Cricket

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India's head coach has raised questions about his strained relationship with Virat Kohli. However, according to a report in Cricbuzz, Kohli has communicated to the BCCI that he is willing to move on, prioritizing the best interests of the team and Indian cricket.Kohli, who has been on a break since India's T20 World Cup victory, has been named in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Earlier reports suggested that both Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma would skip the series, but they will now join the team for the 50-over leg. Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the T20 captain following Rohit's retirement from the format.Despite past on-field disagreements and confrontations in the Indian Premier League, Kohli is believed to have stated that previous issues will not affect their professional relationship in the dressing room. He has reportedly communicated this clearly to BCCI officials. Discussions on the matter were likely held after the T20 World Cup final.The Sri Lanka tour will mark Gambhir's first assignment as India's head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup. Both Gambhir and Kohli share a similar approach to cricket, wearing their hearts on their sleeves and expressing their emotions openly.Gambhir's intense patriotic fervor adds an extra dimension to his coaching style, a trait he shares with Kohli. When these qualities are combined for the common goal of winning matches and trophies for India, it has the potential to make the team invincible in all formats, especially with Kohli continuing to play in Tests and ODIs.

The upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings in Colombo from July 19-22 are expected to witness a potential clash between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the Champions Trophy.India is likely to express its inability to tour Pakistan for the tournament, citing a lack of government clearance. This could lead to a heated discussion during the "any other business" category of the meetings. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, with India's matches planned for Lahore.If India refuses to travel to Pakistan, the ICC may consider a hybrid model for the tournament, with India playing their matches in the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka. However, the PCB is likely to strongly oppose such a move.Meanwhile, the suspense over India's next T20 captain continues. In an online meeting on Tuesday, new head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors discussed the possibility of appointing Suryakumar Yadav, the world's second-ranked T20 batsman, as the regular captain. However, no final decision has been made.The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, is expected to attend the India vs Pakistan Women's Asia Cup match in Dambulla on Friday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has proposed a groundbreaking initiative to promote disability cricket globally. In a letter to his counterparts at the BCCI, Cricket Australia, PCB, and CSA, ECB secretary Richard Gould outlined plans to establish two national disability teams: one for visually impaired (blind) and one combined (physically challenged, intellectually challenged, and hearing impaired).Currently, India has a Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), but the BCCI does not organize any tournaments independently. Gould's proposal aims to address the lack of structure and support for disability cricket worldwide."We propose boards operate two international teams -- a blind XI as a standalone format and then a pan-disability format with squads consisting of deaf, intellectually impaired and physically disabled cricketers," Gould wrote. "We would be keen and willing to host the inaugural pan-disability tournament involving our five nations in 2025."Gould emphasized the need to prioritize disability cricket, citing the untapped market of 1.3 billion people with disabilities globally. He also acknowledged the lack of coordination and strategy in the sport."There are many different codes of disability cricket -- blind, deaf, intellectual impairment and physical disability and there has been widespread lack of co-ordination and strategy that sits across all four," Gould wrote. "This has not been an area of sport we have collectively prioritised and although financial restraints are felt as prevalently now as ever, now is the time for us to come together to turbocharge the disability game."Ravi Chauhan, the boss of DCCI, will participate in discussions in Sri Lanka, serving as a bridge between his committee and the BCCI. The ICC has expressed support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of member-driven efforts.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking new support staff for the senior men's team, following the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach. Gambhir has expressed his eagerness to finalize his coaching team promptly, but his proposed candidates have reportedly faced resistance from the board.Gambhir had suggested R Vinay Kumar, Morne Morkel, Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Jonty Rhodes, and Laxmipathy Balaji for various roles. However, the BCCI has reportedly rejected all of these suggestions except for Abhishek Nayar, who currently serves as assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders.The board's reluctance to accept Gambhir's recommendations stems from a departure from past practices. Previously, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid were granted autonomy in selecting their coaching staff. However, the BCCI appears to be taking a more hands-on approach with Gambhir.Sources indicate that the BCCI is keen on appointing Zaheer Khan as the next bowling coach. Khan, a legendary left-arm pacer, boasts an impressive record of 311 Test wickets and 610 international wickets across all formats. His vast experience and expertise make him a highly sought-after candidate.Balaji's name was also reportedly considered, but the board ultimately decided against his appointment. The former Indian pacer has represented the country in eight Test matches and 30 ODIs, claiming 27 and 34 wickets respectively.Paras Mahambrey's tenure as bowling coach under Rahul Dravid has concluded. As for the fielding coach position, T Dilip's contract may be extended.The BCCI's decision to reject Gambhir's proposed coaching staff has raised questions about the level of autonomy granted to the new head coach. It remains to be seen how this will impact Gambhir's ability to shape the team's future and achieve success on the international stage.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir recently held a virtual introductory meeting to discuss the vision for Team India. The meeting, which lasted for an hour, included members of Ajit Agarkar's selection committee, Gambhir, and BCCI secretary Jay Shah.One of the key topics discussed was the squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. With senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah expected to be rested, opportunities may arise for players like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, who were not included in the T20 World Cup squad.It was also reported that although captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the series, there is a possibility that he may make himself available. With vice-captain Hardik Pandya unavailable for selection in the ODI series due to injury concerns, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav are potential candidates to lead the side.Gambhir, who attended the meeting from his home in New Delhi, outlined his vision for the team, emphasizing the importance of commitment and dedication. He also discussed the type of players he wants in the squad, focusing on those who are willing to give their all for the team.The India vs Sri Lanka white ball series will commence on July 27, featuring three One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals. The series will provide an opportunity for the new-look Indian team to showcase their skills and prepare for future challenges.

With the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, India has ended its 11-year ICC title drought. The team's next targets are the 2025 Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final. To prepare for these tournaments, the BCCI has mandated that players with national team aspirations participate in domestic competitions.BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized that even star cricketers must make themselves available for domestic engagements when not on national duty. However, exceptions will be made for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. The BCCI encourages other Test specialists to play in the Duleep Trophy in August as a precursor to the Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.The Duleep Trophy will be selected by the national selection committee, and all Test team contenders will be included. Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah have the option to participate if they wish. These Test series will be the first two under Gautam Gambhir's coaching.Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has praised Gambhir's appointment as Team India's head coach. He believes Gambhir's aggression will positively impact the dressing room and inspire senior players.

India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, has become a subject of intense speculation. Recent reports suggest that the Indian government may not grant clearance for the team to travel to Pakistan, raising doubts about India's presence at the tournament.This issue stems from the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. In 2023, India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, with their matches being played in Sri Lanka instead. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the Champions Trophy.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make an official statement on the matter. However, BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla has denied rumors that India will not travel to Pakistan, stating that the board has not yet discussed the issue.Amidst the uncertainty, a video of former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh expressing his views on the matter has resurfaced. In an interview with Pakistani TV channel ARY News, Singh asserted that India would not send its team to Pakistan if the players' safety could not be guaranteed. He also emphasized that Indian cricket could survive without Pakistan's participation.On the other hand, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has maintained that India should honor Pakistan's hosting rights and travel to the country for the Champions Trophy. He pointed out that India's kabaddi and tennis teams have recently played tournaments in Pakistan, indicating that the Indian government cannot selectively choose which sports to participate in.The ICC is expected to address the issue at its upcoming general meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The outcome of this meeting will likely determine India's participation in the Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded written confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Indian government's stance on the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2023 in Pakistan. The PCB insists that the BCCI provide this documentation in case India refuses to participate due to security concerns.The PCB has emphasized the need for a prompt resolution, considering the tournament's proximity. While the ICC annual conference in Colombo on July 19 will not address the "Hybrid Model" (India playing matches in the UAE), the global body has allocated additional funds for a potential two-country tournament."If the Indian government declines permission, it must be in writing, and the BCCI is obligated to submit that letter to the ICC immediately," said a PCB source involved in the organizing committee. "We insist that the BCCI inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan in writing at least 5-6 months before the tournament."The BCCI has consistently maintained that playing in Pakistan is a government decision. In the 2023 ODI Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka under the "Hybrid Model."The PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with all of India's matches, including a potential semi-final and final, scheduled in Lahore. The India-Pakistan match is set for March 1. The tournament begins in Karachi on February 19 and concludes in Lahore on March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Rawalpindi will also host some matches.BCCI sources indicate that traveling to Pakistan is unlikely at this stage, and the ICC has allocated additional funds for contingency plans. "The ICC Management is recommending additional costs in case it becomes necessary to play matches outside Pakistan," a source confirmed.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has adopted an assertive stance, demanding that the Champions Trophy 2025 be held entirely within Pakistan. This stance comes in response to reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may request a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in a neutral country.The PCB's unwavering position stems from the strained political relations and security concerns between India and Pakistan. India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the BCCI's reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy has raised concerns.The PCB has threatened to withdraw from the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. This move highlights the PCB's determination to host the tournament on its own soil.The ICC finds itself in a difficult position, balancing the interests of both cricketing powerhouses. The upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Colombo will be a crucial juncture, where the PCB is expected to vehemently oppose any hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025.The PCB's stance is supported by the fact that Pakistan successfully hosted the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore, demonstrating its ability to provide a secure environment for international cricket.The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been marred by political and security issues since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The last time India toured Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup. The countries have since met only in ICC events or Asia Cup tournaments held in neutral venues.The PCB's determination to host the Champions Trophy 2025 entirely in Pakistan is a testament to its commitment to promoting cricket in the country and showcasing its capabilities as a host nation. The ICC will have to carefully consider the PCB's demands while ensuring the integrity of the tournament and the safety of all participants.