DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:06:26 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/cricket/2nd-odi-vaishnavi-handed-debut-as-india-elect-to-bat-against-australia-molineux-ruled-out-662993.html Hobart Feb 27 India have won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia in the second ODI at the Bellerive Oval on Friday The multiformat scoreline is currently tied at 44 after Australia won the first ODI at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane India have opted to rest Shafali Verma and Renuka Singh Thakur with Amanjot Kaur included and leftarm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma handed her ODI debut in a bid to bolster their bowling stocksFor India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur who won her fifth straight toss in ODIs is fit to take the field after sitting out for Indias entire fielding innings in Brisbane due to a left knee issue Im fine now my left kneewhile playing I just got a niggle she saidAustralia made one change bringing in Nicola Carey who is based in Hobart for Sophie Molineux who has been ruled out of the series due to a lower back injury A statement from Cricket Australia CA said Sophie will be monitored ahead of Australias tour of the West Indies next monthIt comes as a worrying aspect for Australia as the injuryprone Sophie is set to take over as fulltime skipper across all formats in the West Indies Getting first crack with the ball on a wicket with a little bit of live grass might help us out We know if we get it right we can restrict them and its not an easy place to defend scores said skipper Alyssa HealyPlaying XIsIndia Smriti Mandhana Pratika Rawal Harmanpreet Kaur captain Jemimah Rodrigues Amanjot Kaur Richa Ghosh wk Deepti Sharma Kashvee Gautam N Sree Charani Kranti Gaud and Vaishnavi SharmaAustralia Alyssa Healy captain Phoebe Litchfield Georgia Voll Beth Mooney wk Annabel Sutherland Ashleigh Gardner Tahlia McGrath Nicola Carey Alana King Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/2nd-odi-vaishnavi-handed-debut-as-india-elect-to-bat-against-australia-molineux-ruled-out-662993.html Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/purani-dilli-6-trials-for-delhi-premier-league-2026-on-march-5-amp-6-662880.html New Delhi Feb 26 Purani Dilli 6 have announced open trials ahead of the upcoming Delhi Premier League DPL 2026 The trials will be conducted on March 5 and March 6 at St Stephenâs Ground Mori Gate After an impressive showing in Season 1 Purani Dilli 6 experienced a challenging Season 2 Determined to bounce back stronger the franchise is now focused on identifying fresh talent and rebuilding momentum for DPL 2026The trials are open to aspiring cricketers aiming to showcase their abilities and earn a chance to represent Purani Dilli 6 in the Delhi Premier League 2026 The reporting time is 800 AM Trials are the foundation of every successful team We are looking for players with skill discipline and the hunger to perform under pressure Purani Dilli 6 is committed to providing a platform where talent meets opportunity said head coach Vijay Dahiya Akash Nangia owner of Purani Dilli 6 expressed confidence ahead of the trials and said Season 1 showcased the potential and fighting spirit of Purani Dilli 6 While Season 2 did not go as planned it has only strengthened our resolve These trials are an opportunity to discover new matchwinners and build a squad that reflects the pride and passion of Purani DilliThis trial will be conducted under the guidance of Vijay Dahiya a veteran coach who is an IPL franchise coach too and former Indian cricketer whose experience and leadership continue to inspire young talents IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/purani-dilli-6-trials-for-delhi-premier-league-2026-on-march-5-amp-6-662880.html Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-all-the-stats-from-englands-two-wicket-win-over-pakistan-in-super-8s-662625.html New Delhi Feb 24 Skipper Harry Brook pulled off a remarkable rescue act with a breathtaking 100 off 51 deliveries batting for the first time at No 3 as England qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup after beating Pakistan by wickets in the Group 2 match of the Super 8s at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy Sri Lanka on Tuesday Promoted up the order for the first time in his T20I career Brook responded with authority smashing 41 of Englandâs 53 Powerplay runs and keeping the contest alive almost singlehandedly becoming the first skipper in T20 WC history to score a centuryWith this Brook became the first captain to score a T20 World Cup century and with that has lifted England to their fifth consecutive semifinal a feat no one has achieved beforeEngland restricted Pakistan to 1649 in 20 overs built on Sahibzada Farhans 63 and Fakhar Zamans 25 Liam Dawson claimed 324 while Jamie Overton picked 226 for England Chasing the modest total England rode on Brooks 100 and Will Jacks 28 to reach 1668 in 191 overs and win the match Shaheen Shah Afridi kept Pakistan in the hunt with 430 while Usman Tariq took 231 But in the end their effort was not enoughNumbers game from the Pakistan vs England match2 Sahibzada Farhan 63 became the second batter after Babar Azam to have three or more 50plus scores in a World Cup edition Babar Azam scored four fiftyplus scores in the 2021 edition10 The number of halfcenturies scored by Sahibzada Farhan 63 in 45 T20Is It was his second in 6 T20WC matches13 The number of sixes hit by Sahibzada Farhan in this T20 World Cup 2026 This is the most for Pakistan in a single edition of the T20 WC Farhan bettered the record of Mohammad Rizwan who hit 12 sixes in the 2021 edition62 The number of runs scored by Jos Buttler at an avg of 1033 in the current WCHis worst performance in an ICC tournament6 Phil Salt recorded his 6th duck in 58T20Is It was his first against Pakistan in 11 matches1st Shaheen Afridi became the first Pakistani bowler to pick a wicket off the first ball of a T20WC inningsIst In the history of T20WCs Harry Brook 100 became the first captain to hit a century Earlier Chris Gayle set the record when he scored 98 v India at Bridgetown in the 2010 edition100 Playing in his 61st T20Is Harry Brook 100 recorded his highest score bettering his previous best of 81 also against Pakistan in Karachi in Sep 2022Compiled by Manoj Kumar IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-all-the-stats-from-englands-two-wicket-win-over-pakistan-in-super-8s-662625.html Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-skipper-brooks-century-guides-england-to-semifinals-edge-pakistan-by-two-wickets-662627.html Pallekele Feb 24 Skipper Harry Brook pulled off a remarkable rescue act with a breathtaking 100 off 51 deliveries batting for the first time at No 3 as England qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup after beating Pakistan by two wickets in the Group 2 match of the Super 8s at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Tuesday Promoted up the order for the first time in his T20I career Brook responded with authority smashing 41 of Englandâs 53 Powerplay runs and keeping the contest alive almost singlehandedly becoming only the first skipper in T20 WC history to score a centuryDrama unfolded with the very first delivery of the chase Shaheen Shah Afridi with the new ball got the desired inswing ending Phil Saltâs stay who edged inside the line to Usman Khan for a golden duckShaheen struck again with an outswinging delivery to Jos Buttler who underedged it for 2 runs continuing his poor run of form 26 21 3 3 7 2 through this tournament during which he has not scored a boundary since he left MumbaiJacob Bethell briefly threatened Shaheen but was dropped by Usman Tariq at short fine leg on the 6run only to be bowled out by Shaheen as he took a total of 3 wickets in the Powerplay Despite limited swing the hard length and relentless accuracy that Shaheen produced were vital in his success and he had now taken eight wickets in his first over throughout the T20 World Cup equalling that of Angelo MathewsBrook however flourished against spin He launched Mohammad Nawaz for four four and six in a single over and later hammered Shadab Khan for a 96metre straight six followed by a boundary over longon At one stage he appeared to be winning the game on his ownEarlier choosing to bat first Pakistan had a terrible start in the powerplay as they lost two early wickets Saim Ayub who has been out of form in the tournament yet again failed to impress with the bat After being tested with multiple bouncers early Jofra Archer got rid of him on a runaball sevenSkipper Salman Ali Agha 5 got out in the third over as Liam Dawson struck in his first over Despite the setbacks Pakistan remained in the contest at 462 thanks to a fluent start from Sahibzada Farhan who found the fence four times while Babar Azam signalled positive intent with two crisp boundaries before the breakThe introduction of spin was key in slowing things down Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson worked together getting grip and variation from the pitch Their disciplined lines and slight changes in pace forced the batters to play cautiously Pakistan found themselves stalled and needed to accelerate in the second half of the inningsFakhar Zaman shifted gears dramatically using his feet to Will Jacks and launching him straight back over his head for a towering six Farhan piled on the pressure in the same over smashing a massive 100metre hit over midwicket as the 14th over yielded 16 runs Farhan backed his century in the last match with a gritty and hardfought fifty in 37 deliveries but was undone by Overton for a 45ball 63Dawson made an impressive play to dismiss Fakhar Zaman at a key moment Fakhar misjudged consecutive googlies from Rashid and sent the second one high towards the leg side off a thick top edge Dawson dashed to his right from short fine leg and executed a fantastic tumbling catch on his backUsman Khan took advantage of another England misfield to get off the mark with two runs before confidently slogsweeping over midwicket for six Dawson returning for his second spell got rid of Usman after being hit for a four off a misfield and then followed it with the wicket of Mohammad Nawaz on the next delivery ending his spell at 3 for 24Usman Tariqs double strike in the middle overs left England struggling at 58 for 4 and later at 103 for 5 However Brook would not give up He tore apart Pakistans bowling attack scoring a remarkable hundred in just 50 balls He hit Afridi for six over cover and then followed it up with a four through midoff Although he was bowled by a precise yorker he left the field to a standing ovation with only 10 runs neededEngland almost threw away their advantage by losing two wickets to Mohammad Nawaz dragging the game into the final over Jofra Archer then powered Salman Mirza through midwicket to secure the win This victory guaranteed England a spot in the semifinals with a game left to play making it their fifth consecutive mens T20 World Cup semifinalPakistan despite Sahibzada Farhans impressive 63 needed to beat Sri Lanka and hope for favourable results elsewhereBrief scoresPakistan 1649 in 20 overs Sahibzada Farhan 63 Fakhar Zaman 25 Liam Dawson 324 Jamie Overton 226 lost to England 1668 in 191 overs Harry Brook 100 Will Jacks 28 Shaheen Afridi 430 Usman Tariq 231 by two wickets IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-skipper-brooks-century-guides-england-to-semifinals-edge-pakistan-by-two-wickets-662627.html Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/australia-to-host-bangladesh-for-test-series-after-23-years-in-august-662662.html Sydney Feb 25 Australia will host Bangladesh for a Test series for the first time since 2003 from August 13 22 Cricket Australia said on Wednesday The opening Test will commence on August 13 at Marrara Stadium in Darwin It will be the first time a Test has been held in Darwin since Australia hosted Sri Lanka in 2004 Darwin hosted Bangladesh in 2003 and Sri Lanka in 2004 but Australia had not played an international there since 2008 until South Africa played two T20Is there on a dropin pitch in August last yearThe twoTest series to close from August 22 at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay Notably Mackay will host a Test for the first time becoming the 12th venue to do so in Australia Bangladesh have not played Australia in longform cricket since notching their maiden Test win over them in Dhaka in 2017 The series will be part of the World Test Championship 2025 to 27 cycle in which Australia are leading with seven wins in eight matchesâWeâre delighted to bring Test cricket to northern Australia and look forward to a fantastic series against BangladeshIt is no secret the international calendar is now crowded and we are fortunate to have world class facilities available in August ensuring we have another window for Test cricket outside summer Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg saidMarrara Stadium and Great Barrier Reef Arena have been outstanding venues for international cricket in recent seasons he addedAfter the Bangladesh series Australia will move to South Africa for a threematch Test series Pat Cummins team will then host New Zealand for four match test series at the end of the yearSeries scheduleFirst Test August 1317 Marrara Stadium DarwinSecond Test August 2226 Great Barrier Reef Arena Mackay IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/australia-to-host-bangladesh-for-test-series-after-23-years-in-august-662662.html Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/abhishek-maintains-no-1-spot-ishan-enters-top-5-in-t20i-batter-rankings-662717.html Dubai Feb 25 Indiaâs T20I contingent has made a strong statement in the latest International Cricket Council ICC Menâs T20I Player Rankings with opener Abhishek Sharma maintaining his top spot AND wicketkeeperbatter Ishan Kishan breaking into the top five At the top of the batting rankings Abhishek retained his No1 position despite a relatively quiet start to the T20 World Cup He maintains a comfortable 62point lead over Englandâs Phil Salt Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan currently the tournamentâs leading runscorer jumped two spots to third achieving a careerbest ratingKishan climbed three places to move to fifth in the T20I batter rankings continuing his impressive run in the shortest format His surge headlines a productive week for India with multiple players making gains in the updated chartsIndiaâs presence in the top 10 has grown stronger with Kishanâs rise complemented by notable gains from other international performers South Africaâs Dewald Brevis vaulted 10 places to ninth while Afghanistanâs Ibrahim Zadran 13th West Indies skipper Shai Hope 14th and England captain Harry Brook 18th also registered significant progressIn the allroundersâ list Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza reclaimed the No1 spot after playing a key role in guiding his team into the Super Eights He overtook Pakistanâs Saim Ayub in what has become an increasingly competitive race at the top Indiaâs Shivam Dube also made gains rising two places to seventh while Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi moved up to eighthIndians continue to feature prominently in the bowling rankings as well Spinner Varun Chakravarthy held on to the No1 position despite a costly outing against South Africa at the World Cup Meanwhile Proteas pacer Corbin Bosch surged 21 places to third after standout performances including a threewicket haul against the UAE and figures of 212 versus IndiaFurther down the list West Indies quick Matthew Forde seventh and India spearhead Jasprit Bumrah eighth made notable advances South Africaâs Marco Jansen West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie and England leftarm spinner Liam Dawson also enjoyed upward movement after productive weeks IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/abhishek-maintains-no-1-spot-ishan-enters-top-5-in-t20i-batter-rankings-662717.html Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/1st-odi-pratika-returns-healy-back-at-helm-for-australia-as-india-opt-to-bat-662455.html Brisbane Feb 24 India won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia in the first ODI of the threegame series here at The Gabba on Tuesday The stage changes but the focus stays on the same marquee names as the two sides square off India head into the 50over contest on the back of a 21 T20I series win powered by standout individual displays Smriti Mandhana topped the run charts with 129 runs while Georgia Voll impressed for Australia with 116 With the ball India enjoyed the upper hand as Arundhati Reddy claimed eight wickets to lead the tally and Shree Charani added five crucial scalpsThe spotlight now shifts to the ODI arena a format where Australiaâs legacy looms large Seventime world champions with a commanding headtohead record over India they have traditionally set the benchmark in oneday cricket India however will aim to carry forward the momentum and belief gained from their T20I successThis series also marks Australian skipper Alyssa Healys last of her career with the ace wicketkeeperbatter set to bow out of international cricket after the conclusion of the home series Winning the toss India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said â I think batting first will be a better option for us today So thatâs why as a group we decided that letâs bat first I feel opportunity because last day when we played the World Cup we all had really a lot of fun and hopefully today also weâll have fun We do have a few changes Kashvee is back in the side And Iâll give you my playing list so you can just go through itâMeanwhile Healy said âHappy days I would have loved to bowl first So weâve got a desired result but weâve obviously got to start really well and make use of this fresh wicket Itâs been very very unusual I will say that but also really enjoyable to sort of you know watch whatâs going to unfold in a couple of gamesâ time anyway So itâs nice to be back nice to be put under the pressure by the Indian side Theyâve started really well in the series so you know weâre going to have to fight really well in this ODI series to wrestle back some momentum I just think starting really well in this series Weâve prided ourselves on our oneday game We like these conditions and we play really well in these conditions So hopefully we can remain consistent to that in what we do really well and hopefully that throws the first punch No Perry no Garth Got some injuries picked up in the third T20 Thatâs probably the two notable changesâPlaying XIs India Smriti Mandhana Pratika Rawal Shafali Verma Harmanpreet Kaur c Jemimah Rodrigues Richa Ghosh wk Deepti Sharma Kashvee Gautam Sree Charani Kranti Gaud Renuka SinghAustralia Alyssa Healy c Phoebe Litchfield Georgia Voll Beth Mooney wk Annabel Sutherland Ashleigh Gardner Tahlia McGrath Sophie Molienux Alana King Megan Schutt Darcie Brown IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/1st-odi-pratika-returns-healy-back-at-helm-for-australia-as-india-opt-to-bat-662455.html Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-final-jampk-opt-to-bat-first-against-karnataka-662459.html Hubli Feb 24 Jammu and Kashmir have won the toss and opted to bat first against eighttime champions Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final here at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground on Tuesday Jammu amp Kashmir have qualified for their maiden Ranji Trophy Notably the last team to win their maiden Ranji Trophy title was MP in the 202122 seasonWhile Paras Dogracaptained JampK have a maiden title up for grabs Devdutt Padikkalled Karnataka are chasing their first crown in well over a decade JampKâs only defeat in this season came in a 35run loss to Mumbai in October and they have not looked back since thenKarnataka endured a campaign filled with twists and turns They were in a strong position before the tournament paused for the whiteball leg but the restart brought a significant setback in the form of a heavy defeat to Madhya Pradesh That result left them with little room for error and with weather interruptions and resistance from Punjab adding to the tension their path to qualification grew increasingly narrowStepping up when it mattered most newly appointed captain Padikkal produced an unbeaten 120 steering his side into the quarterfinals as daylight ebbed away From there momentum gathered pace a strong victory over Mumbai was followed by a dominant display against Uttarakhand securing their place as hosts for the finalPlaying XIsJammu and Kashmir Paras Dogra c Qamran Iqbal Yawer Hassan Shubham Singh Pundir Abdul Samad Kanhaiya Wadhawan wk Abid Mushtaq Auqib Nabi Yudhvir Singh Sahil Lotra Sunil KumarKarnataka KL Rahul Mayank Agarwal Devdutt Padikkal c Karun Nair Smaran Ravichandran Shreyas Gopal Kruthik Krishna wk Vidyadhar Patil Vijaykumar Vyshak Shikhar Shetty Prasidh Krishna IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-final-jampk-opt-to-bat-first-against-karnataka-662459.html Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/aus-vs-ind-ellyse-perry-kim-garth-ruled-out-of-odi-series-due-to-quad-injuries-662465.html Brisbane Feb 24 Australia allrounder Ellyse Perry and ace pacer Kim Garth have been ruled out of the threematch ODI series against India owing to the quad injuries that they picked up during the third and final T20I in Adelaide on Saturday Their availability for the Test match will be determined after the ODI series depending on their rehab progress Garth underwent scans on Monday and was officially ruled out on Tuesday with skipper Alyssa Healy confirming during the toss that the two players had been sidelined âNo Perry no Garth Got some injuries picked up in the third T20â Healy said after India won the toss and elected to bat Megan Schutt and Lucy Hamilton have been drafted into the ODI squad strengthening Australiaâs options ahead of the series Schuttâs return adds experience and firepower to the pace unit while Healy is set to partner Phoebe Litchfield at the top of the order as she begins her farewell tour Meanwhile T20 opener Georgia Voll has been slotted into a middleorder role for the 50over formatSchuttâs addition to the XI worked wonders for the home team as the veteran pacer dismissed India opener Pratika Rawal who was making her first international appearance since the injury that she picked up during the sideâs victorious ODI World Cup campaign Schutt struck off just the second delivery of the game and trapped Rawal lbw to send her back to the dugout for a twoball duck Seventime World Cup champions Australia have long set the pace in oneday cricket and maintain a strong overall record against India Meanwhile India playing their first ODI since winning the Womenâs ODI World Cup in November 2025 aim to transfer the confidence gained in the T20Is into the longer format The first ODI at The Gabba will set the tone for the series influenced by recent form tested reputations and the subtle reminder that in 50over cricket patience and precision remain crucial IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/aus-vs-ind-ellyse-perry-kim-garth-ruled-out-of-odi-series-due-to-quad-injuries-662465.html Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sebastian-korda-claims-third-atp-tour-title-with-delray-beach-open-crown-662283.html Florida Feb 23 Sebastian Korda captured the third ATP Tour title of his career producing a composed performance to defeat fellow American Tommy Paul 64 63 in the final of the Delray Beach Open Having fallen just short as runnerup at the same tournament in 2021 Korda returned to lift the trophy this time becoming the ninth American man to triumph at the Florida event The 25yearoldâs victory propels him to No 40 in the ATP Live RankingsâIt means a lot Iâve been through some stuff the past couple of months years Iâve lost a lot of finals and now to get one here in Delray â this is where I made my first ATP final â so itâs like a fullcircle day Iâm just happyâ Korda saidBattling gusty afternoon winds Korda played assertive tennis from the baseline controlling rallies with clean confident ballstriking He seized the opening set with a timely break at 54 and was especially effective behind his first serve claiming 83 per cent of those points ATP reportsThe second set brought late drama Serving for the championship Korda fell behind 040 but refused to yield saving four break points in the game before sealing the win after one hour and 22 minutesâIt was tricky We were both struggling out there it was super windy I was just trying to put the ball in the court I was born and raised in Florida so Iâm used to the wind a little bit but this was extreme for sureâ Korda said Kordaâs path to the title was anything but straightforward He eliminated three of the tournamentâs top five seeds including second seed Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals and third seed Flavio Cobolli in the semifinalsThe championship clash marked the second allAmerican final of the season following the showdown in Dallas With the win Korda improved his ATP Head2Head record against Paul to 52 The two had not met in nearly 20 months since their encounter at Queens Club Championships in 2024For Paul 28 the defeat denied him a fifth career ATP Tour title Kordaâs triumph represents a significant milestone in his resurgence Last season he was sidelined from Roland Garros through WinstonSalem while recovering from a stress fracture in his right shin a setback that required the use of a protective boot and crutches Now healthy again Kordaâs breakthrough in Delray Beach signals a return to form and perhaps the start of another upward climb IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sebastian-korda-claims-third-atp-tour-title-with-delray-beach-open-crown-662283.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-didnt-realise-the-new-ball-would-be-the-biggest-challenge-pollocks-view-on-what-went-wrong-for-india-662353.html New Delhi Feb 23 Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock gave his analysis of Indias Super 8 stage loss to the Proteas and stated that the cohost didnt adapt well to the conditions in Ahmedabad and failed to realise the new ball challenge with the seam moving around South Africa snapped Indias 12match unbeaten streak at the ICC Mens T20 World Cup as they handed the defending champions a 76run defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium on SundayAfter India dominated early as Jasprit Bumrah produced a stellar opening spell of 27 the Proteas scripted a comeback through a 97run partnership off 51 balls between David Miller and Dewald Brevis A late charge from Tristan Stubbs who knocked off an unbeaten 44 off 24 balls took South Africa past the 180markâIndia didnt adapt well to the conditions in Ahmedabad South Africa had played three matches here already so they knew what to expect Yes they struggled at first when they lost the wickets of Quinton de Kock Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton early but they did not stop adjusting as per the conditions It was only when Brevis and Miller batted together that things worked for them Tristan Stubbs put his batting power to good use in the end to help South Africa reach 187 Indiaâs chase would have been simple had they played carefully in the beginning Pollock In response India failed to launch in the first six overs and were already in trouble at 313 after the powerplay South Africa kept a lid on the explosive and deeprunning Indian batting lineup as the Men in Blue were bundled out for 111 in 185 oversThe first six overs was the toughest because the ball wasnt coming onto the bat nicely Instead they went after the bowlers from the very first over You cant do that on this kind of a pitch while chasing a big total They lost two early wickets and were under pressure right away Sometimes you have to be smart and patient India didnt change their approach They didnt realise that the new ball would be the biggest challenge with the seam moving around he addedThe defending champions will now have to win their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to stay in contention for the semifinals especially with their net run rate now at 38 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-didnt-realise-the-new-ball-would-be-the-biggest-challenge-pollocks-view-on-what-went-wrong-for-india-662353.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/australia-to-return-to-south-africa-for-first-test-tour-since-sandpaper-gate-662380.html New Delhi Feb 23 Australia will tour South Africa for a landmark threeTest series in 202627 marking their first redball visit to the country since the infamous 2018 balltampering episode in Cape Town Cricket South Africa unveiled their international schedule for the 202627 season confirming a marquee contest between the two most recent World Test Championship winners The series will culminate at Newlands in Cape Town the venue where the 2018 scandal unfolded and triggered one of the most turbulent chapters in Australian cricket historyThe tour will begin with a threematch ODI series in September with matches slated for Durban Johannesburg and Potchefstroom Australia will then shift focus to the longer format with Tests scheduled in Durban Gqeberha and Cape Town A warmup fixture in Potchefstroom is also part of the itinerary Australia are also expected to play limitedovers matches in neighbouring Zimbabwe before crossing into South AfricaSeveral members of the current Australian squad including captain Pat Cummins Steve Smith Mitchell Starc Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood were part of the 2018 touring party While some have since returned to Cape Town for whiteball fixtures Australia have not undertaken a full Test tour of South Africa in the eight years since that seriesDavid Warner who alongside Smith received a 12month ban for his involvement in the 2018 incident has since retired from international cricket as have former Test skipper Tim Paine and opener Usman Khawaja Cameron Bancroft who served a ninemonth suspension is unlikely to featureFor South Africa the series signals a renewed commitment to hosting Test cricket after a reduced home schedule in recent seasons due to financial pressures and the growing footprint of the SA20 league during the peak summer window The Proteas have not staged a home Test since January 2025 but are set to host Bangladesh and England in the upcoming southern summerThe Australia series could prove pivotal in shaping the next World Test Championship final Australia currently lead the standings with one defeat in eight matches but face demanding away tours of South Africa and India alongside a fourTest home series against New ZealandBefore heading to Africa Australia are scheduled to host Bangladesh in northern Australia in August rounding out a packed calendar that will test their depth across formatsODI SeriesFirst ODI September 24 Kingsmead Stadium DurbanSecond ODI September 27 Wanderers Stadium JohannesburgThird ODI September 30 JB Marks Oval Potchefstroom DNWarmup MatchOctober 34 JB Marks Oval PotchefstroomTest SeriesFirst Test October 913 Kingsmead Stadium DurbanSecond Test October 1822 St Georgeâs Park GqeberhaThird Test October 2731 Newlands Cricket Ground Cape Town IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/australia-to-return-to-south-africa-for-first-test-tour-since-sandpaper-gate-662380.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/healy-set-for-careers-final-odi-series-mooney-to-keep-wickets-662385.html Brisbane Feb 23 Australia have turned their attention to the 50over format as they seek a response in the multiformat contest against India with retiring captain Alyssa Healy set to headline several changes for Tuesdayâs first ODI in Brisbane After conceding the T20I leg 2â1 the hosts are poised to reshuffle their XI for the 50over games Healy will return to the top of the order replacing Georgia Voll and is expected to partner with regular opener Phoebe Litchfield Legspinner Alana King is also in line for her first appearance of the series likely coming in for fellow wristspinner Georgia Wareham while Grace Harris has not been included in the ODI squadIn a notable move Healy is not expected to resume wicketkeeping duties during her farewell series Instead Beth Mooney will continue with the gloves a decision understood to have been made for continuity after Mooney kept throughout the T20Is and with an eye on Australiaâs upcoming Caribbean tourHealy who holds a worldrecord 275 dismissals as a wicketkeeper and has been Australiaâs firstchoice glovewoman since 2014 has not kept since the end of WBBL11Speaking to reporters Monday at the Allan Border Field Healy reflected on her time away from the group during the T20I leg saying âIts already been a little bit weird watching to be completely honest I havent probably played as many of the T20 series over the last few seasons but being removed from the environment for the last couple of weeks and watching it all unfold has been a little bit weird and coming back in midway through a series has been a bit oddâThe 35yearold who will captain Australia through the three ODIs and the subsequent daynight Test in Perth before stepping away from international cricket insisted her focus is firmly on the team outcome rather than a personal sendoffâIm just really excited to play in what is a big series â its not so much about going out in in style its more about winning this seriesâ Healy saidAustralia trained on an optional basis at Allan Border Field as selectors weighed further decisions Vicecaptain Tahlia McGrath left out during the T20Is remains under consideration despite a lean ODI World Cup campaign earlier in the cycle Nicola Carey recalled after a threeyear absence is another option to bolster the XISophie Molineux who will assume the captaincy across formats following the series will serve as deputy during the onedayers and the TestFor Healy the Brisbane opener carries added personal significance Although she did not feature in Sydney her adopted home the Queensland fixture offers a different kind of homecoming Born on the Gold Coast she expects a strong turnout of family and friendsIts interesting how everything panned out she said I didnt get a game in Sydney but ironically to get a game here in Queensland where Ive got more family and friends from where we originated is a really special thingI think Uncle Ian Australia great Ian Healy has been in charge of roping them all together IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/healy-set-for-careers-final-odi-series-mooney-to-keep-wickets-662385.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-from-scenic-kathar-to-playing-final-in-hubbali-the-making-of-sunil-kumar-662394.html New Delhi Feb 23 On February 17 in Kalyani many felt Bengal were assured of entering the Ranji Trophy final after bagging a slender lead over Jammu amp Kashmir A big second innings score and that would have been enough for Bengal to get into the title clash against Karnataka But cricket is a great leveller and brings its own twists and turns beyond oneâs imagination The exact same thing happened when Bengal folded for 99 giving JampK a target of 126 which they chased down to get into the title clash starting in Hubbali on TuesdayApart from Auqib Nabi taking a sensational fourfer his new ball partner Sunil Kumar also grabbed four scalps to put JampK in the driverâs seat for entering their firstever Ranji Trophy final Now against Karnataka and a formidable batting lineup featuring KL Rahul Devdutt Padikkal Karun Nair and Mayank Agarwal leftarmer Sunil is ready for the biggest game of his life after having his comingofage moment in KalyaniIt has been very good to bowl with Nabi There is no pressure when bowling alongside him because all the pressure is coming through him The way he bowls it feels like he is bound to get a wicket on every delivery When that happens then your job is to not give runs from the other side as they will get out to him and you just have to contain the runs from your sideWhen Vanshe Vanshaj Sharma hit that sixer I was sitting at the back of the dugout It was a very good and unforgettable moment for all of us It was clear before that we were going to play the final but then that feeling of entering the title clash was just unbelievable We have now forgotten that victory since we reached Karnataka The entire focus is on the final said Sunil in an exclusive conversation with IANS from HubbaliThe bowling plan for Karnataka Sunil feels will be no different from the one that has worked all season and the one that dismantled Bengal inside two sessions in ways even the JampK camp hadnât anticipatedThe plan was simple we wanted to get them out as soon as possible But we didnt think that they would get out in one or two sessions We thought that even if they got out in three or four sessions we would get a day to chase whatever total they would postâBut as soon as we got the wickets quickly we thought it could be easily chased down The bowling plan was the same we wanted to hit our basic line and length again and again so that they would make a mistake But we didnt think that they would suddenly get out in one or two sessions he recalledSunil hails from Kathar a scenic village nestled 35 kilometres from Akhnoor district in the Jammu region The son of an Army man Sunil played with a cosco ball as he fared better in cricket than his peers in the village who believed he had the capabilities to make a career out of playing the sportThere are a lot of swing bowlers who I watched a lot When I started watching cricket I would take notice of India leftarm pacers Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan I really liked Irfan Pathans bowling action and I used to try to copy it So by copying him my action became like this I also used to like the bowling of Dale Steyn and James Anderson said SunilWhen Pathan played for JampK as playercummentor from 2018 to 2020 Sunil had a chance to meet him âI went for a trial and thats where I met him once He asked me for my age and told me that I bowl very well and that I have a lot of time in handâ he saidAn intercollege tournament first introduced him to leatherball cricket Trials followed and then a talent hunt around 202122 brought him to the attention of JampK head coach Ajay Sharma Before I came to college I used to play with a cosco ball The first time I played leatherball based cricket was through an intercollege tournament and thats where my journey started Gradually I came to know about trials and attended it There I came to know that yes I am fine and I can play cricket professionallyâLuckily I also did well in the talent hunt and we were called for a T20 camp and Ajay sir came there for the first time I was first picked by the selectors from the talent hunt When Ajay sir was there I was playing in the C or D team So the next team match was A or B team and they said to put me in either of the two teams and make me bowl with the new ball So thats how it started and where I am playing now its because of that talent hunt If it wasnt for that I wouldnt have been able to achieve anythingâ he saidThe commute from Kathar to JampK Sports Hostel and Science College ground where the JKCA camps were held was a daily test of commitment in itself I had to travel 65 to 70 kms via scooty and if the camp was set up for 10am then I had to leave at 815am so that I could reach by 945 to 950am If camp ran till 2pm I would then leave at 230pm and reach home by 4 or 430pm he saidHis family he says never stood in the way âI didnt take cricket just because I wanted to pursue it My family knew that I play cricket In terms of playing a game when you want to achieve something really good then its not that you want to get some return from it You play for the love of that thingâI started like that and Im still playing with the same mindset So their support was that they never stopped me for anything I was good in studies used to pass exams well and get good marks So I told them that Im studying and playing and they were okay with itBowling coach P Krishnakumar who has overseen JampKs pace attack for three seasons identified Kumar early as a project worth investing in Its a very very big thing for him He comes from Akhnoor which is a very small place He didnt have a pitch to bowl and what he has done was he has made a pitch in his own home In the offseason he calls and asks me on improving his bowlingâWe discuss and I tell him to do this and that When he started he was more of an outswing bowler He never had a good inswing and I have developed his inswing I have developed his bowling from down the stick So whatever I could do I have done with him He is very calm like Auqib and is ready to work hardâIn the first year only of me coming here in the lunch and tea sessions we used to do specific skill sessions and he also has picked up very quickly and that is why he is performing because a bowler can only perform if teer hai uske tarkash mein there are many arrows in his quiver Then only he can compete with that If a batsman has more arrows he will win but if you have more than him so you will win and its very simple he said to IANSSunil also acknowledged the role of Krishnakumar in his development as a bowler âThe coaching staff is very helpful Krishna Kumar has done a lot of hard work in getting a lot of basic things right that were previously bad for meâHe has worked a lot on my mental side as well He always says that the more you keep your basics right and the simpler you keep your plans the better it is He has helped me in the offseason a lot to become a lot better with my bowlingâIn eight matches of this season Sunil has claimed 29 wickets at an average of 151 including two fourwicket hauls and as many fivefors His first fifer came in Jammu against Hyderabad a moment he describes as the highlight of his first fullfledged domestic seasonPlaying in this season feels really good This is my first season of playing domestic cricket and the performances have been fine so I feel good about it It was a very special moment to get my first fifer at our home ground and then get the second fivewicket haul against Himachal Pradesh in Amtar he saidAt 28 Sunil speaks with the measured certainty of someone who has had to wait long enough to know what patience in sports really means If you really want to do well in this game then you have to work on yourself with small improvements to be made every dayâEven if you find it boring or basic and start to think what will even happen through it you have to keep doing it One day God will give you the result as he sees the hard work you put in every day he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-from-scenic-kathar-to-playing-final-in-hubbali-the-making-of-sunil-kumar-662394.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/jemimah-rodrigues-completes-2500-t20i-runs-662182.html Adelaide Feb 21 India batter Jemimah Rodrigues completed 2500 runs in the T20 Internationals achieving the feat during her outing with the willow against Australia in the final and deciding T20I of the threegame series at the Adelaide Oval Before walking into the crease at No 3 for the third T20I Rodrigues had accumulated 2492 runs in 104 innings Playing her 118th T20 International the Delhi Capitals skipper went past the 2500run landmark with a boundary off Kim Garth in the fifth over of the first innings having opted to bat first Rodrigues became only the fourth female Indian cricketer to reach the landmark in womenâs T20Is after skipper Kaur vicecaptain Smriti Mandhana and opening batter Shafali Verma The India opener also Rodriguesâ teammate at Delhi in the Womenâs Premier League WPL reached 2500 T20I runs earlier this week while scoring a quick 29 off 23 balls at the top of the order in the Canberra T20I During the same match Kaur set an impressive record by becoming the mostcapped international player in womenâs cricket On February 19 in her 356th international game the Indian World Cupwinning captain overtook New Zealand legend Suzie Bates to secure the record for the most international appearances by a womanFollowing Kaur and Bates Ellyse Perry who made her historic 350th international appearance for Australia on Saturday ranks third among women cricketers with the most appearancesThe allrounder made history by becoming the first Australian woman to reach 350 international games celebrating her 20th year at the highest level Speaking of the series so far the visitors dismissed the Aussies for 133 at the SCG in the first match then quickly reached 501 in 51 overs before rain interrupted India were significantly ahead of the DLS par score and managed to seal a win to take a 10 lead in the series Australia made a strong comeback at the Manuka Oval in Canberra Sent in to bat again they achieved a higherthanaverage total thanks to Georgia Volls aggressive 88 They faltered slightly near the end of their innings but India responded with a quick start Nevertheless the Australian bowlers changed their pace effectively causing a collapse that allowed the hosts to defend their total convincingly and level the seriesThe two sides are currently locked in the third and final game of the T20I leg of Indiaâs tour with the Women in Blue reaching 1011 in 12 overs courtesy of Mandhanaâs powerful halfcentury and Rodriguesâ firepower IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/jemimah-rodrigues-completes-2500-t20i-runs-662182.html Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-jacks-rashid-shine-as-england-crush-sri-lanka-to-clinch-51-run-win-662255.html Colombo Feb 22 IANS England produced a clinical allround display to crush Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their ICC Mens T20 World Cup Super Eights clash bundling out the hosts for just 95 runs in 164 overs after posting 1469 in a gripping encounternbspDefending a modest total on a bowlerfriendly surface Englands spinners turned the contest into a onesided affair with a relentless middleovers squeeze that left Sri Lanka gasping The chase never recovered from a dramatic powerplay collapse as the hosts slumped to 345 their secondlowest powerplay score in this edition among full member sidesJofra Archer set the tone early dismissing Pathum Nissanka with a wellset trap at deep midwicket before removing Kamil Mishara But it was Will Jacks who broke the backbone of the inningsThe offspinner struck twice in the fourth over including the prized wicket of Kusal Mendis caught and bowled and then added Dunith Wellalage to finish with outstanding figures of 322 becoming the first England spinner to claim three wickets in the powerplay of a T20IWith spin operating from both ends Liam Dawson joined the act His drift and control accounted for Kamindu Mendis and later produced a sharp caughtandbowled dismissal A bizarre hitwicket from Dushan Hemantha further underlined Sri Lankas unravelling under pressureAt 536 the contest was effectively over despite a brief counterattack from skipper Dasun Shanaka The righthander struck two sixes in his 30 off 24 balls attempting to revive hopes with aggressive intent However Adil Rashids guile proved decisive The legspinner removed Shanaka with a stunning relay catch effort in the deep and then cleaned up the tail with his trademark wrong unRashid fittingly sealed the win bowling Dilshan Madushanka through the gate to trigger celebrations as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 95 their lowest total against England in T20 World CupsEarlier England themselves had struggled to build momentum after being sent in Phil Salts 62 off 40 balls anchored the innings but disciplined spells from Wellalage 326 and Maheesh Theekshana 221 restricted them to 1469That total however proved more than enough as Englands spinners suffocated the chase with precision and control extending their dominance over Sri Lanka with a 12th consecutive T20I victory in the headtohead rivalryBrief scores England 1469 in 20 overs Phil Salt 62 Dunith Wellalage 326 Maheesh Theekshana 221 beat Sri Lanka 9510 in 164 overs Dasun Shanaka 30 Will Jacks 322 Adil Rashid 213 Jofra Archer 220 by 51 runsIANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-jacks-rashid-shine-as-england-crush-sri-lanka-to-clinch-51-run-win-662255.html Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/gulmarg-set-to-showcase-real-impact-of-khelo-bharat-niti-during-kiwg-2026-661900.html Gulmarg Feb 19 The upcoming edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is poised to become a realworld example of the governmentâs ambitious Khelo Bharat Niti with a visible surge in tourism local economic activity and national participation ahead of the February 2326 competition window Launched by the Union sports ministry in July last year the Khelo Bharat Niti aims to strengthen Indiaâs sporting ecosystem while leveraging major events to drive economic growth By promoting infrastructure development talent identification and international competitiveness the policy also seeks to boost allied sectors such as tourism manufacturing and sports technologyThat vision is already taking shape in Gulmarg one of Kashmirâs premier winter destinations where tourist interest has risen sharply in the leadup to the Games With Indiaâs top skiers including Winter Olympians set to compete the event has generated enthusiasm across the region particularly among those whose livelihoods depend on sports tourismLocal businesses have seen a clear uptick in activity Abeed a hotelier at Sheen Woods Tangmarg said bookings had surged weeks before the eventâFor us this is more than just tourism It is our identity When the Games happen Gulmarg feels like the heart of the countryâ he says pointing to a lobby filled with athletes from Madhya Pradesh Haryana Kerala Telangana and Jammu amp KashmirâYou hear different languages at breakfastâ he says âIt feels like a country in one roomâThe growth of the Winter Games in Gulmarg reflects a steady upward trajectory The inaugural edition in 2020 saw 1123 athletes compete across 13 disciplines with Jammu amp Kashmir topping the medal tally Participation rose to 1208 athletes in 2021 with the host region winning 18 gold medals The 2023 edition marked the peak with 1395 athletes as Jammu amp Kashmir secured 26 gold 25 silver and 25 bronze medals Though the 2024 and 2025 editions featured fewer events and participants competition intensified with teams such as the Army Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka delivering strong performancesNow as the sixth edition approaches the focus has shifted from experimentation to legacybuilding especially in reviving tourism after a challenging period Following the April 22 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam domestic tourist arrivals to Kashmir dropped significantly to around 1047 lakh in 2025 compared to approximately 26 lakh in 2024 However officials from the tourism department said visitor numbers have rebounded this year driven by the New Year rush and growing anticipation around the Winter Games Gulmargâs 2300 hotel and hut beds are already over 50 per cent booked for the event periodBeyond hotels and resorts the Games are also providing crucial income opportunities for seasonal workers On the slopes of Kongdoori sledge pullers Altaf Hussain and Muhammad Rafiq are preparing for the influx of visitorsâThis is our seasonâ Hussain says adjusting the ropes over his shoulders âWhen the games start Gulmarg comes aliveâThe duo typically earn between Rs 500 and Rs 1500 per tourist depending on distance and time with daily earnings ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 3000 during peak periods a stark contrast to lean days when tourist footfall is minimalThe 2026 edition will feature four medal disciplines ski mountaineering alpine skiing Nordic skiing crosscountry and snowboarding attracting athletes and spectators from across the countryAs Gulmarg prepares to host another major winter sporting spectacle the Khelo India Winter Games are emerging as more than just a competition They represent a tangible demonstration of how sports policy can energise local economies strengthen national sporting culture and reaffirm Gulmargâs place as Indiaâs winter sports capital IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/gulmarg-set-to-showcase-real-impact-of-khelo-bharat-niti-during-kiwg-2026-661900.html Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-manifested-this-moment-ever-since-canada-qualified-for-t20-wc-yuvraj-samra-on-record-ton-against-nz-661762.html Chennai Feb 17 At just 19 Yuvraj Samra announced himself on the biggest stage with a breathtaking 110 to power Canada to 1734 against New Zealand here at the M A Chidambaram Stadium on Monday Walking out for his very first T20 World Cup appearance the teenager played with poise beyond his years combining elegance with authority in a 58ball century that rewrote record books At 19 years and 141 days he became the youngest batter to score a fifty in T20 World Cup history and went on to register the first hundred by a player from an Associate nation in the tournament Moreover his 110run knock was the highest individual score for Associate teams in T20 World CupsReflecting on the milestone innings Samra speaking to the broadcasters after the first innings said âHonestly I manifested this moment ever since we qualified for the World Cup Every single day I dreamed about scoring a hundred on this stage To do it here in my first appearance and as the youngest player in this World Cup itâs truly a dream come trueâCanadaâs innings began cautiously against the newball pair of Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy but Samra quickly found his rhythm He pierced gaps with precision and launched an 87metre six to signal his intent while captain Dilpreet Bajwa provided steady support The duo stitched together a 116run opening stand the highest by an Associate team against a Full Member in T20 World Cup history laying the platform for a formidable totalSamraâs hundred studded with 11 fours and six sixes also carried emotional weight Named after Indian great Yuvraj Singh he surpassed his idolâs highest T20 World Cup score in the processâIt feels incredible There are so many emotions right now I canât really put them into words Yuvraj Singh is someone Iâve looked up to since I was a kid so to even be mentioned in the same breath is special I just wish my dad was here today watching me from back home this oneâs for himâ he notedSamra was equally measured in his assessment of the surface in Chennai âThe wicket was a bit slow and the ball was sticking slightly I felt it was important to pick the right deliveries to attack and not force shots Once I got set I focused on timing rather than power I think bowling into the pitch and mixing the pace will be key on this surface itâs not the easiest track for freeflowing strokeplay so youâve got to adaptâ he saidDespite late strikes from Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson quick contributions from Harsh Thaker and Dilon Heyliger ensured Canada finished strongly setting up a compelling contest under the Chennai lights IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-manifested-this-moment-ever-since-canada-qualified-for-t20-wc-yuvraj-samra-on-record-ton-against-nz-661762.html Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-stoinis-renshaw-guide-australia-to-1826-against-ireland-661463.html Colombo Feb 11 A 61run partnership between Matthew Renshaw and Marcus Stoinis helped Australia reach 1826 in 20 overs against Ireland in their first match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday Coming to bat after winning the toss Australia were off to a bad start as their standin captain Travis Head was run out on the seventh ball of the innings after a mixup with his opening partner Josh Inglis Head scored just six runs off seven balls he played and hit one fourAfter an early wicket Inglis and Cameron Green played with positive intent and attacked Ireland bowlers fiercely The duo forged a partnership of 49 runs off just 23 balls before Green was out on the last ball of the fifth over trying to hit a six against Mark Adair Green scored 21 runs off just 11 balls and provided momentum to the batting side with two sixes and one fourInglis continued the attack by hitting two boundaries in the next two overs but was eventually caught by Paul Stirling at cover in the seventh over The wicketkeeper batter scored 37 runs off just 17 balls Inglis also hammered six boundaries and one sixAustralias experienced allrounder Glenn Maxwell tried to steer the innings but was dismissed cheaply in the tenth over after edging out against Lorcan Tucker Maxwell scored just 9 runs in nine ballsAustralia were at 904 during the midinnings interval and as Ireland were hoping to do more damage Renshaw and Stoinis forged a 61run partnership which was helped by Irelands sloppy fieldingThe duo adopted a boundaryless approach at the start as they were continuously rotating the strike putting pressure on the opposition who were looking for a wicketIreland finally got the breakthrough in the 17th over when Matthew Humphreys clean bowled Renshaw who departed after scoring 37 runs in 33 ballsStoinis who was dropped by Delany in the next over continued to attack but missed a welldeserved fifty when he was finally caught by Benjamin Calitz in the 18th over Stoinis scored 45 runs in just 29 balls and hammered two fours and one six which guided Australia to a challenging totalAdair was the most successful bowler for Ireland as he finished with good figures of 244 While Matthew Humphreys George Dockrell and Harry Tector took one wicket eachBrief Scores Australia 1826 in 20 overs Marcus Stoinis 45 Matt Renshaw 37 Mark Adair 244 Harry Tector 124 against Ireland IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-stoinis-renshaw-guide-australia-to-1826-against-ireland-661463.html Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-zimbabwe-choose-to-bowl-against-oman-in-campaign-opener-661277.html Colombo Feb 9 Zimbabwe have won the toss and elected to bowl first against Oman in their Group B clash of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground SSC in Colombo on Monday After winning the toss Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza said Were going to have a bowl first We looked at the wicket as well and it looked like theres early movement as well and with the wind going on as well I think the wicket is going to look to get better from what I can see Give our seamers the best chance to make the ball talkZimbabwe and Sri Lanka share a very good relationship so they were very kind enough to allow us to come a week before and we were in Hambantota for a week And then we have been here for five odd days as well So certainly those 1012 days have certainly helped us to prepare And adjust to the conditions and we couldnt wait to get the show on the road he addedWhile after losing the toss Oman captain Jatinder Singh said Absolutely Itâs a good surface and it definitely settled down a bit in the second innings The preparation has been excellent We arrived in Sri Lanka quite early and had a really strong buildupWe played a couple of games and since the conditions here are very different it was important for us to get used to them Itâs also much more humid compared to Oman so overall the preparation has been spot on Based on the wicket I think around 160 to 165 would be ideal Anything in that range should be competitive he addedPlaying XIsZimbabwe Brian Bennett Tadiwanashe Marumani Dion Myers Brendan Taylor wk Sikandar Raza c Ryan Burl Tashinga Musekiwa Brad Evans Wellington Masakadza Richard Ngarava Blessing MuzarabaniOman Jatinder Singh c Aamir Kaleem Hammad Mirza Wasim Ali Karan Sonavale Jiten Ramanandi Vinayak Shukla wk Sufyan Mehmood Nadeem Khan Shah Faisal Shakeel Ahmed IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-zimbabwe-choose-to-bowl-against-oman-in-campaign-opener-661277.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-muzarbani-ngarava-and-evans-take-three-wickets-each-as-zimbabwe-bowl-out-oman-for-103-661302.html Colombo Feb 9 The fast bowling trio of Blessing Muzarabani Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans picked three wickets each as Zimbabwe bowled out Oman for 103 runs in 195 overs in their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign opener at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Monday Being put to bat after losing the toss Oman were off to a disastrous start as Muzarbani clean bowled skipper Jatinder Singh 5 with a good length ball on the first ball of the second overOmans experienced batter Hammad Mirza followed suit as he was dismissed in the next over by Richard NgaravaAs the pressure increased on the batting side Muzarbani came back for his second over and sent Aamir Kaleem who became the oldest player to feature in a T20 World Cup match At 44 years and 81 days of age Kaleem broke the record of Ryan Campbell who played at 44 years and 34 daysZimbabwes star bowler edged out Karan Sonavale who went for a duck in the same over Oman lost their fifth wicket at the score of 27 when Wasim Ali was clean bowled by the skipper Sikandar Raza after the powerplayAs the Oman team were heading towards an early allout wicketkeeper batter Vinayak Shukla and Sufiyan Mehmood showed some fightback The duo forged a 42run partnership the teams highest in the innings which helped the team cross their lowest total markHowever their resistance didnt last long as Vinayak was undone by Ngarava in the 15th over Vinayak scored 28 runs and hit four boundaries during his stay at the crease Ngarava took his third wicket in the same over as Jiten Ramanandi edged a shortpitched ball which was caught by wicketkeeper Dion MyersSufyan continued the charge but got out in the 17th over trying to pull a slower delivery He scored 25 runs off 39 balls and hit two foursNadeem Khan provided a late push with a brisk 20 off 18 but was dismissed by Evans in the last over putting an end to Omans inningsFor Zimbabwe Muzarbani Ngarava and Evans were the most successful bowlers Muzarbani finished with the figures of 3 for 16 while Ngarava finished with 317 Brad Evans also took three wickets while giving out 18 runs Skipper Raza took one wicket in his four oversBrief Scores Oman 10310 in 195 Vinayak Shukla 28 Sufyan Mehmood 25 Blessing Muzarbani 316 Richard Ngarava 317 Brad Evans 318 against Zimbabwe IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-muzarbani-ngarava-and-evans-take-three-wickets-each-as-zimbabwe-bowl-out-oman-for-103-661302.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-zimbabwe-register-dominant-eight-wicket-win-against-oman-in-campaign-opener-661314.html Colombo Feb 9 Zimbabwe began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion registering a dominant eightwicket victory over Oman as they chased down a modest target of 103 in just 133 overs in the eighth match of the tournament at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground SSC in Colombo on Monday Coming in to chase an easy target Zimbabwe were off to a strong start as both openers struck the ball fluently with the team scoring at a run rate of over 10 runs per over in the first three oversOman finally got their breakthrough in the fourth over when Sufyan Mehmood dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani who was looking in excellent touch and scored 21 runs off just 11 balls including five boundariesSufyan provided another wicket to Oman in the same over when he sent Dion Myers back to the pavilion for a duckAfter the backtoback wickets Zimbabwe wicketkeeper batter Brendan Taylor forged a matchwinning partnership with opener Brian Bennett who rotated the strike wellThe duo followed a boundaryless approach at the start and took singles and doubles as they gradually increased pressure on the oppositionBrian missed out on a welldeserved halfcentury as he remained unbeaten on 48 He hammered seven fours during his fine innings Taylor scored 31 runs off 30 balls including three boundaries before retiring hurt at the end of the 13th over Captain Sikandar Raza hit the winning runs as Zimbabwe chased down the total in just 133 overs For Oman Sufyan was the only bowler to pick up wickets finishing with figures of 3 for 12 in three oversEarlier the fast bowling trio of Blessing Muzarabani Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans picked up three wickets each as Zimbabwe bowled out Oman for 103 runs in 195 overs after choosing to bowl firstOman were off to a disastrous start as Muzarabani clean bowled skipper Jatinder Singh 5 with a goodlength delivery on the first ball of the second over Omanâs experienced batter Hammad Mirza followed suit as he was dismissed in the next over by Richard NgaravaAs pressure mounted on the batting side Muzarabani returned for his second over and sent Aamir Kaleem and Karan Sonavale back to the pavilion in the same over As Oman headed towards an early collapse wicketkeeper batter Vinayak Shukla and Sufiyan Mehmood showed some resistance The duo forged a 42run partnership the teamâs highest of the innings which helped Oman cross the 100run markBrief Scores Zimbabwe 1062 in 133 overs Brian Bennett 48 Brendan Taylor 31 Tadiwanashe Marumani 21 Sufyan Mehmood 212 beat Oman all out for 103 in 195 Vinayak Shukla 28 Sufyan Mehmood 25 Blessing Muzarbani 316 Richard Ngarava 317 Brad Evans 318 by eight wickets IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-zimbabwe-register-dominant-eight-wicket-win-against-oman-in-campaign-opener-661314.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/new-guard-new-grades-bcci-contracts-signal-indian-crickets-big-shift-661351.html New Delhi Feb 9 Indian cricket just got a glimpse of its future â and itâs wearing fresh names at the top The Board of Control for Cricket in Indiaâs 2025â26 annual player contracts arenât just about retainers and grades They tell a bigger story a generational handover is well and truly underwayFor years Indian cricket revolved around the twin pillars of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Now while both remain centrally contracted their move to Grade B underlines a shift from automatic leadership status to experienced support rolesTaking their place in Grade A are Shubman Gill â Now officially seen as the face of Indiaâs batting future Jasprit Bumrah â Still the attack leader and the only fast bowler in the top tier Ravindra Jadeja â The everreliable threedimensional assetGillâs promotion feels symbolic The stylish opener has moved from âpromisingâ to âpillarâ and the board has stamped that belief in inkBumrahâs presence in the top bracket once again proves Indiaâs pace plans still orbit around his fitness and skill Jadeja meanwhile continues to be cricketâs ultimate utility cricketer â bat ball field all eliteBeing in Grade B doesnât diminish the stature of Kohli or Rohit â it redefines itThey now sit alongside key multiformat players like KL Rahul Mohammed Siraj Hardik Pandya Rishabh PantThis tier now looks like the experienced engine room â players who can still win matches but are no longer the longterm blueprintThe longest list belongs to Grade C and thatâs exactly how selectors want itNames like Rinku Singh Tilak Varma Ruturaj Gaikwad and Arshdeep Singh highlight Indiaâs growing whiteball depth while youngsters such as Dhruv Jurel and Sai Sudharsan are being groomed as the next longterm investmentsThis isnât just a backup pool anymore â itâs a parallel production lineWomenâs contracts Stability at the top surge belowIn the womenâs setup the leadership core remains solid in Grade A Harmanpreet Kaur Smriti Mandhana Jemimah Rodrigues Deepti SharmaBut what stands out is the expanding middle tier Players like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh reflect Indiaâs aggressive fearless new batting identity while several new names entering the contract list show how quickly the womenâs talent pool is wideningThis is less about transition and more about rapid expansionThis yearâs list isnât just administrative â itâs directional India is planning beyond legends Youth is no longer âemergingâ itâs âestablishedâ Depth is now a strategy not a luxuryThe message from the BCCI is crystal clear the next Indian era isnât comingItâs already here IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/new-guard-new-grades-bcci-contracts-signal-indian-crickets-big-shift-661351.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-all-the-stats-from-zimbabwes-dominant-8-wicket-win-over-oman-661352.html Colombo Feb 9 Zimbabwe began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion registering a dominant eightwicket victory over Oman as they chased down a modest target of 103 in just 133 overs in the eighth match of the tournament at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground SSC in Colombo on Monday The fast bowling trio of Blessing Muzarabani Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans picked up three wickets each as Zimbabwe bowled out Oman for 103 runs in 195 overs after choosing to bowl firstComing in to chase an easy target Zimbabwe were off to a strong start as both openers struck the ball fluently with the team scoring at a run rate of over 10 runs per over in the first three oversOman finally got their breakthrough in the fourth over when Sufyan Mehmood dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani and Dion MyersAfter the backtoback wickets Zimbabwe wicketkeeper batter Brendan Taylor forged a matchwinning 68run partnership with opener Brian Bennett who rotated the strike well With this Zimbabwe achieved the target easily in just 133 oversHeres a look at all the key stats from the Zimbabwe vs Oman Match9 Zimbabwe recorded their 9th win in the T20 World Cup matches To date they have played 21 matches won 9 and lost 11 while 1 match produced no result8 Oman suffered their 8th defeat in the 11th World Cup matches3 Brendan Taylor was retired hurt in the 13th over of the innings when he was playing In the last 5 T20 innings this was the 3rd instance when he was retired hurt103 103 in 195 overs is Omans 3rd lowest total in the T20 World Cup Before this they scored 47 v England in North Sound in 2024 and 65 for 9 v Bangladesh in Dharamsala in the 2016 World CupAamir Kaleem of Oman became the oldest player to feature in a T20 World Cup match At 44 years and 81 days age Kaleem broke the record of Ryan Campbell who played at 44 years and 34 daysLowest totals against Zimbabwe in the T20 World CupTotal Overs For Venue Year103 195 Oman Colombo 20261169 20 UAE Sylhet 20141298 20 Pakistan Perth 20221326 20 Scotland Hobart 2022136 194 Scotland Nagpur 20161389 20 Australia Cape Town 2007 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-all-the-stats-from-zimbabwes-dominant-8-wicket-win-over-oman-661352.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/no-penalty-or-sanction-for-bcb-icc-issues-statement-661358.html Dubai Feb 9 The International Cricket Council ICC Pakistan Cricket Board PCB and Bangladesh Cricket Board BCB have concluded an open constructive and congenial dialogue This dialogue covered several matters including but not limited to the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup 2026 and the broader outlook for cricket in South AsiaWhile reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket teamâs unfortunate absence from the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup the global governing body for cricket reaffirmed BCBs position as a valued Full Member with a proud cricketing history and a vital role in the growth of the global game The ICC also reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricketâs most vibrant markets with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national teams nonparticipation in ICC Mens T20 World Cup does not have any longterm effects on Cricket in the countryThe highlights of the dialogue set out below reflect a forwardlooking alignment reached in good faith and are intended to provide clarity on the current position of the stakeholders They do not alter qualify or detract from the ICCâs constitutional autonomy governance framework or established decisionmaking processes all of which remain fully applicableIt is agreed that no financial sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matterIt is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee DRC should it choose to do so This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intactThe ICCâs approach is guided by its principles of neutrality and fairness and reflects the shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishmentAs part of this understanding an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Menâs Cricket World Cup 2031 subject to the usual ICC hosting processes timelines and operational requirementsThis reflects confidence in Bangladeshâs capability as a host and reinforces the ICCâs commitment to providing meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership to develop cricket in the countryThe ICC PCB and BCB along with other Members remain committed to continued dialogue cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport All stakeholders acknowledge that the spirit of this understanding is to protect the integrity of the game and preserve unity within the cricket fraternityICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said âBangladeshâs absence from the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup is regrettable but it does not alter the ICCâs enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders including BCB to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of longterm investment in its development competitiveness and global integration and is not defined by shortterm disruptionsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/no-penalty-or-sanction-for-bcb-icc-issues-statement-661358.html Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-hopefully-uae-get-wins-this-time-and-go-a-long-way-says-sharafu-661243.html New Delhi Feb 9 The United Arab Emirates UAE are all set to make their third appearance in the 2026 Menâs T20 World Cup when they open their Group D campaign against New Zealand in Chennai on Tuesday evening The Gulf nation qualified for the mega event after finishing third in the AsiaEAP regional qualifiers and marked their return to the tournament for the first time since 2022 where they secured their maiden T20 World Cup victory over NamibiaRighthanded batter Alishan Sharafu has been in strong form since the last T20 World Cup in 2024 accumulating 1105 runs in 37 innings at an average of 325 and a strike rate of 134 In an exclusive conversation with IANS Sharafu talks about his batting the UAEâs aims in the tournament and the influence of captain Muhammad Waseem and head coach former India opener Lalchand RajputQ Youve been in exceptional form post2024 scoring over 1000 runs with 10 fiftyplus scores Whats clicked for you during this period and how do you maintain that consistencyA Im just glad that Ive been able to score a few runs and its been fun so far batting at the top for UAE in T20Is and Im glad that Ive had a couple of good games and helped the team in winning games especially in important tournaments like the Asia Cup qualifiers and the T20 World Cup qualifiers So thats been fun and hopefully it keeps going wellQ Your strike rate against pace 147 is significantly better than against spin 118 What specific work are you doing to improve your game against spinners ahead of playing in Indian conditionsA About the strike rate yes I do enjoy playing a bit of pace early on when I go in to bat in the innings and I fancy taking my chances against the fast bowlers in the power play and then obviously in the middle overs thats the time where you have to consolidate and play around with the other batters So I do enjoy playing spin and taking my chances against spin but if I have to say then Ill probably say that I enjoy playing pace a little bit moreQ Playing alongside and against some of the worlds best in the ILT20 â which players have you learnt the most from and what specific aspects of their game have you tried to incorporate into yoursA Yes ILT20 has been a massive platform for all of us UAE cricketers and Ive been especially lucky enough Ive been playing for the Knight Riders for the last three years and theyve fully trusted in what I do and Im grateful for the opportunities theyve givenIve played every single game for them and fortunately enough Ive done decently well for them So that experience has been invaluable and Ive fully enjoyed my time over there and the environment there and getting to spend quality time with the worldclass cricketers there has been quite a good experienceQ Youve always been a toporder batter but youre now adjusting to middleorder responsibilities as well How challenging has that transition been and whats the biggest difference in mindset between the two rolesA Yes Ive always batted at the top but it was in ILT20 where I first started batting in the middle order and I enjoyed that challenge quite a bit and something different and new But you have to learn to adapt to different situations and roles in the teamSo Im glad that I had a bit of experience doing that and in franchise cricket Now that Ive sort of started doing a similar role for the UAE I hope I can channel my batting in the same frequency and hopefully consolidate in the middle overs and try and bat as deep as possibleQ Can you talk us through how you developed your powerhitting game Was it natural ability or hours of specific trainingA Thats been the plan especially going into this World Cup and in recent times Power hitting yes Ive always tried to incorporate an aggressive brand of cricket Growing up like every other kid I loved watching people hit sixes and obviously hit sixes myself too So it was something that I dont know if it was natural or yes Ive worked a bit towards specifics for power hitting But Ive always enjoyed that brand of cricketQ Youve only batted once in your previous World Cup appearance How much are you looking forward to making a bigger impact this time aroundA Yes at the last World Cup I only played the last game which we won against Namibia and that was a special experience making my first appearance at a World Cup This time around its a different bunch of players a different team and a different role too Im quite looking forward to this one and wherever I can contribute to making the team win Id be glad and hopefully I can put my hand up and help the UAE win a few games hereQ The UAE have never progressed past the group stage Realistically what does success look like for this team at this World CupA Yes the last World Cup like I said was the first time we marked our first World Cup victory So you always want to do better than what you did last time Hopefully we win a few games this time and you never know if we win a couple of games we have a pretty good shot at making it into the next round So obviously the mindset has to be positive and thats what were going to collectively aim for as a teamSo hopefully we have a couple of good games and you never know on the day Its T20 cricket and if we go out there and express ourselves and play a positive brand of cricket Im pretty confident that if we do that we can change things and go a long way in the tournamentQ Whats it like being part of a UAE team with players from different cultural backgrounds How does that diversity strengthen the group Also a word on support from Captain Waseem and Coach RajputA Yes I think thats one thing about our team weve got people from different backgrounds weve got a diverse bunch of players and Im quite happy with how gelled we are as a team and I dont think theres ever been a time where weve thought that Oh this persons from here or This persons from this background because weve pretty much played with each other all our lives in the UAE and I think were really comfortable with each other and its a really good environmentYes our coach and captain have been really supportive and obviously Waseem Bhai has been phenomenal with performances and as a teammate so its quite fun being out there on the field with him and I quite enjoy batting with him myselfIts been fun so far and hopefully we have a few good knocks at this World Cup and obviously our coach too hes always been big on preparing really hard It becomes a lot easier when you go out there into a match Im really glad to have these people around and a huge thanks to both of them for all the support and I quite enjoy being around them IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-hopefully-uae-get-wins-this-time-and-go-a-long-way-says-sharafu-661243.html Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-2026-madushan-approved-as-replacement-for-malinga-in-sri-lanka-squad-661137.html Colombo Feb 6 The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup 2026 on Friday approved Pramod Madushan as a replacement for Eshan Malinga in the Sri Lanka squad Madushan a mediumfast bowler who has played 13 ODIs and eight T20Is was named as a replacement after Malinga was ruled out following a shoulder injury sustained during the bilateral T20I against England on 1 February ICC said in a statementThe replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee ETC before the player can be officially added to the squadMadushan 24 years old and previously played for the Sri Lanka national cricket team in eight T20Is has taken 12 wickets at an average of 863 runs per over Madushan last played in an international T20I on April 28 2023With the pace bowling attack of Madushan together with his team mates Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera Sri Lanka will compete against Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium Colombo on February 8Sri Lanka squad Dasun Shanaka c Pathum Nissanka Kamil Mishara Kusal Mendis Kamindu Mendis Kusal Janith Perera Charith Asalanka Janith Liyanage Pavan Rathnayake Wanindu Hasaranga Dunith Wellalage Maheesh Theekshana Dushmantha Chameera Matheesha Pathirana Pramod Madushan IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-2026-madushan-approved-as-replacement-for-malinga-in-sri-lanka-squad-661137.html Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/jemimah-joins-harmanpreet-smriti-deepti-in-womens-central-contracts-grade-a-report-661140.html New Delhi Feb 7 Allformat skipper Harmanpreet Kaur star batter Smriti Mandhana and allrounder Deepti Sharma have been retained in Grade A while Jemimah Rodrigues has been promoted from Grade B in the womens central contracts as per reports In the topmost category a player earns Rs 50 lakh annually while those in the B and C categories are paid Rs 30 lakh and Rs 10 lakh respectivelyThe BCCI has awarded central contracts to 21 players in the womenâs category according to a Dainik Jagaran reportEight players Pratika Rawal Kranti Goud Shree Charani Harleen Deol Kashvee Gautam G Kamalini Vaishnavi Sharma and Tejal Hasabnis are the new entrants in the central contract listYastika Bhatia Radha Yadav Arundhati Reddy Amanjot Kaur Uma Chetry and Sneh Rana have all retained their central contractsThe report stated that Renuka Thakur Shafali Verma Richa Ghosh and Sneh Rana have all been slotted in grade B while grade C includes Radha Yadav Amanjot Kaur Pratika Rawal Kranti Goud Uma Chetry Arundhati Reddy Shree Charani Yastika Bhatia Harleen Deol Kashvee Gautam G Kamalini Vaishnavi Sharma and TejalAccording to the 202425 contracts list announced in March 2025 Renuka Singh Jemimah Rodrigues Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma have all been retained in Grade B while Yastika Bhatia Radha Yadav Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar join them in Grade C in the central contracts list from the 202223 season Shreyanka Patil Titas Sadhu Arundathi Reddy Amanjot Kaur and Uma Chetry were the fresh faces who made the cut for the retainershipAfter their maiden ODI World Cup crown the Women in Blue are gearing up for the multiformat series against Australia starting from February 15Meanwhile the BCCI will discuss possible changes to the India menâs central contracts system at its next Apex Council meeting as per proposals from the Ajit Agarkarled selection committee IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/jemimah-joins-harmanpreet-smriti-deepti-in-womens-central-contracts-grade-a-report-661140.html Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bcci-announces-cash-award-of-rs-75-cr-for-u19-mens-wc-winning-team-661141.html New Delhi Feb 7 The BCCI have announced a total cash award of Rs 75 crore for the U20 Mens Cricket World Cup winning team technical staff and the selection committee the boards secretary Devajit Saikia told IANS on Saturday India beat England by 100 runs to win the ICC Under19 Mens Cricket World Cup final at the Harare Sports Club in Harare on Friday claiming a recordextending sixth U19 World Cup crownA cash award of Rs 75 crore will be given to the Indian team who won the U19 Mens Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia We are working on the details of the prize amount breakup for players technical staff and the selection committee but Rs 75 crore is the total reward for them from the BCCI Saikia told IANSA staggering century from 14yearold Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fired India to ICC U19 Menâs Cricket World Cup glory Captain Ayush Mhatre 53 and wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu 40 also made valuable contributions as India racked up 4119 England made a promising start in reply but a middleorder collapse proved costly with Caleb Falconerâs brilliant 115 in vain as India clinched their sixth U19 Menâs Cricket World Cup crownThis title triumph completed a rare double with India currently holding both the ICC Under19 Menâs and Womenâs World Cup titles Saikia further said that BCCI will soon announce the central contracts for senior men and women players Also an official statement will come out very soon on the central contracts for senior mens and womens players he addedEarlier Saikia congratulated Indian youth on their recordextending sixth U10 World Cup title This outstanding achievement is a testament to the strength of a robust system built on longterm player development competitive domestic structures quality coaching programmes supported by dedicated technical staff and a strong talent identification processAgegroup cricket remains a key priority and the BCCI will continue to invest in and strengthen these foundations for the future Well done boys The nation is immensely proud of you he posted on X IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bcci-announces-cash-award-of-rs-75-cr-for-u19-mens-wc-winning-team-661141.html Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-shastri-smith-bishop-to-headline-star-studded-commentary-panel-661090.html Dubai Feb 6 Highlyrenowned commentators Ravi Shastri Nasser Hussain Ian Smith and Ian Bishop headline commentary panel during the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup that commences in India and Sri Lanka on February 7 An impressive list of former greats and current stars also features former T20 World Cup winners Aaron Finch Dinesh Karthik Kumar Sangakkara Samuel Badree Robin Uthappa Carlos BrathwaiteThe ICC said that current player and reigning ICC World Test Championshipwinning captain Temba Bavuma of South Africa will be heard on commentary while 2014 T20 World Cup winner Angelo Mathews is also included in an impressive list of commentators that will be utilised across the 55 matches at the tournamentTeam India is entering the tournament as defending champions and will aim to become the only team to win the trophy for the third time and also to defend the titleIndia are a popular pick as tournament favourites coming off scintillating form that has seen them win 48 of their last 56 T20I games dating back to October 2023 And more recently producing a dominant series win against New ZealandThe Men in Blue will kick off their campaign on February 7 with a groupstage match against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in MumbaiList of commentators for ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Ravi Shastri Nasser Hussain Ian Smith Ian Bishop Aaron Finch Dinesh Karthik Kumar Sangakkara Samuel Badree Robin Uthappa Carlos Brathwaite Eoin Morgan Wasim Akram Sunil Gavaskar Matthew Hayden Ramiz Raja Dale Steyn Michael Atherton Waqar Younis Simon Doull Shaun Pollock Katey Martin Harsha Bhogle Mpumelelo Mbangwa Natalie Germanos Danny Morrison Alan Wilkins Ian Ward Mark Howard Nick Knight Athar Ali Khan Kass Naidoo Bazid Khan Raunak Kapoor Niall OâBrien Preston Mommsen Andrew Leonard Russel Arnold Roshan Abeysinghe Angelo Mathews Temba Bavuma IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-shastri-smith-bishop-to-headline-star-studded-commentary-panel-661090.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-batting-firepower-all-round-resources-spinners-hold-the-key-in-indias-title-defence--661095.html New Delhi Feb 6 India begin their Menâs T20 World Cup title defence on Saturday through a Group A clash against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai With unmatched batting depth enviable allround resources and spinners in their prime India has everything in their arsenal to become the first nation to win consecutive T20 World Cups and claim the trophy on home soil Captain Suryakumar Yadavs side are coming on the back of a commanding 41 series victory over New Zealand boasting of the best win percentage among the top ten teams since the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados IANS takes a closer look into Indiaâs title defence chances through an indepth SWOT analysisStrengths Ahead of the World Cup India are dominating all the rankings â they are the topranked T20I team as well as possess the number one batter and bowler in Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy Their ultraaggressive batting approach has resulted in them having a great run rate and posting tall scores with immaculate easeAs per Cricket21 in the postWorld Cup 2024 phase India has the highest run rate of 99 In terms of balls per boundary BPB India are again leading the charts with an impressive 44 Indiaâs dominance is further highlighted in the tally of 200plus totals they have amassed 13plus such scores since 2024 Menâs T20 World Cup â 12 of which have come batting firstApart from Abhishek India also have destructive batters in Ishan Kishan skipper Suryakumar Yadav Tilak Varma Rinku Singh as well as allround trio of Hardik Pandya Axar Patel and Shivam Dube lending great balance Apart from Chakaravarthy Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are making for a great fast bowling combinationWeaknesses Despite many brilliant performances Indias toporder remains fragile more so due to the side yet to figure out the opening partner for Abhishek Ishan Kishans recent good form is in contrast with Sanju Samsons struggles With the side still mum on their opening combination it can be a pocket of weakness for opposition to exploitIn terms of powerplay bowling India have been expensive at times while struggling to pick wickets in that phase as well as in death overs and that could bring about their downfall in highpressure games Who occupies the number eight spot is also a dicey one as it depends on the team management wanting either batting or bowling depthOpportunities After winning the Menâs T20 World Cup in 2007 India broke the long drought by winning it in 2024 and are the defending champions now With everyone calling them as overwhelming favourites India have the chance to get three historic feats defend the title win it for the third time and break the jinx of a team never winning a final at homeThreats Washington Sundar remains doubtful for the T20 World Cup participation after missing the entire New Zealand series due to side strain If Washington is not available for the tournament in time it means they will have one less allround player and that can affect their flexibility especially if someone from the firstchoice eleven picks up an injuryA fully fit Hardik Pandya is arguably a very precious asset for India going into the tournament and many will be hoping that heâs fit and firing on all cylinders in the tournament considering how his absence in the second half of the 2023 ODI World Cup affected the team balance IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-batting-firepower-all-round-resources-spinners-hold-the-key-in-indias-title-defence--661095.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-very-happy-with-indias-progress-hopes-are-really-very-high-to-retain-the-title-says-mhambrey-661097.html New Delhi Feb 6 Having lifted the Menâs T20 World Cup trophy for the first time in 2007 before breaking a long drought to clinch the crown in 2024 defending champions India are aiming to become the first team to achieve three milestones retain the crown win it three times and clinch a World Cup in the shortest format on home soil The cohosts enter the tournament as the topranked side and boast of the number one ranked batter and bowler in Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy respectively With their ultraattacking batting template and pinpoint precision with the ball India have the best win percentage among the top 10 T20I teams since winning the 2024 editionParas Mhambrey Indiaâs former bowling coach was a part of the setup during the 2024 triumph under Rohit Sharma and believes the side has the depth and leadership to retain the title Before India launches its title defence against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday Mhambrey spoke exclusively to IANS on the sideâs chances of retaining the title Suryakumar Yadavs captaincy the influential factors in play when featuring in a mega event at home and more ExcerptsQ We are just a day away from the 2026 T20 World Cup commencing this time on home soil How do you analyse Indias chances of retaining the trophy won in 2024A Im very happy and sure of it In the way Ive seen in the last few years the way the team has progressed the kind of cricket theyre playing â thats fabulous Just to see the last series that we played and even the last game that we played the warmup game against South Africa â its fabulous to watch just the way everyones going about itHappy to know and see that the core is still there from the last two years Its so important to actually have that core playing the World Cup One is the experience bit â theres so much experience out here and just the skill sets that are available to us When youre entering a big tournament like this you want all your top players to be availableIts good to see that Tilak Varma is back in the team getting an opportunity and playing a fabulous innings out there Overall we are very happy with the way things have progressed for us Now its one day at a time But just the way the Indian team is playing I think hopes really are very highQ Take us back to June 2024 â what are the moments from that victorious 2024 World Cup campaign that give you goosebumps to dateA Its the tag of world champions I think any team that plays cricket and any individual that represents the country â I think the tag of being a world champion is always special Thats something that will stay with that individual and the team Im no different from anyone else out here As a player I know the value and the importance of representing your country and especially the World Cup is so special because it comes every four yearsWe didnt have the T20 tournament and we always kind of looked at the 50over tournament and the World Cup was special So getting an opportunity out there and then again just shifting it from one side of the rope to the other and getting an opportunity to be part of that dressing room â its something that as a player I always wanted to be and experience the whole journey if I can say thatIts so special because it takes a lot The tenure of the tournament is a week or so 15 days But there are a couple of years of real real hard work that went into it and when you see that finally bear fruit I cant explain that I think the tag of being world champions is specialQ That 2024 World Cupwinning squad had a special chemistry How much of that has carried forward into this 2026 team in your opinionA It is the case â you can see it on the ground Everyone is so professional in terms of being very clear about their roles Good to see that each and every individual has delivered at some point or other It was so important to go into the tournament and not only deliver I thought they won the game for the team and thats so important You are ticking the right boxes out here and everyone is fitSo good to see that they are coming and you have the best 15 available to choose from and its so important The core is always important because thats where your experience lies You have been through that situation and they have experienced that To a certain extent they are a little better prepared to deal with the tournament because some of the individuals have not played and not experienced thisThey played the bilaterals and other series but especially the World Cup is different I am sure by the time the first game comes â and much before it right now â I think everyone will get the hang and feel of what the World Cup is especially when its a domestic oneWherever you go they will be reminded There will be hoardings out there and billboards around People in the lift the watchmen also saying Jeetna hai jeetna hai You have to win you have to win So they will feel how important it is not only for the players but for the whole country aroundQ Suryakumar Yadav is leading this Indian side while also being one of the most destructive batters in world cricket and discovering form at the right time How do you see him balancing those dual responsibilities in this mega eventA He is doing it wonderfully I thought he had settled down well He is very well settled in his role right now Whatever you say that shift is a little different even though you dont want to think about it and feel it may not affect you But its always going to be at the back of your mind that you are captain and that adds a little bit of responsibility on your shoulders â not only for the others but also for yourselfYour expectations also are high up there because you want to deliver and then you are playing a dual role right You are also focusing on importantly your game So its difficult now He has to find the balance and I am very happy with the way he is shaped up because its very difficult to find the balance between yourself and the teamNow he has to look after all the 10 other players on the ground not only himself So it takes a little while but Im happy with the way he is shaped up as a captain â just the way others have warmed up to it and just that you can see on the ground for sureQ Playing a World Cup at home comes with its own pressures and advantages What do you think will be the biggest factor â the crowd support familiarity with conditions or just the form they are inA All three â you touched the right points You cant beat the home crowd You have that when you go in and know that everyone is going to be rooting for you When chips are down you still have people supporting you Its so important sometimes As an opponent you are not in a game and you dont really realise that you are on top of the game right now because of so much support that you haveSo thats incomparable anyway but conditions definitely because you play on these wickets you know exactly how the wickets behave â like the red soil and black soil â because you played out there and just generally from your past you can draw from your past experiences and then work on your gameThe most important bit is the form I thought it was important to have everyone contributing and its good to see that not only did everyone contribute but at some point they all won games Maybe on an individual basis â like a spell a knock or a few balls â its so important to do that In all three aspects I think you are really up there and I am happy because all three bases are covered for usQ Without asking for predictions which team do you think poses the biggest tactical challenge for India in this tournamentA Oh thats a mystery question you asked me You got me thinking about it Its just I feel in a tournament like this from past experiences I can tell you that whenever you go with the favourites I think people have got it wrong If you look at the way just look at the way the last game was the last World Cup final was against South AfricaIts just one scenario â they were favourites to win at one time We went in that didnt work and its just the way the game went and everyone thought This is going to be South Africa You have someone like you dont take away from Sri Lanka in these gamesIf you look at the last few games that theyve played theyve been playing decent cricket and with their home conditions youre going to play some games there similar to out here because a lot of these guys play in the IPL â the bowling bit So they would be competitive and maybe a couple of teams like this But as I said you really cant go in with the favourite side as sometimes youve got it wrongQ On a scale of cautiously optimistic to supremely confident where does this Indian team stand heading into the World CupA Ill put my neck out here and say supremely confident Its just the way theyre playing and what kind of cricket theyre playing â it gives you a lot of confidence Availability of players is again a big factor for me Variety is available as spinners and seamers â a big factor thats been touched We covered all our bases as well as we could and Im supremely confident in just the way they have played in the past â so fingers crossed IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-very-happy-with-indias-progress-hopes-are-really-very-high-to-retain-the-title-says-mhambrey-661097.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-2026-10-players-who-could-shape-the-tournament-661114.html New Delhi Feb 6 The ICC Menâs T20 World Cup 2026 is here with India and Sri Lanka cohosting The tournament will feature a strategic battle Indiaâs battingfriendly pitches are expected to encourage aggressive batting and high scores while Sri Lankaâs slower more challenging pitches will require patience adaptability and spinbowling skill T20 World Cups are seldom won solely through depth Instead they hinge on key moments such as an explosive powerplay a crucial spell that stifles the middle overs or a masterful performance in the death overs under intense pressureHistory shows that a few standout players often shape the tournaments story Here are 10 cricketers who look primed to leave a lasting imprint on the 2026 editionAbhishek Sharma IndiaIndiaâs evolution in T20 cricket has been driven by a clear intent exemplified by Abhishek Sharma As an opener he views the powerplay as an opportunity rather than a risk leveraging pace and true bounce conditions common in India His talent for breaking down bowling attacks early can give him the potential to disrupt entire tournaments With a string of confident performances he could make Indiaâs top order exceptionally formidableTravis Head AustraliaFew batters can push opposition teams on the back foot as quickly as Travis Head His aggressive scoring not only comes fast but also unsettles the bowlers often leading them to adopt defensive fields early and prompting captains to abandon plans sooner Headâs experience playing in subcontinental conditions enhances his versatility making him even more formidable In a format where maintaining momentum is crucial he continues to be one of Australiaâs most lethal weaponsWanindu Hasaranga Sri LankaIf the conditions favour Sri Lanka Hasaranga is likely to be a key player A wristspinner known for taking breakthroughs he is effective both with the new ball and during the middle overs which is exceptional in T20 cricket His sharp cricketing mind and subtle variations make him especially dangerous on slow pitchesPlus his improving ability to hit lowerorder shots makes Hasaranga a versatile matchwinner in home conditionsHardik Pandya IndiaBig tournaments require players who can manage chaos and Hardik Pandya has built his career on thriving in such environments Whether heâs finishing an inning bowling a key over or energising the fielding side his impact often extends beyond just statisticsFor India Hardikâs importance is in maintaining balance he offers versatility in team setup while taking on leadership roles during stressful moments In close knockout matches his calmness could be invaluableQuinton de Kock South AfricaFew batters combine elegance and brutality as effortlessly as Quinton de Kock His comeback to international cricket reestablishes authority at the top of South Africaâs batting lineup De Kockâs key strength is his capacity to control powerplays with composure making bowlers work hard for breakthroughs early on When he bats deep into an innings South Africaâs prospects of setting or chasing large totals improve significantlyVarun Chakaravarthy IndiaVarun Chakaravarthyâs comeback stands out as one of Indian cricketâs more understated successes Once labelled just a âmystery spinnerâ he now skilfully blends deception with control and strategy His distinctive strength lies in his performance during the powerplay a period when most spinners focus on damage control On turning wickets his variety of deliveries can be pivotal especially against aggressive openersRashid Khan AfghanistanRashid Khan continues to set the benchmark for T20 bowling His extensive experience in franchise cricket worldwide has enhanced his adaptability and his statistics reflect consistent excellence over time More than simply taking wickets Rashid manages the gameâs flow induces mistakes and excels under pressure For Afghanistan he is not only their top player but also their key pillar of strengthPhil Salt EnglandEnglandâs assertive T20 strategy is well exemplified by Phil Salt As an opener eager to take charge immediately Salt seldom gives bowlers a chance to settle Although slower Sri Lankan pitches might challenge his shot choices his bold style suits Englandâs game plan If he survives the initial overs the match can swiftly turn in Englandâs favorAzmatullah Omarzai AfghanistanAfghanistanâs success in global tournaments relies on versatile cricketers and Azmatullah Omarzai exemplifies this As a strong middleorder batsman and a capable pace bowler he provides both balance and strategic options When facing toptier teams players like Omarzai frequently make crucial impacts by contributing in various parts of the gameâan ability that could prove essential for Afghanistanâs ongoing campaignJasprit Bumrah IndiaEven in a format mostly centered around batters Jasprit Bumrah stands out as a master of control His ability to vary length angle and pace lets him command the game during both the powerplay and the death overs which are the most unpredictable parts of a T20 match When playing in familiar conditions his impact increases further As the game tightens and margins become thinner captains increasingly rely on Bumrah as their goto bowlerThe 2026 T20 World Cup promises to be a clash of contrasts featuring power against precision aggression versus adaptability Although teams will be filled with talented players these ten individuals emerge as possible creators of pivotal momentsIn a tournament where one over can alter the course of the game their performances could determine the eventual championsThe marquee event gets underway on Saturday and will run till March 8 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-2026-10-players-who-could-shape-the-tournament-661114.html Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/they-have-refused-our-flight-is-booked-sky-reflects-on-pakistan-boycotting-t20-wc-match-660995.html Mumbai Feb 5 Skipper Suryakumar Yadav broke silence on Pakistan boycotting the ICC Mens T20 World Cup match against India and stated that his team is ready to fly to Colombo on February 15 for the game at the R Premadasa Stadium Pakistan will not play India in their scheduled Menâs T20 World Cup match in Colombo on February 15 after their government approved the Men in Greens participation in the World Cup on the condition that they will not play the match against India India and Pakistan are in Group A alongside Namibia Netherlands and the United States of America USA All of Pakistans matches are scheduled in Sri Lanka which is cohosting the tournament with India India will open the campaign against the USA on February 7 the tournaments first day at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai Meanwhile Pakistan will kickstart their campaign against the Netherlands on the same dayWe havent refused to play against Pakistan They have refused I think mindset is pretty clear We have not said no to playing the match It came from the other side ICC has given the official fixtures BCCI and the government have decided on a neutral venue along with ICC Our flight is booked for Colombo So we are going for sure The team discussion is that we are playing first on February 7 then we will go there Suryakumar told reporters in the T20 World Cup 2026 Captains Day Press Conference on Thursday Pakistans stance of not playing India follows the ICCs decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the T20 World Cup Bangladesh were excluded after they refusing to play their matches in India citing security concernsThe Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif reaffirmed on Wednesday that their senior mens cricket team will not play India in the forthcoming Mens T20 World Cup which will be cohosted by Sri Lanka and India We have taken a very clear stand on the T20 World Cup that we wont play the match against India because there should be no politics on the sports field We have taken a very considered stance and we should completely stand by Bangladesh and I think this is a very appropriate decision We are with Bangladesh he addedEarlier the International Cricket Council ICC expressed serious concerns over the Pakistan governmentâs decision to instruct its cricket team to boycott its fixture against India saying This position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event scheduleâWhile the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide including millions in Pakistan The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and longterm implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem which it is itself a member and beneficiary of it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/they-have-refused-our-flight-is-booked-sky-reflects-on-pakistan-boycotting-t20-wc-match-660995.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/batc-india-women-crush-myanmar-5-0-in-opener-660832.html Qingdao Feb 4 Defending champions India women began their Badminton Asia Team Championship campaign in commanding fashion registering a dominant 50 victory over Myanmar in their Group Y opener at the Qingdao Conson Gymnasium on Wednesday The Indian team suffered a big blow before the start of the tournament as twotime Olympic medallist PV Sindhu played a major part in Team Indias triumph in 2024 withdrew from competition due to a niggleAfter Sindhus exit all the focus was on 17yearold prodigy Tanvi Sharma who was part of Indias titlewinning squad in 2024 and she did not let down Tanvi won the first match comfortably It took her just 32 minutes to beat Myanmars Thet Htar Thuzur 2113 2116 in the opening matchAfter a strong start Rakshita Sree Santosh and Malvika Bansod also sealed points with straightset wins against the visitorsIn the doubles game the pair of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra got the better of Su Latt and Thet and beat the Myanmar combination in straight sets 2115 2116In the final match the duo of Tressa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand crushed Htet and Phoo with a straightset victory of 218 216Defending champions India will now play against last years runnersup Thailand in the next match which will be played on ThursdayIn the tournament each groupstage tie comprises five rubbers which include three singles and two doubles with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinalsThe tournament also serves as Asias qualifying event for the Thomas and Uber Cup finals scheduled to be held in Horsens Denmark in AprilMayIndias women are the defending champions while China are the reigning mens winners Indias men have claimed bronze medals twice in 2016 and 2020 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/batc-india-women-crush-myanmar-5-0-in-opener-660832.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/icc-t20i-rankings-kishan-gains-32-spots-saim-ayub-becomes-no-1-all-rounder-660836.html New Delhi Feb 4 Indian wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan has jumped 32 positions in the latest ICC Mens T20I batter rankings after an impressive comeback series against New Zealand where the lefthanded player scored 207 runs in just three matches which also includes his maiden T20I century Kishan is now placed at the 32nd spot in the rankings released just before the upcoming T20 World Cup which will commence on February 7Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav has also moved past Pakistans Sahibzada Farhan to come in sixth place While opener Abhishek Sharma continued his dominance at the topMeanwhile Pakistans opener Saim Ayub has grabbed the top spot in the T20I allrounders ranking after an impressive run in the recently concluded Australia series which Pakistan won by 30 The 23yearold scored 119 runs and claimed three wickets during the series which helped him dethrone Sikandar Raza from the No 1 spotPakistans main spinner Abrar Ahmed also made significant gains as he moved to the second spot The rightarmer is just 28 points behind Varun Chakravarthy who holds the top spotPakistans allrounder Mohammad Nawaz who took a fivewicket haul in the series moved eight spots to be placed at seventh in the bowlers rankingWhile England legspinner Adil Rashid moved up two places to fourth and New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner jumped eight spots to equal 23rd in the rankingThere were also other movements inside the top 10 for T20I batters Englands former captain Jos Buttler moved up to third Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka climbed to fifth and New Zealands Tim Seifert advanced to ninthOther than that South Africas opener Ryan Rickleton moved 42 places to the 40th spot and Australian allrounder Cameron Green climbed 16 spots to 14 Proteas star Quinton De Kock who scored a brilliant hundred has gained 15 places to sit at 22nd IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/icc-t20i-rankings-kishan-gains-32-spots-saim-ayub-becomes-no-1-all-rounder-660836.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-time-of-upsets-is-in-past-for-netherlands-aim-to-get-in-final-four-says-logan-van-beek-660845.html New Delhi Feb 4 The Netherlands have won more matches in the Menâs T20 World Cups than any other associate nation Twin victories over England twice while taking down South Africa and Zimbabwe have underlined their ability to beat topranked sides But as they gear up to compete in their seventh T20 World Cup the Netherlands are keen to shed their reputation of being giantkillers and make a serious push to get into the closing stages of the tournamentSeambowling allrounder Logan Van Beek was born in Christchurch New Zealand but holds a Dutch passport through his father and has been a constant presence in Netherlands setup since 2014 Menâs T20 World Cup In an exclusive conversation with IANS van Beek talks about the Netherlands aspirations in the tournament preparation reliance on data analytics and more ExcerptsQ How have you adjusted to the pitches which will be on offer in India and Sri Lanka during the sideâs recent camp at Super Kings Academy in ChennaiA Yes its my first time of actually understanding the difference between red soil black soil and then the combo of black and red They all have differences depending on what time of day you play If youre playing a morning game it might be a little bit stickierIn the afternoon itâs a little bit drier and then come the evening dew might play a factor Its just trying to understand the different soils and sometimes it dictates what ball you might go to more often in your spellQ Given the Netherlands history of making upsets in recent tournaments how do you foresee the sideâs chances in the mega eventA I think the times of upsets is kind of in the past for us Were here to reach the final stages of the tournament Weve been together as a group for two or three years now Weve won some big games which has given us confidence But were here to get to the final four and see if we can push for the trophyQ Beyond the smaller talent pool what additional challenges do Associate teams face in competing at this levelA Obviously theres the financial kind of problem that associate teams have the lack of resources the lack of extra coaching throughout the season and the leadin periods Theres also the number of players that we often have to choose fromSo you really have to upskill the guys that are in your kind of 20man squad But again its something that we just have to deal with and get on with it Our kind of motto is just to try and get as much as we can out of each individual and then come together as one as we walk onto the fieldQ To what extent does the Netherlands rely on data and analytics in T20 cricket and how does it shape your preparationA Were a big fan of data analytics Were not afraid of a long meeting and discussion amongst the group and really understanding what guys are thinking and what each person has seen with the data Weve got a coaching staff who really look into the numbers and try to find that little outlier or something that can give us a slight advantage going into the gameI think its something that we need to do as a group just to have something oneup against the opposition because when we go up against the likes of Australia India New Zealand Man for man obviously theyre very good cricketers and we need to find ways to find little gaps in their games that we can exploit or just ways to try and get a little opportunityIf we can open that up that doesnt really make sense but if we can find a way that we can find some information that is unique use it and if we can gain that little opportunity to take advantage of and see if we can run with it T20 cricket is one of those games where there are small advantages The game can happen very fast and momentum can shift very quickly So thats what were trying to do is to try and create a moment to try and turn that into momentumQ Having beaten South Africa previously as well as England and Zimbabwe what do such victories mean for Associate players like youA First and foremost its a great memory Some of my greatest memories with the Dutch team are beating those top tier nations and the most enjoyable part of those games is the way that weve gone about it In preparation weve stood tall guys have had special performances within those games but weve done it as a groupIts something that we thrive on in terms of being and winning together So now going into this tournament having had those little successes in the past its about can we do that in these first four games and try and get those three winsQ You continue to play domestic cricket in New Zealand and England How does that experience help your own game and in adapting to different conditionsA I just love playing cricket all year round I guess getting a little bit older I want to make sure that Im playing cricket I dont necessarily want to be indoors training The more cricket I can play whether it be New Zealand or England I just want to make sure that as long as this body is fit I want to be playing cricketIt obviously gives you good experiences coming against different types of players slightly different pitches Its also exciting because youre trying to evolve your game constantly Young guys are coming in and doing some really special different thingsIts good to get that experience and then when you go into tournaments like this you can rely on that experience If you see something you can and you do go well so Ive done well by doing this against this Im going to trust that and definitely adds to the toolboxQ The Netherlands will play matches in Colombo New Delhi Chennai and Ahmedabad How significant will it be to adapt to the conditions on offer closer to game daysA Weve played in Delhi against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup and so we know that venue Its a rapid outfield and quite a small ground Australia had a bit of a day out that day But for me its exciting Ahmedabad is a huge stadium Im hoping that theres going to be 130000 people there just for that atmosphere against IndiaIve never been to Sri Lanka Ive always wanted to play in Colombo So thats going to be a really cool experience Then Chennai Ive personally played a game there for New Zealand A But weve watched plenty of IPL cricket and weve seen the Super Kings do so well there Its just going to be an awesome experience Playing cricket in India in general is just an amazing experience doesnt matter which ground youre atQ You were born and raised in Christchurch but represent the Netherlands through family heritage How do you balance this dual identity and more importantly carrying Dutch cricket forwardA I am me really Its like Logan van Beek is a mixture of being half Dutch My grandfathers a West Indian from Trinidad and Tobago I was born and raised in New Zealand Im kind of a bit of a mixing pot of different nationalities and thats unique to me Im super proud of each and one of those nationalities that I representIve been fortunate enough to play and represent the Netherlands in the last 12 years Its something that Im very very proud of each time I get to do it Its the main thing just trying to inspire the next generation of Netherlands cricketersIf we can throughout this World Cup get one or two of them watching seeing how we play together how much fun were having and doing some xfactor performances then hopefully we create some young cricketers who want to pick up a cricket bat instead of a hockey stickQ Your grandfather Sammy Guillen played Tests for both West Indies and New Zealand How much does that family history influence your own cricketing journeyA It is 100 percent Hes the reason why I play cricket He taught me how to hold a bat and play the game in the right spirit He was my biggest fan and my biggest critic Every time I play cricket a lot of the times Im playing for him I know that hes up there watching me But he was a massive influence and I definitely wouldnt be playing cricket if it wasnt for him and his passion for the game IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-time-of-upsets-is-in-past-for-netherlands-aim-to-get-in-final-four-says-logan-van-beek-660845.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/icc-reveals-broadcast-details-for-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-660938.html Dubai Feb 5 The ICC has unveiled the broadcast plans for the Menâs T20 World Cup featuring 20 teams and 55 matches running from February 7 to March 8 Cohosted by India and Sri Lanka the tournament will be accessible worldwide through TV digital audio and emerging platformsAlongside the main tournament official warmup matches will be broadcast on select TV and digital platforms allowing fans to get an early look at the teams before the opening gameIn India JioStar will broadcast the tournament to fans via Star Sports on linear TV and through the JioHotstar digital platformAll fixtures will be accessible in five languagesâEnglish Hindi Tamil Telugu and Kannadaâon JioStarâs TV and digital coverage with additional regional feeds in Bengali Bhojpuri and Haryanvi available on JioHotstarCoverage in Marathi and Indian Sign Language will also be provided for all team India matches semifinals and the final on JioHotstarBuilding on the success of earlier ICC events a vertical live feed will be offered in English and Hindi on JioHotstar catering to mobilefirst viewersIn addition on JioHotstar viewers will also have the option to enjoy the games in 360 view and via the Multicam feature which allows engagement with the live match from specific POVsvantage points including Hero Stump Battery Field view and MultiViewJioStar has partnered with PVR â Inox for nationwide screenings of multiple matches during the T20 World CupStar Sports will also be accessible to viewers in Sri Lanka Bangladesh Nepal Bhutan and the Maldives through its distribution partners across the subcontinentFor cohost Sri Lanka Dialog TV will serve as the official broadcast partner offering extensive coverage across the island This includes live telecasts on linear TV the ThePaparecom website and the Dialog Play mobile appAdditionally Dialog TV will provide a Sinhala language feed for all matches on both their linear and digital platformsCoverage will be further expanded through Dialog TVâs freetoair partner TV Supreme as well as Sri Lanka Telecoms PEO TV platformFans in the United Kingdom and Ireland can watch the action on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event with digital streaming through NOW Sky Sports will also offer Hindi commentary for the semifinals and the finalFurthermore since Italy is participating in their first ICC Menâs T20 World Cup Sky Italia will broadcast all Italy matches along with the semifinals and the final live on their platformsProteas fans can catch all the live action through SuperSportâs extensive TV and digital services across subSaharan AfricaIn Australia coverage will be on Prime Video with an extra Hindi commentary feed accessible for all India matches semifinals and the finalFans in New Zealand can watch the matches on SKY Sport which will also provide Hindi commentary for all India games including the semifinals and the finalIn Pakistan coverage will be provided by PTV and Myco with support from digital partners Tamasha ARY Zapp and Tapmad Additionally the ICC will create an Urdu commentary feed for Pakistan matches which will be broadcast on PTV Home and streamed by digital partnersWillow TV will continue providing live coverage of ICC events in the United States and Canada All 55 matches will be streamed in both English and Hindi with free access to all USA matches for viewers in the US and Canada These matches will also be available free of charge on Willowâs official YouTube channelCommentary in English and Hindi will be accessible via Willow DTC and CricBuzz DTC platforms while other Willow platforms will carry only the English commentary In partnership with popular social media personality Jomboy Willow will offer fans an alternative commentary option for the USA vs India and USA vs Pakistan matchesIn the UAE and the larger MENA region the tournament will be broadcast on CricLife Max which is accessible via StarzPlay Moreover fans throughout the Middle East can watch StarzPlayâs coverage of the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup on the big screen thanks to partnerships with VOX UAE KSA Kuwait Qatar Bahrain Oman Reel UAE Roxy Cinepolis Star UAE Mukta Bahrain and Epix Cinema BahrainESPN will broadcast all matches live in the Caribbean Islands while the Disney app will stream the event across Latin America Additionally some matches will feature Portuguese commentary on ESPNâs linear TV platforms in BrazilTotal Sports Management Bangladesh will broadcast the event via leading linear channels T Sports amp Nagorik TV as well as on the digital platform RabbitholeAdditional broadcasters include PNG Digicel Pacific Islands Hub Sports 4 Singapore and Lemar TV Afghanistan which will also offer commentary in Pashto and Dari In Nepal Kantipur TV will air the tournament with some matches produced locally in NepaliThe Nepali commentary will also be accessible in certain regions through ICCtv expanding reach to Nepalispeaking viewers In the Netherlands NOS will live stream all matches involving the Netherlands catering to cricket fans in the countryFor viewers in Malaysia and Hong Kong matches can be watched on the CricBuzz channel through their partnerships with Astro Cricket and PCCWAdditionally the tournament will be available inflight and at sea on Sport 24 allowing fans to stay up to date on the action while travellingAll remaining territories will be streamed live and free via the ICCâs own platform ICCtv Besides live match coverage ICCtv will offer commentary in multiple languages including Japanese and Bahasa with some matches also available live on the ICCâs official YouTube channelBesides live video the ICC mobile app will also offer worldwide access to commentary in English In the UK and Ireland BBC will broadcast radio coverage while in Australia listeners can tune into ABC and SENFor Indian audiences All India Radio will offer live audio commentary and in Sri Lanka Derana FM will provide live ballbyball commentary for all matches IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/icc-reveals-broadcast-details-for-mens-t20-world-cup-2026-660938.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-women-rally-behind-the-mens-team-ahead-of-t20-world-cup--660966.html New Delhi Feb 5 As the Indian menâs cricket team gears up for the T20 World Cup 2026 the support from their female counterparts is pouring in Members of the Indian womenâs team who made history by clinching the ICC Womenâs ODI World Cup in 2025 have sent heartfelt messages to the menâs team wishing them all the best as they look to defend their title in the upcoming tournament With the Indian mens team entering the tournament as the defending champions having won the T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa in a thrilling final the encouragement from their female counterparts serves as a reminder of the unity and camaraderie within Indian cricketHarmanpreet Kaur the Indian womenâs captain led the charge by sending a powerful message of support âWishing Team India all the best for T20 World Cup Play with full of your heart enjoy and we all know you are going to win this Wishing all the luckâ she said exuding confidence in the teamâs abilitiesSmriti Mandhana one of the brightest stars in womenâs cricket and the vicecaptain of her team also shared her best wishes and said âWishing the best for the Indian Team looking really good we all are looking forward to another cup But no pressure and hopefully we can play some good cricketâ she stated acknowledging the high expectations surrounding the menâs teamDeepti Sharma who played a crucial role in Indiaâs ODI World Cup victory and was named Player of the Series expressed excitement about the upcoming event in India adding a touch of emotional significance to her message âWishing all the very best this is going to happen in India and it will be very special Go get the cup homeâ the allrounder said highlighting the pride and passion that accompany a home World CupRicha Ghosh the dynamic wicketkeeperbatter for India also sent her best wishes to the menâs team recognising the significance of the World Cup for both teams âWishing you all the very best for the Menâs T20 World Cup 2026 good luck guysâ she expressed sending her encouragement ahead of what promises to be an exciting tournamentThe Indian womenâs team which made history by winning the 2025 ICC Womenâs ODI World Cup for the first time since the tournamentâs inception has shown that the spirit of Indian cricket is united regardless of format or gender While the Men in Blue gear up to kick off their campaign against the USA on Saturday members of the womenâs team are preparing for their multiformat tour of Australia starting on February 15 The Women in Blue will begin their tour with a threegame T20I series followed by as many ODIs and a oneoff Test IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-women-rally-behind-the-mens-team-ahead-of-t20-world-cup--660966.html Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/mcc-announces-new-edition-of-laws-of-cricket-for-2026-effective-from-oct-1-660710.html London Feb 3 The Marylebone Cricket Club MCC is set to amend the Laws of Cricket by allowing a wider range of bats a move aimed at easing the financial burden on amateur players as the cost of traditional English willow continues to rise As part of a new edition of the Laws due to take effect on October 1 2026 the MCC has introduced an amendment to Law 58 titled Categories of bat The change is one of 73 revisions announced by the gameâs lawmakers and will permit the use of laminated bats known as Type D bats in openage recreational cricket for the first timeUntil now Type D bats which are constructed from up to three pieces of wood have been restricted to junior cricket Under the revised Laws they will be permitted more broadly to address the rising global cost of batsLaminated bats typically feature an English willow face supported by cheaper lowergrade willow such as Kashmir willow By contrast Types A B and C bats are made from a single solid piece of willow The MCC expects elitelevel cricket to continue using these traditional onepiece designsThe law change also opens the door for manufacturers to use nonwillow materials behind the batâs faceMCC Laws manager Fraser Stewart said extensive testing had been carried out alongside bat makers and suggested that any competitive edge from laminated bats would be negligibleâIt is important that we announce these changes now as part of the Clubâs global commitment to the game giving officials from all over the world the chance to learn under the new Laws ahead of them coming into force in October Cricket is a fastevolving sport and this edition is drafted with the modern game in mind as we are constantly looking to ensure that the Laws which the Club has administered since being founded in 1787 are fit for all levels of cricket across the globeâ Stewart said in a statement by MCCâThe Laws subcommittee meets several times each year to shape the Laws and debate what changes are required to every area of the edition The changes announced today represent the way the game continues to evolveâ he addedThe decision follows a conference hosted by the MCC at Lordâs last year where stakeholders from across the game examined the future of bat production A key concern was cricketâs heavy dependence on English willow a resource that has become increasingly scarceDemand from South Asia has driven prices sharply upwards with bat costs reportedly tripling in recent years and some premium models now approaching Â1000The MCC is also understood to be investigating alternative bat materials though officials remain cautious about maintaining the balance of the game and avoiding heightened injury risks Researchers at the University of Cambridge have previously proposed bamboo as a potential substitute for willow while graphitebacked bats outlawed in 2006 and later abandoned by manufacturers have resurfaced in discussionsOther changes to the LawsIn addition to equipment reforms the MCC confirmed that the latest version of the Laws will eliminate gendered language and include clearer wording to assist nonnative English speakersA significant onfield change impacts multiday matches Law 1252 will be revised so that if a wicket falls in the final over of the day play will not end immediately Instead the over must be finishedThis doesnt save time which is the case at lunch and tea as the remaining balls need to be made up the next day and it takes the drama out of the game the MCC saidBall regulations are also changing Under Law 41 junior and womenâs cricket balls will now fall within stricter standardised size and weight limits The game will operate with three defined ball sizes 1 2 and 3 to ensure greater consistencyAdditional amendments includeLaw 1952 now bans socalled âbunny hopâ boundary catches by limiting fielders to a single airborne touch after returning from beyond the boundary Any further contact must be made entirely within the field of playLaw 2731 permits wicketkeepers to have their gloves in front of the stumps during the bowlerâs runup provided they are fully behind the stumps at the moment of releaseRevised wording in Laws 151 and 152 prevents captains from declaring the final innings of a matchClarifications to Laws 1851 and 1852 mean batters may abandon a run without penalty unless the act is deemed deliberately deceptive In such cases the fielding side is awarded a penalty and chooses which batter faces the next deliveryLaw 198 now distinguishes intentional throws at the stumps classed as overthrows from ordinary misfields which no longer count as suchLaw 20111 gives umpires greater discretion in calling the ball dead allowing it to be deemed settled when stationary or held by any fielder not just the bowler or wicketkeeperSince 1787 the MCC has overseen and safeguarded the Laws of Cricket and these recent updates aim to strike a balance between tradition and the needs of a changing more sustainable affordable and clear global game IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/mcc-announces-new-edition-of-laws-of-cricket-for-2026-effective-from-oct-1-660710.html Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-just-ran-out-of-time-says-cummins-on-missing-t20-world-cup-660651.html New Delhi Feb 3 Australiaâs fastbowling spearhead Pat Cummins has revealed that he came very close to being part of the T20 World Cup 2026 squad but a minor delay in his recovery ruled him out of the final 15team squad Cummins was replaced by Ben Dwarshuis in Australiaâs squad for the mega tournament which begins on February 7 due to an ongoing back issue The rightarm pacer said he was feeling good physically but simply did not have enough time to complete his recoveryIt was really unfortunate I feel pretty good just a minor setback and just ran out of time really Ill rest up for a few weeks and go from there Cummins said to AAP as quoted by the ICCThe Australian captain explained that after the Adelaide Test the medical team felt his back needed between four and eight weeks of rest before he could build up his workload againWe knew after the Adelaide Test match we were going to need somewhere between four and eight weeks to let the bone settle right down before then building back up Initially we thought it might only be four weeks because I was feeling really good but just had a followup scan he saidThey thought it probably needed another couple of weeks so the timeline just became a bit too tight he addedCummins is now hopeful of returning to competitive action during the Indian Premier League IPL in March but stressed that his main focus is being fully fit for a busy test calendar later in the yearAustralia has a packed schedule ahead with home tests against Bangladesh an away series in South Africa followed by multiple matches against New Zealand and India before the current World Test Championship cycle endsWe thought the first half of the year was a pretty good time to be conservative with the amount of cricket thats coming up Well get it right then hopefully that will mean you wont have to worry about it and you can just go out and play all those Test matches he explainedWhereas if youre not careful with it now and it flares up youre chasing your tail a bit Cummins addedDespite missing the World Cup Cummins backed Australia to perform strongly in the tournament He said the recent T20I series loss to Pakistan does not reflect the true quality of the squadIt wasnt our greatest few games in Pakistan but the guys are coming off a strong Big Bash and a couple of guys are coming back from injury for the World Cup Cummins saidMorale is good Chatting to a few of the boys from afarâ they know how big it is theyre desperate to get started and get into it he addedThe 2021 T20 World Cup champions will face Ireland Zimbabwe Oman and cohosts Sri Lanka in their groupstage matches IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-just-ran-out-of-time-says-cummins-on-missing-t20-world-cup-660651.html Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-plays-the-way-we-do-ishan-kishan-backs-alcaraz-in-australian-open-final-660465.html Thiruvananthapuram Feb 1 India wicketkeeperbatter Ishan Kishan has backed Carlos Alcaraz to win the menâs singles final against Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 2026 saying the young Spaniardâs attacking instincts and fearless shotmaking closely resemble the way Indian cricketers approach their game âI personally want Alcaraz to win because I feel that the way he plays is very much like how we playâ Kishan said in a video released by BCCI on X âHeâs a bit quick Whenever thereâs a gap he tries to hit it He doesnât lookâ he doesnât show that much patienceâ he addedKishan believes Alcarazâs natural aggression and willingness to seize opportunities make him an exciting prospect in big matches even against a seasoned champion like Djokovic He also said that Alcaraz is aiming for his first Aus Open title so he should win itâSo that is with Alcaraz Itâs very important for Alcaraz to win because heâll have his first Australian Open So I am with Carlito he saidContrary to Kishan Indias fast bowler Arshdeep Singh wants Djokovic to win the title clash I am supporting Iceman Djokovic he saidThe Australian Open final sets up a highstakes clash between two generations with Alcaraz and Djokovic both chasing a historic milestone of their ownVictory in Melbourne would see the 22yearold Spaniard complete a rare career Grand Slam having already won the French Open Wimbledon and the US Open He will also become the youngest man ever to achieve this feat eclipsing the record held by his compatriot Rafael Nadal who completed the set at 24Standing in his way is Djokovic who is not just playing for another title he is seeking to stand alone as the most successful Grand Slam player in the history of the sport male or female A victory would secure Djokovics 25th Grand Slam title moving him past Margaret Court 24 for the most major singles titles in history The final will be played at Rod Laver Arena Melbourne on SundayMeanwhile Kishan and Arshdeep were both the standout performers for India in the fifth T20I played at Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday While Kishan played a magnificent knock of 103 runs Arshdeep took a fivewicket haul which helped India secure a 46run win against New Zealand IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-plays-the-way-we-do-ishan-kishan-backs-alcaraz-in-australian-open-final-660465.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 11:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/usman-tariq-trolls-cameron-green-after-chucking-gesture-in-pakistan-vs-australia-2nd-t20i-660477.html Lahore Feb 1 Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq responded sharply on social media after Australian allrounder Cameron Green appeared to question his bowling action during the second T20I match played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday Tariq posted a meme on Instagram on Sunday suggesting that Greenâs reaction was driven by frustration following his dismissal Though he did not mention Green by name the timing and message of the post were widely seen as a clear response to the onfield incidentThe incident occurred in the 11th over of Australiaâs chase when Green was dismissed while trying to play an aggressive shot against Tariq As he walked back to the pavilion Green was caught on camera making a hand gesture that many interpreted as an accusation of âchuckingâ The gesture quickly became a talking point among fans on social media with some demanding a ban on the Pakistan bowlerTariq is known for an unusual bowling action that includes a brief pause before releasing the ball He has faced scrutiny in the past and was reported twice for a suspect action during the Pakistan Super League PSL However on both occasions he was later cleared after undergoing testingTariq was also embroiled in a chucking row ahead of the ILT20 final in the United Arab Emirates forced to defend his unconventional action which he claimed fell within all allowable 15degree parameters of elbow straighteningSpeaking of the match coming to bat after winning the toss Pakistan posted a mammoth total of 198 runs in 20 overs with the help of skipper Salman Aghas knock of 76 and wicketkeeper batter Usman Khan who scored 53 runsAustralia looked clueless throughout the chase and was bundled out for just 108 runs in 154 overs Green was the lone player to cross the 30run mark With this win Pakistan has clinched the threematch series by winning the first two matches IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/usman-tariq-trolls-cameron-green-after-chucking-gesture-in-pakistan-vs-australia-2nd-t20i-660477.html Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-2026-icc-announces-24-match-official-for-group-stage-660292.html Dubai Jan 30 The International Cricket Council ICC on Friday announced the match official for the group stage of the Menâs T20 World Cup 2026 beginning February 7 In total 24 officials will serve as onfield umpires and six will be match referees during the group stage of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026The officials for the Super Eight and knockout stages will be announced laterKumar Dharmasena and Wayne Knights will be the onfield umpires for the opening match between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in ColomboThis match will mark Knightsâ first appearance at an ICC Menâs T20 World Cup while Dharmasena continues to add to his extensive tournament experienceDharmasena was part of Sri Lankaâs ICC Menâs Cricket World Cupwinning team in 1996He has officiated in 37 matches at the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup including the finals in 2016 and 2022 This achievement places him fourth on the alltime list for matches officiated in the competitionKnights will also reach a significant milestone during the Group A match as he officiates his 50th T20 International as an onfield umpire On the opening day in Kolkata Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski will take charge of the Group C match between Scotland and the West IndiesMenon was part of the onfield umpire team for the first semifinal of the 2024 Menâs T20 World Cup between Afghanistan and South Africa Nogajski officiated four group matches at the previous edition including Indiaâs match against the USAIndia and the USA will meet later on 7 February in Mumbai with Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker appointed as the onfield umpiresTucker holds the record among officials for most matches officiated at the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup with 46 appearances so far He is set to reach his 50th match during the tournament The Australian will also officiate matches such as England versus Nepal India against Namibia and South Africa versus the United Arab EmiratesChris Gaffaney and Richard Illingworth who worked together in the 2024 final will reunite for the Group B match between Australia and Ireland on 11 February Illingworth will also be onfield with Dharmasena for the important groupstage match between India and Pakistan in Colombo on 15 FebruaryMatch RefereesDean Cosker David Gilbert Ranjan Madugalle Andrew Pycroft Richie Richardson Javagal SrinathUmpiresRoland Black Chris Brown Kumar Dharmasena Chris Gaffaney Adrian Holdstock Richard Illingworth Richard Kettleborough Wayne Knights Donovan Koch Jayaraman Madanagopal Nitin Menon Sam Nogajski KNA Padmanabhan Allahuddien Paleker Ahsan Raza Leslie Reifer Paul Reiffel Langton Rusere Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Gazi Sohel Rod Tucker Alex Wharf Raveendra Wimalasiri Asif Yaqoob IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-2026-icc-announces-24-match-official-for-group-stage-660292.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-under-19-team-interact-with-tendulkar-ahead-of-key-wc-clash-against-pakistan-660340.html Bulawayo Jan 30 The India under19 menâs side virtually interacted with legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar ahead of their decisive Super Six clash against Pakistan in the ongoing U19 World Cup England secured a semifinal berth with a 65run victory over New Zealand on Friday while Afghanistan also progressed to the last four stage with a 191run win over Ireland It means Sundayâs contest between India and Pakistan is now a virtual knockout with only one team from Group 2 set to progress to the knockoutsâIn what was an invaluable experience the next generation got insights and perspectives on the important ingredients for success and longevity in an ever evolving sport not just limited to technical skills and remaining fit but also the importance of staying focused disciplined humble and rooted in successâ wrote the BCCI on its âXâ account on FridayThey also posted pictures of the entire U19 team being together along with the entire support staff â head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar bowling coach Sunil Joshi and fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh with Tendulkar in the background Apart from the coaches VVS Laxman former India cricketer and Head of Cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence CoE was spotted in the picturesWith the Indian U19 team in Zimbabwe for the U19WorldCup Hungry focused and eager to learn Embracing the challenge growing with every session and proud to represent the country on the world stageâ wrote Laxman on his âXâ accountIndia led by Ayush Mhatre registered a whopping 204run victory over Zimbabwe in their first Super Six game held earlier this week at the Queens Sports Club The sideâs victory was set up by a splendid century from Vihaan Malhotra and a fine fifty from Abhigyan KunduPakistan meanwhile have suffered a major blow ahead of the crucial clash against India as wicketkeeperbatter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the tournament after being struck on the nose while keeping to a fastbowler during a scenariobased practice match Following the blow Shayan was taken to hospital where Xrays confirmed a fracture IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-under-19-team-interact-with-tendulkar-ahead-of-key-wc-clash-against-pakistan-660340.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 01:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-under-19-team-interacts-with-tendulkar-ahead-of-key-wc-clash-against-pakistan-660341.html Bulawayo Jan 30 The India under19 menâs side virtually interacted with legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar ahead of their decisive Super Six clash against Pakistan in the ongoing U19 World Cup England secured a semifinal berth with a 65run victory over New Zealand on Friday while Afghanistan also progressed to the last four stage with a 191run win over Ireland It means Sundayâs contest between India and Pakistan is now a virtual knockout with only one team from Group 2 set to progress to the knockoutsâIn what was an invaluable experience the next generation got insights and perspectives on the important ingredients for success and longevity in an ever evolving sport not just limited to technical skills and remaining fit but also the importance of staying focused disciplined humble and rooted in successâ wrote the BCCI on its âXâ account on FridayThey also posted pictures of the entire U19 team being together along with the entire support staff â head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar bowling coach Sunil Joshi and fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh with Tendulkar in the background Apart from the coaches VVS Laxman former India cricketer and Head of Cricket at the BCCI Centre of Excellence CoE was spotted in the picturesWith the Indian U19 team in Zimbabwe for the U19WorldCup Hungry focused and eager to learn Embracing the challenge growing with every session and proud to represent the country on the world stageâ wrote Laxman on his âXâ accountIndia led by Ayush Mhatre registered a whopping 204run victory over Zimbabwe in their first Super Six game held earlier this week at the Queens Sports Club The sideâs victory was set up by a splendid century from Vihaan Malhotra and a fine fifty from Abhigyan KunduPakistan meanwhile have suffered a major blow ahead of the crucial clash against India as wicketkeeperbatter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the tournament after being struck on the nose while keeping to a fastbowler during a scenariobased practice match Following the blow Shayan was taken to hospital where Xrays confirmed a fracture IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-under-19-team-interacts-with-tendulkar-ahead-of-key-wc-clash-against-pakistan-660341.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 01:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-was-protecting-them-brook-admits-to-lying-about-teammates-during-nz-nightclub-incident-660378.html Colombo Jan 31 England skipper Harry Brook has changed his version of a latenight incident in Wellington last year when he was struck by a nightclub bouncer admitting that other players were also present with him during the altercation after previously claiming he was alone However in a new statement he released on Friday Brook admitted that other players were with him admitting he had misled reporters to protect the players from being drawn into a situationâI accept responsibility for my actions in Wellington and acknowledge others were present that evening I regret my previous comments and my intention was to protect my teammates from being drawn into a situation that arose as a result of my decisions I have apologised and will continue to reflect on the matter said Brook as quoted by the BBCThis has been a challenging period in my career but one from which I am learning I recognise I have more to learn regarding the offfield responsibilities that come with leadership and captaincy I remain committed to developing in this area and to improving both personally and professionallyâ he addedBrooks comments came after a report in the Telegraph revealed that Brook Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were all under investigation by the ECBBrookâs revised stance contrasts sharply with comments he made last week when he portrayed the incident as a solitary lapse in judgment and distanced his teammates from the episodeâThere was no intention of going out no intention of putting ourselves in a tricky situationâ he had said âI took it upon myself to go out for a few more and I was on my own there I shouldnât have been there I was trying to get into a club and the bouncer just clocked me unfortunately I wouldnât say I was leathered Iâd had one too many drinksâ he said to the media ahead of the Sri Lanka tourMeanwhile the England cricket team started their preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 on a high as they beat the cohosts Sri Lanka in the first match of the T20I series in Pallekele Cricket Stadium on FridayThe T20 World Cup will be the first time Brook will be captaining the side in an ICC event IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-was-protecting-them-brook-admits-to-lying-about-teammates-during-nz-nightclub-incident-660378.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/if-i-take-kohlis-wicket-i-will-touch-his-feet-says-pbks-new-recruit-vishal-nishad-660401.html Udaipur Jan 31 Punjab Kings new recruit Vishal Nishad highlighted the influence of Indias charismatic batter Virat Kohli on his journey and also spoke about his reaction if he gets the opportunity to take the wicket of his idol saying he would touch his feet A massive fan of Kohli Nishad spoke about how the former Indian captain inspired him to take up the sport âMy idol is Virat Kohli I am inspired by his attitude and his drive hes my favouriteâ Nishad saidHowever with the prospect of facing his idol on the pitch Nishad was asked how he would celebrate if he managed to take Kohlis wicket âIf I take his wicket Ill touch his feet because hes my idolâ he replied displaying the unique blend of ambition and humility that defines the Punjab Kings spiritA standout product of a local T20 league and as a testament to perseverance Nishad joined the Kings following a journey marked by grit and family sacrificeâThere were tough times I used to go with my father and help him with work I even thought Iâd quit cricketâ Nishad recalled âMy mother told me to leave it and learn something else because becoming a cricketer is so difficult But I didnt give up I told her âMom I will definitely do itâ Once they saw my resolve my family stood behind meâOriginally a tennisball player Vishal was prompted to transition to professional cricket by a friend who was impressed by his natural âball throwingâ skillsâInitially I played tennisball cricket A friend watched me throw and suggested to try the leather ball because he liked my action After that I decided to practice seriously Thats how it all startedâ he revealedHe added âMy coach didnât charge me fees for three years Eventually I played in a local T20 tournament in Uttar Pradesh and performed well After two years of playing in the tournament I landed up here with Punjab KingsâExplaining his choice to become a bowler Nishad noted how his background in tennisball cricket played a pivotal role âAs I was practicing with the tennis ball initially I got used to making it spin I adapted my tennisball skills to the leather ball which played a major role in me becoming a bowlerâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/if-i-take-kohlis-wicket-i-will-touch-his-feet-says-pbks-new-recruit-vishal-nishad-660401.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/anahat-stages-stunning-comeback-to-enter-squash-on-fire-sf-in-washington-660405.html Washington Jan 31 Teenage star Anahat Singh fought back from 20 down to beat No 2 seed Sana Ibrahim and reach the Squash on Fire Open semifinals on Saturday The Indian world No 31 and seventh seed fought her way back into the contest overturning a 65 deficit in both the third and fourth games to edge out the Egyptian world No 17 811 811 117 118 117 in the PSA Bronzelevel eventAnahat 17 has already made a name for herself on the PSA Tour this season most notably reaching the semifinals of the Silverlevel Canadian Womenâs Open in October climbing up inside the worldâs top 30 soon afterwardsShe is now one win away from her biggest career final but she had to do things the hard way on quarterfinals day in Washington DC falling two games behind to Ibrahim in the dayâs penultimate matchBut with a full crowd watching on â a crowd which included her coach Greg Gaultier and plenty of vocal support for her â Singh clawed her way back into the contest overturning a 65 deficit in both the third and fourth gamesKey to her turnaround was undoubtedly her composure at crucial moments an impressive trait for a player so young and she continued to play with her fluid attacking style throughoutAt 67 down in the fifth she had little room for error but errors were not on her radar reeling off the next five points on the bounce to close out the comeback win turning to the crowd and letting out a huge roar of emotionShe will now face the inform Sabrina Sobhy for a place in the final after the American ended the impressive run of the unseeded Jana Swaify with a 30 winMeanwhile Veer Chotrani lost 811 116 1412 119 to the sixth seed from England Declan James in the menâs quarterfinal IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/anahat-stages-stunning-comeback-to-enter-squash-on-fire-sf-in-washington-660405.html Sat, 31 Jan 2026 17:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/south-africa-have-a-chance-to-go-all-the-way-in-mens-t20-world-cup-says-duminy-660117.html New Delhi Jan 29 South Africa have a chance to âgo all the wayâ to winning the 2026 Menâs T20 World Cup title when the mega event begins on February 7 said former allrounder JP Duminy The Proteas are yet to win a title and their best result in the tournament has been as runnersup in the 2024 edition where they lost in the final to India by seven runs in Barbados The side is currently playing against West Indies in three T20Is before heading to India for their Menâs T20 World Cup gamesSouth Africa will begin their Group D campaign against Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 9 before taking on Afghanistan New Zealand and the UAE in the group stageâWe have been playing really good cricket over the last year or so particularly in whiteball formats and the squad we have certainly gives us a chance to go all the way Thereâs always that elusive thought of when South Africa will win a whiteball competition and I think we give ourselves a good chance going into this oneâ Duminy told IANS on ThursdayThe upcoming tournament will be the first whiteball competition South Africa will play under Shukri Conradâs coaching after he took over as the allformat coach in July last year Duminy who played six T20 World Cups for South Africa pointed to the form of the captain Aiden Markram as a key factor in how the side fares in the competitionMarkram is coming on the back of making 309 runs in nine games for Durbanâs Super Giants in the recent edition of SA20 and struck an unbeaten 86 in the first T20I where South Africa beat West Indies by nine wickets in PaarlâWhat stands out for me is the form of the players especially the captain From a batting point of view the form heâs in is important and if he plays well we give ourselves a very good chance as a teamâ he addedCurrently featuring in the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa Duminy said being in the competition has been a rewarding experience âItâs been great You get to see familiar faces youâve played with and against over the years Being part of a tournament like this playing the game we love and bringing people together is really awesomeâHe signed off by saying the competitive spirit remains strong among former players âThe competitive nature never disappears Everyone still wants to play at a level that gives them the best chance of winning games Beyond that itâs the camaraderie the change room the banter that you miss and coming together to play the game again brings all of that backâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/south-africa-have-a-chance-to-go-all-the-way-in-mens-t20-world-cup-says-duminy-660117.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-dubey-picks-6-37-as-vidarbha-take-upper-hand-over-up-in-must-win-clash-660154.html Nagpur Jan 29 Vidarbha captain Harsh Dubey claimed 637 in 195 overs to bowl out Uttar Pradesh for 237 in 685 overs on the opening day of their mustwin Elite Group A clash in the Ranji Trophy 202526 at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday By the time stumps were called Vidarbha reached 33 for loss in 12 overs to take early honours in a game they needed to win outright to enter the knockouts Electing to bat first UP were struggling at 1096 before Dhruv Jurel 96 and Shivam Mavi 47 added 92 runs for the seventh wicket to help UP cross the 200run markAt the Salem Cricket Foundation Ground Salem Sukirt Pandey struck an unbeaten 73 and Ninad Rathva made 66 as Baroda reached 2475 against Tamil Nadu Electing to bat Baroda were reduced to 724 after offspinner J Hemchudeshan claimed three wickets in his first four overs and captain R Sai Kishore took one scalpBut Rathva and Pandey steadied the innings once the pitch eased adding valuable runs with measured strokeplay Pandey and skipper Atit Sheth 45 not out shared an unbroken 90run stand for the sixth wicket thus ensuring Baroda ended the day in a strong position after Tamil Naduâs early strikesAt Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima Chetan Bist struck a commanding unbeaten 160 as Nagaland reached 3226 in 90 overs against Andhra Nagaland were in trouble at 594 before Bist led a remarkable recovery adding 167 for the fifth wicket with Dega Nischal who made 74 from 188 ballsThe wicketkeeperbatter struck 23 fours and a six in his 217ball stay dominating the innings and keeping Nagaland in control Though Nischal was dismissed late in the day and Imliwati Lemtur fell cheaply Bist found support from Nagaho Chishi who remained unbeaten on 37At Barabati Stadium in Cuttack Odisha ended day oneâs play at 2426 in 92 overs against Jharkhand with Swastik Samal 79 and Govinda Podder 64 scoring halfcenturies Jharkhand the only side that can deny Vidarbha qualification for knockouts were kept at bay by Odishaâs gritty batters IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-dubey-picks-6-37-as-vidarbha-take-upper-hand-over-up-in-must-win-clash-660154.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/virat-kohlis-instagram-account-reinstated-after-brief-disappearance-660201.html New Delhi Jan 30 Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohlis official Instagram account was reinstated on Friday morning following a brief disappearance that left fans baffled and buzzing online On Thursday night Virats official Instagram account which boasts a whopping 274 million followers suddenly became inaccessible leaving millions of fans wondering whether the profile was deleted deactivated or temporarily suspendedUsers attempting to visit Kohliâs verified handle were met with an error message stating that the page was unavailableThe unexpected development quickly triggered a wave of speculation especially given Kohliâs massive global following and his reputation as one of the most active athletes on social media His Instagram presence known for blending cricket updates brand collaborations fitness routines and family moments has long been a key connection point with fansWithin minutes of the account vanishing hashtags related to Kohli began trending across platforms Supporters flooded X and fan forums with screenshots and theories ranging from a possible voluntary break from social media to a technical issue on Instagramâs end Some even speculated about a hacking incident though there has been no evidence to support such claimsKohli one of cricketâs most recognisable figures worldwide commands one of the largest followings among athletes globally His digital influence extends far beyond the cricket field making the sudden absence of his account all the more noticeableHe recently reclaimed the No 1 ICC ODI batting ranking after a masterful 124run knock against New Zealand earlier this month his 54th ODI century before moving to second before Daryl Mitchell went past the Indian legend to be on top of the ODI chartKohli etched his name in the record books by becoming Indiaâs highest runscorer against New Zealand in ODI historyAcross 35 ODIs against the Kiwis Kohli has amassed 1773 runs at an impressive average of 554 including six centuries and 10 halfcenturies with a highest score of 154 He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar who scored 1750 runs in 42 matches at an average of 4605 with five hundreds and eight fifties IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/virat-kohlis-instagram-account-reinstated-after-brief-disappearance-660201.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pakistan-skipper-salman-agha-confirms-he-will-bat-no-3-in-t20-wc-660214.html New Delhi Jan 30 As Pakistan provided hints to a newlook top six during the first T20I against Australia captain Salman Ali Agha has confirmed he will bat at No 3 for the side during the upcoming ICC Mens T20 World Cup Ali Agha has predominantly batted later in Pakistans top six across his T20I career but most recently has taken it upon himself to move up to the crucial No 3 position in order to provide a more attacking option for his sideThe righthander appeared in good touch at first drop against Australia in the opening T20I of their threematch series in Lahore on Thursday when contributing a quickfire innings of 39 as Pakistan recorded an impressive 22run triumph just days out from the start of the T20 World CupYes Ill be batting at No 3 in the future We expect to face a lot of spin and I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay Thats why I moved up and that is where Ill stay Ali Agha was quoted by ICCAli Aghas promotion up the order means Babar Azam will most likely also face a new role with the former Pakistan skipper managing 24 runs from 20 deliveries against the Aussies after coming into bat at No 4Pakistan successfully defended their 168run total in the first of the three T20Is against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday eveningIn reply the Aussies lost six wickets to spin in reply as their run chase fell 22 runs short of the targetSpeaking about the game Ali Agha said We started well with the bat but couldnt finish the way we wanted It became challenging after the first 10 overs as the ball stopped coming onto the bat but I think we were outstanding with the ballTo be honest I felt 170 was enough Given how we were placed after 10 overs we probably could have scored 15 more but I knew 170 would be plenty on this pitch because our spin bowling is outstandingThe second and third matches of the series will be played on Saturday and Sunday IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pakistan-skipper-salman-agha-confirms-he-will-bat-no-3-in-t20-wc-660214.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sophie-molineux-named-australian-womens-all-format-captain-660032.html Melbourne Jan 29 Sophie Molineux has been appointed captain of the Australian Womenâs Team taking the reins from Alyssa Healy who will retire from all formats in March Cricket Australia said on Thursday Having made her international debut in March 2018 the Molineux has been vital to Australiaâs whiteball success She was part of the ICC Womens T20 World Cup winning squads in 2018 and 2020 Over the last eight years she has played three Tests 17 ODIs and 38 T20Is for AustraliaThe 28yearold leftarm spinner will make her national captaincy debut in three T20Is as part of the upcoming multiformat Womenâs International Series against India starting on February 15âItâs a real honour to be named Australian captain and something Iâm incredibly proud of especiallyfollowing on from Alyssa whoâs had such a huge impact on this team and the gameâWeâve got a really strong group with plenty of natural leaders alongside a lot of exciting talent coming through and Iâm really looking forward to working together as we keep evolving and pushing ourselves to the next level while staying true to the identity that makes this team so special Molineux saidIâm incredibly grateful for the trust thatâs been shown in me and Iâm excited to grow alongside this group of players and see what we can achieve together with Tahlia Ash and the rest of the team she addedMeanwhile Healy will captain Australia for the last time during the three ODIs and Test match with Molineux her deputy Allrounder Ashleigh Gardner has been elevated to vicecaptain alongside Tahlia McGrath across all formatsâSophie is an outstanding leader and we are thrilled for her to take on the role Sophie is highly respected within Australian cricket and her resilience composure and proven domestic leadership makes her the right person to lead the team into a new eraâWe will continue to manage Sophieâs workload prioritising key tournaments and major international series following injury challenges in recent seasons National Selector Shawn Flegler saidâTahlia McGrath remains vicecaptain recognising her significant leadership contribution under Alyssa Healy Tahlia has acted as standin captain on 16 occasions across formats providing consistency and stabilityâAsh Gardner has been elevated to vicecaptain alongside Tahlia strengthening the teamâs leadership group Ash and Tahlia provide complimentary skills in support of Sophie and are also both capable of leading the team as standin captain if required he addedAustralia also announced the squads to face India next month including a GovernorGeneralâs XI to take on the visitors ahead of the seriesAllrounder Nicola Carey is in line to play her first international match since 2022 while leftarm quick Lucy Hamilton has been named in her first Australian squadâNicola has had an impressive past couple of years in domestic cricket and has also performed well overseas in both England and India She is an experienced player with a strong skill set and she will get an opportunity to test those skills as we build towards the T20 World CupâLucy is an exciting leftarm fast bowler who offers something different with the ball She has worked hardon her game over the past few years and is someone we believe has a big future while also benefiting from being around the group at this level Flegler saidLegspinner Alana King has been omitted from Australiaâs T20 squad with Megan Schutt missing out on selection in the ODI sideâIt was also a tough call with Megan but at her best she remains an important part of the side particularly with the T20 World Cup on the horizon Flegler saidHiwever Phoebe Litchfield has been named in all three squads despite being ruled out of the remainder of the Womens Premier League season with a quad injuryThe GovernorGeneralâs XI match will see some of Australiaâs most promising domestic stars face the oneday World Champions in a T20 fixture under lights at North Sydney OvalThe team will be led by Queenslandâs Charli Knott and features Australian Defence Force cricketer Corporal Frances Whittaker alongside Australian players Tess Flintoff Kim Garth Alana King and Georgia VollA member of the Royal Australian Air Force Whittaker is a wicketkeeper and toporder batter with her selection continuing a longstanding association with the Australian Defence Force that provides the opportunity for eligible serving personnel to participate in the annual fixtureâThis multiformat series will be an important test across all three formats and a crucial part of ourpreparation as we look ahead to the ICC Womenâs T20 World Cup in England in June Flegler addedAustralia ODI squad Alyssa Healy c Sophie Molineux vc Darcie Brown Nicola Carey Ashleigh Gardner Kim Garth Alana King Phoebe Litchfield Beth Mooney Tahlia McGrath Ellyse Perry Annabel Sutherland Georgia Voll Georgia WarehamAustralia Test squad Alyssa Healy c Sophie Molineux vc Darcie Brown Ashleigh Gardner Kim Garth Lucy Hamilton Alana King Phoebe Litchfield Beth Mooney Tahlia McGrath Ellyse Perry Annabel Sutherland Georgia Voll Georgia Wareham IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sophie-molineux-named-australian-womens-all-format-captain-660032.html Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-beth-mooneys-fifty-and-tanuja-kanwars-late-blitz-lift-gujarat-giants-to-1749-against-dc-659970.html Vadodara Jan 27 Beth Mooneyâs composed halfcentury and N Shree Charaniâs timely strikes shaped an eventful first innings as Gujarat Giants posted a competitive 174 for 9 against Delhi Capitals in the 17th match of the Womens Premier League WPL 2026 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday Batting first for the first time the Giants took advantage of Mooneys composure at the top of the order until the last set of the innings when Tanuja Kanwar came out to bat The opening pair for Gujarat was Sophie Devine and Mooney but Devine only faced the third over before getting out to Marizanne Kapp for 13 runs Anushka Sharma batting at No 3 struck a couple of boundaries within the first 20 balls of the game showing early aggressionMooney hit out a few singles to get used to the pitch By the end of the Powerplay the Giants had built themselves solidly to 53 runs for the loss of one wicketAnushka Sharma kept the Giants scoring towards the middle of the game had one chance in the eighth over on 39 runs and had it taken from her almost immediately as Shree Charani took her wicket in the very next delivery swinging the momentum back to DelhiAfter that the Giants had another success when captain Ashleigh Gardner hit the ball towards deep midwicket only to get out for 2Mooney remained calm through everything that happened and reached her fifty runs during her innings with just 39 deliveries holding the entire innings together while losing wickets all around herCharani claimed her second wicket when she bowled Georgia Wareham out for 11 in the 15th over Delhi increased the pressure on the Giants in the next over when Chinelle Henry dismissed Bharti Fulmali for 3 leaving the Giants in a precarious position And when she finished her innings at 58 from 46 balls in the 17th over the Giants chances for a strong finish seemed bleakThe Giants poor finish continued as Delhi shut them down during the final overs of the match Just when Gujarat appeared to be limping to the end of their innings Tanuja Kanwar added an important contribution as a No 9 batter scoring 21 runs off 11 balls just before the end of the inningsKanwars effort raised the Giants total to 174 runs for 9 wickets from 20 overs giving the Delhi Capitals a competitive target despite Delhi not being at their best during the final phase of the inningsBrief scoresGujarat Giants 1749 in 20 overs Beth Mooney 58 Anushka Sharma 39 Sree Charani 431 Chinelle Henry 238 against Delhi Capitals IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-beth-mooneys-fifty-and-tanuja-kanwars-late-blitz-lift-gujarat-giants-to-1749-against-dc-659970.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-world-cup-india-pakistan-set-for-key-clash-after-big-wins-remain-on-course-for-semis-spots-659983.html Bulawayo Jan 27 India moved to the top of the Group 2 points table with a convincing win over Zimbabwe in the ICC Under19 Mens Cricket World Cup Meanwhile Pakistan also took a step towards the semifinals with a solid win over New Zealand The Group 2 standings after the recent fixtures have set up an enticing contest between India and Pakistan on Sunday Pakistan proved they are a force to be reckoned with at the ICC Under19 Menâs Cricket World Cup with a comprehensive eightwicket win over New ZealandIn a dominant allround display Pakistan chased down a modest target of 111 inside 171 overs The big win kept Pakistan in the hunt for a semifinal spot Though they are currently third in the standings behind England and India they have notched a healthy net run rate of 1484 which may come in handy if thereâs a logjam at the top of the tableElecting to field first Pakistan pacers made the most of the seaming conditions at the Harare Sports Club Ali Raza got the ball rolling as he trapped Marco Alpes leg before the wicket While Raza claimed three wickets for 36 runs in seven overs Abdul Subhan produced a matchwinning spell of 411 from his quota of 63 oversFor New Zealand opener Hugo Bogue notched the highest score a quickfire innings of 36 which included six fours and two maximums However the Pakistan bowling attack ensured that the Black Caps didnt have any partnerships goingIn the second innings rising star Sameer Minhas led the chase with a second straight halfcentury in the competition Minhas scored an unbeaten 76 and took Pakistan over the finish line with an emphatic six down the groundIndia rode on a splendid century from Vihaan Malhotra to register a whopping 204run victory over Zimbabwe to reclaim their top spot in Group 2 standingsAfter being asked to bat first Indian openers Aaron George and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stitched together a quickfire 44run opening stand Georges departure didnt deter Sooryavanshi as he continued with the onslaught to bring up his halfcenturyZimbabwe clawed back some initiative sending the 14yearold and Vedant Trivedi back in the hut within the space of five oversMalhotra and Abhigyan Kundu then settled into a fine batting rhythm to steer India clear of any potential danger The former fired Indias first century at the tournament while Kundus 61 off 62 deliveries set India on the course for a big score Khilan A Patels 12ball 30 added to the late fireworks as India finished with 3528 from their 50 oversChasing a daunting total Zimbabwe lost their openers Nathaniel Hlabangana Dhruv Patel and Brendon Senzere early in the chase Kian Blignaut and Leeroy Chiwaula attempted to rebuild the Zimbabwean innings with the latter also bringing up a resilient halfcenturyBut Ayush Mhatre and Udhav Mohan snapped up three wickets each helping India curtail the Zimbabwe challenge to 148 after a lowerorder collapseThe victory means only three teams from Group 2 India England and Pakistan remain in the hunt for the semifinals spots with a huge bearing on Sundays blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-world-cup-india-pakistan-set-for-key-clash-after-big-wins-remain-on-course-for-semis-spots-659983.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bangladesh-players-make-significant-strides-in-rankings-amid-womens-t20-wc-qualifier-659934.html Dubai Jan 27 Bangladeshâs women cricketers have emerged as the major beneficiaries of the latest T20I rankings following a string of impressive performances at the Womenâs T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal The Asian side remains unbeaten in the tournament and is edging closer to securing qualification for the Womenâs T20 World Cup set to be held in England and Wales later this year Their dominant run at the qualifier has been underpinned by strong contributions across departments reflected in notable climbs in the individual rankingsAt the forefront is toporder batter Sharmin Akhter who has enjoyed a prolific tournament With 156 runs from four innings Sharmin is currently the secondhighest runscorer at the qualifier Her tally includes two halfcenturies coming against the USA and Ireland and those performances have propelled her 22 places up the T20I batting rankings to joint 35thShe is not the only Bangladeshi batter to make progress Sobhana Mostary has also reaped rewards for her consistency climbing 11 places to joint 52nd after producing four solid innings during the eventElsewhere in the batting rankings Ireland captain Gaby Lewis has moved up one place to joint 15th while the Netherlandsâ batter Sterre Kalis has jumped six positions to 48th following her own strong showingBangladeshâs bowlers have also made significant strides Offspinner Rabeya Khan has inched up to 14th in the T20I bowling rankings after claiming seven wickets in her sideâs first four matches Fellow spinner Fahima Khatun has risen six spots to 30th on the same listThe rankings update also reflects standout performances from other teams at the qualifier Scotlandâs 20yearold allrounder Katherine Fraser has surged 17 places to joint 44th among bowlers and leapt an impressive 39 spots to 25th in the allroundersâ rankings after contributing with both bat and ball Thailand spinner Sunida Chaturongrattana has also made gains moving up nine places to joint 46thAs the qualifier progresses Bangladeshâs upward momentum on both the field and the rankings table underlines their growing stature in womenâs T20 cricket IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bangladesh-players-make-significant-strides-in-rankings-amid-womens-t20-wc-qualifier-659934.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/4th-t20i-everybody-has-got-a-certain-x-factor-about-them-says-morne-morkel--659967.html Visakhapatnam Jan 27 India bowling coach Morne Morkel has emphasized the depth flexibility and matchwinning ability of the national team He stated that clear communication and understanding of roles are key to the teams strategy as they prepare for major tournaments Speaking about the squadâs strength Morkel stressed that selection is driven by conditions and balance rather than fixed roles âWith the 11 that we can pick on match day weâve got 11 match winners Everybody has got a certain âXâ factor about them They know that thereâs no guarantee of being the 11 Itâs about whoâs suited best for the conditions and how we can help the team win at the end of the dayâ he saidMorkel expressed great appreciation for fast bowler Jasprit Bumrahs talent calling him the best in the worldâJasprit is the best bowler in the world But at the end of the day everybody needs somebody to talk to Thereâs always a lot of expectation on him to go and bowl that magical spell and win the game for us Sometimes that burden can take its tollâ Morkel explainedMorkel highlighted that the bowlers need more than just technical advice to help them be successful they also need to communicate frequently with experienced playersâHaving played the game and knowing a lot of the greats in the past that I played with we all just need somebody to communicate with I always check in with Bumrah to make sure heâs comfortable and if he agrees with the plans weâve madeâ he saidMorkel used his own career as an example of how helpful it is to talk frequently with senior bowlers âHeâs like a Ferrari car If you can get the engine the oil and all of that running well the car will performâMorkel recognised that a variety of approaches would give India an advantage on the field in important tournaments âItâs a luxury that we have a handful of bowlers that can bowl in every situationâ he said âPart of the thinking for us leading into the World Cup was to look at different sorts of combinations We donât want teams to have set plans against usâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/4th-t20i-everybody-has-got-a-certain-x-factor-about-them-says-morne-morkel--659967.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bbl-maxwell-re-signs-with-melbourne-stars-for-another-two-years-659839.html Melbourne Jan 27 Australian star allrounder Glenn Maxwell has re signed with Melbourne Stars with another two years the Big Bash League BBL club said on Tuesday Since joining the Stars in BBL 2 Maxwell has played 123 matches and made 3193 runs in green establishing himself as one the leagueâs greatest ever playersMaxwell who is the thirdhighest runscorer in BBL history endured a poor season where he made just 76 runs in eight innings and claimed two wicketsWhile the 37yearold was out of contract at the end of BBL15 he said it was an easy decision to continue his career in greenâThe Melbourne Stars have been a massive part of my cricket career and Iâm really passionate about this team having successâ Maxwell saidâI think this current group is building towards something special and Iâm confident weâre in a place to contend for the title in the next two seasons he addedâWeâre really happy with how our list is coming together for BBL 16 We felt like the group took some big steps forward this season so weâre excited to have that core coming together againâGlenn has obviously been one of the best T20 players in the world for a long period of time and his commitment to the Stars is really valuable to us Melbourne Starsâ T20 High Performance Manager Clint McKay saidThe Stars have also extended young gun Campbell Kellaway for another two years The lefthanded batter played all 11 games this season and showed a glimpse of the future for Stars fansâSigning Campbell was just as important as he adds some great stability to our top orderâHe proved himself at the level this season and Iâve got no doubt he will make a lot of runs for us for many years to comeâWeâre also excited to see another year of development in Austinâs gameâHeâs a bright young talent who will benefit greatly from another year in our programâPrior to the BBL Player Movement Window opening on Wednesday 20yearold Austin Anlezark has added one more year to his contract with the Stars as wellBBL clubs will be able to trade players and sign eligible free agents from January 28 to February 5 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bbl-maxwell-re-signs-with-melbourne-stars-for-another-two-years-659839.html Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/aussie-pacer-kane-richardson-retires-from-professional-cricket-659851.html New Delhi Jan 27 Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has called time on his professional cricket career drawing the curtain on a 17year journey that spanned international success domestic titles and franchise leagues around the world A member of Australiaâs victorious 2021 T20 World Cup squad Richardson departs the game as one of the most accomplished bowlers in Big Bash League history Across 15 BBL seasons he claimed 142 wickets placing him fifth on the competitionâs alltime menâs wickettaking listHe represented three clubs during that time Adelaide Strikers Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers leaving a lasting imprint at each stopRichardson earned 25 oneday international and 36 T20 international caps for Australia while domestically he played a key role in the Renegadesâ championship triumph in BBL08His impact in Melbourne was particularly significant with 104 wickets in 80 matches he remains the Renegadesâ leading menâs wickettaker in the competitionâs historyThe Victorian productâs T20 journey began in 2009 with South Australia during the original statebased Big Bash competition When the BBL was launched Richardson featured in the Strikersâ inaugural match in BBL 1 and went on to play 36 games for the club across six seasons A move to the Renegades followed in the BBL 7 where he enjoyed the most productive period of his domestic T20 careerIn recent seasons injuries took an increasing toll The 34yearold finished his playing days with the Sydney Sixers in BBL 15 appearing in two matches during his final campaignRichardson announced his retirement on Instagram on Monday prompting tributes from across the cricketing community Close friend and longtime teammate Adam Zampa reacted to the news writing on his Instagram story âMy friend has played his last game of professional cricket 18 years in the game wouldnt be the person I am without himâBeyond the shortest format Richardson also carved out a solid red and whiteball rÃsumà He played 34 firstclass matches taking 102 wickets and featured in 98 List A games for 153 dismissalsHis 201match T20 career took him well beyond Australiaâs shores Richardson played in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bengaluru Rajasthan Royals and Pune Warriors featured in England with Kent and Birmingham Phoenix and turned out for Dubai Capitals in the UAE IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/aussie-pacer-kane-richardson-retires-from-professional-cricket-659851.html Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sri-lanka-to-play-six-match-white-ball-series-in-west-indies-from-feb-20-659857.html Colombo Jan 27 Sri Lankaâs womenâs team is set to travel to the West Indies for a sixmatch whiteball tour spanning late February to early March The itinerary features three OneDay Internationals and three T20 Internationals scheduled between February 20 and March 3 All fixtures will take place at the Grenada National Stadium in Grenada The ODI leg begins on February 20 with the remaining matches on February 22 and 25 Attention then shifts to the T20Is starting on February 28 followed by games on March 1 and 3The T20I contests carry added significance as both sides step up their preparations for the 2026 Womenâs T20 World Cup to be held in the UK later this year The West Indies and Sri Lanka are grouped together in Group 2 alongside England New Zealand and two teams yet to qualifyâThe Sri Lanka National Womenâs Team will tour the West Indies during FebruaryâMarch 2026 to play a threematch ODI series and a threematch T20I series The tour will begin with the ODI series followed by the T20I series which will be played in Grenadaâ the SLC said in their official statementSri Lanka will be eager to end a T20I series drought that stretches back to their Asia Cup success in 2024 Meanwhile the West Indies enter the series with strong home form having secured T20I series victories against Bangladesh and South Africa in their most recent outingsThe two teams last met in the Caribbean in 2024 when Sri Lanka dominated the ODI series with a 3â0 sweep while West Indies responded by winning the T20I series 2â1Sri Lanka are currently the sixthranked ODI team in the Womens Rankings with the West Indies in ninth In the T20I Rankings the Windies occupy sixth place while the Lankans are placed seventh IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sri-lanka-to-play-six-match-white-ball-series-in-west-indies-from-feb-20-659857.html Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/yuvraj-harbhajan-members-of-cricket-fraternity-mourn-the-demise-of-ex-bcci-chief-is-bindra-659727.html New Delhi Jan 26 Former India allrounder Yuvraj Singh former spinner Harbhajan Singh and members of the Indian cricket fraternity paid tribute to former Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra who passed away at his residence on Sunday at the age of 84 Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 He was a key figure in Indian cricket administration and led the Punjab Cricket Association for many years His association with the PCA spanned over three decades from 1978 to 2014âSaddened to hear about the passing of IS Bindra sir A great administrator of the game whose influence I witnessed from a very young age His vision and contribution to Indian cricket will always be remembered My condolences to his familyâ Yuvraj wrote on XâA stalwart of Indian cricket administration Our deepest condolences on the passing of former BCCI and PCA President IS Bindraâ IPL franchise Punjab Kings wrote on their social mediaâI S Bindra sir was a remarkable administrator who served with distinction in the Indian government and earned respect across every sphere of society He was a massive pillar of Punjab cricket â without his vision guidance and unwavering support Punjab cricket would never have reached where it is today His contribution to Indian cricket as a whole was just as significant He was always there for his players â ready to help to support and to guide them at every stepOn a personal level he was like a father figure to me someone who constantly encouraged me to do the right thing in life His wisdom and kindness shaped not just careers but lives This is a deeply personal loss There will never be anyone who can truly replace you sir You may be gone but the impact you have left on all of us will last forever Rest in peace sirâ former India and Punjab cricketer Harbhajan Singh penned on XFormer India and Karnataka cricketer Dodda Ganesh wrote âDeeply saddened by the passing of Shri IS Bindra A visionary cricket administrator whose leadership and dedication played a vital role in shaping Indian cricket His contributions to the game will always be remembered Heartfelt condolences to his family Om ShantiâFormer BCCI President and current ICC chair Jay Shah had confirmed the news on Sunday writing âDeepest condolences on the passing of Mr I S Bindra former BCCI president and a stalwart of Indian cricket administration May his legacy inspire future generations Om ShantiâPunjab Cricket Association PCA mourned Bindraâs passing as they wrote âThe Punjab Cricket Association mourns the passing of I S Bindra a visionary administrator and former president of the BCCI and PCA His leadership foresight and unwavering commitment played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and governance of Indian cricket His legacy will continue to inspire generations within the cricketing fraternity Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones May his soul rest in peaceDuring his tenure as an administrator Bindra significantly impacted cricket management and infrastructure locally and beyond In 2015 he was honoured by having the PCA Stadium in Mohali renamed the IS Bindra Stadium in acknowledgement of his contributions to cricketBesides his administrative responsibilities Bindra gained recognition for his outspoken opinions on governance in Indian cricket He was especially critical of the handling of the IPL 2013 corruption scandal by N Srinivasan and the BCCI raising concerns about the transparency and accountability of that processAs a senior bureaucrat Bindra played a key role in establishing Indiaâs position in world cricket during the 1990s Alongside Jagmohan Dalmiya he identified commercial opportunities in television rights leading to private broadcasters entering the scene This shift transformed the games financial structure and boosted Indiaâs global presenceInternationally Bindra was instrumental in securing ICC rights to host major events in India Subsequently he served as a key adviser to the ICC President showcasing his importance in cricket governance IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/yuvraj-harbhajan-members-of-cricket-fraternity-mourn-the-demise-of-ex-bcci-chief-is-bindra-659727.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/young-players-have-become-more-mature-says-pbks-shashank-ahead-of-ipl-2026-659732.html Mumbai Jan 26 Punjab Kings PBKS officially started their preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League IPL season with their first preseason camp in Udaipur held from January 16 to 20 The fiveday session featured a blend of experienced players and promising young talent Key squad members attended the camp including IPLâs top wickettaker Yuzvendra Chahal and middleorder batter Shashank Singh They were joined by promising young players such as Priyansh Arya Pyla Avinash Suryansh Shedge Vishal Nishad and Pravin Dubey The management emphasised team bonding and clarified roles in preparation for the upcoming seasonShashank recently recovered from a minor injury highlighted the camps importance for reconnecting with teammates and welcoming new membersThe core focus was mostly on the bonding because obviously we met after so long Shashank said The energy was superb We were all very positive just like last year The place where we had the camp was lovely perfect weather conditions and a perfect ground setup We really enjoyed it and got exactly what we wanted from this campShashank became a vital contributor to the team last season scoring 350 runs in 14 matches with an average of 50 and a strike rate of 1535 With 21 players retained from the previous season the franchise aims to capitalise on their momentum from last yearDuring the camp the aggressive batter was especially impressed by the progress demonstrated by the teamâs emerging starsThere are so many young players in our teamâSuryansh Priyansh Pyla and Vishal It was so good to be with them he shared They young players have become more eager more mature and more excited for this year It helps to share my experience with them because they keep asking questions Getting to know their thoughts and talking about our strengths has been amazingOn a personal note Shashank utilised the sessions to restore his rhythm and acknowledged the franchiseâs medical team for their unwavering support throughout his rehabilitationFor me this game is more about the mental setup This camp really helped me get into a better mental space said Shashank I am just getting into the groove and trying to be fitter I feel Iâll be matchfit in a week or twoShashank concluded with a message for the loyal âSher Squadâ promising a season full of entertainment and fighting spiritI want to thank our fans for always supporting us I feel our fans are the best fans I am pretty sure that this year in all the games that red and golden vibe will be there on the ground he concluded We will make sure that we entertain you and when you leave the ground you will have a smile on your face IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/young-players-have-become-more-mature-says-pbks-shashank-ahead-of-ipl-2026-659732.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/return-to-indian-t20i-team-is-what-i-had-been-waiting-for-says-ggs-bharti-fulmali-659734.html New Delhi Jan 26 Seven years is a long time in cricket For Bharti Fulmali it felt even longer The bighitting middleorder batter from Amravati had made her India T20I debut against England in Guwahati in 2019 She impressed early by charging down the pitch to hit Laura Marsh for a boundary on her third ball in international cricket but managed only 18 and 5 in two outings before being left out As the years rolled by Bharti who holds a job with the Income Tax Department resigned herself to the fact that her international career might be over before it had truly begun But on January 17 when the Gujarat Giants landed in Vadodara after wrapping up their Navi Mumbai leg of WPL 2026 the BCCI named Bharti in Indiaâs squad for the T20I series in Australia in February a development which took her by surpriseWe just boarded the bus after landing in Vadodara and thats when my teammates came and shouted behind me Congratulations and then I got to know that this happened I actually didnt even know before that such a team was to be announced or that I had been selectedI am feeling very good because this has come after a very long period of seven years This is what I had been waiting for and has happened now So I am very grateful and this feels stupendous Bharti recalled in an exclusive conversation with IANS ahead of the franchise facing Delhi Capitals in a decisive clash on TuesdayThe current version of Bharti who will board the plane to Australia is a vastly different player from the one who played briefly for India in 2019 Her national comeback has arrived on the back of exceptional performances in the ongoing WPL where she has scored 111 runs in six innings at a blistering strike rate of 16323 for GGLast season was equally impressive â 133 runs in four innings at 17272 â a significant leap from her 2024 seasons numbers of 64 runs at a strikerate of 12075 India after unsuccessful trials with Kiran Navgire and Sajeevan Sajana will bank on Bhartiâs WPL form so that she can join Richa Ghosh as a reliable finisher ahead of this yearâs T20 World Cup in EnglandThere are a lot of changes now from what I played in 2019 to now The role that the team has given me as a finisher I try to contribute in that and how to finish the game and help my team to get into a good position So this is my priority added BhartiThis evolution didnt happen by accident Bharti made a conscious decision to reinvent herself after recognising that the pathway back to international cricket required someone who has serious lowerorder batting muscleI also wanted to bat as a batter in the top order But as I saw the lot of changes happening in cricket I started to think on top of that â like what is the need Like if I want to play internationally the WPL and be at a higher level then what is the need there So there mostly I saw middleorder and lowerorder batters are neededThere I saw the state team struggling a little So I decided from there that if I want to play then this place will be perfect for me I will have to work a little hard and there will be a little different skills but I was okay to do all of thatI worked on that because you need power hitting there for the finisher â because you will only get 5 or 10 balls you have to perform in that margin only and I started training in that way It happened just 45 years ago when I started to apply those changes to my role in the Vidarbha team elaborated BhartiItâs no surprise that Bharti credits the WPL for her career resurgence Unsold in the first WPL auction she joined GG in 2024 as Harleen Deolâs injury replacement â a move that proved pivotal My cricket has transformed a lot after WPL came into the picture It has played a very big role and especially Gujarat Giants have a big role in it because they have given me an opportunity to play on this platformâThey showed that confidence and gave me chances to play and then I put out great performances So GG and WPL have a very big role in upping my game for the next level she saidWorking with GG head coach Michael Klinger and batting coach Dan Marsh has proved crucial to her development as a powerhitter When I came here in the first year I discussed with them about what I can and cant do So I went back to the ground level and practiced mostly hard hitting I used to practice on center wickets and open grounds I did a lot of match simulations because I have put a lot of emphasis on myself to get the team out of tough situationsKlinger also told me to practice against a tennis ball Its like if you clear the boundary while batting against a tennis ball then you will be able to play in the same way against the leather ball in a match So I practiced against that and did those drills and I am getting the fruitful results now added BhartiHer performances this season after GG used her RTM card to get her for Rs 70 lakh have included knocks that showcased her finishing abilities â 36 not out and 39 against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are evidence of it In last yearâs season Bharti left everyone stunned by smashing her maiden WPL fifty off just 22 balls to give MI an almighty scareHer approach as a finisher and being unflustered comes from her admiration for the legendary MS Dhoni I have definitely imbibed a lot of qualities of him in myself because my natural nature is very calm When I used to watch Dhoni sir play on TV he used to come in the same situation as a finisher just like how I am doing right nowâHe has played a very good role there and won us the ODI World Cup as a finisher by scoring a six So he inspires me a lot I try to follow him a little bit and thats where all of this has come from said BhartiThat calmness under pressure by observing Dhoni has become Bhartiâs trademark too That is handled well because I always focus on my process I have put myself in these situations even in practice sessions Even when I play for the state I play under the same pressure Obviously there is no crowd thereBut if you think so much about the crowd and all these things then you will not be able to play well So when you play all these things get out of your mind Your focus is on the ball and what you have to do is on you So thinking all these things helps things become a little easier when your focus is on that one thing to play wellBhartiâs support system starts at home in Amravati where her father first introduced her to cricket His pride in her achievements remains a driving force for her I started playing cricket because of him in my childhood So he is very happy and he feels very proud that our daughter is playing and performing at this big level He feels really good on seeing me in action she saidBharti stays connected to her roots in Amravati through regular talks with childhood coach Sandeep Gawande at Sant Gajanan Cricket Academy while training at Nagpur Cricket Academy when away from homeWhenever I go to Amravati I still go to that ground and practice We have a very good bond We talk to each other daily If I have any doubts we still talk on the phone Their guidance is very important He my father and my family are the main pillars for meTheres even a nickname that has stuck with Bharti by her friends from Amravati â âLady Gayleâ Itâs a moniker which reflects in the bighitting prowess she has become known for now They still like calling me this a lot Whenever I go to Amravati they give me the centre wicket for practiceâBefore that they used to tell me that we will bowl and you hit the ball for six They would say bas tu maar You just hit the ball They have encouraged me a lot They have a lot of love for me and this is a way of expressing that They have supported me a lotSeven years away from the national team setup taught Fulmali invaluable lessons about discipline and perseverance I have realised discipline is very important I have worked with a lot of patience and discipline in the seven years I was away from the Indian team setupâYour diet is very important as are workouts on a regular basis It is very important to practise all these things daily I have maintained it and thats what is helping me she saidFor now Bhartiâs immediate focus will be to get GG into the playoffs The table is completely open now So we will try to play good cricket and I will also try to give my best I will fully try to fulfill the teams needs We will definitely try to display good cricket on the field and I am hopeful that we will win in the remaining games and definitely look to qualify for the playoffsHer advice to young cricketers stems from her own perseverance in the last seven years to get a chance at playing for India again I just want to say do what you like As a woman no doubt there are a lot of difficulties and challenges but you have to face it Dont look at it as a struggle accept it as a challenge and learn from it Do what you like work hard and you will definitely get the result IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/return-to-indian-t20i-team-is-what-i-had-been-waiting-for-says-ggs-bharti-fulmali-659734.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ind-vs-nz-shreyas-to-continue-as-varmas-replacement-for-remaining-two-t20is-659749.html Mumbai Jan 26 Shreyas Iyer a temporary pick for the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand due to Tilak Varmas fitness problems has been kept in the squad for the remaining matches He will accompany the team to Visakhapatnam and later to Thiruvananthapuram for the final two games of the fivematch seriesIyer was named as a replacement for Tilak for the first three matches but the youngster wont be returning for this series now The 23yearold needed surgery in Rajkot earlier this month during a Vijay Hazare match He is currently at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has begun rehab and will join the squad in Mumbai for the T20 World Cup starting on February 7 once he is fully fitâIndia batter Tilak Varma has resumed physical training and is making steady progress with his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence However he will require additional time to regain full match fitness and will not be available for the final two T20Is of the ongoing fivematch T20I seriesâ the BCCI said in a statementâTilak will link up with the squad in Mumbai once he has regained full match fitness on 3rd February ahead of Indiaâs warmup match for the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup 2026 The Menâs Selection Committee has recommended that Shreyas Iyer will continue as Tilak Varmaâs replacement for the remaining matchesâ the statement further readIyer the vicecaptain in ODIs has not secured a spot in the playing XI for the current series which India won by taking an unassailable 30 lead on Sunday He has not appeared in a T20I since December 2023Indiaâs updated T20I squad Suryakumar Yadav C Abhishek Sharma Sanju Samson WK Shreyas Iyer Hardik Pandya Shivam Dube Axar Patel VC Rinku Singh Jasprit Bumrah Harshit Rana Arshdeep Singh Kuldeep Yadav Varun Chakaravarthy Ishan Kishan WK Ravi Bishnoi IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ind-vs-nz-shreyas-to-continue-as-varmas-replacement-for-remaining-two-t20is-659749.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bcci-mourns-demise-of-former-president-is-bindra-659753.html New Delhi Jan 26 The Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI on Sunday expressed deep sorrow at the passing of former BCCI President Inderjit Singh Bindra who died in New Delhi on Sunday at the age of 84 One of the most influential figures in Indian cricket administration Bindraâs vision and leadership played a defining role in shaping the governance of the sport in the country and strengthening Indiaâs standing on the international stage His association with cricket administration spanned more than four decades during which he served the game with distinction at both the national and state levelsDuring his tenure as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 Bindra played a key role in consolidating Indiaâs position within the international cricketing fraternityHe also served as president of the Punjab Cricket Association for an extended period from 1978 to 2014 where his focus on infrastructure development and grassroots growth left a lasting legacy In recognition of his immense contribution the PCA Stadium in Mohali was renamed the IS Bindra Stadium in 2015Bindra along with former BCCI presidents the late NKP Salve and the late Jagmohan Dalmiya played a pivotal role in bringing the 1987 ICC Cricket World Cup to the subcontinent marking the first time the tournament was hosted outside EnglandThe DalmiyaBindra era later ensured that India hosted the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup further cementing the countryâs central role in world cricketTogether they laid the foundation for Indian cricketâs commercial growth and unlocked the full potential of broadcast rights during the rise of the satellite television era a transformation that reshaped the media and broadcasting landscape across the countryBCCI president Mithun Manhas described Bindra as a visionary leader who played a defining role in shaping Indiaâs stature in world cricket and building enduring institutions for the gameâIS Bindra was a visionary administrator whose leadership helped redefine Indiaâs role in world cricket His contributions went far beyond governance as he helped build systems and institutions that continue to serve players administrators and the game itself to this day The BCCI mourns the loss of a true stalwart of Indian cricket administrationâ he said in a release by the BCCI on SundayBCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said Indian cricket had lost one of its most influential architects and expressed condolences to Bindraâs family and the wider cricketing fraternityâIndian cricket has lost one of its most influential architects Bindraâs commitment to the game his administrative foresight and his passion for creating enduring infrastructure have left a legacy that will be remembered with deep respect across the cricketing fraternity On behalf of the BCCI I extend our deepest sympathies to Bindraâs family friends and the entire cricketing fraternity during this time of profound griefâ he saidBCCI vicepresident Rajeev Shukla highlighted Bindraâs role in strengthening Indian cricket financially through sound governance and forwardlooking commercial strategiesâBindra had a clear understanding of what it would take to make Indian cricket financially strong and sustainable His focus on sound governance and smarter commercial structures helped lay the foundation for the gameâs longterm growth He set a high benchmark for administrators through a forwardlooking approach that continues to benefit the sportâ he saidBCCI joint secretary Prabhtej Bhatia underlined Bindraâs belief in building strong systems across all levels of the gameIS Bindraâs impact on Indian cricket went well beyond the roles he held He believed in building strong systems from the grassroots to the highest level and his work continues to shape how the game is run and experienced across the countryâ The joint secretary saidBCCI treasurer A Raghuram Bhat recalled Bindraâs emphasis on professionalism balance and high administrative standardsâIS Bindra brought clarity balance and a steady hand to every position he held His legacy lives on not just in the milestones achieved but in the professional standards he helped establish within Indian cricket Those values continue to guide the way the game is administered at every levelâ A Raghuram said IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bcci-mourns-demise-of-former-president-is-bindra-659753.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/isl-2026-kerala-blasters-rope-in-french-player-kevin-yoke-on-free-transfer-659767.html Kochi Jan 26 Threetime finalists Kerala Blasters roped in French star player Kevin Yoke on Monday ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League 202526 ISL which will commence on February 14 Yoke was plying his trade in Super League 2 in Greece where he made nine appearances for PAE Chania The 29yearold French international attacker born 23 June 1996 in Clamart France primarily operates as a left winger but is equally capable on the right flank offering versatility across the front lineThe left winger has joined the Blasters on a free transfer for the 202526 season He is the second addition to the team ahead of the new season The club has previously signed German attacking midfielder Marlon Roos Trujillo for the whole season These two signings will strengthen the team which will eye a comeback in the tournamentâKevin is a player with qualities that suit the way we want to play His ability to take on defenders his movement in wide areas and his experience at the professional level will add strength to our attacking unit Kerala Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee said in a release by the clubYoke also reacted to joining the Indian club I am very happy to join Kerala Blasters and canât wait to meet the squad and get started I am ready to give everything to meet the challenge that awaits us he saidBlasters FC has established itself as one of the most supported clubs in the ISL famously reaching the finals three times 2014 2016 and 2021â22 but failing to secure the title on each occasionIn the 2024â25 season the team endured a particularly difficult campaign finishing in 8th place with 29 points from 24 matches Despite flashes of brilliance such as a recordbreaking 8â0 win over Mumbai City in the Durand Cup they managed only 8 wins in the league and ultimately failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/isl-2026-kerala-blasters-rope-in-french-player-kevin-yoke-on-free-transfer-659767.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-pakistan-will-play-india-match-but-sources-after-naqvi-meets-pm-sharif-659780.html New Delhi Jan 26 The Pakistan Government has given a goahead to the National team to play against India in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup in Colombo Sources said the decision was arrived at after a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board PCB chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday Though PCB chairman Naqvi wrote in a social media post that a final decision on this matter will be announced by Friday or Monday sources told IANS that Pakistan will play India in the T20 World CupPakistan Cricket Board Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi met with Prime Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the ICC T20 World Cup and the current situation regarding the Bangladesh Cricket Board a source told IANS on MondayThere were reports that Pakistan are likely to boycott their match against India if not the entire tournament to show solidarity with Bangladesh who have been replaced by Scotland in the T20 World Cup schedule after they refused to travel to India for their matches citing security fearsHad a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Briefed him on the ICC Matter and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday Naqvi wrote in a post on X after his meetingThough the Pakistan government has given its nod to play the ICC T20 World Cup and India match reports said they could make some form of protest before thatThe team could wear black armbands in the match or issue a statement in support of Bangladesh before it sources told Telecom Asia Sport wwwtelecomasianetNaqvi is also the Interior Minister in the Pakistan government thus the secondincommand after PM Sharif and by leaving the decision to him and the PCB the Pakistan government is hoping to pile on the pressure on the ICCSources also told IANS that PM Sharif has also directed the PCB to write a letter to the ICC on the Bangladesh issue Pakistan is the only board among the top affiliated national associations to come out in support of the Bangladesh Cricket Board BCB during the ICC board meeting at which the global governing body for cricket decided to reject Bangladeshs request for a venue change IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-pakistan-will-play-india-match-but-sources-after-naqvi-meets-pm-sharif-659780.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/don-bradmans-1947-baggy-green-fetches-460000-dollars-at-gold-coast-auction-659783.html Gold Coast Jan 26 A prized Baggy Green cap once worn by Australian cricket icon Sir Don Bradman has been sold for an extraordinary 460000 Australian dollars approx Rs 292 crore at an auction on the Gold Coast on Monday setting a new benchmark for a cap belonging to one of the most celebrated batters of the game The cap dates back to the 1947â48 Test series against India and carries a special story beyond its sporting significance Bradman had personally gifted the cap to Indian cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni a gesture that added emotional and historical value to the rare itemSohoniâs family safeguarded the cap with remarkable care for more than seven decades preserving it across three generationsDespite its age the cap is in notably good condition This played a major role in pushing its value well beyond another Bradman cap sold in 2024 for AUD 311000 which showed visible signs of wear including fading and insect damage The newly auctioned cap bears the handwritten names âDG Bradmanâ and âSW Sohoniâ on the inside further enhancing its authenticity and appealThe winning bidder has chosen to remain anonymous Still Australian media reports suggest the cap will eventually be displayed at a museum allowing cricket fans to view one of the sportâs most treasured artefactsBradmanâs legacy in cricket remains unmatched Often described as the finest Test batter the game has ever known he played 52 Tests and finished with a staggering career average of 9994He scored 29 Test centuries including a record 19 against England in Ashes contests and registered 12 double hundreds another milestone that still standsIn one of cricketâs most famous moments Bradman needed just four runs in his final Test innings at The Oval in 1948 to retire with a batting average above 100 However he was dismissed without scoring ending his career just short of the threefigure markSir Don Bradman passed away in 2001 at the age of 92 but his memories remain in the minds of Australian fans IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/don-bradmans-1947-baggy-green-fetches-460000-dollars-at-gold-coast-auction-659783.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/don-bradmans-1947-baggy-green-fetches-460-000-dollars-at-gold-coast-auction-659785.html Gold Coast Jan 26 A prized Baggy Green cap once worn by Australian cricket icon Sir Don Bradman has been sold for an extraordinary 460000 Australian dollars approx Rs 292 crore at an auction on the Gold Coast on Monday setting a new benchmark for a cap belonging to one of the most celebrated batters of the game The cap dates back to the 1947â48 Test series against India and carries a special story beyond its sporting significance Bradman had personally gifted the cap to Indian cricketer Sriranga Wasudev Sohoni a gesture that added emotional and historical value to the rare itemSohoniâs family safeguarded the cap with remarkable care for more than seven decades preserving it across three generationsDespite its age the cap is in notably good condition This played a major role in pushing its value well beyond another Bradman cap sold in 2024 for AUD 311000 which showed visible signs of wear including fading and insect damage The newly auctioned cap bears the handwritten names âDG Bradmanâ and âSW Sohoniâ on the inside further enhancing its authenticity and appealThe winning bidder has chosen to remain anonymous Still Australian media reports suggest the cap will eventually be displayed at a museum allowing cricket fans to view one of the sportâs most treasured artefactsBradmanâs legacy in cricket remains unmatched Often described as the finest Test batter the game has ever known he played 52 Tests and finished with a staggering career average of 9994He scored 29 Test centuries including a record 19 against England in Ashes contests and registered 12 double hundreds another milestone that still standsIn one of cricketâs most famous moments Bradman needed just four runs in his final Test innings at The Oval in 1948 to retire with a batting average above 100 However he was dismissed without scoring ending his career just short of the threefigure markSir Don Bradman passed away in 2001 at the age of 92 but his memories remain in the minds of Australian fans IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/don-bradmans-1947-baggy-green-fetches-460-000-dollars-at-gold-coast-auction-659785.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-can-take-a-lot-of-confidence-from-how-i-have-gone-in-whole-tournament-says-bell-659789.html Vadodara Jan 26 Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB fast bowler Lauren Bell said she is focused on taking a lot of confidence in terms of how she has gone in the entire tournament so far Lauren has taken nine wickets in six games so far at an economy rate of 575 and has been a force to reckon with in powerplay âI think sometimes maybe I get a bit angry But even the other day my coach called me and was like âYouâre at your best when youâre smilingâ and I maybe lost my smile in the last game Iâm at my best when Im smiling I think obviously itâs very differentâIt might be a different opening partnership tonight and itâs a different pitch So thereâs a lot to assess and probably a lot of differences from the first game I guess I can take confidence from the whole tournament really with how Iâve been going Hopefully weâll put on a good performance tonightâ said Lauren in a pregame chat with broadcastersAsked on her preparation to bowl to Hayley Matthews Nat SciverBrunt and Harmanpreet Kaur Lauren said âIâm not massive on the whole analytics and stuff I obviously know these players Iâve bowled at Hayley lots Harman lots Nat lots Iâm big on backing my own strengths and what I do well and hopefully thatâs good enoughâQuizzed about her assessment of the nature of Vadodara pitch and her growing repertoire Lauren said âOn this pitch youâve just got to hit the stumps and try to be as straight as possible Thatâs a common theme for the batters as well Iâm not massive on that stuff but I know their strengths It was hard Obviously at the time I was playing international cricket so I was on the biggest stage while going through quite a big changeâIt was really tough but I had some of the best coaches around me and Iâve still got great support Technically I think weâre there but Iâm still grooving it I still want more consistency and there are still things to addâ she saidLauren also revealed she will bowl the inswinger when she feels confident about unleashing it âI havenât bowled an inswinger in about two years now so hopefully at some point that will come back Thereâs still so much to work on and I love training so hopefully Iâll just keep getting betterâI want my best ball to be as consistent as possible first thatâs the outswinger The inswinger is just another thing to add to the armoury when I feel ready and in the right place to push that onâThere are so many parts of bowling which is why itâs so exciting There are always different things to learn When I have time and a proper training period maybe Iâll get back to itâ she concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-can-take-a-lot-of-confidence-from-how-i-have-gone-in-whole-tournament-says-bell-659789.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 22:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sainyam-gaurav-win-10m-air-pistol-trial-2-finals-659647.html New Delhi Jan 25 Sainyam of Chandigarh and Gaurav Kumar of Uttar Pradesh came out on top in the womenâs and menâs 10m Air Pistol Trail 2 finals respectively as the National Selection Trials 1 amp 2 concluded here at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range World Cup Final silver medallist Sainyam continued her good run of form finishing on top in the finals with a dominant final score of 2431 which is 54 points more than Rhythm Sangwan who finished second on 2377 Meenu Pathak once again finished in the top three in the finals finishing with 2185 pointsEarlier in qualification Suruchi Singh finished on top with an impressive 58731x but could only finish in eighth place in the finals Palak shot 57916x to finish second in qualification and shot 1782 in the finals to finish fifthThe experienced Shwetha Singh took the third spot in qualification with a score of 57818x and came back in the finals to finish in sixth place Meenu Pathak shot 57712x in qualification while Priya Muralidhar hit 57616x Rhythm Sangwan and Sainyam scored 57615x and 57613x while Divya T S completed the top eight with a score of 57519xGaurav Kumar improved on his secondplace finish in Trial 1 finishing on top in T2 in a tightly contested final Gaurav who qualified third for the finals with a score of 58421x shot 2455 in the finals to take the top spot ahead of Yogesh Kumar who finished second with a final score of 2446 after qualifying for the finals in fifth spot with a score of 58325xHarsh Swami of Uttar Pradesh took the third spot with a final score of 2219 after qualifying for the finals in second place with a score of 58526xEarlier in qualification Armyâs Ajendra Singh Chauhan shot an impressive 58821x to qualify in the top spot Udhayveer Singh of Punjab 58326x Kamaljeet Choudhary of Haryana 58320x Olympic medallist Sarabjot Singh 58223x and Armyâs Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve 58128x completed the top eight IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sainyam-gaurav-win-10m-air-pistol-trial-2-finals-659647.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/rohit-sharma-harmanpreet-kaur-praveen-kumar-set-to-be-awarded-padma-shri-659671.html New Delhi Jan 25 Former India captain Rohit Sharma Indian women team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Paraathlete Praveen Kumar are set to be honoured with the Padma Shri as the Padma Awards 2026 were announced on Sunday This recognition marks their significant contributions to Indian sports across different formats and generationsWhile the Padma Shri awards celebrated both current and former stars Indiaâs tennis icon Vijay Amritraj received the Padma Bhushan He is the only sportsperson to earn the countryâs thirdhighest civilian honor this yearAmritrajâs recognition adds to a notable career that has lasted for decades both on and off the courtHe had previously been awarded the Padma Shri in 1983 and the Arjuna Award in 1974 highlighting his lasting influence on Indian tennis and sports administrationRohit Sharma the former captain of Indian mens cricket team is a key figure in modern Indian cricket He is known for his leadership and impressive runscoring at the highest level and led India to second T20 World Cup trophy in 2024Harmanpreet Kaur captain of the womenâs team lead India to maoden womens ICC title after hosts India clinched Womens ODI World Cup 2025 has also played a vital role leading India to new successes and inspiring a generation of young cricketers with her bold batting and leadershipThe list of honored sports figures included Savita Punia the goalkeeper of the Indian womenâs hockey team whose consistency and leadership have helped India regain its place on the international stageBaldev Singh Bhagwandas Raikwar and K Pajanivel also received the Padma Shri for their achievements in sportsThe Padma Awards are among Indiaâs highest civilian honors and celebrate excellence and service in various fields With honorees from cricket tennis and hockey this year the 2026 awards showcased the growing strength and influence of Indian sports on the global stage IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/rohit-sharma-harmanpreet-kaur-praveen-kumar-set-to-be-awarded-padma-shri-659671.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-2026-all-teams-are-challenging-but-beating-australia-would-be-a-big-deal-says-omans-vc-vinayak-shukla--659674.html New Delhi Jan 25 Vinayak Shuklaâs rise in international cricket has been anything but conventional Growing up in the busy lanes of Kanpur in the early 2000s Shukla learned the game the way many Indian cricketers do on the streets where adaptability sharp reflexes and instinct matter more than textbook technique That streethoned style would later define him even as it led to him being overlooked in agegroup cricket echoing the early struggles once faced by the legendary Mahendra Singh DhoniDespite early promise spotted at the PAC Cricket Academy by coach Laikchand Rajput Shukla found himself repeatedly ignored at higher junior levels due to perceptions around his technical limitations A severe hamstring injury in 2018 sidelined him for nearly seven months becoming a defining moment in his careerAfter a brief overseas opportunity in Kenya was cut short by the COVID19 pandemic Shukla eventually found his footing in Oman Today he stands as one of the teamâs most reliable performers a clinical wicketkeeper instinctive batter and the vicecaptain of the national side heading into the World CupIn an exclusive conversation with IANS Shukla reflected on his journey learnings from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya and Omanâs T20 World Cup ambitionsIANS From the streets of Kanpur to a near move to Kenya and eventually representing Oman how would you describe your journeyVS My journey has been filled with ups and downs I started playing in Kanpur and like any athlete I wanted to represent my country but the challenges I faced in India made it difficult Fortunately I got the opportunity to represent Oman and I thank God for it Itâs truly an incredible honour to represent a country like Oman and I feel proud and privileged to wear that red jerseyIANS Is it true that when you started wicketkeeping in Oman you were not handed the gloves immediatelyVS When I came to Oman there were about four keepers in the same team and since everyone is a good batter and contributes their part we typically have only one wicketkeeper My captain was also a wicketkeeper so I didnt get many chances to keep during matches or practice because if I kept the captain wouldnt sit out of the eleven I prefer fielding and doing my part that way For the first two years it was really tough to get out of those gloves because I didnt have the opportunity to keep Its a similar story to Dhonis I had to wait a long time before getting the gloves I spent quite a long time just fielding for my team but I must say the credit goes to the Oman coaching staff who finally gave me one opportunity and trusted me with the glovesIANS How has Omanâs preparation for the World Cup been so farVS This time our preparation has been quite focused with a strong leadup camp at our home base Our main emphasis has been on fitness and mental readiness Over the past few months weve been thoroughly preparing for the World Cup and itâs a significant tournament for us Our focus remains on refining technical skills and strengthening mental resilienceIANS How do you assess the squad heading into the tournamentVS I believe this squad is an ideal blend of experience and youth with three players having participated in numerous international events while the younger players are getting their first opportunity The experienced players will bring calmness to the team while the youngsters will add fearlessness Itâs great to have this mix of youth and experience I also think our main focus is on bowling which we see as our strengthIANS During the Asia Cup you had interactions with several Indian players including a long conversation with Suryakumar Yadav What stood outVS It was a great opportunity for all of us to interact with Suryakumar Yadav and other team members When we talk about Surya hes been really polite with us and has taught us that the conversation is only about the mental aspect how to take the game deep understand the game well and perform well under pressure Surya is not just a good batter but also the captain of the Indian team so he knows every aspect of the team The way he guided us and motivated us has been really amazing We have also been to the Indian dressing room to interact with a few players and we asked some of them how they understand the game how they handle pressure and how they perform in clinical situationsIANS Did you receive any specific advice from other Indian playersVS I talked with Hardik Pandya Hes such a polite guy and he helped me understand the game because he plays at the same spot where I play So we talked about him and how he sees the game He was pretty clear about it saying never to look for the opponent or the bowler but always keep an eye on the scoreboard Whenever you see a scoreboard it will give you a clear picture of the match and what you need to do in the coming overs That will help you make a plan that will be really helpful for you and the teamIANS What were the biggest learnings from the Asia CupVS For most of our team members this was their first global event as we are quite young aside from a few experienced players Participating in such a largescale event has been truly amazing Now the players are wellprepared understanding how to handle pressure and execute key movements that can turn the game Our current focus is on smaller details where we can make a difference and influence the outcome This mainly involves planning and strategising for matches against stronger opponents While mistakes can be overlooked when playing against lesserknown or associate countries they are unforgivable against Testplaying nations like India and Pakistan This experience has been a valuable learning opportunity boosting our confidence as we transition from the Asia Cup to the World CupIANS As vicecaptain how do you view your leadership roleVS I believe leadership always involves responsibility but to me its more of a privilege than pressure My role is clearly to support the captain and mentor the younger players I aim to ensure everyone is in a good mindset and wellprepared before they step onto the ground If someone has thoughts or strategies about the game I want them to feel comfortable sharing them with me My goal is to create an environment of openness and support that helps my team secure victoriesIANS This will be your fourth World Cup What changes this time aroundVS I believe experience plays a significant role and this time were smarter with our matchups clearer with our game plans and more adaptable to conditions during play Its not just about tactics but also about focusing on the mental aspect and paying attention to small details such as game awareness finishing and recognising moments to shift the momentum Ultimately its about combining our intensity experience and fearlessness to support the teamIANS How do you think that the experienced players on the side help the youngsters cope with losses and move aheadVS Winning and losing are part of the game When we win its a reason to celebrate everyoneâs success but losing can be difficult For seniors the key is how they communicate with juniors to improve outcomes We aimed to create an environment where everyone especially youth feels comfortable approaching us with suggestions on how to enhance resultsIANS Who do you see as Omanâs toughest opponent in the groupVS Honestly I feel every team in our group is challenging because everyone is a Testplaying nation and we are the only associate country But I feel its a blessing in disguise for us If we are going to win I hope we are going to win a couple of games from here and then its going to be like we beat a Testplaying nation which is going to be a big thing for the boys because its our first World Cup If we are going to beat some Testplaying nations then it will be really amazing In a T20 game its a pretty fast game and you know every team has their chance to win the game so you cant just say everyone is out of your hands to win a game But it will be within reach if you play well put in all the effort and click all the boxes You will definitely win We would like to win every game we are going to play but if we win a game against Australia it would be a big deal because Australia is a very big team and everyone knows the kind of cricket they bring to the world so it would be really amazing if we beat AustraliaIANS Youâre returning from injury just before the World Cup How important was rehab in this phaseVS When you get injured its a tough time because you are out of the ground and you cant move your body to get back into the ground and do the things you love most Rehab obviously tests my patience but it took me about 2 months to get back on the ground All credit goes to the medical staff especially our physio and our trainer Shiva These guys put a lot of effort into getting me back onto the ground and they make sure not just physically but also mentally that I am fit before I move out of that rehab phase and get back onto the ground Right now I am feeling pretty well and pretty fit with clarity about my plans and I am in a good mental state to go to the World Cup IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-wc-2026-all-teams-are-challenging-but-beating-australia-would-be-a-big-deal-says-omans-vc-vinayak-shukla--659674.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pakistan-players-to-back-pcb-governments-decision-on-t20-world-cup-participation-659690.html New Delhi Jan 25 Pakistan players showed solidarity with their government and cricket board on any decision they take regarding the teams participation in next months World Cup a report said All the top players met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore Sunday afternoon and assured him that any decision taken by the government and PCB will have their support sources told TelecomasianetWe are all with our government and cricket board and back their stance of protesting what happened to BangladeshNaqvi met the players of the World Cup squad announced on Sunday to brief them on the teams participation in the T20I World Cup amid uncertainty following Bangladeshs elimination from the World Cup in an unjust decisionPakistans selector Aaqib Javed was questioned during the media briefing on the squad announcement about the teams chances of featuring in the mega event As players and management we are preparing for the World Cup and it is up to the PCB and government to take a final callSources said players were also discussing the chances of a pullout Players including skipper Salman Agha have discussed this and were slightly uncertain whether they should keep preparing for the World Cup or not and in this regard chairmans briefing will help themAfter Scotland was announced as a replacement following the rejection of Bangladeshs request to relocate its matches from India to Sri Lanka Naqvi caused a sensation in the cricketing world by saying that Pakistans participation hinges on government clearanceWhether we play in the T20 World Cup or not the decision will be taken by the government Naqvi said on SaturdayOur PM Shahbaz Sharif is out of the country when he comes we will take advice from him The decision by the government will be final and binding and if they say no then they ICC may invite any other teamNaqvi said PCB has alternate plans We have alternate plans A B C which we cane use when the times comes We have done this before during the Champions Trophy so nothing new for us and we know how to deal with such mattersPakistans withdrawal will be a crucial blow to the International Cricket Council as the match between Pakistan and India generates huge revenue reportedly amounting to 500 million dollarsBut Pakistan may face financial consequences in the event of a pullout as the ICC will deem their reason invalid since they are already playing at a neutral venue without any security concernsLast year the ICC decided that matches between India and Pakistan hosted by either country at ICC events during the 20242027 cycle will be played at a neutral venue a decision reached after months of a standoff ahead of last years Champions Trophy when India refused to travel to Pakistan over security fearsThe agreement extended to the ICC Womenâs Cricket World Cup 2025 hosted by India and the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup 2026 hosted by India and Sri LankaFormer Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has also urged the PCB to take a firm decisionIf Pakistan and India match dont happen 50 per cent of your World Cup is gone This is a great opportunity to challenge the existing cricket order Pakistan should say they stand with Bangladesh and refuse to play the T20 World Cup This is the time to take a stand You need a strong heart to do it Latif saidFormer PCB chairman Najam Sethi also backed any decision related to a withdrawal âIt would be a tough decision but I will back it Mohsin Naqvi understands the game and has a good grasp of all aspects Whatever decision he makes will be right and he should stick to itâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pakistan-players-to-back-pcb-governments-decision-on-t20-world-cup-participation-659690.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/former-bcci-president-is-bindra-passes-away-aged-84-659696.html New Delhi Jan 25 The International Cricket Council ICC chairman Jay Shah paid tribute to former Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra popularly known as IS Bindra who passed away at his residence on Sunday at the age of 84 Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 He was a key figure in Indian cricket administration and led the Punjab Cricket Association for many years His association with the PCA spanned over three decades from 1978 to 2014While serving in administrative roles Bindra made significant contributions to cricket management and infrastructure in the region and beyond ultimately being honoured in 2015 with the renaming of the PCA Stadium in Mohali to the IS Bindra Stadium in recognition of his contributions to cricketIn addition to his role as an administrator Bindra became known for his outspoken views on governance in Indian cricket and particularly was critical of the way N Srinivasan and the BCCI managed the IPL 2013 corruption scandal and questioned the lack of transparency and accountability in that processIn his role as a senior bureaucrat Bindra contributed to the establishment of Indiaâs place in world cricket during the 1990s along with Jagmohan Dalmiya by recognising the commercial opportunities for television rights that ultimately resulted in the entry of private broadcasters which transformed the financial structure of the game and increased Indiaâs global influenceInternationally Bindra played a major role in obtaining the rights for the ICC to hold major events in India later he was one of the primary advisers to the President of the ICC and demonstrated his significance within cricket administration IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/former-bcci-president-is-bindra-passes-away-aged-84-659696.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/its-a-very-big-moment-for-me-harmanpreet-kaur-on-being-honoured-with-padma-shri-659699.html New Delhi Jan 26 Indian womenâs team captain Harmanpreet Kaur described her Padma Shri honour as a âvery big momentâ in her career Kaur was announced as a Padma Shri awardee on Sunday joining eight other current and former sportspersons on the 2026 Padma Awards listKaur also revealed that her father was the first to receive the call from the Presidentâs House informing the family of the prestigious award in a video shared by Mumbai Indians on social mediaâMy dad got a call from the Presidentâs House that this year I am going to receive the Padma Shri Award So I think itâs a very big moment for me and I am happy that before me my parents got to know Kaur saud in a video posted by Mumbai Indians on InstagramFormer India captain Rohit Sharma too was named in the list of Padma Shri awardeeRohit known for his leadership and impressive run has scored runs at highest level and led India to second T20 World Cup trophy in 2024 along with ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2025Congratulating him Kaur said Many many congratulations to him as well â we have seen how hard he has been working and I think itâs a great moment for him From the moment I started playing cricket I have dreamed of winning the World Cup the Arjuna Award and then the Padma Shri This is a very big achievement for meâThe list of honored sports figures included Savita Punia the goalkeeper of the Indian womenâs hockey team whose consistency and leadership have helped India regain its place on the international stageBaldev Singh Bhagwandas Raikwar and K Pajanivel also received the Padma Shri for their achievements in sportsThe Padma Awards are among Indiaâs highest civilian honors and celebrate excellence and service in various fields With honorees from cricket tennis and hockey this year the 2026 awards showcased the growing strength and influence of Indian sports on the global stage IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/its-a-very-big-moment-for-me-harmanpreet-kaur-on-being-honoured-with-padma-shri-659699.html Mon, 26 Jan 2026 01:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ms-dhoni-starts-net-practice-in-ranchi-ahead-of-ipl-2026-659574.html Ranchi Jan 24 Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has begun preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season The 44yearold will represent Chennai Super Kings for the 17th time and was seen padded up and batting in the nets in a video shared by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association on their social media platforms JSCA called Dhoni their pride and wrote âLook who is back Pride of JSCA Mahendra Singh Dhoniâ in the caption of their post on InstagramIn the clip Dhoni can be seen chatting with former JSCA secretary Saurabh Tiwary while gearing up for the netsDhoni retired from international cricket in 2020 except for the IPL where he continues to represent his beloved CSKDhoni is one of the most influential players in the CSK ranks and is a core member of the leadership group He has won five titles for the team during his captaincy stintCSK had a poor run last season The team finished last in the points table The fivetime champions were only able to win four matches out of fourteenDhoniâs performance was also disappointing throughout the season CSKâs finisher scored just 196 runs in 13 innings at an average of 2450 and a strike rate of 13517 with a best score of 30 and even captained CSK in Gaikwadâs absence due to injuryDhoni is still one of the finest batters in IPL history with 5439 runs in 278 matches and 242 innings at an average of 3880 a strike rate of 13745 and 24 fifties with a best score of 84A modernday legend of Indian cricket wicketkeeperbatter Dhoni has led India in all three formats of the game A recipient of the Padma Bhushan 2018 Padma Shri 2009 and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2008 Dhoni represented India from 2004 to 2019 leading the country to the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ms-dhoni-starts-net-practice-in-ranchi-ahead-of-ipl-2026-659574.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/dinesh-karthik-showers-praise-on-vikram-prabhus-cop-drama-sirai-659605.html Chennai Jan 25 Cricketer Dinesh Karthik has now showered praise on debut director Suresh Rajakumaris critically acclaimed Tamil film Sirai featuring actors Vikram Prabhu and LK Akshay in the lead Taking to his X timeline to share his thoughts on the gripping cop drama which went on to emerge a superhit Dinesh Karthik wrote Watched SIRAI yesterday Such a lovely movie So well shot Realistic and relatable with a heart warming love story Im sure the director wouldve done extensive research to get a movie like this right Loved the performances from Vikram Prabhu and his co actors Well done to all the technicians involvedActress and producer Khushbu Sundar too took to her social media timelines to praise the film which has already come in for widespread from both audiences and critics Khusbhu wrote Finally watched the much spoken about silent genuine winner of recent times Sirai A must watch Simple story told brilliantly Everyone has performed fantastically Especially iamVikramPrabhu So proud of you Vikram Your understanding of the character and delivering with so much restraint proves you are the new chip of the old block So proud of youShe also went on to praise the director of the film saying Director SureshRajakumari deserves a pat for the perfect starcast Actually everything is just perfect Not a lose scene not an unwanted scene or songs Congratulations to the entire cast and the crew on the humongous success Sirai successful deservesDinesh Karthik and Khushbu are the latest to praise Sirai It may be recalled that ace director Shankar and cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin too had praised the filmTaking to his X timeline Shankar who is considered one of the leading directors in the Tamil and Telugu film industries had said Sirai Such a good film Really moved me to tears in many places Loved all the characters and their performances which stayed with me after the filmThe director then went on to shower praise on each of the artistes who had done outstanding work in the film He wrote iamVikramPrabhu gave a staunch performance throughout the film LKAkshayKumar and AnishmaAnilkumarâs acting captured their characterâs innocence and emotions beautifullyShankar then went on to congratulate the films producer saying My heartfelt wishes to the producer SSLalitKumar for bringing us this gem Director SureshRajakumari imprisoned our hearts with his excellent debut The message in the last scene was solid and very relevant Tamil Cinema ending the year on a highnoteIt may be recalled that cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin too had praised the film last yearAshwin while talking about the film had said Really liked the film a lot It was a very gripping film In todays day and age watching a film without touching ones phone is a big thing I did not touch my phone while watching this film completely Fabulous acting actually be it Vikram Prabhu and Akshay Kumar and all the cast members The way they have built each character it didnt look like a heros film at all It looked like everybodys movie It was very nice Refreshing for Tamil cinema IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/dinesh-karthik-showers-praise-on-vikram-prabhus-cop-drama-sirai-659605.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-shami-picks-five-as-bengal-beat-services-to-enter-knockouts-659612.html Kalyani Jan 25 Bengal stormed into the quarterfinals of 202526 Ranji Trophy after thrashing Services by an innings and 46 runs in their Elite Group C clash at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground on Sunday Resuming the proceedings on the final dayâs play Bengal needed barely 20 minutes to complete the formalities as Mohammed Shami returned with figures of 551 to hasten Servicesâ collapse on Saturday Services who folded for 166 in the first innings managed 349 in their second essay but still fell well shortAditya Kumar tried to put in some resistance but fell for 26 to Shahbaz Ahmed while Amarjeet Singh was dismissed for a 19ball duck by Akash Deep Jayant Goyat was left stranded on 68 not out as Services were bowled out for 287 in 75 oversBengal had piled up a commanding 519 thanks to veteran batter Sudip Chatterjee making 209 Their bowlers then sent down 129 overs across both innings to secure the 20 wickets required for a win with a bonus pointWith this emphatic win Bengal collected seven points to move to 30 from six matches ensuring a place in the knockouts as Group C toppers for now The race for the second spot now rests between Services Haryana and UttarakhandElsewhere at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow Jharkhand recorded one of the biggest wins of the season after thrashing Uttar Pradesh by an innings and 301 runsUP were bundled out for just 84 in their second innings with seamer Saurabh Shekhar returning dream figures of 516 in 74 overs The result has lifted Jharkhand to number two in Group A behind leaders VidarbhaBrief Scores Bengal 519 beat Services 186 amp 287 in 75 overs Rajat Paliwal 83 Jayant Goyat 68 not out Mohammed 551 Mukesh 256 by an innings and 46 runsJharkhand 5616 declared beat Uttar Pradesh 176 and 84 in 274 overs Aryan Juyal 24 Saurabh Shekhar 516 by an innings and 301 runs IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-shami-picks-five-as-bengal-beat-services-to-enter-knockouts-659612.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-learning-from-defeats-key-to-dcs-turnaround-says-katey-martin-659622.html New Delhi Jan 25 The impressive ability of Delhi Capitals DC to adapt after losses and avoid repeat defeats has been central to their resurgence in the 2026 WPL said former New Zealand wicketkeeperbatter Katey Martin The franchises strategic shift since not having an ideal Navi Mumbai leg of the tournament has seen them climb to second place on the points table Their bowling unit has spearheaded the transformation as a disciplined performance led them to end the winning streak of an already qualified Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCBDelhi Capitals know what they must do to bounce back They have shifted their mindset after the Navi Mumbai leg of the WPL 2026 understanding what works here in Vadodara I think their bowlers have led this change Nandni Sharma the way she takes wickets at the death is key to their planThey played carefully and gave up chances in the chase against RCB but they wanted to finish within 18 overs to move into second place They have also not lost to the same team twice this season That shows they learn and adapt when they face an opponent again said Katey on JioStarShe also lauded DC skipper Jemimah Rodrigues for her proactive captaincy noting her tactical flexibility and effective communication with the bowling group to bowl out RCB for 109 on a slow pitchâIt was an interesting move by Delhi to open with mediumpacer Chinelle Henry instead of Marizanne Kapp who usually bowls the first over The bowling changes at certain moments were very good by captain Jemimah RodriguesâShe was constantly moving around the field and talking to her bowlers For a captain to keep the team balanced while doing that can be challenging but she kept things clear She backed the bowlers and they backed her plansâWe saw her energy in the celebrations too She kept thanking the bowlers even for helping with DRS calls I think there is more calmness clarity and comfort now in how she uses her different bowlersâ she concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-learning-from-defeats-key-to-dcs-turnaround-says-katey-martin-659622.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-wc-boys-are-mature-enough-to-adapt-to-different-situations-says-mhatre-659624.html Bulawayo Jan 25 India captain Ayush Mhatre said his team is growing in confidence with each outing and have shown they are mature enough to adapt to different situations in the ICC Under19 Menâs Cricket World Cup India the fivetime champions extended their unbeaten run with a commanding sevenwicket win over New Zealand in a rainhit group stage clash on Saturday The result ensured they carried maximum points into the Super Six phase of the tournamentThe whole tournament has been really nice and the boys have really played well and shown the character that shows strong attitude also Because it was not easy for us also because the rain was interrupting the game against New Zealand but credit goes to the boys that they held to the game plan and bowled really nicelyThe boys are really mature enough to adapt to the different situations and they have played more cricket like this They are mature enough to take the situation and just back their basics Mhatre was quoted as saying by ICC on SundayIndia will face tougher tests during the Super Six stage when they take on cohosts Zimbabwe January 27 and archrivals Pakistan February 1 India will also take heart from skipper Mhatreâs timely return to form as the righthander topscored with 53 in the chase against New ZealandHis knock came after opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smacked a fluent 40 as the duo along with Vihaan Malhotra and Vedant Trivedi guided the fivetime champions to their target of 130 with authorityFor Mhatre it was his first significant innings of the tournament following modest returns of 19 and six against the USA and Bangladesh Just watch the ball closely and just play as a merit of the ball That was simple plan he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-wc-boys-are-mature-enough-to-adapt-to-different-situations-says-mhatre-659624.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/babar-shaheen-return-as-pakistan-announce-squad-for-australia-t20i-659475.html Lahore Jan 23 The Pakistan Cricket Board PCB announced its 16member squad for the threematch T20I series against Australia on Friday which will commence on January 29 at Gaddafi Stadium Allrounder Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the team in the important bilateral series ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 which will start on February 7 Former captains Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have returned to the T20I squad after missing the threematch away series against Sri Lanka in JanuaryBabar was struggling for runs in the ongoing BBL season He scored just 202 runs in 11 games His low strike rate of 10306 was an area of concern for the team He left his franchise before the playoffs to join his national side He hopes to turn his fortunes playing at homePakistan boasts a strong batting lineup which includes the likes of Fakhar Zaman Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan who are in good form While wicketkeeperbatter Mohammed Rizwan has again been overlooked his T20I future remains uncertainShadab Khan will continue to build on his comeback in the previous T20I series and will form part of a strong spinbowling contingent along with Abrar Ahmed Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Tariq While Shaheen Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Junior will lead the fast bowling attackPakistans premier T20I bowler Harris Rauf is also missing from the squad Rauf has performed well in the ongoing Big Bash League He has taken 20 wickets in just 11 matches and is also the leading wickettaker of the current seasonPakistan squadSalman Ali Agha captain Abrar Ahmed Babar Azam Faheem Ashraf Fakhar Zaman Khawaja Mohammad Nafay wk Mohammad Nawaz Mohammad Salman Mirza Mohammad Wasim Jnr Naseem Shah Sahibzada Farhan wk Saim Ayub Shaheen Shah Afridi Shadab Khan Usman Khan wk and Usman TariqPakistan will start their campaign in the T20 WC on February 7 against the Netherlands The team will play all its group stage matches in Colombo IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/babar-shaheen-return-as-pakistan-announce-squad-for-australia-t20i-659475.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-wc-japans-kato-stafford-reflects-on-unbelievable-experience-of-being-in-competition-659476.html Windhoek Jan 23 Japan may have finished their second ICC Under19 Menâs Cricket World Cup group stage campaign without a win but skipper Kazuma KatoStafford chose to reflect on an âunbelievable experienceâ of featuring in the competition saying that itâs not everyday one gets to face higherranked nations Though Japan lost to Ireland Australia and Sri Lanka they had some standout performances to take positives from Hugo TaniKelly became the first Japan player to score a century at this level by making 101 not out against Sri Lanka while Timothy Moore claimed three wickets in the same matchAgainst defending champions Australia TaniKelly made 79 not out while KatoStafford returned with figures of 242 from nine overs Its not every day an Associate nation gets to come up against three full Test level nations and three of the best in the worldIt was absolutely huge An unbelievable experience Weve got a number of guys I think more than half the squad available for the next World Cup so its a really good experience for them especially playing under pressure playing against some world class players who I have no doubt will go onto big things KatoStafford was quoted as saying by ICC on FridayHe further expressed pride on how his side had handled pressure of being in a mega event Just being able to put Japan Cricket on the world stage is just a really good honour and hopefully its onto bigger and better things from here Weve learned how to handle a lot of pressure against usâA few teams got off to really good starts against us so being able to bounce back from that being able to use our different options Normally weve been reliant on a few bowlers through the middle but this time around weve been able to rely on a few other guysâWith the bat especially Ive been really happy that Ive been able to rely on a number of players who have really stood up for us so Ive been really happy with that Happy overall with the experience the fight weve shown and being able to play our Japan way elaborated KatoStaffordJapan will next face U19 Menâs Cricket World Cup debutants Tanzania on Saturday in a grading fixture with both teams seeking their first win of the tournament and sign off on a high IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-wc-japans-kato-stafford-reflects-on-unbelievable-experience-of-being-in-competition-659476.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-faced-some-discomfort-injured-his-leg-childhood-coach-dinesh-lad-on-shardul-missing-mumbais-ranji-game-vs-hyderabad-659305.html Mumbai Jan 22 Shardul Thakurâs childhood coach Dinesh Lad revealed that the Mumbai captain sustained a minor leg injury leading him to skip the Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad on Thursday Thakur has been Mumbais captain since the start of the tournament guiding the team to three wins in five games with the remaining two ending in stalemates Nonetheless he was unable to participate in the ongoing match against Hyderabad with Siddhesh Lad donning the captain hatâShardul faced some physical discomfort and injured his leg Heâs recovering now and getting fit and will mostly be available for the next match I spoke to him and heâll be available when they play Delhi in Mumbaiâ Dinesh told IANS when asked why Shardul wasnât participatingDinesh Lad Siddheshâs father and an experienced coach who mentored former India captain Rohit Sharma in his childhood expressed pride in his sonâs Ranji Trophy performances for Mumbai after he was named the captain of the side for the Hyderabad encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International StadiumHe also mentioned that Thakur believes the 33yearold might soon earn his maiden India callup if he keeps performing similarlyI spoke to Shardul a while back and he feels that if Siddhesh keeps performing the way he does he might soon receive an India callup and Iâm hopeful if he scores a couple of centuries in the next 34 games he can get an India callâ Lad statedReflecting on Siddhesh taking over the leadership role from Thakur while he recovers from the injury Dinesh expressed his pride and shared a simple message for his sonIt feels good that Shardul led the team first and now Siddhesh is leading I feel really proud My only message to Siddhesh will be play good cricket and make the team proudâ he saidSiddhesh comes into the Hyderabad fixture in fine form In Mumbaiâs previous Ranji Trophy encounter against Puducherry the righthanded batter was named Player of the Match after scoring a commanding 170 off 285 balls in the first innings as Mumbai went on to register a massive inningsand222run victory IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-faced-some-discomfort-injured-his-leg-childhood-coach-dinesh-lad-on-shardul-missing-mumbais-ranji-game-vs-hyderabad-659305.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/injured-nz-quick-adam-milne-ruled-out-of-t20-wc-jamieson-named-replacement-659400.html Wellington Jan 23 Rightarm fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup with a torn left hamstring and will be replaced in the squad by Kyle Jamieson New Zealand Cricket NZC said on Friday Milne suffered the injury while bowling in the SA20 on Sunday with subsequent scans revealing the extent of the injuryâWeâre all gutted for Adam Heâd worked so hard to get himself ready for the tournament and was looking back to his best in his eight games for the Eastern Cape Sunrisers Its unfortunate timing for Adam and we wish him a speedy recovery said head coach Rob WalterJamieson who is currently part of the whiteball tour of India has been added to the T20 World Cup squad after originally being named as the travelling reserve for the mega event in India and Sri LankaWalter said Jamieson was a worthy replacementâItâs great that Kyle is already with us here in India Heâs an integral member of our pacebowling group and has hit the ground running on this tourâHeâs a hard worker with a good set of skills and experiences that will hold him good stead for the tournament he saidMilne has been a part of New Zealandâs squad at multiple T20 World Cups including the 2012 2016 2021 and 2022 editions of the tournamentHe has played 11 matches at T20 World Cups and has taken six wickets for New ZealandThe 33yearold pacer has 65 wickets in 56 matches ever since his T20I debut for the Kiwis in 2010 Overall Milne has 258 scalps from 226 T20 matches at an average of 2323 and an economy of 789 in T20 cricketNew Zealand have been placed in Group D alongside South Africa Afghanistan UAE and Canada in the T20 World CupNew Zealand will begin their campaign on February 8 with a clash against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/injured-nz-quick-adam-milne-ruled-out-of-t20-wc-jamieson-named-replacement-659400.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/warner-signs-extension-with-bbl-club-sydney-thunder-659413.html Sydney Jan 23 Former Australian opener David Warner has signed a oneyear extension with Sydney Thunder the Big Bash League BBL club said on Friday After leading the Thunder to the BBL Final last season Warners side crashed back to earth in BBL 15 as they finished bottom of the table with just two winsThe 39yearold finished BBL 15 as leagues leading runâscorer with 433 runs at a strike rate of 154 despite missing two matches due to injury His standout season also earned him a second consecutive Team of the Tournament selection once again named captainThe former Australian Test opener has 1139 BBL career runs to his name and eager to add to that tally next seasonâIâm really excited to commit to another season with Thunderâ Warner saidâIt was certainly a challenging year for us we are a much better team than what we put on the field this season and were unable to put a consistent game together But the support from our fans â turning up in numbers every game â it played a massive role in my decision to stay Warner said in a statement shared by ThundersâI feel Ive got plenty more to give to this team and to this game I felt pretty comfortable with my performance and was proud to give the team a fighting chance Weâve already begun reviewing the season and putting the right plans in place to ensure we deliver a much stronger campaign in BBL 16 he addedThunder General Manager Trent Copeland said it was a no brainer to extend Warner after another huge seasonâWeâre stoked that Davey is staying on for another season Heâs had an incredible year not only is he one of the greatest T20 players in the world over the last 15 years but still very clearly one of the best batters in the BBL and his fitness levels are eliteâHis hunger and his drive as a leader to improve upon a disappointing season for the squad is as strong as everâMeanwhile Melbourne Stars have resigned experienced trio Hilton Cartwright Sam Harper and Peter Siddle for BBL 16Cartwright and Harper have both agreed to twoyear extensions with the Stars while Siddle will have at least one more season in greenHarperâs contract comes after a careerbest season where he won the BBL Player of the Tournament awardAlongside Harper Siddle made the BBL Team of the Tournament recognising the 41yearoldâs outstanding campaign with the ball IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/warner-signs-extension-with-bbl-club-sydney-thunder-659413.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-asked-girls-to-go-out-and-fight-hard-says-gg-coach-klinger-659422.html Vadodara Jan 23 Gujarat Giants head coach Michael Klinger said his message for the team during the drinks break in their WPL 2026 clash against UP Warriorz was to really go out and fight hard something which spurred them to secure a 45run win at the BCA Stadium and move to second place in the points table The black soil doesnt bounce as much but it came onto the bat quite nicely So if Im being honest I thought we were probably 20 short with a bat even just a couple of sort of mistakes through the innings that we made that could have helped us get thereBut one thing we spoke about in the break was just asking the girls to really go out and fight hard We know theyve got two or three really key batters who have made the majority of their runs I think theyve made something around 75 to 80 of their runs for the tournamentSo we knew that if we get those key wickets we will be massively in the game Then some of the batters who hadnt batted as long throughout the tournament the pressure would have been on them and Im extremely proud of the group Our fielding has been a bit of a rollercoaster throughout the tournament but they were fantastic said Klinger in the postgame press conferenceThe move to bring in leftarm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad in place of Tanuja Kanwer paid off when she picked 316 to run through UPWs middle overs It was a really tough call TK has been a big part of our team for a few years now We felt like we definitely wanted to go in with an extra quick as an option In the end we didnt use it because our spinners bowled really wellâSo we went in with Happy Kumari but shell get an opportunity down the track in the next game to get some overs in But I think Raj probably gave us an option in the power play We felt maybe slightly more than TK not that TK isnt good at that in the power plays more so just Raj has bowled a few good overs for us already this seasonâIn the end we didnt use her in the power play but she did fantastically well through the middle to bowl four over straight from one end 316 that unbelievable effort and match winning spell that was So Im really happy for her I thought she filled it well too Shes been working really hard at training and shes done fantastically wellâ added KlingerReflecting on conditions and the slowness of the pitch where GG made 1538 Klinger said âI think it was under par The wicket was good felt it was probably a 170 to 180 par wicket We just probably didnt bat as well as we could have and then we obviously put a lot of pressure on the opposition with our bowling and fielding So I thought the groundsmen got the wicket quite niceâAsked if this will be the pattern seen in rest of the games at the venue Klinger said he hoped there were enough fresh wickets prepared for the business end of the competition âTough one I think its going to depend a little bit whether you play on the wicket the first time or the second timeâLike I felt two nights ago the match the second time it was played on was a bit lower So itd be interesting to see tomorrow Saturday night how this one plays whether it plays as well as it was here or whether its a bit lower than this game So thats going to be interestingâIm not sure if theyve got three or four wickets prepared but I think the more wickets they have here prepared the better for the rest of the competition because Im not sure you want to be playing third time on these wickets So maybe they can prepare four or five for the tournament to make sure we have good wickets right throughâOn the dew factor Klinger noted it was less disruptive than last season âWell it was but I think its a little bit different to last year I think it was here in Lucknow when there was dewâThe bowlers seemed to struggle to hold it and it was a little bit slippery whereas I think this year maybe its the spray theyre using Im not sure but it seems to be wet definitely when fielding but the bowlers seem to be able to get a good grip on it So maybe its not as bad as it was here last yearâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-asked-girls-to-go-out-and-fight-hard-says-gg-coach-klinger-659422.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-sarfaraz-khan-smashes-double-ton-for-mumbai-against-hyderabad-659434.html Hyderabad Jan 23 India batter Sarfaraz Khan struck a fluent double century off 206 balls for Mumbai against Hyderabad in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday Sarfaraz registered the fifth firstclass double hundred of his career as he was eventually dismissed for 227 off 219 deliveries His knock featured 19 fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 10365 including 45 runs taken off India pacer and Hyderabad skipper Mohammed Siraj in just 39 ballsHe also shared a 249run stand with standin skipper Siddhesh Lad 104 for the fourth wicket steering Mumbai past 500 after the side had slipped to 823 His innings has helped turn the match firmly in Mumbaiâs favour as Sarfaraz also went past 5000 firstclass runs tallyThe righthander has been in prolific form of late He recently lit up the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a record 15ball halfcentury against Punjab â the fastest by an Indian male batter in List A cricket â breaking the record of reaching the mark in 16 deliveries previously held by Abhijit Kale and Atit ShethSarfaraz eventually finished as Mumbaiâs top scorer in the 50over tournament with 303 runs coming at a strike rate of 19056 Sarfaraz last featured for India in a Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in November 2024 but has continued to press his case for a recall into the national setup with consistent domestic performancesHe was Mumbaiâs secondhighest rungetter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this season with 329 runs in seven matches at an average of 6580 and a strike rate of 20380 Sarfaraz also earned an IPL 2026 contract with fivetime champions Chennai Super Kings CSK at his base price of Rs 75 lakh IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ranji-trophy-sarfaraz-khan-smashes-double-ton-for-mumbai-against-hyderabad-659434.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bangladesh-cricket-board-seeks-48-hours-to-consult-govt-and-decide-on-t20-world-cup-participation-659233.html Mumbai Jan 22 Bangladesh Cricket Board has requested the International Cricket Council ICC for 48 hours time to convey their decision to the government regarding playing their matches of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and take a decision a news report said BCB officials on request not to be named told Telecom Asia Sport on Wednesday hours after the ICC rejected Bangladeshâs plea to relocate their matches from India after the BCB failed to provide much support except from the Pakistan Cricket Board during the voting in the virtual meeting that was attended by 16 membersThe ICC issued a final deadline to Bangladesh as the BCB has 24 hours to decide whether they will travel to India to play their matches in India during the T20 World Cup to be played from February 7 to March 8 If they fail to do so Bangladesh are likely to be replaced by Scotland in the competitionâThe Bangladesh players want to play the World Cup The Bangladesh government wants Bangladesh to play in the World Cup But we donât think India is safe for our players We asked them to shift the matches to Sri Lanka We said that we can switch with Ireland or Zimbabwe It would have been the easiest way but Sri Lanka said that they donât want a new team in their groupâ a BCB official told wwwtelecomasianet regarding the discussion in the ICC Board meeting held virtuallyââWe told them that after the vote we want one last chance to tell our government and that they insisted itâs a valid point and gave me 24 or 48 hours to get back to themââWe donât want to put pressure on the government We know the ICC denied us but we will talk to the government one more time and later will inform the government of the feedback to the ICCâ the official told wwwtelecomasianetThe report quoted the official as saying the government will take all options into consideration before reaching a final decision âYou must remember that a government doesnât only consider the wellbeing of the players but they take into consideration everything before making a decisionâ the source saidBangladesh officials held talks with ICC officials in Dhaka over the impasse over the weekend but no agreement was reached after BCB requested the ICC to shift their matches out of India after BCCI directed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League IPL 2026 amid prevailing political tensions between the two countriesThe website claimed that BCB officials had already got in touch with highups in their government to inform them about the latest updates after the ICC meeting and take their directives before making the final call IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bangladesh-cricket-board-seeks-48-hours-to-consult-govt-and-decide-on-t20-world-cup-participation-659233.html Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/3rd-odi-new-zealand-overcome-kohlis-valiant-124-to-secure-2-1-series-win-659002.html Indore Jan 18 New Zealand overcame a valiant 124 off 108 balls from the talismanic Virat Kohli to clinch a 41run victory and seal a historic 21 win in the ODI series decider at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday Knocks of 137 and 106 from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips took New Zealand to a commanding 3378 on a twopaced black soil pitch before the visitors held their nerve to overcome Kohliâs valiant 54th ODI century and bowl out India for 296 in 46 overs Kyle Jamieson and Zakary Foulkes picked three wickets each as the result gave New Zealand their firstever ODI series win on Indian soil after being 10 behind last weekIndiaâs chase faltered early as Rohit Sharma Shubman Gill Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul departed cheaply leaving the hosts reeling at 714 Kohli 124 off 108 balls and Nitish Kumar Reddy 53 revived the hosts hopes with a fighting 88run partnership while Harshit Rana added late fireworks via a 43ball 52 But the target eventually proved to be out of Indiaâs reach as the result marked Indiaâs fifth home ODI series defeat since 2010Indiaâs chase began brightly as they raced to 28 runs in the first three overs But Rohits knock ended in the fourth over when he tamely lobbed a flick to midon off Foulkes Jamieson then produced a sharp nipbacker from outside off which beat Gillâs defence and deflected off the pad to crash into the stumpsKohli after being troubled by Jamiesonâs bounce and movement pulled and walloped his way to hit four quick boundaries off Foulkes Jamieson and Kristian Clarke But wickets continued to fall from the other end as Iyer miscued a short delivery straight to midon off Clarke while Rahul was deceived by grip and turn from Jayden Lennox and was forced to give a catch off a check drive to extra coverTaking charge in the chase Kohli reached his fifty in 51 balls and his impeccable timing was on display when his trademark flick sped past deep squareleg despite being played as a strikerotation shot From the other end an assured Reddy complemented Kohli by striking four boundaries while his swivelling pull off Foulkes and a slogsweep off Glenn Phillips fetching him sixes were the standout shots with the second one getting him a maiden ODI fiftyThe duos runaball 88run partnership for the fifth wicket ended when Clarke dismissed him with a short ball that cramped him for room and Reddy couldnât keep the pull down giving midwicket a simple catch Ravindra Jadejaâs attempt to counter Lennox backfired as his lofted shot failed to clear deep midwicketBut Kohli responded with a burst of boundaries striking three fours and a wristy six over backward square leg in the space of 11 balls From the other end Rana provided valuable support with assured strokeplay with his insideout drive through the covers off Foulkes being the standoutMuch to the delight of the crowd Kohli reached his century in 91 deliveries and kept Indiaâs hopes alive Jamieson endured a rare hammering when Kohli struck him for two sixes one straight down the ground off a full toss and another over midwicket Rana added to the fireworks with a towering hit over longon off Foulkes to reach his maiden ODI fifty in just 41 ballsBut Ranaâs innings ended soon when he holed out to longon off a high full toss from Foulkes who removed Mohammed Siraj on the very next ball leaving India needing 61 runs from 37 deliveries The crowdâs hopes rested on Kohli who responded with backtoback boundaries in the 46th over to keep the chase aliveBut two balls later he miscued a lofted stroke to longoff for 124 Though he got a standing ovation from the crowd it was destined to be an effort in vain Indiaâs resistance ended swiftly as Kuldeep Yadav was run out while taking a risky single handing New Zealand a historic series triumph and adding another feather in their cap after achieving a remarkable 30 Test sweep just over a year earlierBrief scoresNew Zealand 3378 in 50 overs Daryl Mitchell 137 Glenn Phillips 106 Arshdeep Singh 363 Harshit Rana 384 beat India 296 in 46 overs Virat Kohli 124 Nitish Kumar Reddy 53 Harshit Rana 52 Kristian Clarke 354 Zakary Foulkes 377 by 41 runs IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/3rd-odi-new-zealand-overcome-kohlis-valiant-124-to-secure-2-1-series-win-659002.html Mon, 19 Jan 2026 02:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/an-se-young-dispatches-intanon-in-32-minutes-to-enter-bwf-india-open-final-658831.html New Delhi Jan 17 World No 1 An Seyoung advanced to the second final of the 2026 season after defeating World No 8 Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in just 32 minutes in the semifinal of the BWF Super 750 India Open on Saturday Seyoung registered a straightgame win 2111 217 over Intanon here at the Indira Gandhi Sports ComplexAn Seyoung dominated the proceedings from the start as she raced to an early advantage by scoring six consecutive points setting the tone for the opening game With sharp control she never allowed her opponent to settle comfortably closing out the first game 21â11The second game began on a more even footing with both players trading points in the early stages to reach 4â4 However that brief resistance was broken as An Seyoung raised her intensity She went on a devastating run of points surging ahead to a commanding 16â5 lead Maintaining her consistency An finished the match with errorfree play and sealed victory by taking the second game 21â7 to complete a dominant straightgame winBy defeating Intanon Se Young extended her winning streak to a personalbest 29 consecutive match victories She began the season in impressive fashion at the Malaysia Open where she claimed her third straight title Now with a place in the India Open final she is on the verge of lifting backtoback titles in consecutive weeksLast year the Korean star captured 11 titles in a single season and made history by becoming the first badminton player to earn more than USD 1 million in prize money in a calendar year Her triumph at the BWF World Tour Finals which carried a prize of USD 240000 pushed her total earnings for the year to USD 1003175In the India Open final she set up a summit clash with world no 2 Chinese Wang Zhi Yi which will be a rematch of the last weeks Malaysia Open The Korean holds a 174 lead in their headtohead record and has won all nine of their most recent matchesI think every match is a new feeling Shes a very good player and shes a very good attacking player So I dont know how hard she will play tomorrows match Se Young said of her final matchup with Wang who defeated world no4 Chen Yu Fei 1521 2321 to seal a place in the final IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/an-se-young-dispatches-intanon-in-32-minutes-to-enter-bwf-india-open-final-658831.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wayne-madsen-to-captain-italy-in-their-maiden-mens-t20-world-cup-campaign-658846.html New Delhi Jan 17 Experienced batter Wayne Madsen will captain Italy in their first appearance in the Menâs T20 World Cup set to happen in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8 The Italian Cricket Federation had previously confirmed Madsen who plays for Derbyshire in county cricket and is an Italian passport holder as the sideâs captain after exAustralia player Joe Burns was omitted from the squad for the tournament due to availability issuesFormer South Africa batter JonJon Smuts has also been named in Italyâs squad after attending a camp for the side in Dubai last year Smuts played six ODIs and 13 T20Is for South Africa from 2017 to 2021 and has qualified to play for India via his wifeFast bowling allrounder Grant Stewart who plays county cricket for Kent will also turn out for Italy as he has an EU passport through his Italian mother and has 17 T20I appearances so far via themThe Azzurri will mark their T20 World Cup debut in a Group C clash against Bangladesh on February 9 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata before facing Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai three days later Italy will also face 2010 England in Kolkata on February 16 before taking on twotime champions West Indies at the same venue on February 19Italy managed to make the cut for their firstever ICC tournament after finishing as runnersup in the 2025 Europe Regional Final Italy will be coached by John Davison the former Canada captain who played state cricket in Australia with exIreland batter Kevin OâBrien and former Scotland player Douglas Brown serving as assistant coachesItaly squad Wayne Madsen captain Marcus Campopiano wk Gian Piero Meade Zain Ali Ali Hasan Crishan Jorge Harry Manenti Anthony Mosca Justin Mosca Syed Naqvi Benjamin Manenti Jaspreet Singh JJ Smuts Grant Stewart and Thomas Draca IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wayne-madsen-to-captain-italy-in-their-maiden-mens-t20-world-cup-campaign-658846.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/m-chinnaswamy-stadium-given-permission-to-host-ipl-international-matches-again-658854.html New Delhi Jan 17 The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been cleared to host Indian Premier League IPL and international cricket matches again the Karnataka State Cricket Association KSCA said on Saturday âWe are pleased to announce that the Home department Government of Karnataka has granted permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association to host international and IPL matches at the iconic venue The permission is subject to compliance with specific terms and conditions prescribed by the government and concerned authoritiesâ said Vinay Mruthyunjaya KSCAâs official spokesperson in a statementThe formal approval for marquee cricket fixtures to return to the venue has ended months of uncertainty after the stadium was taken off the cricketing calendar following a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluruâs IPL 2025 title winning celebrations on June 4 when eleven people were killed while 56 people suffered injuriesIn its aftermath the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI shifted several major events away from the Chinnaswamy Stadium including the Duleep Trophy the IndiaâSouth Africa menâs A series Vijay Hazare Trophy and 2025 ICC Womenâs ODI World Cup including the finalHosting matches at the ground again was subject to the implementation of recommendations from the Justice Michael DâCunha report which was formed as part of the investigation into the tragedyâKSCA is confident of fulfilling all the stipulated conditions The Association has already presented a detailed compliance roadmap before the Expert Review Committee and remains fully committed to implementing all safety security and crowdmanagement measures in letter and spiritâ added MruthyunjayaThe KSCA also endured administrative upheaval operating without a treasurer and secretary for months after both resigned citing moral responsibility for the tragedy Last year the Venkatesh Prasadled panel took charge and began to act on its first priority of bringing back matches to the iconic cricketing venueWith the state governmentâs clearance now secured it would be interesting to see if RCB will play all of its IPL 2026 home games in Chinnaswamy considering that its vicepresident Rajesh Menon met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai for playing two games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/m-chinnaswamy-stadium-given-permission-to-host-ipl-international-matches-again-658854.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 01:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pwl-2026-haryana-thunders-register-dominant-6-3-win-over-dangal-warriors-658911.html Noida Jan 18 Haryana Thunders maintained their perfect start to the Pro Wrestling League 2026 with a commanding 6â3 win over Delhi Dangal Warriors in Match 5 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Saturday Riding the momentum from their opening fixture Haryana delivered a wellrounded performance blending aggressive technical superiority with disciplined tactical execution to control proceedings for most of the contestDespite Delhi Dangal Warriors putting up a tough fight and collecting valuable points Haryanaâs strength across multiple weight categories proved too strongThe tie began with a tightly fought womenâs 76kg bout where Kajal edged out Anastasia 6â5 giving Haryana an early advantageAnkush then asserted his dominance in the menâs 57kg category registering a convincing 13â3 victory over Shubham to extend Haryanaâs leadThe highlight of the evening came in the womenâs 53kg bout as Yui Susaki delivered a sensational display of speed and precision overwhelming Saarika 16â0 in just 57 seconds Her breathtaking performance earned her the Player of the Match award and drew loud applause from the spectatorsHaryana further tightened its hold on the contest when Anirudh Gulia outclassed Ronak Dahiya 13â0 in the menâs 125kg category displaying complete control throughout the boutNeha Sangwan followed with another dominant showing overpowering Karla Godinez 18â2 in the womenâs 57kg category to strengthen Haryanaâs position even furtherDelhi Dangal Warriors found some relief through Sujeet Kalkal who showed composure in a closely contested menâs 65kg bout to defeat Tumur Tulga 2â1 Turan Bayramov also impressed for Delhi with a commanding 8â0 win over Parvinder Singh in the menâs 74kg category keeping the tie competitiveHowever Haryana sealed the contest decisively when Iryna Koliadenko cruised to a comprehensive 13â0 victory over Anjali in the womenâs 62kg boutThe final menâs 86kg contest was awarded to Delhi Dangal Warriors after Ashirov Ashraf was declared unfit to compete handing the win to VafeipourWith two wins from two matches Haryana Thunders remain firmly placed near the top of the standings They will next face Maharashtra Kesari on January 23 in their third outing of the PWL 2026 season IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pwl-2026-haryana-thunders-register-dominant-6-3-win-over-dangal-warriors-658911.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-rcbs-prathyoosha-kumar-ready-to-embrace-playing-for-intent-over-survival-658916.html New Delhi Jan 18 Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB wicketkeeperbatter Prathyoosha Kumar said her aim from WPL 2026 is to embrace a mindset of playing for intent over survival Prathyoosha was signed for Rs 10 lakh by RCB for the 2026 season and has been methodically preparing for the step up from years of playing domestic cricket for Karnataka Prathyoosha though has not got a game yet due to the presence of firstchoice wicketkeeperbatter Richa Ghosh But her experiences of going through WPL trials and net keeper stints with RCB for the first three seasons have added to her understanding of the significant shift in tactical thinking required at a higher levelDeliveries considered risky in domestic cricket prove to be effective wickettaking options in the WPL where the game demands a more attacking mindset overall In the past since the WPL started Ive been attending a lot of trials So Ive been trying to understand how it works out in the WPLâI can say theres still quite some gap between domestic cricket and the WPL setup But the trials the way they conduct it and put you in those situations thats something that youll get an idea of how it works out at a higher level So I feel thats the key Prathyoosha told IANS in a virtual conversationWith the modern game evolving big time Prathyoosha has been busy in adding innovative shots to her batting repertoire I have started working for playing all 360 degree shots I can say I have started working on my scoops reverse scoops sweeps and reverse sweepsâOne more shot I have started playing like if you would have watched Joe Root playing a different kind of sweep So I have started adding those to my game and thats really helping me to score more runs she saidCentral to her batting philosophy is the concept of intent over mere survival which in turn would lead to more consistency in scores I feel its all about the intent If I am looking just for survival cricket its not going to help neither the team nor me So its more about the intent I feel and just knowing when to play what I feel it comes through experience and thats the key Prathyoosha explainedHer interactions with Australiaâs bighitting allrounder Grace Harris at RCB also reinforced the importance of professionalism Prathyoosha has observed that Grace and other overseas players maintain complete focus on cricket when on field while staying mentally detached from the games pressures off the fieldKnown for her sharp work as a keeper Prathyoosha has also absorbed the philosophy of keeping things simple by observing Richa in the practice sessions âShe keeps it very professional I feel the higher you play its more about professionalism and keeping it very simple as well Like not complicating too much in terms of where my hands are going or my legs are going Its just that watch the ball and then catch the ballâ she saidWhen in Bengaluru Prathyooshaâs training regimen involves working with two coaches offering contrasting approaches RX Murali RCBâs batting coach who lays more emphasis on technical fundamentals and Arjun Dev who runs the NICE academy and encourages exploring unorthodox strokeplayIn 2018 through Mamatha Maben former India captain I was introduced to RX Murali sir and thats how I started going to RXCA in Bengaluru Ive been working with sir for almost fiveseven years now Once he got into the RCB setup he has been very busy So he was not available all the time and thats when I shifted to NICE under Arjun Dev Hes been really helping me in the past two years she saidIt also helps Prathyoosha that training at NICE centers on joy and freedom of playing cricket Its more about playing for the happiness love of the game and playing freely I feel thats the key Once I entered NICE its more of the fearless approach and just going and expressing yourself she saidDespite being a new addition in the main RCB team the Bengaluru native feels comfortable in the RCB environment thanks to her fellow NICE trainees Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy Its really nice to have them around It doesnt feel like Im new to the setup or anything It feels like home So its been really amazing she saidRCB signed off from Navi Mumbai leg of WPL 2026 as the lone unbeaten side in the competition with Grace and skipper Smriti Mandhana being the major architects in two victories Prathyoosha had the best seat in the RCB dugout to see complementary styles of batting from Grace and Smriti and managed to take important lessons from it something which will help her if a chance to play arises in VadodaraYes definitely If youre seeing Grace Harris and Smriti batting one is a powerful hitter while the other one is more of a stroke maker They exactly know how to play and how to attack in the game So if one person is attacking then the other person is just rotating and in between theyre hitting fours and sixes So its something like you dont have to take unnecessary risks when not needed she concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-rcbs-prathyoosha-kumar-ready-to-embrace-playing-for-intent-over-survival-658916.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-gautami-targets-statement-performances-for-rcb-after-whirlwind-journey-658925.html New Delhi Jan 18 Gautami Naiks path to the Womens Premier League WPL has been rapid and challenging The 27yearold batting allrounder worked through several state teams and domestic cricket hardships before achieving her dream of participating in the league by playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 12 Although Gautami didnât get to bat or bowl in the match that RCB won she will cherish the moments from being informed about her WPL debut to stepping onto the field for the rest of her life We were practicing and thats when our head coach Malolan Rangarajan sir came and told me that you are playing the next match so get prepared accordingly He told me about the role and everythingâAfter he told me about it I was a little shocked that I am going to play in WPL because it was my dream and everyones dream is to play on a good platform and represent a good franchise So it was a wonderful feeling to know that my dream is going to be fulfilled because I have been working hard for all these things for so many yearsâIn that process all those things were looking very good and that feeling of going to play for a franchise like RCB in the WPL and sharing the dressing room with the likes of Smriti Harris and everyone as a playing eleven member So yes I was very happy and excited at that time recalled Gautami in a conversation with IANSGautami played three games batting only once and scoring nine runs Her path to join RCB was accelerated by the 2025 Womens Maharashtra Premier League WMPL As part of Ratnagiri Jets she opened the batting with Smriti who is now her captain at RCBGautami known for her long levers and powerful hits accumulated 173 runs over six innings making her the third highest scorer in the tournament Her impressive performance caught the attention of RCBâs scouts leading to her evaluation at RCBâs trials in Surat and Mumbai by Rangarajan and batting coach RX MuraliGautami vividly remembers her initial encounter with Smriti which set a positive tone for what would become a meaningful learning experience In her message to the team prior to the competition Smriti emphasised that everyone would have fun and play their designated rolesWhen they opened together Gautami noted Mandhanas calm demeanour her ability to make decisions under pressure and her way of managing difficult situations From the nonstrikers end Smriti also offered guidance by inquiring about Gautamiâs strengths and the type of game she could deliverA memorable moment for Gautami was batting with Smriti during the 85run partnership where each shot from Smriti consistently amazed her with how effortlessly she managed the gameGautamis transition from domestic cricket to the WPL has been substantial While domestic cricket mainly emphasises mindset and skills the WPL presents a higher level of intensity Watching live matches sharing dressing rooms with international players and observing their work ethics make the WPL a completely different environmentGautami acknowledged that while domestic cricket has grown more competitive the WPL stands out due to its higher level of competition featuring more senior players and better facilities Initially a pace bowler her love for batting sparked a significant discussion with her coach Avinash ShindeMy journey started as a pacer but I really liked batting I used to go to my coach and would say âI dont want to bowl I just want to batâ Thats when he said âWell develop your battingâ I used to do hard hitting first But after that with my coach Ive worked so hard every day on myself for perfecting every shotI would think âHow can I do betterâ I mean Ive improved my technique with small basic points I liked hard hitting and thats my game of playing aggressively So my coach worked on me in such a way that he added everything to my game technically mentally physically He added everything I needed to become a playerDay by day and every year those changes kept coming We kept working â like this year well work on this shot or well work on our mentality or areawise where should I develop What is my strength and what can I do better He kept adding all those things to my batting Then day by day those improvements started coming as a result she explainedHer transformation into an offspinner happened almost by accident during her time with Nagaland There was a coach there and he said your height is good and you should bowl offspin So I was bowling and found I had 34 good variations The coach was surprised that I was bowling offspin so well He said âWhy dont you continueââSo he asked me to bowl offspin in the next match It was a domestic match with Bihar I took almost 5 wickets in that match Since then that journey started and suddenly I became an offspinner from a pacer she recountedThe Nagaland chapter was established following limited playing opportunities in Maharashtra after the Covid19 pandemic I was selected for the Maharashtra under23 team But I didnt get much chances â I got to play in the last match which didnt go well The Maharashtra senior womens team was packed and I didnt see any other optionsâSo my friend Poonam Khemnar currently in Mumbai Indians came to play in the Nagaland team as a guest player along with Kiran Navgire who is in UP Warriorz She suggested my name to play there I didnt have much experience in playing domestic cricketBut after going there I got to know the culture as cricket had just started in the NorthEast and wasnt that developed But when we were playing there the coaches and players had only one vision to help the team qualify for knockouts We wanted to play as many good games as possible I got chances there to work on my skill and fitness she explainedHer breakthrough came during a Womens MPL exhibition match that caught the attention of former India wicketkeeper Kiran More leading to a move to Baroda I played a good knock in that game and Kiran More sir was there as a Mumbai Indians scout and he approached me by asking where I come from and for whom I am playingâHe then called me for the trials of Mumbai Indians where I performed well He then asked me if Im interested in playing for Baroda So I agreed I spoke to my coach and I was given an opening slotâAfter playing there I got to know a lot of things like how to improve my skill and fitness as well as mindset and plans as an opener So I played for 2 years for Baroda in that way Then I decided to come to Maharashtra and play from my state she saidGautamis return to Maharashtra was successful with impressive performances in invitational matches and the Womens MPL which led to her selection for the senior team She ultimately won the Senior Womenâs T20 Trophy despite scoring only 89 runs in six inningsNow at RCB Gautami is amidst top international talent gaining insights from their approach to the game All of them like Grace Harris Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil are very hardworking girls Whenever they come on the field their approach attitude and the way they plan is a learning experience Their net sessions are also planned in the same wayI noticed one thing that everyone is working very hard whether its batting bowling or fielding in the nets If you properly work hard you will get good results I am following all these things I am learning from them how to play a good game and how to keep a good mindset and approach she addedLooking ahead Gautami has clear objectives for the rest of her WPL campaign which now shifts to Vadodara If I speak individually my target is to make runs for my team in any given situation I want to set a good statement and show that the domestic players of RCB have also come here with a strong approach and mindsetâMy biggest goal is to win as many matches for RCB as possible My last goal is to win the trophy I will give my 100 percent in all the areas irrespective of whether I get batting bowling and fielding while playing for the team she concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-gautami-targets-statement-performances-for-rcb-after-whirlwind-journey-658925.html Sun, 18 Jan 2026 15:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-cant-figure-out-how-selectors-went-with-inglis-ahead-of-webster-in-ashes-ponting-658710.html New Delhi Jan 17 Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has questioned the Ashes selection calls saying he is still unable to understand why Josh Inglis was preferred over Beau Webster during the series Despite making an impressive start to his Test career including a matchwinning performance on debut during last yearâs BorderGavaskar Trophy finale Webster was left out of Australiaâs starting XI for Novemberâs Ashes opener in Perth with fellow allrounder Cameron Green taking his spot at No 6The 32yearold was also sidelined for the following two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide with national selectors instead calling up reserve wicketkeeper Inglis who posted scores of 23 32 and 10 batting at No 7Webster finally got a chance during the New Yearâs Ashes Test at the SCG where he scored an unbeaten 71 and took three wickets with his parttime off spinâAt the start I was surprised they went with Inglis ahead of Beau With the selectors I know they look very deeply into data with these things There must have been something there a metric and Inglis must have better numbers But I canât figure out how they did that to be honest Ponting told SEN TassiePonting suggested the decision was puzzling especially given Websterâs form and ability to offer greater balance to the side and felt the selectors missed an opportunity by overlooking him throughout the AshesâI was surprised but every time I see Beau play he just continues to put forward a case as to why he should be in the side Now we know an opportunity has come up at No 5 with Usman Khawaja not there I canât see any world in which Travis Head doesnât continue as opener so maybe itâs Beauâs chance to grab that No 5 spotâHe may not be the flashiest or the most stylish but heâs a gamer He knows what has to happen in situations ball or field It will be hard to leave him out going forward Ponting addedLast week Webster had confessed he was âdisappointedâ to miss selection for the first four Tests of the Ashes campaign IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-cant-figure-out-how-selectors-went-with-inglis-ahead-of-webster-in-ashes-ponting-658710.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-still-cant-figure-out-how-selectors-went-with-inglis-ahead-of-webster-in-ashes-ponting-658711.html New Delhi Jan 17 Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has questioned the Ashes selection calls saying he is still unable to understand why Josh Inglis was preferred over Beau Webster during the series Despite making an impressive start to his Test career including a matchwinning performance on debut during last yearâs BorderGavaskar Trophy finale Webster was left out of Australiaâs starting XI for Novemberâs Ashes opener in Perth with fellow allrounder Cameron Green taking his spot at No 6The 32yearold was also sidelined for the following two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide with national selectors instead calling up reserve wicketkeeper Inglis who posted scores of 23 32 and 10 batting at No 7Webster finally got a chance during the New Yearâs Ashes Test at the SCG where he scored an unbeaten 71 and took three wickets with his parttime off spinâAt the start I was surprised they went with Inglis ahead of Beau With the selectors I know they look very deeply into data with these things There must have been something there a metric and Inglis must have better numbers But I canât figure out how they did that to be honest Ponting told SEN TassiePonting suggested the decision was puzzling especially given Websterâs form and ability to offer greater balance to the side and felt the selectors missed an opportunity by overlooking him throughout the AshesâI was surprised but every time I see Beau play he just continues to put forward a case as to why he should be in the side Now we know an opportunity has come up at No 5 with Usman Khawaja not there I canât see any world in which Travis Head doesnât continue as opener so maybe itâs Beauâs chance to grab that No 5 spotâHe may not be the flashiest or the most stylish but heâs a gamer He knows what has to happen in situations ball or field It will be hard to leave him out going forward Ponting addedLast week Webster had confessed he was âdisappointedâ to miss selection for the first four Tests of the Ashes campaign IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-still-cant-figure-out-how-selectors-went-with-inglis-ahead-of-webster-in-ashes-ponting-658711.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/rahane-pulls-out-of-remaining-ranji-trophy-matches-reports-658731.html New Delhi Jan 17 Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane will not take part in Mumbais remaining two Ranji Trophy matches Mumbai will play against Hyderabad from January 22 to 25 before their final leaguephase match against Delhi at the MCABKC ground from January 29 to February 1 Rahane reportedly informed the Mumbai Cricket Association MCA that he wonât be taking part in the remainder of the redball season due to personal reasonsâWe will be picking the Mumbai team for their second stage of league game Rahane wonât be taking part as he has informed MCA that he wonât be available for the remaining two red ball gamesâ a source was quoted in an Indian Express reportAhead of the 202526 domestic season Rahane relinquished the Mumbai captaincy saying I believe itâs the right time to groom a new leader MCA then appointed India allrounder Shardul Thakur as the new captain of the 42time Ranji championsUnder Rahaneâs captaincy Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy in the 202324 season ending a sevenyear drought for the championship They also reached the Ranji Trophy semifinals last season where they lost to Vidharbha by 90 runs Under his leadership Mumbai also won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season with Rahane as the tournaments highest runscorer and clinched the Irani Trophy in 202425Rahane is second on the alltime runscorers list for Mumbai in firstclass cricket with 6141 runs in 80 matches at an average of 5718 between 2007 and 2025 only behind former India opener Wasim Jaffer 8178 runs from 19972015 He has also scored 19 centuries for Mumbai in firstclass cricket second only to Jaffers 29In his domestic career Rahane has played 205 firstclass matches 192 List A matches and 284 T20 matches During this time he has scored 14209 runs in 346 firstclass innings at an average of 4496 6853 runs in 187 List A innings at an average of 3984 and 7242 runs in 267 T20 innings at an average of 2992 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/rahane-pulls-out-of-remaining-ranji-trophy-matches-reports-658731.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 15:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/mitchell-starc-bags-icc-mens-player-of-the-month-award-for-december-658466.html Dubai Jan 15 Australias talismanic bowler Mitchell Starc has been named as the winner of the ICC Mens Player of the Month award for December following his splendid performance against England in the Ashes 202526 The 35yearold was on a roll in the recently concluded Ashes series taking 31 wickets and contributing with two halfcenturies His outstanding allround performance earned him the Player of the Series awardAustralias leftarm fast bowler was nominated for the Player of the Month award after he took 16 wickets and scored 139 runs across three tests in DecemberStarc was proud to have won the award on the back of a successful home Ashes winâItâs an honour to be named the ICC Player of the Month and even more special that it came on the back of such a successful home Ashes To have played a part in winning such an iconic series in front of our home crowd is something we will all relish for a long timeâ Starc said to ICCâAs a team weâve had some outstanding performances in the last few years The focus now is on building that momentum towards a place in next yearâs ICC World Test Championship Finalâ he addedThe Australian beat two other impressive performers in West Indiesâ Justin Greaves and New Zealands Jacob DuffyGreaves had a memorable month in New Zealand amassing 283 runs at an average of 5660 over three Tests His exceptional performance was in the first Test at Christchurch where he scored an unbeaten 202 in the fourth innings saving the match and helping his team drawWhile New Zealand fast bowler Duffy led the wickets in the home Test series against West Indies taking 23 wickets at an impressive average of 1543 over three matches He was crucial to New Zealandâs 20 series win regularly challenging opposition batters with his swing and precision IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/mitchell-starc-bags-icc-mens-player-of-the-month-award-for-december-658466.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 04:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/shaheen-afridi-back-in-nets-to-boost-pakistans-t20-world-cup-hopes-report-658512.html Mumbai Jan 15 Pakistan spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has started training after an injury break sending a sigh of relief for the teamâs Twenty20 World Cup chances with the medical officer confident he will be at his best by next week according to a news report on Thursday Shaheen Afridi returned to the nets on Thursday with a 15minute bowling spell and as much batting and he remained on course for anearly return after reports claimed that he might miss the T20 World Cup after suffering an injury while playing in the Big Bash League BBL Telecom Asia Sport reportedâShaheen bowled for a good 15 minutes with a full runup and showed no signs of discomfort in the nets which is a good sign for Pakistan because he is a vital cog in Pakistanâs bowling attack for the coming World Cupâ sources in the PCB medical panel told wwwtelecomasianet on ThursdayEarlier there were fears that Shaheen Afridi might miss next monthâs T20 World Cup with the recurrence of a knee injury which ended his participation in Pakistanâs matches in 2022 especially in the final of the Twenty20 World Cup against England at the MCGâHis rehab is complete and now he is bowling which means that he can feature in the threematch series against Australia later this month but the management may not want to risk him before going to Sri Lankaâ the source told Telecom Asia SportPakistanâs newly appointed medical panel head Dr Javed Mughal supervised Shaheenâs rehab and showed satisfaction over the fitness process and has suggested some precautionary measures for the pacerâThe medical panel has suggested some exercises for Shaheen and will guide him to bowl for 15 minutes to 25 minutes and then for a longer period Understandably the medical panel would suggest not to play him against Australia and instead play him in the warmup matches before the World Cupâ the report quoted the source as sayingThe 25yearold damaged his left knee during the Big Bash League in Australia during his notso very successful maiden appearance for Brisbane Heat taking just two wickets in four matches at a costly average of 765 per wicket He was also suspended from bowling after two beamers in the opening match against the Perth ScorchersThe MRI done in Brisbane had shown no serious injury but the Pakistan Cricket Board deemed it wise to withdraw Shaheen from the Big Bash League and recalled him to LahoreAccording to the report sources close to Shaheen Afridi told wwwtelecomasianet that they had denied reports and showed confidence that the fast bowler will be ready for the start of the T20 World Cup Pakistan have included Shaheen Afridi in the preliminary 20man squad for the World Cup subject to fitness The 15member squad will be finalised by head coach Mike HessonPakistan played a threematch T20I series against Sri Lanka from January 11 for which Shaheen Babar Azam and Haris Rauf were not considered as they were part of the Big Bash LeaguePakistan will play its opening match against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7 and then against the USA three days later Their highprofile match against India will be on February 15 Pakistan will wrap up their Group A match against Namibia on February 18 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/shaheen-afridi-back-in-nets-to-boost-pakistans-t20-world-cup-hopes-report-658512.html Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pathway-for-future-stars-icc-chief-jay-shah-wishes-luck-to-teams-for-u19-world-cup-658366.html New Delhi Jan 15 The International Cricket Council ICC chair Jay Shah extended his best wishes to the U19 stars for kickstarting their World Cup campaign in Zimbabwe and Namibia The 16th edition of the ICC Under19 Cricket World Cup begin on Thursday with the match between India and the United States in BulawayoWishing all the teams and players best of luck in the ICC Under19 Mens Cricket World Cup starting on January 15 across host countries Zimbabwe and NamibiaOur youth events have long been the pathway for some of crickets biggest stars and am sure that will be the case again the ICC chief shared on XLed by Ayush Mhatre India have been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand USA and Bangladesh Talented batting allrounder Vihaan Malhotra will serve as Mhatres deputy at the tournamentAustralia are the defending champions having won the 2024 edition with a victory over India in the final and have won the title four times just behind India who have lifted the trophy on five occasionsPakistan are the only other team with multiple titles to their name with successive victories in 2004 and 2006 with West Indies South Africa Bangladesh and England to have claimed one triumph eachThe tournament is set to be played across five venues in Zimbabwe and Namibia with the former hosting 25 matches including the semifinal and final and Namibia hosting 16 gamesAll matches in Namibia will be held in Windhoek at the two venues the Namibia Cricket Ground and High Performance Oval next to each other In Zimbabwe the matches will be held in two cities Harare and Bulawayo The Queens Sports Club will be the solitary venue in Bulawayo with Harare Sports Club and Takashinga Sports Club being the two venues in the Zimbabwean capitalThe Queens Sports Club and the Harare Sports Club will host the two semifinals on February 3 and 4 with the Harare Sports Club playing host to the final on February 6 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pathway-for-future-stars-icc-chief-jay-shah-wishes-luck-to-teams-for-u19-world-cup-658366.html Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/england-spin-duo-adil-rashid-rehan-ahmed-face-visa-delay-for-t20-wc-in-india-658403.html London Jan 15 England spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed are reportedly facing unexpected delays in procuring visas for their travel to India for the T20 World Cup starting from February 7 The delay hampered the chances for the spin duo to travel with the rest of the squad this weekend for six warmup games against Sri Lanka and it is unclear when they will join their teammates England will begin its T20 World Cup campaign on February 8 when they face Nepal in Navi MumbaiAs per The Guardian report the ECB is confident that the visas will be issued in time for Rashid and Ahmed But the timing of visa clearance remains uncertain and the ECB has sought assistance from the UK government to help expedite the processNotably in 2024 Shoaib Bashir was forced to fly home to resolve visa complications which prevented him from joining the England squad in India for the Test series while the rest of the team travelled to HyderabadEngland will play three ODIs and as many as T20Is in Sri Lanka beginning January 22 in the leadup to the T20 mega spectacle with Harry Brook leading the side for the Sri Lanka tour and the subsequent T20 World CupAfter their opener against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium England will take on twotime champions 2012 amp 2016 the West Indies on February 11 at the same venue before travelling to Kolkata for their clash against 2022 winners England at the iconic Eden Gardens on February 14 They will wrap up their groupstage campaign against Italy on February 16In the previous edition of the tournament England were knocked out in the semifinal by eventual winners IndiaEngland Provisional Squad Harry Brook c Rehan Ahmed Jofra Archer Tom Banton Jacob Bethell Jos Buttler Sam Curran Liam Dawson Ben Duckett Will Jacks Jamie Overton Adil Rashid Phil Salt Josh Tongue Luke Wood IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/england-spin-duo-adil-rashid-rehan-ahmed-face-visa-delay-for-t20-wc-in-india-658403.html Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/keys-sets-adelaide-qf-with-mboko-cristian-beats-kasatkina-658320.html Adelaide Jan 14 Defending champion Madison Keys registered a 64 61 win over Tereza Valentova to reach the Adelaide International quarterfinals for the second consecutive year on Wednesday Keys overcame seven double faults and saved five break points to secure the first set in 49 minutes Valentova pushed to stay in it but Keys ripped a forehand return winner off the 18yearoldâs second serve to break for a 20 lead in the second set From there she won four of the final five games to close out a hardearned victory according to WTATheyâre just so young and they have so much energy and theyâre so excited to be out here And theyâre just so good So you definitely have to just expect them to play some really great tennis and like I said try to lean on experience in those big moments and just kind of hope that that gets you across the finish line said KeysKeys will face another teen sensation Victoria Mboko in their first meeting on the WTA Tour The No 8 seed Mboko saved two match points against Anna Kalinskaya to reach the second round of the Adelaide International in two hours and 22 minutesEarlier Jaqueline Cristian defeated Daria Kasatkina for the first time with a secondset bagel Cristian survived a chaotic first set before running away with a 64 60 win in 1 hour and 31 minutesThis was Cristians second straightsets win of the week following her upset of No 4 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the first roundSheâll face another Australian Kimerly Birrell in the quarterfinals who advanced after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to injury ahead of their secondround matchCristian and Birrell have split their two previous meetings with the Romanian winning a dominant 60 61 last year at Roland Garros IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/keys-sets-adelaide-qf-with-mboko-cristian-beats-kasatkina-658320.html Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/turned-out-to-be-the-wrong-decision-nayar-takes-complete-responsibility-for-upws-batting-order-gamble-658206.html Navi Mumbai Jan 13 Head coach Abhishek Nayar explained that UP Warriorzs batting order change was due to opposition strategies after Kiran Navgire was moved down to No 4 admitting that sending Harleen Deol to open against Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB was a mistake and he takes full responsibility for that Harleenâs struggles with the bat have been evident in the past two games She batted in the middle order in the teamâs campaign opener against Gujarat Giants and was dismissed for a twoball duckIn the recently concluded clash against RCB she opened alongside skipper Meg Lanning and could manage only 11 runs off 14 deliveries before being sent packing by Lauren BellWe felt that with the moving ball at that point Harleen could add a bit of value in the powerplay Shes obviously technically correct It didnt work out today I felt it turned out to be the wrong decision I take complete responsibility for it But I think the thought process behind it was having some solidity up top and then hopefully having that power later on as the pitch gets better because we anticipated a bit of swing initiallyI thought those matchups for Kiran Navgire in the middle would work But they didnt work today So I look foolishâ Nayar told reporters at the postmatch press conferenceNavgire scored 1 run off 4 balls in UPWs 208run chase against Gujarat Giants while Deol was out for a duck in two balls However Phoebe Litchfields 78 along with lowerorder cameos kept UPW competitive as they lost by only ten runsOne notable cameo was from Shweta Sehrawat who made a 17ball 25 with three sixes and a four Batting at No 6 she hit her first ball bowled by Renuka Singh for a six over extra coverSpeaking of Sehrawat a toporder batter by nature being slotted in the middle over while also being handed the wicketkeeping duties Nayar said âFor her career I think its a great step moving forward Giving her the gloves in my head was a KL Rahul sort of move where it brightens her chances of making it to the India squad especially seeing that there arent a lot of optionsâShes a tremendous batter with a lot of capability power and flair She has been working on a couple of shots and weve seen that in practice matches and during her preparation But it was good to see a sample size of it in a game I have a lot more expectations from her through the season because I truly believe she has the potential to don the India colours and do exceedingly wellâIn 15 days of practice she has been keeping to Sophie Ecclestone Deepti Sharma and Asha So with a little more keeping under her belt I really feel she can be a great prospect for the Indian womens teamâAgainst RCB Deol struggled to score against Lauren Bell facing nine dot balls during her 14ball innings before mistiming a shot to midoff Navgire scored five off three balls before losing her wicket at deep midwicketHer dismissal contributed to a collapse where UPW lost four wickets for 11 runs dropping to 505 Deepti Sharma and Deandra Dottin then played carefully to carry the innings to a total of 1435âIn todays game you cant talk too much about the batting order because we lost wickets in heaps In our mind it was quite simple Everyone had their roles clear But when you lose so many wickets what role You just have to go out and playâFor me in T20 cricket the numbers after your top three dont really matter The top three today was a call based on the opposition Although I believe in having players play set roles I also felt that today it didnt work out But that doesnt mean Harleen cant do it or that Kiran cant do it It just didnt work out today If she had scored 100 wed be having a different conversationâ Nayad added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/turned-out-to-be-the-wrong-decision-nayar-takes-complete-responsibility-for-upws-batting-order-gamble-658206.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/speculative-and-incorrect-yuzvendra-chahal-quashes-reports-of-participation-in-reality-show-658218.html New Delhi Jan 13 Indias attacking legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal has quashed reports of his participation in a reality show calling them speculative and factually incorrect Rumours have been circulating about Chahals supposed entry into the reality television show The 50 Various reports claimed that Chahal will reunite with his exwife Dhanashree Verma on the show sparking widespread chatter among fans The duo married in 2020 and parted ways four years laterThe 50 is Indiaâs upcoming largescale reality show promising a bold new format that is set to disrupt the Indian reality TV playbook It is set to premiere on February 1Putting all speculation to rest Chahal shared a statement on his Instagram story clarifying that the reports currently circulating regarding his participation in a reality show are factually incorrect He is not associated with the show mentioned in recent reports and âthere are no discussions or commitments of this natureââThere is no truth to the reports currently circulating about Yuzvendra Chahalâs participation in any reality show These claims are speculative and incorrect Yuzvendra is not associated with the show mentioned in recent reports and there are no discussions or commitments of this nature We request media platforms and social media users to refrain from spreading unverified information Chahal said in a statementChahal will next be seen in action in the Indian Premier League 2026 He was retained by Punjab Kings after the franchise acquired the spinner at the IPL 2025 auction for a whopping Rs 18 crore dealIn 2024 he became the first player in IPL history to take 200 wickets and was named in the T20 World Cup squad again where India lifted the title IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/speculative-and-incorrect-yuzvendra-chahal-quashes-reports-of-participation-in-reality-show-658218.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/lewis-joseph-return-as-wi-announce-squad-for-afg-t20is-658243.html St Johns Antigua Jan 13 Cricket West Indies CWI announced a 16player squad for the upcoming threematch T20 International series against Afghanistan set to take place at the Dubai Cricket International Stadium in the UAE from January 1922 The series will be an important buildup before the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup starting on February 7 The final squad for this highly anticipated event will be revealed before the threematch T20I series against South Africa scheduled from January 27 to 31T20 Captain Shai Hope along with key players Roston Chase Akeal Hosein and Sherfane Rutherford were not available for selection due to commitments in the ongoing SA20 tournamentWith Hope absent Brandon King has been named captain He has previously led the West Indies in T20 Internationals such as during the home series against South Africa in early 2024 and offers significant leadership experienceShamar Joseph and Evin Lewis have returned for this series having successfully cleared returntoplay protocols after recovering from previous injuriesAlzarri Joseph also sidelined by injury late in 2025 was showing promising progress in his returntoplay programme but has not been included at this stage as a precaution after a medical reviewHe will remain under observation and evaluation to assess his eligibility and possible inclusion in the World Cup squad Quentin Sampson recognised as the Breakout Player of the 2025 Caribbean Premier League has received his first international callupHe replaces Rovman Powell who has been rested for the series alongside Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd as part of workload managementHead Coach Daren Sammy mentioned that this series not only serves as a valuable tuning opportunity before the ICC World Cup but also helps reintegrate key players returning after extended absencesâThe opportunity to play competitive matches in subcontinental conditions is ideal as it assists with our preparations and confidence building ahead of what will be a competitive T20 World Cup It also presents a valuable platform to assess players who wouldâve missed significant time towards the end of 2025 as well as those stepping into important roles for this series prior to the selection of the final squad for the international tournamentâ Sammy saidThe squad will leave the Caribbean on January 14 and is expected to arrive in the UAE on January 16West Indies squad for Afghanistan T20Is Brandon King c Alick Athanaze Keacy Carty Johnson Charles Matthew Forde Justin Greaves Shimron Hetmyer Amir Jangoo Shamar Joseph Evin Lewis Gudakesh Motie Khary Pierre Quentin Sampson Jayden Seales Ramon Simmonds Shamar Springer IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/lewis-joseph-return-as-wi-announce-squad-for-afg-t20is-658243.html Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/no-better-place-than-a-full-crowd-of-blue-daryl-mitchell-on-nz-youngsters-first-cricket-experience-of-india-657946.html Vadodara Jan 11 New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell expressed that he was glad that the young players on his team had the opportunity to play in India for the first time He noted that there is no better environment for such an experience than in front of a packed Indian crowd in blue Mitchell was the topscorer for his side after the Kiwis were put to bat first as he played an anchorâs innings and made 84 runs off 71 deliveries as the visitors posted 3008 on the scoreboard at the Kotambi International Stadium BCASpeaking to the broadcasters after the first innings Mitchell said that getting 300 on a slower wicket was âpleasingââAs a group the way we scraped our way to that total on this surface gives us something to bowl at You always want more as a team We did lose a couple of wickets in the middle but I thought the partnerships we built were important To get to 300 on a slower wicket especially for us as Kiwis is pleasing Now itâs about getting out there with energy and seeing what we can do with the ball Yeah and also the new rule of one ball after 34 overs it gets a lot softer and harder to hit Thatâs the challenge of modern oneday cricket just trying to maximise whatever you can getâ he saidSpeaking of his LBW review he added âYeah it was pretty out to be honest probably more wishful thinking than anything else Just to be really clear with our plans We know how theyâll want to come out and playââItâs great weâve got some young guys experiencing India for the first time thereâs no better place to do it than in front of a full crowd of blueâ Mitchell said of the young Kiwis experiencing cricket in India IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/no-better-place-than-a-full-crowd-of-blue-daryl-mitchell-on-nz-youngsters-first-cricket-experience-of-india-657946.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-walks-the-talk-shreyas-lauds-kohlis-years-of-consistency-658014.html New Delhi Jan 12 India batter Shreyas Iyer reserved special praise for Virat Kohli after the latter achieved two major milestones with his brilliant 93run knock in the first ODI against New Zealand on Sunday The Men in Blue clinched a fourwicket win against the Kiwis to take a 10 lead in the threematch seriesKohli entered the match needing just 25 runs to reach 28000 international runs and achieved the landmark in the 13th over of Indiaâs chase becoming the fastest cricketer to reach the milestone achieving it in just 624 innings 20 fewer than legendary Sachin Tendulkar who held the world record before the 37yearold broke itKohliâs innings also saw him surpass Kumar Sangakkara to become the alltime secondhighest runscorer in international cricket history moving past the Sri Lankan greatâs tally of 28016 runs Tendulkar remains at the top with 34357 international runsSpeaking of his milestones and his calm knock against the BlackCaps Iyer in a video shared by the BCCI said âWhatever we talk about his innings it would be less Weve been seeing it for so many years now Hes been doing it consistently The way he rotates the strike he takes on the bowler He basically walks the talkâIyer also delivered a pivotal performance in his comeback game after recovering from the spleen injury he sustained during Indiaâs tour of Australia in October last year Appointed vicecaptain for the series the middleorder batter teamed up with Kohli to form a 77run partnership and scored 49 runs off 47 balls narrowly missing a welldeserved halfcenturyâGreat momentum great start for the series especially Me coming back after a while into the team It feels great to be part of the squad But more than that it was a great feeling to stay in the dressing room with each and every one I was missing it for quite a while but Im happy to be backâ Iyer said of his outing IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-walks-the-talk-shreyas-lauds-kohlis-years-of-consistency-658014.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/team-management-wants-me-to-bat-at-no-8-as-an-all-rounder-harshit-rana-658046.html Vadodara Jan 12 After Indias fourwicket victory in the opening ODI against New Zealand fast bowler Harshit Rana revealed that the team management wants to groom him as an allrounder and asked him to work on improving his skills as a batter to bat at the No 8 position Chasing 301 India lost opener Rohit Sharma early Skipper Shubman Gill 56 and Virat Kohli 93 then forged a sublime matchwinning stand of 118 runs for the second wicket Shreyas Iyer 49 Harshit Rana 29 and KL Rahul 29 not out helped India over the lineNotably Rana came ahead of allrounder Washington Sunder to bat at No 7 and contributed a vital 29 off 23 in the chaseThe team management wants to groom me as an allrounder and it is my task to keep working on it I am working on it in the nets as well and it was a matter of confidence which KL Rahul Bhai helped me with when I went in to bat I kept my focus on it and made the runs Rana said in a postmatch presserMy team wants me to bat at No 8 as an allrounder and whatever time I can give to it in the nets I focus on that I believe I can score 3040 runs for the team lower down the order whenever needed and thatâs what the team management believes that I can do as well he addedAfter being asked to bat New Zealand got off to a strong start as openers Devon Conway 56 and Henry Nicholls 62 forged a brilliant stand of 117 runs Daryl Mitchell anchored the innings shifting between caution and aggression as he smashed an aggressive 84 Mohammed Siraj led the Indian attack finishing with figures of 80402 while Prasidh Krishna and Rana also chipped in with two wickets eachWhen asked about the Indian bowlers struggles to take wickets early on with the new ball particularly in the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah Rana responded I donât know what cricket you are watching Even today although we did not secure the early wickets Siraj bhai bowled exceptionally well We did not give away a lot of runs either with the new ballâBut these things happen if you do not get wickets early on then you will get them later which is what we did There are different phases in ODI cricket I felt that the pitch was slow there wasnât much bounce either he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/team-management-wants-me-to-bat-at-no-8-as-an-all-rounder-harshit-rana-658046.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:47:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/washington-sundar-ruled-out-of-nz-odis-badoni-gets-maiden-call-up-658055.html Mumbai Jan 12 The BCCI confirmed that allrounder Washington Sundar will miss the rest of the ODI series against New Zealand due to side strain The BCCI called up the 26yearold Ayush Badoni as Sunders replacement handing him his maiden national callupBadoni who has played 27 List A games scoring 693 runs and chipping in with 18 wickets will link up with the squad in Rajkot the venue for the second ODI starting on WednesdayIndia allrounder Washington Sundar reported an acute onset discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium Vadodara on Sunday He will undergo further scans following which the BCCI Medical Team will seek expert opinion Washington has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the ODI seriesThe Menâs Selection Committee has named Ayush Badoni as his replacement Badoni will link up with the squad in Rajkot the venue for the second ODIâ the BCCI said in their statementThis is the second injury blow that India have suffered for the ODI series after Rishabh Pant who was ruled out just a couple of days before the first ODI in Vadodara The wicketkeeperbatter was ruled out of the ODI series after suffering a side strain last week with Dhruv Jurel replacing him in the squadTilak Varma who underwent surgery for a groin injury was ruled out of the first three T20Is of the fivegame series that is set to begin on January 21 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in NagpurThis is a significant setback for the hosts especially with the home T20 World Cup upcoming Currently the allrounder is also part of Indias World Cup squad but it remains uncertain whether the dependable yet injuryprone Sundar will recover in time for the T20I seriesIndiaâs updated squad for 2nd and 3rd ODIs Shubman Gill c Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli KL Rahul wk Shreyas Iyer vc Ravindra Jadeja Mohd Siraj Harshit Rana Prasidh Krishna Kuldeep Yadav Nitish Kumar Reddy Arshdeep Singh Yashasvi Jaiswal Dhruv Jurel wk Ayush Badoni IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/washington-sundar-ruled-out-of-nz-odis-badoni-gets-maiden-call-up-658055.html Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/mumbai-marathon-introduces-coastal-road-to-its-route-for-21st-edition-657796.html Mumbai Jan 10 The Mumbai Marathon has introduced a landmark route for its 21st edition scheduled for Sunday marking a historic milestone in the eventâs history For the first time participants will run along the newly opened Mumbai Coastal Road in addition to the renowned BandraWorli Sea Link The Coastal Road a symbol of modern mobility and daily transit will become a vibrant arena on race day Runners will enjoy continuous views of the Arabian Sea and the city skyline marking a new and exciting chapter in one of the worldâs most renowned urban marathonsRace Categories Start and Finish PointsElite Marathon Beginning and ending at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus CSMT this race will feature the worldâs top athletes competing on the new Coastal Road routeAmateur Marathon Starting at CSMT and ending on MG Road near Bombay Gymkhana this course aims to test athletes endurance and perseverance providing a rewarding finish for participantsHalf Marathon and Police Cup Beginning at Mahim Reti Bunder Ground near Mahim Causeway and ending at OCS Chowki this race guides participants through some of South Mumbaiâs most famous landmarksOpen 10K Run Senior Citizens Run and Dream Run Starting at CSMT and ending at MG Road at the Metro Junction these categories will gather thousands of runners from diverse backgrounds lifeChampions With Disability CWD Run Beginning and ending at CSMT this category offers participants the chance to engage with the core of the event in a welcoming and inclusive settingAnil Kumbhare Joint Commissioner of Police Traffic Mumbai commented âBy incorporating the Coastal Road into the Mumbai Marathon 2026 route we aim to present Mumbai at its finest on a global platform This new route will offer marathon runners a unique and scenic experience while ensuring the safety and ease of movement for other commuters as well The route has been planned with extensive interagency coordination to ensure efficient traffic management robust security deployment and seamless operations so that Mumbai continues to function smoothly on race dayâHugh Jones Race Director said âAs a race over the last two decades we have aimed to offer runners new experiences With the inclusion of the new coastal road the Mumbai Marathon not only captures the progress of this city but also retains part of the old route and its enduring charmâAs the city prepares to come alive the revised route honours its history current vitality and future prospects Covering heritage landmarks and engineering feats like the Mumbai Coastal Road the route showcases the citys diverse character and enduring spirit For participants it offers a unique memorable experience and highlights Mumbais best attributes Under this yearâs theme HarDilMumbai the marathon unites every step cheer and heartbeat in celebration IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/mumbai-marathon-introduces-coastal-road-to-its-route-for-21st-edition-657796.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/kibg-2026-karnataka-swim-to-overall-crown-tamil-nadu-second-manipur-third-657799.html Diu Jan 10 Karnatakaâs Ashmita Chandra and Dhrupad Ramakrishna clinched the womenâs and menâs 5km open water swimming gold medals to help the state top the medal standings in the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 at the Ghoghla Beach in Diu on Saturday The second edition of Khelo India Beach Games witnessed over 1100 participants compete in eight different sports volleyball soccer sepaktakraw kabaddi pencak silat Open water swimming mallakhamb and tugofwar The first six were medal sports and 32 gold medals were awarded Thirty states and Union territories took partWith the top three states â Karnataka Tamil Nadu and Manipur claiming three gold and two silver medals each the overall standings of Khelo India Beach Games KIBG 2026 were decided by the number of bronze medals won by the respective teamsKarnataka topped the standings with three gold all from Open Water swimming two silver and six bronze to win the overall crown in the second edition of KIBG Tamil Nadu finished second with three gold two silver and three bronze while last edition winners Manipur finished third with three gold two silver and two bronzeMadhya Pradesh finished fourth thanks to their exploits in Pencak Silat which had the highest number of gold medals 16 on offer in KIBG 2026 All the medals of Madhya Pradesh came in the Indonesian martial arts form competition ending with a tally of three gold one silver and one bronzeHosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu with two gold two silver and four bronze finished sixth behind Haryana which ended the Games with a tally of two gold four silver and two bronze medals Jammu and Kashmir Odisha Nagaland and Rajasthan also finished with two gold medals each to complete the top10 positions in the medals tallyBefore the start of the final dayâs action at the Ghoghla Beach Manipur would have fancied their chances of retaining the overall crown as both their mens and womens Beach Sepaktakraw teams had a chance of bagging the gold medal in TrioWhile their womenâs team achieved their target by beating West Bengal 20 Tamil Nadu leapfrogged them to the second spot by winning the menâs Trio final 21Earlier Ashmita Chandra completed a double by adding the womenâs 5km Open Water Swimming gold to the womenâs 10km title she had won on Friday In the 5km race Ashmita clocked a timing of 13511s to clinch the gold medal ahead of Diksha Yadav 13553s of Maharashtra Karnatakaâs Aasra Sudhir won the bronze medal with a time of 13914sIn the menâs 5km race Karnatakaâs Dhrupad Ramakrishna got the better of 10km race winner Anurag Singh of Uttar Pradesh with a gap of five seconds to win the stateâs third gold medal Dhrupad closed a timing of 12133s with Prashans HM adding a bronze medal to the stateâs tally with a time of 12434s IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/kibg-2026-karnataka-swim-to-overall-crown-tamil-nadu-second-manipur-third-657799.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/umran-malik-omitted-from-jammu-and-kashmir-squad-for-ranji-trophy-preparatory-camp-657810.html New Delhi Jan 10 Pacer Umran Malik has been left out of Jammu and Kashmirâs squad for the Ranji Trophy preparatory camp set to happen in Pondicherry Malik who has played ten ODIs and eight T20Is for India was in the squad for the first half of the Ranji Trophy but played only one game against Rajasthan in Srinagar and went wicketless In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Malik played five matches and took six wickets but was omitted from the squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy Opener Qamran Iqbal who hit a century in Jammu and Kashmirâs memorable Ranji Trophy win over Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has also been omittedThe JKCA has included Dikshant Kundal and Kawalpreet Singh while Umar Nazir and Shubham Pundir also return to the squad Jammu and Kashmir will begin their Ranji Trophy phase two campaign against Pondicherry at the Sichem Stadium from January 2225 Head coach Ajay Sharma will join the team on January 17It is followed by a clash against Himachal Pradesh from January 29 to February 1 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium in Nadaun The Ranji Trophy knockout matches are slated to be played from February 628 Jammu and Kashmir are currently at second place in Elite Group D after tabletoppers Mumbai with 20 points from five gamesâTo prepare the JampK Team for the tournament amp acclimatise the team the Management has decided to send its team to Pondicherry The players and Members of Support staff of the team will travel directly to Chennai under the arrangements of JKCA on 16th January 2026 from their respective locationsâThe team will then travel in the Bus from Chennai to Pondicherry arranged by the Cricket Association of Pondicherry No individual movement from Chennai to Pondicherry is allowedâ further said the JKCAJammu and Kashmir squad for Ranji Trophy preparatory camp Shubam Khajuria Dikshant Kundal Yawar Hassan Paras Dogra Abdul Samad Shubham Pundir Kanhaiya Wadhwan Kawalpreet Singh Abid Mushtaq Vanshaj Sharma Sahil Lotra Auqib Nabi Yudhvir Singh Umar Nazir and Sunil Kumar IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/umran-malik-omitted-from-jammu-and-kashmir-squad-for-ranji-trophy-preparatory-camp-657810.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/dhruv-jurel-named-pants-replacement-for-odi-series-against-nz-657852.html Mumbai Jan 11 Dhruv Jurel has been named as the injury replacement for Rishabh Pant who has been ruled out of the threematch ODI series against New Zealand due to due to a right side strain injury the BCCI said on Sunday Rishabh Pant felt a sudden onset of discomfort in his right lateral abdominal area while batting in the nets during Indiaâs practice session on Saturday afternoon at the BCA Stadium VadodaraThe BCCI said that Pant was immediately taken for scans and it was revealed that the wicketkeeper batter was diagnosed with a side strain Oblique Muscle Tear which ruled him out of the seriesHe was taken for MRI scans immediately and the BCCI Medical Team had a detailed discussion with an expert on his clinical and radiological findingsPant has been diagnosed with a side strain Oblique Muscle Tear and is subsequently ruled out of the ODI series BCCI said in a statementAs a result the Menâs Selection Committee has named Dhruv Jurel as Pantâs replacement and Jurel has linked up with the squad it addedJurel who is captaining Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is the states top scorer with 558 runs in seven matches at an average of over 90 He has scored two hundreds as well as four halfcenturies across seven innings in VHT 202526Pant is now expected to rest for several days before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence CoE in Bengaluru for further assessment and rehabilitationHe had come into the ODI series on the back of leading Delhi in the 202526 Vijay Hazare Trophy VHT league stage in Bengaluru Pant scored two halfcenturies against Services and Railways respectively as Delhi entered the knockoutsThis is the second time Pant has been laid low by injuries after fracturing his right foot in the fourth Test against England at Manchester and returned to action through the twomatch Test series against South Africa at home in November last yearIndiaâs ODI series against New Zealand will begin at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium BCA in Kotambi Vadodara with the venue set to host its first menâs international gameIndias updated ODI squad Shubman Gill C Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli KL Rahul WK Shreyas Iyer VC Washington Sundar Ravindra Jadeja Mohd Siraj Harshit Rana Prasidh Krishna Kuldeep Yadav Nitish Kumar Reddy Arshdeep Singh Yashasvi Jaiswal Dhruv Jurel WK IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/dhruv-jurel-named-pants-replacement-for-odi-series-against-nz-657852.html Sun, 11 Jan 2026 11:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/im-all-for-progress-and-evolution-says-mccullum-after-englands-4-1-ashes-drubbing-657486.html New Delhi Jan 8 England head coach Brendon McCullum indicated that he is open to adjusting his approach somewhat but emphasised that he is ânot for being told what to doâ after the teamâs loss in the Sydney Test on Thursday England suffered a 41 defeat in the Ashes series with only a single Test win in Melbourne However that win was merely a consolation as they lost the first three Tests in Perth Brisbane and Adelaide allowing the Aussies to reclaim the urn in just 11 daysIm all for progress and evolution in all sports From my point of view I have firm beliefs in what works and some areas where you want to keep improving and some areas where you think you can evolveâ McCullum told the BBCs Test Match SpecialIm not against assistance but I also have a firm belief in how to get the best out of these players From my point of view Ill look at it individually and say Right what could I have done better and What could I improve on Am I for being told what to do Of course Im notBut at the same time Im not pigheaded enough to think theres not some areas that we can improve on and once we digest whats unfolded over the last two months and start to plot and plan a way forward if youre the man in the chair to do so then you do so with a similar conviction in your methods albeit with a couple of tweaksâ he addedAfter the teamâs defeat in the fifth and final game of the series the England and Wales Cricket Boardâs Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould stated that a thorough review has already been underway adding that Ben Stokes and Co will take lessons from this tour and will focus on regaining the Ashes in 2027Englands next assignment includes the whiteball tour to Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup Their next Test series is scheduled for June against New Zealand at home and Gould mentioned that essential changes will be made in the upcoming months IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/im-all-for-progress-and-evolution-says-mccullum-after-englands-4-1-ashes-drubbing-657486.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 00:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/mahboob-khan-to-lead-afghanistans-15-man-squad-for-u19-world-cup-657577.html Kabul Jan 9 Afghanistan have announced their 15member squad for the U19 Mens Cricket World Cup 2026 with Mahboob Khan leading the side that boasts a host of talented players Afghanistan had secured their spot in the marquee tournament by clinching the Asia Qualifier last year during which they enjoyed an unbeaten run They would squeeze past Nepal on net run rate to confirm their qualificationLater last year Afghanistan got the better of Nepal at the U19 Asia Cup with Uzairullah Niazai coming to the fore with a vital knock of 61 ICC reportsNiazai had also enjoyed a prolific run on the tour of Bangladesh making 275 runs across four inningsAfghanistan also have the firepower in the bowling department with Nooristani Ormazi one to watch out for among the pacersMeanwhile Ziatullah Shaheen Hafieezullah Zadran and Wahidullah Zadran make up for a versatile spin bowling attackAfghanistan are slotted in Group D alongside South Africa Tanzania and the West IndiesThe 16th edition of the Under19 Cricket World Cup will be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 with the final scheduled for February 6Afghanistan will kickstart their campaign against South Africa on January 16 in WindhoekAustralia are the defending champions having won the 2024 edition with a victory over India in the final and have won the title four times just behind India who have lifted the trophy on five occasionsA total of 24 matches will be played across the group stage The tournament will kick off with the match between India and the United States on January 15 at BulawayoAfghanistan squad Mahboob Khan c Khalid Ahmadzai Osman Sadat Faisal Khan Uzairullah Niazai Aziz Mia Khil Nazif Amiri Khatir Stanikzai Nooristani Abdul Aziz Salam Khan Wahid Zadran Zaitullah Shaheen Rohullah Arab Hafieez ZadranReserves Aqil Khan Fahim Qasemi Izat Noor IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/mahboob-khan-to-lead-afghanistans-15-man-squad-for-u19-world-cup-657577.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bbci-mourns-the-passing-of-mizoram-cricketer-k-lalremruata-657639.html New Delhi Jan 9 The Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI condoled the passing of the former Ranji player from Mizoram K Lalremruata who died after collapsing during a local cricket match on Wednesday  Deeply saddened by the passing of Mizoram cricketer K Lalremruata He proudly represented Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy The BCCI extends heartfelt condolences thoughts and prayers to his family friends and the Mizoram cricket community BCCI Domestic shared on XThe incident took place during a Khaled Memorial 2nd Division Screening Tournament match between Venghnuai Raiders CC and Chawnpui ILMOV CC Lalremruata who was playing for Venghnuai Raiders CC suddenly fell while the game was underway He was given immediate help and taken for medical treatment but doctors could not save himIn its statement the Cricket Association of Mizoram CAM said Lalremruata suffered a stroke while playing in the second division tournament The CAM expressed condolences to his family and said his death was a significant loss to Mizoram cricketLalremruata represented Mizoram twice in the Ranji Trophy and seven times in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy He had also played for several clubs at the local level He served on the Senior Tournament CommitteeAfter Lalremruata death Assam Cricket cancelled all matches on Thursday and said the matches would be played under a revised schedule This included games in the 2nd Division Screening Tournament at SCG Sihhmui the 3rd Division Screening Tournament semifinals at Lawipu Playground and the Samagra InterSchool Cricket Tournament for boys and girls at the PUC Ground and MAP Ground in MualpuiLalremruata who was a wicketkeeper made his First Class debut against Meghalaya in 2018 and played his last game in 2022 against Nagaland IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bbci-mourns-the-passing-of-mizoram-cricketer-k-lalremruata-657639.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-i-manifested-that-mi-would-pick-me-back-says-sanskriti-gupta-657641.html New Delhi Jan 9 When auctioneerâs hammer fell in the WPL 2026 mega auction last year it confirmed Mumbai Indians MI bid to successfully reacquire their offspin bowling allrounder Sanskriti Gupta for the upcoming season starting this evening at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai Seeing that MI had got her back via a steal at her base price of Rs 20 lakh Sanskritiâs wish was fulfilled âI was watching it and a wish was running in my mind that MI should pick me back so that I can play in my usual way forever It did happen and I was so delightedâ recalled Sanskriti in an exclusive conversation with IANSFor Sanskriti known for her control while bowling offspin and big hits as a capable lowerorder batter returning to the franchise with whom she won her first WPL trophy in 2025 represents more than just continuityâItâs a very good franchise with a very familylike vibe The thought has always been that I can always maintain my playing style very well if I get to play for MIâ she saidThat family atmosphere appears to be a defining characteristic of the Mumbai Indians setup and Sanskriti believes it will be crucial to their title defence With most of their firstchoice XI returning the familiarity factor could prove decisiveâApart from the retained players so many of our first eleven players are back This feels great because all of us have a great bond from playing all matches together and spending a lot of good time off the field With almost all of us back together it feels good that we are back for at least the next two years and hopefully the bonding between us becomes stronger than everâ she saidAs one of the youngest members of MIâs titlewinning squad in 2025 Sanskriti was a sponge absorbing lessons from every corner of the dressing room The experience shaped her understanding of elite womenâs cricket in ways that extended far beyond technicalitiesâI took home a lot of learnings from that titlewinning campaign I got a good idea of the level of cricket played in the WPL and what the important factors are to keep performing at your bestâI also got an idea about maintaining fitness levels the attitude you should have while playing and how the preparation routine should be I learned a lot from all the players and coaches in terms of what I can do at a particular time in a game and how I can keep myself composed when that situation arisesâ she saidThose lessons crystallised in the 2025 final itself when Sanskriti walked in and added an unbeaten eight runs alongside Amanjot Kaurâs 14 not out in the last two overs as MI reached 149 â a total that ultimately proved to be winningâWe had prepared so much together We used to think that we could get such a situation in any match So we were ready for it and the time to use it came in the final itself We talked about how we could maximise running between the wicketsâAmanjot and I also spoke about how rotating the strike can help us in situations where boundaries are coming slowly We had prepared a lot for that and when the final arrived that preparation helped us big timeâ she recalledThe winning celebration that followed was particularly special for Sanskriti who played all ten games and picked four scalpsâIt was fantastic and we celebrated it very well We had won the tournament and it was my first trophy â so it was a big thing for me and I was very happyâWinning a big trophy changes things for many sportspersons For Sanskriti the transformation has been most visible in how everyone views her capabilitiesâEveryoneâs perspective has changed for me â that I can do anything at any time on the field If I get a chance I can do whatever is asked of meââIt feels really good when a franchise like MI shows a lot of trust in you and your abilities This leads me to tell myself that âYes I can do itâ and when it does become a reality thereâs no better feeling in the worldâ she saidBack home in Sidhi Madhya Pradesh the recognition has become more personalâThe area where I belong almost everyone now knows me They didnât know me before but now they know my family and come to meet themâOff the field there hasnât been any major change because Iâm not staying much at home All the coaches keep things normal for me in the academy There are a lot of people trying to play cricket and I want them to play at a higher level They are working hard for itâ she saidAsk Sanskriti about her favourite thing in cricket and the answer comes quickly fieldingâI find fielding to be the most fun part I enjoy it the most because as an allrounder if ups and downs happen in batting or bowling you have the option to give your best in fieldingâSo I just manifest that all the balls should come to me Wherever I field I should give away the least amount of runs Whatever catches or fielding chances come my way I should do them well I enjoy doing it and I think it helps meâ she saidThe energy she brings to the field has become a signature trait but it didnât emerge from cricket training aloneâDuring the Covid19 time I played a lot of football she was a member of the Madhya Pradesh womenâs football team and my warmup routine involves an hour of playing it My agility and speed work improved and it helps me cut down boundaries while fieldingâ she saidAmong the friendships forged in the MI camp Guptaâs connection with Sajana Sajeevan stands out Their first meeting set the tone for everything that followed with the franchiseâs social media accounts referring to the duo as their âinhouse Ambaan and Rangaa chechiââOn my first day of reporting to the team I met her for the first time She was the first person I met I didnât know her nature or how she treats juniors but she is very funny and my vibe matched with her I want to have fun all the time and make everyone laugh Thatâs how this bonding became greatâWhen MI recruited Sanskritiâs state teammate Rahila Firdous she had already told her about the family vibe in the franchiseâBefore the WPL auction happened we talked a lot She had given the trials and asked me how I was doing I told her that it has a family vibe and that everyone â staff and players â is welcoming whether they are new or oldâThe vibe in the team is different here On hearing all of that she was very excited and wanted to play for Mumbai When I was selected for the first time she told me about wanting to play for Mumbai the next year I told her âYes yes please come We will have fun togetherââThe excitement is mutual considering Sanskritiâs other MP teammates â Anushka Sharma Gujarat Giants Kranti Gaud UP Warriorz and Pooja Vastrakar if fit for Royal Challengers Bengaluru â are also in WPL 2026This WPL season arrives after Indiaâs triumphant Womenâs ODI World Cup campaign and Sanskriti witnessed firsthand how that victory has shifted public perceptionâI feel very proud that we won the ODI World Cup in India People have started to understand that girls can also play cricket After winning that World Cup people have started paying attention and realising that girls can also play well and win many trophiesâI have seen a lot of people now enjoying watching womenâs cricket Itâs a very good thing for all girls that they are winning and playing fantastically at the highest levelâFor Sanskriti the increased attention translates into a plethora of opportunities in WPL 2026 â to showcase more of her talent and inspire the next generation watching from areas where until recently few knew her nameAs the new WPL season begins her goals are straightforward â to write the next chapter of her story one manifestation at a timeâI want to play as much as I can Whatever chances I get I want to make the most of them and play better in every outing My goal in WPL 2026 is to perform as much as I can and keep improving all the time With the preparation Iâve had I want to ensure itâs on point so we can win the trophy againâ she concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-i-manifested-that-mi-would-pick-me-back-says-sanskriti-gupta-657641.html Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sli-can-change-how-india-connects-with-shooting-asiad-gold-medallist-akhil-sheoran-657438.html New Delhi Jan 8 With the Shooting League of India SLI set to introduce a franchisebased mixedteam format to the sport Indian rifle shooter and 2022 Asian Games gold medallist Akhil Sheoran believes the league could mark a turning point in how shooting is experiencedâboth by athletes and fans For Sheoran the league arrives at a moment when Indian rifle shooting is at its highestever competitive levelâThe Shooting League can change the way people connect with our sport It has the potential to build a bridge between elite shooters and Indian sports fans much like what weâve seen with other sports leagues With a clear schedule and broadcast platform people can finally watch our performances understand the sport better and cheer for us Sheoran saidAkhil caught up at the 202526 National Championships where he won bronze in the menâs 50m rifle 3 positions final He will also represent India in the same category at the Asian RiflePistol Championships to be held in New Delhi from February 214 2026The mixedteam format a central feature of the league is something Sheoran is particularly looking forward to Having competed in similar events internationally he feels the teamcentric structure will add a new layer of excitement to an otherwise individual sportâThe mixedteam format is very interesting You have specific roles to play with your partner and that brings a different kind of pressure and energy It pushes you to adapt while still sticking to your core routinesâ he saidSheoran feels the league also fits seamlessly into a broader competitive ecosystem that has pushed Indian shooting to new heights Reflecting on his recent bronze medal at the 2025 National Championshipsâan event that also witnessed a worldrecord scoreâhe said the rising standard is a direct reflection of the depth of Indian shootingâThis is definitely the most competitive era of rifle shooting in Indiaâ he noted âPerformances at the Olympics World Championships and Asian Games have raised the benchmark That environment forces all of us to work harder mentally physically and technicallyâThe league holds personal significance for Sheoran who has staged a strong comeback after injury setbacks ruled him out of contention for the Paris OlympicsâThat phase was extremely hurtfulâ he admitted âBut I chose to move on reset my mindset and focus on the LA 2028 cycle I told myself I would work harder on every aspectâmental physical and technicalâand this season is about proving that to myselfâBeyond individual preparation Sheoran sees the Shooting League of India as a powerful mentorship platform With franchises selecting athletes across multiple tiers â from youth to elite â the league creates an environment where experience and ambition intersect âWith the years we have spent in the sport we can guide the younger shootersâ he saidCrucially the leagueâs February window also aligns with Sheoranâs buildup towards the 2026 Asian Games âThe league will put us in highpressure match situations early in the yearâ he explainedâThatâs the kind of preparation you need before heading into events like the World Championships and the Asian Games It makes the Shooting League not just exciting but an important step in the international seasonâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sli-can-change-how-india-connects-with-shooting-asiad-gold-medallist-akhil-sheoran-657438.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/thorough-review-of-the-campaign-is-already-underway-ecb-ceo-after-4-1-ashes-defeat-657448.html Sydney Jan 8 The England and Wales Cricket Boardâs Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould has stated that a thorough review has already been underway following Englands 41 Ashes defeat He added that Ben Stokes and Co will draw lessons from this tour and focus on regaining the Ashes in 2027This Ashes tour began with significant hope and anticipation and it is therefore deeply disappointing that we have been unable to fulfil our ambition of winning the Ashes in AustraliaWhile there were moments of strong performance and resilience during the series including a hardfought victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne we were not consistent enough across all conditions and phases of the contest and Australia ultimately deserved to retain the Ashes Gould said in a statementWe will take many lessons from this tour and are determined to improve quickly Our focus is on regaining the Ashes in 2027 A thorough review of the campaign is already underway This will cover tour planning and preparation individual performance and behaviours and our ability to adapt and respond effectively as circumstances require he saidEnglands upcoming assignment will be the whiteball tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup Their next Test assignment is in June when they face New Zealand in a home series Gould said that necessary changes will be implemented over the coming monthsThe mens team now moves on to Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup which begins in February and we will implement the necessary changes over the coming monthsWe are grateful for the courtesy and hospitality shown to us by Cricket Australia throughout the tour As always we are indebted to the travelling supporters who followed the team through thick and thin Their loyalty and support have been humbling and we are committed to repaying their faith with stronger performances in the future Gould added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/thorough-review-of-the-campaign-is-already-underway-ecb-ceo-after-4-1-ashes-defeat-657448.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/umpires-no-ball-blunder-comes-to-light-after-australia-wrap-up-ashes-series-4-1-657471.html Sydney Jan 8 An umpiring error has come to light following Harry Brookâs dismissal in Englandâs second innings which reportedly stemmed from an illegal delivery by Australian allrounder Beau Webster that went unnoticed On Day 4 of the Sydney Test with England at 2193 Webster trapped Brook lbw for 42 a wicket that handed the tourists a slender 36run lead However replays later showed Webster had overstepped with his back foot clearly outside the return crease Third umpire Kumar Dharmasena failed to detect the noball according to Code SportsUnder the laws the third umpire is required to check every wickettaking delivery for front and backfoot noballs Had the infringement been identified Brook should have been recalled to the creaseEnglandâs innings unravelled soon after Brookâs dismissal yielding just 124 further runs and setting Australia a modest target of 160 The hosts chased it down comfortably to seal a 4â1 series victoryOn Day 5 Australia opener Jake Weatherald was also reprieved after appearing to edge a delivery from England seamer Brydon Carse Dharmasena ruled there was insufficient evidence of a clear spike on Snicko a decision that visibly frustrated Carse and left captain Ben Stokes furious as he challenged the onfield umpireFormer England captain Michael Vaughan said such errors are unacceptable in the modern game stressing that technology should prevent mistakes of this magnitudeI donât think England will use these kind of decisions as an excuse for why they havenât won the Ashes but fundamentally weâre in 2026 With all the technology that shouldnât happen To think thereâs been some back foot no balls bowled on wickets and nothing has been done itâs not acceptable in this eraThat shouldnât happen That is a big moment Are the third umpires looking for a back foot noball or not Theyre the officiators of the game they should know every rule Itâs a no ball it should have been calledâ he told News Corp IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/umpires-no-ball-blunder-comes-to-light-after-australia-wrap-up-ashes-series-4-1-657471.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/australia-clinch-ashes-4-1-after-winning-scg-test-by-5-wickets-657398.html Sydney Jan 8 Australia claimed a 41 Ashes series win after securing a fivewicket victory in the fifth Test at the SCG as Usman Khawaja bowed out as a winner in his farewell Test After bowling England out for 342 early on day five Australia set themselves a 160run target to winChasing 160 the hosts made a brisk start with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on a 62run opening partnership to set up Australiaâs run chaseThe tourists however spoiled Usman Khawajaâs hopes of a fairytale finish as Josh Tongue had him chopping on to his stumps for sixThen a steady 40run stand between Alex Carey 16 not out and Cameron Green 22 not out got the hosts over the line despite a brief stutter on an upanddown fifthday pitchEarlier Mitchell Starc struck with the second new ball to bring an end to Englandâs second innings removing Jacob Bethell shortly after the lefthander brought up his 150The 22yearold Bethell shown admirable composure while batting with the tail but Player of the Series Starc eventually found the edge on 154 with Alex Carey completing a straightforward catch behind the stumpsSeveral Australian batters made starts in the chase but Travis Head 29 and Jake Weatherald 34 were both undone by Josh TongueA mixup cost Marnus Labuschagne his wicket on 37 and Steve Smith 12 was beaten by a Will Jacks peach before Tongue forced Khawaja into a mistakeCarey and Green took the sting out of the final English push with a boundary by the former through cover finishing off the matchThe victory boosts Australias lead at the top of the World Test Championship 20252027 standings now with 8750 per cent of possible pointsNew Zealands series success against the West Indies means the Black Caps sit in second place IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/australia-clinch-ashes-4-1-after-winning-scg-test-by-5-wickets-657398.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/tilak-varma-undergoes-emergency-surgery-likely-to-miss-nz-t20is-657407.html New Delhi Jan 8 India batter Tilak Varma has undergone emergency surgery in Rajkot and is likely to miss the upcoming five T20Is against New Zealand sources familiar with the matter told IANS on Thursday Varma 23 experienced acute pain in the abdomen after breakfast on Wednesday morning in Rajkot a day before Hyderabad were to play their final Vijay Hazare Trophy leaguestage game against Jammu and Kashmir at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground CVarma was subsequently taken to the hospital where scans showed he required an emergency operation In consultation with the medical team at the BCCI Centre of Excellence CoE in Bengaluru Varma was successfully operated on and is believed to be doing well nowâIt was a very emergency situation for Tilak to be operated upon considering the immense pain he was in Thankfully the surgery went well on Wednesday evening at a superspeciality hospital in Rajkot If all goes well he could well be discharged tomorrow It will be known in next 12 days about his status of playing next monthâs T20 World Cupâ sources saidA top sports medicine specialist told IANS on condition of anonymity that it takes a maximum of one month for athletes to recover from this kind of emergency surgery âThe recovery duration also depends on how extensive the tissue damage was Only pain is a factor in these emergency scenarios as the operation is done on a highly innervated structure where it twists on itself and cuts blood supplyâ further said the specialistThe injury raises concerns about Varmas availability for the T20 World Cup which begins on February 7 India are scheduled to open their campaign against the United States of America USA on the same day at the Wankhede Stadium in MumbaiVarma has been a key figure in Indias T20I setup amassing 1183 runs in 37 innings at an average of 4929 and a strike rate of 14409 He has scored two centuries and six halfcenturies in the format His absence could see India captain Suryakumar Yadav bat at number threeThe BCCI has yet to name a replacement for Varma in the fivematch series against New Zealand which begins on January 21 in Nagpur It is understood that Varmaâs absence could open the door for someone like Shreyas Iyer to play in the T20Is against New Zealand IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/tilak-varma-undergoes-emergency-surgery-likely-to-miss-nz-t20is-657407.html Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/icc-rejects-bcbs-request-to-stage-t20-wc-games-out-of-india-report-657343.html New Delhi Jan 7 The International Cricket Council has reportedly informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board BCB that their request to stage Bangladeshâs World Cup matches outside India on security grounds had been declined Last week BCB formally requested that the ICC shift all of Bangladeshs T20 World Cup matches out of India citing growing concerns about the safety and security of its contingentICC authorities and BCB officials on Tuesday held a virtual meeting and according to an ESPNcricinfo report the ICC is understood to have stated that Bangladesh would need to travel to India to fulfil its fixtures or risk forfeiting competition pointsBCB however claimed that no such warning or ultimatum was communicated to them Moreover an ICC source said that no decision has been taken on BCBs request to relocate all of Bangladeshs matches to a venue outside IndiaNeither the ICC nor the BCCI has issued an official statement clarifying the outcome of the callThe uncertainty comes with less than a month remaining before the 20team tournament begins on February 7 India and Sri Lanka will cohost the event which will run through March 8Bangladesh drawn in Group C are slated to play their opening three matches in Kolkata West Indies on February 7 Italy on February 9 and England on February 14 before concluding the group stage against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17The BCBâs outreach to the ICC followed a directive from the BCCI to IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman who had been signed at the December auction for Rs 92 crore He was the sole Bangladesh player picked up at the IPL 2026 auction IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/icc-rejects-bcbs-request-to-stage-t20-wc-games-out-of-india-report-657343.html Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/shreyas-iyer-named-mumbai-skipper-for-remainder-of-vijay-hazare-trophy-games-657154.html New Delhi Jan 5 Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as captain of Mumbai for the remainder of their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group C games in Jaipur said the Mumbai Cricket Association MCA on Monday Shreyas will take over the captaincy from injured regular skipper Shardul Thakur who has been sidelined from the rest of the competition due to injury Mumbai are currently at second place in Group C and will take on Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday before facing Punjab on January 8âThe Mumbai Cricket Association MCA is pleased to announce that Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain of the Mumbai senior menâs team for the remaining league matches of the Vijay Hazare TrophyââShreyas Iyer will take over the leadership responsibilities in place of Shardul Thakur who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury and is currently unavailable for selection An experienced international cricketer with proven leadership credentials Shreyas Iyer brings calmness tactical acumen and a strong understanding of the gameâThe Association is confident that under his captaincy the Mumbai team will continue to perform with determination and uphold Mumbai cricketâs rich legacy The Mumbai Cricket Association wishes Shardul Thakur a speedy recovery and extends its best wishes to Shreyas Iyer and the entire Mumbai squad for the upcoming matchesâ said MCA Secretary Prof Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar in the statementInterestingly Iyer has been named in the squad for the threematch ODI series against New Zealand starting in Vadodara on January 11 His inclusion for that series though depends on the fitness clearance after playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy games for MumbaiIf Iyer clears his fitness tests then the MCA will have to appoint a new captain for the knockouts of the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting on January 12 at the BCCI CoE Grounds in Bengaluru Iyer was out of action due to a serious spleen injury sustained while taking a diving catch of Australia wicketkeeperbatter Alex Carey in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground in October last year IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/shreyas-iyer-named-mumbai-skipper-for-remainder-of-vijay-hazare-trophy-games-657154.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/no-decision-yet-kapil-dev-on-bangladesh-players-participation-in-pgti-events-657156.html New Delhi Jan 5 Former India cricketer and current PGTI president Kapil Dev has said nothing has been decided yet on the participation of Bangladesh players amid the ongoing tension between the two neighbouring countries He said that PGTI will hold a board meeting to discuss the matter Tensions have increased between two nations in recent weeks following reports of violent incidents against religious minorities in the country According to the PGTI chief a meeting will be held soon to discuss the participation of players from Bangladesh Jamal Hossain Md Siddikur Rahman and Md Akbar Hossain are the notable golf players from Bangladesh competing in the PGTI tourThere has been no decision yet regarding the participation of Bangladesh players in the PGTI A board meeting will be held after which the matter will be discussed and an update will be shared with everyone legendary cricketer and current PGTI President Kapil Dev told IANSAmid increasing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh the BCCI directed the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders KKR to release pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman from the squadIn response the Bangladesh government on Monday ordered the suspension of the broadcast of all matches of the upcoming IPL seasonâIt is hereby informed that a directive issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI has come to notice whereby Bangladeshâs star cricketer Mr Mustafizur Rahman has been excluded from the Kolkata Knight Riders team for the Indian Premier League IPL cricket tournament scheduled to commence on March 26 2026 No reasonable justification for such a decision by the BCCI is known and this decision has caused pain distress and anger among the people of Bangladeshâ read a statement from Bangladeshâs Ministry of Information and BroadcastingDue to growing concerns regarding security and advice provided by their government the Bangladesh Cricket Board BCB on Sunday requested the ICC to relocate all their T20 World Cup matches scheduled in February to Sri LankaIndia and Sri Lanka are scheduled to cohost the 2026 ICC Menâs T20 World Cup with matches slated across multiple venues in both countries IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/no-decision-yet-kapil-dev-on-bangladesh-players-participation-in-pgti-events-657156.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/marizanne-kapp-credits-wpl-for-accelerating-growth-of-indian-domestic-players-657159.html New Delhi Jan 5 Veteran South Africa seambowling allrounder Marizanne Kapp has lauded the Womens Premier League WPL for accelerating the growth of young Indian cricketers since its inception in 2023 With experience across playing in multiple franchise T20 tournaments worldwide Marizanne is uniquely positioned to assess the impact of WPL through her time of interacting with young players at Delhi Capitals DC since 2023âI think just in general if you look at the WPLâs first year it was probably mainly your internationals performing and your Indian international players performing well From years two and three you could already see there was a bigger impact from the domestic players and I think thats the beauty of these leaguesâLike at first especially if youre not used to international cricket or playing against international players it can be difficult at times Then I feel like once these youngsters actually start playing with international cricketers and they realise âHey I can still perform against the best in the worldâ it just gives them a different level of confidence and I think you see that throughout the performances of the domestic playersâSo theres no specific thing like batting bowling or fielding I can mention I think its just in general weve seen a lot more matchwinning performances from domestic playersâ Marizanne told IANS in a select media roundtable ahead of the new WPL season starting on January 9Asked about maintaining consistency in the notoriously unpredictable T20 format Marizanne suggested theres no onesizefitsall approach with success dependent on individual playing styles and selfawarenessâI think its a bit of both to be honest It depends on what type of player you are especially as a batter You have people who actually perform better when they just go out and trust their instincts and just see ball hit ball Then you have your other say stroke players that need a bit of time to get themselves set and then go at itâSo I think its different for everyone But obviously the more you get to play it you learn a lot about yourself I feel like even if you have to compare my own career like ODI cricket by now I know exactly how I want to structure my game training innings when Im batting or bowlingâ she saidDespite her wealth of experience accumulated since 2009 Marizanne admitted T20 cricket still continues to present fresh challenges and learning opportunities for her âWith T20 cricket even me at this age Im still learning a lot about myself So I think its different in every league and every wicket you play on and probably just about adapting and being a bit smarterâWith the advent of T20 leagues Marizanne candidly acknowledged the physical toll of the demanding schedule leading to changes in her training and recovery regimen especially the move towards maintenancefocused exercisesâLook its not always been easy Im not going to lie The body is sore and a bit sore some days but Ive really worked hard So in the past for example before I would put in extremely hardwork and by the time I get to two pm Id hardly do any gym sessions and just focus on cricket mainlyâNow that Im a bit older Ive really tried to throughout the competition the primers we do I started to really join in on that and focus a lot more on mobility and the smaller almost like rehab kind of exercises So thats something I try and do on a daily basisâSo I moved away from lifting heavy weights Everything is more about maintenance now and just keeping the smaller areas body parts conditioned I would say thats probably been my main focusâ she concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/marizanne-kapp-credits-wpl-for-accelerating-growth-of-indian-domestic-players-657159.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-2025-26-one-of-those-rare-occasions-where-it-actually-came-off-says-neser-on-root-dismissal-657175.html Sydney Jan 5 Australiaâs seam bowling allrounder Michael Neser said the plan behind executing Joe Roots dismissal was âone of those rare occasions where it actually came offâ On the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground Neser finished with four wickets including taking out Root who made 160 â his 41st Test century âI havent bowled a bouncer to him in ages and I think I might surprise him if I try to bowl a bouncer there And its one of those rare occasions where it actually came off and worked The chances dont come very often so youve got to try to take everything Ive always prided myself on catchingâ Neser told reporters at the end of the dayâs playAt the same time Neser acknowledged that Root is not an easy batter to bowl to âHes a tricky one to bowl to especially when hes in that touch Your margin of error is very smallâHe seems to manipulate the ball very well off the stumps Even then when you go a bit wider in the channel he works you off down to third man so well Hes a class player Thats why hes going to go down as one of the alltime greatsâ he addedBy the time the day ended Travis Headâs unbeaten 91 from 87 balls took Australia to 1662 in 341 overs and trail England by 218 runs Neser said Head is really clear about what he is doingKnowing him from his younger days hes still figuring out his game but at the moment he seems really clear about what hes doingEvery ball hes looking to score His handeye coordination is amazing You think youve beaten him with the ball and all of a sudden hes slapped you through point for four We all love the way Travis bats because the scoreboard seems to moveâ added NeserHe signed off by giving his take on the heated exchange between Marnus Labuschagne and England skipper Ben Stokes just before stumps Stokes eventually had the last laugh by dismissing Labuschagne for 48 He said his teammate is such a strong competitor that he can get under your skin IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-2025-26-one-of-those-rare-occasions-where-it-actually-came-off-says-neser-on-root-dismissal-657175.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-world-cup-ponting-backs-out-of-form-skipper-suryakumar-yadav-to-help-india-defend-title-657209.html New Delhi Jan 5 Former Australia cricketer Ricky Ponting has backed outofform India skipper Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled to kick off on February 7 Yadav has been out of form and has managed just 218 runs across 19 innings with a belowpar strike rate of 12316 in 2025 However Ponting showed his trust in the Indian skipper and urged him to back his aggressive style of play âThats as big a surprise for me just looking at his recent form Hes been such a solid and consistent contributor for India in T20 cricket for a long time and just hasnt been able to find it of lateâ Ponting told ICC âHes an interesting one because when Ive seen him play his best hes taken six or eight or 10 balls to get going and then just lets it all goâ said PontingâHe plays all of his shots and backs himself and a bit like Travis Head where it almost looks like they dont ever fear getting outâ Ponting noted âThats what Id say to him Id be saying think about scoring runs dont think about getting out Trust yourself back yourself Youre proven to be as good as anybody in the world in the T20 format and go and prove it to everybody once againâPonting welcomed the teams decision to appoint 31yearold Axar Patel as the vicecaptain on the tour praising his allround ability as the hosts look to become the first T20 team to defend the titleâI mean actually Patels been their goto man really hasnt heâ said Ponting âThe last few series hes been their pinch hitter at different times Theyve batted him up the order at number three When theyve needed that lefthand righthand combination hes been the man to go out and try and do it for them and hes obviously ever consistent with his leftarm off spin as wellâPonting was surprised by the exclusion of India ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad but was in praise of the teams batting depth The righthanded opener has struggled to cement his place in the top order and has managed just 291 runs across 15 innings with a highest score of 47âYeah I couldnt believe thatâ Ponting said when speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC ReviewâI know his recent form hasnt been great in whiteball cricket And the last time that I really saw much of him play was the Test series against England in the UK where he batted as well as Ive ever seen anybody batâPonting noted that the wealth of options allows the selectors to leave out a player of Gillâs calibreâI mean one Im surprised but two it just shows the depth of Indian cricketâ Ponting stated âIf you can think that someone as good as Shubman Gill doesnt get picked in a World Cup squad then it goes to show how many good players they do have IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/t20-world-cup-ponting-backs-out-of-form-skipper-suryakumar-yadav-to-help-india-defend-title-657209.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-gujarat-giants-visit-siddhivinayak-temple-in-mumbai-to-seek-blessings-657226.html Mumbai Jan 5 As the countdown to the Womenâs Premier League WPL 2026 begins the Gujarat Giants are blending preparation with perspective On Monday the Adani Sportslineowned franchise visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai to seek blessings ahead of the new season which gets underway on January 9 in Navi Mumbai Head coach Michael Klinger and bowling coach Pravin Tambe were joined by players Tanuja Kanwar Bharti Fulmali and Ayushi Soni along with Video Analyst Saurabh Walkar and Sanjay Adesara chief business officer Adani Sportsline at the temple The visit marked a quiet moment of reflection as the team sharpened its focus for the campaign aheadCurrently in Mumbai for their preseason camp the Giants are finetuning combinations and settling into rhythm ahead of what promises to be a demanding season Having reached the WPL playoffs for the first time last year the emphasis this time is on building momentum early and sustaining it through the tournamentGujarat Giants face UP Warriorz in their WPL 2026 opener on Saturday January 10 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai The side will look to build on last seasonâs momentum as it sets its sights on a title challengeAustralian allrounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the Womenâs Premier League WPL Gardner a threetime T20 Womenâs World Cup winner assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season Under her leadership Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs for the first time in three seasonsâExperience in her stride Belief in her voice Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN primed to take us to gloryâ the Giants shared on its social mediaSince WPLâs inception in 2023 Gardner has been an integral part of the Gujarat Giants side scoring 568 runs and bagging 25 wickets in 25 games She was one of the two players the other being Beth Mooney for Rs 25 crore retained by the Giants before the WPL 2026 Auction for Rs 35 croreLast season Gardner hogged the limelight with her consistent allround performances Batting in the middleorder Gardner finished as our leading runscorer in the tournament with 243 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 16418 while also maintaining an average of 3037The Aussie allrounder also contributed with her rightarm offspin and claimed eight wickets at an economy of 803 The skipper claimed the Most Sixes award with 18 maximums to her name IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-gujarat-giants-visit-siddhivinayak-temple-in-mumbai-to-seek-blessings-657226.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/aussie-great-damien-martyn-wakes-up-from-induced-coma-gilchrist-confirms-657009.html New Delhi Jan 4 Australian cricket great Damien Martyn came out of an induced coma on Sunday and has been showing encouraging signs of improvement as he continues his recovery after being diagnosed with meningitis Martyn who represented Australia in 67 Test matches fell ill on Boxing Day and was taken to hospital on the Gold Coast late last month where he was placed in an induced coma He remains under medical care as his condition continues to stabiliseMartyns close friend and former Aussie wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has revealed that the 54yearold former batter has made incredible progress in treatment and could be moved out of the ICU soonâHe is now able to talk and respond to treatment He has responded extraordinarily well since coming out of the coma to the point where his family feels itâs like some sort of miracle Gilchrist told News CorpâIt has been so positive that theyâre hopeful he will be able to move out of the ICU into another part of the hospital which is representative of what a great recovery itâs been and how quickly it has flipped aroundâ he addedGilchrist also revealed that he spoke to Martyn via FaceTime and said âHeâs very groggy and far from 100 per cent But he is certainly communicating and slowly getting an understanding of the enormity of the situationâI think he is a little overwhelmed that people would respond to him in such a positive way which is a beautiful statement not just from the cricket community but from the wider community as well said GilchristMartynâs wife Amanda provided an update on Saturday saying he was progressing well and expressing deepest appreciation to the medical team at Gold Coast University HospitalMartyn was instrumental in Australias 2003 ODI World Cup final victory over India scoring an unbeaten 88 despite batting with a broken finger and forming a crucial 234run partnership with captain Ricky PontingHe was part of the side that also won the 1999 ODI World Cup and the 2006 Champions Trophy After his playing career ended Martyn briefly worked as a commentatorDuring his career Martyn scored 4406 runs in Test matches at an average of 4637Martyn also played 208 ODIs scoring 5346 runs at 4090 with a highest score of 144 not out He made a famous 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final batting with a broken finger and sharing an epic partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia beat India IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/aussie-great-damien-martyn-wakes-up-from-induced-coma-gilchrist-confirms-657009.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ponting-predicts-australias-squad-for-2027-ashes-657010.html Sydney Jan 4 Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has mapped out his vision for the next Ashes battle in England in 2027 backing a largely familiar core after Australia comfortably retained the urn at home against England Speaking on 7 Cricket the 51yearold made only minimal changes to the current Test setup placing his faith in the experience and durability of senior campaigners Steve Smith and Nathan LyonBoth endured injury setbacks during the ongoing 2025â26 Ashes with Lyon featuring in only a couple of Tests and Smith missing one match but have firmly dismissed retirement speculation and their proven success in English conditions further strengthened Pontingâs stancePonting also threw his support behind Pat Cummins to continue leading the side through to 2027 naming him captain of his predicted squad designed to balance established performers with emerging talentAlex Carey was retained as wicketkeeper in Pontingâs predicted lineup With 47 Tests and over 2400 runs Carey has evolved into a reliable lowerorder batter and a steady presence behind the stumps particularly during highpressure Ashes encounters in both England and AustraliaThe most notable inclusion was uncapped youngster Campbell Kellaway whom Ponting identified as a longterm investment for Australian cricket He also reiterated his backing of Cameron Green despite a modest run of form in the current series while suggesting Josh Inglis could play a pivotal role in the 2027 contestPonting believes Marnus Labuschagne Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will continue to be central to Australiaâs plans while fast bowlers Scott Boland and Jhye Richardson remain locked in a battle for a permanent spot in the playing XIRicky Pontingâs predicted Australia squad for Ashes 2027 Pat Cummins c Alex Carey wk Scott Boland Travis Head Cameron Green Josh Inglis Campbell Kellaway Mitchell Starc Jhye Richardson Marnus Labuschagne Josh Hazlewood Todd Murphy Steve Smith Nathan Lyon Beau Webster Oliver Peake IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ponting-predicts-australias-squad-for-2027-ashes-657010.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bangladesh-will-not-travel-to-india-for-t20-wc-govt-advisor-asif-nazrul-657012.html New Delhi Jan 4 Bangladesh will not travel to India to play in the T20 World Cup said Asif Nazrul an advisor to Bangladesh who also oversees the countrys youth and sports ministry After ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh led to the removal of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the upcoming IPL the countrys cricket board called an emergency meeting of BCB officials and concerned authorities to determine the next course of action following Mustafizurs release from the IPLIn a Facebook post Nazrul said that during the meeting the BCB decided against travelling to India for the T20 World Cup âBangladesh will not go to India to play the World Cup The Bangladesh Cricket Board has taken this decision today We welcome this decision which has been taken in the context of the aggressive communal policies of the Indian Cricket Boardâ he saidRahman who became the most expensive Bangladeshi player ever after KKR secured his services for Rs 920 crore at last monthâs miniauction was released from the IPL squad following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCIWith the BCCI not allowing Rahman to play in India following a demand by some people due to the killing of Hindus by mobs in Bangladesh Nazrul expressed apprehension about the safety of its players in India and therefore sought a change of venueI have instructed the Cricket Control Board to submit a written explanation of the entire matter to the ICC The Board should clearly state that when a Bangladeshi cricketer despite being under contract is unable to play in India the Bangladesh national team cannot feel safe travelling there to participate in the World Cup I have also directed the Board to request that Bangladeshâs World Cup matches be held in Sri Lanka Nazrul had written in an earlier Facebook postBangladesh are scheduled to play T20 World Cup matches against the West Indies on February 7 Italy on February 9 England on February 14 and Nepal on February 17 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai respectivelyFurthermore Nazrul has asked the advisor to stop broadcasting IPL matches in Bangladesh Additionally I have asked the Adviser for Information and Broadcasting to suspend the broadcast of IPL matches in Bangladesh Under no circumstances will we tolerate any disrespect toward Bangladesh cricket Bangladeshi cricketers or Bangladesh itself he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bangladesh-will-not-travel-to-india-for-t20-wc-govt-advisor-asif-nazrul-657012.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-lack-of-spin-bowling-has-made-cricket-in-this-series-one-dimensional-says-atherton-657020.html Sydney Jan 4 Former England captain Michael Atherton believes the ongoing Ashes series has become onedimensional due to the lack of spin bowling caused by pitches being more in favour of fast bowlers England did not select a specialist spinner for any of the five matches with offspinner Shoaib Bashir overlooked while Will Jacks bowled occasional offspin but was not considered a frontline optionAustralia meanwhile named Nathan Lyon for the first and third Tests but omitted the veteran offspinner from the daynight fixture in Brisbane before losing him to a hamstring injury sustained during their seriesclinching victory in Adelaide The hosts opted against replacing Lyon with fellow offspinner Todd Murphy in both Melbourne and Sydney TestsIt means the cricket we have seen in this series has been a bit onedimensional Looking at the pitch on day one in Sydney you wouldnt say it offered enough for five seamers but that is not to say it is going to turn on the last day either We will have to wait and seeNot picking a spinner may be a reflection on Murphy if Lyon had been fit I imagine he might have played Murphy is not a bad bowler but he is no Lyon Pitches have become more uniform and less varied partly because of the dropins at the multisport grounds like Brisbane and AdelaideSydney used to be the outlier in terms of spin and if thats gone the way of the other grounds in terms of more grass left on there is a lack of variety and that is not necessarily a good thing for the game What you want to see in a fiveTest series is the whole range of skills said Atherton on Sky Sportsâ Cricket PodcastExEngland captain Nasser Hussain expressed a different perspective I think you have to be careful The forecast is to be hot and you have to pick a side for the last day as well as the first day However I think both captains feel that with the heat the cracks will open up and thats when you want your seamers IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-lack-of-spin-bowling-has-made-cricket-in-this-series-one-dimensional-says-atherton-657020.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/indu-barma-to-lead-nepal-squad-for-womens-t20-wc-global-qualifier-657039.html Kathmandu Jan 4 Nepal Cricket on Sunday announced a 15member squad for the ICC Womenâs T20 World Cup Global Qualifier to be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 1 Indu Barma will continue to lead the side with Puja Mahato appointed as vicecaptain as the hosts prepare for a crucial qualifying campaign in home conditionsThe Global Qualifier will feature teams from Bangladesh Ireland the Netherlands Namibia Nepal Papua New Guinea Scotland Thailand the USA and Zimbabwe The teams have been divided into two groups of five with Ireland placed in Group A Following the group stage the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six round from which the top four teams will qualify for the Womenâs T20 World CupThe 2026 Womenâs T20 World Cup will be held in England and Wales in June and will feature 12 teams competing in 33 matches This marks an expansion from the 10team tournaments held in Bangladesh in 2024 and South Africa in February 2023Eight teams have already secured qualification for the 2026 edition including hosts England along with Australia India New Zealand South Africa West Indies Pakistan and Sri Lanka The remaining four spots will be decided through the global qualifying tournamentThe inaugural Womenâs T20 World Cup was staged in England in 2009 where the hosts claimed the title by defeating New Zealand in the final Australia dominated the next three editions in 2010 2012 and 2014 before the West Indies broke the streak in 2016 with a final victory over Australia in IndiaAustralia reclaimed supremacy by winning three consecutive titles in 2018 2020 and 2023 The most recent edition in 2024 hosted by the United Arab Emirates saw New Zealand defeat South Africa in the final to lift the trophyNepal SquadIndu Barma c Puja Mahato Rubina Chhetri Sita Rana Magar Bindu Rawal Samjhana Khadka Kajal Shrestha Kabita Joshi Kabita Kunwar Rachana Chaudhary Riya Sharma Roma Thapa Suman Bista Rajmati Airee Manisha Upadhaya IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/indu-barma-to-lead-nepal-squad-for-womens-t20-wc-global-qualifier-657039.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-aus-reach-1662-at-stumps-on-day-2-after-eng-dismissed-for-384-657120.html Sydney Jan 5 Travis Heads unbeaten 91 and Marnus Labuschagnes 48 propelled Australia forward as the hosts reached 1662 at stumps on Day 2 responding to Englands 384 at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday Head who is within touching distance of a 12th Test hundred and the third ton of this series combined with Labuschagne for a rapid 105run partnership in the evening session Australia are still trailing England by 218 runs with Head and nightwatcher Michael Neser 1 unbeaten in the middleEngland were bowled out for 384 off 973 overs Joe Root scored his 41st Test century matching Australian great Ricky Ponting He was 72 not out overnight and went on to make a fine 160 helping England post their highest total of the seriesEngland resumed on 2113 on Monday after play ended early on day one In the third over of the morning Harry Brook was out for 84 ending his 169run partnership with Root Brook fell 16 runs short of his first Ashes hundredSoon after England captain Ben Stokes was out for a duck dismissed by Mitchell Starc for the 14th time in Test cricket He edged a sharp rising ball to wicketkeeper Alex Carey Although the onfield umpire ruled not out Australia reviewed the decision and Snicko showed a faint edge leading to Stokes being given outBut Root held his nerve and reached triple figures off 146 deliveries with a firm punch down the ground while Jamie Smith had a reprieve after drinks when Cameron Green overstepped after the batter hit one straight to the cover fielderSteve Smith then turned to Labuschagne with a shortball ploy which paid dividends immediately as Jamie made room but played his hop shot straight to Scott Boland in the deep breaking the 94run stand as the visitors reached 3366 at lunchAfter lunch England continued to score freely as Will Jacks and Joe Root added quick runs with Root reaching a landmark 150 However Australia struck back after drinks with Michael Neser and Cameron GreenNeser dismissed Jacks and Brydon Carse edged Green to keeper Alex Carey Neser then took a brilliant caughtandbowled to remove Root and followed it up by dismissing Josh Tongue two balls later England lost their last four wickets for just nine runs and were bowled out for 384Brief Scores England 384 Joe Root 160 Harry Brook 84 Michael Neser 460 Scott Boland 285 lead Australia 1662 Travis Head 91 Marnus Labuschagne 48 Ben Stokes 230 by 218 runs IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-aus-reach-1662-at-stumps-on-day-2-after-eng-dismissed-for-384-657120.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/rohit-kohli-should-keep-playing-if-theyre-enjoying-it-syed-kirmani-657138.html New Delhi Jan 5 Few voices carry the weight of perspective like Syed Kirmaniâs A 1983 World Cup winner from an era when Indian cricket was still carving its identity the former wicketkeeper has witnessed the gameâs evolution from instinctdriven leadership to databacked decisionmaking from conservative batting to fearless intent As a relatively young Indian team prepares to defend the T20 World Cup title Kirmani reflected on the squadâs balance the pressure points of knockout cricket debatable selection decisions and the enduring value of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat KohliSpeaking exclusively to IANS Kirmani offered both reassurance and reflection on where Indian cricket stands todayExcerptsIANS Both Rohit and Kohli have been in great form in ODIs They also performed brilliantly in the Vijay Hazare Trophy scoring centuries for their respective teams While that surely is a boost for them do they need to keep participating in domestic gameSK Yes they should keep playing if theyre enjoying cricket Critics will always criticise and they want new blood in the game Everyone desires fresh players so theres no reason for concern Let them decide for themselves Their experience is a valuable support to the team and seasoned players are always needed We should not discourage themLeave the decision of when to retire to them Domestic cricket also helps young players aiming for the national team Experienced domestic players whether in Vijay Hazare or other tournaments can guide these aspiring cricketersAs long as they are contributing let them be Cricket is played extensively through various tournaments Its up to the players how they conduct themselves and maintain their fitness They should focus on competitions where they can excel and get selected They should also decide when to take restIANS For major tournaments like the World Cup key players can be chosen based on their form and fitness Ultimately their consistency and performance are crucialSK The ODI WC is over a year away and the duo play only ODIs and IPL majorly What would be your suggestion to them as they prepare for the World Cup with limited game time in their hand Also how important it is for senior players like them to continue featuring in ODIs not just for performance but for guiding the next generationSK Let them play as long as they want whether in domestic cricket or other oneday formats Theyve already announced their retirement from Test cricket So they are primarily interested in ODIs but they should be allowed to play as much as they can They are iconic players with impressive records You cant just overlook them As I said leave the decision to themâlet them decide when to retireIANS Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have delivered iconic performances in ODI World Cups How do you think their World Cup contributions shape their overall legacy in Indian cricketSK They have set a great example for young players to follow With impressive records behind them they serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for aspiring cricketers while they are active Young players should study how capable they are and the records they have set Instead of merely wishing to be like players A B C or D they should aim to be better than them That should be their primary focus and guiding principleIANS As someone who has seen Indian cricket evolve across generations how do you assess the balance and mindset of Indiaâs current T20 World Cup squad Do you see it as a squad capable of defending the titleSK Indeed there is no doubt that cricket has undergone significant changes from our era to the current one The gameâs system and playersâ mindsets have evolved considerably There has been more aggression both on and off the field and technology has played a much larger role than it did during our time Back then there were no coaches or support staff We did win the World Cup after all so change is necessaryNew concepts innovations and systems are essential for progress Regarding that I believe the current T20 team selected for the World Cup is very well balanced The captain often gets the spotlight when the team wins but itâs truly a team effort Recognition goes to the captain the coach and the entire squad as all contribute to the success Itâs the collective effort that influences the overall resultTeam has a strong batting order and three or four allrounders In limitedovers cricket having more allrounders is crucial since any of them could be the key to success So its a very balanced squad and a remarkable effort by the Indian teamRegarding players who havent been selected theres an incredible pool of talent in our country so much so that we could form four Indian teams if you ask me Everyone is competing for a spot and if you dont perform in a couple of innings someone else gets the chance This fierce competition within our country is a positive signTheres no doubt you need an immediate replacement whether its an allrounder a bowler a spinner a batsman or a captain you have them Currently there are two or three captains in the team alongside Surya Kumar Yadav I commend the selection committee for their efforts because they faced tough competition in choosing players Theyve done an excellent job in selecting the teams for the World Cup and the series against New ZealandIANS What in your view is the biggest strength of this Indian T20 side and what is the one area that could potentially hurt them in highpressure knockout matchesSK Its crucial to understand your own capabilities and strengths to lead the team through a crisis Knowing how to fight and lift the team during challenging times is very important You should select a player preferably at number 7 or 8 who can handle pressure and help the team escape trouble Identifying such a player is now essentialI find it difficult to talk about myself but I started as a stroke player As I improved to a higher level of the game I was often sent in during times of crisis and I was able to handle that pressure Its important for a team to have one or two such players and I believe they are present Right they areMany players are capable of withstanding pressure but our main strength lies in our batting Our batting is effectively supported by our spinners and medium pacers They perform well at various points in the game and then our spinners step in which is crucial This balance makes our team very strong and wellroundedIANS Many say that India are too conservative in ICC tournaments Does this squad reflect a more fearless T20 approach now that we have moved towards the younger generation or are we still cautious by natureSK Criticism will always exist even if were performing well as it cannot be controlled However we are not conservative we are much ahead and moving with the wind Based on this we are doing a great job Weve overcome crises several times As I mentioned the team was in bad shape but recovered after losing the first two games and levelling the series These are the thrilling uncertainties that make cricket such a great game So yes the squad does reflect a fearless approachIANS There were a lot of talks around the management not considering Shubman Gill for the World Cup With him being the captain of the ODI and Test teams and also being the vicecaptain of the T20I side in the recent South Africa home series is this the right callSK Shubman Gill has been in poor form recently Despite his past achievements such as his outstanding performance in England 202425 where he set records as both a captain and an opening batsman he was overlooked due to his slump Its important to recognise that everyone even the greatest players faces good and bad times Bad form is a regular part of every athletes journey regardless of their consistency or greatnessYou cant ignore when hes in poor form So that was a bit disappointing for sure There might be personal reasons behind Shubman Gillâs unavailability which he could have communicated However there should be clarity when a player is not selected or is dropped Theres a difference between not being chosen and being dropped and reasonsâsuch as personal issuesâshould be shared similar to how foreign players or the selection committee communicateConsidering such great form suddenly dropping into poor form requires resilience You must withstand and overlook these fluctuations without sidelining a player who performed well in earlier matchesCorrect His excellent form outstanding innings especially the iconic one in England against England shouldnt be ignored You see as poor form occurs that doesnt necessarily mean removing the player from the team So if he was dropped because of his form donât think it was the right callIANS Rishabh Pant was also not considered for the T20 World Cup and heâs been a bit on and off in the international setup now He played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and is now named in the ODI squad Do you think this is the playerâs approach or a tactical strategy by the selectorsSK He has got a lot of age behind him and he is a talent in abundance There is no two ways about it So he cannot be overlooked But at the same time there is so much competition for him There are four or five wicketkeepers You cannot overlook their performance either And off and on he has not been very consistent in meeting the teams requirements So that doesnt mean that he should be sidelined totally As and when he is in good form he can be brought in at any time IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/rohit-kohli-should-keep-playing-if-theyre-enjoying-it-syed-kirmani-657138.html Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-might-have-wanted-100-retiring-khawaja-explains-88-test-matches-shout-out-to-his-dad-656982.html Sydney Jan 4 Retiring Australian batter Usman Khawaja has paid tribute to his parents crediting the sacrifices they made during his childhood as he reflected on a career that spanned 88 Test matches During a press conference on Friday Khawaja announced his decision to retire from international cricket and gave a shoutout to his parents Tariq and Fozia and jokingly asked his father â88 Test matches Dad is that enoughâOn Sunday Khawaja explained the remark before the fifth Test began at the SCG revealing the deeper meaning behind the humourâHe might have wanted 100 knowing Tariq He literally uprooted our whole lives to come to Australia We had decent lives in Pakistan We had a decent big house Mum had a leisurely life over there and he left all of that just to give us a better lifestyle over hereI remember when Mum was quite upset when moving to Australia and I never understood it when I was young but now I get it Her whole life got turned upside downâ Khawaja saidKhawaja also spoke candidly about the early struggles his family faced after migrating to Australia describing the financial and emotional challenges that followedDespite the difficulties he said he remains profoundly grateful to his parents for the choices they made which ultimately enabled him to represent Australia at the highest level for more than a decadeâWe struggled with coming to Australia at the start The currency change was hard Dad couldnât find a new job He didnât have a job when he came here so looking back on the sacrifices he made for us kids I said to my Dad âIs this enoughâ No Test match would have been enough but my Dad just loves cricket so every time I go out and play I know Iâm putting a smile on his faceâIt has been a ride Even playing one Test was amazing but to do it for 15 odd years and 88 matches itâs quite surreal My journey has been up and down Itâs taken me quite a while to get those 88 matches but I wouldnât change it for the worldâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-might-have-wanted-100-retiring-khawaja-explains-88-test-matches-shout-out-to-his-dad-656982.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-progressing-well-damien-martyns-wife-gives-health-update-after-meningitis-diagnosis-656990.html New Delhi Jan 4 Former Australian Test batter Damien Martynâs wife said that the 54yearold is showing encouraging signs of improvement as he continues his recovery after being placed in an induced coma while receiving treatment for meningitis Martyn who represented Australia in 67 Test matches was taken to the hospital on the Gold Coast late last month after falling seriously unwell He remains under medical care as his condition continues to stabiliseDamien is progressing well with his medical treatment We would like to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of support our family has received We also want to express our deepest appreciation to the medical team at Gold Coast University Hospital who have been nothing short of amazing throughout this challenging time This has been a trying time and the family ask that you respect their privacy Martyns partner Amanda told News CorpMartyn had been an active voice on social media as recently as Christmas Eve when he shared his thoughts on the Ashes series before being struck down by meningitis a serious condition involving inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cordNews of his illness prompted an outpouring of support from across the cricketing world with former teammates and rivals including Adam Gilchrist VVS Laxman and Michael Vaughan publicly sending messages of encouragementA Darwin native Martyn made his Test debut at just 21 in the 1992â93 home series against the West Indies replacing Dean Jones and was appointed captain of Western Australia by the age of 23One of the finest moments of his international career came in India in 2004 when he was named player of the series in Australiaâs most recent Test series victory on Indian soil Martyn topped the scoring charts in four of Australiaâs eight innings during the fiercely contested BorderGavaskar Trophy campaignHis highest Test score of 165 came against New Zealand in 2005 part of a career that yielded 13 centuries in the baggy green Martyn brought his Test career to a close midway through the 2006â07 Ashes series with his final appearance at the Adelaide OvalIn the oneday arena Martyn played 208 matches for Australia averaging 408 He played a pivotal role in the 2003 World Cup final finishing unbeaten on 88 as Australia defeated India to claim the titleAfter retiring Martyn spent a brief period in commentary before largely stepping back from the public eye maintaining a low profile in recent years IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/he-progressing-well-damien-martyns-wife-gives-health-update-after-meningitis-diagnosis-656990.html Sun, 04 Jan 2026 23:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/defending-champions-mumbai-indians-unveil-wpl-2026-jersey-656711.html Mumbai Jan 2 Defending champions Mumbai Indians on Friday unveiled the WPL 2026 jersey continuing the tradition of drawing inspiration from the city of Mumbai and its peopleââ The jersey mirrors the rhythm of everyday Mumbai â always in motion always playing on This season the iconic blue and gold with the coral represents movement resilience and momentumThe core theme is the Wicket Pulse the blue adorning the front and back of the jersey inspired by Mumbaiâs constant motion â from local trains and sea waves It reflects the neverslowing mindset that defines both Mumbai and the Mumbai Indians MI said in a statementThe gold adds confidence and continuity elements that power the spirit of Mumbai while the subtle coral accents bring warmth and balance that the people of Mumbai have for one another and makes the OneFamily unique it addedMI have commenced their preseason training under the leadership of head coach Lisa Keightley bowling coach and team mentor Jhulan Goswami batting coach Devieka Palshikaar other support staff The players who have already arrived to join the camp are Saika Ishaque Sajana S Sanskriti Gupta Poonam Khemnar Triveni Vasistha N Kranthi Reddy Rahila Firdous Shabnim Ismail and the Australian duo of Milly Illingworth and Nicola CareyWith the squad coming together steadily and more star players like skipper Harmanpreet Kaur Nat SciverBrunt Amanjot Kaur to arrive in the coming daysThe defending champions will kick off their campaign on the opening day of the tournament on January 9 against the WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi MumbaiNotably after three seasons of the WPL the Mumbai Indians remain the most successful team having won the first and third editions of the tournament With Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team they aim to defend their title successfully IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/defending-champions-mumbai-indians-unveil-wpl-2026-jersey-656711.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-win-in-sydney-would-tell-a-lot-about-england-team-says-crawley-656713.html Sydney Jan 2 England opener Zak Crawley said a potential win in the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground would show the teamâs unity despite them being unable to retain the urn After losing the first three games England got something to cheer about by getting their first Test win in Australia for 15 years at the Melbourne Cricket Ground MCGI think there is a big difference just internally in the group It shows a lot about how united we are if we can get a win It the series might not go our way but if we can put in a good performance this week I think it shows a lot about us Crawley told reporters on FridayCrawley was also quick to praise England quick Matthew Potts particularly his work ethic and attitude in the nets over what has been a long two months in Australia Potts and offspinner Shoaib Bashir were added to the 12man squad for the clash in SydneyPotts has been an unused member of Englandâs touring party throughout the series but is poised for earning an 11th Test cap after last being in the playing eleven against New Zealand in late 2024 Every time I face him he impresses me Hes got the heart of a lion a lot of skill and if he gets the nod this week he thoroughly deserves it he saidCrawley further warned the touring batters will attack offspinner Todd Murphy if he is selected for his first Test on Australian soil Murphy is in contention to play in the last Ashes game in Sydney after being omitted from the Boxing Day match at the MCG where Australia fielded an allpace attackWhoever plays I think thats the mantra of our team is to try and put pressure on people Todds a very good bowler but I can envisage us trying to put some pressure on him like we would all their bowlersâThats going to come with some risks and if its turning its definitely going to be a threat But I think well try and put pressure on all their bowlers he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-win-in-sydney-would-tell-a-lot-about-england-team-says-crawley-656713.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/indias-white-ball-tour-of-bangladesh-included-in-bcbs-2026-international-games-itinerary-656723.html Dhaka Jan 2 India mens whiteball tour of Bangladesh has been included in the Bangladesh Cricket Boards itinerary for international matches in 2026 said the BCB on Friday Apart from India the calendar features Bangladesh hosting Pakistan New Zealand Australia and the West Indies for bilateral series in all three formats âThe confirmed itinerary ensures a season full of international cricket in Bangladesh providing supporters across the country the opportunity to watch toplevel cricket at home Details of match venues will be announced in due courseâ said the BCB in its statement on FridayIndiaâs tour of Bangladesh was originally supposed to take place in August 2025 but was moved to September 2026 due to political unrest in the country As per BCBâs itinerary India is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on August 28The ODI series will begin on September 1 with the first match followed by the second game on September 3 and the third clash on September 6 The T20I series will commence on September 9 with the second match scheduled for September 12 and the finale game on September 13 following which the Indian team will return homePakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on March 9 for a threematch ODI series to be held from March 1216 New Zealands whiteball tour of Bangladesh will kick off with three ODIs starting April 17 and as many T20Is beginning on April 27 and ending on May 2Pakistan will arrive in Bangladesh on May 4 to play two Tests as part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle The first Test will be played from May 812 while the second game will happen from May 1620 Australias whiteball tour of Bangladesh begins on June 5 with three ODIs before the threematch T20I series will be played from June 1520After hosting India Bangladesh will play a twomatch Test series against West Indies which also comes under WTC cycle After a threeday warmup match to be held from October 2224 the first Test is slated to happen from October 28November 1 while the second game will be played from November 59BCB added that the Sri Lanka âAâ team will also tour Bangladesh in May 2026 for a series against the hosts âAâ side comprising two fourday matches and 50over games IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/indias-white-ball-tour-of-bangladesh-included-in-bcbs-2026-international-games-itinerary-656723.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/maphaka-and-smith-included-in-sa-squad-for-t20-wc-656740.html Johannesburg Jan 2 South Africa have included young pacer Kwena Maphaka and toporder batter Jason Smith in their squad for the T20 World Cup with no place for batsmen Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs Smiths selection comes on the back of his recent prolific form earning him the nod ahead of Stubbs who was in South Africaâs squad where they finished runnersup in 2024 Menâs T20 World CupSmith made his T20I debut in 2024 and boasts of a strikerate of 12830 and is currently turning out for MI Cape Town in SA20 One of his most recent standout performances came in the T20 Challenge where he struck an unbeaten 68 off 19 balls to steer the Dolphins into the playoffs in NovemberRickelton meanwhile was unable to force his way into a squad already packed with toporder options like captain Aiden Markram and wicketkeeperbatter Quinton de Kock Apart from Smith and Maphaka Corbin Bosch Dewald Brevis Tony de Zorzi Donovan Ferreira and George Linde have earned their maiden T20 World Cup callupsâWe are returning to the subcontinent where we recently competed against hosts India The experience we gained playing in those conditions will undoubtedly benefit us as we head into this tournamentâMany of the players selected for the World Cup squad were on that trip and experienced firsthand the pitches that we will likely encounter and that will stand them in good stead once we get to IndiaââWe do have one more T20I series against the West Indies before we depart for the World Cup and that squad will be announced later this monthâ said head coach Shukri Conrad in a statementKagiso Rabada returns to the T20I setup after missing the recent whiteball tour against India due to a rib injury Another notable inclusion is pacer Anrich Nortje who finished as South Africaâs leading wickettaker in the 2024 Menâs T20 World CupSouth Africa are drawn in Group D of the 2026 Menâs T20 World Cup alongside Afghanistan Canada New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates They will begin their campaign on February 9 against Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium in AhmedabadFormer South Africa allrounder Albie Morkel will be a part of the team as the specialist consultant âFirstly I would like to congratulate the players who will be representing South Africa at their maiden T20 World Cup This is an incredible opportunity for them in what was a difficult squad to selectâWe have had to make some big calls but we feel this group is the strongest and has every chance of succeeding in India and Sri Lanka We have assembled a worldclass squad with some of the finest and most experienced players in the game together with some of the best T20 youngsters coming throughâ said Patrick Moroney Convenor Selector for the Proteas MenSouth Africa squad Aiden Markram captain Corbin Bosch Dewald Brevis Quinton de Kock Tony de Zorzi Donovan Ferreira Marco Jansen George Linde Keshav Maharaj Kwena Maphaka David Miller Lungi Ngidi Anrich Nortje Kagiso Rabada and Jason Smith IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/maphaka-and-smith-included-in-sa-squad-for-t20-wc-656740.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/namibia-womens-cricket-team-to-tour-assam-next-week-for-white-ball-games-656753.html Guwahati Jan 2 The Namibias senior womens cricket team will play a fourmatch friendly series against Assam starting on January 8 The tour is part of a reciprocal arrangement between the Assam Cricket Association and Cricket Namibia During the tour the Namibia side will compete against the Assam senior womenâs team in a friendly series comprising two 50over matches and two T20 games The muchanticipated series is scheduled to be held from January 811 in MSA Stadium Mangaldai and the ACA Cricket Academy Ground Fulung North GuwahatiâThis international series marks a significant milestone for Assam cricket strengthening sporting relations between India and Namibia while providing an excellent platform for players from both teams to demonstrate their skills competitiveness and true spirit of the gameâThe Assam Cricket Association looks forward to hosting this exciting series celebrating the spirit of international cricket and fostering lasting sporting ties between the Assam Cricket Association and Cricket Namibiaâ said ACA Secretary Sanatan Das in a statement on FridayAs per the itinerary by the ACA the Namibian senior womenâs team will arrive in Guwahati on January 6 with a practice session and rest day scheduled for January 7 before the series beginsThe opening 50over match will be played on January 8 with the second ODI at the same venue the following day Both T20 matches are scheduled for January 10 and 11 and is followed by the Namibian team departing for home on January 12Previously a 15member Assam senior mens squad went on a fivematch 50over games tour of Namibia from June 18 to July 1 2025 Apart from this a 14member Assam senior womens side also went on a tour of Malaysia to play five 50over games from July 516 in the previous year IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/namibia-womens-cricket-team-to-tour-assam-next-week-for-white-ball-games-656753.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sri-lanka-cricket-plans-day-night-tests-at-ssc-report-656764.html Colombo Jan 2 India could be playing a Pink Ball DayNight Test when they visit Sri Lanka for a longform series next time Sri Lanka Cricket is laying the groundwork for a new chapter in the islandâs cricketing history with plans to stage DayNight Test matches at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo a report said on Friday The installation of floodlights at the Sinhalese Sports Club has now been completed and SLC Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda said the project goes well beyond the immediate demands of the upcoming T20 World Cup the Telecom Asia Sport wwwtelecomasianet reportedThe report claimed that SLC has funded the floodlight project for Rs 18 billion as the SSC is set to host five matches of the showpiece event The other venues for the tournament will be the Pallekele International Stadium and the R Premadasa StadiumSpeaking to journalists during a media tour to unveil the project Godaliyadda said the longterm vision was for SSC to one day host DayNight Test matches While PinkBall matches have gained traction globally in recent years Sri Lanka are yet to stage one at home and the indication is that SSC will be the venue for the countryâs firstever DayNight Test the report claimedThe SSC ground will be leased for a certain number of days a year to SLC for conducting training and games It is part of the agreement that the board undertook to develop the groundBeyond the floodlights the first phase of development also included upgraded dressing rooms and a new VIP viewing area A second phase scheduled to begin after the World Cup will focus on expanding the venueâs capacity SLC plans to upgrade SSC into a 30000seat stadium a move the board believes will strengthen Sri Lankaâs case when bidding for future ICC events including womenâs and Under19 tournamentsThe SSC celebrated its 125th anniversary last year and has been the stage for many of Sri Lankan cricketâs defining moments The ground hosted matches during the 1996 World Cup and was the scene of the worldrecord partnership of 624 runs between Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in 2006Alongside SSC the Colombo Cricket Club Ground just across the road and the P Sara Oval are also undergoing upgrades the report saidSLC is meanwhile pressing ahead with plans to build a new internationalstandard cricket ground in Jaffna and has identified several other locations for future venues as demand for international facilities continues to grow IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sri-lanka-cricket-plans-day-night-tests-at-ssc-report-656764.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-feel-like-im-doing-alright-at-the-moment-steve-smith-shuts-down-retirement-talks-656788.html Sydney Jan 3 Australian standin captain Steve Smith is ready to relinquish captaincy to a younger candidate in the absence of captain Pat Cummins if that is what the selectors wish to do With Usman Khawaja hanging up his cricket boots on Sunday after the Sydney Test Nathan Lyon has already been ruled out due to injury Smith will now be the oldest player in the Australian XI side by side with Scott Boland When asked about possibly being involved in the 2027 Ashes series in England Smith indicated that he was uncertain of that possibility however he was happy to enjoy his cricket at this moment and was only focused on the current seriesIve said it for a while Im taking it daybyday seriesbyseries and well see where things land said Smith I feel like Im doing alright at the moment Im enjoying it Im contributing and having fun So theres no real end date for meI think with obviously Usman dropping off hes one of our experienced players so it probably wouldnt be ideal if him and I went out this week for instance he added So no I want to keep playingWhile Smith has been the captain for four of Cummins Ashes Tests he is nonetheless at ease with relinquishing this position to a younger candidate after Khawajas retirement if that is what the selectors wish to do According to Smith the sport has recently become more entertaining because of increases in positive results for the Australian team Following an impressive period of success the team is poised to compete again for the WTC after gaining some momentum through their recent wins and dropping points against Australia recently The loss in Melbourne has caused the team to want to win in Sydney prior to their two most difficult series in South Africa and India which take place shortly after this series concludesI think weve got a really good team Smith said in the press conference The team weve had over the last three or four years obviously making two World Test Championship finals different people have stood up at different times Its never been one or two people just getting the job done Its been shared across and guys have done great jobs throughout and I think thats whats made us a really good teamSo its been good to be a part of and as an older player now hopefully I can help some of the players coming through and help teach them the game of Test cricketFollowing dominant wins in Perth and Brisbane Australia took a 31 lead over England in a fiveTest series for the Ashes After winning the third Test in Adelaide by 82 runs to tie up the series England responded with an impressive win against Australia in Melbourne their first victory on Australian soil in 15 years The Melbourne Test ended in less than two days and was won by four wickets Although the Ashes were already secured by Australia there was still a lot of motivation for both teams and the points awarded for the World Test Championship were at stakeWith the World Test championship every game is important he said Hopefully we can turn it around here win this series 41 and now more importantly just win a Test in the World Test championship cycleSmith who watched Usman Khawaja in the early days of U17 and U19 playing for South Wales said he was an admirer of Khawajas batting Khawaja on Friday called a press conference and made the announcement with his family by his side two days out from the match ahead of the teams net session with the Aussies aiming to claim another 12 World Test Championship points and finish the series as 41 victors I remember playing against him in a couple of Under17 versus Under19 games for New South Wales and watching him bat Smith was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying The way he pulled the ball I was like this guy picks length up quicker than anyone Ive seen He was pulling balls off the top of the stumps I feel like throughout his career hes been batting his best when hes been doing that as well And just his progression over a long period of time has been outstandingUsman Khawaja often refers to himself as one of Australias most dropped cricketers having been dropped from the Test team seven times prior to 2019 However Steve Smith sees those omissions in the subcontinent during his captaincy as lessons for Khawaja rather than hindrances They forced Khawaja to face his weaknesses while playing spin bowling which ended up changing his game for the better The change was extreme Before his great series against Pakistan in Dubai in 2018 Khawaja had a terrible average of 1462 over 5 Tests played in Asia But after that series Khawaja became one of crickets best players against spin and was able to score 1490 runs in 13 Tests with a remarkable average of 8277Hes arguably one of our best players of spin now So maybe it was a blessing in disguise But the way hes been able to play over his 15year careerâ its a credit to him and not too many people get to go out on their own terms Steven Smith on Usman KhawajaHe hates it but we dropped him Smith said I was captain at that stage and we dropped him in the subcontinent We didnt think he was playing the spinners as well as he does now But he got that opportunity to go back and figure out ways to play Whether he would have done that had he kept playing Im not sure But he went back and found some different methods to defend spin He was reversing sweeping and thats a mode of defence in a way when you put the field outHes arguably one of our best players of spin now So maybe it was a blessing in disguise But the way hes been able to play over his 15year careerâ its a credit to him and not too many people get to go out on their own terms IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/i-feel-like-im-doing-alright-at-the-moment-steve-smith-shuts-down-retirement-talks-656788.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sa20-paarl-royals-edge-mi-cape-town-in-derby-thriller-656790.html Paarl Jan 3 Lhuandre Pretoriusâ SA20 season four burst into life with an unbeaten 98 to drive Paarl Royals to a thrilling onerun victory over MI Cape Town in the Western Cape derby at Boland Park Royalsâ seamer Ottniel Baartman had 15 runs to defend in the final over and after Kagiso Rabada smashed the third delivery for six over long off it seemed the momentum had swung MI Cape Townâs way But Baartman 451 had Rabada caught on the boundary the next ball before the equation was reduced to MI Cape Town requiring six off the final delivery for victory George Linde made good contact by carving a length delivery over the covers but the ball fell just inches short of the boundary rope which sent the Royals faithful into a frenzyPretorius had endured a quiet start to the competition in the first couple of matches but the leagueâs leading scorer of last season was back at his beloved home ground The teenager was back to his belligerent best cracking 10 boundaries and two sixes during his 65ball stay at the crease The Royals faithful were spurring Pretorius on to a maiden T20 century but it was not to be with Rabada delivering a dot ball to close out the Royals inningsThe four player of the match candidates were Lhuandre Pretorius Sikandar Raza Asa Tribe and Rassie van der Dussen with Pretorius winning 72 of the fan vote The visitors were under pressure from the outset with Pretorius and Asa Tribe dominating the power play The Royals opening pair put on exactly 100 in 104 overs before MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan 231 had the Jersey international caught for 51 off 34 ballsMI Cape Town enjoyed an equally good start with Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton 36 adding 77 for the first wicket in 75 overs before Royalsâ new recruit Sikander Raza 327 announced his arrival at SA20 The Zimbabwe international removed both Rickelton and the dangerous Nicholas Pooran and later clean bowled Tom Moores for a firstball duck to stem the MI Cape Town tide But it was the doublewicket over from Baartman when the seamer picked up both Van der Dussen 59 and Jason Smith 1 within three balls of each other that scuppered MI Cape Townâs momentum IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sa20-paarl-royals-edge-mi-cape-town-in-derby-thriller-656790.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/shreyas-iyer-provided-clearance-to-play-vijay-hazare-trophy-match-on-january-6-656861.html Mumbai Jan 3 India batter Shreyas Iyer is all set to play his first competitive match since sustaining a spleen injury in October 2024 The 31yearold star will represent Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy match which will be played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on January 6 Shreyas Iyer has received conditional clearance from the BCCIs Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as reported by ESPNcricinfo Iyer spent ten days at the COE for the final stretch of his rehabilitation As part of the returntoplay protocol he featured in a practice game on January 2 Iyer batted painfree and went through all his drills without showing any signs of discomfortShreyas Iyer has a strong record in the Vijay Hazare Trophy known for explosive centuries including a 50ball 114 against Karnataka in December 2024 and has led Mumbai to success often being the top scorer in tournaments demonstrating consistent highimpact performances in the premier Indian domestic oneday competition He was the highest rungetter for Mumbai last season where he scored 325 runs in just five matchesIyer suffered a serious injury during Indias third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25 2025 While attempting a catch near the thirdman boundary he lost balance and landed on his rib cage resulting in internal bleeding and spleen damage Since then he has missed the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the home ODI series against AustraliaIndias ODI squad for the New Zealand series is set to be picked on Saturday While there is a provision to pick a subject to fitness it is still unclear whether the selectors would pick him directly for the international challenge or want to see more of him in the domestic competitionIn Iyers absence Ruturaj Gaikwad batted at number four and impressed with his maiden ODI century In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy Devdutt Padikkal has also slammed four centuries in just five innings and presented a strong case for selection IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/shreyas-iyer-provided-clearance-to-play-vijay-hazare-trophy-match-on-january-6-656861.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/shreyas-iyer-awaits-coe-clearance-as-india-announces-gill-led-squad-for-new-zealand-odis-656871.html Mumbai Jan 3 The Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI has announced a 15member squad for the upcoming threematch ODI series against New Zealand with Shubman Gill set to lead the side Shreyas Iyer who had been on the sidelines owing to an injury has been named in the squad but his participation will be subject to fitness clearance from the BCCIâs Centre of Excellence CoE Moreover allrounder Hardik Pandya who scored a brilliant century for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Saturday against Vidarbha has been rested to manage his workload as he prepares for the T20 World CupâShreyas Iyerâs availability is subject to fitness clearance from BCCI COE Hardik Pandya has not been cleared by the BCCI COE to bowl 10 overs in a match and considering the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup to follow his workload is being managedâ the BCCI said in their statementIyer will arrive in Jaipur on Sunday and will participate in Mumbais upcoming two Vijay Hazare Trophy games Having finished the final stage of his rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence CoE in Bengaluru and received clearance to return to competitive cricket he is set to play Mumbaiâs last two league matches against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on January 6 and 8 respectivelyAnother notable absentee is pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah who will only play the fivematch T20I series against the Kiwis followed by the T20 World Cup In Bumrahs absence the pace bowling unit will be led by Siraj with Arshdeep Singh Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna as other optionsWhile Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel have been putting up impressive and consistent performances in the domestic setup for their state teams they have missed their selection for the New Zealand seriesNotably stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retained their places in the side and will be hoping to continue their tremendous run of form in the 50over format The duo recently represented their state teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and notched up magnificent centuries and halfcenturies putting up a strong case for their selectionIndiaâs ODI squad Shubman Gill C Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli KL Rahul WK Shreyas Iyer VC Washington Sundar Ravindra Jadeja Mohd Siraj Harshit Rana Prasidh Krishna Kuldeep Yadav Rishabh Pant WK Nitish Kumar Reddy Arshdeep Singh Yashasvi JaiswalIndia vs New Zealand ODI Series Schedule1st ODI January 11 â Vadodara2nd ODI January 14 â Rajkot3rd ODI January 18 â Indore IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/shreyas-iyer-awaits-coe-clearance-as-india-announces-gill-led-squad-for-new-zealand-odis-656871.html Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/usman-khawaja-to-retire-from-international-cricket-after-sydney-ashes-test-656665.html Sydney Jan 2 Veteran Australia batter Usman Khawaja announced on Friday that he will retire from international cricket after the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground Khawaja called a press conference and made the announcement with his family by his side two days out from the match ahead of the teams net session with the Aussies aiming to claim another 12 World Test Championship points and finish the series as 41 victorsâIâm here to announce today that I will be retiring from all international cricket after the SCG Test matchâ Khawaja told the pressâGod through cricket has given me far more than I could have imagine Heâs given me memories Iâll carry forever friendship that goes well beyond the game and lessons that shaped me who I am off the fieldâBut no career belongs to one person I obviously had a lot of help To my parents thank you for your sacrifices that never made the highlights reelâKhawaja informed his Australia teammates only moments earlier ahead of their training session two days out from the series finale against EnglandIn a career spanning 15 years Khawaja has amassed over 8000 international runs across formats while featuring in 87 Tests 40 ODIs and nine T20IsHe retires as one of Australias most prolific runscorers 30 more in his farewell Test will see him pass Michael Husseys tally of 6235 into 14th among Australian menKhawaja brings the curtain down on his career as one of only 18 Australians to have scored more than 15 Test centuries finishing with 16 hundreds in the longest format He also leaves the game with 49 limitedovers appearances including two ODI centuries to his nameThe lefthander fittingly bows out in his home city of Sydney where he made his Test debut against England in 2011 It was also at the SCG that Khawaja reignited his career as a 35yearold smashing twin centuries against England in early 2022 when Travis Head was sidelined with CovidIt led to a final career spark hitting seven centuries in his first two years back in the side and a World Test Championship win in 2023In 2023 Khawaja was named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the Year and played a key role in Australias World Test Championship triumphKhawaja told coach Andrew McDonald after the fourth Test in Melbourne he would finish up in SydneyIts been tough Ive just wanted to tell everyone I told teammates just then I didnt think Id get emotional but I teared up straightaway and I had to compose myself I finally composed myself and got out what I wanted to sayI never thought Id be the guy that would cry when he retired but I cried straightaway It just shows what it means to me My journey has been different to a lot of cricketers in the Australian cricket team All that emotion built up he saidKhawaja will continue to play for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL and also outlined his intention to also remain available for Queenslands Sheffield Shield side IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/usman-khawaja-to-retire-from-international-cricket-after-sydney-ashes-test-656665.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-england-include-bashir-potts-in-12-member-squad-for-scg-test-656693.html Sydney Jan 2 England have included offspinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts in their 12man squad for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground SCG on Sunday Fast bowler Gus Atkinson is the only absentee from the side that secured a fourwicket victory in the fourth Test inside two days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG The pacer has been ruled out of the match due to a hamstring injuryThe inclusion of Bashir and Potts gives England flexibility as they seek to sign off from the series on a high especially with conditions at the SCG traditionally offering more assistance to spin bowling as compared to other Australian venues Both Bashir and Potts are now in consideration to make their Ashes debut by replacing an injured AtkinsonPotts has been an unused member of Englandâs touring party throughout the series but is poised for earning an 11th Test cap after last being in the playing eleven against New Zealand in late 2024 It remains to be seen if Potts will earn a place in the playing eleven as the SCG the pitch bore a slight green tingeA 12man squad was also announced for the first Test in Perth which also ended in two days with Bashir missing out on that occasion as England opted for an allpace attack Bashir has also not played for England since the third Test against India at Lordâs in JulyThough England canât win the Ashes now another victory in Sydney after the win in Melbourne would provide encouragement for the visitors heading into future World Test Championship assignmentsEngland squad for the fifth Ashes Test Ben Stokes C Shoaib Bashir Jacob Bethell Harry Brook Brydon Carse Zak Crawley Ben Duckett Will Jacks Matthew Potts Joe Root Jamie Smith WK and Josh Tongue IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-england-include-bashir-potts-in-12-member-squad-for-scg-test-656693.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-australia-name-unchanged-squad-for-sydney-test-656538.html Sydney Jan 1 Australia have named an unchanged squad from the Boxing Day Test for the upcoming final Test of the Ashes series though conditions at the SCG could still prompt changes to the final XI The match is set to begin on January 4 here at the Sydney Cricket Ground The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon as the Australian team assembled in Sydney for their first training session following last weekâs fourwicket defeat to England The Melbourne Test ended inside two days on a pitch later deemed âunsatisfactoryâ by the ICCThe loss marked Australiaâs first defeat to England in redball cricket at home in almost 15 years with 36 wickets falling across two days at the MCG However the result carried greater importance for England as Australia had already secured the Ashes by winning the first three Tests in Perth Brisbane and AdelaideMany fans and cricket experts believe that the upcoming match known as the New Years Test will be Usman Khawajas final appearance for Australia Additionally reports indicate that Khawaja plans to speak to the media before the match begins which fuels retirement rumours But head coach Andrew McDonald all but guaranteed veteran batter Usman Khawaja would be marking centre in Sydney after posting secondbest score of Australias first innings in the Boxing Day TestMeanwhile allrounder Beau Webster might replace Cameron Green in the XI as the latter has yet to record a significant score in the series Webster however has not yet been part of the XI in any of the four games so far this series and will be eager to end the Ashes strongly especially since the hosts are already leading 31âWe know weve got a quality player sitting there waiting Weve got a batting order that wed like to think can function at a higher capacity so well be having conversations leading into Sydneyâ head coach Andrew McDonald was quoted as saying by Cricket AustraliaAustralia squad Steve Smith c Scott Boland Alex Carey Brendan Doggett Cameron Green Travis Head Josh Inglis Usman Khawaja Marnus Labuschagne Todd Murphy Michael Neser Jhye Richardson Mitchell Starc Jake Weatherald Beau Webster IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-australia-name-unchanged-squad-for-sydney-test-656538.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 02:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/enzo-maresca-on-brink-of-leaving-chelsea-report-656539.html London Jan 1 Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge as the clubâs poor run in the Premier League 202526 has raised serious concerns over his position The West Londonbased club has won only one of their last seven Premier League games and has slipped to fifth position in the points table The sixtime Premier League winners let another victory slip through their fingers at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday drawing 22 with the Cherries After the match manager Enzo Maresca skipped the press conference citing illnessAccording to a report by The Guardian Chelsea is set to open the new year by holding emergency talks over Marescaâs position It is expected that the Italian manager who was booed by supporters during the disappointing 22 draw with Bournemouth will not be in charge for Sundayâs trip to Manchester CityThe report also said that Maresca wants to leave the club but it is unclear if he is willing to walk away without a payoff His contract runs until 2029 with an option for an extra yearMaresca was appointed Chelsea manager in July 2024 Under his stint the West London club has played 92 matches so far and he has a strong record of 55 wins On May 28 2025 Maresca won his first trophy as Chelsea manager by lifting the UEFA Conference League after beating Real Betis 41 in the final which meant Chelsea became the only team to win all three of the current main UEFA competitionsIn July 2025 he guided his team to victory in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup the first edition of the expanded competition with a 30 win over the recently crowned Champions League winners Paris SaintGermain in the final IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/enzo-maresca-on-brink-of-leaving-chelsea-report-656539.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 02:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/some-positive-signs-coming-out-of-indications-from-various-tests-says-gilchrist-on-martyn-656576.html Hobart Jan 1 Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn is showing positive signs in coming out of his battle with meningitis his former teammate Adam Gilchrist said Martyn 54 remains hospitalised in Queensland after being placed in an induced coma due to meningitis Martyn fell ill on Boxing Day and is now in a serious condition at the Gold Coast University Hospital âHeâs still in the hospital Thereâll be more details coming out as they come to hand but certainly in the last 24 hours some positive signs are the indications coming out of the various tests heâs havingâThereâs been so much interest and love A fine player terrific fella I just hope he can continue a recoveryâ Gilchrist the former Australia wicketkeeperbatter was quoted as saying by Fox Sports on ThursdayAn elegant righthander batter Martyn scored 4406 runs for Australia in 67 Tests at an average of 4637 including 13 centuries with a best score of 165 He also played 208 ODIs scoring 5346 runs at 4090 with a highest score of 144 not outâOn behalf of Damien Martyn a great friend a former teammate of a few of uson behalf of his family Amanda his partner thank you to everyone for the heartfelt love and wishes and care for Damien as heâs gone through and continues to go through a challenging timeâ added GilchristMartyn was instrumental in Australias 2003 ODI World Cup final victory over India scoring an unbeaten 88 despite batting with a broken finger and sharing a crucial 234run partnership with captain Ricky Ponting He was part of the side that also won the 1999 ODI World Cup and 2006 Champions Trophy After his playing career was over Martyn briefly worked as a commentatorAs per the World Health Organisation WHO meningitis is a devastating disease that is deadly and often results in serious longterm health issues It remains a major global public health challengeMeningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord Though it is not revealed whether the meningitis suffered by Martyn is bacterial or viral WHO notes that it can be infectious or noninfectious in origin can be associated with a high risk of death and longterm complications and requires urgent medical care IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/some-positive-signs-coming-out-of-indications-from-various-tests-says-gilchrist-on-martyn-656576.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 06:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/nicholas-lee-to-take-over-as-new-strength-and-conditioning-coach-of-indian-womens-team-656589.html New Delhi Jan 1 Nicholas Lee is set to take over as the new strength and conditioning coach of the Indian womens cricket team Sources familiar with the matter told IANS that Lee is likely to join the Indian team after the 2026 season of the Womenâs Premier League WPL is over on February 5 in Vadodara âYes itâs confirmed that Lee will be the new SampC coach of the Indian womenâs cricket team Australiaâs Nathan Kiely was also in talks but Lee was always in the running for this role Once WPL is over Lee will link up with the Indian teamâ sources further saidAfter the fiveteam WPL is over India will play a multiformat series in Australia from February 15 to March 9 The multiformat tour begins with the T20I leg starting at the Sydney Cricket Ground SCG on February 15 followed by games at Manuka Oval Canberra and Adelaide Oval on February 19 and 21 respectivelyFocus will then shift to the ODI series where India enters as World Cup winners The series will begin at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on February 24 The second and third ODIs will be staged at Hobartâs Bellerive Oval on February 27 and March 1 respectivelyThe third ODI match was previously moved to Hobart from Melbourne by Cricket Australia CA due to floodlight issues The tour culminates with a daynight Test at the WACA Ground in Perth set to take place from March 6â9Coming to Lee heâs an experienced strength and conditioning coach specialising in physical preparation and conditioning in elite sports His recent assignment was serving as the strength and conditioning coach for the Gulf Giants in season four of the UAEâs ILT20Lee previously worked as the strength and conditioning coach of Afghanistans menâs team from January 2024 to December 2025 and served as head of physical performance at the Bangladesh Cricket Board BCB from March 2020 to January 2024Lee was also the strength and conditioning coach of Sri Lankas menâs team from October 2016 to March 2020 Before working with international teams Lee worked as the lead strength and conditioning trainer at Sussex County Cricket Club from March 2012 to September 2016 apart from being in the assistant role from January 2010 to March 2012Lee a graduate of Anglia Ruskin University played 13 firstclass matches as a righthanded batter amassing 490 runs at 3062 including three halfcenturies and a highest score of 79 not out IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/nicholas-lee-to-take-over-as-new-strength-and-conditioning-coach-of-indian-womens-team-656589.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/vimath-dinsara-to-lead-sri-lanka-in-2026-u19-mens-cricket-world-cup-656603.html Colombo Jan 1 Vimath Dinsara will captain Sri Lanka in the 2026 Under19 Mens Cricket World Cup Sri Lanka Cricket SLC said on Thursday Kavija Gamage has been named as Sri Lankaâs vicecaptain for the tournament beginning on January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia The squad features a strong mix of promising batters including Dinsara Gamage and Mahavithana along with versatile allrounders Viran Chamuditha and Chamika Heentigala Sri Lanka which will depart for Namibia on Thursday reached the Super Six stage in the previous edition of the U19 Menâs Cricket World Cup held in South Africa in 2024Sri Lanka are in Group C of the upcoming competition alongside defending champions Australia Ireland and Japan The side will open their campaign against Japan on January 17 at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek Sri Lanka will also play their games against Ireland and Australia at the same venue on January 19 and 23 respectivelyThe 16th edition of the Menâs Under19 World Cup will feature 16 teams divided into four groups of four each Every side will play the other three teams in its group during the opening round with the top three progressing to the Super Six stageThe leading four teams from there will qualify for the semifinals to be played on February 3 and 4 in Bulawayo and Harare while the final is scheduled to be played at the Harare Sports Club on February 6Previously Ireland South Africa Zimbabwe Japan Scotland Australia West Indies Pakistan New Zealand England and India announced their respective squads for the U19 World CupIn all 16 teams will participate in the 2026 ICC Under19 Mens Cricket World Cup and will have 41 matches played in the tournament The 16 teams will be divided into four groups with the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six stage The fourthplaced teams in Group A and D face each other while the fourthplaced teams in Group B and C face each other in the placement stageSri Lanka squad Vimath Dinsara c Kavija Gamage Dimantha Mahavithana Viran Chamuditha Dulnith Sigera Chamika Heentigala Adam Hilmy Chamarindu Nethsara Sethmika Seneviratne Kugathas Mathulan Rasith Nimsara Vigneshwaran Akash Jeewantha Sriram Senuja Wekunagoda Malintha Silva IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/vimath-dinsara-to-lead-sri-lanka-in-2026-u19-mens-cricket-world-cup-656603.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/cummins-hazlewood-david-named-in-australias-15-man-t20-wc-squad-656469.html Melbourne Jan 1 Pace duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood and middleorder batter Tim David have been named in Australias provisional 15player squad for the T20 World Cup despite injury concerns Cummins has played just one international match since suffering a lumbar stress injury in July when he featured in the Ashessecuring third Ashes Test in Adelaide A scan on Pacers back later this month will determine whether he will be right for the tournamentHazlewood missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries David meanwhile injured his hamstring while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBLThe T20 side has enjoyed a long run of recent success which enabled the panel to choose a balance of players across the variety of conditions Sri Lanka and India may presentâ chief selector George Bailey saidâPat Cummins Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup This is a preliminary squad so should changes need to be made they will be ahead of the support period he addedMitchell Marsh captains the group as Australia named a spinheavy group with Adam Zampa joined by Matthew Kuhnemann Cooper Connolly and allrounders Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Short Mitchell Owen is the most notable omission from the 15man squadGreen and Connolly are back in the squad after missing the T20s against India earlier in the summerThe side also opted against a leftarm fast bowler in the absence of Mitchell Starc who retired from the format and Spencer Johnsons injury led to the inclusion of rightarmer Xavier Bartlett over Ben DwarshuisAustralia will play three T20Is in Pakistan in late January as preparation for the World Cup A squad for the series is yet to be namedAustralia have been drawn in Group B alongside Ireland Oman Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe They will play their group stage matches in Sri Lanka kicking off their campaign against Ireland on February 11 in ColomboAustralia squad for the 2026 T20 World CupMitchell Marsh c Xavier Bartlett Cooper Connolly Pat Cummins Tim David Cameron Green Nathan Ellis Josh Hazlewood Travis Head Josh Inglis Matt Kuhnemann Glenn Maxwell Matthew Short Marcus Stoinis Adam Zampa IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/cummins-hazlewood-david-named-in-australias-15-man-t20-wc-squad-656469.html Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/green-has-got-to-find-method-and-tempo-with-his-batting-ponting-656487.html New Delhi Jan 1 Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting highlighted significant weaknesses in Cameron Greens performances before what is likely to be a pivotal fifth Ashes Test saying that Green needs to find a more effective method with his batting Green is under the most pressure after another quiet performance with the bat in Melbourne where he scored 17 in the first innings and was dismissed for 19 in the second Despite his strong Sheffield Shield form which shows his ability his Test average sits at 3225 and expectations are beginning to rise as patience fades even with his obvious talent at 26Ponting also believes Greenâs frequent changes in batting position have undermined his confidence Speaking on SEN Radio he said Green currently looks like a âvery nervous starterâ amid his struggles to get goingâEverything Iâve ever heard around the Australian camp about Cameron Green is just how good they all think he is and could potentially be but heâs got to start working it out Heâs got to find a method and a tempo especially with his batting in Test cricket thatâs going to work for himâ Ponting saidâTheyâve moved him from three to five to seven heâs been all over the place heâs a very nervous starter heâs very stiff and very rigid and being a big tall man like he is it probably doesnât make it any easier Thereâs some challenges there for him Heâs got to work it out pretty quicklyâ he addedPonting further highlighted Labuschagne as a player feeling the heat ahead of the SCG Test noting that the 31yearold has been inconsistent in this Ashes series combining two halfcenturies with six low scores under 20 against EnglandâI still believe there are a lot of technical flaws heâs got going on at the moment When Marnus is at his best he makes batting look relatively easy but when heâs at his worst he makes batting look really really difficult The last few weeks heâs made batting look difficultThereâs definitely a question mark over him July 2023 was his last Test hundred that average has dropped dramatically during that period of timeâ Ponting mentioned IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/green-has-got-to-find-method-and-tempo-with-his-batting-ponting-656487.html Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ex-aussie-batter-damien-martyn-in-induced-coma-after-meningitis-diagnosis-656395.html New Delhi Dec 31 Former Aussie batter Damien Martyn is in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis The 54yearold former batter who played 67 Test matches between 1992 and 2006 reportedly fell ill on Friday and was rushed to the hospital Adam Gilchrist Martyns close friend and former Australian and WA teammate confirmed on behalf of his family the 2003 World Cup winner was receiving treatment in hospitalHe is getting the best of treatment and Martyns partner Amanda and his family know that a lot of people are sending their prayers and best wishes Gilchrist was quoted by cricketcomauMeningitis is an inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord and infection can cause harmful brain swelling Martynâs condition is being closely monitoredThe Sydney Morning Herald reported externally it was hoped Martyn could be brought out of his coma in the coming daysIm saddened to hear of Damiens illness The best wishes of everyone at Cricket Australia and in the wider cricket community are with him at this time the governing bodys CEO Todd Greenberg said in a statementMartyn was player of the series the last time Australia won an away series in India top scoring in four of Australias eight innings in the 2004 BorderGavaskar TrophyHe played his final Test in Australias famous win at Adelaide Oval in the 200607 Ashes series before suddenly retiring ahead of the third Test of a 50 whitewash over England During his career he scored 4406 Test runs at an average of 4637Martyn also played 208 ODIs for 5346 runs at 4090 with a highest score of 144 not out He made a famous 88 not out in the 2003 World Cup final batting with a broken finger and sharing an epic partnership with captain Ricky Ponting as Australia beat India IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ex-aussie-batter-damien-martyn-in-induced-coma-after-meningitis-diagnosis-656395.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/head-hopes-to-revive-old-ashes-tradition-with-post-series-drinks-in-sydney-656413.html New Delhi Dec 31 Australia opener Travis Head expressed hope that England and Australia will revive their tradition of meeting for a drink after the Ashes This practice was somewhat disrupted in 2023 due to deteriorating relationships over the series Australia currently lead the series 31 and have already secured victory marking their fifth consecutive Ashes series victory and their ongoing hold on the urnRelations between the two sides worsened significantly during the second Test of the 2023 Ashes in England after Alex Carey stumped Jonny Bairstow when Bairstow stepped out of his crease while ducking a ball from Cameron GreenThe incident was followed by ugly scenes at Lordâs where Australian players were subjected to verbal abuse from MCC members in the Long Room In the aftermath England head coach Brendon McCullum said that considering what had happened he could not see how the teams could come together for their customary endofseries drinkâThereâs definitely mutual respect I get along with a couple of them really well Thereâs some really good relationships with both teams Iâm looking forward to having a beer with Ducky Ben Duckett So yeah itâd be a nice moment Itâs obviously nice going there knowing that weâve won the seriesâ Head was quoted as saying by The Australian newspaper on WednesdayMcCullum later said the teams would eventually get together after England won the final Test which saw the series end in a 2â2 draw However the delay drew criticism from sections of the Australian media with suggestions that England had deliberately avoided the traditional gathering Captain Ben Stokes rejected those claims explaining that Englandâs postseries commitments at The Oval ran longer than planned because of farewell moments for players and staffIn contrast the 2025 Ashes in Australia has unfolded in a far more amicable atmosphere Any controversy has largely centred on issues affecting both teams such as disputed snicko readings and the surface for the fourth Test at the MCG which led to the second twoday Test of the seriesThe calmer tone has also been influenced by Englandâs struggles on the field After failing to match Australia in the opening three Tests they slumped to a 3â0 deficit and once again surrendered the Ashes extending their drought to a fifth consecutive yearTheir ultraaggressive approach under Stokes and McCullum backfired intensifying scrutiny and criticism even though they managed to end a 15year wait for a Test victory in Australia with their win at the MCG IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/head-hopes-to-revive-old-ashes-tradition-with-post-series-drinks-in-sydney-656413.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/former-sri-lanka-u19-cricketer-akshu-fernando-passes-away-after-8-years-in-a-coma-656306.html Colombo Dec 30 Akshu Fernando the former Sri Lanka Under19 cricketer tragically passed away on Tuesday nearly seven years after being left in a coma following a devastating railway accident Fernando 25 had been in critical condition since December 28 2018 when he was struck by a train while crossing an unprotected railway track near Mount Lavinia BeachThe incident occurred as he was returning from a team running session leaving him with severe head injuries and multiple fractures He was immediately placed on life support and remained under constant medical care with his family by his side throughout his long battle for recoveryA leading Sri Lankan newspaper reported the passing of the young cricketer quoting international commentator Roshan Abeysinghe Just heard the sad news that Akshu Fernando has passed away He was truly a wonderful young man whose promising career was cut short by a cruel accident A quality player for his school and his final club Ragama Its a sad day for all of us who knew him A cheerful friendly and thorough gentleman was he We will miss you Akshu and remember you for the rest of our life Rest in peace sweet prince Abeysinghe saidAt the time of the accident Fernando was considered one of Sri Lankaâs brightest young cricketing talents He had represented his country at the 2010 ICC Under19 World Cup in New Zealand where he made a significant impact particularly in the semifinal against Australia He scored 52 runs in that match becoming Sri Lankas top scorer in a contest that saw them narrowly miss out on a place in the finalA product of St Peters College in Colombo Fernandoâs school cricket career was nothing short of exceptional He led the Under13 Under15 and Under17 teams and was the vicecaptain of the Under19 side His leadership and field talent earned him a place at several prestigious local clubs including Colts Sports Club Panadura Sports Club Chilaw Marians and Ragama Sports ClubHis final competitive appearance came just two weeks before the tragic accident when he scored an unbeaten 102 against Moors Sports Club on December 14 2018Fernandos sudden death concludes a lengthy period marked by significant physical and emotional pain It also brings back memories of a promising cricketing journey that many thought could have ascended to the top levels of international cricket IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/former-sri-lanka-u19-cricketer-akshu-fernando-passes-away-after-8-years-in-a-coma-656306.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/abhinav-bindra-led-task-force-recommends-creation-of-ncsecb-under-myas-to-accredit-certify-sports-admin-training-656310.html New Delhi Dec 30 As India sets its sights on becoming one of the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 the government has outlined a bold plan to transform the countryâs sports ecosystem In a significant move to professionalise sports administration the Department of Sports has taken steps to strengthen the administrative framework that will be pivotal in realising this ambitious goal To achieve this vision the Department of Sports established a Task Force on Capacity Building for Sports Administrators chaired by Olympic gold medallist Abhinav BindraThe Task Force recently submitted its detailed report emphasising the need for professional accountable and forwardlooking sports administrators to bring about a paradigm shift in Indiaâs sporting infrastructure The reportâs recommendations are expected to accelerate Indiaâs rise in global sportsThe Task Force has interalia recommended establishing the National Council for Sports Education amp Capacity Building NCSECB as an autonomous statutory body under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to regulate accredit and certify sports administration trainingThe Task Force in its report calls for introducing a fivelevel Capability Maturity Model CMM as a diagnostic and planning tool for strengthening the capacity of sports administrators This is aimed to enable SAI NSFs and State Departments to assess institutional maturity across cadre structure curriculum adoption digital enablement and athlete pathways It shall further support evidencebased monitoring and targeted interventionsThe report also recommends integrating sports governance training modules into the induction and advanced training of IAS and State Civil Service officers recognizing their role in implementation of sports policies The report proposes tying training to practical application and career progression through structured placements a national accreditation registry and policy integrationThe report has called for rotational postings apprenticeship models innovation labs and partnerships with federations government and the private sector to ensure administrators can apply skills and advance professionallyThe Department of Sports is currently assessing the Task Forces recommendations for further necessary action as part of its push to professionalize Indias sporting ecosystemThe Department of Sports has already initiated reforms to strengthen the sports administration ecosystem It has revised the norms of assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations NSFs in May 2025 where NSFs can now allocate up to 10 per cent of their total funding for administrative manpower ensuring they have the professional staffing and technical support needed to operate more effectivelyFurther expenses required for smooth administrative operation legal services and the hiring of specialised young professionals or interns are permitted up to 25 of the annual budget under the Scheme Further NSFs have been mandated to have an appropriate administrative structure and ensure proper advertisement for staff appointmentsThese reforms aim to establish a globally respected athletefocused governance framework positioning India for longterm sporting success including 2036 and beyond The Government has also already laid the foundation for this vision through the enactment of the National Sports Governance Act 2025 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/abhinav-bindra-led-task-force-recommends-creation-of-ncsecb-under-myas-to-accredit-certify-sports-admin-training-656310.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/super-kings-academy-expands-footprint-in-tamil-nadu-with-new-centre-in-tiruchengode-656337.html Tiruchengode TN Dec 30 Chennai Super Kings has announced that its flagship Super Kings Academy one of Indiaâs leading cricket training institutions will launch a new academy centre at KSR Educational Institutions Tiruchengode further strengthening its grassroots cricket development programme in Tamil Nadu The Tiruchengode centre marks Super Kings Academyâs presence in the 12th city in Tamil Nadu underlining the institutions commitment to nurturing young cricketing talent across the state Globally Super Kings Academy operates more than 35 centres making it one of the most extensive cricket academy networks in the worldThe new SKA centre at KSR Educational Institutions will officially commence operations on January 19 2026 offering aspiring cricketers access to stateoftheart infrastructure expert coaching staff and structured development pathwaysâhallmarks of the Super Kings Academy ecosystem The academy will have 2 turf pitches 2 astro turf pitches 3 matting pitches apart from two grounds a dedicated match simulation area a bowling machine floodlights for evening practice and a gym with a swimming poolSpeaking on the expansion KS Viswanathan MD of Chennai Super Kings said âEven while we expand globally Tamil Nadu has always been a strong nursery for cricketing talent and Tiruchengode is an important addition to our growing footprint in the state Our aim at Super Kings Academy is to provide young players with worldclass facilities expert coaching and the right opportunities to help them realise their full potential Partnering with KSR Educational Institutions allows us to bring professional cricket training closer to aspiring players in this regionâR Srinivasan Chairman of KSR Educational Institutions added âWe are delighted to associate with Super Kings Academy a name synonymous with excellence and professionalism in cricket This academy at KSR Educational Institutions will not only enhance our sports infrastructure but also give students and young cricketers in and around Tiruchengode access to elitelevel coaching and exposure We believe this partnership will play a key role in developing future cricketing talentâSuper Kings Academy is a cricket coaching center for boys and girls with stateoftheart infrastructure and expert coachingLaunched in April 2022 the academy is currently operational in more than 35 centers across India the USA Australia and Canada IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/super-kings-academy-expands-footprint-in-tamil-nadu-with-new-centre-in-tiruchengode-656337.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/relief-for-england-players-as-ecb-rules-no-misconduct-in-noosa-trip-656361.html London Dec 30 The England team heaved a collective sigh of relief as the England and Wales Cricket Board ECB has given the players a clean chit in the case of alleged excessive drinking during a teambuilding trip to Noosa between the second and third Tests in The Ashes tour 202526 Multiple reports had claimed that England players had indulged in excessive drinking during the trip organised as a teambuilding exercise for the players to recover from the defeat and get ready for the next matchHowever there are reports now claiming that the ECB has not found any misconduct on the part of the English players during the tripAlthough several videos of toporder batter Ben Duckett emerged on social media that showed him drunk and almost out of his senses after partying till late in the night the ECB has concluded that there was no misconduct and therefore no disciplinary action will be taken against the playersAs per a report in The Daily Mail if the ECB had found anything to be of concern it would have been identified and resolved immediately rather than waiting for the Ashes lossThe procedure of the inquiry was not disclosed to the public and the verdict was drafted against âbeer drinkingâ and no other misconduct claimed the reportAccording to reports top ECB official Rob Key claimed that the reason for the no misconduct verdict is that nothing was flagged by the security apparatus around the team in AustraliaThe England cricket team had security personnel assigned for the trip to Noosa who were also authorised to intervene if any misbehaviour or red flag activities appeared However they werenât needed to jump in and the break was more like a bachelorette party the report saidNevertheless this will give the England team much relief as it heads for Sydney for their next and last assignment Down Under the fifth and final Test of the series starting on January 4England after slumping to an unassailable 03 deficit salvaged some pride and avoided a whitewash against Australia by winning the fourth Test in Melbourne within two days Ben Stokes and his boys would like to end the series on a high note by making it 32 by winning the final encounter in Sydney IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/relief-for-england-players-as-ecb-rules-no-misconduct-in-noosa-trip-656361.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sreejith-v-nair-elected-new-president-of-kerala-cricket-association-656173.html Thiruvananthapuram Dec 29 Sreejith V Nair has been elected as the new President of the Kerala Cricket Association KCA during the organisationâs 75th Annual General Body Meeting AGM held on Monday Nair a former treasurer and secretary of the Association will take over from Jayesh George whoâs currently serving as Chairman of the Womenâs Premier League WPL Satheesan K a former member of the Apex Council has been elected as the Vice PresidentIncumbent Secretary Vinod S Kumar and Joint Secretary Bineesh Kodiyeri will continue in their respective positions T Ajith Kumar Secretary of the Palakkad District Cricket Association has been elected as the new Treasurer while Muhammed Naufal T Secretary of the Kasaragod District Cricket Association has been appointed as the General Body Representative to the Apex CouncilThe new office bearers also approved a oneyear comprehensive development plan aimed at upgrading cricket infrastructure in all 14 districts and raising player development systems across the state to international standardsâKCA will implement major projects under the Kerala Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme announced by the State Government utilising the special concessions granted under the Land ActâAs part of the plan cricket grounds and related facilities will be developed in all 14 districts of the state Infrastructure for other sports will also be developed alongside cricket facilities with the objective of ensuring uniform training standards and modern amenities across districtsâ said the KCANair also said the KCA aims to construct an international cricket stadium in Kochi in collaboration with the state government âFurther discussions will be held with the government to secure a longterm lease of the Sports Hub International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and to establish a High Altitude Sports Centre at Munnar for cricket football and other sportsâ he saidKCA further said it will shortly launch the Kerala Womenâs Premier League to bolster womenâs cricket in the state as well as announced plans to set up new academies in Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram to identify young talent and deliver scientific performanceoriented training focusing on fitness skill development and modern coaching methodsâIn addition the General Body resolved to further strengthen the existing High Performance Centre ensuring advanced training facilities sports science laboratories fitness and rehabilitation centres and access to expert coachesâ concluded KCA IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sreejith-v-nair-elected-new-president-of-kerala-cricket-association-656173.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashleigh-gardner-continue-to-captain-gujarat-giants-in-wpl-2026-656224.html New Delhi Dec 30 Gujarat Giants have announced that Australian allrounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the Womenâs Premier League WPL Gardner a threetime T20 Womenâs World Cup winner assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season Under her leadership Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs for the first time in three seasonsâExperience in her stride Belief in her voice Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN primed to take us to gloryâ the Giants shared on its social mediaSince WPLâs inception in 2023 Gardner has been an integral part of the Gujarat Giants side scoring 568 runs and bagging 25 wickets in 25 games She was one of the two players the other being Beth Mooney for Rs 25 crore retained by the Giants prior to the WPL 2026 Auction for Rs 35 croreLast season Gardner hogged the limelight with her consistent allround performances in the recently Batting in the middleorder Gardner finished as our leading runscorer in the tournament with 243 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 16418 while also maintaining an average of 3037The Aussie allrounder also contributed with her rightarm offspin and claimed eight wickets at an economy of 803 The skipper claimed the Most Sixes award with 18 maximums to her nameWith eight points from eight matches Giants finished third in the WPL 2025 standings to book a place in the Eliminator However their fruitful season ended in the Eliminator after going down to eventual champions Mumbai IndiansThe fourth edition of WPL will be held from 9 January 9 to 5 February 2026 The tournament will be played across Navi Mumbai and VadodaraThe Giants will open their campaign against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 10 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashleigh-gardner-continue-to-captain-gujarat-giants-in-wpl-2026-656224.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashleigh-gardner-continues-to-captain-gujarat-giants-in-wpl-2026-656225.html New Delhi Dec 30 Gujarat Giants have announced that Australian allrounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the Womenâs Premier League WPL Gardner a threetime T20 Womenâs World Cup winner assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season Under her leadership Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs for the first time in three seasonsâExperience in her stride Belief in her voice Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN primed to take us to gloryâ the Giants shared on its social mediaSince WPLâs inception in 2023 Gardner has been an integral part of the Gujarat Giants side scoring 568 runs and bagging 25 wickets in 25 games She was one of the two players the other being Beth Mooney for Rs 25 crore retained by the Giants prior to the WPL 2026 Auction for Rs 35 croreLast season Gardner hogged the limelight with her consistent allround performances in the recently Batting in the middleorder Gardner finished as our leading runscorer in the tournament with 243 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 16418 while also maintaining an average of 3037The Aussie allrounder also contributed with her rightarm offspin and claimed eight wickets at an economy of 803 The skipper claimed the Most Sixes award with 18 maximums to her nameWith eight points from eight matches Giants finished third in the WPL 2025 standings to book a place in the Eliminator However their fruitful season ended in the Eliminator after going down to eventual champions Mumbai IndiansThe fourth edition of WPL will be held from 9 January 9 to 5 February 2026 The tournament will be played across Navi Mumbai and VadodaraThe Giants will open their campaign against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 10 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashleigh-gardner-continues-to-captain-gujarat-giants-in-wpl-2026-656225.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashleigh-gardner-to-continue-leading-gujarat-giants-in-wpl-2026-656226.html New Delhi Dec 30 Gujarat Giants have announced that Australian allrounder Ashleigh Gardner will continue to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the Womenâs Premier League WPL Gardner a threetime T20 Womenâs World Cup winner assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season Under her leadership Gujarat Giants reached the playoffs for the first time in three seasonsâExperience in her stride Belief in her voice Ash Gardner steps up once more as our CAPTAIN primed to take us to gloryâ the Giants shared on its social mediaSince WPLâs inception in 2023 Gardner has been an integral part of the Gujarat Giants side scoring 568 runs and bagging 25 wickets in 25 games She was one of the two players the other being Beth Mooney for Rs 25 crore retained by the Giants prior to the WPL 2026 Auction for Rs 35 croreLast season Gardner hogged the limelight with her consistent allround performances in the recently Batting in the middleorder Gardner finished as our leading runscorer in the tournament with 243 runs in nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 16418 while also maintaining an average of 3037The Aussie allrounder also contributed with her rightarm offspin and claimed eight wickets at an economy of 803 The skipper claimed the Most Sixes award with 18 maximums to her nameWith eight points from eight matches Giants finished third in the WPL 2025 standings to book a place in the Eliminator However their fruitful season ended in the Eliminator after going down to eventual champions Mumbai IndiansThe fourth edition of WPL will be held from 9 January 9 to 5 February 2026 The tournament will be played across Navi Mumbai and VadodaraThe Giants will open their campaign against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 10 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashleigh-gardner-to-continue-leading-gujarat-giants-in-wpl-2026-656226.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sa20-sunrisers-clinch-bonus-point-win-over-pretoria-capitals-656233.html Gqeberha Dec 30 Quinton de Kocks batting masterclass powered Sunrisersâ Eastern Cape to 48run bonus point win over Pretoria Capitals at St Georgeâs Park The victory propelled the Sunrisers to top of the SA20 table with 10 points while the Capitals remain winless after two matchesThe Gqeberha locals came out in their thousands to deck South Africaâs oldest Test venue in a sea of orange for the first home game of Season 4 with the iconic brass band getting everyone in the festive spirit to deliver yet another memorable SA20 nightDe Kock certainly gave them plenty to cheer for with the lefthander blazing 77 off just 47 balls 5x4 6x6 The lefthander struck the ball sweetly from the outset with a couple of rasping lofted cover drives interspersed with powerful pull shotsMatthew Breetzke 52 off 33 balls was the perfect partner for De Kock after the early demise of Jonny Bairstow with the pair putting together an electrifying 116run partnership off just 70 ballsThis laid the platform for the inform Jordan Hermann 37 off 20 balls to unleash a series of conventional and reverse sweeps that pushed Sunrisers to an impressive 1886The four Player of the Match candidates were Matthew Breetzke Quinton de Kock Shai Hope and Adam Milne with the QDK winning 693 per cent of the fan vote The total proved way beyond the reach of the Capitals with the Sunrisers unleashing their threepronged pace arsenal of Marco Jansen Adam Milne and Anrich NortjeJansen required just six balls to strike the first blow when he removed Capitals opener Bryce Parsons with a rasping delivery that the lefthander could only fend off to De Kock behind the stumps The Kiwi Express Milne 425 was next in the act when he dismissed West Indian Shai Hope 36 off 19 balls just as he threatened to build an innings of substanceBut the major breakthrough was left to Lewis Gregory when the Sunrisers allrounder flummoxed Dewald Brevis 12 off five balls into taking on the longest boundary in the ground where Breetzke lay in wait to take a comfortable catchThe Capitalsâ innings disintegrated from thereon with Milne running through the visitorsâ tail while leftarm spinner Senuran Muthusamy delivered arguably the ball of the night to clean bowl a wellset Will Smeed 35 off 27 balls IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sa20-sunrisers-clinch-bonus-point-win-over-pretoria-capitals-656233.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/a-resounding-year-that-saw-indian-mens-hockey-team-retain-asia-no1-status-656261.html New Delhi Dec 30 A resounding victory at the Asia Cup in Rajgir Bihar reinstated the Indian mens hockey teams status as the No1 side in Asia The title victory after a gap of eight years was a highlight of 2025 for Craig Fulton and team as they trounced giants like Korea China and Malaysia in the tournament The year started with a good outing at the home leg of FIH Pro League soon after the revamped Hero Hockey India League HIL that saw some pacy performances from players on the fringes who were pushing for a place in the senior sideThe international season kicked off with the Pro League in Bhubaneswar where India tasted good results against Spain Germany Ireland and England The team led by Harmanpreet Singh won six out of the eight matches on the back of a long HIL season which began soon after the Olympic success where the team had won bronze in Paris and backed it up with an Asian Champions Trophy win in ChinaHowever the Pro League ended on a dull note for India in Europe where they could only muster one consolation win against Belgium and lost their matches against Australia the Netherlands and Argentina in JuneBut they rewrote the script in August by lifting the Asian crown Another highlight for this squad was their outing in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup where India A side with most of their star players such as Harmanpreet Singh Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh rested put up a valiant show They lost the title by a whisker 01 to Belgium but beat Korea Malaysia New Zealand and Canada in an inspiring fashionWinning the Asia Cup was definitely a highlight for the Indian team but I think Azlan Shah was one of the highlights of the year for the Indian team where many of us from the main team were rested but the development squad ended up doing wellThis puts us in good stead for a busy year in 2026 with the Asian Games and the World Cup being close to eachother and we can have different options in the squad expressed Captain Harmanpreet Singh who capped off the year as the highest goal scorer for India IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/a-resounding-year-that-saw-indian-mens-hockey-team-retain-asia-no1-status-656261.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-mumbai-indians-players-begin-pre-season-training-656280.html Mumbai Dec 30 Twotime champions Mumbai Indians MI have commenced their training camp ahead of the upcoming Womenâs Premier League WPL season The fourth edition of WPL will take place across two venues the first leg in Navi Mumbaiâs DY Patil Stadium and the second in Vadodaraâs Kotambi Stadium from January 9 to February 5 Under the leadership of Head Coach Lisa Keightley Bowling Coach and Team Mentor Jhulan Goswami Batting Coach Devieka Palshikaar and other support staff the players who have already arrivedâSaika Ishaque Sajana S Sanskriti Gupta Poonam Khemnar Triveni Vasistha N Kranthi Reddy and Rahila Firdous began their preseason trainingSpeaking about the camp Keightley said âIts really good Weve had one training It was great to work with domestic players Really excited to see what they can do Itâs a good opportunity to watch to see and communicate and make connections with the players Im really excited and really impressed with what I have seen so far So lets see how we go for the rest of the weekâThe session emphasised fitness skill evaluation and team cohesion helping players reconnect with match routines under the supervision of the coaching staff The group laid the groundwork for the upcoming weeks through a combination of structured drills and net sessions as the squad continues to arrive gaining momentum and building cohesion before the season beginsThe defending champions will kick off their campaign on the opening day of the tournament on January 9 2026 against the WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi MumbaiNotably after three seasons of the WPL the Mumbai Indians remain the most successful team having won the first and third editions of the tournament With Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team they aim to defend their title successfully as the WPL fast approachesMI Squad for WPL 2026 Harmanpreet Kaur Nat SciverBrunt Hayley Matthews Amanjot Kaur Kamalini G Amelia Kerr Shabnim Ismail Rahila Firdous Sajana S Sanskriti Gupta Nicola Carey Poonam Khemnar Triveni Vasistha Nalla Reddy Milly Illingworth Saika Ishaque IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-mumbai-indians-players-begin-pre-season-training-656280.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-batter-tilak-varma-seeks-divine-blessings-at-tirumala-tirupati-temple-656284.html Tirupati Dec 30 India batter Tilak Varma on Tuesday visited the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple to seek the Lords blessings He was accompanied by BCCI Apex Council member and former firstclass cricketer V Chamundeswaranath They offered prayers and had darshan of Lord Venkateswara on Vaikunta Ekadasi passing through the sacred Vaikunta Dwaram Officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams made arrangements for their darshan and facilitated their visit to the hill shrineAs India look to defend the T20 World Cup crown Tilakâs visit to Tirupati may prove a lucky charm in what promises to be an intense and closely fought tournament The lefthander also visited the divine shrine in August this year before the start of the ACC Asia Cup where his crucial 69run innings guided India to beat archrivals Pakistan in the finalTilaks most recent outing for India was in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa where he led the Men in Blue to a 31 victory over the ProteasIn the T20I series opener against South Africa earlier this month Tilak made history by becoming the first Indian batter to score 1000 runs in T20Is before turning 25 He scored 26 62 26 and 73 across the fiveThe 23yearold batter will next be in action in the T20I series against New Zealand starting on January 21 The games will serve as a preparatory series for both sides before they head into the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on February 7India will enter the tournament as defending champions having won the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados by defeating South Africa in the finalIndias squad for the T20 World Cup and New Zealand T20 series Suryakumar Yadav captain Abhishek Sharma Sanju Samson wicketkeeper Tilak Verma Hardik Pandya Shivam Dubey Axar Patel vicecaptain Rinku Singh Jasprit Bumrah Harshit Rana Arshdeep Singh Kuldeep Yadav Varun Chakravarthy Washington Sundar Ishan Kishan wicketkeeper IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-batter-tilak-varma-seeks-divine-blessings-at-tirumala-tirupati-temple-656284.html Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/4th-t20i-mandhana-becomes-second-indian-batter-to-cross-10-000-international-runs-655982.html Thiruvananthapuram Dec 28 India vicecaptain Smriti Mandhana on Sunday became only the second Indian woman player after compatriot Mithali Raj to complete 10000 runs in international cricket Smriti who debuted for India against Bangladesh in April 2013 needed 27 runs before the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram to reach the huge landmark and reached the milestone in just 20 deliveries at the Greenfield International Stadium She eventually made 80 off 48 balls â her 32nd fifty laced with 11 fours and three sixes at a strikerate of 1702Apart from Mithali Smriti joins New Zealandâs Suzie Bates and former England player turned coach Charlotte Edwards as the only other women to cross the big landmarkSmriti has also scored 629 runs in seven Tests and 5322 runs in 117 ODIs Raj the highest runscorer in womenâs international cricket retired with 10868 runs across formats and Smriti has the opportunity to surpass her tallyPreviously while hitting a runaball 25 during the T20I series opener against Sri Lanka at the ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam Smriti became the first Indian batter and second overall after Suzie to complete 4000 runs in Womenâs T20IsThe lefthanded opener was the secondhighest runscorer in Indiaâs triumphant Womenâs ODI World Cup campaign â amassing 434 runs in nine innings at an average of 5425Smriti also finished 2025 as the highest rungetter in ODIs scoring 1362 runs in 23 innings which included five fifties and five centuries and also became the first Indian woman to score a century in all three formats of the gameFollowing the conclusion of the fivematch T20I series against Sri Lanka on December 30 Smriti will captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB in the 2026 Womenâs Premier League WPL beginning on January 9 RCB will face Harmanpreet Kaurled Mumbai Indians in the opening game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/4th-t20i-mandhana-becomes-second-indian-batter-to-cross-10-000-international-runs-655982.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/4th-t20i-mandhana-becomes-second-indian-woman-batter-to-cross-10-000-international-runs-655983.html Thiruvananthapuram Dec 28 India vicecaptain Smriti Mandhana on Sunday became only the second Indian woman player after compatriot Mithali Raj to complete 10000 runs in international cricket Smriti who debuted for India against Bangladesh in April 2013 needed 27 runs before the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram to reach the huge landmark and reached the milestone in just 20 deliveries at the Greenfield International Stadium She eventually made 80 off 48 balls â her 32nd fifty laced with 11 fours and three sixes at a strikerate of 1702Apart from Mithali Smriti joins New Zealandâs Suzie Bates and former England player turned coach Charlotte Edwards as the only other women to cross the big landmarkSmriti has also scored 629 runs in seven Tests and 5322 runs in 117 ODIs Raj the highest runscorer in womenâs international cricket retired with 10868 runs across formats and Smriti has the opportunity to surpass her tallyPreviously while hitting a runaball 25 during the T20I series opener against Sri Lanka at the ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam Smriti became the first Indian batter and second overall after Suzie to complete 4000 runs in Womenâs T20IsThe lefthanded opener was the secondhighest runscorer in Indiaâs triumphant Womenâs ODI World Cup campaign â amassing 434 runs in nine innings at an average of 5425Smriti also finished 2025 as the highest rungetter in ODIs scoring 1362 runs in 23 innings which included five fifties and five centuries and also became the first Indian woman to score a century in all three formats of the gameFollowing the conclusion of the fivematch T20I series against Sri Lanka on December 30 Smriti will captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB in the 2026 Womenâs Premier League WPL beginning on January 9 RCB will face Harmanpreet Kaurled Mumbai Indians in the opening game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/4th-t20i-mandhana-becomes-second-indian-woman-batter-to-cross-10-000-international-runs-655983.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-atkinson-ruled-out-of-scg-test-with-hamstring-injury-656010.html Melbourne Dec 29 England have suffered a blow with news that fast bowler Gus Atkinson will miss the final Test of the Ashes series at the SCG due to injury Atkinson hurt his left hamstring when bowling on the second day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and failed to return to the field Other fast bowlers stepped up in his absence bowling out Australia for 132 in the second innings to set up a fourwicket victory their first overseas Ashes Test win since January 2011England seamer Gus Atkinson has been ruled out for the remainder of the Ashes tour after scans confirmed he has sustained a left hamstring injury England Cricket said in a statementThe Surrey rightarmer left the field after bowling his fifth over of Australiaâs second innings during Englandâs victory at the MCG in the fourth TestEngland will not call up a replacement for the fifth Test which gets under way in Sydney on 4 January it addedAtkinson arrived in Australia as Englands attack leader but struggled to maintain his pace and incisiveness across the first two Tests He went wicketless in Perth then took 3151 from 33 overs in Brisbane only to find himself dropped for the mustwin game in Adelaide The 27yearold had taken six wickets at 4733 during the seriesEngland have already lost pace duo Jofra Archer and Mark Wood to injury this tourAtkinsons injury opens the door for fellow quicks Matthew Fisher and Matthew Potts for a callupPotts has taken 36 Test wickets at 2944 with the most recent of his ten appearances coming back in December 2024The fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England gets underway at the SCG on January 4England squad Ben Stokes c Harry Brook vc Jofra Archer Shoaib Bashir Jacob Bethell Brydon Carse Zak Crawley Ben Duckett Matthew Fisher Will Jacks Ollie Pope Matthew Potts Joe Root Jamie Smith wk Josh Tongue IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-atkinson-ruled-out-of-scg-test-with-hamstring-injury-656010.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/australia-pace-duo-cummins-hazlewood-set-to-be-named-in-t20-wc-squad-656018.html Melbourne Dec 29 The experienced pace duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are set to be included in Australiaâs provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Mens T20 World Cup despite injury concerns Head coach Andrew McDonald Cummins will undergo another scan of his back in four weeksâ time and a final call on his availability for the mega spectacle which commences on February 7 will be made after the results of that assessmentPat will have a scan I think in another four weeks so thatll give us the information then on where hes at for the World Cup Hell be named in the squad of 15 and then well get that information as to where hes at McDonald saidCummins has played just one international match since suffering a lumbar stress injury in July He pushed the limits of his rehabilitation from a back stress injury to return for the third Test in Adelaide where he took six wickets as Australia won by 82 runs retaining the Ashes urnSubsequently he withdrew from the remainder of the series with Australia unwilling to take any further risksHazlewood who missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries that have troubled the 34yearold pacer is likely to be fit Before his injury the pacer starred in the whiteball series against India and is likely to return in time for the T20 World Cup giving a major boost to AustraliaJosh is returning to bowl He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes McDonald saidAnother concern for Australia is hardhitting middleorder batter Tim David who recently injured his hamstring while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL The finisher had been ruled out for two months earlier this year due to a similar injury but McDonald believes the 29yearold will be fit in time for the marquee 20over tournamentNot sure whether its just pure muscle or tendon and thatll give us a timeframe I think the timeframe will be kind on TD Tim David as well So he should be available no matter what that injury is said McDonaldAustralia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11 As part of their preparations they will play a threematch T20I series in Pakistan in January IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/australia-pace-duo-cummins-hazlewood-set-to-be-named-in-t20-wc-squad-656018.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bhutans-sonam-yeshey-becomes-first-ever-to-register-8-wicket-haul-in-t20i-656021.html New Delhi Dec 28 Bhutanâs leftarm spinner Sonam Yeshey has etched his name into cricket history becoming the first bowler ever to claim eight wickets in a T20 match international or otherwise The 22yearold achieved the landmark during the third T20I against Myanmar in Gelephu on Friday Yeshey produced a stunning spell of 8 for seven from his four overs skittling Myanmar for just 45 while they chased Bhutanâs modest 127 for 9The series has been heavily onesided with Yeshey leading the charge he has taken 12 wickets across four matches with the final game scheduled for MondayPrior to Yesheyâs performance the best figures in menâs T20 internationals were sevenwicket hauls achieved only twice Syazrul Idrus 7 for 8 for Malaysia against China in 2023 and Ali Dawood 7 for 19 for Bahrain against Bhutan in 2025Outside the international arena sevenwicket hauls have been recorded just twice moreâby Colin Ackermann 7 for 18 for Leicestershire against Birmingham Bears in 2019 and Taskin Ahmed 7 for 19 for Durbar Rajshahi against Dhaka Capitals in 2025In womenâs cricket the benchmark remains Indonesiaâs Rohmalia who took an extraordinary 7 for 0 against Mongolia in 2024âthe best bowling figures in womenâs T20Is and T20sOther sevenwicket hauls in womenâs T20 internationals have come from Frederique Overdijk 7 for 3 for the Netherlands vs France Alison Stocks 7 for 3 for Argentina vs Peru and Samanthi Dunukedeniya 7 for 15 for Cyprus vs the Czech Republic with four additional such feats recorded in womenâs T20 matches overallYeshey made his T20I debut in July 2022 against Malaysia immediately making an impact with figures of 3 for 16 While wickets came more steadily in the years that followed this historic spell has propelled his tally to 37 wickets in 34 T20 internationals IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bhutans-sonam-yeshey-becomes-first-ever-to-register-8-wicket-haul-in-t20i-656021.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/motto-is-to-score-runs-and-provide-good-finish-says-richa-on-being-promoted-to-no-3-656026.html Thiruvananthapuram Dec 29 Indiaâs wicketkeeper batter Richa Ghosh spoke about her promotion up the order by head coach Amol Muzumdar in the recently concluded T20I against Sri Lanka and said that her aim batting at any position is to score runs and provide a good finish for the team Smriti Mandhana dazzled with a stunning world record in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday as India beat Sri Lanka by 30 runs in the fourth T20I leading the fivematch series 40 Mandhana and Shafali Verma delivered aggressive performances enabling the hosts to set an imposing total of 221 for 2 in 20 overs at the Greenfield International Stadium after they were asked to bat firstThe duo set a record 162run partnership the highest for any wicket in Womens T20Is for India Smriti scored 80 off 48 balls while Shafali Verma hit 79 off 46 Mandhana also overtook Mithali Raj as the fastest batter to reach 10000 international runs in terms of innings In the pursuit of 222 Sri Lanka fought hard but were restricted to 191 for 6 despite a solid fifty from captain Chamari AthapaththuSpeaking after the match during the press conference Richa when asked about the teamâs fielding said âWeâre working on the fielding If you see we stopped the ball well and took good catches today Everyone has a bad day and catches are dropped Weâve worked hard behind the fieldingâWhenever I get a chance and whenever I am sent up my motto is to score runs and provide a good finish for the team The wicket was good for batting and the ball was coming to the bat nicely While the ball was holding up a little on slower deliveries it was coming nicely Shot selection was important and we executed it well enough and got the runs she addedShedding light on the changes that the World Cup victory has brought in the cricketersâ lives she said âObviously life has transformed since the World Cup victory Everyone is joyful and whenever we go out we are greeted warmly by the public More people now recognise the players names such as Deepti Sharma Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma This increased recognition is a wonderful development following the World Cup win After a World Cup win you take the confidence into the next series and that is quite visible in everyone in the teamâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/motto-is-to-score-runs-and-provide-good-finish-says-richa-on-being-promoted-to-no-3-656026.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/rrs-captaincy-will-likely-be-between-riyan-and-jadeja-uthappa-656079.html New Delhi Dec 29 Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that leadership will be the defining factor for the Rajasthan Royalsâ RR success in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League The franchise emerged with a formidable squad bolstered by key trades and acquisitions such as Ravindra Jadeja Sam Curran and legspinner Ravi Bishnoi following the IPL 2026 miniauction However the captaincy remains an unanswered question with the team trading their Sanju Samson who led them till 2025 to the Chennai Super KingsSpeaking to JioStar the former India batter lauded RRs bowling arsenal noting the advantage of having around 10 fast bowlers for varied options The advantage Rajasthan Royals have is the fact that they have 10 fast bowlers offering a lot of options If they bowl in the right areas at SMS Stadium Jaipur they can be very successful With spinners like Bishnoi and Jadeja support from Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira and depth in the batting order with Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag they now have a wellrounded teamâ Uthappa saidOn the teamâs captaincy he added âThe only question is leadership My feeling is the captaincy will likely be between Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja while Jaiswal might need to wait a bit longerâLegendary spinner Kumble echoed the squads balance pointing to talented youngsters proven performers and versatile allrounders He stressed fitness concerns for key pacers like Jofra Archer but reserved his strongest remarks for leadershipâWhen you look at this lineup the captaincy will be the most decisive factor If you want to replicate the kind of personality Sanju Samson brought to Rajasthan Royals Dhruv Jurel is probably the closest match Beyond that the squad is strong with talented youngsters proven players and allrounders The fitness of key players like Jofra Archer at the start of the IPL is also crucial Ultimately the management needs to identify and communicate who the captain will beâ Kumble asserted IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/rrs-captaincy-will-likely-be-between-riyan-and-jadeja-uthappa-656079.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/head-backs-struggling-weatherald-says-hes-good-enough-to-play-international-cricket-655882.html Melbourne Dec 28 Travis Head has backed his opening partner Jïake Weatherald has endured a tough start to his Test career to turn things around Weatherald who made his Test debut in the Ashes series opener after a stellar run of form at Sheffield Shield managed just 146 runs from eight innings The 31yearold is expected to retain his spot in the final match at the SCG next weekWeatherald Test futures is facing scrutiny following a glut of low scores except his half century in the opener But Head feels there is plenty for Weatherald to offer and admitted the conditions on Australian pitches across the four matches have been difficultInternational cricket is extremely tough The wickets have been challenging across the board the last few years thats welldocumented Its not an excuse and I think hes a good enough cricketer for international cricket and I think he showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests Head saidIts not always gonna go your way and theres a lot of guys who look like they have been under the pump with the bat who are the best of our generationIt can be a tough way to start your international career but I think hes a good enough player to play international cricket he addedHead further said he is happy to continue in his role as opener as the Ashes series against England heads to Sydney for the final Test of the home summerHe has been a revelation for Australia since his move to the top of the order from No5 and has already scored two centuries in the role during the Ashes to be the leading runscorer of the seriesI see myself as this teams opening batter for the series and then weve got a long gap between to piece the puzzles together for where the team wants to go said HeadIve felt good at the top I feel like Ive been batting well For this series I feel like Ive been able to do a job for the team and its put us in good positionsIts been pleasing to be able to contribute in different ways and thats why Ive always been open to how can I make the team better If that means me at the top and were a better cricket team and were winning more then Im happyThere will be challenging times but at the moment I feel like Im moving really well which is putting me in good positions against the new ball he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/head-backs-struggling-weatherald-says-hes-good-enough-to-play-international-cricket-655882.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-webster-inglis-released-from-australia-squad-to-play-bbl-before-sydney-test-655883.html Melbourne Dec 28 Australias reserve allrounder Beau Webster and wicketkeeper batter Josh Inglis have been released from the squad to play in the Big Bash League ahead of the Sydney Test After the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG concluded in two days Australian players have been granted a sevenday break until the New Yearâs contest in SydneyWebster will be available to play for the Hobart Hurricanes in their BBL match against the Melbourne Renegades on MondayInglis who was dropped for the rapidfire Boxing Day Test will also return to the BBL and play for Perth Scorchers in their clash with the Sydney Thunder at ENGIE Stadium on Tuesday ahead of the fifth and final Ashes TestAfter their BBL matches both players will rejoin the Australia squad in Sydney to prepare for the New Years Test at the SCG which starts on January 4Both players will be available to play for their respective teams before returning to the Australian squad on New Years Eve to prepare for the Ashes Test at the SCG Cricket Australia said in a statementAfter playing seven Tests this year Webster was omitted from the Australia XI for the opening Ashes match in Perth and has been unable to get back into the teamBut he may be in contention to reclaim his spot in the fifth and final Test due to Cameron Greens repeated failures with the bat during this seriesInglis is less likely to earn a recall after scoring 32 in his three innings during the Brisbane and Adelaide TestsDefending champions Hobart are currently second in the Big Bash standings with three wins from four matches while the Scorchers are coming off consecutive losses and sit fifth on the ladder IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-webster-inglis-released-from-australia-squad-to-play-bbl-before-sydney-test-655883.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/brett-lee-inducted-to-australian-cricket-hall-of-fame-655896.html New Delhi Dec 28 Former fast bowler Brett Lee has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame The announcement was made on Sunday honouring his impressive international career characterised by exceptional pace durability and notable sportsmanship At 49 Lee is considered one of the quickest bowlers in history alongside Shoaib Akhtar He represented Australia from 1999 to 2012 playing 76 Tests 221 ODIs and 25 T20Is Throughout his career across all formats he took a total of 718 wickets In Tests he claimed 310 wickets while in ODIs and T20Is he took 221 and 38 wickets respectivelyThe former pacer was a significant pioneer of the early years of the T20 format playing for several teams globally including the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League He was part of the Sixers team that secured the first Big Bash League titleDuring his career in Australia Lee contributed to three World Cupwinning teams in 1999 2003 and 2007 He also participated in several Ashes series against EnglandLee is renowned for consistently crossing the 160 kmh mark on the speed gun However he was more than just producing quick deliveries he had a talent for blending speed with impressive skillHe was also named Australian Test Player of the Year in 2008 after receiving the prestigious Allan Border Medal Lee became a wellknown figure in India as well with a strong following due to his numerous appearances in the Indian Premier League IPL and his involvement in cultural activities such as music and film collaborationsPeter King Chair of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame stated that Lee genuinely merits this honour as he remains an exceptional ambassador for the sportâBrett Leeâs induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame is richly deserved He was not only one of the fastest and most exciting bowlers the world has seen but also an outstanding ambassador for Australian cricket Brettâs impact transcended statistics â he inspired fans around the world with the way he played the game the respect he showed opponents and the pride he took in representing his country King said in an official statementâNow a respected commentator Lee continues to contribute to the game and its communities globally long after his final delivery The Australian Cricket Hall of Fame celebrates players whose careers have left a lasting legacy on the sport he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/brett-lee-inducted-to-australian-cricket-hall-of-fame-655896.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 12:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/had-it-been-2mm-shorter-it-might-have-been-alright-smith-gives-his-take-on-under-fire-mcg-pitch-655915.html Melbourne Dec 28 Australia standin skipper Steve Smith gave his take on the MCG wicket after the Boxing Day Test lasted just two days with England winning by four wickets He said that had the 10mm grass been 2mm shorter it might have made a difference in the match The Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch came under the scanner after the Boxing Day Ashes Test between Australia and England finished in two days As many as 36 wickets fell in 142 overs It lasted for 952 balls just five more than the series opener in PerthâIt obviously offered a lot 36 wickets in two days it offered plenty Had it been either 2mm shorter or a little less thatchy with 10mm it might have been alright but Iâm not a groundsman so itâs hard to judge But it did look like it was going to offer a fair amount probably a little more than I thought it would I think the groundsman is always learning but heâs produced some pretty good wickets in the last two years Smith told SEN CricketThe MCG has previously been criticised for producing flat wickets that favoured batting most notably during the 2017 Ashes Test when only 24 wickets fell over five days That surface drew widespread criticism prompting match referee Ranjan Madugalle to issue a âpoorâ rating in his official assessment reportI think when I started we didnât have too many wickets like this when I started the MCG used to be run tickets but thatâs changed a bit over the last four or five years Itâs probably changed more into a better cricket wicket where bat and ball are competing against each other The gameâs changed in terms of the aggression batters useâ if 10 years ago you saw Harry Brook come out and bat like that youâd think âWhatâs going onâBrook was the top run scorer for England and even Travis Head for us in the second innings it was probably one of those wickets where you had to go a little harder he addedFast bowler Mitchell Starc echoed Smithâs comments saying âNobody wants to see twoday Test matchesâI guess you saw it start to play a bit truer in the back end of yesterday Would a couple of mm off change the game much Or was it application Or even just two good attacksYou probably donât want to see twoday Test matches so they probably got it the grass on the pitch slightly too high We saw last week in Adelaide it was pretty flat and didnât do a lot unless the ball was hard and newBatters got that one last week and bowlers got one in their favour probably a bit too much this week I saw last year it was 6 or 7mm arguably if you make it 8mm itâs probably a pretty good surface Itâs one to not dwell too much on and move on pretty quick said Starc IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/had-it-been-2mm-shorter-it-might-have-been-alright-smith-gives-his-take-on-under-fire-mcg-pitch-655915.html Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ca-achieve-record-attendance-on-a-single-day-across-mcg-scg-and-perth-655824.html Melbourne Dec 27 A record total of 162408 fans attended Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Big Bash League 15 matches at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Optus Stadium Fridays attendance shattered the record set 12 months ago when 152375 fans came through the gates on Boxing Day 2024 All three matches set attendance records showcasing the strength and popularity of Australias national sportIn Melbourne a crowd of 94199 watched 20 wickets fall in the fourth Ashes Test This was a record attendance for a day of cricket in Australia surpassing the previous record of 93013 for the ODI World Cup final in 2015 The dayâs second match saw the Melbourne Stars defeat the Sydney Sixers by seven wickets in front of 25589 fans the largest ever crowd at the SCGâs annual Boxing Day fixtureThe national singleday attendance record was then sealed at Optus Stadium as the Perth Scorchers welcomed 42620 fansâtheir largest Boxing Day Bash crowd eclipsing the previous record set in BBL 13 â to watch them host reigning champions Hobart HurricanesThe Boxing Day attendance record comes after both total and singleday records were set across the opening three Ashes Tests with the Big Bash achieving major increases in attendances and broadcast audiences across Foxtel and SevenTodd Greenberg Cricket Australia CEO said âBoxing Day 2025 has been a landmark day for Australian Cricket with records tumbling across all three venues to play host to Test and BBL matchesâTo set a new single day attendance record of 162408 is a proud moment for Australian Cricket and reflects our sportâs popularity and strength nationwideThe Boxing Day Test is bigger than cricket It is one of the nations great events and those who were at the MCG yesterday will cherish the experience foreverâSimilarly attending Big Bash games is a summer ritual for many Australian families and the buzz around the competition is as loud as itâs ever been Weâre seeing incredible performances record run chases and a continued a trend of nailbiting finishes every nightâThe unmissable onfield action has driven record crowds to every Test match with all formats experiencing attendance and audience growth this summerâWe thank all those who watched or attended a match on an incredible day for cricket and look forward to seeing packed venues around the country for the remainder of the summerâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ca-achieve-record-attendance-on-a-single-day-across-mcg-scg-and-perth-655824.html Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pbks-do-not-have-enough-backup-for-yuzvendra-chahal-says-abhinav-mukund-655834.html New Delhi Dec 27 Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund believes the Punjab Kings do not have enough backup for offspinner Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the Indian Premier League IPL 2026 Punjab Kings strengthened their squad with key domestic picks like Vishnu Vinod and Praveen Dubey along with Australian allrounder Cooper Connolly for middleorder balance in the mini auction Mukund praised the teamâs smart additions while noting areas like spin depth that need attentionAnalysing the Punjab Kingsâ balanced approach at the table Mukund said Punjab Kings didnât need much heading into the auction having already invested heavily earlier The only concern is Yuzvendra Chahal not featuring in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy â so itâs unclear if they have enough backup for him Theyâve added Pravin Dubey a legspinner from Karnataka and Cooper Connolly whoâs an exciting lefthanded allrounder capable of batting anywhere from three to five That versatility definitely adds value to their middle order Mukund said on JioStarVishnu joined Bangalore in 2017 as a replacement for the injured KL Rahul and played three matches before being released He went unsold for the next three seasons then was picked by Delhi in 2021 but did not play After stints with Hyderabad and Mumbai as a backup wicketkeeper he was signed by Punjab ahead of the 2025 seasonFormer India cricketer Robin Uthappa highlighted Vishnu Vinod as one of Punjab Kingsâ most promising additions Vishnu Vinod is a really exciting signing for Punjab Kings and I genuinely hope he gets regular opportunities in the IPL Weâve only seen glimpses of his ability during his stint with Mumbai Indians but heâs got phenomenal talent His inclusion adds depth to the middle order and even offers a potential fastbowling option Theres a lot of value he can bring to this setup IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/pbks-do-not-have-enough-backup-for-yuzvendra-chahal-says-abhinav-mukund-655834.html Sat, 27 Dec 2025 11:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/no-ball-drama-in-boxing-day-test-fuels-fresh-ashes-controversy-655741.html Melbourne Dec 26 The opening day of the Boxing Day Test witnessed a controversy involving the third umpire once again when Brydon Carse dismissed Mitchell Starc on an alleged no ball When Australia were reeling at 1427 Starc miscued lofted drive and was caught by Ben Stokes running back from midoff The MCG crowd thought Carse had bowled a noball when the sideon replay flashed upAs Starc made his way back to the dressing room broadcast replays showed Carseâs front foot appearing to land beyond the popping crease raising questions over a possible noball according to Fox CricketStarc briefly glanced at the big screen before walking off while third umpire Ahsan Raza ruled that part of Carseâs foot was grounded behind the line at the point of first contact a decision that left several former Australian players unconvincedâI cannot see how heâs got any part of that shoe behind the line unless my eyes are gone I canât pay that I canât see it Australian great Mark Waugh said during a commentary on Fox CricketFormer Australian spinner Kerry OâKeeffe added Thatâs tighter than a second coat of paint At first point of contact I canât see that is behind that white line any part of his heel It masquerades a terrific bit of cricket by Carse himself and the captain Ben Stokes with the strategy to promote Starc with that shotWith Starcâs dismissal Australia lost their final three wickets in just four balls as the hosts were bowled out for 152 in their first inningsIn response England are struggling at 624 with Starc and Michael Neser claiming two wickets each Notably a massive crowd has been confirmed at the MCG with 93442 people in the house already a number which could grow further which not only exceeds the highest previous Ashes crowd here 91092 in 201314 but also the biggest ever crowd for a day of cricket 93013 for the 2015 World Cup final IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/no-ball-drama-in-boxing-day-test-fuels-fresh-ashes-controversy-655741.html Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:01:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-tongue-becomes-first-england-bowler-since-1998-to-take-five-for-at-mcg-655745.html Melbourne Dec 26 Josh Tongue scripted history after he became the first England bowler this century to claim a fivewicket haul in Mens Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here on Friday Tongue picked up 545 during Australias first innings of 152 all out Reeling 30 in the series Tongues efforts helped England bowled out Australia for 152 in their first innings of the Boxing Day TestIt was the first time an England bowler had claimed a fivewicket haul in a Test at the MCG since Darren Gough and Dean Headley did so in 1998 with Tongue breaking a 27year drought as the tourists breathed life into an Ashes series that Australia have already retainedThe spell was also Tongues most productive in Test cricket surpassing his previous best effort of 566 against Ireland at Lords in 2023 During Australias second innings Tongue will be on a hattrick after dismissing Scott Boland 0 and Michael Neser 35 with the last two balls of the hosts first inningsAustralia didnt have a strong start in front of a superb bowling performance from the visitors after opting to field Tongue picked three of the top four Australian batters as the hosts lost four wickets in the morning sessionKhawaja then perished in the fourth over after lunch courtesy of a successful review Carey couldnt bail his team out of trouble this time as he fell to the leg slip trap Just when it seemed like batting was comfortable Cameron Green was run out Michael Neser scored a valuable 35 that comprised seven fours but Tongue came back to wrap up the innings as he claimed his careers third Test fiferNotably a massive crowd has been confirmed at the MCG with 93442 people in the house already a number which could grow further IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-tongue-becomes-first-england-bowler-since-1998-to-take-five-for-at-mcg-655745.html Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/cricket-australia-ceo-says-hosting-of-day-night-boxing-day-test-at-mcg-is-not-off-the-cards-655757.html Melbourne Dec 26 Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg has not ruled out the possibility of a daynight Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground The MCG held a womenâs daynight Test match in January 2025 in addition the venue will host Australia and Englands 150th Anniversary Test under lights in March 2027Melbourne hosted the inaugural Boxing Day Test in 1950 Since then CA holds contractual rights to use the MCG until the end of March each summer despite the venue often being used for Australian Rules football in that month Earlier this year it extended its venue hire agreement with the MCG until the 203031 summerâLook itâs not off the cards Weâve been talking a lot about the strength of pinkball cricket it was amazing this year in Brisbane and it has been really good in Adelaide March 2027 it will get its opportunity here in Melbourneâ Greenberg was quoted by Fox CricketDue to the enormous crowds expected to pack the MCG across five days between March 11 to 15 for the historic 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England in March 2027 CA has opened a ticket ballot for the first time in its historyThe ballot opened on December 23 and runs until February 6 2026 Once closed entries will be randomised and successful applicants will be notified by February 13I dont have the early numbers but the concept of running a ballot will give you some demonstration of what we see in this event The strength of ticket sales and the interest it will have 150 years of cricket between our two countries is going to be a pretty special momentThose who were here in the â77 Centenary Test still talk about it in great affection and our job is to make sure that happens again at the 150th in March 2027 said Greenberg IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/cricket-australia-ceo-says-hosting-of-day-night-boxing-day-test-at-mcg-is-not-off-the-cards-655757.html Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-ex-india-player-anagha-deshpande-joins-delhi-capitals-as-assistant-coach-655641.html New Delhi Dec 25 Ahead of the 2026 season of the Womenâs Premier League WPL former India cricketer Anagha Deshpande has joined threetime runnersup Delhi Capitals DC as an assistant coach It is understood that Anaghaâs coaching duties will center around fielding and batting in the DC setup âYes I am joining the Delhi Capitals It was finalised a few days ago Hundred percent its a great opportunity for meâI will get to learn a lot of things which will aid me in future I have seen them try for winning a trophy for three years I hope I can help them win the trophy this timeâ Anagha told IANS on ThursdayAt DC Anagha will link up with head coach Jonathan Batty Her appointment comes after the exit of Lisa Keightley who has joined Mumbai Indians as head coach and Milap Mewada who is now coaching Goaâs menâs team in the ongoing domestic seasonAnagha played 23 ODIs and eight T20Is for India from 2008 to 2014 and made 483 runs across both formats As a wicketkeeper she took 16 catches and effected 21 stumpings in whiteball cricket for India She played for Maharashtra Railways Gujarat and Puducherry in the domestic cricket circuitAnagha has enjoyed considerable success as a coach in Uttarakhand since retiring as a player She led the states U19 womens team to oneday trophy titles in 202122 and 202223 and guided the U23 side to entering knockout stages in T20 and oneday championships in 202324 and 202425Under Anagha Uttarakhand reached their first senior womens finals in both T20 and oneday formats in 202324 Players like Nandini Kashyap Raghvi Bist and Prema Rawat all of whom featured in this years WPL and India A teams attribute their growth to Anaghaâs coachingShe has also worked as a coach with many teams in senior and U19 womenâs challenger trophies as well as served in various assignments at the zonal and national level for camps organised by the BCCI Centre of Excellence CoEDC will open their 2026 WPL campaign on January 10 against defending champions Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai India batter Jemimah Rodrigues was recently named as DCâs new captain and Anagha backed the decisionâI have seen her leadership She is well deserving to be the captain I have seen her lead Mumbai The way her nature is in terms of leading a team there is no need for a tag to say that she is a leader She plays in the same way as a player and now that she has a leadership tag she is hundred percent well deserving of itâ she saidMeanwhile IANS understands that former India captain Anju Jain is likely to take charge as DCâs batting coach Anju featured in eight Tests and 65 ODIs for India from 1993 to 2005 and amassed 2170 runs overallApart from hitting one century and three fifties in Tests she claimed 15 catches and effected eight stumpings in the format while contributing with 30 catches and 51 stumpings in ODIsAnju previously served as assistant coach of UP Warriorz UPW in first two seasons of the WPL and was the head coach of Tornadoes at the FairBreak Global Invitational tournament Anju also coached the Indian team and also served as chairman of the womenâs selection committeeShe also served as the head coach of Bangladesh womenâs team and worked in the same capacity with Odisha Vidarbha Assam Tripura and Baroda teams in the domestic circuit IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wpl-2026-ex-india-player-anagha-deshpande-joins-delhi-capitals-as-assistant-coach-655641.html Thu, 25 Dec 2025 15:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/smith-to-lead-australia-as-hosts-confirm-to-play-with-four-quicks-no-spinner-for-mcg-test-655589.html Melbourne Dec 25 Australian standin captain Steve Smith opted for an allpace attack for the fourth Ashes Test against England with the hosts yet to settle on their Playing XI Smith announced the final 12 for the fourth Test after Australiaâs last training session on Thursday and said selectors would assess the âquite furryâ MCG pitch again on Friday morning before finalising their pace attack with Michael Neser Brendan Doggett and returning quick Jhye Richardson vying for the final two placesWeve landed on a 12 we just want to take a look at the wicket tomorrow Were going to be playing four quicks and no spinner The pitch has 10mm of grass quite furry quite greenI dare say its going to offer quite a bit particularly day one is similar conditions to today quite cold and overcast so I dare say theres going to be quite a bit of movement Smith told reporters on Thursday morningYou just got to play what surface youre presented with this one looks like its going to offer a fair bit of assistance for the seam bowlers and the weather throughout the week looks conducive for that tooI think if Nathan Lyon was available wed probably still be having the same conversation as well so its certainly nothing to do with Todds skill he addedIf selected Richardson will end a fouryear drought between Test matches this week with his most recent appearance in the national redball side coming back in December 2021Its exciting to see Richardson back into the fold hes had a pretty long layoff with injury and we know the skills he can posses Hes done it against England before in an Ashes Weve seen when hes had the opportunity at this level hes been outstanding Smith saidReserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis drops out to make way for Smith who missed last weekâs Adelaide Test with a vestibular illness while captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon remain sidelined with injuriesâIâm far better than I was last week I obviously had a few bad days before the Test and for the first couple of days of the Test and then all my vestibular stuff settled downâIâm feeling 100 per cent It was a shame to miss that one It looked like a pretty nice wicket for batting I was watching in the hotel those first two days and wished I could have been out there but it was the right call at that stage I was struggling Smith saidSmith also confirmed that veteran Usman Khawaja and wicketkeeper Alex Carey would bat at No 5 and No 6 respectively with allrounder Cameron Green sliding down to No 7Australia XII for fourth Test Travis Head Jake Weatherald Marnus Labuschagne Steve Smith c Usman Khawaja Alex Carey wk Cameron Green Mitchell Starc Scott Boland Brendan Doggett Michael Neser Jhye Richardson IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/smith-to-lead-australia-as-hosts-confirm-to-play-with-four-quicks-no-spinner-for-mcg-test-655589.html Thu, 25 Dec 2025 11:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/delhi-capitals-appoint-jemimah-rodrigues-as-captain-ahead-of-wpl-2026-655383.html New Delhi Dec 23 Threetime finalists Delhi Capitals on Tuesday announced ICC Womens ODI World Cupwinner Jemimah Rodrigues as captain for the upcoming Womenâs Premier League WPL 2026 A cornerstone of the Capitals setup since the inaugural WPL season where she was their first pick of the auction the 25yearold recently played a pivotal role in Indiaâs historic ICC Womenâs World Cup triumph Her scintillating unbeaten 127 powered India to a memorable worldrecord chase of 339 against Australia in the semifinal underlining her ability to thrive on the biggest stageIn Delhi Capitals colours Rodrigues has featured in 27 WPL matches scoring 507 runs at an impressive strike rate of 13967 including appearances in all three finals across the leagueâs three editions Known for her energy and intensity on the field she has been a livewire presence bringing vibrancy joy and an infectious smile that has helped her build a strong bond with Delhi Capitals supporters and fans of the Indian womenâs teamSpeaking on her new role Rodrigues expressed âIt is an absolute honour to be named captain of the Delhi Capitals and I am deeply grateful to the owners and the support staff for placing their faith in me to lead this team It has truly been a dream year for me and my family winning the World Cup and now being entrusted with this wonderful opportunity at a franchise that has held a very special place in my heart since the very first season of the WPLI have learned so much over the last three years and have shared some of my best moments with the Delhi Capitals This team is my family While I will miss the players who were part of our journey in the first cycle I am excited to create new memories with both familiar faces and new teammates We have a strong group and I canât wait to get going as we look ahead to what we hope will be a very successful season and finally cross that line that has eluded us in the last three yearsâ Rodrigues was quoted as saying by the franchise in a statement on TuesdayRodrigues has featured in 113 T20Is scoring 2444 runs including 14 halfcenturies at an average of 3093 She has also represented India in 59 ODIs amassing 1749 runs with three centuries and eight halfcenturies to her nameDelhi Capitals will take on Mumbai Indians in their opening match of WPL 2026 on Saturday January 10 in Navi MumbaiParth Jindal coowner of Delhi Capitals and founder of JSW Sports added âJemimah has been with us since Day One and there was never any doubt that she would one day captain the team Beyond her onfield heroics her infectious smile and boundless energy have made her a muchloved presence in the dressing room and I am confident she will lead the squad exceptionally well Her magical innings against Australia in the ICC Womenâs World Cup semifinal was truly inspiring and we are immensely proud to have her represent Delhi Capitals and now lead the team I wish her the very best as she starts this new chapter with us and I am certain she will excel in this role and help us cross the line after three consecutive finalsâ IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/delhi-capitals-appoint-jemimah-rodrigues-as-captain-ahead-of-wpl-2026-655383.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/2nd-t20i-shafali-charani-star-as-india-thrash-sri-lanka-women-by-seven-wickets-655417.html Visakhapatnam Dec 23 Opener Shafali Verma delivered an impressive unbeaten 69 as India Women tasted a strong sevenwicket victory over Sri Lanka Women finishing the match with 49 balls remaining at the Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium to take a 20 lead in the fivematch T20I series Indias bowlers especially Shree Charani set a solid foundation before Shafali completed the chase in style Choosing to bowl first India struck quickly and kept Sri Lanka from gaining any momentum They took wickets consistently limiting the visitors to 128 for 9 in their 20 overs Sri Lanka improved slightly from their 121 in the first T20I Kranti Gaud continued her good form by taking down Vishmi Gunaratne for 1 in the first over caught off the followthrough Although Arundathi Reddy let a few runs slip early on the Indian bowlers applied enough pressure to keep Sri Lanka from breaking freeSri Lanka managed to score 39 runs in the Powerplay but faced difficulties with skipper Chamari Athapaththu as their main contributor Athapaththu hit two sixes in her 31 off 24 balls before falling to Sneh Rana the only change in the lineup for the second T20I due to Deepti Sharmas absence because of a fever Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama stabilised the innings by rotating the strike bringing Sri Lanka to 66 for 2 by the halfway pointAs the field opened up Perera struggled to find the boundary and was eventually out for 22 off 28 balls dismissed by Shree Charani in the 13th over ending their 44run partnership Harshitha appeared confident during her knock and scored 33 before being run out in the 17th over Sri Lanka could not maintain their pace at the end losing wickets rapidly Nilakshi de Silva added just two runs before being dismissed by Vaishnavi Sharma who took her first T20I wicket as Sri Lanka finished at 128 for 9 Shree Charani 223 and Vaishnavi Sharma 232 were the top bowlers with Kranti Gaud 121 and Sneh Rana 111 each taking one wicketIn response Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana started strong for India putting together 29 runs before Mandhana was out for 14 off 11 balls Jemimah Rodrigues took control next hitting four fours and a six in her 26 off 15 balls before being caught at long off by Kawya Kavindi India raced to 113 in the first 10 overs their highest tally after the first 10 in womenâs T20Is surpassing the previous record of 111 against Malaysia Women at Hangzhou during the 2023 Asian GamesShafali continued her onslaught after the Powerplay reaching her 12th T20I fifty off just 27 balls She ended her innings unbeaten on 69 off 34 balls including 11 fours and a six Harmanpreet Kaur scored 10 off 12 balls before being bowled by Malki Madara when the score was tied and Richa Ghosh then hit the winning run in the 12th over completing the chase at 129 for 3 in 115 oversThis victory marked Indiaâs secondlargest win over Sri Lanka in womenâs T20Is in terms of balls left only behind the 69ball win in Sylhet in 2022 The series now moves to Thiruvananthapuram for the third T20I on Friday December 26Brief scores Sri Lanka Women 1289 in 20 overs Harshitha Samarawickrama 33 Chamari Athapaththu 32 Shree Charani 223 Vaishnavi Sharma 232 lost to India Women 1293 in 115 overs Shafali Verma 69 not out Jemimah Rodrigues 26 Kavisha Dilhari 115 by seven wickets IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/2nd-t20i-shafali-charani-star-as-india-thrash-sri-lanka-women-by-seven-wickets-655417.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ill-always-protect-my-players-as-much-as-i-can-stokes-reacts-to-noosa-stag-do-allegations-655466.html New Delhi Dec 24 Skipper Ben Stokes has come out in defense of his teammates after it was revealed that Englandâs midAshes break in Noosa between the second and third Ashes Tests was allegedly a stag do causing excessive drinking by some players The England Cricket Board is currently investigating claims of the English teamâs drinking culture after a video of Ben Duckett went viral appearing to show intoxicationStokes has hit back at the viral social media post and âstag doâ rumours saying his main concern is the wellbeing of his teammatesâHow I handle this moment right now is the most important thing to me The welfare of everyone in there and probably some certain individuals as well is the most important thing to me right now as England captain Stokes told reporters at a press conference before the Boxing Day Test as quoted by Fox CricketâThis kind of stuff is very I donât know if close to me is the right wording but something that I have first hand experience of how it can affect people And as I said my role as England captain is to protect my players as much as I possibly canâWe have a goal still to try and achieve out here on this trip Itâs not gone anywhere near to plan whatsoever he saidStokes continued âLooking after my players is one of the main things that I need to get out of this because we need to go out there and win two games of cricketâI know how this kind of stuff can affect people and as I said I will always protect my players as much as I possibly canâRight here right now that is my main job as England captain is to ensure that they know that they have my backing because the most important thing to me sitting here right now is a group of players who I can get into a best possible state to go out there and try and perform for this country and the remaining of this tripâStokes was quick to shut down that line of questioning when asked whether his players had done anything wrong in Noosa âIâve just answered everything there Iâve just said I will always continue to support my playersâ he saidâI have a responsibility as captain out on the field to try and win games of cricket but in moments like these I have that other responsibility of making sure that I will always protect my players in a moment where I feel that is necessary he further said IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ill-always-protect-my-players-as-much-as-i-can-stokes-reacts-to-noosa-stag-do-allegations-655466.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ishan-kishan-becomes-second-fastest-indian-to-smash-century-in-list-a-history-655507.html Ahmedabad Dec 24 Jharkhand wicketkeeperbatter Ishan Kishan produced a breathtaking display of powerhitting smashing a 33ball century against Karnataka in a Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture in Ahmedabad on Wednesday The innings ranks as the secondfastest hundred by an Indian in List A cricket falling just one ball short of the national record set earlier the same day by Bihar skipper Sakibul Gani who reached the milestone in 32 deliveries against Arunachal PradeshKishanâs latest feat adds to an extraordinary run of form for the lefthander Only days ago he was a surprise inclusion in Indiaâs squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup shortly after captaining Jharkhand to their firstever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumphDuring the SMAT campaign Kishan topped the charts with 517 runs and played a decisive role in the final against Haryana where he struck a blistering century His hundred came off just 45 balls making him only the second player to score a ton in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final and registering as the thirdfastest century in a menâs T20 final With five centuries in the tournament he now shares the record for most hundreds in SMAT history with Abhishek SharmaKishanâs explosive credentials are well established at the international level too He holds the record for the fastest double century in OneDay Internationals reaching the landmark in just 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022The Vijay Hazare Trophy witnessed several breathtaking performances on Wednesday It all started with youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi grabbing headlines with his 36ball century for Bihar which he later converted into an 84ball 190 before his knock came to an end What followed next in the same innings was Ganiâs recordbreaking ton and Ayush Loharukaâs 56ball 116 as Bihar finished with a massive 574 runs on the scoreboard against Arunachal PradeshThen Kishan came close to breaking Ganiâs record falling short by the barest of margins with his 33ball ton He eventually finished with 125 runs to his name from 39 deliveries as Jharkhand posted 4129Courtesy of Kishanâs recent performances in the domestic arena he has earned a recall to the international setup having been named in Indiaâs T20I squad for the fivegame series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup in February 2026 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ishan-kishan-becomes-second-fastest-indian-to-smash-century-in-list-a-history-655507.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bihar-script-history-with-highest-list-a-team-total-in-vijay-hazare-trophy-655509.html Ranchi Dec 24 Bihar are on a roll in its Vijay Hazare Trophy having registered the highest team total in List A cricket during the Plate League opener against Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday Batting first Bihar posted a staggering 574 for the loss of six wickets surpassing the previous List A record of 5062 set by Tamil Nadu against Arunachal Pradesh in the 2022 Vijay Hazare TrophyTeenager Vaibhav Suryavanshiâs blistering 190 coupled with a captainâs knock of 128 not out from Sakibul Gani and a fluent 116 from Ayush Loharuka powered the team to a recordbreaking total in a dominant batting displaySuryavanshi smashed a century off 36 balls to become the youngest centurion in List A cricket His century was the secondfastest by an Indian man overall in List A cricket after Punjab batter Anmolpreet Singhs 35ball century against Arunachal in the Vijay Hazare competition last seasonOverall Suryavanshis 36ball ton ranks jointfourthfastest ever in the world in List A cricket The teenage batter racked up his 150 off only 54 deliveries before being dismissed for 190 off 84Suryavanshi laid the foundation for Biharâs imposing total with a dominant batting display first adding 198 runs for the opening wicket alongside Mangal Mahrour 33 He then kept the momentum going by stitching together another century stand putting on 103 runs for the second wicket with Piyush Kumar Singh before being dismissed for a magnificent 190The onslaught continued as Ayush joined the act forging a fluent 130run partnership for the third wicket with Piyush who narrowly missed out on his halfcentury falling two runs shortSkipper Gani who joined Ayush to establish a 94run partnership hit the thirdfastest century in List A cricket with his 32ball hundred His century is the fastest by an Indian in List A He remained unbeaten on 128 off 40 balls which comprised 10 fours and 12 sixes IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/bihar-script-history-with-highest-list-a-team-total-in-vijay-hazare-trophy-655509.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/head-conway-gain-big-in-latest-rankings-after-recent-red-ball-heroics-655515.html Dubai Dec 24 Performers in Test victories for Australia and New Zealand experienced significant gains following the most recent update in the ICC Menâs Player Rankings Players from both teams experienced a double celebration as Australia advanced to an unassailable 30 series lead against England in a home Ashes series and the Black Caps secured a 20 series victory over the West Indies in Mount Maunganui These performances have brought some Australian players close to the top positions in the Menâs Test batting and bowling rankingsIn Adelaide Australia Travis Head led the charge to an 82run victory with his secondinnings score of 170 off 219 balls helping secure the win This performance also moved Head up four places to joint third 815 in the rankings alongside teammate Steve SmithAlex Careyâs century in the first innings propelled him six spots up the rankings advancing to ninth place with his highest rating of 737Across the Tasman New Zealandâs strong batting performance secured their win against the West Indies resulting in a 20 series victoryRachin Ravindraâs unblemished scores of 72 and 46 led to a fiveplace rise to 13th while Devon Conwayâs impressive scores of 227 and 100 boosted him to a careerhigh ranking of 681 tying him for 17thKavem Hodgeâs aggressive innings of 123 not out resulted in an 11place jump to 66th marking his highest career ranking and ratingOn the bowling front two Australians are now best positioned to challenge Jasprit Bumrah as the top Test bowler Mitchell Starc third and Pat Cummins up four spots to second with a rating of 849 took a total of ten wickets in Adelaide with Cummins just 30 rating points behind the Indian pacerStarc also rose to third place on the Test allroundersâ list after playing a key halfcentury in the victory tying with Ashes rival Ben Stokes with a rating of 311There were also improvements in the Menâs T20I Player Rankings following the recently completed fivematch T20I series between India and South Africa which the Team in Blue won 31The final match was an offensive showcase in Ahmedabad as the hosts scored 231 runs in the first inningsIndias leading scorer Tilak Varma scored 73 off 42 balls surpassing Sri Lankaâs Pathum Nissanka to secure third place with 805 rating points Meanwhile Dewald Brevisâ rapid 31run innings helped him rise into the top 10India managed to defend the total thanks to Jasprit Bumrahs excellent spell 217 in four overs who was the only bowler in the match to finish with an economy rate below a run per ball This performance resulted in a 10place leap to tie for 18th in the bowling rankings with Maheesh Theekshana 622Varun Chakaravarthyâs fourwicket performance cements his leading position in the rankings with a rating of 804 comfortably ahead of Jacob Duffy with 699 in second place IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/head-conway-gain-big-in-latest-rankings-after-recent-red-ball-heroics-655515.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/former-india-physio-patrick-farhart-joins-lsg-as-global-head-of-science-and-medicine-655519.html New Delhi Dec 24 Former India mens team physio Patrick Farhart has joined Lucknow Super Giants LSG as Global Head of Science and Medicine a franchise official told IANS on Wednesday Besides LSG Farhart will also join its sister franchises the Durban Super Giants in SA20 and the Manchester Originals of The HundredPatrick Farhart will join LSG and its sister franchises as their Global Head of Science and Medicine from today His work will start from the upcoming SA20 season for the Durban franchise an LSG official told IANS on WednesdayFarhat has been in the field for more than 20 years now and has also served the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash the Kings XI Punjab and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League as the teams physio over the yearsHe has also served as Performance Director for New South Wales Hampshire and Australia and has worked with major rugby and football teams in AustraliaIâm happy to share that Iâm starting a new position as Global Head of Medicine and Science at RPSG Sports Private Limited wrote Farhart on his LinkedIn accountThe purpose of this role is to establish and maintain world class standards in athlete performance health injury prevention injury rehabilitation continuing professional development and scientific innovation for sports medicine and sports science staff attached to RPSG Sport teams including Lucknow Super Giants IPL Manchester Originals The Hundred Durban Super Giants SA20 and Mohun Bagan SG ISL added FarhartPatrick was recently with the Delhi Capitals as their lead physio He joined the franchise for three years in 2019 after his stint with the Indian mens team endedThe Australian served as the Indian teams physiotherapist from 2015 until the 2019 ICC World Cup IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/former-india-physio-patrick-farhart-joins-lsg-as-global-head-of-science-and-medicine-655519.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/virat-kohli-completes-16-000-list-a-runs-on-vijay-hazare-trophy-return-655520.html Bengaluru Dec 24 Virat Kohli has once again etched his name in cricketing history reaching the remarkable milestone of 16000 List A runs during his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Wednesday Playing for Delhi in their clash against Andhra Pradesh here at the BCCIâs Centre of Excellence Kohli achieved the feat with his first run in the teamâs chase of 299 This landmark moment further cements his status as one of the greatest ever in the 50over formatKohliâs 16000run feat makes him only the second Indian player after legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar to reach this figure in List A cricket The 37yearold now stands as the ninth player overall to breach this milestone joining the ranks of cricketing legends like Tendulkar Ricky Ponting Kumar Sangakkara Sir Vivian Richards and othersKohliâs last appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy came during the 201011 season where he captained Delhi He would go on to play in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy in 201314 but had not participated in the Vijay Hazare for nearly a decade before this comeback His return to the competition was eagerly anticipated and his achievement was a fitting start to Delhiâs campaignWhile the milestone of 16000 List A runs stands as a testament to Kohlis excellence his ODI record continues to shine even brighter He remains the secondhighest runscorer in ODI history behind only Sachin TendulkarWith 14557 runs in 308 matches at an extraordinary average of 5846 Kohli is the fastest player to 14000 runs in ODI cricket He also boasts the most centuries in the format with 53 to his nameDespite his long and storied career Kohli is still chasing Tendulkarâs record of 60 centuries in List A cricket He currently holds 57 centuries four ahead of Tendulkarâs former record of 53 in the ODI formatHaving made his List A debut back in 2006 for Delhi in the Ranji OneDay Tournament Kohliâs career has been nothing short of spectacular Over the years he has represented Delhi in various domestic competitions with standout performances in the 50over format IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/virat-kohli-completes-16-000-list-a-runs-on-vijay-hazare-trophy-return-655520.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/many-more-milestones-will-be-achieved-bca-chief-harsh-vardhan-lauds-bihars-record-breaking-show-in-vht-655545.html Patna Dec 24 Bihar Cricket Association BCA president congratulated the Bihar team for their historic performance calling the match a moment of immense pride for state cricket He lauded the entire squad for their fearless approach and discipline and extended special appreciation to the three centurions Vaibhav Suryavanshi Sakibul Gani and Ayush Loharuka for their outstanding batting displays Bihar produced a batting performance for the ages shattering the menâs List A record for the highest team total by piling up a staggering 574 for 6 in 50 overs against Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate match The innings rewrote history eclipsing the previous record of 5062 by Tamil Nadu against the same opponents in 2022 and Englandâs 4984 scored earlier that yearBihars innings was highlighted by three magnificent centuries an astonishing 49 fours and 38 sixes and a run rate of 1148 throughout the 50 overs The BCA president noted that such performances reflect the consistent hard work of the players coaches and support staffHeartiest congratulations to the Bihar team for producing a truly historic performance Todays match is a moment of immense pride for Bihar cricket said BCA president Harsh Vardhan in a statementI congratulate the entire squad for their fearless approach and discipline and extend special appreciation to our three centurions Vaibhav Suryavanshi Sakibul Gani and Ayush Loharuka for their outstanding batting displays Such performances reflect the hard work being put in by our players coaches and support staff he addedThe standout performer was teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi who at just 14 years and 272 days became the youngest player to score a hundred in menâs List A cricket He went far beyond that landmark racing to the fastest 150 in menâs List A history off just 59 balls before being dismissed for a breathtaking 190 off 84 deliveries laced with 16 fours and 15 sixesThe BCA president made a special mention of Suryavanshi for smashing multiple records and becoming the youngest player to score a century in menâs List A cricket calling the innings exceptional He said records are meant to be broken and expressed confidence that this achievement is only the beginning with many more milestones to comeA special mention must go to young Vaibhav Suryavanshi for smashing multiple records and becoming the youngest player to score a century in menâs List A cricket said Harsh VardhanHis innings was exceptional Records are meant to be broken and I am confident that this is just the beginning many more milestones will be achieved in the years to come he addedVaibhav found excellent support in the middle order Captain Sakibul Gani played a blistering unbeaten 128 off just 40 balls smashing 10 fours and 12 sixes and finishing the innings with brutal efficiency Wicketkeeperbatter Ayush Loharuka scored a commanding 116 off 56 balls striking 11 fours and 8 sixes as Arunachal Pradeshâs bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/many-more-milestones-will-be-achieved-bca-chief-harsh-vardhan-lauds-bihars-record-breaking-show-in-vht-655545.html Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/from-borgaon-to-being-roped-in-by-rcb-for-rs-520-crore-mangesh-yadavs-surreal-tale-655200.html New Delhi Dec 22 When Mangesh Yadavs name flashed on the IPL 2026 auction broadcast in Abu Dhabi Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad SRH locked horns in a fierce bidding war that would forever change the leftarm quicks life Within seconds his price rocketed from a base price of Rs 30 lakh to a staggering Rs 52 crore â a staggering jump FOR pacer Mangesh a skiddy leftarm pacer consistently clocking 140 kmph with a sharp yorker in his repertoire could barely process what had just unfoldedI was just thinking the first bid should happen and a team takes me in I was very happy with the first bid from RCB But within seconds in front of my eyes SRH and RCB were bidding for me and it reached five crores which was extremely astonishing My parents back home were very happy They were also getting calls from relatives recalled Mangesh in an exclusive conversation with IANSBy the roadside in Noida miles away from where his proteges life was being transformed Phoolchand Sharma who runs Wonders Cricket Club in Sector 34 was over the moon I cant tell you how happy I was on seeing him get selected Before that a lot of my kids have played in IPL but thereâs a different happiness for him I did hope that he would be picked by any franchise in the auctionâI have never met his father or mother nor have I ever spoken to them I have raised him like my own kid Heâs been a good boy from the start a calm and hardworking kid I gave him a lot of matches to play in Delhi as well as in district leagues in Delhi and UP Heâs had a very long journey and is now seeing the fruits of being committed to that path he told IANSMangeshâs cricketing journey began in Borgaon village in Madhya Pradeshâs Chhindwara district not in an established academy but within the confines of his homeâs compound As a sixyearold hed return home in tears after fighting with boys while playing His mother Rita found a solution shed bowl to him in the compound and he would bat for as long as he wished forFrom there I started playing cricket regularly and it went on and on I started bowling a little late with the left arm But I used to see the bowling of Mitchell Johnson and RP Singh sir bowling and that served me with a lot of motivation he saidAs years went by Mangeshs talent was remarkable But in a family of six including three sisters his father Ramavadh drove trucks to make ends meet Pursuing professional cricket seemed financially impossible till his maternal uncle convinced Ramavadh to let his son train seriously in cricketAfter that Mangesh headed to Noida to train under Sharma The hostel fees was Rs 20000 per month well beyond his familyâs reach What happened next would alter the trajectory of Mangeshs life Sir saw my game and he liked it He forgave my fees and told me to stay here and practice so that was very helpful in my journeyMy father has done so much for me I didnt have any stress I just wanted to play cricket all the struggle was of my father If it wasnt for Phoolchand sir I wouldnt have been able to play cricketThe reality of Ramavadhs sacrifice was never lost on Mangesh While Mangesh caught 4am trains for training and playing matches his father was waking at the same time to begin another gruelling shift behind the wheel navigating treacherous roads through the night with no fixed scheduleMy fathers struggle is unmatchable I used to feel sad that I am going out to play but the father is waking up daily in the morning goes out to drive the truck in night through a lot of dangerous roads though they are in a much better condition nowThe academy evolved alongside Mangesh from basic facilities to a comprehensive setup featuring gym indoor nets trainers and coaches Apart from Shivam Mavi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar India stars Jasprit Bumrah Ashish Nehra and Hardik Pandya would drop in for net sessions at Sharmaâs academy when in DelhiNCRWhat immediately struck Sharma about Mangesh was the rarity of discovering a leftarm quick whose natural bowling action didnt require fundamental reconstruction His bowling action reminded him of how Zaheer Khan bowled smooth repeatable lethalYou do know that when a lefthanded batter or bowler plays there is an alag nazakat different sheen to it Right from the rhythm of his runup he seemed like a perfect packaged bowler We have to teach a lot of kids that you are running slow head is falling over and rhythm is not goodâBut when he used to run and bowl it was perfect action like how Zaheer used to have I used to like Zaheers action and he was just like that We worked on improvising it he addedSmall technical tweaks combined with natural athleticism gradually revealed a complete cricketer capable of consistently hitting 140kmph The biggest thing is he had a lot of seniors to learn and get support from like Anureet Singh who played for IPL for many years Mavi and BhuvneshwarâWe caught some of his small shortcomings or at times other boys caught it We developed his bowling slowly He is a good fielder from the start In between when the kids used to go elsewhere he used to hit long sixes His hitting power has been very good he addedMangesh represented MP in U19 and U23 teams but feared opportunities were slipping away without a proper platform to showcase his talent Then came the Madhya Pradesh League an initiative by current MPCA President Mahanaaryaman Scindia that proved to be transformative Playing for Gwalior Cheetahs this year Mangesh claimed 14 wickets to become the tournaments leading wickettaker and IPL scouts took noticeI thought I would be late in grabbing my opportunity but Scindia ji introduced the MP League and then I got the chance to perform When I got good performances in it this year everything has happened well from then onwards for meMangeshâs three mentors Anand Rajan Tanmay Srivastava and Ankur Tyagi â also stepped in to refine his game and mindset Srivastava an Under19 World Cup winner for India in 2008 and now an active umpire provided invaluable perspective to Mangesh so as Rajan who played for the state and in the IPLI talk to Ankur Tyagi after every match he is like a big brother to me He has always supported and guided me in the right way Due to all three of them I have always improved in the right way he saidDespite a disappointing debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy SMAT MP head coach Chandrakant Pandit pushed him to showcase his batting abilities in the second match against Punjab Mangesh grabbed the chance by hitting 28 off 12 balls proving that he was more than just a bowlerMy first match was not that good but the captain backed me well due to which I was amongst the wickets Pandit sir told me Mangesh you will also have to do some batting In the second game he sent me up to bat and I was able to showcase my batting abilities which felt really goodBefore embarking to Pune for the tournamentâs Super League stage Mangesh went through trials with RCB Delhi Capitals Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians Though he couldnt attend SRH and PBKS trials due to hectic schedule the formerâs bowling coach exIndia pacer Varun Aaron took notice of his skillsetsBut now landing at RCB means sharing a dressing room with the talismanic Virat Kohli a childhood dream that Mangesh admits never seemed remotely possible I always wanted to play under Virat sirs captaincy But he is not doing it and I feel sharing the dressing room with him is a big deal I never imagined that I would play alongside him and this set to become a reality is a great feelingâHis recent experience under Patidars captaincy during highpressure SMAT games also keeps Mangesh in good stead âCricket is tough if you think in mind about it and playing in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a lot of pressure as you do know the likes of Prabhsimran Singh and Ishan Kishan are tough to bowl to But all of this was made easy by playing under Rajat bhaiyas captaincy The role he gave me I managed to fulfill that and it made life easyThe visualization has already begun â Mangesh standing at the top of his runup in RCBs iconic red jersey with the new ball in hand enough to give him goosebumps But the ultimate dream still remains to be wearing Indiaâs blue jerseyHow exciting it will be to wear the RCB jersey and have the ball in hand at the top of my runup mark I hope that this paves the way for me to wear the Indian team jersey and bowl the first ball for my country That will be an out of the world feelingRather than dwelling on IPLs magnitude Mangesh plans to focus on absorbing lessons from Kohli Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer to improve his craft We will have a team camp where I will prepare alongside with Virat sir Venky and Rajat bhaiyas I will learn from them by playing a lot of practice matches and improve along the way I will get to be in touch with them so it is going to be very helpful for meWhat separates Mangesh from Indias impressive stable of fast bowlers Sharma argues isnt just his leftarm pace its being that rare quick offering genuine allround capabilitiesThe biggest thing is India has a lot of fast bowlers but you wont get a perfect package like him I can count them Arshdeep Bumrah Harshit Rana Shami All of them are good bowlers They play for India because they are goodBut they wont be a batter or fielder like them Its not that he is my child I am talking about the language of cricket Being a cricketer he is a perfect package In the future if God keeps him healthy you will see him play for India in a year or twoThe financial windfall from the lifechanging IPL deal means Mangesh can fulfill his offfield aspirations Marrying off his three sisters with pomp and splendour tops his priority list followed by giving his father respite from decades of grueling truck driving work and buying a house to end the familyâs stay in a rented homeHis message to aspiring cricketers reflects hardearned wisdom that talent alone isnt enough that even strong performances dont guarantee selection and that persistence matters more than immediate resultsWhat I have felt through my cricketing journey is without struggle you wont get anything You wont get anything easy and if youre playing cricket youll have to put in more effort including the double of what is expected usually as there are times when you wont get selected even if you perform wellâYou definitely wont get selected even if you dont perform well So you have to accept that God is always watching you you just have to work hard and he will give you whatever you want at the right timeâYou just have to be true to yourself and your efforts My seniors always tell me that I have to put my head down and play cricket So its important to respect everyone and keep your head down and play well when on the field signed off Mangesh IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/from-borgaon-to-being-roped-in-by-rcb-for-rs-520-crore-mangesh-yadavs-surreal-tale-655200.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/murphy-richardson-named-in-australias-boxing-day-test-squad-lyon-to-undergo-surgery-655256.html Adelaide Dec 23 Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson have been added to Australias 15member squad for the fourth Ashes Test starting on December 26 Murphy edged out Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli to replace Nathan Lyon as the veteran offspinner set to undergo surgery on his injured hamstringMurphy has featured seven times at Test level for Australia with his most recent match coming at the start of the year against Sri Lanka in GalleAustralia confirmed on Tuesday that Nathan Lyon will undergo surgery after suffering a torn right hamstring while diving to stop a boundary on the final day of their Ashessealing third TestMeanwhile Steve Smith is set to resume captaincy subject to clearance from the innerear problem that ruled him out in Adelaide while Pat Cummins will sit out the Boxing Day TestRichardson could be in line to replace Cummins after making a recent return from injury and linking up with the squad in Adelaide ahead of the third TestThe rightarm quick has featured in just three Tests during an injuryhit career with his most recent appearance coming against England in Adelaide in 2021 but the selectors continue to hold the 29yearold in high regardRichardsonâs formal addition to the squad puts him in contention for a Test comeback after a fouryear absence He underwent his third shoulder surgery earlier this year and has gradually built up his bowling workload in recent weeks training alongside the squad during the opening three TestsMeanwhile allrounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster and backup quick Brendan Doggett retain their place in the squad despite missing out on selection in the recent Adelaide Test that saw Australia register an 82run triumph that helped them open up an unassailable 30 lead in the Ashes seriesAustralia squad fourth Test only Steve Smith c Scott Boland Alex Carey Brendan Doggett Cameron Green Travis Head Josh Inglis Usman Khawaja Marnus Labuschagne Todd Murphy Michael Neser Jhye Richardson Mitchell Starc Jake Weatherald Beau Webster IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/murphy-richardson-named-in-australias-boxing-day-test-squad-lyon-to-undergo-surgery-655256.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/delhi-hc-grants-injunction-in-favour-of-gavaskar-in-personality-rights-case-655316.html New Delhi Dec 23 The Delhi High Court on Tuesday passed an adinterim injunction protecting the personality and publicity rights of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar directing social media intermediaries and ecommerce platforms to take down unauthorised content and merchandise misusing his name image and likeness A singlejudge Bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora ordered platforms including Meta and X Corp to ensure that infringing URLs attributing false statements to Gavaskar are removed within 72 hoursThe Delhi High Court clarified that if users fail to remove infringing content within the stipulated time the social media platforms must disable access to such contentJustice Arora also directed ecommerce platforms to take down listings of products being sold in Gavaskarâs name without authorisation adding that if sellers fail to remove infringing products within 72 hours the platforms will delist themThe interim relief came in a suit filed by Gavaskar seeking protection of his personality rights against unauthorised exploitation across social media and online marketplacesThe former cricketer alleged that several social media pages were attributing fabricated quotes to him while multiple online sellers were offering fake autographed items and other merchandise falsely associated with himIn an earlier hearing Justice Arora had asked Gavaskar to provide the offending URLs to Google Meta and X while directing the intermediaries to act on his request under the Information Technology Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code Rules 2021 within a weekThe Gavaskar case adds to a growing list of highprofile personalities invoking their personality and publicity rights before the Delhi High CourtIn recent months actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr NTR spiritual leader and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar actors Nagarjuna Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Abhishek Bachchan filmmaker Karan Johar and podcaster Raj Shamani have secured court protection against unauthorised use of their identity likeness or AIgenerated imitationsThe Delhi High Court listed Gavaskars suit for further hearing on May 22 2026 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/delhi-hc-grants-injunction-in-favour-of-gavaskar-in-personality-rights-case-655316.html Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sakib-hussain-ready-for-fresh-start-in-ipl-bandwagon-after-being-picked-by-srh-655134.html New Delhi Dec 22 Sakib Hussain was at Biharâs Vijay Hazare Trophy camp in Patna when Sunrisers Hyderabad picked him for his base price of Rs 30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction The move marks the start of a new IPL chapter for Hussain the rightarm pacer who tasted championship glory with Kolkata Knight Riders KKR in 2024 though he didnât get to play a single game At the time of the auction we were at the Vijay Hazare Trophy camp in Patna When SRH picked me I felt really good because the things where I had my shortcomings I did improve on them during the IPL and implemented that in domestic games I have made sure to leave no stone unturned in overcoming those shortcomings and do well whenever a chance comes to play in the tournament said Hussain in an exclusive conversation with IANSHussainâs path of coming back to the IPL involved trials with Chennai Super Kings Delhi Capitals Rajasthan Royals and KKR before SRH got him in the auction Shortly after that he received an encouraging call from the franchises bowling coach and former India pacer Varun AaronVarun Aaron told me to get ready and that I have to do well and move ahead by working hard On hearing this first of all I thanked him and the SRH team for taking me in He replied back by telling me that this is just the fruit of your hardworkDespite not getting a game in IPL 2024 Hussainâs time with KKR proved invaluable as the Gopalganj native got masterclass from some of crickets biggest names like Andre Russell Sunil Narine Rinku Singh and coach Abhishek NayarAll of them taught me a lot of good things Like the way they planned playing with a different mindset on match day and how to judge a player I got to learn a lot of things there he saidHussain also learnt a valuable lesson in KKR that physical talent alone wouldnt separate the good from the great at a higher level In my time of being in KKR one big thing I learnt was cricket is a mind game The one who thinks well plays well on the fieldâEveryone is talented but the one who thinks well plays well In the IPL on a daily basis you have to think and plan about what to do Sometimes you have to change your plan in seconds and I got to learn about how to do thatHussainâs journey traces back to humble beginnings at Tunna Giri Cricket Academy in Gopalganj where coach Robin Singh became his pillar of support through every high and lowPeople like Saket bhaiya Kumar bhaiya at the academy have supported me My coach Robin Singh is the most special person in my life He has helped me through ups and downs as well as been in my good and bad times Heâs supported me a lot he saidHe also credited the Bihar Cricket Association leadership President Harsh Vardhan Rakesh Tiwari and Secretary Rahul for creating pathways that helped a smalltown cricketer like him to play at the highest level They all have helped me in going from playing in a small town to such a big stage They have supported me a lot and I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heartLooking ahead to his stint with SRH Hussain is eager to learn from captain Pat Cummins and other international stars in the setup In IPL you get a good coach and mentor who can guide you well But everywhere you go the main interest is in playing at any given opportunity and that aids your growth In the Hyderabad team a lot of legendary players like skipper Pat Cummins are present as I will get to learn a lot and carry those lessons very wellHussainâs bustling pace in his domestic performances caught the attention of IPL scouts particularly a remarkable 10wicket haul against Arunachal Pradesh in the first half of Ranji Trophy and taking six wickets in Biharâs Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league games in KolkataIn matches I just keep things simple and focus on what I want to do which was to pick timely breakthroughs It also helps that I never think too far and keep focus on doing things in the present moment in the matchHussainâs reentry into IPL reflects a broader resurgence in Biharâs cricket where the likes of Vaibhav Suryavanshi and fellow pacer Mohammad Izhar are also having IPL deals You can see that Bihar has such good players like me Vaibhav Izhar and many other talented players so its going well If we talk about cricket in Bihar there is a very good environment and thats why so many players are coming out and many great cricketers will come in futureHaving experienced the euphoria of an IPL title with KKR Hussain signed off by saying heâs hungry to recreate that success in SRH colours Definitely we will try to become the winning team again in the IPL next year It will be very good to have a picture there with the trophy again on my Instagram profile I am very excited to learn a lot and do well to win the trophy for SRH this time IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sakib-hussain-ready-for-fresh-start-in-ipl-bandwagon-after-being-picked-by-srh-655134.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/meet-mohammad-izhar-the-left-arm-pacer-from-bihar-who-caught-the-eye-of-mumbai-indians-655142.html New Delhi Dec 22 Mohammad Izhar had little time to savour the feeling of his IPL dream coming true As his name was called out at the IPL 2026 auction the leftarm pacer from Birpur in Biharâs Supaul district was already racing against the clock within 1520 minutes he needed to board a bus for a sixhour ride to Patna where the Vijay Hazare Trophy camp awaited him When the auction was on I was at home with my brothers in law While from the outside I was very excited and nervous I was very anxious about whether my name will come in the auction or not Finally the Mumbai Indians picked me and it brought in a different level of happinessâWhile I was feeling very good and excited about getting a chance to be in IPL I became very emotional Though everyone began celebrating at home I had to leave to catch the bus for Patna so I didnt celebrate it much Izhar recalled in an exclusive conversation with IANSThe fivetime champions have been renowned for unearthing uncapped gems through a robust scouting system Though they had a small purse in IPL 2026 auction picking Izhar for his base price of Rs 30 lakh is very much a signal that they may have unearthed another gem in the makingEven as he remained engaged with the trials of Kolkata Knight Riders Izhar recalled how the fivetime champions chose patience in having a look at him Though Mumbai Indians is a big franchise they are so humble which even words cannot explain When they called me for a trial I was at KKRs trialâBut despite being such a big team they waited for me to come for the trials When I reached I was very tired but I saw they waited for me and told me to rest for a while so that I could bowl comfortably after recovering I rested well and then went through the trials very well Its a very good franchise and the coaches there were very humbleIzhars cricketing journey began in Birpur a town in Supaul district where tennis ball cricket was the gateway to bigger dreams His transition to leather ball cricket came through a chance observation by his local mentor Jaichand who spotted raw talent that others missedJaichand bhaiya and Birbal bhaiya got me into leather ball cricket and taught me a lot for the last 23 years Previously I played tennis ball cricket and in one of the games Jaichand bhaiya saw me bowling and then he told me to start playing with a leather ballâI then went on to play for the district and initially it felt a little tough as I was straightaway playing these games without having played leather ball cricket before But it began so well that I havenât looked back after that Birbal bhaiya is a star bowler himself I learnt a lot from him and Jaichand who himself was a cricketer he addedWatching legendary fast bowlers Mitchell Starc Shoaib Akhtar and Brett Lee also transformed Izharâs casual interest into a Junoon passion to play cricket Starc has always been my idol from the start Then seeing Akhtar and Lee take wickets brought in a junoon in me about playing cricket From the start it was not like I will play for India or be in IPL Gradually I started playing and those thing started to come in my mindâYou do get a good understanding of these things once you start to put yourself through the grind I started setting aims that I want to play for the state and do well there It was in my mind that I wanted to play in the IPL though the goal of playing for India is still at the top But I didnt anticipate that I will get picked this year So I am very thankful to God that I got picked for IPL this yearLike many young cricketers from smaller towns Izhars early journey wasnt paved with automatic support Bihars limited cricketing infrastructure meant initial struggles were there but his fathers growing belief in him transformed everythingWhen I started playing my father started giving me a lot of support He began to understand that I have games to play and do well in them The support from him grew so much that he started taking care of everything around me by himself Whenever I got small bruises he would put a bandage quickly at homeThe Bihar Cricket Associations faith proved equally crucial especially after Izhar had a disappointing previous season The backing from BCA officials including previous President Rakesh Tiwari allowed Izhar to rebuild confidence and rediscover form when it mattered mostLast year I did not get anything great in terms of performances I started preparing for this season early and the association trusted me to come good So I am very thankful for that to all of them in BCA I am very thankful for the chances because of which I got selected for the IPLâI had a good performance this time in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy taking nine wickets in five games in Kolkata where the IPL scouts saw me called me for trials got into the auction and now I will be in IPLIzharâs bowling arsenal centers on both inswing and outswing complemented by variations of slower ball essential for success in T20s Operating around 135 kmph Izhar acknowledges his game remains a work in progress particularly his execution of yorker and consistency with swing deliveriesI also have the yorker in my repertoire but I need to groom and polish it more In all I need to do everything better because I am not always perfect Like my in swing and out swing is not perfect yet and I need to work on it more I always try to work on the small things and make my bowling better Plus there are some variations of slower ball that I need to polish and groom moreWith an IPL deal in hand Izhar will have access to two masters of the craft Trent Boult whose leftarm swing bowling mirrors Izhars own style and Jasprit Bumrah whose yorkers and control have redefined modernday fast bowling Boult bowls with the left arm like me and Bumrah swings the ball well His yorkers are deadly I am going to learn a lot from themFor youngsters from modest cricketing outposts Izharâs rise carries a clear message patience and persistence outweigh the lure of instant success His journey from tennisball matches in Birpur to an IPL contract with MI stands as validation of that beliefI would say just focus on the process keep going by working hard and wait for the right time You do not get success in a very short span as it demands a lot of time You have to be consistent and believe in God Plus you have to believe in yourself that you can do it When the time comes you will get the reward If you work hard you will get successNow on the cusp of wearing MIâs iconic blue and gold in IPL 2026 Izharâs emergence adds fresh momentum to his promising cricketing story It underlines once more that with the right backing cricketing talent can emerge from the gameâs most unheralded corners IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/meet-mohammad-izhar-the-left-arm-pacer-from-bihar-who-caught-the-eye-of-mumbai-indians-655142.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-asia-cup-minhas-hits-blistering-172-as-pakistan-win-title-after-beating-india-by-191-runs-654996.html Dubai Dec 21 Sameer Minhas smashed a blistering 113ball 172 and powered Pakistan to a thumping 191run win over an outofsorts India to clinch the U19 Menâs Asia Cup title at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday It also meant that India which had an unbeaten campaign so far suffered their heaviest defeat in terms of runs in Youth ODIs Pakistan meanwhile has grabbed the U19 Menâs Asia Cup trophy for the first time having shared the 2012 edition title with India where the final ended in a tieAsked to bat first on a pitch that aided great strokeplay Pakistan were clinical in their approach to post an imposing 3478 with Minhas one of the standout batters in the competition leading the charge in commanding fashion by hitting 17 fours and nine sixesHe also shared partnerships of 92 and 137 with Usman Khan 35 and Ahmed Hussain 56 as Pakistan ensured the Indian bowling lineup barring spinner Khilan Patel had an outing they would not like to rememberThe only solace for India who looked unsorted in their fielding was that they managed to pull things back in the last 10 overs to keep Pakistan three runs short of 350In the chase of a massive target India began brightly in reply racing to 32 runs in the first two overs But the chase unravelled swiftly after skipper Ayush Mhatre fell cheaply in the third overOnce Vaibhav Suryavanshi fell for a 10ball 26 the rest of the Indian batting lineup never showed any kind of fight Indiaâs batters perished to rash strokes on short balls leaving them reeling at 685 by the end of the powerplay From there despite Deepesh Devendran top scoring with 36 India were bowled out for 156 in 262 overs with Pakistan pacer Ali Raza taking 442Brief scoresPakistan U19 3478 in 50 overs Sameer Minhas 172 Ahmed Hussain 56 Deepesh Devendran 383 Khilan Patel 244 beat India U19 156 all out in 262 overs Deepesh Devendran 36 Vaibhav Suryavanshi 26 Ali Raza 442 Huzaifa Ahsan 212 by 191 runs IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-asia-cup-minhas-hits-blistering-172-as-pakistan-win-title-after-beating-india-by-191-runs-654996.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 01:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/nz-rise-to-second-in-wtc-rankings-after-323-run-win-against-wi-655066.html New Delhi Dec 22 New Zealand climbed to second on the ICC World Test Championship table after completing a dominant 323run win over the West Indies in the third and final Test at Mount Maunganui The comprehensive victory lifted New Zealand above South Africa with only Australia ahead of them in the WTC standingsNew Zealands next assignment is a threematch World Test Championship series against England scheduled for the middle of next yearThe West Indies meanwhile remain ninth on the table and will return to action at home next year in a series against Sri Lanka and PakistanThe Black Caps sealed the result midway through the final session at Bay Oval with leftarm seamer Jacob Duffy claiming the final wicket to bring the match to a close The performance also capped off an outstanding series for Duffy earning him the Player of the Series awardDuffy was the standout bowler in the West Indiesâ second innings returning figures of 542 as the visitors were bowled out for 138 while chasing a daunting target of 462 He finished the series with 23 wickets playing a central role in New Zealandâs 20 series win and a strong start to their World Test Championship campaignIn the process the leftarmer surpassed a longstanding national milestone breaking Richard Hadleeâs record for the most wickets by a New Zealander in a calendar year His third fivewicket haul of the series took his tally beyond Hadleeâs previous mark of 80I saw that list most wickets in a calendar year at lunch time and there were some cool names on there so to be up there on any sort of list with those sort of names was special Duffy admittedNew Zealandâs bowlers were backed up by a monumental effort with the bat led by openers Devon Conway and captain Tom Latham The pair created history by becoming the first opening combination in Test cricket to each register two centuries in the same matchConwayâs contributions were particularly notable as his scores of 227 and 100 made him the first New Zealander and just the 10th player overall to record both a double century and a century in a single Test He was rewarded with the Player of the Match accoladeI dont think its sunk in yet It will take some time for me to get my head around what happened in this Test match But Im really glad we got the win Conway said IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/nz-rise-to-second-in-wtc-rankings-after-323-run-win-against-wi-655066.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/nepal-name-24-player-group-for-training-camp-ahead-of-t20-wc-655101.html Kathmandu Dec 22 Nepal have announced a 24player group that will help determine their final squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup The 24player list that will attend a training camp ahead of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup will determine their final squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup with selectors needing to reduce the size of the group to 15 players prior to the next edition of the 20over showcase in India and Sri Lanka starting on February 7Nepal have stuck with the 16 members that performed well when defeating the West Indies 21 during the T20I series in September and October and added a further eight players into contention such as Sher Malla Binod Bhandari Abinash Bohara and Bashir Ahmed who impressed during the recent Nepal Premier League ICC reportsNepal qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup with an unbeaten run at the ICC Mens T20 World Cup AsiaPacific Regional Final in Oman in October and will compete in the tournament for a second consecutive time and third overallNepal are drawn in Group C at the T20 World Cup and will play against England the West Indies Bangladesh and ItalyThe 20team tournament will be cohosted by India and Sri Lanka across 29 days and eight venues five in India and three in Sri LankaA total of 40 group matches will be played between February 720 with the top two sides from each group then progressing to the Super Eights phase of the tournament that commences on February 21The top four sides at the completion of the Super Eights qualify for the knockout stages of the event with semifinals to be held in KolkataColombo and Mumbai ahead of the title decider on March 8 in AhmedabadColomboNepal training camp squad Rohit Paudel Dipendra Singh Airee Sandeep Lamichhane Kushal Bhurtel Aasif Sheikh Kushal Malla Sundeep Jora Gulshan Jha Sompal Kami Nandan Yadav Lalit Rajbanshi Lokesh Bam Aarif Sheikh Aadil Ansari Karan KC Sahab Alam Sher Malla Bhim Sharki Ishan Pandey Basir Ahamad Binod Bhandari Abinash Bohora Pratish GC Rupesh K Singh IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/nepal-name-24-player-group-for-training-camp-ahead-of-t20-wc-655101.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-jhye-richardson-likely-to-be-added-to-australias-camp-ahead-of-boxing-day-test-655102.html New Delhi Dec 22 Rightarm quick Jhye Richardson is likely to be included in the XI for the Boxing Day Test of the Ashes series after recovering from shoulder surgery After undergoing surgery in January Richardson returned to cricket with his club Fremantle last month He also spent time with the Test squad ahead of the Ashes opener in Perth before playing for a Cricket Australia XI and Australia A against England LionsRichardson got a golden chance to push his claims for a Test recall after taking 435 against the England Lions as he was called in to bowl with Australias Test attack ahead of the third Ashes TestWith skipper Pat Cummins expected to sit out the Melbourne Test and potentially the rest of the series this will open the vacancy in the pace attack meaning Richardson is very close to being in considerationThe fact that Richardson has been called into camp to bowl in front of the coaching staff shows he remains very much in Australias plans despite playing his last Test in December 2022Moreover with veteran spinner Nathan Lyon being ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury Australia will need to figure out a replacement for the veteran of 141 TestsTodd Murphy is likely the frontrunner to replace Lyon in the squad with Corey Rocchiccioli Matthew Kuhnemann Mitch Swepson and Cooper Connolly also in the frayMurphy is likely the frontrunner to replace Lyon in the squad He was selected for his Test debut at 22 during Australias BorderGavaskar Trophy tour of India in 2023 He took a stunning 7124 on debut and dismissed Virat Kohli four times throughout the seriesMurphy was called in as Lyons injury replacement during the 2023 Ashes and returned to the Test team against Sri Lanka in January this year taking one wicket in Australias innings victory IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-jhye-richardson-likely-to-be-added-to-australias-camp-ahead-of-boxing-day-test-655102.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/richard-ngarava-named-zimbabwes-new-test-and-odi-captain-654866.html New Delhi Dec 20 Zimbabwe Cricket ZC have named Richard Ngarava as the new captain for both Test and OneDay International ODI formats with Brian Bennett serving as vicecaptain The appointments were confirmed during the ZC Boardâs fourthquarter meeting in Harare on Friday The leftarm fast bowler takes over from veteran batter Craig Ervine who is stepping down after guiding the team through an important rebuilding phaseZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani congratulated the new leadership team and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing captain âNgarava has shown remarkable growth as a player and leader over the years He commands respect within the dressing room and has consistently delivered for Zimbabwe across all formats We believe he is ready to lead the team into its next chapter Brianâs appointment as vicecaptain reflects our confidence in his cricketing intelligence maturity and longterm leadership potentialâHe represents the future of Zimbabwean cricket Craig Ervine led with professionalism resilience and dignity during a challenging period ZC is deeply grateful for his contribution to the teamâs stability and progressâ Mukuhlani said in a statement released by Zimbabwe CricketNgarava who debuted internationally in 2017 is a key part of Zimbabweâs bowling lineup As a leftarm fastmedium bowler he has played in Tests ODIs and T20Is and is the first Zimbabwean to reach 100 T20I wicketsHis career highlights include matchwinning fivewicket hauls in both Test and ODI cricket as well as a key contribution in Zimbabweâs first home Test victory in 12 years Bennett a talented young allrounder from Zimbabwe has advanced quickly since leading the Under19 team and making his senior international debut in all formats by age 21His recent milestones include centuries in both Test and ODI formats setting the record for the fastest Test hundred by a Zimbabwean and notable performances in both redball and limitedovers cricket ZC stated that these appointments are part of its longterm plan to develop a competitive and sustainable national team IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/richard-ngarava-named-zimbabwes-new-test-and-odi-captain-654866.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-asia-cup-with-formidable-batting-india-aims-to-extend-dominance-over-pakistan-in-title-clash-654887.html Dubai Dec 20 Just a week after India and Pakistan met in U19 Asia Cup league stage the arch rivals are set to face in the title clash at the ICC Academy Ground on Sunday In their previous meeting where India won by 90 runs both teams refused to shake hands and the same is expected to happen in the final For India who have won the U19 Asia Cup eight times the final offers a chance to practice being in highpressure scenarios ahead of next monthâs Under19 World Cup while Pakistan will view it as another test of temperament ahead of the mega event in Zimbabwe and NamibiaDespite Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi not firing consistently India can draw solace from the fact that other batters Aaron George Vihaan Malhotra Vedant Trivedi and Abhigyan Kundu are amongst the runs The batting is complemented by pacers Kishan Singh and Deepesh Devendran while being backed by spinners Khilan Patel and Kanishk ChouhanPakistan meanwhile will rely on Sameer Minhas the teamâs highest rungetter with 299 runs in four matches including a century and a halfcentury In bowling rightarm pacer Abdul Subhan has been the most successful bowler with 11 wickets from three matches while leftarm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam has claimed eight wickets so farGiven the quality on both sides another lowscoring contest cannot be ruled out especially with rain likely to stay away The finalâs result may hinge on which batting group adapts better under pressure in a game that rarely fails to deliver dramaWhen Sunday December 21 1030 AM ISTWhere ICC Academy Ground DubaiWhere to watch Sony Sports Ten 1 Ten 3 and Ten 4 SD amp HD channels on TV and SonyLIV for live streamingSquadsIndia Ayush Mhatre C Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Vihaan Malhotra vc Vedant Trivedi Abhigyan Kundu wk Harvansh Singh wk Yuvraj Gohil Kanishk Chouhan Khilan A Patel Naman Pushpak D Deepesh Henil Patel Kishan Kumar Singh Udhav Mohan and Aaron GeorgePakistan Farhan Yousaf captain Usman Khan vicecaptain Abdul Subhan Ahmed Hussain Ali Hassan Baloch Ali Raza Daniyal Ali Khan Hamza Zahoor wk Huzaifa Ahsan Momin Qamar Mohammad Huzaifa Mohammad Sayyam Mohammad Shayan wk Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/u19-asia-cup-with-formidable-batting-india-aims-to-extend-dominance-over-pakistan-in-title-clash-654887.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ahead-of-2026-wpl-delhi-capitals-set-to-announce-new-captain-on-sunday-evening-654892.html New Delhi Dec 20 Ahead of the 2026 Womenâs Premier League WPL threetime runnersup Delhi Capitals DC are set to announce their new captain for the upcoming season on Sunday evening DC were captained by Australiaâs multiple times World Cup winning skipper Meg Lanning but fell short of winning the WPL title in 2023 2024 and 2025 respectively But with Meg released by the franchise and being roped in by UP Warriorz UPW at the mega auction in New Delhi last month they have a leadership void to fillIANS understands that India batter Jemimah Rodrigues and South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt are in the race to be DCâs new captain âJemimah had been DCâs vicecaptain for three seasons while Laura has considerable international leadership experience by leading the Proteas It will be interesting to see who they go withâ said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on SaturdayThe new captainâs announcement by DC will also be made live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network channels at 6pm on Sunday evening just before Indiaâs opening T20I against Sri Lanka takes place at the ACAVDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam Barring a lastminute change DC might go in with an Indian skipper if coowner Parth Jindalâs words in the mega auction are to go byâI think we are very clear that we would like to have an Indian as the captain So depending on who else we land we already have our mind made up But lets see what happens but I mean Laura will add a lot of leadership qualities into the dressing room But we are clear that we want to go with an Indian captainâ Jindal had said in the press conference during the mega auctionDC will open their 2026 WPL campaign against defending champions and twotime winners Mumbai Indians at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 10 This is the first time a WPL season will be played in the JanuaryFebruary window The final will take place at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on February 5 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ahead-of-2026-wpl-delhi-capitals-set-to-announce-new-captain-on-sunday-evening-654892.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-nathan-lyon-ruled-out-of-remainder-of-adelaide-test-with-hamstring-injury-654911.html Adelaide Dec 21 Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the remainder of the third Ashes Test due to hamstring injury The injury also puts him in doubt in the remainder of the series Lyon 38 grabbed his right hamstring after diving to save a ball at fine leg but he came up cautiously and signaled to the dressing room almost afterAfter a quick conversation with Marnus Labuschagne who gave him a pat on the back he left the field of play at fine leg and limped to the changing rooms Before the lunch break on the fifth day he was observed on crutches to leave Adelaide Oval for an injury scanHe would no longer participate in the game according to a Cricket Australia representative This is the not the first time Lyon has suffered injury like thisWhile chasing a ball on the field at Lords in the second Test of the 2023 Ashes Lyon sustained a right calf injury that ended the series for himLyon had taken five crucial wickets during the third Test including three in the second inningsThere will be an intriguing selection debate regarding Australias specialist spinner if Lyon is unable to play in the fourth Test in MelbourneAustralias No 2 Test spinner leftarm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is on the teams contract list and has travelled to the West Indies However in spinfriendly conditions abroad he serves as Lyons complementary second spinner In recent years offspin has outperformed leftarm orthodox in Australian conditions Due to injuries and Australias whiteball duty Kuhnemann has only participated in two Sheffield Shield games this season taking four wickets at 36Veteran off spinner Todd Murphy who has played seven Test including three Ashes is also in line to replace Lyon IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-nathan-lyon-ruled-out-of-remainder-of-adelaide-test-with-hamstring-injury-654911.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 11:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-skipper-pat-cummins-doubtful-for-remainder-of-series-654943.html Adelaide Dec 21 Australia captain Pat Cummins is unlikely to feature in the Boxing Day Test against England scheduled to take place from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground After a fiveandahalfmonth injury break the Australian captain took six wickets in the third Test and was a key factor in their 82run win at the Adelaide Oval Following wins in Perth and Brisbane the hosts continued their strong performance and clinched the series 30 successfully retaining the Ashes The captain expressed joy over the amazing series victory but indicated he will reconsider injury risks for the upcoming matchesIm feeling really good but as for the rest of the series well wait and see We had a pretty aggressive buildup knowing that its the Ashes there to be won and we thought that was worth it Now that the series has been won there might be a sense of jobs done and lets reassess the riskâ he told the broadcasters after the gameWell work it out over the next couple of days I doubt Ill be playing Melbourne and then well have a chat about Sydney But certainly before the series it was while the series was live lets take on the risk and have a crack at it now its done I think well need to have a chat about itâ Cummins addedEnglands Jamie Smith and Will Jacks challenged the hosts with a counterattack for a period but pacer Mitchell Starc took three of the last four wickets including those of Smith and Jacks Scott Boland finished the innings by taking the wicket of Josh Tongue securing Australia a wellearned victoryIt feels pretty awesome Yeah amazing Its a series weve been thinking about for a long time It wasnt easy today but we got it done Its a pretty excited changing room in thereâ Cummins said on the winSpeaking on about maintaining the pressure on England he said I think thats when were at our best this cricket team You cant really rush things here in Australia I think you kind of will it to happen but it doesnt really work that way Its good oldfashioned grind a lot of the time I loved the toil from all the guys today It got a little bit closer than I would have liked but Im pretty happyNathan Lyon who took three wickets on day four was sidelined due to a hamstring injury while fielding but the captain praised the teams efforts on the fieldI think thats one of the things Im most proud about in this group Nothing ever really happens perfectly theres always something that gets thrown upOver the last few years this groups have shown it can just crack on Even I missed the first couple of games Steve stepped right in and it was smooth and seamless Theres always things that crop up Nathan Lyon doing his hammy with a couple of hours left todayThe boys just go okay thats happened Lets crack on Whats next I think thats one of the big reasons why weve had our success over the last couple of yearsâ he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-skipper-pat-cummins-doubtful-for-remainder-of-series-654943.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/the-youth-factor-just-isnt-there-right-now-uthappa-questions-srhs-bowling-squad-654964.html New Delhi Dec 21 Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa highlighted Sunrisers Hyderabads bowling issue citing a lack of youth bowlers which could hurt the franchise in the IPL 2026 The Hyderabadbased franchise retained their core squad boasting one of the strongest squads in IPL 2025 featuring players like Travis Head Abhishek Sharma Pat Cummins Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen They signed seasoned players including Salil Arora Jack Edwards and Liam Livingstone for Rs 13 crore as well as a number of promising stars through the miniauction before to IPL 2026However Uthappa questioned the signing of Livingstone and his place in the eleven and also shared his thoughts on the weak bowling attackâNothing has really changed SRH have taken a clear stand they want to win the championship on the back of their batting at full tilt If you look at this auction and the way theyâve gone about it theyâve stayed true to that narrative They havenât gone after an Indian bowler who could support Pat Cummins Harshal Patel or Jaydev Unadkat We know Harshal can pick up wickets but he can also be expensive The same goes for Unadkat Pat Cummins is the only bowler who can consistently hold one end Nitish Reddy is still developing as an allrounder so how much responsibility will he get SRH are batting like they want to breach 300 every gameBut the question is â where does Liam Livingstone fit into this lineup You already have Travis Head Heinrich Klaasen Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga occupying overseas slots Are they planning to chase every game Or are they accepting that their bowling lacks depth especially with some bowlers being in the latter stages of their careers The youth factor in the bowling unit just isnât there right now Uthappa said on JioStarFormer India cricketer Anil Kumble also commented on Liam Livingstone joining SRH for Rs 13 crore and questioned the bowling options for SRH alongwith skipper CumminsâI think Liam Livingstone as a buy certainly makes sense in a T20 lineup irrespective of his performances last season with RCB Heâs the kind of player who can change a game in just a few overs thatâs the way he bats On top of that heâs extremely flexible â he can open bat at No 3 or play in the middle order That said spending â¹13 crore becomes an interesting call when you already have a bowling captain in Pat Cummins who bats lower down the order along with Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen â three overseas slots that are almost fixed IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/the-youth-factor-just-isnt-there-right-now-uthappa-questions-srhs-bowling-squad-654964.html Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/happy-for-my-thambi-sanju-ashwin-reacts-to-indias-t20-wc-squad-654864.html New Delhi Dec 20 Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed delight at Indiaâs T20 World Cup 2026 squad stating that the team was ready for its title defence He said he was happy for his âbrotherâ Sanju Samson and lauded Ishan Kishanâs selection who has made a comeback to international cricket In a surprising move defending champions India have excluded Shubman Gill from their squad for next yearâs T20 World Cup and the upcoming T20Is against New Zealand As announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia captain Suryakumar Yadav chief selector Ajit Agarkar and vicecaptain Axar Patel this squad highlights notable changesBesides Gill wicketkeeperbatter Jitesh Sharma is also omitted as Ishan Kishan makes a remarkable comeback after showcasing explosive form while leading Jharkhand to victory in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Rinku Singh also returns to the T20I squad after missing out on the 31 series win in South AfricaâTitle defence loading Superb squad Great to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju who will now rightfully open alongside Abhishek Adipoli Chetta Huge applause for Ishan who showed his hunger by grinding hard in the domestic circuitâ Ashwin wrote on XThe 2026 Menâs T20 World Cup taking place from February 7 to March 8 will feature 40 group matches all scheduled to be played by February 20 The top two teams from each of the four groups will move on to the Super Eights beginning on February 21India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Menâs T20 World Cup for the second time Sri Lanka previously hosted in 2012 while India last held the event in 2016 After finishing a threematch ODI series India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur with matches also scheduled in Raipur Guwahati Visakhapatnam and ThiruvananthapuramIn the Menâs T20 World Cup defending champions India are in Group A with Pakistan USA Netherlands and Namibia India kicks off its tournament against the USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7 followed by a match against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12Indiaâs highprofile match against Pakistan is set for February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo Their next and final league game will be against the Netherlands taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 18India squad Suryakumar Yadav captain Abhishek Sharma Sanju Samson wk Tilak Varma Hardik Pandya Shivam Dube Axar Patel vicecaptain Rinku Singh Jasprit Bumrah Varun Chakaravarthy Arshdeep Singh Kuldeep Yadav Harshit Rana Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/happy-for-my-thambi-sanju-ashwin-reacts-to-indias-t20-wc-squad-654864.html Sat, 20 Dec 2025 23:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wi-v-nz-kavem-hodges-unbeaten-ton-leads-windies-fightback-on-day-3-at-bay-oval-654794.html Mount Maunganui Dec 20 Kavem Hodges unbeaten century has led the West Indies fightback in response to New Zealands mammoth firstinnings score as the visitors finished Day 3 of the final Test at 3816 at Bay Oval on Saturday Hodge brought up his second Test hundred and remained unbeaten on 109 as West Indies avoided the followon late on Day 3 giving them a chance to save this Test match The West Indies are still 194 runs behind New Zealands 575 for 8Resuming from their overnight score of 110 for no loss the Windies carried on from their good start but Jacob Duffy dismissed John Campbell who failed to add to his overnight scoreNew Zealand continued to apply early pressure on the visitors but Hodge broke the shackles with three boundaries in nine deliveries Soon Duffy struck again in the first hour removing Brandon King for 63Then Hodge and Tevin Imlach brought up the 50run stand and soon after the former moved to 50 as the visitors reached 2062 at the stroke of lunchAfter lunch New Zealand broke the 66run stand between Hodge and Imlach when Michael Rae removed the latter for 27 Alick Athanaze then joined Hodge and the duo put together 81 for the fourth wicket before Athanaze was dismissed by Ajaz Patel his first Test wicket at home after 22 Tests falling five short of a halfcenturyHodge and Justin Greaves struck a few timely boundaries as the West Indies crossed the 300run mark approaching tea New Zealand took the second new ball as soon as it was available with Duffy getting some movement but the Windies duo saw their side through to tea at 310 for 4After the tea break the pair continued to time the ball superbly picking up boundaries in quick succession However Greaves missed a nipbacker from Daryl Mitchell that struck him on the pads resulting in an LBW decision which he reviewedSoon after Patel removed West Indies captain Roston Chase for two while Hodge chipped a shot into the air that fell just short of the midoff fielder Anderson Phillip and Hodge then took a few blows to the body from Michael Rae before Hodge brought up his second Test hundred on the stroke of stumpsHodge and Phillip took the visitors to 381 for 6 still trailing by 194 runs at stumpsBrief Scores New Zealand 5758d Devon Conway 227 Tom Latham 137 Justin Greaves 283 lead West Indies 3816 Kavem Hodge 109 Brandon King 63 Jacob Duffy 279 Ajaz Patel 294 by 194 runs IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/wi-v-nz-kavem-hodges-unbeaten-ton-leads-windies-fightback-on-day-3-at-bay-oval-654794.html Sat, 20 Dec 2025 14:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/gill-axed-axar-named-vice-captain-ishan-returns-as-india-name-t20-wc-squad-654810.html Mumbai Dec 20 In a surprising development defending champions India have left out Shubman Gill from its squad for next yearâs T20 World Cup and T20Is against New Zealand In the squad announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar Axar Patel has been named as the vicecaptain Apart from Gill wicketkeeperbatter Jitesh Sharma misses out as Ishan Kishan makes a stunning return to the team following his explosive form leading Jharkhand to a recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win Meanwhie Rinku Singh also makes his return to the T20I team after missing out on the 31 series win in South AfricaâWe are looking at combinations Our thought was to have another keeper Gill is a quality player unfortunate to miss out but it is the combination we want Ishan bats at the top he has been in good form and played before for IndiaâHe wasnt there because Jurel and Pant were ahead Sanju is at the top Ishan at the top That is the combination we are looking at right now We felt he is the best back up keeper at this pointâ said AgarkarThe 2026 Menâs T20 World Cup to be held from February 7 to March 8 will have 40 group matches scheduled to be played till February 20 Top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super Eights starting on February 21India and Sri Lanka are hosting the Menâs T20 World Cup for the second time Sri Lanka were the hosts of the 2012 edition while India last hosted the competition in 2016 After the completion of the threematch ODI series India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21 in Nagpur followed by games in Raipur Guwahati Visakhapatnam and ThiruvananthapuramIn the Menâs T20 World Cup defending champions India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan USA Netherlands and Namibia The Men in Blue will be aiming to become the first team to successfully defend the Menâs T20 World Cup title the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil and the first team to clinch the T20 world title for a third timeIndia will open its Cup campaign against USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7 before facing Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on February 12Indiaâs marquee clash against Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo before the side plays their final league stage game against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 18India squad Suryakumar Yadav captain Abhishek Sharma Sanju Samson wk Tilak Varma Hardik Pandya Shivam Dube Axar Patel vicecaptain Rinku Singh Jasprit Bumrah Varun Chakaravarthy Arshdeep Singh Kuldeep Yadav Harshit Rana Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/gill-axed-axar-named-vice-captain-ishan-returns-as-india-name-t20-wc-squad-654810.html Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/indias-vir-gahrotra-wins-historic-gold-at-pole-and-aerial-sports-world-cship-654845.html Mumbai Dec 20 Indian athlete Vir Gahrotra won a gold medal at the Pole and Aerial Sports World Championship achieving Indiaâs firstever podium finish at this international event in Budapest Hungary Vir a 16yearold from Mumbai represented India in the Junior B Amateur Men 15â17 years aerial silk category Facing competitors from countries with strong aerial sports traditions like Ukraine Hungary and the Czech Republic Gahrotra delivered a technically demanding and winning performanceAerial silk is a performanceorientated form of aerial gymnastics that demands substantial upperbody strength endurance flexibility and artistic expressionAt the championship level routines are evaluated based on technical precision execution and artistry not just difficulty Gahrotraâs goldwinning routine was notable for its control consistency and calmness despite fatigue which earned it the highest scores from the judgesIndia achieved a historic milestone by participating in the inaugural POSA World Aerial Championships 2025 organised by the Pole Sports amp Arts World Federation POSA Held in Budapest this prestigious international event gathered top aerial and pole athletes from more than 40 countriesVirâs victory marks a historic milestone for Indian aerial sports as he won the countryâs firstever gold medal at the championship in the Junior B Men â Amateur Aerial Silks category This achievement is a proud and significant moment for Indiaâs debut on the international stageThe fourday championship showcased worldclass rigging with certified international judges overseeing the event It included top disciplines such as Aerial Silks Aerial Hoop Aerial Artistic and Pole Sport Although the aerial competitions have finished the Pole Sport contests are still in progress with athletes from around the globe delivering exciting performancesThe Indian team was commanded by head coach Ria Bajaj and Coach Masuma Mun with assistance from Indian Federation Committee members Shrikant Warankar Suresh Gandhi and Pankaj KundeâThis debut marks a powerful beginning for India at POSA Our students have trained tirelessly and witnessing them perform with confidence and excellence on a global stage is deeply inspiringâ Coach Ria said IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/indias-vir-gahrotra-wins-historic-gold-at-pole-and-aerial-sports-world-cship-654845.html Sat, 20 Dec 2025 23:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/dc-needed-someone-to-open-bowling-with-starc-says-abhinav-mukund-on-auqib-dars-ipl-2026-deal-654597.html New Delhi Dec 19 Former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund hailed Auqib Dars longawaited break on the Indian Premier League IPL stage after the Jammu and Kashmir pacer bagged an Rs 840 crore deal from Delhi Capitals in the miniauction held recently Mukund said Delhi Capitals needed someone to open bowling alongside veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc in their squad in the upcoming IPL and Auqib is the opening bowling option DC was looking forStarting at a base price of Rs 30 lakh Auqib sparked an intense bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers but the 29yearold pacer from Baramulla was snapped up by DCI am very happy for Auqib Dar He has played for a long time for Jammu and Kashmir and finally gets a chance on this big stage Delhi Capitals needed powerplay bowling options Some people question his death bowling but he will learn at a tough ground like DelhiAfter last years issues with Natarajans injury they went for multiple pacers They needed someone to open the bowling with Mitchell Starc That is the role they see for him at Delhi Capitals which is a heartwarming story he saidA consistent wickettaker across formats in domestic cricket over the past few seasons Auqib is primarily a swing bowler Recently however the Jammu amp Kashmir bowler has added new dimensions to his gameâmost notably improved deathovers skillsâwhich have significantly boosted his valueDelhi Capitals coowner Parth Jindal said they needed someone who swings the ball and Auqib is the perfect candidate to play that roleWe needed someone who swings the ball and gets early breakthroughs and we found Auqib Dar as the perfect candidate to play that role and thats the reason why we tracked him throughout the entirety of the current domestic cricket season He is an exciting talent and we went all out for him We are really happy to get a player from Jammu and Kashmir Jindal said IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/dc-needed-someone-to-open-bowling-with-starc-says-abhinav-mukund-on-auqib-dars-ipl-2026-deal-654597.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ed-attaches-rs-793-crore-assets-of-yuvraj-singh-robin-uthappa-others-in-illegal-betting-app-case-654655.html New Delhi Dec 19 In fresh trouble for cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa actor Sonu Sood and others the Enforcement Directorate ED attached their movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 793 crore as part of action against illegal offshore betting platform 1xBet an official said on Friday Earlier on October 6 the ED had attached assets amounting to Rs 1114 crore of cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh RainaOthers against whom the latest action in the case has been taken by the ED Headquarters Office include actresses Urvashi Rautela Mimi Chakraborty actor Ankush Hazra and actress Neha Sharma an ED statement saidThe attachment was done under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act PMLA 2002 an official statement saidThe ED initiated investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by various state police agencies against the operators of the illegal offshore betting platform 1xBetThe investigation has revealed that 1xBet and its surrogate brand 1xBat 1xbat Sporting lines were engaged in promoting and facilitating illegal online betting and gambling operations across IndiaThe ED investigation revealed that the celebrities knowingly entered into endorsement agreements with foreign entities for the promotion of 1xBet through its surrogates the statement saidThese endorsements were made in return for payments routed through foreign entities to conceal the illicit origin of the funds which are linked to proceeds of crime generated from illegal betting activities it addedThe ED investigation revealed that 1xBet operated in India without authorisation and used surrogate branding and advertisements to target Indian users through social media online videos and print mediaPayments for endorsements were structured through layered transactions using foreign intermediaries to disguise the illegal source of funds the ED saidThe ED cautioned that illegal betting and gambling platforms cause serious economic harm and are widely used for money laundering and other unlawful activitiesIt advised the public to avoid such platforms and report any suspicious transactions or advertisements to law enforcement agencies or the EDThe ED also warned celebrities and social media influencers that endorsing or promoting illegal betting or gambling platforms including through surrogate promotions was a punishable offence attracting action under applicable laws IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ed-attaches-rs-793-crore-assets-of-yuvraj-singh-robin-uthappa-others-in-illegal-betting-app-case-654655.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/renshaw-wildermuth-centuries-guide-brisbane-heat-to-highest-bbl-chase-654666.html Brisbane Dec 10 Brisbane Heat produced a night for the history books at the Gabba pulling off the highest successful run chase in Big Bash League BBL history as they hunted down a target of 258 to beat Perth Scorchers with a ball to spare on Friday night The Heat finished their innings on 2582 chasing 257 capping an incredible eightwicket victory that will go down in league history as one of the bestMatt Renshaw and Jack Wildermuth put together a recordbreaking 212run partnership marking the first time in T20 cricket history that two batters scored hundreds in the same run chase In a Friday night blitz at the Gabba Brisbane defeated Perths 257 in front of 24277 spectators defying the rules of the short formatRenshaw 102 off 51 balls and Wildermuth 110 not out off 54 recorded the highest partnership in a BBL match and a record 36 sixes were hit throughout the gameThe Perth Scorchers had earlier put on their own recordbreaking performance They chose to bat and amassed the secondhighest total in BBL history 2576 Cooper Connolly scored 77 off 37 balls after Finn Allen smashed 79 off 38 balls adding 142 runs in a vicious attack that included 14 sixes between themThe final touch came from Nick Hobsons unbeaten 48 giving Brisbane a formidable target Xavier Bartlett took two wickets despite going at 11 runs per over while Shaheen Afridi had a tough night giving up 49 runsBrisbanes chase got off to the worst possible start when Jhye Richardson dismissed captain Colin Munro for a golden duck off the first ball What followed was an extraordinary counterattack from Renshaw and Wildermuth from the outset keeping the required rate in check as the partnership grew rapidly Before being run out late in the innings Renshaw hit nine sixes to reach his century in 48 ballsWildermuth persevered and finished unbeaten on 110 clearing the ropes nine times and hitting five fours to finish one of the most memorable chases in T2O historyThe night saw several records tumble the highest successful chase in the BBL and the 3rd highest in T20s the most number of sixes in a game the highest partnership in a match the first time two tons were scored in a game and the first time in a T20 chase where two batters made centuriesBrief scoresPerth Scorchers 2576 in 20 overs Finn Allen 79 Cooper Connolly 77 Xavier Bartlett 244 lost to Brisbane Heat 2582 in 195 overs Jack Wildermuth 110 Matt Renshaw 102 by eight wickets IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/renshaw-wildermuth-centuries-guide-brisbane-heat-to-highest-bbl-chase-654666.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 19:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/vijay-hazare-trophy-pant-appointed-as-delhis-captain-kohli-confirms-availability-654679.html New Delhi Dec 19 India wicketkeeperbatter Rishabh Pant has been named as Delhiâs captain for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy starting on December 24 in Bengaluru Delhiâs squad has also been boosted by the availability of batting stalwart Virat Kohli as well as senior pacers Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini With BCCI making a mandate for India players with central contracts to feature in domestic cricket seambowling allrounder Harshit Rana will link up with the Delhi side once he becomes available said the DDCA on FridayThe senior menâs selection committee met at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday to finalise Delhiâs squad from a bumper list of probables announced earlier The meeting was attended by selectors Yashpal Singh K Bhaskar Pillai and Manu Nayar chief coach Sarandeep Singh CAC member Robin Singh Jr secretary Ashok Sharma and joint secretary Amit GroverDelhi will play its first two Elite Group D games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Andhra and Gujarat at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru which serves as Kohlis home ground when playing for his IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB Delhi is also scheduled to play its remaining five games at the Alur Cricket Ground on the outskirts of BengaluruKohli comes on the back of being Player of the Series in the 21 ODI series win over South Africa while Pant will be itching to get some game time after being an unused player in the 50over fixtures against the ProteasThe duo will be available for Delhi till Indiaâs ODI series against New Zealand happens from January 1117 2026 Kohli last played Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi in the 200910 seasonBatting allrounder Ayush Badoni has been appointed as the vicecaptain while the rest of the squad for the first two matches includes Arpit Rana Yash Dhull Sarthak Ranjan Priyansh Arya Tejasvi Singh Nitish Rana Hritik Shokeen Harsh Tyagi Simarjeet Singh Prince Yadav Divij Mehra Ayush Doseja Vaibhav Kandpal Rohan Rana and Anuj RawatRanjan and Tejasvi had recently bagged IPL 2026 deals after being roped in by threetime champions Kolkata Knight Riders KKR in the recent auction held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday Delhi won the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 201213 while being runnersup in 201516 and 201819 seasons IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/vijay-hazare-trophy-pant-appointed-as-delhis-captain-kohli-confirms-availability-654679.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 20:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/dev-dutt-appointed-selector-for-delhi-civil-services-team-654685.html New Delhi Dec 19 Devdutt has been appointed as selector for the Delhi Services team for the All India Civil Services Tournament Dev Dutt captained the India Mens Deaf Cricket Team who achieved a comprehensive victory in the threematch T20 series with strong performances across all departments against the Inclusive Warriors Deaf Dubai IWDD team at Sharjahs DCS YOU SELECTS Arena Alongside Dev Dutt Pawan Chauhan and Deepanshu have also been appointed as selectorsIn the opening match on December 11 IDCA scored a formidable 212 for 5 after choosing to bat before bowling out IWDD for 123 in 172 overs to secure an emphatic 89run victory Santosh Kumar Mahapatra was named Player of the Match for his crucial contribution to the dominant winThe second T20 on December 12 saw IWDD bat first and score 134 for 8 but IDCA chased down the target with ease reaching 139 for 2 in just 113 overs to secure an eightwicket victory Once again Santosh Kumar Mahapatra received the Player of the Match award for his matchwinning performanceThe third and final T20 on December 13 followed a similar pattern with IDCA batting first to score 187 for 4 after IWDD chose to field The bowlers then dominated as IWDD were dismissed for 124 in 18 overs giving IDCA a comfortable 63run victory Virender Singh was named Player of the Match for his decisive contributionAt the end of the series Santosh Kumar Mahapatra was named Best Batsman Virender Singh earned the Best Bowler and Player of the Series awards and Vaibhav Paranjpe was recognised as the Best Fielder marking a strongly dominant series for the IDCA Team IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/dev-dutt-appointed-selector-for-delhi-civil-services-team-654685.html Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-cummins-lyon-lead-australias-dominance-on-day-2-of-adelaide-test-654343.html Adelaide Dec 18 Skipper Pat Cummins 354 and Nathan Lyon 251 led a dominant bowling show at the Adelaide Oval reducing England to 2138 in reply to their 371 on Day 2 of the third Test here on Thursday England appeared to be in a strong position after claiming the two wickets required to bowl Australia out for 371 on the second morning but the visitors were reduced to 2138 trailing Australia by 158 runsStarc and Nathan Lyon started from where they left off on Day 1 and took their overnight score of 3268 to 344 in just two overs into the first session Courtesy of his boundaryhitting spree Starc reached his halfcentury off just 73 deliveriesHe sent the ball away for a four on the first ball that he faced after scoring a halfcentury but Jofra Archer had the last laugh as the Aussie pacerâs impressive knock came to an end on the 75th delivery that he facedWhile Lyon showcased nerves of steel and put forth a strong defensive game Scott Boland kept the runscoring going and found boundaries at regular intervals However the spinnerâs wicket in the 92nd over off Archerâs delivery brought the curtains down on the Australian innings as the hosts closed with 371 runs on board With that final nail in the coffin Archer also completed his fourth fivewicket haul his third against AustraliaIn response England openers started positively with Ben Duckett appearing more confident than Zak Crawley Pat Cummins took a crucial wicket in the eighth over as Crawley was caught behind After the opening partnership was broken Lyon made an immediate impact in his first over dismissing Ollie Pope and then trapping Duckett just two balls later with a superb deliveryWith this he surpassed Glenn McGraths record of 563 wickets and now ranks as Australias secondhighest wickettaker in Test historyEngland found some respite after a controversial call led to Joe Root surviving a scare as he stitched a 29run stand with Harry Brook but Cummins finally had him edging one to Alex Carey behind the stumps in the 17th over of the inningsSkipper Ben Stokes then put on a show as he once again looked to anchor the innings and got decent support from Harry Brook but the duo failed to score big as the opposition bowlers kept things tight with their bowlingBrook fought hard for his 45 but Cameron Green got the edge as the former found his way to the dugoutWhat followed was absolute drama as controversial sequences involving Englandâs Jamie Smith unfolded raising doubts over the Snicko technology and umpiring Cummins bowled a short ball that struck Smithâs helmet and popped to slip but replays showed no bat or glove contact and the catch had bounced resulting in a notout decision despite a Snicko spikeStarc criticised Snicko on the stump mic dubbing it as the âworst technologyâ and calling for it to be âsackedâShortly after Smith was controversially given out when another short ball carried to Alex Carey Although replays showed a clear gap between bat and ball a Snicko spike persuaded third umpire Chris Gaffaney leaving the English skipper furiousStokes showed resistance alongside Archer after Scott Boland dismissed Will Jacks and Brydon Carse for cheap scores courtesy of some brilliant glove work by CareyAs a result the hosts concluded Day 2 of the Test 2138 reducing the visitorsâ lead to 158 runs and will aim for quick runs on Day 3 to keep the deficit manageableBrief Scores England 2138 Harry Brook 45 Ben Stokes 45 Pat Cummins 354 Nathan Lyon 251 trail Australia 371 Alex Carey 106 Usman Khawaja 82 Mitchell Starc 54 Archer 553 by 158 runs IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-cummins-lyon-lead-australias-dominance-on-day-2-of-adelaide-test-654343.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/told-aniket-if-you-get-selected-i-will-also-get-in-says-srhs-newest-recruit-shivang-kumar-654379.html New Delhi Dec 18 Manifestation met reality for Madhya Pradeshâs leftarm wristspin allrounder Shivang Kumar when Sunrisers Hyderabad SRH picked him in the IPL 2026 auction at his base price of Rs 30 lakh The move to rope him in by SRH reunites Shivang who bats righthanded and is capable of producing big hits with best friend and Madhya Pradesh teammate Aniket Verma who was one of the finds for the franchise in a disappointing 2025 seasonFirst of all I am very excited to play for SRH Itâs a team of my teammate and best friend Aniket Verma With me now going to his team there is also this excitement feeling because I told him last year that if you get selected then I will also get selected in itâSo a lot of things have been manifested At that time when the auction was on I was in the room My friend came and told me that bhai you have been selected So I felt very good said Shivang in an exclusive conversation with IANSShivang 23 had trials with multiple franchises before the auction and that was enough to tell him that he will be a part of the IPL for the first time Before the auction I went to trials of Punjab Kings Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals So I got a good response from themâSRH also called me twice but unfortunately I could not go as at that time I was in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy The other time it got cancelled for some reason But the trials were quite good and there was a good response everywhere SRH showed their trust in me and I am feeling goodShivang views playing in IPL 2026 as his gateway to fulfilling his ultimate goal playing for India IPL is a launching pad for an uncapped player to the Indian team So as per my skills I think SRH will like me a lotâI do both batting and bowling so I can be very useful for the team I have heard a lot about Murali sir Muttiah Muralitharan He talks a lot about cricket So it will be good to talk to him as well because I also talk mainly about cricket he addedIt also helps that Shivang sees Aniket as a huge source of motivation and belief to leave his mark in the IPL after SRH scouts noticed his rare bowling skillset and penchant for hitting big shots Because of Aniket we felt that we can also do well at this level Anikets season was very good and he played very well in SRH for 23 innings So we also believe that we can also do well at the topâI told Aniket that you have done well there then I will also do well So there was a lot of support from the Madhya Pradesh Premier League because under the lights we actually play less matches on an international groundSo the player gets a lot of experience and exposure there on how he will play internationally The world also watches him whatever he does good or bad So it is also a benefit that we learn how to deal with itGrowing up in Rewa a place that has produced notable pacers Kuldeep Sen and Ishwar Pandey Shivang was first taught about cricket by his father Praveen Kumar a Chief Ticket Inspector CTI in the Railways currently posted in Moradabad Uttar Pradesh Praveen himself played cricket in Bengal including the Ranji Trophy and who harbored dreams of playing for India himselfâWe used to practice cricket in our MPCA camps in Indore When I was 22 I went to Rewa Before that I used to play in the Gwalior division Rewa supported me a lot and it was an opportunity for meActually my father put me into playing cricket He also had a dream that my child should play for India He also had a dream that he should play But this dream has been passed on to me Hopefully I will be able to fulfill his dreamSeeing him being picked by SRH for IPL left Praveen jubilant âMy father is a very positive person So he was like Okay beta you have been selected So learn and go upwards from here Your ultimate goal is to play for India He was also very happy that I was selected for SRH which is known for a lot of power hitters and are known for their fearless approach and excellent battingIt was Praveen Shivangâs first coach who transformed him from a righthanded bowler into a leftarm spinner He taught me batting and actually I bowled right handed But he made me a lefty bowler I do everything from the right hand but just do bowling from the left hand So you can call it his masterpiece as he made me like this After I started my cricket under him I found my way through MP and MPCA supported me a lotShivangâs journey in the cricketing world wouldnât have happened if the MS Dhoni biopic movie hadnât reignited his passion for the game When I didnt get selected for the U14 team I decided to leave cricket I didnt play for 5 months Luckily I got a chance to watch the movie on MS DhoniâI had heard a few things about it â like when people saw it they said I gave up on cricket too soon When my brother told me to watch the movie saying that it is a very well made film and has an inspiring story I went to watch it and took a lot of inspiration from Dhoni sirâIt made me realise that his life had a lot of struggles and I gave up too fast I restarted playing cricket and scored 98 in the first match That made me realise that cricket is in my blood and that I dont know if I will play at the higher level or not but cricket cannot leave me he recalledMeeting his idol Dhoni sits at the top of Shivangâs bucket list It is every youngsters dream to meet Dhoni sir especially when there is a match in Chepauk the atmosphere is different When he enters I want to experience that what it is like to be out there I have heard about it from the rest but I will definitely want to experience itThe superlative performance in Madhya Pradeshâs T20 league propelled Shivang to make his Syed Mushtaq Alit Trophy debut against Hyderabad where he showed promise with the bat through a crucial knock of 45But I didnt get a wicket in that game When I went wicketless against Hyderabad I spoke to Venkatesh Iyer He told me not to worry and that I would get a wicket next time He motivated me a lot Next up I got three wickets against Bihar and it felt good said ShivangApart from Iyer Shivang draws huge inspiration from RCB skipper and India batter Rajat Patidar Rajat bhaiya is especially an inspiration His batting is world famous He is the most stylish batsman Venky bhaiya has a positive attitude towards youngstersâHe comes and makes the environment casual and that helps in gelling up well with him He doesnt look like a star and that gives us a feel that he is like our friend Venky bhaiya gives a lot of support and inspires me a lot in me wanting to play for IndiaWith the IPL still a few months away Shivang is eager to test himself against international stars and who knows he might shine in IPL 2026 which in turn put him on the radar of higher honours including playing for IndiaThese are big matches and international players are present I have never played against or with foreigners How to bowl to them as well as to big domestic hitters and veterans it is a different game So I want to experience it IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/told-aniket-if-you-get-selected-i-will-also-get-in-says-srhs-newest-recruit-shivang-kumar-654379.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/vijay-hazare-trophy-kl-rahul-and-prasidh-krishna-named-in-karnatakas-squad-654252.html Bengaluru Dec 17 The Indian duo of wicketkeeperbatter KL Rahul and fastbowler Prasidh Krishna have been named in Karnatakaâs squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy Defending champions Karnataka will play its Group âAâ fixtures in Ahmedabad starting on December 24 The addition of Rahul who recently captained India in the ODI leg of the South Africa tour where they won 21 and Prasidh adds further experience to the side led by Mayank Agarwal Karun Nair has been appointed as the vicecaptain following his strong performances in the Ranji TrophyPacers Vidwath Kaverappa and Vidyadhar Patel though not listed in the main squad will travel with the team to Ahmedabad and remain available for match duty Young batters Harshil Dharmani and Dhruv Prabhakar who also bowls handy offspin have earned callups after impressive outings in the U23 50over competition last monthLeftarm spinner Shreesha Achar has been included as the squadâs lone specialist slow bowler Yere Goud will be the head coach while Mansur Ali Khan and Shabarish Mohan will serve as bowling and fielding coaches respectively Karnatakaâs Group A opponents include Tamil Nadu Rajasthan Jharkhand Madhya Pradesh Pondicherry Kerala and TripuraWith a threeweek gap between Indiaâs final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on December 19 and the opening ODI against New Zealand on January 11 2026 in Vadodara this window will be utilised by all India players barring Shreyas Iyer whoâs recovering from a spleen injury sustained in October to play in the 50over domestic competition for their respective states Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have already been included in Delhiâs probables listKarnataka squad Mayank Agarwal captain Karun Nair vicecaptain Devdutt Padikkal Ravichandran Smaran KL Shrijith Abhinav Manohar Shreyas Gopal V Vyshak Manvanth Kumar Shreesha Achar Abhilash Shetty BR Sharath Harshil Dharmani Dhruv Prabhakar KL Rahul and Prasidh Krishna IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/vijay-hazare-trophy-kl-rahul-and-prasidh-krishna-named-in-karnatakas-squad-654252.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sri-lanka-rope-in-r-sridhar-as-mens-national-team-fielding-coach-654139.html Colombo Dec 17 Sri Lanka Cricket SLC has appointed R Sridhar as the fielding coach of the national menâs team until the completion of the ICC Menâs T20 World Cup Sridhars appointment was effective from December 11and will end a couple of days after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka on March 10Sridhar a BCCI Level 3 qualified coach brings extensive international experience having served as Indiaâs fielding coach across more than 300 international matches from 2014 to 2021 which includes two ODI and T20I World Cup editions eachIn his new role Sridhar will work closely with the Sri Lankan squad to lift overall fielding standards work with the players during the upcoming tours involving Pakistan and England followed by preparations for the ICC Menâs T20 World CupSpeaking after the announcement Sridhar said âSri Lankan players have always stood for instinctive brilliance resilience and collective spirit My role is not to impose a system but to nurture an environment where athleticism awareness and pride in the field can grow naturallyâThe appointment marks a familiar return for Sridhar who earlier this year conducted a 10day specialised fielding camp at Sri Lanka Cricketâs National High Performance Centre in MayHe began the programme with the Sri Lanka National Menâs team and subsequently trained other squads where he conducted fielding drills skillspecific training and simulated match scenarios to replicate game conditionsSridhar had worked closely with the national highperformance and club coaches during his 10day stint at Sri Lanka CricketFielding thrives when players feel connected to the ball to each other and to the moment Sri Lankaâs traditional strengthsâquick hands sharp reflexes and fearless intent can be further enhanced by creating realistic gamelike learning environments Sridhar addedLast year Sridhar was named Afghanistan menâs cricket teamâs assistant coach for the sideâs oneoff Test match against New Zealand in Noida and the threematch ODI series against South Africa in September IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/sri-lanka-rope-in-r-sridhar-as-mens-national-team-fielding-coach-654139.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/team-india-has-benefited-immensely-from-hardiks-ability-bangar-654154.html New Delhi Dec 17 Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar highlighted Hardik Pandyaâs impact with bat and ball stating that the Men in Blue have benefited massively because of the allrounderâs abilities Pandya returned to competitive cricket earlier this month after missing out for over two months due to the injury he sustained during the Asia Cup semifinal in September He made an immediate impact in the game for the Men in Blue and played a crucial role in the teamâs successful outings against South Africa in the ongoing fivematch T20I seriesSpeaking to JioStar Bangar lavished praise on Pandya emphasising the Baroda cricketerâs unique batting mechanics and his value as a bowling option in T20 cricket as he said âGoing deep inside the crease is Hardik Pandyaâs specialityEven when he goes that deep his weight remains on the front foot which is a very good thing As a batter we always encourage waiting for the ball He plays with a very wide base which allows him to generate a lot of powerââHe can play frontfoot shots backfoot shots baseballstyle hits full shots and the upper cut He opens up both sides of the ground which is a special ability He bowls at around 132â133 kmph with a fuller length where close to 54 per cent of his deliveries are pitched up and he gets wickets from there He allows the ball to swing and when required he goes for the yorker as well The Indian team has benefited immensely from his abilityâ he addedBangar highlighted Abhishek Sharmas fearless approach underscoring the technical elements that enable the young batter to dominate bowlers Opining on his attacking mindset Bangar stated âFirst of all itâs his attacking mindset If thereâs a delivery outside the off stump he hits it very hard One very important aspect of his batting is his high backlift He holds the bat above the handle which gives him excellent reach Because of the swing he generates he can hit big sixes especially over the covers Hitting sixes over the covers is a special ability He doesnât try to hit from below which gives him an incredible rangeâTurning his attention to Shubman Gill Bangar acknowledged the Indian openerâs form while pointing out specific areas that need refinement particularly against straight deliveriesâIn the beginning his footwork was very positive But if you remove three or four boundaries over 28 games the issue has been on straighter lines Against straight deliveries his strike rate has fallen quite low Outside the off stump his strike rate is good but there have been a few edges as wellOverall he has scored runs but straightline play is something he will want to improve In the second game the ball that got him out was a very good deliveryâit could have dismissed any batter His footwork has improved and if he continues to play with clear footwork he will be able to hit the same shots consistently like the three or four boundaries weâve seenâ he notedWhile India have enjoyed the upper hand in the series so far Bangar cautioned against underestimating South Africa particularly with the conditions on offer in Lucknow saying âThe way this series has gone South Africa has fought well in every format On the Lucknow pitch there is bounce and seam and South Africaâs fast bowlers will look to make early inroads India will need to be prepared for that challengeâWith India holding a 2â1 advantage in the fivematch T20I series against South Africa the spotlight now turns to Lucknow for the fourth game as the two sides gear up to face off at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/team-india-has-benefited-immensely-from-hardiks-ability-bangar-654154.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-call-up-is-the-next-aim-says-auqib-dars-father-after-blockbuster-ipl-deal--654173.html Baramulla Dec 17 As Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Dar made headlines after Delhi Capitals bought him for Rs 840 crore during the IPL 2026 mini auction the uncapped pacers father Ghulam Nabi Dar has said that while the IPL contract was a matter of great pride for the family the only aim now is for his son to get selected in the Indian team Starting at a base price of Rs 30 lakh Auqib sparked an intense bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad later entering the fray The contest ended with the 29yearold pacer from Baramulla being snapped up by the Delhi CapitalsI cant express my happiness in wordsâ Now the only thing left is to get selected for the Indian team Every parent wants their child to progress and succeed Auqibs father told IANSA consistent wickettaker across formats in domestic cricket over the past few seasons Auqib Nabi registered as Auqib Dar is primarily a swing bowler Recently however the Jammu amp Kashmir bowler has added new dimensions to his gameâmost notably improved deathovers skillsâwhich have significantly boosted his valueHis recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performances underline that progress 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate below eight figures that support the effort he has invested Has been a net bowler with Kolkata Knight Riders KKR and Sunrisers Hyderabad SRH in the pastNabi made his Ranji Trophy debut for Jammu and Kashmir in 2020 and announced himself with a threewicket haul against Karnataka in the quarterfinal In the previous Ranji season he was in outstanding form claiming 49 wickets from nine matches at an impressive average of 1308Earlier this year Nabi once grabbed everyones eyeballs by bagging a fivewicket haul which included four wickets in four balls during the 202526 Duleep Trophy game between North Zone and East Zone IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/india-call-up-is-the-next-aim-says-auqib-dars-father-after-blockbuster-ipl-deal--654173.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/4th-t20i-toss-in-lucknow-delayed-due-to-excessive-fog-inspection-scheduled-for-650-pm-654204.html Lucknow Dec 17 The toss for the fourth T20I between India and South Africa has been delayed due to excessive fog at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday The next inspection by the match officials will take place at 650 pm âToss in Lucknow has been delayed due to excessive fog Next inspection at 650 PMâ said an update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI on their âXâ account Earlier on Wednesday the India Meteorological Department IMD had issued an orange alert for âvery dense fogâ in 13 districts of eastern and central Uttar Pradesh It also issued a yellow alert for dense fog in 27 districts from the eastern to western parts of the stateThe fog at the stadium has been so thick that spectators were barely able to see the stands situated at the opposite end With fog set to get worse there are concerns over whether the match will happen or not It is to be noted that this is the first time Lucknow is hosting a T20I game in the month of DecemberFormer India batter Robin Uthappa noted on the live broadcast that delaying play could prove counterproductive as fog is likely to intensify as the evening progresses Fortunately for India ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah took part in the warmups ahead of the match after he missed the third T20I in Dharamsala due to personal reasonsBut vicecaptain Shubman Gill has been apparently ruled out due to a foot injury with Sanju Samson likely to come into the playing eleven India is leading the fivegame series 21 with two matches remaining and are considered a favourite to clinch the series if they manage to win in Lucknow But for that to happen the game needs to take place in biting cold conditions provided the fog goes downIndia currently lead the series 21 After winning the first T20I India lost the second match before winning the third to take the lead in the fivematch series IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/4th-t20i-toss-in-lucknow-delayed-due-to-excessive-fog-inspection-scheduled-for-650-pm-654204.html Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-auction-lsg-can-look-to-buy-livingstone-for-finishers-role-says-kaif-653839.html New Delhi Dec 16 Lucknow Super Giants LSG could look to buy Englandâs batting allrounder Liam Livingstone at the IPL 2026 auction to bolster their lowerorder firepower said former India batter Mohammad Kaif The IPL 2026 auction will be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and they come in with a purse of Rs 2295 crore to fill six slots fourof which are for roping in overseas playersWith David Miller released ahead of the auction LSGâs primary goal will be to get a player who fills in that voidâOne name that comes to mind is Liam Livingstone He plays the role of a finisher and plays at number five or six With them releasing Miller his direct replacement option is Livingstone He bowls as well and although his current form is not good but I think he has a lot of experience and his strike rate is quite highâSo instead of David Miller Lucknow would like to run behind Livingstone because you have three overseas batters in Pooran Markram and Marsh and you need a finisher who can play at number five or six for Lucknowâ said Kaif a JioStar expert in an exclusive conversation with IANS ahead of the mini auctionLSG enters the auction with enviable depth in their Indian pace attack strengthened by the acquisitions of veteran seamer Mohammed Shami and young pacer Arjun Tendulkar The duo coming in means thereâs additional cover for pacers Mohsin Khan Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav who have been dealing with injuries for a long timeKaif feels LSG should look to rope in either of the South African pacers Anrich Nortje or Lungi Ngidi as their overseas fast bowling option to balance the squadâFirst of all I pray and hope that Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav are close to being fully fit as itâs almost 56 months now Lucknow will be praying that they recover and come back to action Now the second question is who should they target I think they need overseas fast bowlersâThere are options in Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi Nortje could be an option because Lucknow has a large ground a square boundary and a red soil pitch which can help him in generating good bounce and pace So they can target Nortje as well but as I said earlier the injured players should be fit and then pick either Nortje or Ngidi as an optionâ he addedIn terms of spinners New Delhibased Digvesh Rathi remains the lone wristspin option in LSGâs roster leaving the franchise with a gap to address at the auctionHaving released Ravi Bishnoi ahead of the auction boosting their spin bowling department with an experienced player to complement Rathi and provide variety in middleovers bowling will also be key for LSGKaif suggested that LSG may need to explore uncapped spin options given the possibility of Bishnoi fetching an expensive pay cheque at the auctionâOne issue is that there may not be enough purse left for Lucknow to buy Bishnoi back Lucknow wont be able to afford him at an expensive priceâKKR are having a lot of money and then Chennai is also there So I think that by the time Bishnoiâs number comes a lot of people will want to run behind him Now Digvesh Rathi has become their premier leg spinner Skipper Rishabh Pant also likes him because he bowls in the powerplay and takes wickets in the middle oversâWith Rathi becoming Pantâs favourite who will bowl with him now Lucknow wont be able to afford a spinner at an expensive price there They wont be able to save that much money So Lucknow will focus on the untapped leg and leftarm spinners who can come at a cheap price at the auctionâCatch all the action from the TATA IPL 2026 miniauction December 16 230 PM onwards LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-auction-lsg-can-look-to-buy-livingstone-for-finishers-role-says-kaif-653839.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/work-we-did-in-back-half-of-2025-has-set-us-up-for-ipl-2026-auction-csk-head-coach-fleming-653843.html New Delhi Dec 16 Chennai Super Kings CSK head coach Stephen Fleming revealed that the teamâs planning for the upcoming season effectively began midway through the last campaign when performances dipped and injuries disrupted momentum He also stated that the work they carried out in the backhalf of the previous season has helped them curate a blueprint for the upcoming auction to be held on TuesdayIn a video shared by the franchise on X Fleming said âWell it was actually halfway through last season where things werent going well we did a lot of work behind the scenes with trialling players looking at some young players going forward and we had some injuries as well so we used the opportunity to get some new players into the side and that was with a view to this year and I think the second half of the season was a lot better and we finished the last couple of games really wellâThat lateseason improvement Fleming explained helped shape the franchiseâs approach at the auction table âSo that helps go into the auction process when we found players like Mhatre and Brevis and of course weve got quite a big purse so you saw a number of players being released which is unusual for CSK but again a reflection that we werent quite good enough in last years performanceâAddressing how difficult it is to remain committed to longterm thinking after a disappointing season Fleming admitted that rigid adherence to âprocessâ was less important than reading the situation correctlyâIm not massive on process Its more around the feel and we knew that things werent quite right so the work that went in from the coaching staff and players down were to turn the season around but from a head coaching point of view and a decision making management point of view we were looking at what we could salvage from the season and make sure that we go into this auction and the next season with a lot more positivesâ he saidDrawing on past experience Fleming pointed to the fivetime championsâ ability to rebound from adversity âThat was similar to the previous year that was poor for us and we bounced back pretty well from that So we used that as a way of learning what to do and we felt that the work we did in the back half has set us up for a position going to this auction where we can be quite positiveâ he notedLooking ahead Fleming acknowledged that the upcoming auction presents unique challenges particularly with multiple franchises reshaping their squads âIts really difficult I think with some retirements and with other franchises releasing a lot of players its made it a difficult auction to gaugeâWhile CSKâs sizeable purse offers flexibility Fleming warned it can also complicate decisionmaking âWere obviously in a position where weve got a good purse but it can be dangerous when teams only need one or two players You really have to concentrate on maybe the requirements of other teams but also you dont ignore the priorities of your own squad and were certainly very clear on thatâHe emphasised the importance of adaptability on auction day saying âWere just hoping that our strategy during the day will work or well be able to implement it because often the best plans are similar to others So you have to be able to pivot and navigate through that but we think weve got a good plan in place and if things go well for us tomorrow we feel itll set our squad up wellâThe franchise will enter the auction with the second biggest purse among all teams Rs 4340 crore and nine slots to fill Fleming offered a balanced view on whether a high purse is truly an advantageâWell it depends on a teams needs sometimes having a big purse and needing a few players can be harder than needing one or two players with a mediumsized purse so all franchises will have a pretty clear plan Its just who they target and you hope that theres not too many that have targeted the same players as you There will be some but were in a good position to put pressure on anyway and if it does go our way then we think well put together a good squadâ he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/work-we-did-in-back-half-of-2025-has-set-us-up-for-ipl-2026-auction-csk-head-coach-fleming-653843.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/virat-kohli-visits-premanand-ji-maharajs-ashram-with-wife-anushka-sharma-653852.html New Delhi Dec 16 Indias batting stalwart Virat Kohli has visited Vrindavan with his wife Anushka Sharma and had a special spiritual conversation with Premanand Ji Maharaj in his Ashram Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Varah Ghat The couple visit the ashram regularly and their recent trip marked their third time this year having previously visited Vrindavan in January this year with their kids and then again in May just a day after Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricketAs Maharaj ji spoke visibly emotional Anushka listened attentively He advised them âConsider your work as service live with seriousness remain humble and practice chanting the divine name There should be a deep desire to have a glimpse of the Almighty One should yearn to see himâKohli nodded in agreement with every word as Maharaj Ji further said that one should cultivate the feeling that all worldly happiness has already been attained and now only God is desired and once that happens all happiness rests at his feetAnushka responded âWe belong to you Maharaj jiâ To this he replied âWe all belong to Shri Ji We live under his divine protection We are all his childrenâHaving retired from both Tests and T20Is Kohli is an active member of the ODI side and has been performing in top form of late After registering two backtoback ducks against Australia in October Kohli bounced back with a statement knock of 74 not out as India won the game by nine wicketsKohliâs next and most recent appearance was in the three home ODIs against South Africa where the former India skipper finished as the Player of the SeriesThe Delhi cricketer notched up two consecutive centuries in the first and second ODIs and ended on a high with an unbeaten 65run knock in the third ODI as the Men in Blue clinched the threegame series 21 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/virat-kohli-visits-premanand-ji-maharajs-ashram-with-wife-anushka-sharma-653852.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/cameron-green-becomes-costliest-overseas-buy-in-ipl-history-sold-to-kkr-for-rs-2520-cr-653880.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 Australian allrounder Cameron Green was roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping sum of Rs 2520 crore at the Indian Premier League IPL auction underway here at the Etihad Arena With that he became the most expensive overseas player in the history of the tournament As his bidding reached the Rs 25 crore mark he went past the previous record set by his Australia teammate Mitchell Starc who was bought by KKR for Rs 2475 crore in the IPL 2024 auctionOverall he became the third costliest player in the history of the IPL auction after Rishabh Pant Rs 27 crore to Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025 mega auction and Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer 2675 crore in IPL 2025 auctionGreen went under the hammer at his base price of Rs 2 crore and initiated a bidding war between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals before the latter team backed out when the figures touched Rs 13 croreJust then fivetime champions Chennai Super Kings lifted the paddle as the battle intensified KKR and CSK entered the auction as the teams with the heaviest purses with the threetime champions having Rs 6430 crore and the Ruturaj Gaikwadled team having Rs 4340 croreAfter a few tense moments and several discussions among members of the think tanks of both sides Green became the first player of the eve to cross the Rs 20 crore mark before KKR sealed the deal for a whopping 2520 croreAs per the new IPL rules Green cannot improve on his 2023 price with a new rule setting overseas players at a maximum of Rs 18 crore Hell however receive only Rs 18 crore and the rest Rs 720 crore will be used towards players welfareThe allrounderâs most recent IPL outing was in IPL 2024 when he represented RCB In 12 innings he made 255 runs at a strike rate of 14325 Picked up 10 wickets in 13 matches with the ball at an economy of 861 Has also played for the Mumbai Indians before being traded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/cameron-green-becomes-costliest-overseas-buy-in-ipl-history-sold-to-kkr-for-rs-2520-cr-653880.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-green-goes-to-kkk-for-record-fee-of-rs-2520-crore-rcb-bag-venkatesh-for-rs-7-crore-653892.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 IANS Australian allrounder Cameron Green bagged the biggest pay cheque at the ongoing Indian Premier League IPL 2026 miniauction here at the Etihad Arena when threetime champions Kolkata Knight Riders KKR acquired his services for a whopping price of Rs 2520 crore while reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru bought India allrounder Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crorenbspRegistered as a batter owing to a goofup by his manager during the player auction registration Green went past the previous record set by his Australia teammate Mitchell Starc whom KKR bought for Rs 2475 crore in the IPL 2024 auctionGreen made his IPL debut in the 2023 season after the Mumbai Indians MI bought him for Rs 175 crore Notably at the time he became the secondmostexpensive overseas player in IPL auction history and the most expensive Australian player Most recently he played in IPL 2024 for RCB after being traded in from MI In 12 innings he made 255 runs at a strike rate of 14325 and picked up 10 wickets in 13 matches with the ball at an economy of 861Further in the capped batters list South Africas David Miller went to Delhi Capitals at his base price of Rs 2 crore while Indias Prithvi Shaw Sarfaraz Khan and New Zealand opener Devon Conway formerly with Chennai Super Kings and Australia batter Jake FraserMcGurk formerly with DC went unsoldIn the capped allrounder slot Lucknow Super Giants LSG acquired the services of Wanindu Hasaranga Sri Lanka for Rs 2 crore while RCB bagged Venkatesh for Rs 7 crore Meanwhile other capped allrounders Englands Gus Atkinson Indias Deepak Hooda New Zealands Rachin Ravindra and South Africas Wiaan Mulder remained unsoldA total of 1390 players registered for the Player Auction out of which 350 players were shortlisted 240 Indian and 110 are overseas recruits The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players adding significant depth and fresh talent to this years auction roster https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-green-goes-to-kkk-for-record-fee-of-rs-2520-crore-rcb-bag-venkatesh-for-rs-7-crore-653892.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-green-goes-to-kkk-for-record-fee-of-2520-cr-rcb-bag-venkatesh-for-rs-7-cr-653894.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 Australian allrounder Cameron Green bagged the biggest pay cheque at the ongoing Indian Premier League IPL 2026 miniauction here at the Etihad Arena when threetime champions Kolkata Knight Riders KKR acquired his services for a whopping price of Rs 2520 crore while reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru bought India allrounder Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore Registered as a batter owing to a goofup by his manager during the player auction registration Green went past the previous record set by his Australia teammate Mitchell Starc whom KKR bought for Rs 2475 crore in the IPL 2024 auctionGreen made his IPL debut in the 2023 season after the Mumbai Indians MI bought him for Rs 175 crore Notably at the time he became the secondmostexpensive overseas player in IPL auction history and the most expensive Australian player Most recently he played in IPL 2024 for RCB after being traded in from MI In 12 innings he made 255 runs at a strike rate of 14325 and picked up 10 wickets in 13 matches with the ball at an economy of 861Further in the capped batters list South Africas David Miller went to Delhi Capitals at his base price of Rs 2 crore while Indias Prithvi Shaw Sarfaraz Khan and New Zealand opener Devon Conway formerly with Chennai Super Kings and Australia batter Jake FraserMcGurk formerly with DC went unsoldIn the capped allrounder slot Lucknow Super Giants LSG acquired the services of Wanindu Hasaranga Sri Lanka for Rs 2 crore while RCB bagged Venkatesh for Rs 7 crore Meanwhile other capped allrounders Englands Gus Atkinson Indias Deepak Hooda New Zealands Rachin Ravindra and South Africas Wiaan Mulder remained unsoldA total of 1390 players registered for the Player Auction out of which 350 players were shortlisted 240 Indian and 110 are overseas recruits The pool comprises 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players adding significant depth and fresh talent to this years auction roster IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-green-goes-to-kkk-for-record-fee-of-2520-cr-rcb-bag-venkatesh-for-rs-7-cr-653894.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-duckett-goes-to-dc-de-kock-joins-mi-653904.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 England wicketkeeperbatter Ben Duckett was sold to Delhi Capitals for a base price of Rs 2 crore in the ongoing Indian Premier League IPL 2026 mini auction taking place here at the Etihad Arena Duckett made his T20 debut in 2012 and has scored 5397 runs in 216 T20 matches including 34 halfcenturies With a best score of 84 he has amassed 527 runs for England in 20 games at an average of 2927 and a strike rate of 15364He has played for Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League and Welsh Fire in The Hundred among other T20 competitions worldwideSouth Africa wicketkeeperbatter Quinton de Kock who has showcased great form during the ongoing whiteball series was signed by the Mumbai Indians for a base price of Rs 1 crore De Kock was released by Kolkata Knight Riders KKR following the IPL 2025De Kock has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad Delhi Daredevils Royal Challengers Bengaluru Mumbai Indians Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders across his IPL career In 115 games he has amassed 3309 runs at a strike rate of 13402 and an average of 3063 The wicketkeeper batter scored an incredible 90 off 46 balls against India in Chandigarh in the second T20I of the ongoing fivematch seriesNew Zealand wicketkeeperbatter Finn Allen was sold to KKR for his base price of Rs 2 crore Allen now fully fit is currently in action for the Perth Scorchers in Australiaâs Big Bash League and adds versatility to KKRâs top order with the option to open alongside Ajinkya Rahane while also providing wicketkeeping cover if requiredThis marks Allenâs second IPL franchise after an earlier stint with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru Meanwhile England wicketkeeperbatter Jamie Smith and Jonny Bairstow Afghanistans Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Indias KS Bharat remained unsold IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-duckett-goes-to-dc-de-kock-joins-mi-653904.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-kkr-buy-pathirana-for-rs-18-cr-rr-get-bishnoi-for-72-cr-653908.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 The Indian Premier League IPL 2026 miniauction kicked off on a high note here at the Etihad Arena on Tuesday with the first hour seeing a couple of bidding wars for capped batters The hammer soon went down for the capped bowlers as Matheesha Pathirana stole the limelight by fetching Rs 18 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders Matt Henry was the first name to come up but he went unsold India pacer Akash Deep who has been a top name in redball cricket was the next but could not attract any biddersJacob Duffy then became the first player from the list of capped bowlers to find a buyer as reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB roped him at his base price of Rs 2 croreUp next Sri Lankan sensation Pathirana sparked a bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants with the sum crossing Rs 15 crore Just when Delhi backed out KKR joined in taking the youngsterâs fee even higher The threetime champions eventually won the battle and roped in the 22yearold pacer for a massive sum of Rs 18 crorePathirana made his IPL debut for the Chennai Super Kings and represented them till the 2025 edition of the tournamentAmong the fast bowlers South Africaâs Gerald Coetzee and Indiaâs Shivam Mavi remained unsold while Lucknow Super Giants bought Anrich Nortje in a steal deal for Rs 2 croreIn the list of capped spinners Ravi Bishnoi grabbed eyeballs as the Rajasthan Royals and CSK got into a tense battle While the fivetime champions backed out when the amount reached Rs 6 crore Sunrisers Hyderabad made a sudden entry adding further spice to the dramaHowever the inaugural champions remained firm and eventually bought the spinner for Rs 720 crore Akeal Hosein was the last player from the list of bowlers to be sold as CSK got his services for Rs 2 croreRahul Chahar Mujeeb Rahman and Maheesh Theekshana were the notable names to go unsold IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-kkr-buy-pathirana-for-rs-18-cr-rr-get-bishnoi-for-72-cr-653908.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-cameron-green-to-get-rs-18-crore-despite-kkrs-rs-252-cr-bid-653912.html New Delhi Dec 16 Though Cameron became the most expensive overseas buy in the Indian Premier League history after fetching a staggering Rs 2520 crore bid from threetime champions Kolkata Knight Riders KKR the Australian allrounder will only take home Rs 18 crore in accordance with the new maximum fee rule The rule was introduced last year to address the shared concern of franchises that some overseas players were registering solely at mini auctions to exploit the supplydemand imbalanceAccording to the rule the overseas player cannot be paid more than Rs 18 crore which was the highest bracket for franchises retaining players ahead of the 2025 mega auction If the bid exceeded the Rs 18crore threshold the additional money would be used by the BCCI for player welfareIn a note to franchises last year the IPL said Any overseas players auction fee at small auction will be lower than the highest retention price of Rs 18 crore and the highest auction price at the big auction In case the highest auction price at the big auction is Rs 20 crore then Rs 18 crore will be the cap If the highest auction price at big auction is Rs 16 crore then the cap will be Rs 16 croreRegistered as a batter due to an oversight by his manager during the player auction registration Green surpassed the previous record set by his Australia teammate Mitchell Starc whom KKR bought for Rs 2475 crore in IPL 2024 auctionOverall he became the third most expensive player in the history of the IPL auction after Rishabh Pant Rs 27 crore to Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025 mega auction and Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer 2675 crore in the IPL 2025 auctionGreen made his IPL debut in the 2023 season after the Mumbai Indians MI bought him for Rs 175 crore Notably at the time he became the secondmostexpensive overseas player in IPL auction history and the most expensive Australian playerMost recently he played in IPL 2024 for RCB after being traded in from MI In 12 innings he scored 255 runs at a strike rate of 14325 and took 10 wickets in 13 matches with the ball at an economy rate of 861 IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-cameron-green-to-get-rs-18-crore-despite-kkrs-rs-252-cr-bid-653912.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/captain-shreyas-iyer-joins-pbks-think-tank-at-ipl-2026-auction-table-653922.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 Shreyas Iyer joined Punjab Kingsâ management at the Indian Premier League IPL 2026 auction table becoming only the second cricketer after Rishabh Pant to be a part of the process The IPL 2026 auction is currently underway here at the Etihad Arena Pant was part of the auction table when he was the Delhi Capitalsâ skipper for the 2024 edition of the event IPL 2024 was Pantâs comeback to the league after his neardeath accident That edition notably was also his last with the franchise as he was roped in by the Lucknow Super Giants at the IPL 2025 mega auction last yearIyer who left Kolkata Knight Riders after the teamâs victorious IPL 2024 campaign was roped in by PBKS at the IPL 2025 megaauction for a whopping Rs 2675 crore and handed the leadership duties His captaincy proved critical for the team as they reached only their second final in the tournamentâs history only to lose the title to Royal Challengers Bengaluru RCB who lifted their maiden cupThe IPL 2025 runnersup have already retained a core group of 21 players providing a stable base as they plan to fill a few important gaps with the â¹115 crore they still have With four remaining slots including two for overseas players PBKS has the structure and flexibility to make precise highimpact additionsWith a nearcomplete roster Punjab Kings will mainly focus on targeted minor upgrades during the auction rather than major overhauls They aim to acquire a powerful middleorder batter to boost lategame scoring and increase batting lineup flexibilityA dependable backup wicketkeeper is also a priority to support Prabhsimran Singh and Vishnu Vinod and to cover for injuries or tactical changes Moreover the team intends to strengthen their Indian pace and spin bowling resources by adding domestic players which is crucial for managing extended tournaments and diverse pitch conditionsPBKS squad before IPL 2026 auction Priyansh Arya Prabhsimran Singh Shreyas Iyer Nehal Wadhera Shashank Singh Marcus Stoinis Azmatullah Omarzai Vijaykumar Vyshak Arshdeep Singh Yuzvendra Chahal Harpreet Brar Suryansh Shedge Vishnu Vinod Xavier Bartlett Yash Thakur Mitchell Owen Harnoor Singh Musheer Khan Pyla Avinash Marco Jansen Lockie Ferguson IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/captain-shreyas-iyer-joins-pbks-think-tank-at-ipl-2026-auction-table-653922.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-so-excited-to-get-down-to-eden-says-cam-green-after-being-roped-in-by-kkr-653925.html New Delhi Dec 16 Australia allrounder Cameron Green made headlines on Tuesday after being roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders KKR for a record sum of Rs 2520 crore at the Indian Premier League IPL 2026 auction underway at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday Due to a mistake by his manager during the player auction registration Green was registered as a batter However he clarified later that heâd be available to bowl as well at the tournamentBy marking his availability as an allrounder he surpassed the previous record held by his Australia teammate Mitchell Starc who was bought by KKR for Rs 2475 crore in the IPL 2024 auctionCameron made his IPL debut in the 2023 season after the Mumbai Indians MI bought him for Rs 175 crore Notably at the time he became the secondmostexpensive overseas player in IPL auction history the thirdmost expensive player ever and the most expensive Australian playerâIâm so excited to be part of Kolkata for this yearâs IPL to get down to the Eden Gardens get used to that atmosphere and hope itâs a great year for us So see you soonâ Green said in a video shared by the franchise across social mediaGreen registered at a base price of Rs 2 crore and triggered a bidding war between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals as soon as his name came upThe Royals withdrew when bids reached Rs 13 crore At that moment Chennai Super Kings fivetime champions joined the bidding war increasing the competition KKR and CSK entered the auction with the largest funds Rs 6430 crore and Rs 4340 crore respectively It was eventually the threetime champions who emerged on top in the battle as they bagged the Aussieâs services IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-so-excited-to-get-down-to-eden-says-cam-green-after-being-roped-in-by-kkr-653925.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-stokes-calls-on-england-to-show-bit-of-a-dog-in-must-win-third-test-at-adelaide-653680.html Adelaide Dec 15 England captain Ben Stokes has called on his side to show âa bit of dogâ in the mustwin third Ashes Test against Australia starting at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday The clash in Adelaide marks a return for Stokes to the venue where he made his Test debut 12 years ago adding further weight to the occasion as England look to mount a fightback England are 20 behind in the fivematch series and must snap a 17match winless run in Australia to keep alive hopes of regaining the urnDefinitely We dont do getting into rooms and have big things up on the screen We have proper meaningful conversations Whats been said has been said Ive done all the talking over the last two days that I needed to All that stuffs done now so its about what gets seen out on the field in Adelaide this weekIts just about trying to fight in every situation that you find yourself in understanding the situation and what you feel is required for your team Just look at your opposition every single time and show a bit of dog Thats fight to me Youre giving yourself the best possible chance if youve got a bit of dog in you Stokes told reporters on MondayStokes said the England squad held âmeaningful conversationsâ in the leadup to Adelaide and pointed to the third Test against India at Lordâs in July as inspiration On that occasion England prevailed by 22 runs in a dramatic finish at the home of cricketThat Lords is exactly what Im on about That was a moment where we all did that we all noticed and we all identified that moment And youve seen the way that team came out on that day We were probably in a situation where we would have to be absolutely perfect to win that game and we wereOn the back of attitude mentality towards that specific situation is what gave us the best chance of winning that game That was spoken about that India game for the rest of this series Ive done all the talking over the last two days that I needed to have doneAll that stuffs done now so its about what gets seen out on the field in Adelaide this week Everyones very switched on about what needs to be done this week Yeah a few more expectations I think around the group but everyone responded incredibly well to it Because what other option do we have he elaboratedStokes also addressed the omission of Shoaib Bashir from Englandâs playing eleven for the Adelaide game as allrounder Will Jacks retained his place while Josh Tongue came in for fellow seamer Gus AtkinsonI wouldnt say its got anything to do with Bash whatsoever The main thing is were 20 down We need to win the next three We feel having Jacksy down at number eight obviously strengthens our batting a little bit deeper if we need to go there And hes more than capable enough to handle that role with the ball when we need to call upon it IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ashes-stokes-calls-on-england-to-show-bit-of-a-dog-in-must-win-third-test-at-adelaide-653680.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-auction-paid-rs-2520-cr-for-cameron-green-as-he-was-in-our-range-says-kkr-ceo-venky-mysore-653936.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore has said that they paid a hefty sum to rope in Australian allrounder Cameron Green because he was in the range they had thought Claiming that having a young allrounder just after appointing a power coach was a very nice move and went with their plans Green was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a record sum of Rs 2520 crore at the Indian Premier League 2026 auction underway at the Etihad Arena in Abu DhabiWell first of all were very happy This is something that we were really focused on and hoping for Always fingers crossed because of the auction anything can happen I think we were quite happy with the price at which we got him He adds immense value to the squad and with Andre Russell coming on board as our new power coach having a young allrounder with IPL and international experience is ideal Given his impact with both bat and ball and the conditions at Eden we couldnât be happier with the outcomeâ he told the broadcasters said Mysore in a press conference on TuesdayAt the same time the KKR CEO clarified that they would have gone totally berserk in trying to get Green if they felt it would have impacted their overall auction planYou know there was always a concern that it had gone higher What would we have done I think the fact is that we were very keen but not so attached So at some level if we felt that it could affect the rest of the auction we would have let him go And so fortunately that didnt happen It came within the range that we were looking at So extremely happy with that I think he adds a lot to our team said Venky MysoreAsked whether he was surprised to see Chennai Super Kings jump into the bidding war over Cameron Green after Rajasthan Royals had dropped out at INR 12 croreThere were no surprises We all tried to prepare as well as possible The surprise was Rajasthan coming in with their purse to bid So we knew that it was maybe to warm up the room or whatever it was But thats okay That happens and thats absolutely fine But no no surprises at all We fully expected CSK to come And try their best to get it to a level that would have worked for them perhaps But we were just happy to have that one more bid that allowed us said MysoreHe also supported the restrictions imposed on the number of foreign players that can be taken up by a franchise and also the rule about capping the overall salary for a player to 18 croreI think the rule BCCIIPL have made it in their wisdom on capping it at 18 crore I think thats what you were talking aboutFrom our standpoint I dont think there is any concern in that regard Whether it had gone to the player or gone this way this is something thats an outflow for the franchise So we are okay We are okay with that And I dont think it changes anything as far as the auction is concerned said Venky MysoreAsked whether the lower price bagged by former KKR Venkatesh Iyer in this auction after being roped in for a massive price in the previous one was a kind of price correction he said it all depended on the strategy for the auctionYou know its so difficult to sort of give an answer to that Because a lot of it is you know we did go for him and then how all of these things work But he has been a terrific player for us He will be dearly missed Its just one of these things that happens in an auctionWhen youre faced with an auction you have opportunities to sort of think about your strategy And if that strategy is taking you in a slightly different direction sometimes these are things that happen Not for the first time or the last time for us or for that matter other teams as well So its a bit sad for us But thats the way all of these things go he addedAsked about what areas they are trying to strengthen in this auction he said they had to sort of hit a reset buttonWe have an amazing think tank Weve had to sort of hit a reset button for different reasons Abhishek Nayar is the head coach Dwayne Bravo is the mentor Shane Watson assistant coach Tim Southee and now we have a new powercoach Andre Russell as well I think the brain trust figured it out I think they consider so many factors in our conditionsWhat kind of structure will allow us to be a very competitive team We just felt last year we were missing out on a couple of areas And so based on that I think that we have more work to do in the auction But I think its been a good start for us said Mysore on their plans ahead IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-auction-paid-rs-2520-cr-for-cameron-green-as-he-was-in-our-range-says-kkr-ceo-venky-mysore-653936.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-cameron-green-fetches-rs-30-crore-from-kkr-in-mock-bidding-653683.html New Delhi Dec 15 Australiaâs seam bowling allrounder Cameron Green underlined his status as the most soughtafter player ahead of the IPL 2026 auction fetching Rs 305 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders KKR in a mock bidding exercise Registered as a batter owing to a goofup by his manager during the player auction registration Green is expected to be hotly pursued by both KKR and Chennai Super Kings CSK when the real auction begins at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on TuesdayâI knew CSK would also go after a middleorder allrounder I thought they would go somewhere around 25â28 crore Realistically I think they would go up to around Rs 20 crore in the actual auction because they would want to keep space for other Indian and overseas players as wellâBut in the mock auctions I was ready to go up to 35 crore for a player like Green I think Cameron Green should bat at No 3 in the orderâ said JioStar expert and former India player Robin Uthappa who was the KKR representative in the mock auction held on MondayIn the mock auction Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was picked by KKR for 13 crore âItâs all about planning and keeping things simple We needed a good death bowler With the kind of coaching staff KKR have Pathirana can be very effective at the death He has been a little off colour recently and has gone back into the auction pool which I think will make him more motivated to performâA change of franchise can also help With Pathirana Varun Chakravarthy and Vaibhav Arora if youâre asking who bats in the first XI it would be Vaibhav Arora Also Varun has been working on his batting heâs not too far away from clearing the ropes eitherâ added UthappaFormer India cricketer Suresh Raina who was CSKâs representative in the mock exercise commented on picking Sarfaraz Khan for Rs 7 crore âI think he is in great form We saw earlier that when Venkatesh Iyer was bought for a big amount the form wasnât quite there Sarfaraz on the other hand is batting really well right now You donât get that kind of player easilyâthe range of shots he plays the confidence he hasâThe form Sarfaraz is in even if he plays four or six matches and wins you two games that 7 crore will be fully justified After his firstclass performances he has also been included in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy He is a form player following a process Chennaiâs wicket is technically sound and if he gets set in a system like CSK where the focus is on winning games I think CSK will benefit greatly from his formâOn CSKâs overall auction strategy executed by him Raina explained picking legspinners Rahul Chahar and Wanindu Hasaranga as well as pacer Anrich Nortje âI think we have addressed key areas in the auction war room We picked Rahul Chahar as a legspinner and Wanindu Hasaranga because we donât have Jadeja and Ashwin We also strengthened our pace attackâAnrich Nortje is there he has pace and can bowl yorkers consistentlyâIt was important to bring in Sarfaraz Khan who is in tremendous form Youâll also see young players like Ayush Mhatre Dewald Brevis Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube in the mix There are a lot of young faces and thatâs very important When new players came in previously even after losing two or three matches the youngsters responded really wellâYou need that fireâplayers who go out and express themselves fearlessly In the main auction many more players will be available CSK may even look to buy Matheesha Pathirana again given their concern around death bowling That will be one of their key focus areasâ he concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-cameron-green-fetches-rs-30-crore-from-kkr-in-mock-bidding-653683.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-csk-spend-record-142-cr-each-for-prashant-veer-kartik-sharma-auqib-dar-goes-to-dc-for-84-cr-in-uncapped-category-653944.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 The Indian Premier League IPL 2026 player auction started on a dull note in the uncapped playersâ category but Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma then scripted history as Chennai Super Kings roped them in for a record price of Rs 1420 crore each It all started with the uncapped batters category but to everyoneâs surprise all six players in the list went unsold The list included Aarya Desai Yash Dhull Abhinav Manohar Anmolpreet Singh Atharva Taide and Abhinav TejranaHowever what followed next was an unexpected bidding war for Auqib Dar a Jammu and Kashmir allrounder who bagged an extraordinary deal of Rs 84 crore from the Delhi Capitals as the franchise beat Rajasthan Royals Royal Challengers Bengaluru and SunRisers Hyderabad to win the tense battleThen came Prashant Veer who stole the limelight by attracting the interest of five teams only to be eventually purchased by fivetime champions CSKAmong allrounders Shivang Kumar was only the third cricketer from the list to attract a bid Rs 30 lakh from SRH as all other players Rajvardhan Hangargekar Tanush Kotian Mahipal Lomror Kamlesh Nagarkoti Vijay Shankar Sanvir Singh and Eden Tom remained unsoldAmong wicketkeeper batters Kartik was the one who made headlines as five teams MI LSG KKR SRH and CSK raised the bar high The Rajasthan powerhitter matched Veerâs sum to enter the history books as the Men in Yellow got himAllrounder Veer and wicketkeeperbatter Kartik surpassed Avesh Khan to become the most expensive uncapped buys in the history of the tournament At the IPL 2023 auction Avesh was roped in by the Lucknow Super Giants for a sum of Rs 10 crore which made him the most expensive uncapped playerHowever the 2026 edition of the auction saw CSK breaking the bank for the uncapped duo of Veer and Kartik as each bagged a Rs 1420 crore deal from the fivetime championsAmong Keepers Mukul Choudhary Rs 26 Cr and Tejasvi Singh Rs 3 Cr were roped in by LSG and KKR respectively while Ruchit Ahir Vansh Bedi and Tushar Raheja went unsoldNext up were the bowlers among whom fast bowlers Sushant Mishra RR Ashok Sharma GT Naman Tiwari LSG and Kartik Tyagi KKR received their respective contractsThen three out of seven uncapped spinners Yash Raj Punja RR Vignesh Puthur RR and Prashant Solanki KKR attracted bids IPL veteran Karn Sharma Kumar Kartikeya Shivam Shukla and Afghanistanâs Wahidullah Zadran meanwhile remained unsold IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-csk-spend-record-142-cr-each-for-prashant-veer-kartik-sharma-auqib-dar-goes-to-dc-for-84-cr-in-uncapped-category-653944.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-pathirana-was-our-priority-we-went-to-our-absolute-limit-for-him-says-lsg-owner-goenka-653949.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 Lucknow Super Giants suffered a heartbreak in their attempts to bag Sri Lanka star Matheesha Pathirana losing him to the Kolkata Knight Riders But LSG expressed satisfaction with their auction strategy having secured key international targets aligned with their team requirements LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka highlighted the successful acquisition of Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje as part of a wellplanned and disciplined bidding approach in the Indian Premier League IPL 2026 miniauctionPathirana stole the limelight in early bidding by fetching Rs 18 crore from Kolkata Knight Riders He sparked a bidding war between the Delhi Capitals and LSG with the sum crossing Rs 15 crore Just when Delhi backed out KKR joined in taking the youngsterâs fee even higher The threetime champions eventually won the battle and roped in the 22yearold pacer for a massive sum of Rs 18 crorePathirana made his IPL debut for the Chennai Super Kings and represented them till the 2025 edition of the tournamentOn losing Matheesha to KKR Goenka said they went to their absolute limit to get him as he was their priority but that was not to be âYes our captain and vicecaptain were both very keen on Matheesha Pathirana as was I We were also very interested in Anrich Nortje Pathirana was our priority and we went up to â¹178 crore which was our absolute limit â we didnât have the purse to go beyond that When Anrich Nortje came up later we were pleasantly surprised and delighted to secure him at the base price So overall it was a very considered concerted and wellthoughtout decisionâ Dr Goenka said on JioHotstarâs âMatch Centre Live Auction 2026Goenka also spoke about their auction strategy and wins so far and said they have progressed well in achieving their key objectivesâWe are very close to our primary targets Our key objectives were to secure one quality international legspinner and one reputed international fast bowler Wanindu Hasaranga was our firstchoice legspinner and for the fastbowling option it was between Matheesha Pathirana and Anrich Nortje We are delighted to have acquired two players who were part of our shortlisted three so we are extremely happy with how the auction has unfoldedâ he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-pathirana-was-our-priority-we-went-to-our-absolute-limit-for-him-says-lsg-owner-goenka-653949.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-playing-for-rajasthan-royals-will-feel-like-home-says-ravi-bishnoi-653950.html Abu Dhabi Dec 16 India legspinner Ravi Bishnoi said it felt âlike playing at homeâ after being picked up by former champions Rajasthan Royals for Rs 72 crore at the ongoing Indian Premier League IPL 2026 miniauction at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi with the franchise securing the spinner following competitive bidding Hailing from Jodhpur Bishnoi adds proven quality and energy to the Royalsâ bowling attack Speaking on his move to Rajasthan Royals Ravi Bishnoi said Playing for Rajasthan Royals will feel like playing at home I started my cricket journey as a practice bowler at RR and now representing a team that carries the name of my state means a lot to meâRR Lead Owner Manoj Badale said Ravi is a special talent and someone our fans were eager to see in Royals colours His return to the franchise feels like a homecoming especially knowing he began his journey here as a net bowler Heâs a highly skilled bowler a terrific fielder and someone who embodies the hunger and spirit we value at this franchiseDuring the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025â26 the leg spinner bowled with an economy of 840 and claimed nine wickets in seven games In the 2025 Indian Premier League Bishnoi was a member of the Lucknow Super Giants The 25yearold has played for the Punjab Kings and the Lucknow Super Giants and with 77 appearances has taken 72 wicketsBishnoi entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore The Rajasthan Royals quickly opened the bidding for the legspinner The Chennai Super Kings soon joined in after asking for some time They pushed the price up steadily with fixed increments as the two teams competedCSK raised the bid to Rs 42 crore before the Royals briefly stepped back They returned at Rs 44 crore starting another round of frenetic bidding that brought the total to Rs 58 crore After a long discussion at the Royalsâ table RR jumped back in at Rs 6 crore and CSK chose not to respond Just when it seemed like the Royals had secured the player the Sunrisers Hyderabad entered with a bid of Rs 62 crore sparking the bidding war again The price kept rising before finally settling at Rs 72 crore IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-playing-for-rajasthan-royals-will-feel-like-home-says-ravi-bishnoi-653950.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-meet-the-uncapped-indian-players-set-to-attract-attention-of-the-franchises-653701.html New Delhi Dec 15 With the Indian Premier League IPL 2026 auction now a day away all eyes will be on the uncapped domestic players expected to land big paydays and instant recognition from the cricketing world Once the IPL 2025 season was over coaches and scouts of all ten teams were busy crisscrossing the country to see various state T20 league games and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches to identify the gems who can be of great value to their teams With limited purses and multiple slots to fill uncapped Indian cricketers are expected to be in huge demand IANS looks at five players who could attract significant interest when auction bidding begins in Abu DhabiPrashant Veer â Base price of Rs 30 lakhThe slow leftarm spin bowling allrounder from Amethi Uttar Pradesh has been talked highly of for his skills which have earned him comparison with Ravindra Jadeja In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Veer scored 112 runs at a strike rate of 16969 and claimed nine wickets at an economy of 676 highlighted by a 320 and an unbeaten 40His exploits in the UP T20 League for Noida Super Kings further underlined his batting prowess â amassing 320 runs â along with taking eight wickets across 10 matches Having already attended IPL trials including those of fivetime champions Chennai Super Kings eyeing to fill a Jadejasized void the 23yearold allrounder is expected to be firmly on the radar of all teamsAuqib Nabi Dar Base price of Rs 30 lakhThe seambowling allrounder from Jammu amp Kashmir has emerged as one of Indiaâs most consistent performers in domestic cricket In the first half of the Ranji Trophy Nabi has taken 29 wickets in five matches at an average of 1327 including a best haul of 724Nabiâs whiteball form has been equally impressive In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy he claimed 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy of 741 attributes that have drawn the attention of franchise scouts He would be hoping this time he gets an IPL deal after having two net bowling stints before in the tournamentAshok Sharma Base price of Rs 30 lakhThe fast bowler has been on top of the wickettaking chart in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy â picking 20 wickets in nine matches including best figures of 416 and consistently clocking speeds above 140 kmph Sharma was a net bowler with the Rajasthan Royals and was part of their squad in IPL 2025 but didnât get a gameHe didnât get a game with the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023 But his consistent performance in the SMAT and attending trials with multiple franchises means he will attract aggressive bidding from teams looking to bolster their fastbowling stocksKartik Sharma Base price of Rs 30 lakhThere were curious eyes when he was signed up by JSW which manages cricketers like Axar Patel Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma But his reputation as a clean striker and lowerorder finisher with a penchant to hit big sixes â all of this at just 19 â has already excited many onlookers Such was the effect that he was spotted at CSK trials ahead of the auctionHe was Rajasthans highest rungetter in the previous edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 445 runs in eight innings coming at a strike rate of 11803 Kartik scored 133 runs in five games at a strike rate of over 160 in Rajasthanâs group stage campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before a finger injury ruled him out of the Super League phaseTejasvi Singh Dahiya Base price of Rs 30 lakhThe wicketkeeperbatter from New Delhi is on the radar of franchises after a superlative showing in the past few months earning him spots in trials of various franchises He was one of the standout performers in the 2025 Delhi Premier League DPL scoring 339 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 19045 and that paved his way into selection to the Delhi team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali TrophyIn the league stage games in Ahmedabad he had a strike rate of 16865 including hitting 53 not out off 19 balls against a starstudded Karnataka Apart from his genuine boundaryclearing power his ability to handle pressure in tight chases has impressed scouts furtherOther uncapped players on the radar of franchises are Tushar Raheja Ravi Singh Krains Fuletra Sairaj Patil Arpit Rana Yash Dhull Sarthak Ranjan Abhishek Pathak Mangesh Yadav Naman Tiwari Salman Nizar Yash Raj Punja Raj Limbani Sunny Sandhu Salil Arora Money Grewal Sushant Mishra and Ravi Kumar IANS https://dailyworld.in/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-meet-the-uncapped-indian-players-set-to-attract-attention-of-the-franchises-653701.html Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:29:00 +0530