Cricket

The upcoming third season of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to witness a star-studded lineup of T20 specialists making their debuts. Among them are New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope, Guyanese all-rounder Romario Shepherd, England opener Jason Roy, and Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran.Ferguson, who recently declined a national contract, has been signed by Desert Vipers. The Kiwi pacer has been in impressive T20 form, delivering four maidens in a T20I and taking ten wickets in seven games for Washington Freedom in the MLC. He will join left-arm quicks Mohammad Amir and Luke Wood at Vipers.Fakhar Zaman will also join Vipers, while Adam Milne will link up with Sharjah Warriors. Milne will reunite with New Zealand teammate Tim Seifert, who has also turned down a domestic contract to pursue franchise T20 opportunities.Dubai Capitals have signed Hope, who made his IPL debut earlier this year. The West Indian will captain the team in the absence of Imran Tahir. Former Australia batter Joe Burns and Sri Lankan slinger Garuka Sanketh are also among Capitals' new signings.Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have welcomed Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who was part of Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title-winning squad, and Terrance Hinds. Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran and Wahidullah Zadran have joined Gulf Giants.MI Emirates have signed Shepherd, who will reunite with Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. Italian batter Thomas Draca will also join the team.The third season of the ILT20 will be played from January 11 to February 9, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.

New Zealand's bowlers wrapped up Sri Lanka's innings for 305 on the second morning of the first Test in Galle, with Will O'Rourke claiming a five-wicket haul.Resuming on 302 for 7, Sri Lanka added just three runs before being dismissed. O'Rourke trapped Ramesh Mendis lbw for 14 and then bowled Asitha Fernando for 0 to complete his five-for. Ajaz Patel also picked up a wicket, dismissing Prabath Jayasuriya for 10.O'Rourke's 5 for 55 was his second five-wicket haul in four Test innings, while Ajaz and Glenn Phillips finished with two wickets each.Rain interrupted the morning session, delaying the start of New Zealand's innings. Only one over was possible before rain intervened again, forcing the players off the field.Lunch was taken after just 15 minutes of play, with New Zealand trailing by 300 runs. More rain is forecast for the day, but an extended post-lunch session and a longer third session have been scheduled to make up for lost time.

Virat Kohli's much-anticipated return to Test cricket on home soil ended in disappointment as he was dismissed for a mere 6 runs on Day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. The Indian skipper, who received a rousing ovation from the crowd at the M Chidambaram Stadium, failed to live up to expectations, playing a loose shot outside the off-stump that resulted in his dismissal. Hasan Mahmud claimed the wicket, his third of the match, as the delivery flew off Kohli's outside edge and was safely caught by wicket-keeper Litton Das.Kohli's dismissal was a major setback for India, who lost three wickets early in the first session. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, particularly Kohli's dismissal.Earlier in the day, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bowl, citing the moisture on the wicket and the favorable conditions for seamers. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform well, despite the absence of some key players.India's skipper, Rohit Sharma, indicated that he would have also chosen to bowl first if he had won the toss, acknowledging the challenging conditions. He emphasized the team's preparation and confidence heading into the match.The playing XIs for both teams were as follows:Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana.India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.The match is poised to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to gain an early advantage in the series.

Bangladesh Opts to Bowl First in Historic Chepauk TestIn a historic move, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto elected to bowl first after winning the toss in the first Test against India at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. This marks the first time in 21 Tests that a team has chosen to bowl after winning the toss at this iconic venue.The decision raised eyebrows as the Chepauk pitch is traditionally known for its spin-friendly nature, favoring teams batting first. However, Bangladesh's decision suggests they believe their pace attack can exploit the seam-friendly conditions on offer.India, on the other hand, has opted for a balanced attack with three seamers and two spinners. Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack, while Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will provide spin support.Bangladesh has also opted for three pacers, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana. The spin department will be handled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.The last time a team elected to bowl first at Chepauk was in 1982, when India chose to field against Sri Lanka. India went on to win that match by an innings and 119 runs.The Bangladesh team will be hoping to create history by becoming the first team to win a Test match at Chepauk after bowling first. However, they face a formidable challenge against a strong Indian side that is looking to extend its unbeaten streak at home.

Injury-prone Australian pace duo Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are set to make their domestic white-ball returns for Western Australia in the upcoming One-Day Cup. Morris, who has been sidelined since February with a side strain, has been named in WA's 14-man squad for their opening matches against New South Wales and South Australia. Richardson, who has endured a string of hamstring and shoulder injuries in recent seasons, also returns to domestic 50-over cricket after playing in the IPL and Top End T20 Series over the winter.Morris's return is a cautious one, as he will likely only play one of the two matches next week. He will begin a gradual build-up towards a red-ball return, with the aim of being fit for the Sheffield Shield season in October. Richardson's return is also a step forward, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready for Shield cricket next month.Uncontracted spinner Ashton Agar has also been named in WA's squad, along with veteran fast bowlers Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye. Cameron Bancroft is expected to keep wicket for WA in the absence of Josh Inglis, who is on national duty. Former WA opener Josh Philippe will face his old side for the first time on Sunday after moving to New South Wales.WA is aiming to become the first men's team in Australian One-Day domestic history to claim four consecutive titles. They have won five of the last seven tournaments and are looking to extend their dominance.Elsewhere, Nathan Ellis and Riley Meredith will miss Tasmania's opening two One-Day Cup matches due to injuries. Ellis is still recovering from a hamstring injury, while Meredith is undergoing a scan on a side injury sustained during Australia's tour of the UK.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling prowess has made him the most talked-about cricketer in India, a nation obsessed with batters. His unique bowling style, characterized by upper body strength, torque, and a powerful forearm, allows him to neutralize the influence of the pitch.Bumrah's return to international cricket in August 2022 marked a resurgence in his career. He has been rapid, incisive, and often unplayable, elevating his threat levels to unprecedented heights. His pace remains undiminished, his craft has become more polished, and his repertoire has expanded.In the recent World Cup, Bumrah was India's battering ram, delivering one match-turning spell after another. His economy and penetration were remarkable, and he was instrumental in India's triumph. His sensational final two overs in the final, where he conceded only six runs and claimed the crucial wicket of Marco Jansen, showcased his ability to exert pressure and strangle run-chases.Bumrah's hunger for Test cricket is evident, and he is eager to play as much as possible. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has hailed him as the best bowler in the world, praising his performance and his desire to make a difference at any stage of the game.Bumrah's importance to India's Test ambitions cannot be overstated. He will be crucial in Australia, where his ability to take wickets on any surface will be invaluable. The leadership group will want Bumrah at his fierce, fearsome best as India chases an unprecedented hat-trick of Test series triumphs Down Under.Australia recognizes Bumrah as their primary threat, but even they may struggle to contain him. His command over his multi-faceted craft makes him a complete fast bowler, equally adept with the new and old ball. He uses reverse swing with spectacular effect, targeting both toes and stumps while also inducing outside edges from right-handed batters.Bumrah's ability to control the game with three-over bursts is another asset for India. The pressure he imposes often translates to wickets at the other end. He is chomping at the bit to have a go at Bangladesh, but a lack of game-time since June may be a concern. However, his efficacy is unlikely to be significantly impacted.

The Indian Premier League's adrenaline rush and the historic ICC T20 World Cup triumph have ignited a surge of energy within India's leading cricketers. As the nation transitions from the thrill of limited-overs cricket to the slow-burn intensity of Test cricket, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host the opening Test of the two-match series between India and Bangladesh, commencing on Thursday.Rohit Sharma's men last played a Test against England in Dharamshala in March, and now they must reset their playing style as they prepare for a series of crucial encounters against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. These games are part of the World Test Championship, which India currently leads, making them critical for the team's progress.The upcoming clashes will also mark the beginning of Gautam Gambhir's era as coach. The former India opener, who honed his leadership skills during the ODIs in Sri Lanka, now faces the daunting task of guiding a squad in transition towards greater glory. Stepping into Rahul Dravid's shoes, Gambhir must steer the team to higher heights.India, playing on home soil, will enter the series as the favorite. However, Bangladesh, fresh from their 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, is eager to prove their mettle against their larger neighbor. From their independence in 1971 to their Test debut in 2000, Bangladesh has always found India lending a helping hand. Yet, the desire to demonstrate their equality fuels the visitors' determination.While Dhaka recovers from political turmoil, Najmul Hossain Shanto's men continue to carry the weight of hope on their shoulders. Rawalpindi was a testament to their potential, but Chennai and Kanpur may pose greater challenges.India's return to home soil is marked by the remarkable comeback of Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a life-threatening accident. Virat Kohli, who took a paternity break and missed the series against England, is also back in the mix. K.L. Rahul's return adds to Rohit's experienced core, providing him with a solid foundation to rely on.With Jasprit Bumrah as the spearhead and R. Ashwin leading the spin department, the Indian skipper has ample resources at his disposal. The surface is expected to favor both fast and slow bowlers, ensuring an intriguing contest.For Bangladesh, a glimpse of the Bay of Bengal upon arrival and the proximity of Greams Road, with its distinct Bengali vibe, may evoke a sense of familiarity. However, having never defeated India in a Test while being a formidable opponent in ODIs, especially during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, the Tigers face a formidable challenge.Veterans Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan know what it takes to surprise India, but Bangladesh will need contributions from others like Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taskin Ahmed to embody that spirit.

Sachin Baby's masterful century propelled Aries Kollam Sailors to a resounding six-wicket victory over Calicut Globstars in the inaugural edition of the KCL at the Greenfield stadium.Baby's unbeaten 105 off 54 deliveries, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, was the cornerstone of the Sailors' successful chase of 214. His 114-run third-wicket partnership with Vatsal Govind (45) proved decisive in turning the tide in favor of the Sailors.The Globstars had earlier posted a competitive 213/6, thanks to a blistering start by captain Rohan Kunnummal and a late surge by M. Ajinas. Kunnummal's 51 off 30 balls, including two sixes, set the tone for the innings, while Ajinas' 56 off 33 balls, featuring three sixes and a four, provided a late boost.However, the Sailors' bowlers, led by leg-spinner Midhun (2/42), kept the Globstars in check, restricting them to just 23 runs in the final three overs.In the chase, the Sailors lost openers Abhishek Nair and Arun Polouse early, but Baby's unwavering presence at the crease steadied the innings. He manipulated the field placements with ease, punishing loose deliveries with boundaries and sixes.Govind provided valuable support, attacking the Globstars spinners and contributing 45 runs. The pair's partnership laid the foundation for the Sailors' victory.Despite the loss of Govind, Baby continued to dominate the bowling, finding boundaries at will. He reached his century with a boundary off Akhil Dev in the 19th over, sparking jubilation among the Sailors' camp.The Sailors eventually reached their target with 19.1 overs to spare, securing the inaugural KCL title. Baby's match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next mega auction, scheduled to take place in late November or early December 2025. The Board for Cricket Council of India (BCCI) is expected to release the rules and regulations for the auction in the coming days.The IPL has held two mega auctions in the past decade, with four-year intervals between them. The first major auction was held in 2014, followed by another in 2018, when the Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings returned to the league after a two-year suspension.Sources close to the BCCI have confirmed that the upcoming mega auction is likely to be held over two days, similar to the 2022, 2023, and 2024 auctions. The auction will allow teams to rebuild their squads and acquire new talent ahead of the 2025 season.One of the key considerations for the auction is the number of players that teams will be allowed to retain. In the 2022 mega auction, teams were permitted to retain up to four players. However, there are differing opinions among franchises about the optimal number of retained players for the 2025 auction. Some teams advocate for a larger retention cap, possibly up to eight players, while others prefer the existing limit of four or five.The BCCI is expected to finalize the retention rules and other auction details in the coming weeks. The auction will be a crucial event for the IPL, as it will shape the composition of teams and the competitive landscape of the league for the next three years.