Cricket

Umpiring Blunder Sparks Controversy in Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy FinalA major controversy has erupted during the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy final between Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, casting a shadow over the prestigious tournament. The incident in question occurred during the morning session of Day 1, when Karnataka opener Prakhar Chaturvedi was controversially given out caught-behind by the on-field umpire.Replays clearly showed that wicketkeeper Aaradhya Yadav had grassed the ball, but the umpire raised his finger, leaving Chaturvedi and the Karnataka team in disbelief. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with fans questioning the "level of umpiring" in the domestic circuit.One fan took to Twitter to highlight the bizarre incident, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to investigate and penalize the umpire. The tweet quickly gained traction, with many users expressing their anger and frustration."Level of Umpiring in our Domestic circuit. @JayShah @BCCIdomestic," the fan wrote, accompanied by a video of the incident.Some users even called for a ban on wicketkeeper Yadav for cheating."The keeper should be banned for two years from playing cricket," one user tweeted.The controversy has also raised concerns about the quality of umpiring in Indian domestic cricket. Commentators and experts have expressed their disappointment over the incident, calling for stricter measures to ensure fair play and accurate decision-making.Meanwhile, the Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Vidarbha is also underway at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai set a target of 538 for Vidarbha after posting a mammoth 418 in their first innings, thanks to a century by Musheer Khan. At Tea on Day 4, Vidarbha were 155/4, with Karun Nair and captain Akshay Wadkar at the crease.The umpiring controversy in the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy final has cast a negative light on the tournament and raised serious questions about the standards of umpiring in Indian domestic cricket. The BCCI is expected to investigate the incident and take appropriate action to ensure that such controversies do not occur in the future.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is implementing a new policy that will require state cricket associations to route all proposals for training camps and competitions with foreign boards through the parent body. This decision will be finalized at the BCCI's Apex Council meeting on March 18.The move comes after several state units, including Delhi and Puducherry, held discussions with foreign boards, primarily associate nations, to host them on exposure trips. The Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) has reportedly received a proposal from the Nepal Cricket Association."State units can certainly partner with foreign boards for cricket-related activities, but those agreements must be facilitated by the BCCI as it is the parent body. All proposals must go through the BCCI," said a BCCI source.The upcoming Apex Council meeting will include a discussion on "state cricket associations collaborating with foreign boards for organizing cricket." The BCCI will then take matters into its own hands.Nepal is expected to visit India for an exposure trip ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean in June. Officials from the Cricket Association of Nepal met with BCCI secretary Jay Shah last month.The BCCI has a history of assisting associate nations. Afghanistan used India as its home base for an extended period before the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing facilities in Dehradun and Greater Noida for training and competition.The new policy aims to streamline the process of organizing international cricket events and ensure that all such activities are conducted in accordance with BCCI regulations. It will also provide the BCCI with greater oversight and control over the activities of state cricket associations.

With the Men's T20 World Cup fast approaching, the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will serve as a crucial platform for teams worldwide to finalize their squads. However, for Team India, a bombshell report suggests that the BCCI selectors are contemplating the bold move of excluding Virat Kohli from the squad for the prestigious tournament.The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA, will take place from June 2 to 29. Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian team, as confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. However, Kohli's inclusion remains uncertain, according to a report in 'The Telegraph'.India's inability to secure an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy has prompted the selectors to consider drastic measures, including the potential omission of former captain Kohli. The report indicates that the selectors have concerns about Kohli's recent performances in the T20 format.However, Kohli's performance in the upcoming IPL season could influence the selectors' decision. The batting icon recently took a break from the five-Test series against England to welcome the arrival of his second child.The report quotes a source stating that "it remains a very delicate matter and not many (in the BCCI) are willing to get involved," leaving the final decision to the board's selection committee led by former India pacer Ajit Agarkar.Agarkar has reportedly had discussions with Kohli, emphasizing the need for him to adapt his game to meet the demands of the team and the T20 format.

Rishabh Pant's much-anticipated return to cricket is imminent, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirming that the wicketkeeper-batter will participate in the upcoming IPL. Shah expressed optimism that Pant could also feature in the T20 World Cup later this year, provided he can maintain his fitness and wicketkeeping abilities.Pant has been sidelined since a horrific car accident in December 2022, which left him with severe injuries. However, he has made remarkable progress in his recovery and is now batting and keeping well. Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has already confirmed Pant's participation in the IPL, while co-owner Parth Jindal expects him to be fully fit and lead the team from the start.Meanwhile, India's premier pacer Mohammed Shami is also expected to make his comeback later this year. Shah revealed that Shami's ankle surgery was successful, and he is likely to return for the home Test series against Bangladesh in September. Shami missed the Test series against England and will also sit out of the IPL due to his injury.KL Rahul, who missed the last four Tests of the England series due to a quadriceps injury, is also expected to return for the IPL. He has undergone treatment in London and is currently undergoing rehab at the NCA. However, it is understood that Rahul is still awaiting clearance to join his IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants.The return of Pant and Shami will be a major boost for India, who are aiming to win the T20 World Cup on home soil later this year. Pant's wicketkeeping skills and explosive batting will be crucial for the team, while Shami's experience and pace will strengthen the bowling attack.

Indian cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid has called for a comprehensive review of domestic cricket scheduling in India, following concerns raised by players like Shardul Thakur and R Sai Kishore. Thakur had expressed the need for more breaks between matches to prevent injuries, a sentiment echoed by Sai Kishore.Dravid acknowledged the players' concerns, emphasizing the importance of listening to those who are "going through the grind and putting their bodies on the line." He suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) consult with players to address the issue."We need to hear the players. They are the ones going through the grind and putting their bodies on the line, and if there are enough voices saying that, then yeah, I think there's some need to look at it, and see how we can manage our schedules," Dravid said.The coach also urged the BCCI to examine the scheduling of other competitions like the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy to reduce the pressure on cricketers."It's a long season already in India. It's tough," Dravid said. "The Ranji Trophy is a long season, and if you add a Duleep and a Deodhar on top of that... Last year, if I'm not mistaken, the Duleep started in June, it was just a month after the IPL, and your problem in this situation is your best players, the guys who are pushing for selection for India, are the ones that end up playing the most cricket."Dravid suggested that some tournaments may need to be re-evaluated for their necessity in the current era."Maybe we need to re-look and see whether some of the tournaments that we are conducting are necessary in this day and age or if they are not necessary. There needs to be an all-round review [involving] coaches and players, especially the guys who are part of the domestic circuit," he added.

Newly appointed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to embark on a diplomatic mission at the upcoming ICC meeting in Dubai next week. His primary objective is to secure assurances from BCCI secretary Jay Shah regarding India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.However, the PCB's hopes of a swift resolution may be tempered by the fact that the tournament is still nearly a year away. The BCCI is unlikely to make any immediate commitments, given the political sensitivities surrounding India's travel to Pakistan.Naqvi is expected to engage in discussions with key ICC figures and Jay Shah on the matter. He will emphasize the importance of India's participation in promoting the tournament and fostering goodwill between the two cricketing nations.The PCB is particularly concerned about a repeat of the "Hybrid Model" used in last year's Asia Cup, where Pakistan hosted only four games while the rest were held in Sri Lanka due to India's reluctance to send its team to Pakistan.Naqvi will attempt to convince the BCCI that Pakistan has made significant progress in upgrading its stadiums and security infrastructure, ensuring a safe and secure environment for visiting teams. He will also highlight the fact that Pakistan has consistently traveled to India for ICC events in recent years.The BCCI, however, remains cautious. A source within the board stated that any decision on India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 will ultimately depend on the Indian government's clearance, which is unlikely to be granted until closer to the tournament date.Naqvi's efforts in Dubai will be a crucial step in building trust and laying the groundwork for India's potential participation in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, the outcome of these discussions will likely hinge on the political climate and the Indian government's stance on the matter.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' to reward players for their participation in the longest format of the game. The scheme aims to encourage players to prioritize Test cricket and ensure its financial viability.Under the scheme, players who participate in 75% or more of the scheduled Test matches in a season will receive an additional incentive of Rs 45 lakh per game. This incentive is in addition to the existing match fee of Rs 15 lakh, meaning that a player who plays all 10 Tests in a season could earn up to Rs 4.50 crore in incentives alone.The scheme is designed to provide financial security to Test players and reduce the uncertainty surrounding their earnings. This is particularly important for players who may not be guaranteed a place in the playing XI or who may not have lucrative IPL contracts.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said that the scheme will cost the board around Rs 45 crore for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. He emphasized that the board is committed to giving highest priority to Test cricket and ensuring its financial growth and stability.Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir praised the BCCI's decision, saying that "freedom from uncertainty is extremely important for performance." He added that the scheme is a "great step" that will encourage players to take part in Test cricket.The scheme is expected to have a positive impact on the quality and competitiveness of Test cricket in India. By providing financial incentives, the BCCI is sending a clear message that it values Test cricket and is committed to its long-term success.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a new 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' to promote the traditional format of the game and provide financial incentives to Indian cricketers. The scheme, effective from the 2022-23 season, offers additional rewards on top of the existing match fee for Test matches.This move aligns with the BCCI's commitment to emphasize Test cricket, which is considered the purest and most challenging format of the game. The scheme aims to encourage budding cricketers to participate in Test matches and develop their skills in the longest format.BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced the initiative on social media, stating that it is a step towards providing financial growth and stability to Indian cricketers. The scheme offers additional rewards for Test matches, which are typically longer and more demanding than other formats.The announcement coincides with India's triumph in the ongoing five-match Test series against England in Dharamsala. India secured a comprehensive victory, defeating England by an innings and 64 runs to clinch the series 4-1.England struggled against India's formidable spin attack, with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin delivering a stellar performance, claiming five wickets for 77 runs in his 100th Test appearance. England's batting faltered, with Joe Root's 84 being the only notable contribution as they were bowled out for 195 in their second innings on day three.The introduction of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' reflects the BCCI's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting Test cricket's significance in Indian cricketing culture. This initiative is poised to incentivize players and inspire future generations to excel in the longest format of the game.

Sunil Gavaskar's Historic 10,000 Test Runs Milestone Celebrated by BCCIOn March 7, 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commemorated the 36th anniversary of Sunil Gavaskar's historic achievement of becoming the first batter to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket.Gavaskar, who was commentating on the fifth and final Test between India and Australia in Dharamshala, fondly recalled the momentous day in 1987 when he etched his name in cricketing history. The legendary opener marked the occasion by cutting a cake and expressing gratitude to the BCCI for acknowledging the special moment."It's a really special day for Indian cricket, not just for me or Ashwin," said Gavaskar, highlighting the shared significance of the milestone with veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was playing his 100th Test match.Gavaskar's remarkable career spanned 125 Test matches, during which he amassed 10,122 runs, including 34 centuries and 45 fifties. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the annals of cricketing history, inspiring generations of cricketers to follow in his footsteps.The BCCI's celebration of Gavaskar's achievement serves as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of cricket's most iconic figures. His unwavering determination, exceptional technique, and ability to perform under pressure have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.As the sport continues to evolve, Gavaskar's 10,000-run milestone remains a benchmark of excellence that few have been able to match. His achievement stands as a reminder of the enduring power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness.