Cricket

The Northern Territory (NT) is eagerly anticipating the possibility of hosting Australia's white-ball series against South Africa next winter, marking a potential end to a 16-year hiatus for international cricket in Darwin. The city last hosted an ODI in 2008, with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also playing Tests there in 2003 and 2004.In preparation for a potential return to the international stage, the ICC-accredited TIO Stadium has undergone significant upgrades, including the installation of two drop-in wickets. The Top End T20 series, launched as part of the Cricket 365 branding initiative, has also gained traction, attracting four Big Bash clubs, Tasmania, the ACT, and teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh.NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey is optimistic about the Territory's chances of securing international content, stating, "We are putting the foundation in place to be ready. We have the infrastructure and it has had exceptional cricket on it [with the Top End series]."Dovey's vision extends beyond hosting occasional matches, aiming to establish Darwin as a consistent destination for international fixtures. He believes that the Territory's unique weather conditions and ability to host winter matches make it an ideal location for T20s and ODIs.To further enhance the Top End series, Dovey plans to expand the tournament to include up to 12 teams, potentially attracting more Big Bash franchises and overseas sides. The tournament has already garnered significant viewership, with nearly 700,000 people watching this year's edition on YouTube.Dovey is also exploring the possibility of adding teams from New Zealand and Nepal next year, as well as appealing to IPL franchises. He believes that the August window, when the Top End series is held, provides a unique opportunity for international teams to play in a competitive environment.

Rishabh Pant, India's star wicket-keeper batsman, has showcased his love for cinema by recreating an iconic pose from Rajinikanth's film 'Kabali.' The post, which went viral on social media, garnered over 600,000 likes within six hours of being uploaded.Pant's admiration for Rajinikanth is evident in his regal outfit and the caption 'Thalaiva,' meaning 'leader' or 'boss' in Tamil. The pose, which has become synonymous with the legendary South Indian actor, is a testament to Pant's appreciation for Rajinikanth's cinematic legacy.Pant's love for cinema extends beyond this particular post. He has previously expressed his admiration for actors such as Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. This passion for the silver screen reflects Pant's multifaceted personality, which combines his cricketing prowess with a keen interest in entertainment.On the cricket field, Pant has had a remarkable 2024. After recovering from a horrific car accident, he piled up 446 runs in IPL 2024 and played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. Despite a disappointing tour of Sri Lanka, Pant remains India's leading wicket-keeper batsman candidate across formats.Pant is expected to play a significant role in India's upcoming home series against New Zealand and subsequent tour of Australia for Tests. He is also set to feature in the Duleep Trophy 2024, representing India B alongside several other Indian stars.Pant's recent performance in the Delhi Premier League, where he scored 35 runs in 32 balls, suggests that he is in good form ahead of these upcoming challenges. His passion for cinema and his cricketing abilities make him a unique and captivating figure in the world of sports and entertainment.

MS Dhoni's Future in Cricket Remains Uncertain Amidst Retirement SpeculationsFormer Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni's future in cricket has become a topic of intense speculation among fans. The 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has been battling knee pain and has stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.Dhoni's performance in IPL 2024 raised concerns about his fitness and longevity. He struggled with his batting, often batting lower down the order, and his fielding was noticeably slower. These factors have led to questions about whether he will continue playing for CSK in IPL 2025.However, Dhoni has remained tight-lipped about his retirement plans. He is currently enjoying time with his family and friends in his hometown of Ranchi. Recently, he was spotted at a local dhaba with a group of friends, showcasing his humble and down-to-earth nature.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Dhoni's legacy in cricket remains unblemished. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and wicketkeepers of all time, leading India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.Young Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed recently paid tribute to Dhoni's mentorship and guidance. Ahmed recalled an incident in New Zealand where Dhoni handed him a bouquet of flowers and asked him to bowl the first over in an Asia Cup match. Ahmed expressed his admiration for Dhoni, calling him his "guru" and crediting him for his success as a bowler.As Dhoni's future remains uncertain, fans eagerly await any news regarding his retirement decision. Whether he chooses to continue playing or hang up his boots, his impact on cricket will be forever etched in the annals of the sport.

Yash Dayal's IPL journey has been a rollercoaster ride. After a promising start with Gujarat Titans in 2023, he endured a confidence-shattering experience against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showed faith in the young pacer, acquiring him for Rs 5 crore in the 2024 auction.Dayal's resurgence at RCB was remarkable, as he emerged as a key contributor with 15 wickets. In a recent interview, he credited Virat Kohli for his resurgence, revealing that the star batter's unwavering support boosted his confidence."The biggest thing he (Kohli) said to me was that he will back me the whole season," Dayal told Sports Tak. "He told me that I will not feel like I have come to a new place, and he backed me completely. So this was a huge boost up."Dayal also praised Kohli's mentorship of young players, describing him as "nothing like what people talk about on TV."Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulated Kohli on completing 16 years of international cricket. Kohli made his debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka and has since become one of the most successful batters in the history of the game.Shah tweeted, "16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!"Dayal's resurgence and Kohli's continued excellence highlight the importance of support and mentorship in sports. Dayal's journey serves as a reminder that even after setbacks, with the right guidance and belief, athletes can overcome adversity and achieve success.

India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has ascended one spot to third in the latest ICC ODI rankings for women, released on Tuesday. With 738 rating points, Mandhana is the top-ranked Indian batter in the 50-over format, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur maintains her ninth position.Sri Lanka's star batter Chamari Athapaththu has slipped behind Mandhana to fourth place, but her compatriots Nilakshika de Silva (up three places to 32nd), Harshitha Samarawickrama (up eight places to 44th), and Kavisha Dilhari (up four places to 50th) have all made significant gains in the ODI batting rankings.Mandhana also retained her fourth spot in the T20 rankings, with Sri Lanka's Samarawickrama and Ireland opener Gaby Lewis reaching career highs. Samarawickrama's impressive knock of 65 off 44 balls in the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Ireland propelled her up three places to 13th position, while Lewis's match-winning 119 off 75 balls has lifted her four places to a career-best-equalling 21st position, which she had previously attained in July 2022.Mandhana's consistent performances in both ODI and T20 cricket have solidified her status as one of the world's leading batters. Her ability to score runs at a rapid pace and her versatility in playing different roles in the team make her a valuable asset for India.The rise of Sri Lankan batters in the rankings is a testament to the team's recent resurgence in women's cricket. Athapaththu, Samarawickrama, and de Silva have all played key roles in Sri Lanka's recent victories over Ireland and Pakistan.The ICC rankings are a reflection of the current form and performances of players and teams. Mandhana's rise in the rankings is a recognition of her exceptional batting skills and her contribution to India's success in women's cricket.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) is taking steps to address the increasingly fragmented and congested cricket calendar. However, the WCA lacks influence over India, which has a players' association solely to comply with the Supreme Court's directive. The Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA) is not a member of the WCA.Currently, the future of cricket lies in the hands of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI's financial dominance and influence over Associate Members have given it significant power. India generates the most revenue and dictates the terms of the game.The WCA's review group includes Sanjog Gupta, a representative from Disney Star, the channel that has transformed cricket's landscape. India's dominance stems from its large audience, lucrative television market, and talented players.The WCA's survey reveals that 84% of players support specific windows for domestic franchise leagues and international cricket to coexist. This idea was initially proposed by India but was rejected. The WCA is exploring areas for change, including scheduling, economic disparity, and player employment.However, the BCCI has historically viewed players' associations as trade unions that need to be controlled. Indian players lack an organized platform to voice their concerns, leaving it to a few top players who prioritize their individual interests. Former players also hesitate to criticize the BCCI for fear of losing post-retirement opportunities.The WCA's success depends on the ego-boosting and esteem-pandering of one individual. While this approach has worked in other fields, it remains to be seen if it will be effective in cricket.

The Paris Olympics 2024 has etched itself into the annals of sports history, not only for its thrilling competitions but also for an iconic moment that has transcended the boundaries of the Games. Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec's unconventional shooting pose, which propelled him to a silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, has become a global sensation.Dikec's seemingly relaxed and carefree approach, with his gun held loosely and his body leaning back, has captivated audiences worldwide. The pose has become a symbol of confidence and nonchalance, inspiring countless imitations and memes.Now, the Dikec pose has made its way into the world of cricket, thanks to the infectious enthusiasm of West Indian stars Kieron Pollard and Akeal Hosein. During the Hundred final between Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave, the duo showcased their own rendition of the iconic celebration.After taking the wicket of Sam Curran, Hosein struck the Dikec pose, much to the delight of the crowd. Pollard followed suit later in the innings, replicating the pose after catching Donovan Ferreira.Despite their spirited celebration, the Southern Brave fell short of their target, with the Oval Invincibles securing their second Hundred title. However, the Dikec pose had already left an indelible mark on the match, adding a touch of humor and camaraderie to the intense competition.The Hundred Final also witnessed the crowning of Sam Curran as the 'Most Valuable Player' of the tournament. The England all-rounder, who played a pivotal role in England's T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year, showcased his versatility and skill throughout the Hundred.While Curran's performance was commendable, it was Saqib Mahmood who emerged as the hero of the final. The 27-year-old pacer claimed three wickets and conceded only 17 runs in his 20 balls, proving to be a formidable force on the field.

Greg Barclay, the current chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has announced that he will not seek a third term after his tenure ends on November 30. This has sparked speculation about the future of BCCI secretary Jay Shah at the ICC.Shah, who is considered one of the most influential figures in the ICC boardroom, is currently the head of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee. He enjoys a lot of goodwill with most of the 16 voting members.As per ICC rules, the chairman's election comprises of 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) required for the winner. Earlier, a two-third majority was required.Current directors are required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by August 27, 2024. If there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on December 1, 2024.Shah has one year left as the BCCI secretary before going on a mandatory cooling-off period of three years from October 2025. If he decides to move to the ICC with a year of his secretaryship still left, he will have four years left in the BCCI.At 35, Shah could become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar are the Indians who have headed the ICC in the past.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has bravely opened up about his past struggles with depression, aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to seek help. In a heartfelt social media post and a subsequent YouTube video, Uthappa shared his personal experience with the debilitating condition, emphasizing that his battle with depression was more challenging than any he faced on the cricket field.Uthappa, known for his aggressive batting style, acknowledged the isolating nature of mental health struggles. "We are going to be talking about depression and suicide. We recently heard about Graham Thorpe and David Johnson from India. VB Chandra Sekhar sir who was the rock of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). I have been there as well. It's not a pretty journey. It's debilitating. You feel like you are a burden to people you love. It's challenging. You feel like you are worth less," the 38-year-old said in his YouTube video.Uthappa's revelation comes amid growing concerns about the mental well-being of athletes, particularly in high-pressure environments. He specifically mentioned the tragic suicides of cricketers Graham Thorpe, David Johnson, and VB Chandrasekhar, highlighting the devastating impact of untreated mental health issues.While Uthappa enjoyed considerable success in white-ball cricket, including playing a crucial role in India's 2007 T20 World Cup victory, his international career was marked by inconsistency and selection setbacks. Despite his on-field achievements, Uthappa faced personal challenges that took a toll on his mental health.In his social media post, Uthappa wrote, "I've faced many battles on the cricket field, but none as tough as the one I fought with depression. I'm breaking the silence around mental health because I know I'm not alone."Uthappa's decision to share his story is a significant step towards normalizing conversations about mental health within the sporting world and beyond. By speaking openly about his experiences, he provides a powerful example for others struggling in silence, encouraging them to seek the help they deserve.