Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced significant changes to its domestic cricket calendar for the 2024-25 season, including the elimination of the toss in CK Nayudu Trophy matches. This move aims to address the issue of home teams preparing pitches that favor their strengths, particularly in the Under-23 tournament. Instead, the visiting team will now have the option to choose whether to bat or bowl first.Another innovation introduced in the CK Nayudu Trophy is a new points system designed to promote balanced performances. Points will be awarded for batting and bowling performances in the first innings, as well as for the first innings lead or outright win. This system is similar to the one used in the English County Championship and may be implemented in the Ranji Trophy next season if it proves successful.The Ranji Trophy will also undergo a major change, being split into two phases. The first five games will be played after the Duleep Trophy, which will kick off the domestic season, followed by the Irani Cup and the white-ball tournaments. The last two Ranji league matches and the knockout stages will be held at the end of the season. This adjustment aims to minimize the impact of weather disruptions, particularly in the North and East Zones.The Duleep Trophy will feature four teams selected by the national selectors, indicating the BCCI's departure from the zonal system. Additionally, the gap between Ranji Trophy matches will be increased to allow players more time for recovery and to maintain peak performance throughout the season.In women's cricket, all Inter-zonal tournaments will have teams selected by the national selectors, ensuring a more competitive and balanced playing field.These changes are part of a broader effort by the BCCI to revamp domestic cricket and create a more equitable and challenging environment for players. The recommendations were made by a four-member committee led by India's head coach Rahul Dravid and will be submitted to the Apex Council for approval.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering the future of the Impact Player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after mixed reactions from players and coaches. The rule, introduced in 2023, allows teams to field two additional Indian players in their XI, replacing one overseas player.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah emphasized the rule's importance in providing opportunities for Indian players. However, he acknowledged that it is not "permanent" and a decision on its continuation will be made after consulting with stakeholders following the 2024 T20 World Cup.The Impact Player rule has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it has led to inflated scores and hindered the development of all-rounders. Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, has been a vocal critic of the rule.Chennai Super Kings batting coach Mike Hussey believes the rule has made IPL games more entertaining but admits it can be challenging for bowlers. Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Mitchell Starc also expressed concerns about the rule's impact on bowlers.Despite the mixed reactions, Shah emphasized that the BCCI will prioritize the opinions of players and coaches in making a decision on the rule's future. He stated that the board will consult with franchises, broadcasters, and other stakeholders before reaching a conclusion.The Impact Player rule has undoubtedly altered the dynamics of the IPL. It has provided opportunities for Indian players, but it has also raised questions about its impact on the game's balance. The BCCI's decision on the rule's future will be closely watched by players, coaches, and fans alike.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the departure arrangements for the Indian team players participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that players whose IPL teams fail to qualify for the playoffs will depart for the World Cup in two stages.The first batch, consisting of players and coaching staff, will leave on May 24. The remaining contingent will depart after the IPL final on May 26. Shah emphasized that the IPL serves as a valuable platform for players to hone their skills, even for those whose teams do not make the playoffs."Look at how well Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma played the other day. If [Jasprit] Bumrah gets to bowl to Head, what better opportunity is there to practice?" Shah said during a media interaction.Shah also provided an update on Lucknow Super Giants' Mayank Yadav, who is currently sidelined with an injury. Shah acknowledged Yadav's impressive performance earlier in the IPL season and revealed that the speedster will be under BCCI supervision.Yadav joins a group of emerging pace bowlers without annual retainers, including Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa. These bowlers will receive continuous monitoring and support from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical staff, reflecting the BCCI's commitment to nurturing young bowling talent in India.

The exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from the list of centrally-contracted players was a decision made solely by chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah. This decision has sparked controversy, with many questioning the rationale behind it.Shah emphasized that "nobody is indispensable" and that the decision was made in accordance with the BCCI's policy of prioritizing domestic cricket. Kishan and Iyer were left out after failing to show up for domestic engagements despite a directive from the BCCI.Kishan went on a long break after the end of the ODI World Cup last year and remained unavailable until the IPL. Iyer eventually did feature in a few matches for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, including the semifinal and the final. However, he still found himself at the receiving end after it emerged that he had attended a Kolkata Knight Riders' camp in Mumbai when his domestic side was busy playing a Ranji Trophy fixture.Shah reiterated the Board's position that Indian players will have to prioritize domestic cricket. He stated that he had spoken with the players after their exclusion and that they had expressed their willingness to play in domestic tournaments if they were considered for white-ball selection.Shah also addressed the issue of high scores in this year's IPL, saying that it ultimately comes down to who is playing well and who can sustain performance. He emphasized that players need to prove themselves and give back-to-back performances in Team India.Shah also revealed that he had a conversation with Kishan after Mumbai Indians' match against Gujarat Titans. He said that he did not advise him anything but rather had a friendly talk with him, encouraging him to do well.The decision to exclude Kishan and Iyer has been met with mixed reactions. Some have criticized the BCCI for being too harsh, while others have supported the move, arguing that it sends a strong message to players about the importance of domestic cricket.

The Indian Premier League's (IPL) "Impact Player" rule, introduced in 2023, has sparked debate. However, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah maintains that the board has received no feedback on the rule and will review it after the T20 World Cup.Shah emphasized the rule's benefits, stating that it provides opportunities for two additional Indian players. He highlighted the increased competitiveness it brings to the game. However, he acknowledged that if players express concerns, the board will address them."After the IPL and the World Cup, we will have a meeting and decide," Shah said. "It's not a permanent rule, nor am I saying we will move past it."Shah also clarified that the revival of the Champions League T20 tournament has not been discussed with the ICC, despite claims by Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins.Regarding speculation about his potential candidacy for ICC chair, Shah remained evasive. "Let me be here in BCCI," he said. "Let there be speculation. But let me be here (in the BCCI). Am I not doing a good job?"

Rahul Dravid's tenure as Team India's head coach is set to expire in June 2023, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to initiate the search for his successor. The appointment of the new coach will be followed by the selection of assistant coaches for batting, bowling, and fielding, as per a report by Cricbuzz.BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Dravid's contract ends in June and that he is eligible to reapply if he desires. The new coach's tenure is expected to span three years. Shah emphasized that the decision regarding the nationality of the coach will be made by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), highlighting the BCCI's global outlook.Traditionally, the BCCI has appointed a single coach for all formats of the game. However, Shah indicated that the CAC will determine whether this practice will continue or if separate coaches will be appointed for white-ball and Test cricket.The BCCI's decision-making process will be guided by the CAC, which will evaluate candidates and make recommendations. Shah noted that there is no precedent for such a situation in India, where a head coach's tenure has ended and a new one has been appointed.The BCCI's search for a new head coach is expected to attract a wide range of candidates, both domestic and international. The successful candidate will be tasked with guiding Team India through a challenging period, including the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023 and the ICC World Test Championship final in 2023.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) fast bowler Harshit Rana has taken a humorous jab at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following his team's victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Rana, who was previously fined and suspended for his on-field celebrations, teased his infamous 'flying kiss' celebration but refrained from completing it. This gesture was a subtle dig at the BCCI's strict Code of Conduct, which had penalized him for similar actions in the past."Don't talk to the BCCI," Rana quipped in a video that has gone viral on social media.The incident occurred after KKR's charter flight from Lucknow to Kolkata was diverted to Guwahati due to inclement weather. In the video, Rana is seen discussing the team's remaining fixtures with head coach Chandrakant Pandit.Rana jokingly suggested that since they were already in Guwahati, they should play their next match against Rajasthan Royals there and complete that fixture. Pandit was amused by the suggestion and playfully replied that he would consider it."Please don't talk to the BCCI," Rana responded, eliciting laughter from Pandit.Despite his playful banter with the BCCI, Rana played a crucial role in KKR's victory over LSG, taking three wickets. He emphasized the team's focus on making it to the playoffs and highlighted the importance of hitting the hard lengths.Rana's performance and his humorous dig at the BCCI have garnered attention on social media, with fans appreciating his lighthearted approach to the game.

The Indian cricket team's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, remains uncertain pending approval from the Indian government. The decision hinges on the prevailing diplomatic and security situation between the two nations.Since 2008, tensions between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted cricketing relations. Bilateral series have been suspended since 2012-13, with ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup serving as the primary platforms for their encounters.Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has clarified that the Indian team's participation in the Champions Trophy is contingent upon government approval. "We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission," he said.Pakistan's hosting of the Asia Cup last year saw a hybrid strategy, with India's matches played in Sri Lanka due to logistical and security challenges. However, Pakistan did not consider a similar approach for the ODI World Cup hosted by India in 2023, instead participating in the tournament across various venues.Pakistan, the defending Champions Trophy champions, has designated Lahore as the sole venue for India's matches in the upcoming tournament. This decision aims to minimize logistical and security concerns related to their travel.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with discussions among participating members expected to focus on India's participation.The decision on India's participation will be subject to careful consideration and consultation with relevant authorities, given the history of strained relations and security concerns between the two countries.

Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has revealed that Shreyas Iyer was being groomed to become a future Indian cricket team skipper. Prasad, who served as the BCCI chief selector between 2016 and 2020, said that Iyer caught their eye while captaining the India A side."If you go back to the stats, in the last two years, when we were at the helm, Shreyas Iyer led the side (India A). I think out of the 10 series that India A played, we won 8. In the majority of those series, Shreyas led the side. He has been in and around as captain. He has been groomed for that particular slot," Prasad said.Prasad also said that Iyer was considered to be a top contender for India captaincy after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. "We felt that post Virat, post Rohit Sharma, you needed someone to lead the side that's when we started thinking about Shreyas Iyer or Rishabh Pant. But even ahead of Pant, was Iyer as a captain," he added.Iyer has been impressive as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Prasad believes that Iyer is maturing into a very good leader. "He is slowly maturing into a very good leader. It's very important at the start of your captaincy career to have good team management. That's what he's getting from KKR. He is young, and they are going to invest in him. In the next two or three years, we will see Shreyas evolve into a wonderful captain," Prasad said.Iyer has not been included in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. However, Prasad believes that Iyer is still a future captaincy prospect for India. "He is a very good player. He has got all the shots. He is a very good fielder. He is a very good runner between the wickets. He is a complete package. He is a future captain of India," Prasad said.