Cricket

Rohit Sharma to Lead India in Champions Trophy and World Test ChampionshipBCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will continue as India's captain for two major tournaments in 2024: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the World Test Championship (WTC) final in London.Shah expressed confidence in Sharma's leadership, stating, "I am confident that under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, we will win the WTC Final and Champions Trophy."Sharma, who recently retired from T20Is after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup, will turn 38 in April 2024. Despite his age, Shah believes he is the right man to lead India to success.In a video message, Shah congratulated the Indian team on their T20 World Cup triumph and dedicated the victory to Sharma, Virat Kohli, outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid, and Ravindra Jadeja.Shah highlighted the importance of the final five overs of South Africa's innings, crediting Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Hardik Pandya for their contributions."Now, our next target is the WTC final and the Champions Trophy," Shah declared.It was Shah who had previously announced in February that Sharma would lead India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, predicting that India would win the championship.

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently bid farewell to his role as head coach of Team India. During his tenure, Dravid emphasized the importance of continuity and stability within the team, while also striving to be a supportive figure for captain Rohit Sharma.Dravid's coaching stint culminated in India's triumph at the T20 World Cup in Barbados, where they defeated South Africa to lift the trophy for the second time since 2007. Reflecting on his time as coach, Dravid expressed his belief in the value of continuity, stating that excessive chopping and changing can create instability and hinder team development."I'm someone who actually likes continuity and don't like to chop and change too many things because I believe that creates a lot of instability and doesn't create very good environment," Dravid said.Dravid also highlighted the importance of fostering a positive and supportive environment within the team, where players feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves. He emphasized the need to create a safe and secure atmosphere that encourages growth and development."I feel that I am a part of the team whose responsibility is to create the right professional, safe, secure environment that doesn't really have a fear of failure as such but is challenging enough to push people. That has always been my endeavour," Dravid said.During his tenure, Dravid faced the challenge of managing a large number of captains due to the COVID-19 pandemic and injuries. He worked with five or six different captains in the first eight to ten months of his coaching stint, which he described as an unexpected but organic development.Under Dravid's guidance, India achieved notable successes, including a Test series victory over England at home and reaching the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The pandemic, while posing challenges, also provided opportunities for young players to gain experience in the international arena."The other thing that happened, which was very nice to see is, because we played so much of cricket after Covid and we had to cram in a lot of series, it meant that we had to almost, at times, have two teams playing at the same time in different parts of the world," Dravid said.Dravid's relationship with Indian stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli dates back to his playing days. He expressed his admiration for Sharma's growth as a leader and his contributions to the team. He also praised Kohli's professionalism and unwavering desire to improve."I've really enjoyed working with Rohit, someone I knew as a young boy. Just to see him grow as a person and grow as a leader in Indian cricket, what someone like him has been able to contribute to the team over the last 10-12 years, both as a player and now as a leader, has been a real tribute to him and the effort that he's put in," Dravid said.Dravid emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than solely on results. He believed that by creating a positive and supportive environment, and by focusing on the fundamentals of the game, the team would ultimately achieve success."For me that's (results), of course it's important. I keep saying and people think, 'Oh, I think result are not important'. Of course, results are important," Dravid said."I'm in the business to produce results. But it's always like, as a coach, to think about what is it that I can control to help the results and at the end of the day our responsibility should be to try and help the captain deliver his vision and his philosophy of how he wants the team to play."Dravid's departure from the coaching role marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His legacy will be defined by his emphasis on continuity, stability, and the development of a positive and supportive team environment.

Team India's triumph at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to the unwavering support and vision of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Following the team's triumphant return to India, Shah expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering encouragement.Shah's instrumental role in facilitating the team's return from Barbados, where they were stranded due to Hurricane Beryl, underscores his commitment to the team's well-being. The squad, along with support staff and journalists, arrived in India on Thursday morning, greeted by a wave of euphoria and national pride.Upon their arrival, the team met with Prime Minister Modi, who has consistently supported #TeamIndia through both victories and setbacks. Shah acknowledged the Prime Minister's unwavering belief in the team's abilities, regardless of the outcome."We are glad that the World Cup victory has brought a wave of euphoria across the country and filled every Indian with a sense of pride," Shah wrote on Instagram.Shah's leadership has been instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive environment for the team. His vision for Indian cricket has played a crucial role in the team's success, both on and off the field.The team's return to India was marked by an open-top bus parade in Mumbai and a presentation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium. The outpouring of support from the Indian public is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, as well as the transformative power of sport in uniting a nation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed the demand by Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray to prioritize Mumbai as the host city for major cricket finals. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated that the board's policy dictates that the venue for finals is not solely determined by a particular city.Thackeray's request stemmed from the massive public turnout during the Indian cricket team's victory parade in Mumbai following their triumph in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI considers various factors when selecting venues, including seating capacity and the overall distribution of matches across the country."It cannot always be given to a particular city," Shukla said. "There has been a final match -- 1987 World Cup -- in Kolkata also, and Kolkata is considered as Mecca. So it can't be decided that it should always happen in a particular city."Shukla highlighted the importance of considering the capacity of stadiums, citing the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which hosted the 2023 World Cup final with a seating capacity of 1,30,000. He also mentioned the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which can accommodate approximately 66,000 spectators."This is purely a decision keeping in mind the entire country and all the venues. You cannot confine to one venue," Shukla explained.While acknowledging the enthusiasm of Mumbai fans, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI must prioritize the interests of the entire nation. He praised the Mumbai Police for their efficient management of the victory parade and expressed the board's appreciation for the city's support."Mumbai is always on our priority list. But saying that all the finals should take place in one city... It never happens in any country," Shukla added.

Team India's Triumphant Return: A Grand Celebration and Monetary RewardOn July 5, 2024, Team India returned to a hero's welcome after their historic T20 World Cup victory in Barbados. The team's journey began with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, followed by a grand felicitation ceremony organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.The day commenced with a victory parade from Marine Drive to the Wankhede Stadium, where thousands of fans lined the streets to cheer on their champions. The team's arrival at the stadium was met with thunderous applause and a vibrant atmosphere.During the felicitation ceremony, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly presented the team with a staggering Rs 125 crore prize money, as promised after their triumph. Team captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid, and star players Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah took to the podium to express their gratitude and share their emotions with the crowd.The ceremony was filled with moments of joy and celebration. The players danced enthusiastically to the tune of "Chak De India," led by Kohli, Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav. The team also interacted with fans, signing balls and taking selfies, creating unforgettable memories for the supporters.Earlier in the day, Team India had landed in New Delhi from Barbados and proceeded to the Prime Minister's residence for a scheduled meeting. The players were greeted with warmth and congratulations by Prime Minister Modi, who lauded their achievements and wished them continued success.The team's return and celebration marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket history. The T20 World Cup victory was a testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. The grand reception and monetary reward served as a fitting tribute to their remarkable accomplishment.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a high-profile Champions Trophy encounter between Pakistan and India to be held in Lahore on March 1, 2023. The proposal has been submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to approve the schedule.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with March 10 designated as a Reserve Day. The PCB has submitted a schedule consisting of 15 matches, with all of India's games allocated to Lahore due to security and logistical considerations."The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi, and five in Rawalpindi," an ICC Board member said. "The opening match will be held in Karachi with two semifinals in Karachi and Rawalpindi, final in Lahore. All India matches (including semifinal, if the team qualifies) in Lahore," the source added.India find themselves in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B features Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan.The ICC has held a meeting with the PCB to discuss the proposed schedule and security arrangements. The ICC's security team has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the venues and other arrangements.Pakistan's most recent experience hosting a major cricketing event was the Asia Cup in 2023. The tournament was conducted using a unique 'Hybrid Model' due to the Indian government's refusal to allow its players to travel across the border into Pakistan. As a result, India's matches were played in Sri Lanka, while the rest of the tournament took place in Pakistan.The ICC finds itself in a challenging position, as it lacks the authority to compel any cricket board to act in opposition to its government's directives. The BCCI is faced with a complex decision, and the cricketing world eagerly awaits its final stance on the issue.

Cricket's Insecurity Complex: The BCCI's Artificial AidIndia, one of the world's top cricket teams, has a history of receiving artificial aid from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This practice has raised concerns about the BCCI's insecurity and its impact on the integrity of the sport.In the recent T20 World Cup, the BCCI altered the pitch ahead of the semifinal without the knowledge of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This move was seen as an attempt to provide an advantage to the Indian team. Similarly, in the 50-over World Cup, the BCCI ensured that India's final league game was against a weaker opponent, bolstering their Net Run Rate.The BCCI's mollycoddling of the Indian team extends beyond pitch manipulation. The board has also been accused of scheduling matches at times and venues that favor India. For instance, the T20 World Cup semifinal was scheduled to start at 10.30 a.m. (for television back home) and there was no reserve day, despite the high probability of rain in Guyana.These actions suggest that the BCCI lacks confidence in the Indian team's ability to win on its own merits. It is as if the board believes that India needs artificial assistance to overcome its perceived inferiority complex.However, this insecurity is unfounded. India has a talented and experienced team, led by the exceptional Rohit Sharma. They have proven their mettle in numerous tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.The BCCI's artificial aid not only undermines the integrity of the sport but also sends a negative message to the Indian team. It implies that they are not good enough to win without external help. This can erode their confidence and hinder their development.It is time for the BCCI to shed its insecurity and embrace a more confident approach. They should trust in the abilities of their team and allow them to compete on a level playing field. By doing so, they will not only enhance the credibility of Indian cricket but also foster a culture of fair play and sportsmanship.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively engaged in discussions with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises to finalize the retention policy for the upcoming mega auction. The board aims to conclude the process by the end of July.The retention policy is a crucial aspect of the IPL, as it determines the number of players that franchises can retain from their existing squads. In the 2021 IPL auction, franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of four players. However, there are varying opinions among franchises regarding the ideal number of retentions.Some franchises have expressed a preference for retaining 5-7 players, while others have suggested allowing up to 8 retentions. Conversely, a few franchises have proposed eliminating the retention system altogether.The BCCI has also sought feedback from franchises on the salary cap for the next three years. The current salary cap is set at Rs 100 crore, but there is a possibility of increasing it by Rs 20 crore for the upcoming auction.Another topic on the agenda is the use of Right To Match (RTM) cards. In the 2021 auction, RTM cards were not utilized. The BCCI has asked franchises for their views on whether to reinstate the RTM system.The meeting between the BCCI and franchise CEOs is expected to take place by the end of July, as some CEOs are currently unavailable. The board is keen on finalizing the retention policy and other key aspects of the IPL auction in a timely manner.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a generous reward of Rs. 125 crore for the victorious Indian team after their triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, amidst the celebrations, calls have emerged to extend financial support to former Indian cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who is currently battling blood cancer.Gaekwad, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1974 and 1987. He also served as India's head coach during two spells in the late 1990s. During his first stint, India finished runners-up to New Zealand in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (later known as the Champions Trophy).Former BCCI chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil, who played alongside Gaekwad, has been vocal in urging the BCCI to provide financial assistance. Patil revealed that he had a conversation with BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar regarding the issue and received assurances of support."Anshuman Gaekwad told me that he has received financial support from the cricket board, but more financial support is needed," Patil wrote in his column on Mid-Day. "I'm sure he will facilitate this and, at the risk of sounding macabre, save Anshu's life. Any cricketer from any country should be helped by his Board, but Anshu's case must be taken up on priority and treated as paramount."Patil also highlighted the fact that Sachin Tendulkar had been in his best form during Gaekwad's tenure as head coach. "Sachin Tendulkar was at his peak during Anshuman Gaekwad's tenure as coach," Patil wrote. "He was the one who gave Sachin the freedom to play his natural game."Gaekwad is currently receiving treatment at the King's College Hospital in London. His condition is said to be stable, but he requires ongoing medical care. The BCCI has previously provided financial support to Gaekwad, but more is needed to cover his ongoing expenses.The calls for financial assistance to Gaekwad have resonated with the Indian cricket fraternity. Former players and fans have expressed their support and urged the BCCI to step up and provide the necessary assistance.