Cricket

BCCI Extends Financial Support to Former Cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad Battling CancerThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has swiftly responded to the medical crisis faced by former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has directed the Apex Council to immediately release a sum of Rs 1 crore to provide financial assistance to the veteran player.Shah has personally reached out to Gaekwad's family to assess the situation and offer any necessary assistance. The BCCI has assured that they will closely monitor Gaekwad's progress throughout his treatment and remain optimistic about his ability to overcome this challenging phase. The cricket board has expressed its unwavering support for the former player and his family during this difficult time.Former India captain Kapil Dev has also urged the BCCI to extend financial support to his former colleague Gaekwad. Gaekwad, aged 71, has been battling health issues, and his treatment has been ongoing.Dev, who led India to title win in the 1983 World Cup, said that a group of former cricketers has come together to raise funds for Gaekwad's medical expenses. The group includes notable names such as Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, and Ravi Shastri, among others. These former players have been actively involved in the fundraising efforts to support their fellow cricketer during his time of need.The BCCI's prompt action and the support extended by former cricketers demonstrate the strong bond and camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity. Gaekwad, who played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, is a respected figure in the cricketing world. His contributions to Indian cricket have been significant, and the support he is receiving during this challenging time is a testament to his legacy.

India's iconic World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to extend financial support to his former teammate, Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer. Gaekwad, 71, has been receiving treatment at King's College Hospital in London for the past year.Kapil expressed his anguish over Gaekwad's condition, stating, "It is a sad and very depressing situation. I am in pain because I have played alongside Anshu and can't bear to see him in this state. No one should suffer." He emphasized the need for the BCCI to step in and provide financial assistance to the former India head coach.Kapil revealed that several of his former teammates, including Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, are actively involved in fundraising efforts for Gaekwad's treatment. He expressed confidence that the BCCI would take cognizance of the matter and extend support.However, Kapil lamented the lack of a structured system to assist former players in such situations. He suggested the formation of a Trust where former players could contribute their pension amounts to support those in need. "We are ready to contribute by donating our pension amount if the family allows us to," he said.Gaekwad's cricketing legacy is significant. He represented India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1975 and 1987. He later served as India's head coach in two separate stints. His contributions to Indian cricket have been immense, and his current health condition has evoked widespread concern and sympathy.

The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for Pakistan in 2025, faces uncertainty as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly declines to travel to the country for the tournament. Pakistan had designated Lahore as the sole venue for India's matches, hoping to alleviate security concerns. However, the BCCI has proposed a hybrid model, suggesting Dubai or Sri Lanka as alternative venues.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may be compelled to accept India's demands, as the Indian team could withdraw from the tournament if all matches are held in Pakistan. The Indian government's approval for travel to Pakistan is highly unlikely. If India withdraws, Sri Lanka, ranked ninth in the 2023 ODI World Cup standings, will replace them.Last year, Pakistan's hosting of the Asia Cup 2023 was thwarted by the Indian government's refusal to allow the team to travel. The matches were subsequently shifted to Sri Lanka. India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two teams only face each other at ICC or ACC events.In their most recent encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, India emerged victorious by six runs in the group stage, eventually claiming their second title. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will mark Pakistan's first time hosting a major international cricket tournament independently. Previously, Pakistan co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka, and the Reliance Cup with India in 1987.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively considering former South African pacer Morne Morkel as a potential bowling coach for the Indian cricket team. This development comes after Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach, expressed his desire to include Morkel in the support staff.Morkel, who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for the Proteas, has a wealth of experience and a proven track record as a successful bowler. He was Pakistan's bowling coach during the ODI World Cup in India last year but resigned before his contract expired.Gambhir and Morkel have a history of working together, having been part of Andy Flower's support staff at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for two seasons. Gambhir has always been a vocal admirer of Morkel's bowling abilities, describing him as the "fiercest bowler he had ever faced."The BCCI has reportedly held talks with Morkel, who is currently living in Sydney with his family. One of the considerations for Morkel is the extensive travel required for the India job, given his young family.If Morkel accepts the role, he will replace Paras Mhambrey, who was part of Rahul Dravid's support staff for the past three years. Morkel could potentially join former KKR teammate Ryan ten Doeschate and Nayar in Gambhir's support staff.The BCCI is also keen on retaining fielding coach T Dilip from the outgoing Dravid regime. The final decision on the support staff is expected to be made soon.

Former Zimbabwean cricketer and current Royal Challengers Bangalore head coach Andy Flower has expressed his support for the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to appoint Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian cricket team.Flower, who worked with Gambhir during their time together at Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), praised Gambhir's strong opinions and clear views on the game. He believes that Gambhir's decisiveness and passion for Indian cricket make him an ideal candidate for the role."He's got strong opinions, he's got strong clear views on the game. He's very decisive, he's a very proud Indian, he loves Indian cricket and his position, representing Indian cricket. I think it's a good appointment and I think he's going to be successful," Flower said on Sony Sports ahead of the third T20I match between India and Zimbabwe.Gambhir, a former India opener, has a successful track record as a player and mentor. He led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their first two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, and under his mentorship, KKR won their third IPL title in 2024.BCCI president Roger Binny stated that Gambhir's appointment marks a new chapter for Team India. He highlighted Gambhir's experience and leadership qualities as key factors in his selection."Gautam Gambhir's appointment as Team India's new head coach marks a new chapter. His experience and leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to guide the team forward," Binny said.Gambhir was selected over WV Raman, who was also interviewed for the position. Binny emphasized that Gambhir's experience and vision for the team ultimately led to his appointment.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the senior men's cricket team. Gambhir's appointment comes after Rahul Dravid's tenure ended with the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024.Since Gambhir's appointment, there have been speculations about the coaching support staff. According to reports, Gambhir requested the inclusion of Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach, but the BCCI declined the request. The board reportedly wants to maintain an all-Indian support staff.The current support staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, saw their tenures end with Dravid's departure. However, the BCCI's plan to keep an all-Indian support staff suggests that Dilip may continue as India's fielding coach.Gambhir inherits a formidable Indian team that recently won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and finished as runners-up in the 2023 ODI World Cup and World Test Championship. He faces several challenges, including building camaraderie with former teammates like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.Gambhir's path to the head coach position has involved mentorship roles in the IPL, despite his lack of substantial coaching experience. This was also the case for Ravi Shastri and Anil Kumble when they were appointed to the top job in the Indian team.Under Gambhir's mentorship, Lucknow Super Giants reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons. He then moved to Kolkata Knight Riders, the team he led to two IPL titles, and guided them to the trophy in May.

India Unlikely to Tour Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy, BCCI to Request ICC for Alternative VenueThe Indian cricket team is highly unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI is expected to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a request to host the matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka instead.India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two nations have only faced each other in multi-team tournaments since then. Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in 2022, but India was allowed to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under a "hybrid model" arrangement. India cited a lack of government clearance for their decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.The eight-nation Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. It will be the first major cricket event hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, which it co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.The BCCI's decision is based on security concerns and the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. The two countries have a long history of conflict, and there have been several terrorist attacks in Pakistan in recent years.The ICC is yet to make a decision on the BCCI's request, but it is likely to consider the security concerns and the precedent set by the Asia Cup. If the ICC agrees to the BCCI's request, it will be a major blow to Pakistan's hopes of hosting a successful Champions Trophy.

Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Staff: BCCI Considers Ryan ten DoeschateFollowing his appointment as India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir has reportedly requested the inclusion of former Netherlands international Ryan ten Doeschate in his support staff. This move would mark a slight deviation from the BCCI's recent emphasis on Indian coaches.Ten Doeschate has been a vocal supporter of Gambhir, describing him as a "thorough professional" dedicated to team goals. The Dutchman previously served as Gambhir's assistant during the latter's tenure as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where they won the 2024 Indian Premier League title. Ten Doeschate held the role of fielding coach for KKR and is also involved with the franchise's teams in the Caribbean Premier League and Major League Cricket.According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI is currently discussing ten Doeschate's potential appointment. However, the board is keen to retain T Dilip as the fielding coach. This could lead to ten Doeschate being considered for a different role within the coaching setup.Another member of Gambhir's KKR coaching staff, Abhishek Nayar, is also being considered for the role of India's assistant coach. Nayar served as KKR's batting coach during the 2024 IPL season.If Gambhir and the BCCI are successful in securing both Nayar and ten Doeschate, it would create a significant void in KKR's coaching setup. Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as India's head coach last week after Dravid's tenure ended with India's victory in the T20 World Cup.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed a heartwarming display of camaraderie between former rivals Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli. The two, who had a heated on-field altercation in IPL 2023, were seen embracing and joking about their past feuds.Gambhir's recent appointment as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team has reignited the spotlight on his relationship with Kohli, a senior player and former captain. Reports suggest that Kohli was not consulted before Gambhir's appointment, raising questions about the dynamics between the two.However, a BCCI official has stated that there is ample time for discussions between Gambhir and Kohli. The official emphasized the need to focus on the bigger picture, as the team prepares to integrate young talents in the coming years.The decision to appoint Gambhir was made by the BCCI's Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which consulted several players, including Hardik Pandya. The CAC unanimously recommended Gambhir for his aggressive approach and strategic mindset, which they believe will benefit the team's future.Gambhir's appointment is seen as a forward-looking move by the BCCI, aimed at fostering a competitive and aggressive playing style. His tenure as head coach will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian cricket, particularly with the integration of many young talents into the national squad.