Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing for the possibility that India may decline to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year. During its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, the ICC approved a budget of approximately $65 million to cover expenses related to hosting matches outside Pakistan if necessary.The ICC has not officially addressed India's potential absence, but a contingency plan has been put in place. The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget that includes an estimate of the increased costs associated with moving matches outside Pakistan.The ICC has not yet identified alternative venues, but Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are the designated venues in Pakistan. The PCB has reportedly undertaken significant renovation work at these venues.The budget allocation includes $35 million for the competition itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for television production costs. The ICC has circulated a tentative schedule to broadcasters and participating teams, with India's matches scheduled to take place in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter on March 1.The tournament will feature two groups, with India and Pakistan joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. India's other matches are scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23.The ICC has allocated a week-long support period from February 12th to 18th for teams to participate in practice matches and media events. March 10th has been designated as a reserve day for the final match.The ICC will send a team to Pakistan next month to inspect the venues. The final decision on whether to move matches outside Pakistan will depend on the Indian team's decision and the Government of India's stance.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has expressed indifference towards the visitors' decision. He believes that the tournament should proceed regardless of India's presence.Mushtaq, who previously served as Pakistan's head coach, emphasized that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is responsible for addressing the matter. He dismissed the notion of making a fuss over India's potential absence, stating that it would not affect the tournament's legitimacy.Regarding Pakistan's recent disappointing performance in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Mushtaq called for a reassessment of the team's leadership. He criticized the lack of long-term vision in previous captaincy appointments, arguing that it has hindered the team's progress.Mushtaq believes that the team management should consider appointing a new captain who can lead effectively for an extended period. He emphasized the importance of evaluating potential candidates based on their leadership qualities and vision, rather than making short-term decisions.He also cautioned against the constant chopping and changing of captains, as it disrupts team stability and hinders the development of a world-class side. Mushtaq stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy and a long-term plan for grooming future leaders.Mushtaq lamented the absence of a structured system for identifying and developing captains in Pakistan. He believes that the lack of ambition to create such a system has prevented the team from reaching its full potential.He concluded by emphasizing the importance of evaluating potential leaders based on their performances, leadership qualities, and vision. By following this process, Pakistan can identify and groom the next generation of captains who can lead the team to global recognition.

Ashwin Krishnan, the head of sports marketing for Oakley India, is a true sports enthusiast. With a decade of experience in the industry, he has played a pivotal role in establishing Oakley as the preferred eyewear brand for Indian athletes.At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Krishnan's primary responsibility is to provide Indian athletes with the perfect sunglasses for their needs. He has been instrumental in forging partnerships with renowned cricketers such as Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, ensuring that they exclusively wear Oakley eyewear.Krishnan's passion for sports extends beyond cricket. He has played and worked in golf, and even provides commentary for racquet sports. His love for the game is evident in his close involvement with the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he assists in planning and operating matches.Krishnan's journey in the Olympics began in London in 2012. Since then, he has witnessed the evolution of Indian sports and the growing importance of eyewear in enhancing performance. He believes that the right sunglasses can provide athletes with an edge by reducing glare, improving visibility, and protecting their eyes from harmful UV rays.In addition to his work with athletes, Krishnan is also dedicated to promoting sports at the grassroots level. He believes that sports have the power to transform lives and foster a sense of community. Through his involvement in various initiatives, he aims to make sports accessible to all.

India's bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, has revealed the team's strategy of utilizing top-order batsmen as part-time bowlers. This approach, he believes, can provide a "surprise element" against opponents.In the first ODI against Sri Lanka, opener Shubman Gill was given the opportunity to bowl, despite conceding 14 runs in his solitary over. Bahutule emphasized that this strategy will continue to be implemented in the future."Our batters are good bowlers as well," Bahutule said. "They have the skills, even though their primary focus is batting."Bahutule cited the examples of Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh, who bowled in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. He believes that having multiple bowling options, including part-time bowlers, is crucial in the shortest format of the game."It's going to be an all-rounder's game in the coming days," Bahutule said. "If one or two top-order batsmen can bowl, it will definitely help the team, depending on the pitch conditions and situations."Bahutule also acknowledged that Sri Lanka's spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka, used the pitch conditions to their advantage. He admitted that India could have capitalized on the strong start given by Rohit Sharma, who scored a superb 58 off 47 balls."We did bat well in patches, but we could have had few partnerships that would have taken us home with less wickets going," Bahutule said.Despite the tie, Bahutule praised India's bowling performance and expressed confidence in the team's ability to improve in the upcoming matches.

Joginder Sharma, the unsung hero of India's triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup campaign, recently reunited with the legendary former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, rekindling memories of one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history.In that unforgettable match, Dhoni entrusted Joginder with the daunting task of bowling the final over against a formidable Misbah-ul-Haq. The decision raised eyebrows, considering the high stakes and immense pressure. Pakistan required a mere 13 runs to secure victory with one wicket remaining.Despite the intense scrutiny, Joginder displayed remarkable composure and precision. The over commenced with a wide, heightening the tension. However, he quickly regained his composure with a dot ball. Misbah then launched a six off the second delivery, reducing the equation to six runs off four balls.Undeterred, Joginder remained focused. Misbah attempted a risky scoop shot over fine leg on the next delivery, but Sreesanth safely collected the ball. This dismissal sparked jubilant celebrations as India clinched the inaugural T20 World Cup by a narrow margin of five runs.Joginder's calm demeanor and precise execution under immense pressure transformed him into an overnight hero. "I thought I should give the ball to someone who really wants to do well in international cricket. Jogi did a really good job," Dhoni remarked after the match."It's one of the things I will cherish for the rest of my life. I'd like to congratulate the boys and thank them for the response they have given me. No one expected us to win, and the way we played, we deserve a big celebration," the former India skipper added.Dhoni's astute leadership extended beyond the 2007 triumph. He guided India to two more ICC titles: the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. Additionally, India claimed the Test mace under his captaincy.Joginder's reunion with Dhoni serves as a poignant reminder of the camaraderie and resilience that characterized India's historic T20 World Cup victory. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of that unforgettable moment and the enduring bond between two cricket legends.

India's thrilling run-chase in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday ended in a dramatic tie, with the visitors needing just one run to win with two wickets in hand.Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka (3 for 30) emerged as the unlikely hero, striking twice off successive deliveries to end the game in a bizarre fashion. Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh, who had the responsibility of finding the winning run, both fell victim to Asalanka's bowling.Sri Lanka had earlier posted a competitive 230 for 8 after opting to bat first, led by half-centuries from opener Pathum Nissanka (56) and Dunith Wellalage (67). India's disciplined bowling attack, led by Axar Patel's 2 for 33, kept the hosts in check.India's run-chase got off to a solid start, with skipper Rohit Sharma (58) and Shubman Gill (18) putting on a 75-run opening partnership. However, Wellalage's left-arm spin proved to be a game-changer, as he removed both openers in quick succession.Wanindu Hasaranga then kept India on the backfoot with his spell of 3 for 58, which included the crucial wickets of Virat Kohli (24) and KL Rahul (31). Axar (33) and Dube (25) kept India in the chase, but it wasn't enough.With just one run needed for victory, the last-wicket pair of Arshdeep and Mohammed Siraj had the task of finding the winning run. However, Arshdeep's attempt to hit a boundary proved costly, as he was adjudged lbw.Arshdeep's dismissal sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with some fans criticizing his decision-making while others came to his defense.

The inaugural Test match, played in Melbourne on March 15, 1877, marked a pivotal moment in cricket history. Australian opener Charles Bannerman etched his name into the annals of the sport by scoring the first-ever run in the game's longest format. His innings of 165, before retiring hurt, laid the foundation for Australia's eventual 45-run victory over England.Since those early days, cricket has evolved and expanded, with the introduction of limited-overs formats such as ODIs and Twenty20Is. While results remain paramount, individual statistics have become a source of fascination for fans and statisticians alike.In the era of Test cricket, Sunil Gavaskar's "Mount 10,000" achievement in 1987 seemed insurmountable. However, the likes of Allan Border, Sachin Tendulkar, and Ricky Ponting have since surpassed his tally. Tendulkar's record of 15,921 runs and 51 centuries stands as a testament to his unparalleled dominance.Yet, the pursuit of greatness continues. Joe Root, the current England captain, has emerged as a potential challenger to Tendulkar's legacy. With 12,027 runs from 143 Tests, Root is within striking distance of the Indian legend's record. His ability to accumulate runs consistently, even under pressure, has set him apart from his contemporaries.The sporting 30s, once considered a twilight zone for athletes, has been redefined by modern fitness standards and medical advancements. Players like Graeme Smith and Virat Kohli have extended their careers well into their 30s, continuing to perform at the highest level.The dynamics of longevity in cricket are complex. While some players struggle to maintain their form after their initial burst, others, like Root, seem to thrive with age. The absence of captaincy responsibilities, as in Root's case, can also prolong a player's career.As the years go by, there will be new challengers to Tendulkar's throne. The likes of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Babar Azam are all capable of rewriting the record books. However, for now, the Indian maestro remains the undisputed king of Test cricket.

Gloucestershire's Ollie Price and Matt Taylor led their team to a thrilling 36-run victory over Yorkshire at York, successfully defending a target of 252.Price anchored Gloucestershire's innings with a watchful 98 off 118 balls, while Miles Hammond contributed 54. However, the visitors struggled in the final 15 overs, losing seven wickets for just 85 runs.Yorkshire's response on a challenging pitch was led by Shan Masood (76) and James Wharton (56), who put on a 113-run partnership for the third wicket. However, the Vikings collapsed from 137 for 2 to 215 all out within 48 overs.Left-arm quick Matt Taylor was the star of the show for Gloucestershire, claiming 3 for 35 off 10 overs. Ben Coad (2 for 27) and Ajeet Singh Dale (2 for 36) also chipped in with crucial wickets.Gloucestershire's innings began cautiously, with Cameron Bancroft dismissed early. Price and Hammond then steadied the ship, rotating the strike and capitalizing on the extra bounce in the pitch. Price's sweeping and reverse-sweeping against spin was particularly effective.However, Gloucestershire's momentum was halted by a flurry of wickets in the middle overs. Ben Cliff struck twice in the 36th over, while Coad and Moriarty also picked up wickets. Tom Smith's 27 helped Gloucestershire reach a respectable total.Yorkshire's reply started poorly, with Fin Bean and Will Luxton dismissed cheaply. Masood and Wharton rebuilt the innings, but their partnership was broken by Matt Taylor. Harry Duke and Wharton fell in quick succession, leaving Yorkshire in trouble.Dom Bess and Matthew Revis offered some resistance, but Gloucestershire's bowlers maintained their discipline and eventually secured the victory.

Glamorgan's remarkable one-wicket victory over Sussex Sharks at the Gnoll in Neath has extended their unblemished record in this year's Metro Bank One Cup to four wins from four matches.Sussex's total of 200 all out was bolstered by a valiant eighth-wicket stand between Archie Lenham and Bertie Foreman, who also impressed with the ball, nearly securing a thrilling victory for their side.Glamorgan's chase began promisingly, but a top-order collapse brought Sussex back into contention. Eddie Byrom's match-high 51 and Billy Root's 48 provided stability, but it was the last-wicket pair of Andy Gorvin and Jamie McIlroy who guided the team to victory.Glamorgan's bowlers, led by Timm van der Gugten and McIlroy, dominated the Sussex innings, restricting them to a modest total. Van der Gugten's miserly spell included 11 maidens, while Douthwaite claimed 4 for 44, his second-best List A performance.Sussex's innings was characterized by a 59-run partnership between Tom Haines and Henry Rogers, but a collapse ensued, with five wickets falling for just 15 runs. Lenham and Foreman's 51-run stand provided a glimmer of hope, but Sussex was eventually bowled out for 200.Glamorgan's chase began aggressively, with Byrom reaching his half-century in just 41 balls. However, a flurry of wickets, including Ibrahim's dismissal of Tom Bevan and Kiran Carlson in consecutive deliveries, shifted the momentum in Sussex's favor.Root's 48 held Glamorgan's innings together, but his dismissal left the match on a knife edge. McIlroy and Gorvin's nervy last-wicket stand ultimately secured the victory for Glamorgan, who now sit atop Group B with a perfect record. Sussex, meanwhile, remains winless in this year's tournament.