#icc t20 world cup 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

[pct-zindabad]

Pakistan’s Babar Azam in T20I

When Babar Azam takes the field on Friday, 14 April for the match against New Zealand, he will become the third Pakistan player to feature in 100 Men's T20Is

Shoaib Malik (123) and Mohammad Hafeez (119) are the two other Pakistan players to reach this milestone in men's T20Is.

The level-headed Pakistan captain is well known for his flamboyant batting style and along with Mohammad Rizwan forms an intimidating opening pair in T20Is.

As we celebrate his 100 T20Is, let's have a look at some of Babar's top innings in the format.

122 off 59 v South Africa, Centurion, 2021 — Babar and Rizwan are a force to reckon with. While Rizwan plays the role of an aggressor more often, there have been times when Babar has blown away the opposition with his explosive shots. The third T20I against South Africa in 2021 was one such example.

Chasing a formidable 204, Babar took the lead almost right from the start. After taking a couple of overs to adjust, he started pummelling the bowlers all over the park. His 50 came in just 27 balls and he accelerated after that with aplomb. He ended up with 122 off just 59 deliveries but unfortunately was dismissed with Pakistan needing just 7 to win, nevertheless having brought his side to the brink of victory. Pakistan then chased the total with two overs to spare. It was also Babar's first century in the format.

110* off 66 v England, Karachi, 2022 — Babar's second T20I century was no less impressive and this time it came at home. After losing the first T20I, Pakistan needed to hit back. England batted first and scored 199/5. Chasing another 200 score was not going to be easy but both Babar and Rizwan were in a different mood altogether. Babar, in particular, led the charge, smashing 110* off just 66 deliveries as Pakistan registered a 10-wicket victory over England. It was Babar who hit the winning runs, an inside-out four through covers celebrating a dominating win.

97* off 58 v West Indies, Karachi, 2018 — Babar's first Karachi masterclass came in 2018, four years before his hundred; an almost century innings against West Indies at home. Batting first, Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman early, who had opened the innings with Babar. The 24-year-old Babar Azam had only hit three fifty-plus scores in his career then and came close to scaling three figures when he took on the Windies bowling attack single-handedly. Pairing with Hussain Talat at No.3, Babar hit 13 fours and a six on his way to 97* off 58 deliveries. Pakistan put up a huge total of 205/3 and defended it easily with their strong bowling attack.

79* off 53 v New Zealand, Christchurch, 2022 — Babar's 79* was not in an high-scoring encounter but a low-scoring chase against New Zealand's celebrated bowling attack in their own backyard. The Pakistan bowlers had done their job keeping the Black Caps down to 147/8 in their 20 overs. But the hosts were not going down without a fight. They removed Rizwan early and crippled Pakistan further with a second wicket, leaving them at 37/2 in the sixth over. But Babar kept going. He rebuilt the Pakistan innings, first patiently stabilizing them, then pouncing on the bad balls to put them away. He formed crucial partnerships with the middle order and though New Zealand got a couple of more wickets, they had no answer to Babar. The Pakistan captain remained not out as the visitors claimed a six-wicket victory in the 19th over.

68* off 52 v India, Dubai, 2021 — The famous ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 match. While there were many heroes in the game, Babar's contribution to it cannot be forgotten. After India were restricted to 151/7, Pakistan went all out with the bat to bamboozle the Indian bowlers. Rizwan was sensational and Babar played the perfect fiddle for him. Both batters complemented each other and pummelled the Indian attack without any rest. Babar hit the winning runs helping Pakistan to their first victory over India in the history of the tournament.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Mitchell Santner and Co. at New Zealand’s team unveiling event for the Champions Trophy. Image: @BLACKCAPS -Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai Year after year, tournament after tournament, New Zealand continues to defy expectations, not with flamboyance but with quiet consistency. If there’s one team that has mastered the art of navigating ICC events, it’s them. Always labeled underdogs, yet always finding their way into the knockouts, a pattern that has held strong for a long time. The 2025 Champions Trophy has been no different. The Kiwis, unfazed by pre-tournament skepticism, have secured a semi-final spot with remarkable ease. They set the tone by outclassing Pakistan in the tournament opener and solidified their standing with a clinical win over Bangladesh. It’s hardly a surprise. Given their form leading up to the event, few expected Pakistan or Bangladesh to struggle against them, but New Zealand thrive on overturning predictions. Their participation in a tri-series in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy proved invaluable, helping them adapt to the conditions and fine-tune their strategies.  This is a New Zealand side in transition, led by a new captain, Mitchell Santner, who has stepped into the shoes of Kane Williamson. With the absence of pace stalwarts like Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson, one might have expected their bowling attack to falter. Yet, they continue to find ways to win. That is the hallmark of a truly professional side, one that innovates and finds solutions even in adversity.  Look through the pages of cricketing history and the Kiwis’ resilience stands out. They may not always have the biggest names, but they have always had the biggest hearts, making the most of every resource at their disposal. Once again, on the grandest stage, New Zealand is proving that consistency, adaptability, and belief are the true ingredients of success.  Rachin Ravindra scored a century vs Bangladesh (Photo: Black Caps) Against Bangladesh, New Zealand found themselves in early trouble, losing an in-form Will Young and Williamson within the first four overs of their chase. Yet, there was no sign of panic. As always, the Kiwis relied on their collective team effort, calmly steering their way to victory. Despite being light on experience, this New Zealand side is built on balance and adaptability, with every player ready to step up when needed. They have all the bases covered, making them a formidable challenge for any opposition.  Their next test? A high-octane clash against India in Dubai on March 2.  For Indian fans, New Zealand has been a thorn in their side in recent years. The heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, the 2021 T20 World Cup defeat, and the WTC Final loss in the same year are all wounds that haven’t quite healed. While this encounter may not carry the hype of an India-Pakistan showdown, both teams have already secured their semi-final spots, making this a battle for rhythm, confidence, and momentum. Two in-form sides, one electrifying contest. Expect a fierce, competitive showdown in Dubai. Also Read: Rachin, Bracewell Propel New Zealand into the Semi-Finals The post New Zealand keeps rewriting script with resilience and quiet dominance on the biggest stage appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Mitchell Santner and Co. at New Zealand’s team unveiling event for the Champions Trophy. Image: @BLACKCAPS -Vaibhav Tripathi in Dubai Year after year, tournament after tournament, New Zealand continues to defy expectations, not with flamboyance but with quiet consistency. If there’s one team that has mastered the art of navigating ICC events, it’s them. Always labeled underdogs, yet always finding their way into the knockouts, a pattern that has held strong for a long time. The 2025 Champions Trophy has been no different. The Kiwis, unfazed by pre-tournament skepticism, have secured a semi-final spot with remarkable ease. They set the tone by outclassing Pakistan in the tournament opener and solidified their standing with a clinical win over Bangladesh. It’s hardly a surprise. Given their form leading up to the event, few expected Pakistan or Bangladesh to struggle against them, but New Zealand thrive on overturning predictions. Their participation in a tri-series in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy proved invaluable, helping them adapt to the conditions and fine-tune their strategies.  This is a New Zealand side in transition, led by a new captain, Mitchell Santner, who has stepped into the shoes of Kane Williamson. With the absence of pace stalwarts like Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson, one might have expected their bowling attack to falter. Yet, they continue to find ways to win. That is the hallmark of a truly professional side, one that innovates and finds solutions even in adversity.  Look through the pages of cricketing history and the Kiwis’ resilience stands out. They may not always have the biggest names, but they have always had the biggest hearts, making the most of every resource at their disposal. Once again, on the grandest stage, New Zealand is proving that consistency, adaptability, and belief are the true ingredients of success.  Rachin Ravindra scored a century vs Bangladesh (Photo: Black Caps) Against Bangladesh, New Zealand found themselves in early trouble, losing an in-form Will Young and Williamson within the first four overs of their chase. Yet, there was no sign of panic. As always, the Kiwis relied on their collective team effort, calmly steering their way to victory. Despite being light on experience, this New Zealand side is built on balance and adaptability, with every player ready to step up when needed. They have all the bases covered, making them a formidable challenge for any opposition.  Their next test? A high-octane clash against India in Dubai on March 2.  For Indian fans, New Zealand has been a thorn in their side in recent years. The heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, the 2021 T20 World Cup defeat, and the WTC Final loss in the same year are all wounds that haven’t quite healed. While this encounter may not carry the hype of an India-Pakistan showdown, both teams have already secured their semi-final spots, making this a battle for rhythm, confidence, and momentum. Two in-form sides, one electrifying contest. Expect a fierce, competitive showdown in Dubai. Also Read: Rachin, Bracewell Propel New Zealand into the Semi-Finals The post New Zealand keeps rewriting script with resilience and quiet dominance on the biggest stage appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[ericalto]

Simon Doll provides help in Pakistan to crush CU025, Cit tut yc 2021 as a reminder

The poles may not be higher as pakistan gessese the main challenge is on the ICC 2025, and the former Simon Cricketeter Simeia asked me to have India on Sunday (February 23). Memories of the World Cup Pakistani World Dubai – Dubai-rivage of Arch-and doll faces and doll is deeper in the ICC events. Pakistan should include T20 World Cup 2021 A magic against India to save 2025 ICC Pypies Ngoku,…

[trendtoday]

ICC champions trophy: The terrible direction of form in England leaves the side of Jos Buttler that needs to 'make an Australia' | Cricket news

England will seek to ‘make an Australia’ as they start their campaign of trophy champions against the same opposition in Lahore on Saturday, Live in Sky Sports. Australia are launch masters at an ICC event with questions about their competition – and then win them. We saw the World Cup 2021 T20 and the World Cup ODI 2023. Image: Australian won the 2023 World Cup, beating India’s hosts in the…

[trendstodaynet]

ICC champions trophy: The terrible direction of form in England leaves the side of Jos Buttler that needs to 'make an Australia' | Cricket news

England will seek to ‘make an Australia’ as they start their campaign of trophy champions against the same opposition in Lahore on Saturday, Live in Sky Sports. Australia are launch masters at an ICC event with questions about their competition – and then win them. We saw the World Cup 2021 T20 and the World Cup ODI 2023. Image: Australian won the 2023 World Cup, beating India’s hosts in the…

[skybets]

Business as usual as Mohammed Shami is back with a bang

Around October 2021. At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), India lost a T20 World Cup match to Pakistan handily. Mohammed Shami became the scapegoat for the loss and was suddenly called derogatory names. Online hostility and abuse against him became immediate and violent.

After then, captain Virat Kohli had to defend him, but it continued for a while. Political leaders of all stripes showed support for Shami, but he mostly said nothing. He made a strong remark at the same location on Thursday, February 20.

"The past cannot be changed. You will undoubtedly be reminded often of the poor performances by others. However, I believe that you do not have to return as a sportsman or cricket player. "You must have a strategy for the future and live in the now," Shami advised.

The real statement, of course, came from his deeds rather than his words. The veteran pacer led India to a decisive victory in their Champions Trophy opening encounter against Bangladesh with a superb fast bowling effort, finishing with remarkable statistics of 5 for 53.

It is unclear if his performance satisfied his critics, but it certainly helped him rise to the top of the Indian wicket-takers rankings in ICC ODI competitions. In international ODI competitions, Shami (60 wickets) overtook Zaheer Khan (59 wickets) as India's top wicket-taker. He also reached 202 wickets in ODIs, which was a noteworthy personal milestone.

"We are thrilled for Shami. It is been a long wait. We are aware of his qualities and what he contributes to us. Following Shami's five-for, which down Bangladesh's total to 229, captain Rohit Sharma remarked, "Every time we pitch the ball at him, he is got something." The captain expressed his desire to see Shami wearing Indian colors the day before the match. More than anything else, all we wanted with Shami was to return in those Indian colors. At that moment, it made little difference to us whether he took wickets or not. We desired that he return to playing for India.

Shami has just recovered from a 14-month injury-related break during which he underwent heel surgery on his Achilles tendon. His potential to regain his best form—the Shami of the 2023 World Cup, where he had been the most successful bowler—was questioned after the surgery and the prolonged hiatus.

"Everyone wants that form to persist. However, how long is that form likely to last? How much time can you spend in that state? Nobody has anything to say about that. I always inquire as to whether you are happy with the role you have been assigned. That is what I always look for in my role. And this is what I always attempt to accomplish. In ICC events, it is acceptable if my ball is hit a little, but if I take a wicket, my team will benefit. When asked how far he is from his prime, he responded, "I often worry about this," referring to his bowling.

India needed Shami's experience and skill in the Champions Trophy campaign without Jasprit Bumrah, and based on his bowling on Thursday, he is definitely giving them optimism. Even though he may not have performed at his best, his bowling's main advantages—run-up, seam position, seam movement, follow-through, and most importantly, accuracy—seemed to be unaffected.

Shami is basically a rhythm bowler, but once he settles into a routine, he changes into a different player. He is an unusual bowler because of his flawless seam presentation and flawless backspin. His best efforts are typically saved for the ICC events. That was amply demonstrated by his performance on Thursday, which was his seventh five-wicket haul in a worldwide tournament.

His skill and cunning were demonstrated by the five wickets he took against Bangladesh. His first victim, Soumya Sarkar, edged the ball to the wicketkeeper and was out in the first over. That delivery's seam position was superb, reminiscent of the one that caught Shubman Gill in the slips and dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Taskin Ahmed, his fifth wicket, and Jaker Ali, his third victim, were both tricked by a well-disguised slow delivery. In between, Tanzim Hasan Sakib dragged the ball onto the stumps and was bowled.

Shami did not arrive at this stage easily. He committed himself to repetitious drills at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he practiced the identical routines day after day for an average of eight hours every day. The national selectors' choice to take their time pushing him into international cricket, especially for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was the best one he made throughout his comeback. Rather, he participated in a number of domestic cricket contests in all three forms before being granted the chance to play for his country in four bilateral matches against England.

"You are in pain all day, every day. Although it is really challenging, the upside is that I was able to play domestic matches to assess how I have changed over the past 14 months or since the operation, as well as to build confidence and rhythm. Having four international matches to play in addition to eight, nine, and ten domestic matches was excellent for me. I felt quite confident after that," Shami remarked. That gives the Indian team a lot of confidence as well.

[itsicn]

Champions Trophy: A Look at Its Glorious History

Cricket has witnessed numerous prestigious tournaments over the years, but few have had the impact and prestige of the Champions Trophy. Often regarded as the "mini World Cup," the tournament has provided fans with unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and thrilling matches. This blog takes a deep dive into the glorious history of the Champions Trophy, tracing its evolution, key moments, and its significance in world cricket.

The Birth of the Champions Trophy

The Champions Trophy was introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Tournament. The idea was to create a fast-paced, high-stakes tournament that would showcase the best teams in the world. Unlike the Cricket World Cup, which spans several weeks, the Champions Trophy was designed to be a short and intense competition.

The inaugural edition was held in Bangladesh, making it the first ICC tournament hosted by the country. South Africa emerged victorious, defeating the West Indies in the final. This win marked South Africa's first major ICC trophy, a historic moment for the Proteas.

Check Out:- England vs Australia Dream11 Prediction CWC

Evolution of the Tournament Format

Over the years, the format of the Champions Trophy has undergone several changes:

1998 & 2000 – Knockout format, where a single loss meant elimination.

2002-2004 – Group stage followed by knockout rounds.

2006-2017 – Limited to the top eight teams, making it an elite competition.

One of the most significant changes came in 2002 when the tournament was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy and introduced a round-robin group stage, allowing teams to have more matches before elimination.

Memorable Champions Trophy Moments

1. India and Sri Lanka Share the Trophy (2002)

The 2002 final between India and Sri Lanka was one of the most unique moments in Champions Trophy history. After rain washed out play on both the scheduled day and the reserve day, the trophy was shared between both teams—something never seen before in ICC history.

2. Australia’s Dominance (2006 & 2009)

The mighty Australian team, known for their aggressive style and unmatched dominance in world cricket, clinched back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2009. Their victories reaffirmed their status as the best team in world cricket during that era.

3. India’s Thrilling Victory (2013)

Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India lifted the Champions Trophy in 2013, defeating England in a rain-shortened final. This win made Dhoni the first and only captain to have won all three major ICC trophies – the T20 World Cup (2007), Cricket World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013).

4. Pakistan’s Historic Triumph (2017)

The last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017 saw Pakistan deliver a stunning performance against India in the final. Fakhar Zaman’s century and Mohammad Amir’s lethal spell helped Pakistan secure a massive victory, marking one of their most memorable wins in cricket history.

Significance of the Champions Trophy

Despite being shorter than the Cricket World Cup, the Champions Trophy has played a crucial role in shaping international cricket. Here’s why the tournament remains significant:

Elite Competition – Unlike the World Cup, which includes associate teams, the Champions Trophy was limited to the top-ranked teams, ensuring high-quality cricket.

Short & Exciting Format – The tournament lasted just a few weeks, making every match crucial.

Showcase of Talent – Several rising stars made their mark in Champions Trophy history, gaining recognition on the global stage.

Will the Champions Trophy Return?

After the 2017 edition, the ICC decided to replace the Champions Trophy with the ICC T20 World Cup to adapt to modern cricket’s growing preference for shorter formats. However, in 2021, the ICC announced that the Champions Trophy would return in 2025, with Pakistan as the host nation.

The return of the Champions Trophy has excited fans worldwide, as the tournament's unique charm and legacy make it a crucial part of cricket history.

Conclusion

The Champions Trophy has delivered some of the most thrilling matches and unforgettable moments in cricket history. From South Africa’s first triumph in 1998 to Pakistan’s emotional victory in 2017, the tournament has consistently been a spectacle of elite cricket. With its return scheduled for 2025, fans eagerly await another chapter in the glorious history of the Champions Trophy. One thing is certain—whenever the Champions Trophy is played, cricket fans are in for a treat!

Check Out:- England vs Bangladesh Dream11 Prediction CWC

[icecricnews0]

Champions Trophy: A Look at Its Glorious History

Cricket has witnessed numerous prestigious tournaments over the years, but few have had the impact and prestige of the Champions Trophy. Often regarded as the "mini World Cup," the tournament has provided fans with unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and thrilling matches. This blog takes a deep dive into the glorious history of the Champions Trophy, tracing its evolution, key moments, and its significance in world cricket.

The Birth of the Champions Trophy

The Champions Trophy was introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Tournament. The idea was to create a fast-paced, high-stakes tournament that would showcase the best teams in the world. Unlike the Cricket World Cup, which spans several weeks, the Champions Trophy was designed to be a short and intense competition.

The inaugural edition was held in Bangladesh, making it the first ICC tournament hosted by the country. South Africa emerged victorious, defeating the West Indies in the final. This win marked South Africa's first major ICC trophy, a historic moment for the Proteas.

Check Out:- England vs Australia Dream11 Prediction CWC

Evolution of the Tournament Format

Over the years, the format of the Champions Trophy has undergone several changes:

1998 & 2000 – Knockout format, where a single loss meant elimination.

2002-2004 – Group stage followed by knockout rounds.

2006-2017 – Limited to the top eight teams, making it an elite competition.

One of the most significant changes came in 2002 when the tournament was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy and introduced a round-robin group stage, allowing teams to have more matches before elimination.

Memorable Champions Trophy Moments

1. India and Sri Lanka Share the Trophy (2002)

The 2002 final between India and Sri Lanka was one of the most unique moments in Champions Trophy history. After rain washed out play on both the scheduled day and the reserve day, the trophy was shared between both teams—something never seen before in ICC history.

2. Australia’s Dominance (2006 & 2009)

The mighty Australian team, known for their aggressive style and unmatched dominance in world cricket, clinched back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2009. Their victories reaffirmed their status as the best team in world cricket during that era.

3. India’s Thrilling Victory (2013)

Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India lifted the Champions Trophy in 2013, defeating England in a rain-shortened final. This win made Dhoni the first and only captain to have won all three major ICC trophies – the T20 World Cup (2007), Cricket World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013).

4. Pakistan’s Historic Triumph (2017)

The last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017 saw Pakistan deliver a stunning performance against India in the final. Fakhar Zaman’s century and Mohammad Amir’s lethal spell helped Pakistan secure a massive victory, marking one of their most memorable wins in cricket history.

Significance of the Champions Trophy

Despite being shorter than the Cricket World Cup, the Champions Trophy has played a crucial role in shaping international cricket. Here’s why the tournament remains significant:

Elite Competition – Unlike the World Cup, which includes associate teams, the Champions Trophy was limited to the top-ranked teams, ensuring high-quality cricket.

Short & Exciting Format – The tournament lasted just a few weeks, making every match crucial.

Showcase of Talent – Several rising stars made their mark in Champions Trophy history, gaining recognition on the global stage.

Will the Champions Trophy Return?

After the 2017 edition, the ICC decided to replace the Champions Trophy with the ICC T20 World Cup to adapt to modern cricket’s growing preference for shorter formats. However, in 2021, the ICC announced that the Champions Trophy would return in 2025, with Pakistan as the host nation.

The return of the Champions Trophy has excited fans worldwide, as the tournament's unique charm and legacy make it a crucial part of cricket history.

Conclusion

The Champions Trophy has delivered some of the most thrilling matches and unforgettable moments in cricket history. From South Africa’s first triumph in 1998 to Pakistan’s emotional victory in 2017, the tournament has consistently been a spectacle of elite cricket. With its return scheduled for 2025, fans eagerly await another chapter in the glorious history of the Champions Trophy. One thing is certain—whenever the Champions Trophy is played, cricket fans are in for a treat!

Check Out:- England vs Bangladesh Dream11 Prediction CWC

[oneturfnews]

Will Hitman of Cricket be able to make a comeback again?

The world knows Rohit Sharma, the captain of the ODI and Test team of the Indian cricket team, as Hitman. Rohit got this title when he played the biggest ODI innings of 264 runs against Sri Lanka in the year 2013. Rohit Sharma has scored 3 double centuries in ODI cricket. His biggest specialty is that whenever he scores a century, the world starts expecting 200 and 300 runs directly. He scored 19,398 international runs including 48/100s & 107/50s.

His T20I & ODI stats are far better than his test stats. He is the leading run scorer in T20I whereas everyone knows about his ODI form. He has almost 11,000 runs in ODIs but in tests, he made 4,301 runs in 116 innings. Especially since the Bangladesh series, his bat has been completely silent till now.

He became the full-time captain of India in the year 2021. Under his captaincy, India won the T20 World Cup of the year 2024. While India reached the 2023 World Cup final undefeated. Apart from this, India also reached the final of the 2023 World Test Championship under Rohit's captaincy. But after winning the World Cup in the year 2024, it seems as if the magic of Rohit's captaincy has been lost somewhere. Under his captaincy, India lost 2–0 in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Then they lost the home Test series against New Zealand by 3–0, and recently they lost the Test series against Australia by 3–1. Now fans are criticizing him a lot. There is even a demand to remove him from captaincy.

The biggest problem is that his bat is completely silent at this time. He flopped badly in the Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia series that took place after the World Cup. He even had to drop himself from the team. Rohit Sharma is now looking to get back his form. The Indian team is known for its comeback. 2 years earlier, when India lost the 2022 Asia Cup and 2022 World Cup, then the Indian team made a great comeback against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 and Rohit was the first man to change his approach. Once again Rohit is facing the same problem, the team's morale is down. Now India will play against England and then upcoming matches in the ICC Champions Trophy.

So will the Hitman be able to make a comeback once again by showing a new path to his team?

[stokesy55]

I was thinking about the omega bets, they start with Stu getting sent to the aus dressing room during the 2013/14 ashes, don't they? 😭 And they include major icc events, and bilateral test series, right?

So I was thinking, since VK is bonded so early in Omegaverse, he's obviously not available for the bets, since they begin properly after his marriage. Problem is though, India has lost a lot of ICC tournaments and bilaterals during that time ����

2014 T20 WC- Lost the finals to Sri Lanka.

2017 Champions Trophy- Lost the finals to Pakistan

2021 World Test Championship- Lost the finals to New Zealand

2023 World Test Championship- Lost the finals to Australia.

2023 World Cup- Lost the finals to Australia.

And that's not counting all the test series we lost during that time 😭 Who do you think are the omegas who get bet here, especially after the ICC finals losses? Since VK is not there?

I’d honestly need to look at the squad lists and work out who the omegas are - it might be that the earlier stuff is still a staff member (if India don’t have another omega), but as soon as VK is bonded to Pat he’s seen as Pat’s property, so the BCCI would have no right to bet VK without Pat’s permission.

Whiiiich may come into play for the later series you’ve mentioned

[cricketbazaar]

Top 5 Batsmen with Most Sixes in International Cricket History

In international cricket, there are a lot of players who are known for their ability to hit sixes. In different eras, we have seen different players. Viv Richards, Yuvraj Singh, Hershelle Gibbs, Andre Russell, MS Dhoni and many other players who hit a lot of sixes in their prime. But you know who hits Most Sixes in International Cricket History. Today we tell you the top 5 batsmen of the cricket world who have hit the most sixes. 

5. Martin Guptill (New Zealand) 

The dashing opener of the Kiwi team who recently retired from international cricket has 383 international sixes. He played for almost 15 years for his nation. He has 13463 runs in international cricket including 23 hundreds, 65 half-centuries & a big double ton against westindies in 2015 ODI World Cup. In his career, he also smashed 383 international sixes -  

187 sixes in ODIs, 173 sixes in T20Is & 23 sixes in tests.

4. Brendon Mccullum (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s former Captain Brendon Mccullum was one of the most destructive batsmen in cricket history. He played 14 years for his nation(2002-2016). He scored 14476 runs in his international career including 19 hundreds, 76 half-centuries. His career best score of international cricket is 302* against India in 2014. In his career, he smashed 398 sixes - 200 6s in ODIs, 107 6s in tests & 91 sixes in T20Is.

3. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) 

In 1996, The world first became aware of the name of shahid afridi. Pakistan’s Former Captain Shahid Afridi was always known for his destructive batting and long sixes. He had a record of fastest century in ODI cricket for 18 years when he smashed a century in just 37 balls. He has a 22 year long international career for Pakistan (1996-2018). He scored 11196 international runs in his career including 11 100s & 51 50s. In his career, he smashed 476 sixes - 351 6s in ODIs, 73 sixes in T20Is & 52 6s in tests.

2. Chris Gayle (West Indies)

Chris Gayle is the most destructive batsman in the history of cricket. He is the name of fear for every bowler. Nowadays, the whole world calls this man “Universe Boss”. He had a capability to smash every ball out of the boundary line. He has a 22 year long international career where he scored 19593 runs including 42 100s & 105 50s. His career best innings was 333 runs against Sri Lanka in 2010. That's why he wears jersey number 333. In his career, he smashed 553 sixes - 331 sixes in ODIs, 124 sixes in T20I & 98 sixes in tests. He Played his last international match against Australia in T20 World Cup 2021. 

1.  Rohit Sharma (India) 

The name of Rohit Sharma comes at the top of the list. In the current Era, No other batsman has the capability to hit 3-4 sixes in an over. If the right-hander is in his zone, then the bowler is sure to be in trouble. He is also the current captain of team India in test & ODI format. He has been playing for his nation since 2007. He has scored 19398 runs till now in all formats. His career best innings was 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014. In his career, he smashed 624 sixes - 331 sixes in ODIs, 205 sixes in T20I & 88 sixes in tests. In 2024, he said goodbye to the T20I format after winning the T20I World Cup. Rohit Sharma's next target will be to win the ICC upcoming matches where he can once again hit a lot of fours and sixes.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Varun dismissed Brook for the second consecutive time in the series. (PC: X.com) As Varun Chakaravarthy befuddled a slew of English batters in the T20I series, the one question on almost every Indian cricket fan’s lip was whether the spinner would be added to the ODI squad for the England series and the forthcoming Champions Trophy. Two days before the start of the ODI series against England, he was seen training with the rest of the Indian players in Nagpur. And by the looks of it, the selectors might also include him for the ICC event.  If India move ahead with their plans of picking Varun for the Champions Trophy, it brings up another point to ponder upon. Are we mixing up the formats as Varun has made a name for himself primarily in the shortest format of the game? To answer this vexing question, let’s transport ourselves back to the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. He picked up 18 wickets in that tournament. More importantly, Varun showcased the required bowling smarts and gave an exhibition of his different skills.  Let’s delve deeper to look at his noteworthy show versus Rajasthan where he ended up with a five-for. One of his scalps was the left-hand batter Kukna Ajay Singh. And that scalp in itself tells us enough on how Varun has sharpened the rough edges of his bowling. From round the wicket, and with a high arm action, he extracted bounce and it hit more of the sticker of the bat. All that the batter could do was edge it to the slip fielder. He also seemed to be imparting a bit of side-spin. In fact, both Karthik Sharma and Deepak Hooda were done in by some side-spin. He mixed up his pace quite well too and seemed to be adept at consistently landing deliveries around the good-length area. Early on in the innings, Varun bowled a few of his deliveries at around 110 kph. But the speeds for most of his wickets came in the range of 88 to 93 kph.  Even in the T20Is versus England, the way he flummoxed Harry Brook with subtle tweaks in lines, in the first and second game, substantiates his improved bowling smarts. Certain factors could still go against Varun in the Champions Trophy. At this time of the year, there could be some dew in Dubai. We saw enough of it during the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE. In reality, however, a player can look to only control the controllables.  There is also a school of thought that spinners who bowl slower through the air tend to do well in the UAE. Incidentally, Varun’s speeds are generally above 100 kph. In this case, one has to understand that Varun doesn’t fall into typical classifications for spinners. He is his own version. So, some other variables could play deciding roles in whether Varun would succeed or not in the ICC event.  Eventually, the simple foundation for the argument to include Varun in the ODIs is that he is at the peak of his prowess. If not now, then when is the right time to pick him in the 50-over format? Surely not when he sits on a rocking chair after retiring from the game and ponders about how the selectors ignored him for the 50-over format even when he had touched his peak.    The post Is Varun ready to tackle the ODI tempo? appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Varun dismissed Brook for the second consecutive time in the series. (PC: X.com) As Varun Chakaravarthy befuddled a slew of English batters in the T20I series, the one question on almost every Indian cricket fan’s lip was whether the spinner would be added to the ODI squad for the England series and the forthcoming Champions Trophy. Two days before the start of the ODI series against England, he was seen training with the rest of the Indian players in Nagpur. And by the looks of it, the selectors might also include him for the ICC event.  If India move ahead with their plans of picking Varun for the Champions Trophy, it brings up another point to ponder upon. Are we mixing up the formats as Varun has made a name for himself primarily in the shortest format of the game? To answer this vexing question, let’s transport ourselves back to the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. He picked up 18 wickets in that tournament. More importantly, Varun showcased the required bowling smarts and gave an exhibition of his different skills.  Let’s delve deeper to look at his noteworthy show versus Rajasthan where he ended up with a five-for. One of his scalps was the left-hand batter Kukna Ajay Singh. And that scalp in itself tells us enough on how Varun has sharpened the rough edges of his bowling. From round the wicket, and with a high arm action, he extracted bounce and it hit more of the sticker of the bat. All that the batter could do was edge it to the slip fielder. He also seemed to be imparting a bit of side-spin. In fact, both Karthik Sharma and Deepak Hooda were done in by some side-spin. He mixed up his pace quite well too and seemed to be adept at consistently landing deliveries around the good-length area. Early on in the innings, Varun bowled a few of his deliveries at around 110 kph. But the speeds for most of his wickets came in the range of 88 to 93 kph.  Even in the T20Is versus England, the way he flummoxed Harry Brook with subtle tweaks in lines, in the first and second game, substantiates his improved bowling smarts. Certain factors could still go against Varun in the Champions Trophy. At this time of the year, there could be some dew in Dubai. We saw enough of it during the 2021 T20 World Cup, in the UAE. In reality, however, a player can look to only control the controllables.  There is also a school of thought that spinners who bowl slower through the air tend to do well in the UAE. Incidentally, Varun’s speeds are generally above 100 kph. In this case, one has to understand that Varun doesn’t fall into typical classifications for spinners. He is his own version. So, some other variables could play deciding roles in whether Varun would succeed or not in the ICC event.  Eventually, the simple foundation for the argument to include Varun in the ODIs is that he is at the peak of his prowess. If not now, then when is the right time to pick him in the 50-over format? Surely not when he sits on a rocking chair after retiring from the game and ponders about how the selectors ignored him for the 50-over format even when he had touched his peak.    The post Is Varun ready to tackle the ODI tempo? appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports. [ad_2] Source link