Cricket

Mitchell Starc's IPL Auction Record Under Threat from Rishabh PantAustralian pacer Mitchell Starc's record-breaking INR 24.75 crore acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 auction may be short-lived, according to former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan.Pathan predicts that Rishabh Pant, who has recently returned to competitive cricket after a car accident, is poised to break Starc's record in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant's sensational form, despite India's 3-0 Test series whitewash against New Zealand, has drawn widespread acclaim.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Pant's aggressive batting, leadership potential, and ability to single-handedly turn games make him a prime candidate for a record-breaking bid. Ali suggests that Pant could fetch as much as INR 50 crore in the auction.The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will feature 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas cricketers. The auction will also see significant procedural updates, with marquee players divided into two sets for the first time since 2018.Mallika Sagar, who previously conducted the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, will helm the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The ICC Champions Trophy venue saga has taken a dramatic turn with India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Pakistan remains adamant about hosting the entire event in the country, while India insists on a hybrid model for its matches.The financial implications of an India-Pakistan match extend beyond the two nations, impacting the global cricketing ecosystem. The International Cricket Council (ICC) relies heavily on revenue generated from such high-profile events to distribute shares to its member boards.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes a hybrid model is the only viable solution to ensure India and Pakistan participate in the Champions Trophy. "If cricket is to continue and the hybrid model is to be maintained, place Pakistan in one pool and India in the other," Ali said on his YouTube channel.Ali criticized the notion that rivalries like India vs. Australia or The Ashes are comparable to India vs. Pakistan matches. "The world is foolish (duniya bewakoof hai) to say that The Ashes is amazing or that the India-Australia series is amazing; it's not like that," he asserted.Ali emphasized the financial significance of India-Pakistan matches for the survival of cricket. "As long as cricket is being played and Pakistan-India matches are happening, there will be money; otherwise, there won't be," he said.The ICC is facing a dilemma as it attempts to balance the demands of both India and Pakistan. A hybrid model would allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue, while Pakistan would host the remaining fixtures. However, such a compromise could potentially reduce revenue for the ICC and broadcasters.The outcome of the venue negotiations will have a significant impact on the future of the Champions Trophy and the broader cricketing landscape. The ICC must carefully consider the financial implications and the importance of India-Pakistan matches in maintaining the sport's global appeal.

India's upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) tour of Australia has become a crucial test for the team, according to former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali. After a disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, India faces immense pressure to perform well in Australia.Basit believes that the Indian team must focus on silencing their critics with strong performances. He warns that if they fail to do so, several players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, could face the axe after the Champions Trophy."India needs to shut everyone up with their performance," Basit said in a YouTube video. "If they can't do that, I think three or four players will be dropped after the Champions Trophy, including Gautam Gambhir."India's batting lineup has been a major concern, with star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggling for form. Basit emphasizes that the team must address these issues and find a way to perform consistently."India's batting has been a big problem," Basit said. "They need to find a way to score runs and put pressure on the Australian bowlers."India's chances of winning the BGT have been boosted by the absence of Australia's star batsman David Warner, who is serving a one-year ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal. However, Basit warns that India cannot afford to take Australia lightly."Australia is still a strong team, even without Warner," Basit said. "India will need to play their best to win the series."India will begin their BGT campaign with the first Test in Perth on November 22. They will need to win four of the five Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

The ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the hosting of the Champions Trophy has taken a new turn, with reports emerging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it will not send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament. Instead, the BCCI has proposed playing its matches in Dubai. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied receiving any formal communication from the BCCI.As per protocol, the BCCI must obtain clearance from the Indian government before making any decision on the team's travel to Pakistan. Amidst this impasse, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that other cricket boards may also decline to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.In a YouTube video, Ali stated that the BCCI will officially decline on the 11th of November, and he will observe which other cricket boards follow suit. He attributed this potential reluctance to the significant influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Ali praised PCB chief Naqvi for his handling of the situation, noting that the public discourse in both Pakistan and India has subsided, leaving the matter to be resolved through official channels. He emphasized that the decision will ultimately rest with the BCCI, PCB, and ICC.Ali expressed concern that the standoff could have negative consequences for cricket, as it pits the love of the game against financial considerations. He questioned which boards would support Pakistan and which would favor the BCCI due to IPL pressure.In 2023, the PCB adopted a hybrid model for the Asia Cup, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan also agreed to play India in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup. If the BCCI maintains its stance, the PCB may escalate the matter to the ICC, where BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who will assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1, will have to make a decision.Sources indicate that the BCCI wants a resolution before Shah takes charge as ICC chairman. If the PCB agrees to the hybrid model, it remains to be seen which venue the ICC will designate for the final.The PCB had reportedly proposed that the Indian team establish a base in Chandigarh and travel to Lahore only on match days. However, this idea has been deemed logistically impractical.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2025, has sparked speculation about India's participation due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, the designated host nation. However, former Pakistani batsman Basit Ali has claimed that it is "70% confirmed" that India will play their matches in Lahore, Pakistan.To facilitate India's participation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed hosting all of India's matches in Lahore, allowing the team to travel via the Attari border near Amritsar. However, a recent report suggested that the PCB is considering a hybrid model, with India potentially playing their matches in the UAE.Basit Ali, in a video on his YouTube channel, urged Lahore residents to prepare for India's visit. He stated that the BCCI has had discussions and that the decision now rests with the Indian Prime Minister. He reiterated that it is "70% confirmed" that India will play in Lahore, with the schedule to be announced on November 11.Ali also appealed to Pakistani fans to be respectful and welcoming if India does participate. He emphasized the importance of appreciating the Indian players and avoiding any misbehavior.The Champions Trophy, which returns to the ICC calendar after a seven-year hiatus, is a prestigious tournament that brings together the top eight ODI teams. India's participation would add significant value to the event, and the possibility of them playing in Lahore has generated excitement among cricket fans.

India's recent Test series defeat against New Zealand has sparked a debate about the team's batting approach and the role of the batting coach. Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has criticized the Indian batting coach for failing to guide the young batsmen in the nuances of Test cricket.India's 0-3 whitewash at home was largely attributed to their inability to handle spin bowling on turning pitches. Kiwi spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel wreaked havoc, taking 13 and 11 wickets respectively. Basit Ali believes that the Indian batsmen were too aggressive and failed to adapt to the conditions."Who is India's batting coach, not able to advise the batsmen that you approach Tests session by session? Trying to score 10-12 runs every over is not cricket," said Basit.He pointed out that young batsmen like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal threw away their wickets after getting starts. "Is there no one to tell players like Jaiswal and Gill that when you reach 30-35, then don't get out playing loose shots, try to play out the session? Because only a set batsman can be successful (on such tracks), at that time he is your Bradman," said Basit.Basit also questioned the decision to prepare turning pitches for the series. "Jaiswal scored 200 against England. Those were better pitches. (Rahul) Dravid has a better mind (as a coach) compared to Gautam. Dravid used to advise for four-day pitches, so that a Test match goes at least until the fourth day. Let it turn from the third, fourth day, fifth day," he said."But you guys are asking for wickets (that turn) from the first day, where someone who is not a regular spinner will get turn even if he bowls straight. Santner took 13 wickets in one Test, something he may not have done in a series of five ODIs," he added.India's batting coach is currently unclear, with assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate not having a specific role in that area. Basit believes that the lack of a dedicated batting coach has contributed to the team's struggles.India will face a tough challenge in their upcoming tour of Australia, where they will play five Test matches. The first Test begins on November 22 in Perth.

Former Pakistan cricket star Basit Ali has heaped praise on Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, suggesting that he should be sold for a staggering Rs 50 crore in the upcoming IPL 2025 Auction. Pant's exceptional performance in the third Test against New Zealand, despite India's massive loss, has impressed Ali.Ali noted that Pant made the pitch appear "flat" during his innings, showcasing his exceptional shot selection. While media reports have estimated Pant's value at Rs 25 crore, Ali believes his abilities warrant a much higher price tag."Rishabh Pant scored 60 in the first innings and 64 in the second. What can I say about this kid? People say he should go for INR 25 crore in the IPL auction. However, I think he should be sold for INR 50 crore. When he batted on this pitch, it seemed like a flat track. He hit wherever he wanted to but his shot selection was good," Ali said on his YouTube channel.With the likes of Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami available in the auction pool, IPL team owners are eagerly anticipating the event. Pant, in particular, is expected to be the cynosure of all eyes.The Rs 75 crore retention cap on international players and the availability of Right To Match cards will make the auction intriguing. Teams with exhausted retention quotas will need to recruit at least 15 more players for a lesser sum. However, teams like Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have ample funds to make significant bids.Unprecedentedly, three IPL captains - Pant of Delhi Capitals, Iyer of Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rahul of Lucknow Super Giants - will be back in the auction pool. In Pant's case, it is believed that he was unhappy with the curtailment of his powers by the co-owners and the appointment of Hemang Badani as head coach and Y Venugopal Rao as Team Director.

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis: Basit Ali Blasts PCB for Kirsten's DepartureFormer Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the abrupt resignation of Gary Kirsten as the team's limited-overs coach. Ali, in a fiery rant on his YouTube channel, expressed his deep concern over the deteriorating state of Pakistan cricket."Pakistan's cricket is going down, and I don't want it to go down. In the coming days, it will get worse," Ali lamented. He criticized the PCB for its haphazard approach to hiring foreign coaches, arguing that they should first be tested at the junior levels.Ali drew comparisons to Australia and India, where coaches like Rodney Marsh and Rahul Dravid had worked with grassroots programs before taking on senior roles. "They've made a joke out of Pakistan," Ali said, hinting at internal interference in cricketing decisions.Ali mocked Kirsten's reported reservations about player selection, saying, "Now Gary Kirsten is acting innocent, saying, 'I won't accept it without Babar Azam.' So you don't want Rizwan as captain, and you don't want Shaheen Afridi—is this Pakistan's team or Gary Kirsten's team?"He further questioned Kirsten's commitment to Pakistan cricket, saying, "Next, he'll say, 'My academy is running in Cape Town,' and then join some IPL or PSL franchise. Why do you even give opportunities to people like this who can't spend their time in Pakistan?"Kirsten, who coached India to the 2011 World Cup win, was appointed by the PCB on a two-year contract in April. However, his tenure lasted just six months, with tensions reportedly brewing between the PCB and the coaching staff.The PCB's decision to strip Kirsten and Gillespie of their voting rights in team selection earlier this month fueled speculation of internal disagreements. The PCB has confirmed Kirsten's resignation and announced that Jason Gillespie, Pakistan's Test coach, will step in for the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.Ali's outburst reflects the growing frustration among Pakistani cricket fans and experts over the team's recent struggles. Pakistan has failed to win a major ICC tournament since 2017 and has been plagued by inconsistent performances and off-field controversies.

Team India's recent Test series defeat against New Zealand has sparked widespread criticism, with former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali joining the chorus of voices expressing concern. Ali highlighted the team's batting failures as the primary reason for their downfall, emphasizing their inability to handle both spin and pace bowling."India's batting got exposed," Ali said. "In the first match, the Kiwi pacers took 17 wickets. In the second Test, spinners took 19 wickets. India players were neither able to play pacers well nor spinners."Ali also pointed to the team's overconfidence as a contributing factor. "India might have thought they would beat the Kiwis easily," he said. "This means that the Indian management and players were overconfident."Ali expressed particular concern over the team's preparedness for the upcoming Australia tour, noting the absence of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from the squad. "I am surprised why there is no Mohammed Shami in the squad for the Australia tour," he said. "You have put all the load on Bumrah. Without Shami, India might face problems in Australia."Ali's criticism echoes the sentiments of many experts who have questioned India's batting technique and mental approach. The team's inability to adapt to different bowling conditions and their tendency to collapse under pressure have been major concerns.As India prepares for the Australia tour, they will need to address these issues and find a way to improve their batting performance. The absence of Shami, one of their most experienced and reliable bowlers, is also a significant setback.The team's management and players will need to work together to find solutions and regain their winning ways. Otherwise, they risk further setbacks and a decline in their Test rankings.