the track in the 15th arrondissement (district) of Paris as they finished their session, Britton recounted.

Durairaj, who was recently made CEO of the association, had coached the women through the highs and lows of international tournaments since 2019. Their greatest success: promotion to Division One of the ICC 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, beating Sweden, Turkey, Jersey and Germany along the way.  

That was the pinnacle of French women’s cricket, which has now arrived at its nadir. 

“He told us, ‘You’re not welcome anymore’ – that we’re suspended,” said Britton, a wicket-keeper and right-handed batter who has played 29 matches for France. “He was visibly quite angry. He wouldn't let us say anything, wouldn’t let us explain our side. He was basically saying he was disappointed in us. He felt let down that – after all the time and effort he put into us – that we have treated him like this.”

It is against France Cricket rules for national team players to criticise the governing body publicly at risk of being “excluded from the French national team”, reads a code of conduct signed by players.

“We dared to say that we knew there were some problems within the federation,” said Lara Armas, a left-handed batter who, like Britton, debuted in 2021. “Can you really say that that is criticism? It’s factual.”

From 2019 to 2023, Armas was on France Cricket’s committee and was appointed head of their commission for the women’s game.

“We didn’t accuse anyone in particular. We didn’t name anyone, we simply asked for clarifications,” said Magali Marchello-Nizia, a right-arm bowler who made her debut in 2019.

The team made France Cricket aware they were going to publish the letter before they did so. “Some of us were even pressured by France Cricket not to publish anything. You could even qualify some of these as threats,” said Alix Brodin, a left-handed batter who debuted after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Asked what exactly was threatened, Armas recalled that Durairaj told one of the players, “If you do that, I can’t protect you anymore.”

Contacted by FRANCE 24, Durairaj said that a decision about the women’s team would be published in May. He did not respond to more detailed allegations.

‘No communication’

Without any further communication from their governing body, players were removed from WhatsApp groups involving them. On November 19, they found out – via social media – that they would no longer be participating in the inaugural Women’s European Cricket Championship, scheduled to begin less than a month later on December 17.

The organisers, the European Cricket Network (ECN), announced that a team from England would be replacing France at the tournament in Malaga involving the national sides of Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and Austria.

“In a recent development, the French Cricket Federation, Association Française de Cricket, has unfortunately withdrawn their team’s participation,” read a press release. ECN declined to comment further.

“I’ve received no email, no communication from France Cricket explaining anything at all,” said Brodin.

Word spread in January that the women could only apply to be part of the national team this year if they apologised.

“We’ve done nothing wrong,” said Armas. “I’m not apologising for saying, ‘There’s an investigation going on, I want the truth’.”

To this day, the only written communication the women’s national team has received from France Cricket was an email sent on March 1 asking each of them to return their uniforms “for logistical reasons”.

Shut up and play cricket

FRANCE 24’s investigation last November raised questions over whether France was eligible to participate in ICC tournaments as it has done since 2021, given the difficulty of proving that the country has the requisite minimum of eight domestic women’s teams “competing in a minimum of five hard-ball matches for the previous two years”, as per ICC rules.

Players acknowledged having their suspicions.

“It’s always the same three or four clubs that provide women’s national team players,” said Brodin. “We know very well that what’s been written is true, we just never went looking for proof.”

Several said their decision to take part regardless came down to the lack of other opportunities to play cricket. Even for the women’s first division, for instance, only three match days were organised last season.

“The dilemma we’re faced with is absolutely unjust,” said all-rounder Poppy McGeown, who played 27 matches for France. “In France there are very few opportunities to play … either you shut your mouth and play cricket, or you decide to take a more ethical approach and speak up to condemn things that you find unfair or illegal, and that comes with being kicked out of the team.”

“You have to choose between the sport you love and the values you hold dear. So for two years I closed my eyes, and I’m not particularly proud of it,” she said.

Armas said she also turned a blind eye.

“I was egotistical,” she said. “I wanted to play, so yes, I did close my eyes on some things. I have to say thank you to all those girls who didn’t.”

More evidence of ‘ghost matches’ 

The women’s first- and second-division tournaments have disappeared from France Cricket’s plans for this year, replaced by a ��France Women’s Cup” featuring 10 teams due to kick off this Saturday, April 13.

Out of the four first-division teams from last year, only Lille Cricket Club and Paris Université Club are slated to participate, with Nantes Cricket Club not renewing its affiliation with France Cricket in the wake of the scandal and Lisses Cricket Club planning to do the same for its women’s team.

The other eight clubs include seven from last year’s Division Two, which was the subject of November’s FRANCE 24 report.

Since its publication, more evidence of irregularities in this division has come to light.

On April 16, six Division Two matches were scheduled to take place on Chantilly cricket ground. All six were subsequently rubber-stamped as having taken place by France Cricket’s sporting commission.

Edward Hoyle, captain of Chantilly Cricket Club, said he arrived just before 2pm to renovate the wicket, only to be told a women’s match was about to start.

“That match did take place, but it was all over in 20 minutes. That’s 10 minutes an innings,” recalled Hoyle. “Whether that constitutes a match or not, I don’t know.”

Once the short match was over, Hoyle proceeded to strip and relay the wicket, a process that took several hours.

It is clear that the fourth, fifth and sixth matches did not happen at the time and place for which they were certified.

In its response to FRANCE 24’s November report on women’s ghost matches, France Cricket said “the results shown on its website are those communicated via the match reports handed in by the umpires at the end of each match”.

The chair of one of the clubs that was responsible for umpiring on April 16 denied his club was involved in matches that did not actually take place. He said he had delegated responsibility for the women’s team to the club captain and wasn’t aware of specific events that day.

When asked how his club planned to field a women's team this year, he acknowledged it would be a challenge. “We have women’s teams, but they’re students – you have to organise it during school holidays. It’s a bit difficult.”

France Cricket did not respond to a request for comment.

On November 16, Nantes Cricket Club sent a request to state prosecutors and police asking for an investigation into alleged fraudulent activity by the association.

In April 2022, the Versailles public prosecutor dismissed defamation charges brought by France Cricket against Hoyle, which he said were brought after he wrote a letter to clubs criticising the organisation.

“The ICC has investigated the allegations in relation to France Cricket and are satisfied that the issue is now closed,” a spokesperson for the sport's global administrator told Alison Mitchell of the BBC’s "Stumped" podcast. “Each Member is wholly responsible for the participation data that is submitted per the census and accuracy of these records remains of utmost importance and are audited by the ICC.”

From New Caledonia with cricketers

During a meeting with the France Cricket board while she was head of the women’s commission, Armas recalled pushing for a recognition of the reality on the ground. “Come on, among us we can admit it,” she said. “There are only four women’s teams in cricket. We know there are only four teams in Division One, and Division Two is fake.”

In response, she recalled, “I was almost insulted. Like, ‘How can you say this?’ I got shut down badly.”

She also remembered conversations with Durairaj in which he shared his conviction that the way to develop women’s cricket in France was not via domestic competitions, but “to have a strong national team”.

But now, France Cricket must assemble an entirely new one – notably ahead of another ECN tournament in December to which France has been invited, according to one source, but not confirmed by ECN.

The governing body emailed clubs on January 16 asking for candidates for both national teams, but none of the previous women’s squad who spoke to FRANCE 24 have put their names forward.

One avenue that France Cricket is exploring to bolster its women’s team lies far from the French mainland, in New Caledonia. A traditional form of cricket, played mostly by indigenous Kanak women, has been popular in the French overseas territory since the sport was introduced by English missionaries.

France Cricket chairman Prebagarane Balane visited the southwest Pacific islands in March, accompanied by Durairaj, where he signed an agreement with New Caledonia’s sports minister Mickaël Forrest and cricket committee head Jean-Marc Ihily. The deal obliges the committee to register all of its players with France Cricket by August 31, which could add some 3,000 to the 1,800 players that the association currently claims are on its books.

It also grants France Cricket the right to call up players in New Caledonia for the French national team, but not if they play the non-standard form of the game.

On March 30, at France Cricket’s annual general meeting at their office in Saint-Maurice near Paris, Balane was joined by Ihily in person to announce plans for a women’s tournament in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, this September. Balane stressed the importance of recruitment ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in India.

Marchello-Nizia said that two years ago, Durairaj told her about looking to New Caledonia for potential women’s national team players. “Things might have accelerated, given recent developments,” she said.

Death of a national team?

Asked if the current national team was dead, Britton was equivocal. “The team obviously doesn't stop with us. But as far as the players are concerned, I feel like we've been asked not to come back.”

McGeown lamented the state of French cricket. “When you have the honour and pride of playing for your country, no matter what the sport, it’s a huge motivator. And now we’ve lost it because we’re not ready to play as part of this system.”

[sportwizbynavneetoberoi]

BCCI’s Lollipop to the IOC - Turning Cricket into a Global Sport

Cricket, a sport with a staggering fan base of 2.5 billion people worldwide (According to Sport Pledge) is making significant strides towards Olympic inclusion. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been actively pushing for cricket's inclusion in the Olympic Games, with the ambition to debut at the LA28 Games. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), led by Jay Shah, has played a pivotal role in this endeavor. The Sportwiz explores the journey of cricket towards becoming a global sport, driven by the aspirations of the ICC and the strategic efforts of the BCCI.

source - IOC

Cricket has been making notable appearances in various multi-sport events, such as the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and the upcoming 2023 edition in Hangzhou, Even this years African Games hosted in Ghana will consist of cricket where it will be played in the T20 format. These inclusions highlight the growing recognition and acceptance of cricket as a global sport.

source - ICC

The question arises: Does the Olympics need cricket, or does cricket need the Olympics? Cricket's immense popularity, with a fan base of 2.5 billion people and its status as the second most-watched sport globally, demonstrates the sport's strength and appeal. However, Olympic inclusion would provide an unparalleled platform for cricket to reach new audiences and further boost its global recognition.

source - business today

The ICC's bid for Olympic inclusion emphasized the massive viewership cricket attracts. The 2022 T20 World Cup garnered a staggering 1.2 billion unique viewers globally. Additionally, the 2020 Women's World Cup saw 89 million viewers tuning in, showcasing the increasing popularity of women's cricket. These statistics exemplify cricket's potential as a major draw for broadcasters, sponsors, and fans alike.

India's significance as a cricket powerhouse cannot be overlooked. The country accounts for a substantial portion of cricket's global viewership, with 76% of the 113.5 million viewing hours recorded during major tournaments coming from India. The BCCI, backed by India's massive cricket market, has offered the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a chance to tap into this unique viewership, potentially elevating the Olympic Games' viewership in the Indian subcontinent.

source - InsideSport.in

The BCCI's main revenue stream, broadcasting rights, presents a compelling proposition for the IOC. Currently held by JIO and Viacom 18 for $31 million, these rights contribute to the ongoing profits of the Olympics. If cricket is included in the Olympics, the ICC estimates potential revenue of $130-260 million. These figures highlight the financial gains that could be achieved through cricket's Olympic participation.

The number $31 million USD is larger than the previous years in terms of Olympics in India but if we compare it to a similar number showcasing the money that’s involved in cricket, in the next financial cycle of the BCCI the Pakistan Cricket board ( PCB ) who hold a share of 5.75% is approximately valued at $34.5 million USD.

PCB Chairperson Mr Najam Sethi

source - The Express Tribune

Cricket's economic value has witnessed a remarkable surge, as evidenced by the 300% increase in media rights value for ICC and IPL. The media rights for ICC and IPL soared from ₹16,347 crores to a staggering ₹48,390 crores. This exponential growth further solidifies cricket's position as a lucrative sporting asset.

source - Sportskeeda

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) now ranked as the second most valued sporting league globally, cricket's future looks promising. The IPL's substantial viewership of 380 million domestic TV viewers in the 2021 season and cumulative viewership of 383 billion minutes for the 2020 campaign across TV and digital platforms indicate cricket's enormous potential according to Jay Shah. As cricket continues to captivate audiences, its inclusion in the Olympics could propel the sport to new heights.

The bid to include cricket in the Olympics is anticipated to be decided in the final session of the IOC, scheduled to take place in Mumbai in October. Brisbane 2032 Olympics presents a realistic opportunity for cricket's inclusion, given Australia's cricketing heritage. Surprisingly, Los Angeles may also be a potential host, thanks to the approval of the bid by former Mayor Eric Garcetti, now the US Ambassador to India, fostering stronger relations between India and the USA.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah ( left ) with US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti ( right )

Source - @USAmbIndia/Twitter

Cricket's journey towards becoming a global sport is gaining momentum, with the ICC and BCCI leading the way. The sport's immense viewership, economic value, and potential for growth make it an attractive addition to the Olympic Games. As the IOC contemplates cricket's inclusion, the world awaits a decision that could redefine the sport and pave the way for a future where cricket becomes truly global.

By Navneet Oberoi

Sources -

ICC

The Economic Times

Espncricinfo

Sports Pro Media

The Guardian

Crictracker

Sawera Pasha

[mohammad74nayeem]

An Innocent Cricket Player

Kane Stuart Williamson, is a great cricketer from New Zealand. He was born on August 8, 1990. Now he serves as captain of the country's limited-overs squad. Kane is most run scorer for New Zealand in a test match on February 27, 2023. He is a right handed batsman and per time right arm off spinner. 

In the year of December 2007, Williamson made his first-class cricket debut.That same year, he visited Indian U-19 squad in his U-19 debut, and he was selected as the team's captain for the 2008 U-19 Cricket World Cup. He made his debut in abroad in 2010. At the 2011, 2015, and 2019 Cricket World Cups as well as the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2021 ICC World Twenty20s, Williamson has highlighted New Zealand.

In ICC World Twenty20,2016 he led New Zealand on a full-time basis for the first time. At the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he led New Zealand as their captain, guiding them to the championship game and earning Player of the Tournament honors. He top up Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to become the top-ranked Test batsman in the world on December 31, 2020, when he attained a Test batting rating of 890.[3][4] Both the accolade for Test cricketer of the decade and the Sir Garfield Sobers accolade for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade were nominated for him.Along with Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli, Ian Chappell and Martin Crowe place Williamson among the best four or five Test cricket batters of the present. 5,6,7.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] New Zealand and Bangladesh’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (PC: BLACKCAPS & BCBtigers/X) New Zealand and ICC tournaments are synonymous with bitter-sweet moments. Usually, New Zealand make it to the later stages of various ICC tournaments, only to miss on winning the big prize. They have still won a couple of ICC trophies – The ICC Knockout tournament in 2000 and the World Test Championship in 2021. New Zealand are now all geared up to participate in the Champions Trophy, which is basically a tweaked version of ICC Knockout, with the tournament being played on the basis of splitting teams into two groups. Here’s a brief analysis of the New Zealand squad: The New Zealand unit is going through a transition phase, with Mitchell Santner taking over the mantle of leading the side in abridged versions from Kane Williamson. The veteran pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult have bid adieu to international cricket. However, New Zealand still have enough firepower to chisel a way out of a group that has the traditional rivals – India and Pakistan, alongside Bangladesh. In Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke, they have two young fast bowlers who are renowned for bowling with a burst of pace and extracting bounce. In unfamiliar climes – Pakistan and Dubai – they might still struggle to adjust, but make no mistake the pace pair have the potential to become genuine wicket-takers across formats. Nathan Smith, another young cricketer, could also turn out to be a useful seam-bowling option. He is also a handy customer with the bat, down the order. Meanwhile, the onus is on Matt Henry to lead the pace attack. Henry is one of the better seamers going around, arguably he is the best at using the wobble-seam delivery. Lockie Ferguson, who is now one of the experienced bowlers in the set-up, will add more pace to the arsenal. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here Special event for NZ squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (PC: BLACKCAPS/X) We still have to touch upon Santner, their spin spearhead. The left-arm spinner, who can also make handy contributions with the bat, has mastered the art of subtle changes in pace and flight, along with unremitting control. His economy rate of 4.84 in ODIs exemplifies his skills. On some of the slower decks in Asia, he would have a major role to play. Glenn Phillips, who has improved as a spinner, and Michael Bracewell, yet another all-rounder, will be his spin colleagues. The batting unit will again revolve around Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Phillips and Devon Conway. Tom Latham, the Test skipper, has been assigned with wicketkeeping duties. Verdict – New Zealand have a tendency to punch above their weight in ICC tournaments. They might sneak through to the last-four stage of the tournament. Bangladesh’s squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (PC: BCBtigers/X) Among Group A teams, Bangladesh also have announced their squad. Litton Das being left out of the squad is the main talking point. It is true that Litton averaged a paltry 1.20 last year, but he is still one of those players who can turbo-charge their batting engine with his range of shots. So, Bangladesh could have shown some faith in him. This is what Litton had to say to the press reporters after scoring a ton in the Bangladesh Premier League: “There is nothing to prove to anyone and I am not interested to prove anything to anyone.” With Shakib Al Hasan failing a bowling reassessment test in Chennai and Tamim Iqbal’s retirement from internationals, Bangladesh have entered a new phase. All eyes will be on Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, the two remaining experienced cricketers in the squad, to shoulder the responsibility in the batting department. Mahmudullah, in particular, was in supreme form last year, averaging almost 50 in this format. Najmul Hossain, the skipper, also was in fine form in 2024. Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy are two of the younger players in the set-up. Among them, Towhid looks promising.

With  Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman in the ranks, Bangladesh also have some variety in the pace attack. Mehidy Hasan, who is also decent with the bat, Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain will lead the spin attack. Verdict – The 50-over format suits Bangladesh to an extent but it could prove to be difficult for them to reach the semifinals. Also Read: Iyer 2.0 redefines domestic toil after BCCI contract snub The post New Zealand and Bangladesh – A bird’s-eye view of the two squads appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] New Zealand and Bangladesh’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (PC: BLACKCAPS & BCBtigers/X) New Zealand and ICC tournaments are synonymous with bitter-sweet moments. Usually, New Zealand make it to the later stages of various ICC tournaments, only to miss on winning the big prize. They have still won a couple of ICC trophies – The ICC Knockout tournament in 2000 and the World Test Championship in 2021. New Zealand are now all geared up to participate in the Champions Trophy, which is basically a tweaked version of ICC Knockout, with the tournament being played on the basis of splitting teams into two groups. Here’s a brief analysis of the New Zealand squad: The New Zealand unit is going through a transition phase, with Mitchell Santner taking over the mantle of leading the side in abridged versions from Kane Williamson. The veteran pace duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult have bid adieu to international cricket. However, New Zealand still have enough firepower to chisel a way out of a group that has the traditional rivals – India and Pakistan, alongside Bangladesh. In Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke, they have two young fast bowlers who are renowned for bowling with a burst of pace and extracting bounce. In unfamiliar climes – Pakistan and Dubai – they might still struggle to adjust, but make no mistake the pace pair have the potential to become genuine wicket-takers across formats. Nathan Smith, another young cricketer, could also turn out to be a useful seam-bowling option. He is also a handy customer with the bat, down the order. Meanwhile, the onus is on Matt Henry to lead the pace attack. Henry is one of the better seamers going around, arguably he is the best at using the wobble-seam delivery. Lockie Ferguson, who is now one of the experienced bowlers in the set-up, will add more pace to the arsenal. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here Special event for NZ squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (PC: BLACKCAPS/X) We still have to touch upon Santner, their spin spearhead. The left-arm spinner, who can also make handy contributions with the bat, has mastered the art of subtle changes in pace and flight, along with unremitting control. His economy rate of 4.84 in ODIs exemplifies his skills. On some of the slower decks in Asia, he would have a major role to play. Glenn Phillips, who has improved as a spinner, and Michael Bracewell, yet another all-rounder, will be his spin colleagues. The batting unit will again revolve around Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Phillips and Devon Conway. Tom Latham, the Test skipper, has been assigned with wicketkeeping duties. Verdict – New Zealand have a tendency to punch above their weight in ICC tournaments. They might sneak through to the last-four stage of the tournament. Bangladesh’s squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (PC: BCBtigers/X) Among Group A teams, Bangladesh also have announced their squad. Litton Das being left out of the squad is the main talking point. It is true that Litton averaged a paltry 1.20 last year, but he is still one of those players who can turbo-charge their batting engine with his range of shots. So, Bangladesh could have shown some faith in him. This is what Litton had to say to the press reporters after scoring a ton in the Bangladesh Premier League: “There is nothing to prove to anyone and I am not interested to prove anything to anyone.” With Shakib Al Hasan failing a bowling reassessment test in Chennai and Tamim Iqbal’s retirement from internationals, Bangladesh have entered a new phase. All eyes will be on Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim, the two remaining experienced cricketers in the squad, to shoulder the responsibility in the batting department. Mahmudullah, in particular, was in supreme form last year, averaging almost 50 in this format. Najmul Hossain, the skipper, also was in fine form in 2024. Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy are two of the younger players in the set-up. Among them, Towhid looks promising.

With  Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman in the ranks, Bangladesh also have some variety in the pace attack. Mehidy Hasan, who is also decent with the bat, Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain will lead the spin attack. Verdict – The 50-over format suits Bangladesh to an extent but it could prove to be difficult for them to reach the semifinals. Also Read: Iyer 2.0 redefines domestic toil after BCCI contract snub The post New Zealand and Bangladesh – A bird’s-eye view of the two squads appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[ericalto]

Ibrahim Zadran returns to Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy squad | Cricket news

The excellent opener returns from injury but Mujeeb Ur Rahman missed the ball as he recovered from a wrist sprain. Afghanistan have also recalled batsman Ibrahim Zadran, from their ICC Champions League squad, amid ongoing calls that teams will not play against them because of the Taliban government’s crackdown on women’s rights since it returned to power in 2021. Opener Zadran has recovered from…

[trendtoday]

Ibrahim Zadran returns to Champions Trophy squad for Afghanistan | Cricket News

The prolific opener makes his comeback after injury but spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman misses the game as he recovers from a sprained hand. Afghanistan have named fit-again batsman Ibrahim Zadran in their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy as calls continue for teams to boycott games against them due to the Taliban government’s crackdown on women’s rights since returning to power in 2021 . Opener…

[trendstodaynet]

Ibrahim Zadran returns to Champions Trophy squad for Afghanistan | Cricket News

The prolific opener makes his comeback after injury but spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman misses the game as he recovers from a sprained hand. Afghanistan have named fit-again batsman Ibrahim Zadran in their squad for the ICC Champions Trophy as calls continue for teams to boycott games against them due to the Taliban government’s crackdown on women’s rights since returning to power in 2021 . Opener…

[top4allo]

Ibrahim Zadran returns for Afghanistan in Champions Trophy squad | Cricket News

The prolific opener returns from injury but spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman misses out as he recovers from a hand sprain. Afghanistan have recalled batsman Ibrahim Zadran to their ICC Champions Trophy squad, amid ongoing calls for teams to boycott matches against them due to the Taliban government’s crackdown of women’s rights by returning to power in 2021. Opener Zadran has recovered from ankle…

[cryptoto]

Kevin Pietersen's Test Cricket Division II prediction resurfaces amid ICC talks

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has once again weighed in on the future of Test cricket. Reacting to recent reports about the possible split of Test cricket into two tiers, Pietersen reminded his followers of a prediction he made in 2021. “Remember what I said a few years ago????” Pietersen wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account, referring to his earlier statement that by 2026, only a…

[hamsdd]

Kevin Pietersen's Test Cricket Division II prediction resurfaces amid ICC talks

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has once again weighed in on the future of Test cricket. Reacting to recent reports about the possible split of Test cricket into two tiers, Pietersen reminded his followers of a prediction he made in 2021. “Remember what I said a few years ago????” Pietersen wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account, referring to his earlier statement that by 2026, only a…

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Cheteshwar Pujara and Marnus Labuschagne (PC: ICC/X and Debasis Sen) Trisha Ghosal in Melbourne Some innings are remembered not for the runs scored but for the character they reveal. Cheteshwar Pujara’s 56 at the Gabba during India’s historic chase in January 2021 and Marnus Labuschagne’s 72 on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) are prime examples of the unyielding spirit that defines Test cricket at its finest. Two Innings, Two Contexts, One Grit Pujara, in 2021, was India’s immovable object against Australia’s irresistible force. On Day 5 of the Gabba Test, the Australian bowlers unleashed relentless short-pitched hostility, targeting Pujara’s body and temperament. By the end of his stoic 211-ball stay, the batsman was visibly bruised, but his innings laid the foundation for a historic chase and India’s series triumph. Fast forward to December 26, 2024, and the stage was different but the challenge strikingly similar. Labuschagne, battling poor form and an Indian bowling attack brimming with intent, dug deep to compile a hard-fought 72. The conditions at the MCG weren’t that challenging but the bowlers were disciplined, and the pressure was immense. Much like Pujara three years earlier, Labuschagne was struck repeatedly but he refused to relent. Crafting Runs Under Fire What made both innings extraordinary was the ability to adapt and endure. Pujara’s Gabba masterclass wasn’t about stroke-making; it was about absorbing pressure and wearing the bowlers down. His 56 was punctuated by blows to the body that would have made many flinch, but he stood tall, defying Australia’s fiery quartet. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here Marnus Labuschagne at the MCG (PC: Debasis Sen) Similarly, Labuschagne’s 72 was a lesson in patience and focus. With runs hard to come by and Australia’s batting under scrutiny, the 30-year-old resisted the urge to counter-attack recklessly. Instead, he trusted his defence, picking gaps when possible and anchoring the innings. Each run came at a premium, but it was a knock that Australia desperately needed. The Stakes and the Impact Pujara’s innings was the fulcrum of a famous Test victory, one that capped India’s resurgence and shattered Australia’s fortress. Labuschagne’s knock, while not yet accompanied by a definitive result, served as a reminder of his value to a team that has looked fragile without his contributions. His ability to fight through poor form and contribute under pressure speaks volumes for his temperament. What Resilience Teaches For fans and pundits alike, these innings are why Test cricket continues to captivate. They showcase that batting is not merely about flamboyance or big numbers but about character, perseverance and the will to endure when all else seems to falter. Pujara and Labuschagne, two vastly different players in style, found common ground in their grit. Both innings are reminders that while the scorecard captures numbers, it is the stories behind those numbers that endure. Also Read: Bumrah brilliance drags India back, and gives Australia a Head-ache The post Bruised but Unbowed: The Parallel Grit of Labuschagne and Pujara appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Cheteshwar Pujara and Marnus Labuschagne (PC: ICC/X and Debasis Sen) Trisha Ghosal in Melbourne Some innings are remembered not for the runs scored but for the character they reveal. Cheteshwar Pujara’s 56 at the Gabba during India’s historic chase in January 2021 and Marnus Labuschagne’s 72 on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) are prime examples of the unyielding spirit that defines Test cricket at its finest. Two Innings, Two Contexts, One Grit Pujara, in 2021, was India’s immovable object against Australia’s irresistible force. On Day 5 of the Gabba Test, the Australian bowlers unleashed relentless short-pitched hostility, targeting Pujara’s body and temperament. By the end of his stoic 211-ball stay, the batsman was visibly bruised, but his innings laid the foundation for a historic chase and India’s series triumph. Fast forward to December 26, 2024, and the stage was different but the challenge strikingly similar. Labuschagne, battling poor form and an Indian bowling attack brimming with intent, dug deep to compile a hard-fought 72. The conditions at the MCG weren’t that challenging but the bowlers were disciplined, and the pressure was immense. Much like Pujara three years earlier, Labuschagne was struck repeatedly but he refused to relent. Crafting Runs Under Fire What made both innings extraordinary was the ability to adapt and endure. Pujara’s Gabba masterclass wasn’t about stroke-making; it was about absorbing pressure and wearing the bowlers down. His 56 was punctuated by blows to the body that would have made many flinch, but he stood tall, defying Australia’s fiery quartet. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here Marnus Labuschagne at the MCG (PC: Debasis Sen) Similarly, Labuschagne’s 72 was a lesson in patience and focus. With runs hard to come by and Australia’s batting under scrutiny, the 30-year-old resisted the urge to counter-attack recklessly. Instead, he trusted his defence, picking gaps when possible and anchoring the innings. Each run came at a premium, but it was a knock that Australia desperately needed. The Stakes and the Impact Pujara’s innings was the fulcrum of a famous Test victory, one that capped India’s resurgence and shattered Australia’s fortress. Labuschagne’s knock, while not yet accompanied by a definitive result, served as a reminder of his value to a team that has looked fragile without his contributions. His ability to fight through poor form and contribute under pressure speaks volumes for his temperament. What Resilience Teaches For fans and pundits alike, these innings are why Test cricket continues to captivate. They showcase that batting is not merely about flamboyance or big numbers but about character, perseverance and the will to endure when all else seems to falter. Pujara and Labuschagne, two vastly different players in style, found common ground in their grit. Both innings are reminders that while the scorecard captures numbers, it is the stories behind those numbers that endure. Also Read: Bumrah brilliance drags India back, and gives Australia a Head-ache The post Bruised but Unbowed: The Parallel Grit of Labuschagne and Pujara appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[ericalto]

Kevin Pietersen's Test Cricket Division also featured in the ICC Speeches

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has once again addressed the future of Test cricket. Responding to recent reports about the possible split of Test cricket into two tiers, Pietersen reminded his fans of the predictions he made in 2021. “Do you remember what I said a few years ago???? Pietersen wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter), referring to his previous statement that in 2026, only…

[shreyash-hexa]

The Excitement of WTC 2024-25: A New Era for Test Cricket! 🏏🔥

The World Test Championship (WTC) 2024-25 is just around the corner, and cricket fans across the globe are brimming with excitement! The prestigious competition has completely changed the landscape of Test cricket, bringing new energy to the longest format of the game. With a fresh batch of thrilling rivalries, new players emerging as key contenders, and the race to qualify intensifying, the WTC 2024-25 promises to be an unforgettable cricketing journey.

As we gear up for the next cycle of this incredible competition, let’s dive into what makes the WTC 2024-25 such a significant chapter in Test cricket history. 🌍🏆

What is the World Test Championship? 🤔

Before we get into the upcoming 2024-25 season, let’s quickly recap what the World Test Championship (WTC) is all about. Launched in 2019 by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the WTC was created to bring context and excitement to Test cricket, which, at times, can be overshadowed by shorter formats like ODIs and T20s. The championship aims to crown the world’s best Test team every two years, creating a series of high-stakes matches that stretch across multiple continents. 🌏🌟

The first cycle of the WTC (2019-2021) was a massive success. The final between New Zealand and India at Lord’s in June 2021 captivated millions of cricket fans. New Zealand, under the calm leadership of Kane Williamson, emerged victorious, becoming the first-ever WTC champions. 🏅👏

What’s New in the WTC 2024-25? 🌟

With the thrilling conclusion of the first WTC cycle, we now look ahead to the 2024-2025 cycle. The format remains largely the same, but there are some exciting new dynamics that will make the upcoming season even more interesting:

1. New Teams, New Rivalries 🤩

One of the most exciting aspects of the WTC 2024-25 is the emergence of new rivalries and the rise of new teams in Test cricket. While traditional powerhouses like India, Australia, and England remain favorites, nations like Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Pakistan are also looking to shake up the competition. 🏏💥

Australia, the defending champions, is looking to continue their dominant form, with players like Pat Cummins and David Warner leading the charge.

India, with their rock-solid squad and deep pool of talent, are determined to make a comeback after their heartbreak in the previous cycle. The Virat Kohli-led team has the skill and hunger to rise to the top again. 💪

England, who have had an up-and-down journey in the past, are on the rise, thanks to their youthful aggression and new coaching philosophies. Under Ben Stokes’ leadership, they could be a real threat! ⚡

But what’s most thrilling about the WTC 2024-25 is the underdog story. Nations like West Indies, New Zealand, and even Bangladesh have the potential to surprise the world with their performances. 👀⚡

2. Race for the Final 🚀

Just like the previous cycle, only the top two teams at the end of the league stage will make it to the WTC Final. And the battle for those two coveted spots will be fierce! Teams will play against each other in a series of bilateral series and tournaments over the next two years. 🏆

The point system will once again be crucial: teams gain points based on match wins and the series outcome. While Test matches will take center stage, every series will matter in the race to qualify for the grand finale at The Oval in 2025. 💫🌟

3. Match Venues and Conditions 🏟️🌍

The beauty of the WTC lies in the diversity of match venues. Matches are spread across different countries, with varied pitches, weather conditions, and playing styles. Teams will have to adapt to the unique challenges presented by different conditions, whether it’s the spinning tracks of India, the bouncy wickets in Australia, or the swinging conditions in England. 🌦️

This variation makes the WTC even more exciting because teams are constantly pushed out of their comfort zones. India will have to overcome their own struggles on overseas soil, while England will be tested when they travel to subcontinent conditions. 🏏🔥

4. The Evolution of Test Cricket 🌱

What makes the WTC 2024-25 particularly thrilling is the way Test cricket is evolving. Modern-day Test cricket is seeing more aggressive play, with teams playing a more attacking brand of cricket than ever before. The introduction of new rules (like the over-rate penalty) and innovations such as the pink ball has sparked a new wave of interest. 🌟

The arrival of players like Marnus Labuschagne, Shubman Gill, and Kyle Jamieson is a testament to how Test cricket is evolving, blending classical techniques with modern flair. These young stars are changing the way Test cricket is played, and we can expect more dynamic performances in the 2024-25 season. 🚀👊

Players to Watch in WTC 2024-25 🔥

The WTC 2024-25 will undoubtedly feature some outstanding individual performances. Here are a few players to keep an eye on:

1. Pat Cummins (Australia) 🇦🇺

As the captain of Australia, Pat Cummins is one of the best fast bowlers in the world. With his leadership, Australia will be looking to defend their WTC title, and Cummins’ ability to lead from the front, both with the ball and as a captain, will be pivotal. 🔥🎯

2. Joe Root (England) 🏴‍☠️

Joe Root has been a stalwart for England in Test cricket for years. His ability to adapt to various conditions and his consistency with the bat makes him a player to watch in the 2024-25 cycle. Expect Root to play a key role in England’s quest for the WTC final. 💥

3. Rishabh Pant (India) 🇮🇳

The fearless wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant, is one of the most exciting talents in world cricket. With his ability to turn matches around in a single session, Pant will be key to India’s hopes in the WTC 2024-25. 🔥

4. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) 🇳🇿

Kane Williamson is a master of patience and technique. The calm leader of the Black Caps led New Zealand to the WTC 2019-2021 final victory, and his experience will be crucial as New Zealand aims for a repeat performance in the next cycle. 🏆

5. Babar Azam (Pakistan) 🇵🇰

Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, is a brilliant batter and an astute leader. His consistency with the bat and his leadership will be critical for Pakistan’s bid to make it to the top two in the WTC 2024-25. 💪

Why the WTC 2024-25 is More Than Just Cricket 🎉

While the WTC 2024-25 will bring epic battles and thrilling moments on the field, it also represents a bigger story for the future of Test cricket. The championship continues to generate immense global interest and brings fans from different countries together. The drama, the rivalries, and the passion on display make the WTC more than just a cricket tournament—it’s a global celebration of the game. 🌏🎉

As the competition progresses, fans can look forward to more iconic moments and new rivalries that will keep us on the edge of our seats. From stunning individual performances to incredible team comebacks, the WTC 2024-25 will give us a lot to talk about. 🏏💥

Final Thoughts 🚀

The WTC 2024-25 is poised to be one of the most exciting cycles of Test cricket ever. With fresh rivalries, intense competition, and the sheer unpredictability of the sport, it promises to capture the hearts of cricket fans worldwide. As the race for the top two spots intensifies, every match will matter, and every series will count in the journey to the WTC Final.

As fans, we’re in for an incredible ride—so buckle up and get ready to witness the magic of Test cricket in the WTC 2024-25! 🎉🏆

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Stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in software development by visiting Hexadecimal Software’s Blog. From in-depth articles to industry insights, it’s a must-read for anyone interested in the digital world! 🚀📱

This blog post is your gateway to all the action, emotion, and drama surrounding the WTC 2024-25. Get ready, the cricketing world is about to light up! ✨

[cricketbazaar]

The Problem With Babar Azam’s Form Across Formats

One of the most gifted young players when he first entered international cricket in 2015 was the former Pakistan captain Babar Azam. He gained notoriety for hitting three consecutive hundreds against the West Indies. Despite struggling in red-ball cricket, he established himself in white-ball cricket for the first few years. Babar is without a doubt one of the best players in ODI cricket right now. Class, elegance, and absolute splendor are the adjectives that spring to mind when one watches Babar Azam bat. In addition to his statistical accomplishments, Babar Azam has set several records over his remarkable career. He is the fastest cricketer to achieve 2,000 runs as captain and the fastest to reach 5,000 ODI runs. He was named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and 2022, and he has the third-best batting average in ODI history.

Once A Rising Star, Now A Shooting Star

Once there was a time when Babar Azam centuries kept on coming and fans declared him to be the King of Pakistani cricket. However, for a few years now, he has been struggling with this form across formats and has been facing widespread criticism regarding that. The most recent examples are the Pakistan vs Australia series and the Pakistan vs England Test series where he failed to make an impact with the bat. Babar's lackluster performance in the Pakistan vs England game sparked concerns about his consistency, which has been inconsistent across all formats. He was excused from the Pakistan Test squad just after the first match due to his poor showing in both the innings of the match which would’ve been quite humiliating for the ace batter. 

Once feared by some of the world's top bowlers, Babar is currently in such poor form that he is unable to even mount a respectable defense against a side like Bangladesh. The Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which was played in Pakistan earlier this year, is being referred to here. One of the factors contributing to Pakistan's humiliating series loss to Bangladesh, especially on their home soil, was Babar's poor play in that series. Since it destroyed their hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship, it was inevitable that the batsman would be widely criticized by people all over the world, including several previous Pakistani legends.

Fans on social media and various cricket news portals heavily criticized the whole Pakistani squad, particularly Babar Azam, who was at the core of the controversy, when the team lost its first-ever Test series against Bangladesh, especially at home. At that point, Ramiz Raja, the previous head of the PCB, came up to comfort Babar and provide some insightful counsel.

"It seems the entire nation does not have a problem with anything except the form of Babar Azam. Unfortunately, what happens is when you lose a match and you have not scored runs and if you are Babar Azam, then you become a headline - How did we lose? What did he do? What was his contribution? And then this is the era of social media. Anybody can criticize and ridicule anyone, this should be discouraged as much as possible," Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.

"Cricket is in our blood but don't know for how long if we continue to lose matches like this in Test cricket. Fan following increases with wins and fans identify themselves with success stories. Babar Azam has had a famous success story. There is no doubt that he has been a big player in all three formats," he said.

"So what does he have to do? First, avoid social media. Second, stay in the moment. When you are not able to score runs, it becomes a mental game and you start second-guessing. So you start worrying and that worrisome look is evident on Babar's face. He is trying hard, so frustration will be there. What's important is how he is batting."