Cricket

India's T20I Captaincy: Hardik Pandya's Gesture Eases Concerns Over Leadership DynamicsAs India's captaincy in the shortest format remains a topic of discussion, the relationship between Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya has come under scrutiny. However, a recent gesture by Pandya has allayed concerns over any potential rift within the team.Before the T20I captaincy was handed over to Yadav, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Pandya had been consulted. Despite this, questions lingered about the leadership dynamics in the team.However, Pandya's warm embrace of Yadav as they departed for Sri Lanka for a white-ball series has put such talks to rest. The video shared by the BCCI captured the moment, showcasing a genuine bond between the two players.Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media at a joint press conference, explaining the rationale behind Yadav's appointment as captain. Agarkar emphasized Yadav's cricketing acumen, consistency as a T20 batter, and proven fitness record."We wanted a captain who's going to be more likely to play all the games," Agarkar said. "We think he's a deserving candidate and hopefully we'll see over time how he develops into the role."Agarkar also confirmed that Pandya remains a crucial part of the Indian team in the white-ball circuit. "He's still a very important player for us," Agarkar said. "We're trying to now, we've got a bit more time till the next T20 World Cup when we can look at a few things."Pandya's fitness has been a concern in the past, and Agarkar acknowledged this factor in the decision-making process. "The fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone who's likely to be available more often than not," Agarkar said.The gesture between Pandya and Yadav suggests that the leadership transition has been handled smoothly and that the team remains united under Yadav's captaincy. As India prepares for the upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka, the focus will be on Yadav's performance as captain and the team's overall performance under his leadership.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted the International Cricket Council (ICC) with the task of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for early 2024. The ICC recently approved the event's budget during meetings in Colombo, but the schedule and format remain undecided.The PCB has submitted a draft schedule and format for the tournament, along with a budget, to the ICC. The board has proposed hosting all of India's matches in Lahore, including a potential semi-final and the final. The PCB has also provided the ICC with details on tax modalities, venue selections, and government clearance for the Indian team to visit Pakistan.The PCB initially expressed interest in hosting the Champions Trophy in 2021, and the ICC awarded hosting rights in 2022. The final documentation for the host agreement was submitted during Ramiz Raja's tenure as PCB Chairman.Although PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi did not have formal meetings with BCCI secretary Jay Shah or other BCCI officials at the ICC meetings, interactions were described as cordial. The PCB has now delegated the responsibility of finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule to the ICC.The ICC must also obtain confirmation from the BCCI regarding the Indian team's travel to Pakistan. The BCCI has historically maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is a decision made by the Indian government. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its games in Sri Lanka based on a 'Hybrid Model.'The PCB has fulfilled its obligations as hosts by submitting the draft schedule and budget, as well as providing detailed documentation to the ICC. The ICC now has the responsibility to finalize the event logistics and secure India's participation.

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, has refuted rumors that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected his requests for coaching staff personnel. In a press conference, Gambhir expressed satisfaction with the BCCI's acceptance of his proposals.Gambhir announced the appointment of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. Nayar, who served as assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their IPL 2024 triumph, will join the Indian team. Ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands international, will serve as fielding coach, a role he also held at KKR.Gambhir emphasized the continuity of the support staff, with T Dilip continuing as fielding coach. He explained that the addition of two assistant coaches will allow for a more comprehensive focus on all three departments of the game."I feel there could be assistant coaches working and focusing on all three departments rather than one specific department," said Gambhir. "That's the reason we now have two assistant coaches. That's the way we will go forward as well."Gambhir confirmed that Nayar, Dilip, and former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule will accompany the team to Sri Lanka for the upcoming tour. Ten Doeschate will join the squad directly in Colombo.The head coach stated that the finalization of the entire support staff will occur after the Sri Lanka tour. He highlighted his positive experiences working with Nayar and ten Doeschate during the IPL."We still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour, and we can finalize after the tour," said Gambhir. "Importantly, I've worked with Ryan and Abhishek closely during the IPL. I enjoyed working with them, they are thorough professionals, and there can't be a bigger and better opportunity now."Reports have emerged that Gambhir has also requested the inclusion of South African pacer Morne Morkel in the coaching staff. However, this has not been officially confirmed.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized his strong relationship with BCCI secretary Jay Shah, dismissing speculations of any discord. During a press conference before the team's departure for Sri Lanka, Gambhir stated, "I have a fabulous relationship with him. Jay Shah and I go a long way back. All these speculations about different things are given on different pages. I think we can do a better job by clarifying those things rather than putting it in the press."Gambhir stressed that the team's welfare takes precedence over individual interests. "The betterment of Indian cricket is more important. Gambhir is not important. All of us have hearts in the right place. If we all think that Indian cricket has to move forward, we will be on the same page. So far, I have had a great working relationship with him, hopefully, it will continue in the future as well," he said.The Indian team left for Sri Lanka on Monday for a three-match T20I and ODI series. The T20Is will be held on July 27, 28, and 30 at the Pallekele International Stadium, while the ODIs will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium from August 1.The T20I squad includes Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mohd. Siraj.The ODI squad comprises Rohit Sharma (C), Suhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, and Harshit Rana.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has vehemently criticized the reported reluctance of India to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ali accused several international cricket boards of blindly following the dictates of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Ali alleged that these boards, including the English, New Zealand, West Indies, and Australian boards, are swayed by the financial incentives offered by the BCCI when their players participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He claimed that these boards would readily agree to any proposal put forward by BCCI President Jay Shah, including the relocation of the Champions Trophy to a neutral venue.Ali also commented on the recent developments involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He suggested that Naqvi had been given false hope by other boards that Pakistan would be granted a bilateral series against India after the Champions Trophy, potentially in a third country.However, Ali strongly advocated against Pakistan agreeing to play the bilateral series in a neutral venue if India refused to play in Pakistan. He argued that the PCB should maintain its stance and refuse to compromise on the principle of home advantage.Ali's comments come amidst reports that the Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025. The BCCI is reportedly planning to request the ICC to adopt a hybrid model, with India's matches potentially being played in Sri Lanka or Dubai.The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025. Due to tense political relations, Team India has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008. The last bilateral series between the two nations occurred in 2012-13, with India hosting Pakistan for two T20Is and three ODIs.A similar situation arose during last year's Asia Cup, which was initially planned for Pakistan. However, all of India's matches, including those against Pakistan, were held in Sri Lanka, with the final taking place in Colombo, where India emerged victorious.

Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the BCCI selection committee, faced scrutiny at a press conference on Monday regarding the exclusion of several players from the team's tour of Sri Lanka.Agarkar defended the committee's decisions, emphasizing the limited roster size and the need to prioritize balance. He acknowledged the strong performances of Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Abhishek Sharma in Zimbabwe but maintained that not everyone could be accommodated in the 15-man squad."Every player who's left out feels hard done by," Agarkar said. "Our challenge is to pick only 15. You try and get the best balance possible. So someone's likely to miss out."Agarkar cited the example of Rinku Singh, who was omitted from India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad despite his impressive form. He stressed that such exclusions are sometimes unavoidable due to the competitive nature of team selection."We had an opportunity to give some of those guys a go in the Zimbabwe series, which was good," Agarkar added. "So, we have enough depth if tomorrow there is loss of form for the players that are playing or there are injuries."Agarkar emphasized the difficulty of balancing individual performances with team dynamics. He explained that while players may have had strong recent showings, the selectors must consider the overall composition of the squad and the suitability of each player for specific roles."But it's tough," Agarkar said. "I mean Rinku for no fault of his missed out from the World Cup, it's an example. He had a terrific [run in the] T20 leading up to the World Cup. But sometimes it's just the way it goes. Unfortunately for us as well, it is difficult to fit everyone in the fifteen."

With the ICC Champions Trophy looming on the horizon, concerns linger over Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness in the 50-over format. Despite his impressive performances in T20 cricket, Pandya's endurance in longer formats remains a question mark.Sources within the BCCI have revealed that Pandya's fitness will be closely monitored in domestic cricket over the next few months. The all-rounder has requested a break from the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka, citing personal reasons. However, his bowling workload will be under scrutiny in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year."While he has done exceptionally well bowling just four overs in T20 cricket after returning from his injury, Hardik hasn't been tested in longer formats. His endurance needs to be monitored," a BCCI source told TOI.Pandya's selection for ODIs is not guaranteed if he lacks the stamina to bowl longer spells. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir have expressed reservations about handing him a leadership role due to his uncertain availability.Suryakumar Yadav was appointed captain for the T20Is in Sri Lanka, while Pandya was stripped of his ODI vice-captaincy, which was given to Shubman Gill."Hardik's batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup, but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs," the source added.Pandya's injury history has been a concern, with his India comebacks often coinciding with ICC tournaments. He lost his place in T20 cricket after the 2021 T20 World Cup due to his inability to bowl at full throttle.With only six ODIs remaining before the Champions Trophy, the BCCI is keen to ensure that Pandya is fully fit and ready to contribute with both bat and ball. His workload will be carefully managed to avoid any setbacks that could jeopardize his participation in the prestigious tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to convene a crucial meeting with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners on July 30 or 31 to address several pressing issues, including player retention policies, the Right to Match (RTM) option, and the salary cap for players.The meeting, to be held at the BCCI's newly renovated office within the Wankhede Stadium premises in Mumbai, will delve into the contentious topic of player retention. Proponents of higher retention limits argue that it fosters team continuity and strengthens franchise identity, while others advocate for minimal retention to promote player movement and competition.The BCCI has been actively engaging with IPL franchises to gather feedback on these matters. IPL CEO Hemang Amin has met with franchise representatives to discuss their perspectives. The upcoming meeting will provide a platform for further deliberations and consensus-building.Another key agenda item is the RTM option, which allows franchises to retain a player who has been released by another team. The inclusion of RTM in the mega-auction has been a subject of debate, with some franchises expressing concerns about its potential impact on player acquisition strategies.The salary cap, anticipated to be around Rs 120 crore for the initial year of the forthcoming three-year cycle, will also be discussed. The retention value assigned to each player, which in the past has been approximately 16-17 percent of the salary cap, is another point of consideration.The BCCI is expected to present the formula for determining the salary of retained players and address any concerns raised by the franchises. The meeting will serve as a crucial step in shaping the future of the IPL and ensuring its continued success as one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced its intention to closely monitor player availability and participation in the upcoming domestic cricket season (2024-25). This move is a clear indication that the BCCI expects India internationals to prioritize domestic competitions when not selected for the national team.The BCCI's decision stems from the recent controversy surrounding the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the list of BCCI-contracted players due to their absence from state team matches. The board is keen to ensure that international players remain committed to domestic cricket and continue to develop their skills across all formats.The monitoring process will involve assessing player performance in domestic competitions and tracking their availability for state teams when not on India duty. The BCCI will also consider the workload management of players, as evidenced by the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka.According to reports, the topic of player availability was discussed during the recent selection committee meeting. The BCCI has reportedly spoken to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli regarding their availability for the Sri Lanka tour, leading to their inclusion in the ODI squad.The BCCI's focus on domestic cricket aligns with the vision of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has emphasized the importance of players competing in all three formats. By monitoring player availability and participation, the BCCI aims to foster a strong domestic circuit that will produce high-quality players for the Indian team.