Cricket

The South African20 (SA20) league is gearing up for its third season, set to take place from January 9 to February 8, 2023. The six participating teams have finalized their pre-signings and retentions, adding a star-studded roster to the tournament.League commissioner Graeme Smith expressed his satisfaction with the caliber of players joining the SA20, stating that it reflects the league's commitment to creating a world-class experience. Among the notable signings are Joe Root, Dinesh Karthik, Ben Stokes, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, Devon Conway, Azmatullah Omarzai, Jonny Bairstow, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.Smith emphasized the importance of having both international stars and local heroes on the teams, highlighting the presence of Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and Heinrich Klaasen. He also praised the retention of domestic players, including rookies who have been promoted to fully-contracted status for Season 3.As of now, the teams have between 14 and 17 players on their rosters, with the remaining spots to be filled at the auction in Cape Town on October 1. Each team can have a maximum of 19 players, including one wildcard and one rookie player. Of the remaining 17, a minimum of ten must be South African, while a maximum of seven can be from overseas.The SA20 2023 squads are as follows:* Durban's Super Giants: Brandon King, Quinton De Kock, Naveen ul Haq, Kane Williamson, Chris Woakes, Prenelan Subrayen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Noor Ahmed, Heinrich Klaasen, Jon-Jon Smuts, Wiaan Mulder, Junior Dala, Bryce Parsons, Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith, Marcus Stoinis* Joburg Super Kings: Faf Du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Maheesh Theekshana, Devon Conway, Gerald Coetzee, David Wiese, Leus Du Plooy, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Donavon Ferreira, Imran Tahir, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tabraiz Shamsi* MI Cape Town: Rashid Khan, Ben Stokes, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Azmatullah Omarzai, Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Nuwan Thushara, Connor Esterhuizen, Delano Potgieter, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Thomas Kaber, Chris Benjamin* Pretoria Capitals: Anrich Nortje, Jimmy Neesham, Will Jacks, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Will Smeed, Migael Pretorius, Rilee Rossouw, Eathan Bosch, Wayne Parnell, Senuran Muthusamy, Kyle Verreynne, Daryn Dupavillon, Steve Stolk, Tiaan van Vuuren* Paarl Royals: David Miller, Mujeeb Ur-Rahman, Sam Hain, Joe Root, Dinesh Karthik, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Van Buuren, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Andile Phehlukwayo, Codi Yusuf, John Turner, Dayyaan Galiem, Jacob Bethell* Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Aiden Markram, Zak Crawley, Roelof van der Merwe, Liam Dawson, Ottneil Baartman, Marco Jansen, Beyers Swanepoel, Caleb Seleka, Tristan Stubbs, Jordan Hermann, Patrick Kruger, Craig Overton, Tom Abell, Simon Harmer, Andile Simelane, David BedinghamThe schedule of matches for the SA20 2023 season will be announced at a later date.

Shamar Joseph's five-wicket haul marked a memorable Test debut on home soil, but South Africa fought back with a vengeance as 17 wickets fell on a dramatic opening day of the second Test in Guyana.Joseph's incisive pace and full length proved too much for the Proteas, who were dismissed for 160 after opting to bat first. The Guyanese pacer removed opener Adrian Markram early and received excellent support from Jayden Seales (3 for 45).However, South Africa's Wiaan Mulder responded with a superb spell of four for 18, ripping through the West Indies top order. Burger struck first, dismissing Mikyle Louis, before Mulder's introduction proved decisive. The medium-pacer's movement and seam position left the hosts reeling at 56 for six.Jason Holder (33 not out) and Gudakesh Motie (11) offered some resistance, but Motie's dismissal in the final over to Keshav Maharaj left the West Indies in a precarious position.Joseph, who missed the rain-affected first Test in Trinidad, recaptured the form that earned him a seven-wicket haul in Brisbane earlier this year. His performance was a welcome boost for the West Indies, who endured a disappointing two-Test series in England.Mulder's career-best bowling performance was a testament to his ability to adapt to the conditions. "I just tried to replicate what Shamar did earlier in the day by bowling a length which made it difficult for the batters to score," he said.With the West Indies trailing by 63 runs, Holder and the tailenders will need to bat resolutely on the second morning to minimize the deficit.

Babar Azam's ODI Ranking Retention Draws Criticism from Former Pakistan Cricketer Basit AliFormer Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his disapproval of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to retain Babar Azam as the top-ranked ODI batter despite his prolonged absence from the format. Ali questioned the logic behind the ranking system and suggested that the ICC may be intentionally hindering Azam's performance.Ali's criticism stems from the fact that Azam has not played an ODI since November 2023. Despite this, he has maintained his position at the top of the rankings, ahead of Indian stars Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. Ali believes that this ranking is undeserved, especially considering the absence of other top-performing batters like Travis Head (Australia) and Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)."When I saw the ICC ranking (ODI batters), Babar Azam was at the top, number two was Rohit Sharma, number three was Shubman Gill, and then there was Virat Kohli at number four. I did not find it necessary to read the remaining names because I couldn't see Travis Head and Rachin Ravindra. I think the ICC wants that Babar doesn't perform. He would be happy with being the number one-ranked batter in ODIs. Who gives these rankings? On what basis are Babar Azam and Shubman Gill there?" Ali said on his YouTube channel.Ali further questioned the ranking system, highlighting the absence of star batters like Travis Head (Australia) and Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand). He pointed out that these players had performed exceptionally well in the recent ODI World Cup, scoring multiple centuries.Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma has made a significant jump in the rankings, climbing to the second spot after his impressive performance in the three-game ODI series against Sri Lanka. Sharma ended the series as the top scorer with 157 runs, including two half-centuries.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has been a beacon of inspiration for millions worldwide. His aggressive batting style, exceptional leadership skills, and unwavering consistency have etched his name indelibly in the annals of cricket history.Kohli's passion for the game is unparalleled. His relentless pursuit of excellence has made him one of the most respected figures in the sport. From 2013 to 2022, he captained the Indian cricket team in all formats, leading them to the finals of several major tournaments and establishing India as a dominant force in Test cricket.Kohli's batting prowess is unmatched. He is among the top run-scorers in international cricket, with over 70 centuries across formats. He holds numerous records, including being the fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs.Despite his remarkable achievements, Kohli has faced periods of poor form, as is common with even the most elite athletes. One of the most notable slumps in his career occurred between 2020 and 2022. During this time, he went through a century drought in international cricket, which was highly unusual for a player of his caliber.However, Kohli's resilience and determination shone through. In a recent podcast, he shared his insights on overcoming tough times: "How you react to the times when you are not feeling great and how you ride that wave and accept things the way they are. It's a very delicate thing to do when you know you're not doing well and you feel like you don't want to work, you don't want to go to practice, you don't want to work hard in the gym. But you feel like as an individual, you're respecting all phases of life, and even in your worst times, you are committed to do the hard work, and it's not based on success."Kohli's words resonate with athletes and individuals from all walks of life. His ability to embrace challenges and remain committed to his craft, even during adversity, is a testament to his unwavering spirit.

Birmingham Phoenix emerged victorious in a rain-shortened match against Manchester Originals, securing a spot in The Hundred Eliminator. The Phoenix chased down a modest target of 42 with ease, winning by nine wickets.Phoenix captain Moeen Ali won the toss and elected to bowl first. Kiwi speedster Adam Milne struck early, removing Matthew Hurst in the second over. Tim Southee conceded a six to Phil Salt but dismissed him soon after. Sean Abbott and Milne continued the onslaught, accounting for Paul Walter and Max Holden respectively. Chris Wood wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Sikandar Raza, restricting the Originals to a mere 41 for 5.In response, Birmingham Phoenix made light work of the chase. Jamie Smith set the tone with two boundaries off Fazalhaq Farooqi in the first over. Ben Duckett took over the mantle, smashing Tom Aspinwall for a six and three boundaries. Smith departed for 14, but Duckett (22*) and Moeen (6*) guided the Phoenix home with eight balls to spare.Milne, who finished with figures of 2 for 8, was named the Meerkat Match Hero. He attributed his success to the swing and seam on offer, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different conditions in shortened formats.The victory sends Birmingham Phoenix to The Hundred Eliminator, where they will face Southern Brave at The Kia Oval on Saturday. Andrew Flintoff's first year as Northern Superchargers Head Coach ends with a fourth-place finish.

Yere Goud has been reappointed as the head coach of the Karnataka men's cricket team, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced on Thursday. Goud replaces P.V. Shashikanth, who took charge in 2022.Goud previously held the post of Karnataka head coach from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, the team won the Ranji Trophy in 2019 and 2022, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2019.Shashikant's departure comes after a middling 2023-24 season, where Karnataka reached the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.Goud, who was in charge of the Karnataka under-23 team that clinched a maiden C.K. Nayudu Trophy earlier this year, will be assisted by former Karnataka fast bowler Mansur Ali Khan as the senior men's bowling coach. J. Abhiram continues as the chairman of the senior men's selection committee.

In the highly anticipated first Test match at Guyana since 2011, South Africa has opted to bat first after winning the toss against hosts West Indies. The match marks a crucial encounter for both teams, with South Africa aiming to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final and West Indies seeking to improve their position on the points table.South Africa's lineup features two notable changes: left-arm seamer Nandre Burger and offspinner Dane Piedt. Burger replaces Lungi Ngidi, while Piedt, who last played a Test in 2018, joins Keshav Maharaj as the team's second specialist spinner. Allrounder Wiaan Mulder will bat at No. 7.West Indies, on the other hand, has made only one change from the drawn Trinidad Test. Shamar Joseph, who will be making his international debut at home, replaces Kemar Roach. The team retains its three-seamer, two-spinner combination, with Gudakesh Motie holding his place despite going wicketless in the previous match.With the first Test ending in a draw, this match becomes a winner-takes-all affair. For South Africa, it is the first of seven must-win Tests if they hope to qualify for the World Test Championship final without relying on other results. West Indies, currently ninth on the points table, will be eager to secure a victory to improve their chances of reaching the final.The Providence Stadium, which is hosting its third Test match, is expected to witness a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. South Africa's batting lineup, led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, will face a stern test against the West Indies bowling attack, which includes the experienced Jason Holder and the promising Jayden Seales.The match promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both teams determined to emerge victorious and secure a crucial advantage in the series.

India's Cricketers Escape Scrutiny Amidst Olympic FrenzyNew Delhi: In a rare occurrence, India's cricketers have found themselves out of the spotlight as the nation's attention has shifted towards the ongoing Olympics in Paris. With the Indian cricket team currently touring Sri Lanka under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, the usual intense scrutiny of their performances has temporarily subsided.This respite from constant media attention is largely due to the captivating spectacle of the Olympics, which has captivated the imagination of sports enthusiasts across the country. The Indian contingent's impressive performances in various disciplines, including athletics, shooting, and wrestling, have further fueled the nation's Olympic fever.While the cricketers may be enjoying a brief respite from the relentless scrutiny, their absence from the headlines is not a sign of diminished importance. Cricket remains the most popular sport in India, and the team's performances are always a matter of national pride. However, the Olympics have provided a welcome distraction, allowing the cricketers to focus on their preparations without the added pressure of constant public scrutiny.For Gambhir, this tour of Sri Lanka marks his first assignment as head coach. The former India opener has been tasked with rebuilding the team after a disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup. While the results in Sri Lanka may not be as crucial as in major tournaments, they will provide valuable insights into the team's progress under Gambhir's leadership.As the Olympics draw to a close, the focus will inevitably shift back to cricket. The Indian team will face a challenging schedule in the coming months, including a home series against Australia and a tour of England. The performances of the team during these matches will be closely scrutinized, as they will provide a barometer of India's progress under Gambhir's guidance.

VVS Laxman, the legendary Indian batter, has extended his tenure as the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for at least another year. His initial three-year contract was set to expire in September 2023.Laxman's decision to extend his NCA role comes amidst interest from an IPL franchise for a head coach position. However, this opportunity is now unavailable due to his ongoing NCA commitments. He will continue to be supported by his team of experienced coaches, including Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule, and Hrishikesh Kanitkar.The extension of Laxman's contract coincides with the impending inauguration of the NCA's new state-of-the-art campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The foundation for this facility was laid in January 2022, 14 years after the Karnataka government sanctioned the land on a 99-year lease.The new NCA campus is expected to be operational from early next year and will boast an impressive array of amenities. It will feature at least 100 pitches, indoor facilities with 45 pitches, three international-sized grounds, a modern rehab center, lodging facilities, and Olympic-sized pools.During his first three-year term at the NCA, Laxman has continued the initiatives implemented by his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. These include injury management, player rehabilitation, coaching programs, and the development of roadmaps for senior teams, age-group cricket, and women's cricket.One of Laxman's key challenges will be the revival of the India A tour program, which has been sporadic over the past two years. Under Dravid's leadership, India A tours, both incoming and outbound, were more frequent.Laxman's extended tenure at the NCA is a testament to his commitment to developing Indian cricket. The new state-of-the-art campus will provide him with the resources to further enhance the academy's programs and facilities.