Cricket

Women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Gears Up with Exciting Player SigningsThe third edition of the Women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to ignite the cricketing world from August 21 to 29 in Trinidad. The three franchises, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Royals, and Trinbago Knight Riders, have bolstered their squads with a host of talented players.Guyana Amazon WarriorsThe Amazon Warriors have made a significant addition to their lineup with the signing of England wicketkeeper-batter Lauren Winfield-Hill. Winfield-Hill brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. They have also drafted in former West Indies Under-19 captain Ashmini Munisar, offspinner Sheneta Grimmond, uncapped allrounder Realeanna Grimmond, left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz, and Nyia Latchman. Jamaican seamer Kate Wilmott completes the Warriors' roster.Barbados RoyalsThe defending champions, Barbados Royals, have retained the core of their title-winning squad. Wicketkeeper Rashada Williams and batter Trishan Holder return to the team. They have also added seam-bowling allrounder Shabika Gajnabi, seamer Cherry Ann Fraser, and batter Djenaba Joseph, who all played for the Amazon Warriors last year.Trinbago Knight RidersTrinbago Knight Riders have retained Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed, and young wicketkeeper Shunelle Sawh from their previous squad. Batters Jannillea Glasgow and Chedean Nation, who were with the Royals in WCPL 2023, have moved to TKR for the upcoming season.Tournament DetailsAll seven matches of the WCPL will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. The tournament promises to showcase the best female cricketers from around the world, including international stars like Stafanie Taylor, Shabnim Ismail, Deandra Dottin, and Meg Lanning.

Arjuna Ranatunga's Remarkable Body Transformation Stuns Social MediaFormer Sri Lankan cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga has left the internet in disbelief after a recent picture of him alongside Indian legend Kapil Dev went viral. The image showcases a striking transformation in Ranatunga's physique, leaving many questioning if it is indeed the same man who led Sri Lanka to their historic World Cup victory in 1996.Ranatunga, now 59, was known for his aggressive batting and astute leadership during his playing days. After retiring from cricket, he ventured into politics and served as a Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka.The recent picture, shared on Twitter by journalist Rex Clementine, has sparked a flurry of reactions. Many users expressed shock and disbelief at Ranatunga's transformation, with some even questioning if it was a case of mistaken identity."People are saying the man next to Kapil is Arjuna Ranatunga. I've watched many of his matches, I'm not ready to believe it's him," tweeted one user.Another user shared a comparison image of Ranatunga from his playing days and the recent picture, highlighting the dramatic change in his appearance. "How can those 2 be the same people?!" they exclaimed.While the exact reason for Ranatunga's transformation is unknown, some speculate that it may be related to a change in lifestyle or fitness regimen. Regardless, the image has reignited interest in the legendary cricketer and his remarkable journey.

With India's ODI series against Sri Lanka approaching, the availability of senior players remains uncertain. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have reportedly requested an extended break after the T20 World Cup, but new head coach Gautam Gambhir is opposed to this proposal.Hardik Pandya has also joined the list of unavailable players, citing personal reasons. However, Gambhir is keen on Kohli, Rohit, and Bumrah participating in the ODI series. He has reportedly conveyed to the trio that the team will have a significant break after the Sri Lanka assignment, and he expects them to be available.The players have yet to respond to Gambhir's plea. Rohit and Kohli have already taken breaks and traveled abroad with their families. India's ODI series against Sri Lanka begins on August 2 and concludes on August 7. The team will then face England in an ODI series in February 2024.The gap between these series is five months, providing ample time for the senior players to rest and recover. After the England series, India will participate in the Champions Trophy, which is expected to be held in Pakistan, the UAE, or Sri Lanka.Gambhir's stance on the availability of senior players reflects his desire to build a strong and competitive ODI team. He believes that the experience and leadership of Kohli, Rohit, and Bumrah are crucial for the team's success.The players' decision to prioritize personal commitments over national duty has sparked debate among fans and experts. Some argue that the players deserve a break after a grueling schedule, while others believe that they should make themselves available for the country whenever possible.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to participate in the ODI series rests with the players. However, Gambhir's clear message to the trio indicates that he expects them to prioritize the team's needs.

Indian Women's Cricketers Rise in ICC T20 RankingsIndian women's cricket team opener Shafali Verma and captain Harmanpreet Kaur have made significant strides in the latest ICC T20 rankings, released on Tuesday. Verma has climbed two positions to share the 15th rank with New Zealand's Amelia Kerr and England's Danni Wyatt, while Kaur has gained three places to occupy the 12th spot.Verma's impressive performances in the recently concluded series against South Africa have propelled her up the rankings. The young opener has been in scintillating form, scoring consistently and playing some eye-catching shots. Her ability to clear the boundary with ease has made her a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup.Kaur, who led India to a 2-1 series victory over South Africa, has also been rewarded for her consistent performances. The experienced all-rounder has been a key figure in the Indian team for many years, and her leadership and batting skills have been instrumental in their success.Smriti Mandhana, known for her aggressive batting style, remains the highest-ranked Indian batter, holding steady at the fifth position. Mandhana has been in excellent form in recent months, and her ability to score runs at a brisk pace has made her one of the most feared batters in the world.Among the bowlers, the experienced Deepti Sharma maintained her position at the third spot. Sharma has been a consistent performer for India, and her ability to bowl both spin and seam makes her a valuable asset to the team.Radha Yadav made significant progress, moving up eight places to reach the 15th rank. Yadav has been in impressive form in recent matches, and her ability to take wickets at crucial junctures has been a major factor in India's success.Pooja Vastrakar ascended six positions to secure the 23rd spot. Vastrakar has been a reliable all-rounder for India, and her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her a valuable member of the team.Shreyanka Patil also improved her standing, climbing nine places to occupy the 60th position. Patil has been a promising young bowler for India, and her recent performances have shown that she has the potential to become a top-class spinner.In other news, England spinner Sarah Glenn achieved a new career-high rating of 768 points. Glenn has taken eight wickets in the first four matches of England's ongoing T20I series at home against New Zealand. This achievement has allowed her to retain her position as the world's No.2 ranked T20I bowler.The only player ahead of Glenn in the ratings is her teammate and fellow spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, who also has eight scalps from the first four matches of the five-game series.

Amit Mishra Admits to Age Fudging in Candid Podcast RevelationVeteran Indian spinner Amit Mishra, a renowned figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has made a startling admission regarding his age. In a candid conversation on a podcast, Mishra, who currently plays for Lucknow Super Giants, revealed that he had reduced his age by one year at the behest of his coach when he was a young player.Mishra's revelation has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, as it exposes a potential age fraud scandal. The spinner admitted that he was actually 22 years old when he made his debut for India in 2003, not 21 as officially recorded."Let me tell you, I have a one-year discrepancy, and my coach helped with that. I didn't even know about it. The coach called my home and asked for one more year for me. It was quite an emotional story. I was surprised and asked, 'How?' He said, 'From today, you are one year younger; now you have two more years.' I agreed," Mishra said on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast.The revelation came to light after a playful exchange between Mishra and Rohit Sharma during an IPL 2024 match between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. Sharma had joked about Mishra's age, asking if he was really 41."You made your debut when we in our nappies. That's when you made your debut. You made your debut when you were 20?" Sharma had said.Mishra responded by saying he was 20-21 at the time of his debut. However, when asked about the conversation with Sharma, Mishra revealed that he had also questioned the Indian captain's age."I told him, 'I also watched someone play when I was young.' Many people start playing early; it doesn't mean they are now 45 or 50. He laughed and said, 'I'm 37.' I later confirmed and said, 'Are you really 37?' He laughed and didn't say anything," Mishra said.Mishra's admission has raised concerns about the prevalence of age fraud in cricket. It is unclear whether the spinner's age discrepancy was known to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or other cricketing authorities.The revelation has also sparked a debate about the ethics of age fudging in sports. Some argue that it is a form of cheating that gives players an unfair advantage, while others believe it is a harmless practice that allows young players to compete at a higher level.

Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra has expressed his reservations about the appointment of Shubman Gill as India's T20I captain for the Zimbabwe series. Mishra believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad would have been a more suitable choice.Mishra, who played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India, admitted that the decision to appoint Gill as captain was surprising. He stated that Gill lacks the necessary captaincy skills and experience."I would not have made him the captain. You saw the IPL this season, Gill doesn't know how to captain the side, he is clueless," Mishra said.Mishra also questioned the rationale behind appointing Gill as captain simply because he is a part of the Indian team. He argued that Gill's performance in the IPL and with the Indian team does not justify his elevation to the captaincy."Just because he is a part of the Indian team, he shouldn't be made the captain. Gill has done well in the IPL over the last few seasons, he did fine in the Indian team as well. The Indian team made him the captain as they want to give him leadership experience, which wasn't visible when he led Gujarat Titans in IPL," he added.Mishra suggested that Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, or Ruturaj Gaikwad would be more suitable candidates for the India T20I captaincy. He praised Gaikwad's ability to perform under pressure and his calm demeanor."There's Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, Ruturaj Gaikwad who can lead India in T20Is. Right now, the BCCI is only looking to assess all options," Mishra said.Mishra also hinted that Rahul Dravid's favoritism may have played a role in Gill's appointment as captain. He suggested that Gaikwad is a more deserving candidate based on his performances."Everyone has some liking. I am not a Shubman Gill hater, I also like him. But, I feel Ruturaj is a better option because he has scored runs in tougher situations, be it for Chennai Super Kings or during the Asian Games. He is a good option, should be kept with the team, the way Yashasvi Jaiswal was with the Indian side at the T20 World Cup," he further explained.

Hardik Pandya's triumphant return to Vadodara after India's T20 World Cup victory was met with an outpouring of love and admiration from his hometown fans. The all-rounder, who played a pivotal role in India's title triumph, was greeted with a grand roadshow and a warm reception from the people of Vadodara.Pandya's journey to this moment has been marked by both adversity and triumph. After suffering a serious ankle injury during the 2023 50-over World Cup, he faced criticism and online trolling during his stint as captain of the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL. However, he silenced his detractors with a stellar performance in the T20 World Cup, proving his resilience and determination.In the tournament, Pandya showcased his all-round abilities, scoring 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and taking 11 wickets at an average of 17.36. His crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen in the final and his economical final over, in which he dismissed David Miller, played a decisive role in India's victory.Pandya's redemption story is a testament to his character and unwavering belief in himself. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained focused on his goals and worked tirelessly to regain his form. His success in the T20 World Cup has not only brought joy to his hometown but has also inspired countless young athletes across the country.The roadshow in Vadodara was a fitting tribute to Pandya's achievements. Fans lined the streets, cheering and waving flags as the all-rounder made his way through the city. His brother, Krunal Pandya, also joined him in the celebration, sharing in the moment of pride and joy.Hardik Pandya's triumphant return to Vadodara is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of one's hometown. His journey is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and never give up on their aspirations.

Two of the greatest batters in cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, have left an indelible mark on the sport with their record-breaking achievements. While Tendulkar holds the distinction of being the all-time leading run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs, Lara boasts the highest individual score in Test cricket (400) and First Class Cricket (501).Despite their own exceptional abilities, both Tendulkar and Lara have expressed admiration for the raw talent of former West Indies all-rounder Carl Hooper. In his recently published book, Lara wrote, "Carl was easily one of the best players I've ever seen. I would say that not even Tendulkar and myself would come close to that talent."Lara attributed Hooper's unfulfilled potential to his dual role as captain, which he believes hindered his batting performance. "Separate Carl's career from playing to captaining and his numbers are very different. As a captain, he averaged near to 50, so he enjoyed the responsibility. It's sad that only as a captain did he fulfill his true potential," Lara wrote.Lara also revealed that legendary West Indies batter Vivian Richards held Hooper in high regard, despite his reputation for being stern. "Viv Richards never cried down on a person because he didn't want them to be great like him. His sternness was who he was, but he never wanted you not to do well. It was just how he was. And look, Viv loved Carl. Much more than he loved me, that's for sure," Lara wrote.In a recent interview, Lara identified four players who he believes have the potential to break his record of 400 runs in a Test innings: Zak Crawley and Harry Brook from England, and Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill from India. "They were pretty much aggressive players," Lara said of the players in his era who challenged the 300-run mark. "How many aggressive players do you have playing today? Especially in the England team. Zak Crawley and Harry Brook. Maybe in the Indian team? Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill. If they find the right situation, the records could be broken - both of them," he added.

VVS Laxman, India's head coach for the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, honored star finisher Rinku Singh with the 'Fielder of the Series' award following India's 4-1 triumph. The series marked the beginning of the post-Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma T20I era, and the tradition of awarding the 'Fielder of the Series' continued.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of the ceremony on Instagram, where Subhadeep Ghosh announced the winner. Before the ceremony, a video message from former India fielding coach T Dilip was played, emphasizing the importance of fielding."Boys, fielding has always been paramount to us in Indian cricket, and it's an aspect of the game where we have set high standards over the years. We should aim to continue to strive for excellence in this area. As we all know, we follow a tradition, which is the fielding medal. The medal is given to a player that makes a significant impact in the game with their fielding," Dilip said.Ghosh, who served as India's fielding coach for the series, praised each player for their contributions. While highlighting the importance of catches, he announced Rinku as the winner of the 'Fielder of the Series' award."Another good day in fielding. I think it was a terrific effort from each and every one. I think, in the last five months, we have been thrown into different scenarios and different challenges. As I always say, catching is very, very important. If you take the catches, you can control the game, and you can dominate the game, which we did today," Ghosh said."Every time he steps on the ground, I think he always says, I stand up. I think he always steps on the ground, putting no tools from me. I think this is going to Rinku Singh," he concluded.Ghosh called Laxman to present the medal to Rinku for his efforts throughout the series, which saw him complete six catches."I really enjoyed playing with everyone. It was my 4th or 5th series, so I really enjoyed it. To be honest, I like batting and fielding a lot. I enjoy it a lot. It's a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun to run. So what else can I say, God's Plan," Rinku said.India's next tour will be against Sri Lanka, marking the first assignment of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The tour will begin with a three-match T20I series on July 27 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series, beginning on August 2 at R Premadasa Stadium.