Cricket

New Zealand Women's cricket team has announced its 17-member squad for the 2024-25 season, with the return of batter Lauren Down and the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis.Down, who has played 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is for New Zealand, declined a contract offer last season due to maternity leave. However, she has been recalled to the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of England and has now accepted a central contract.Inglis, on the other hand, has earned her maiden central contract after impressing for New Zealand A and in the NZC Women's One Day Competition. She scored 103 runs in three one-dayers against England A and was the second-highest run-scorer in the domestic 50-over tournament.New Zealand Women's head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the squad, stating that it comprises players who can contribute significantly over the next 12 months. He emphasized the importance of considering the 2025 ODI World Cup in the selection process.Among the players who held central contracts in 2023-24, wicketkeeper-batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout has retired from international cricket, while batter Kate Anderson has not been offered a contract.The 2024-25 contracting period begins on August 1, and the players have until June 17 to accept their offers.

Ireland's cricketers have secured a significant pay raise after Cricket Ireland (CI) and the Irish Cricketers' Association (ICA) reached an agreement on the terms of central contracts. The deal comes after a period of uncertainty, with players initially rejecting an offer from the board and facing the prospect of playing in the upcoming T20 World Cup on expired contracts.The new contracts, which will be issued immediately, will apply until the end of February 2025. CI chief executive Warren Deutrom confirmed that players have received a substantial pay increase. He emphasized that the board has always prioritized rewarding senior men's and women's players for their contributions to the growth of cricket in Ireland.Deutrom stated that the players have received the largest share of the new funding allocated to Irish cricket this year. He believes that this is appropriate, as it recognizes the players' hard work and success. However, he also stressed the importance of balancing player compensation with the need to fund other aspects of the sport, such as grassroots development and provincial cricket.Despite the delay in finalizing the contracts, Deutrom emphasized that relations between CI and the ICA remain strong. He attributed the delay to the late approval of the budget and the complexity of the new contract model. However, he praised the positive and collaborative approach taken by both parties in reaching an agreement.Cecelia Joyce, the ICA president, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations. She highlighted the unity among the players throughout the process and emphasized the significance of the agreement for professional cricketers in Ireland. She believes it will provide greater transparency and clarity regarding player compensation and contracting structures.CI has not yet announced the list of contracted players for the 2024-25 season. However, further details about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and contracts are expected to be released in due course.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has significantly expanded its central contract list, awarding deals to 41 male players, a substantial increase from the previous 29. The contracts are divided into six categories: A1, A2, B2, C1, C2, and 'A' Team, with performance-based clauses incorporated.SLC has opted not to disclose the specific categories assigned to each player, aiming to maintain player morale. The expanded list includes several new faces, such as Shevon Daniel, Dushan Hemantha, Nuwanidu Fernando, and Sahan Arachchige, despite their limited national team appearances.In total, 18 new players have been added, while six have been dropped, including notable absentees Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Danushka Gunathilaka. Lahiru Thirimanne, Nuwan Pradeep, Minod Bhanuka, and Lakshan Sandakan are the other four players who have not been retained from the previous contract cycle.A key aspect of the new contracts is the emphasis on red-ball cricket. Test match fees have been increased by 100%, incentivizing players to prioritize the longer format. However, payments will be merit-based, with varying structures depending on results. ODI and T20I match fees have received a flat 25% increase.In addition to enhanced daily allowances, players will receive one-time payments for topping the ICC player rankings as a batter, bowler, or allrounder. Players who make it into the top ten but do not reach the summit will also be rewarded.The full list of centrally contracted Sri Lankan men's players includes:* Dimuth Karunaratne* Dinesh Chandimal* Wanindu Hasaranga* Angelo Mathews* Kusal Mendis* Dhananjaya De Silva* Charith Asalanka* Pathum Nissanka* Dasun Shanaka* Maheesh Theekshana* Kasun Rajitha* Prabath Jayasuriya* Dushmantha Chameera* Dilshan Madushanka* Asitha Fernando* Sadeera Samarawickrama* Ramesh Mendis* Kamindu Mendis* Chamika Karunaratne* Dunith Wellalage* Lahiru Kumara* Nishan Madushka* Matheesha Pathirana* Kusal Janith Perera* Vishwa Fernando* Jeffrey Vandersay* Pramod Madushan* Janith Liyanage* Akila Dananjaya* Praveen Jayawickrama* Nuwan Thushara* Sahan Arachchige* Nuwanidu Fernando* Dushan Hemantha* Lasith Embuldeniya* Binura Fernando* Shevon Daniel* Niroshan Dickwella* Ashen Bandara* Oshada Fernando* Avishka Fernando

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.

Ireland's men's cricket team faces the prospect of playing in next month's T20 World Cup on expired central contracts as negotiations between Cricket Ireland (CI) and the Irish Cricketers' Association (ICA) continue.CI announced its central contracts for 2023-24 in March 2023, with 14 men's players signing two-year deals and seven others signing one-year contracts. However, those contracts expired at the end of February, and players have been playing under the terms of those deals since, which have rolled over indefinitely until negotiations for 2024-25 are complete.According to The Irish Times, male players rejected CI's most recent contract offer last week, while centrally-contracted female players delayed their decision until after the recently-concluded T20 World Cup Qualifiers.Ireland's men have a busy schedule over the next two weeks, playing seven T20Is between May 10-24 against Pakistan, Netherlands, and Scotland. They will then fly to the United States for the T20 World Cup, where they face India, Pakistan, USA, and Canada in Group A.A spokesperson for CI declined to comment while negotiations were ongoing, and the ICA did not respond when contacted by ESPNcricinfo. It is understood that players are seeking pay rises, which will be back-dated to March if approved and when contracts are eventually signed.CI recently announced its men's and women's home fixtures for 2024, following a long delay due to the late sign-off of their budget. Funding and logistical issues have caused the cancellation of an incoming men's tour by Australia and a men's white-ball series against Zimbabwe, while their men's 'home' series against South Africa will be staged in Abu Dhabi.

Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled its new central contracts for the 2024-25 season, with several notable omissions and additions. Veteran all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who has been battling back injuries, is the most prominent name missing from the list.Stoinis, a key member of Australia's World Cup-winning squad last year, is an integral part of the short-format team. However, CA has opted to prioritize younger players ahead of the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.Other players who have missed out on contracts include all-rounder Ashton Agar, opener Marcus Harris, pacer Michael Neser, and recently retired star David Warner.In their place, CA has awarded deals to a handful of new faces. All-rounders Matt Short and Aaron Hardie have been upgraded to the contract list after impressive performances during the summer. Fast bowler Nathan Ellis and young right-armer Xavier Bartlett have also earned full-time contracts.Bartlett impressed with his bowling against the West Indies earlier this year, taking two four-wicket hauls in ODIs and 2/37 in the solitary T20I he played.Cricket Australia selection chair George Bailey expressed confidence in the potential of the new contracted players. "Matt, Aaron, and Xavier have been extremely impressive in the early stages of their international careers," he said. "Their performances and the way they have embraced the international stage have been exciting to watch.""The panel believes they have strong futures and deserve their contracts as they work towards striving to become regulars in the Australian setup," he added.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released its annual player retainership list for the 2023-24 season, with notable exclusions and additions.Exclusions:Out-of-favor duo Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have been dropped from the list. The BCCI cited their absence from Ranji Trophy matches as a reason for their exclusion. Both players were previously in Grade B and C, respectively, and will now lose access to NCA facilities and BCCI insurance.Notable Gainers:KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj have been promoted to Grade A, earning Rs 5 crore annually. Kuldeep Yadav has moved up to Grade B, earning Rs 3 crore.New Additions:The BCCI has added 11 new players to the central contracts list, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Jitesh Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, and Rajat Patidar. These players will earn Rs 1 crore each.Fast Bowling Contracts:In a historic move, the BCCI has recommended five players for fast bowling contracts: Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa.Retained Players:India captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah have been retained in the Grade A+ bracket, earning Rs 7 crore each.Impact:The exclusion of Kishan and Iyer has sparked discussions, while the promotions and additions have been welcomed. The new central contracts will provide financial support and access to resources for the selected players.

BCCI's Contract Termination for Domestic Neglect: A Step to Protect First-Class CricketLegendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has lauded the BCCI's decision to terminate central contracts for players who prioritize international cricket over domestic commitments. This move, he believes, is crucial to safeguard marquee first-class events like the Ranji Trophy.The BCCI recently excluded Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from its central contracts after they ignored the board's directive to participate in the Ranji Trophy. The decision sparked mixed reactions, with some former players supporting the duo. However, Kapil Dev has unequivocally backed the BCCI's stance."Yes, a few players will suffer, but let it be," said Kapil. "Nobody is bigger than the country. Well done."He emphasized the importance of domestic cricket in nurturing and developing players. "I was sad to see domestic cricket being given the skip by players once they had established themselves in international cricket," he observed.The BCCI's decision is intended to send a strong message that domestic competitions must be given due importance. Kishan, despite not being on national duty, chose to focus on IPL preparations instead of playing for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy. Iyer, on the other hand, made himself unavailable for Mumbai's Ranji quarterfinal after being dropped from the Indian team.Kapil believes that established stars have a duty to support domestic cricket, as they owe their success to their respective states. "International players should make themselves available to play for their states," he said. "It helps them extend their support to domestic players and pay back for the services rendered by the state association."The BCCI's move has also been welcomed by former cricketers who have benefited from the enhanced pension scheme. Kapil expressed his gratitude for the increase in monthly pensions, which has provided much-needed relief to families of yesteryear players.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced its new central contracts, sparking debate over the inclusion of Hardik Pandya and the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has defended the BCCI's decision, arguing that Pandya's case is distinct from that of Kishan and Iyer.Pandya, who has not played international cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury, was awarded a Grade A contract. Kishan and Iyer, on the other hand, were not included in the list for not participating in domestic cricket.Chopra emphasized that Pandya cannot be penalized for not playing first-class cricket because he is not vying for a spot in India's Test squad. "He is not playing red-ball cricket. That ambition or aspiration does not exist anymore," Chopra said.Chopra also highlighted Pandya's unavailability from both domestic and international cricket, explaining that he never missed a game like Kishan and Iyer. "He got injured during the World Cup, that was October-November," Chopra explained. "He was playing in the World Cup for India at that time."Pandya recently returned to competitive cricket at the DY Patil T20 Cup, leading the Reliance 1 team. He picked up 2 for 22 against Bharat Petroleum.Chopra's analysis suggests that the BCCI's decision to award Pandya a central contract is justified, given his unique circumstances and his continued value to the Indian team.