Cricket

George Bailey, the chief selector for the Australian men's cricket team, has confirmed that David Warner, the seasoned left-handed opening batsman, will not be considered for selection in the Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025.Following Australia's exit from the Super Eights stage of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Warner had indicated his intention to retire from international cricket. However, he had expressed a willingness to make a final appearance in the 2025 Champions Trophy.Bailey has now put an end to any speculation, stating unequivocally that Warner has fully retired from representing Australia in international cricket. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating Warner's legacy as a crucial player across all formats of the game."Our understanding is that David is retired, and (he) should be commended on what has been an incredible career across all three formats. You never know when Bull's joking…think he's just stirring the pot a bit," Bailey said to reporters."He's had a wonderful career, can't celebrate it enough, and think as time goes by, his legacy of what he has done for Australia and we reflect back on that, the legend of a player is only going to continue to grow. But as far as this team goes and the journey to transition to some different players, in his case across all three formats, it's going to be exciting."Bailey also affirmed that Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc remain integral to the team's plans for the 2025 Champions Trophy and possibly the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. This statement comes in the wake of the decision to rest the two players from the T20I matches against Scotland and England, respectively, in September."I don't think there's anyone who's not there that we've put a line through permanently besides David. This is the way we are going with this squad. If opportunities arise or there are gaps at different points there's nothing to say that Wadey might not come back, but certainly, at this point, we are excited about giving Josh (Inglis) a run," Bailey said."The next T20 World Cup is 2026, so I imagine there may be some more changes than what we are seeing in this squad but specifically to those guys (Starc and Maxwell), no we haven't had any conversations about where they think their T20 journey may finish. Certainly for Glenn and Mitch, the Champions Trophy is very much on the horizon, (and is a) very important tournament for those guys.""And Starcy in particular, I think he's going to have a huge summer. Clearly, some of the decisions made around this series are around prioritising and getting guys right for what will be a really big summer. As far as ending players, seeing where guys might finish up, we haven't had those conversations," he elaborated.Bailey commended Mitchell Marsh for his leadership of the Australian team during the T20 World Cup. Although Australia was eliminated in the Super Eights stage after losing to Afghanistan and India, Bailey recognized Marsh's captaincy skills."I loved the way he captained through the T20 World Cup. He was really clear on how he wanted to lead that team. He was as disappointed as anyone that we didn't get to the end goal that everyone was hoping to achieve, but if you look at his early success rate as a captain across T20 he's done a really great job."

Brett Lee Lauds Gautam Gambhir's Appointment as Team India Head CoachAustralian bowling legend Brett Lee has expressed his admiration for the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Lee believes that Gambhir's on-field aggression and game awareness will be invaluable assets for the Men in Blue.Gambhir, who guided the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2024 as a mentor, has taken over the reins from Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after India's T20 World Cup triumph. Gambhir's coaching tenure will commence with an away white-ball series against Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, starting on June 27.Lee, who played 76 Tests, 221 ODIs, and 25 T20Is for Australia between 1999 and 2012, praised Gambhir's leadership qualities and his ability to unite his players. "He's always been there, always at the top of his game. He finds a way to unite his players and graft his team together. He builds a solid structure," Lee said.Lee also commended India's T20 World Cup victory, highlighting the team's strong performance and Rohit Sharma's leadership. "India played the perfect style of cricket in the T20 World Cup. They looked like a strong side, to be very honest. Massive congratulations to Rohit Sharma and the Indian team," Lee said.Regarding Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch in the final, Lee remarked, "Catches win you matches, don't they? I mean, Surya plucked the ball out of the sky. It was a brilliant, title-winning catch."Lee emphasized the importance of fitness for fast bowlers and revealed that he is fitter now than he was during his playing days. "I'm probably fitter now than I was when I was playing, to be perfectly honest," he said.On the topic of Australia's performance in the T20 World Cup, Lee acknowledged the team's challenges but expressed optimism for the future. "We're at a bit of a crossroads now with the Australian cricket team. It's time for the next generation of young cricketers to come through and flourish," he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented significant changes to its player contracts, reducing their duration from three years to one while maintaining financial stability. This decision was made during a meeting in Lahore attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, new red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, selectors Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, and other senior officials.The PCB's decision to shorten contract durations aims to enhance accountability and performance monitoring. Players' fitness, behavior, and form will be assessed every 12 months, ensuring that they meet the required standards. This move is intended to foster a culture of excellence and drive continuous improvement within the team.Despite the reduction in contract duration, the PCB has opted against reducing player payments. The board recognizes the importance of financial stability for its players and believes that maintaining their current salaries will allow them to focus on their performance without financial distractions.In addition to contract revisions, the PCB has implemented several other measures to enhance player development and team performance. All centrally and domestically contracted players will now undergo mandatory fitness tests every three months, regulated by the two head coaches. This initiative aims to ensure that players maintain optimal fitness levels and are ready for international competition.The PCB has also established stringent guidelines for players seeking NOCs to participate in foreign leagues. The primary objective of these guidelines is to prioritize the player's fitness and availability for the national team. Only players who meet high fitness and performance criteria will be granted NOCs, ensuring that Pakistan's representation in international leagues remains at a high standard.Furthermore, the PCB has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for player development. All players are now required to participate in domestic competitions, and selectors will monitor their performances before selecting them for national teams. This move is intended to strengthen the domestic cricket structure and provide a pathway for talented players to rise through the ranks.The PCB has also adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards disciplinary cases and player groups. Any instances of misconduct or group formation will be met with strict penalties. This measure aims to uphold team unity and morale, fostering a positive and cohesive environment within the squad.To bolster grassroots cricket, the PCB is upgrading high-performance centers nationwide. New centers in Islamabad and Peshawar are set to be established, with Gillespie and Kirsten tasked with overseeing these initiatives. These centers will provide state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching to young players, nurturing their talent and developing future stars for the national team.

Australia's T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming tours of Scotland and England have been announced, marking a shift towards the future. Perth Scorchers allrounder Cooper Connolly has earned his maiden international call-up for the T20I series, while Jake Fraser-McGurk has been included in both the T20I and ODI squads.Connolly, despite limited domestic T20 experience, impressed in the 2022-23 BBL final, securing the title for the Scorchers. His impressive strike rate of 145.80 and strong performance on his Sheffield Shield debut have earned him a spot in the national team.Mitchell Marsh will continue as captain for both the T20I and ODI sides, with Pat Cummins rested for the entire tour. Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell will miss the T20Is but will join the squad for the ODIs. Matthew Short, who was a traveling reserve at the T20 World Cup, will remain at home for the birth of his first child before joining for the five one-dayers against England.Ashton Agar and Matthew Wade have been dropped from the T20I squad, while David Warner has retired from international cricket. Fraser-McGurk is expected to establish himself as Warner's successor at the top of the order in both limited-overs formats.In the T20I squad, Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson will join Josh Hazlewood in the pace attack. Allrounders Cameron Green and Aaron Hardie are included across both formats, with Green likely to see more opportunities. Josh Inglis will replace Wade as the wicketkeeper in T20Is."This tour gives us a great opportunity to bring in some new players and give senior players time to prepare for the home summer," said national selector George Bailey. "We are particularly pleased to offer Cooper his first opportunity in the T20 squad."With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the white-ball series against Pakistan and a home Test series against India, the selectors have invested in integrating new players into the squad. Alex Carey returns to the ODI squad as Inglis' understudy.

Rohit Sharma, the charismatic captain of the Indian cricket team, has quashed rumors of his imminent retirement from international cricket. In a recent public appearance, Rohit addressed a question from the crowd regarding his retirement plans, eliciting a thunderous cheer from the audience.Rohit's emphatic response, "I don't look that far ahead," has put to rest speculation that he may be considering retiring from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) after his decision to step down from T20I cricket. "So clearly you will see me playing at least for a while," he added, reassuring fans of his continued presence on the international stage.Rohit's decision to retire from T20Is came after India's triumph at the T20 World Cup in Barbados in June 2023. The victory marked a historic moment for Indian cricket, and Rohit expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have led the team to such a prestigious title."This was my last (T20I) game as well," Rohit had said after the thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the final. "No better time to say goodbye to this format. I've loved every moment of this. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted, I wanted to win the Cup. I wanted this badly. Very hard to put in words. It was a very emotional moment for me. I was very desperate for this title in my life. Happy that we eventually crossed the line."Rohit's legacy in T20I cricket is unparalleled. He holds the record for the most runs scored in the format, with an impressive tally of 4231 runs in 159 appearances. His exceptional batting prowess is further evidenced by his record-breaking achievement of scoring the most centuries (five) in T20 internationals.As Rohit continues his illustrious career in ODIs and Test cricket, fans can expect to witness more of his exceptional leadership and match-winning performances. His unwavering determination and passion for the game will undoubtedly inspire generations of cricketers to come.

Ravi Bishnoi, the young Indian leg-spinner, has emerged as a formidable force in white-ball cricket. After briefly holding the top spot in the ICC T20I bowler rankings in 2022, Bishnoi has consistently showcased his exceptional skills, earning him a place in the Indian team for the recent T20I series in Zimbabwe.Unlike conventional leg-spinners who rely on the looping leg-break, Bishnoi's primary weapon is the googly, a delivery that turns into the right-hander. This unique approach has made him a difficult proposition for batters, who often struggle to anticipate his variations.Bishnoi's ability to control the pace and angle of his deliveries adds to his unpredictability. He can deceive batters with his quick arm-action and subtle changes in length. Despite his reliance on the googly, Bishnoi has also demonstrated the ability to turn the ball away from the right-hander, showcasing his versatility.In the Zimbabwe series, Bishnoi played a pivotal role in India's come-from-behind triumph. In the first match, he claimed a stunning 4-2-13-4, including three bowled and one leg-before wicket. His ability to strike with the new ball and maintain pressure throughout his spell proved invaluable.Bishnoi's exceptional fielding skills further enhance his value to the team. He is an electric fielder with a powerful arm, making him a threat in the outfield and a reliable option in the circle.With his unique bowling style, impressive fielding abilities, and a growing reputation as a wicket-taker, Ravi Bishnoi is poised to become a mainstay in India's white-ball setup. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, he has the potential to become one of the most feared bowlers in the world.

Surrey's Will Jacks propelled his team to a crucial 13-run victory over Essex in the Vitality Blast South Group, securing a home quarter-final berth. Jacks' scintillating 86, featuring five towering sixes, played a pivotal role in Surrey's triumph.After a steady start, Surrey's innings took a hit when Essex's spin duo of Matt Critchley and Simon Harmer claimed three wickets in quick succession. However, Jacks' counterattacking knock, including a record-breaking sixth-wicket partnership with Jordan Clark, revived Surrey's fortunes.Essex's chase began promisingly, with Adam Rossington and Michael Pepper putting on a rapid fifty. However, Cameron Steel's double strike and Chris Jordan's economical bowling put the brakes on Essex's momentum. Rossington's valiant 78 was ultimately in vain as Surrey's bowlers tightened their grip.Surrey's victory was built on a solid foundation laid by Jacks' explosive batting. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and accumulate runs quickly proved invaluable. The team's bowlers also played their part, with Jordan and Curran conceding only single-figure overs in the crucial final stages.Essex's hopes of reaching the knockout stages now hinge on a positive result in their final match against Hampshire. Surrey, on the other hand, can look forward to a home quarter-final with confidence, thanks to their impressive performance in the group stage.

Indian Champions Celebrate Triumph with 'Tauba Tauba' DanceThe Indian Champions have emerged victorious in the World Championship of Legends final, defeating their arch-rivals, the Pakistan Champions, by five wickets at Edgbaston on Saturday. The triumph was celebrated with a unique dance performance by captain Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina, who grooved to the popular track "Tauba Tauba."Yuvraj shared a video of their dance on Instagram, tagging Vicky Kaushal, the original performer of the song. The caption revealed the physical toll the intense cricketing schedule had taken on the players. "Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket.. Every part of the body is sore," Yuvraj wrote.Despite the physical strain, the Yuvraj-led side showcased their dominance throughout the competition. The final match was a nail-biting affair, with both teams fighting hard until the very end. However, the Indian Champions ultimately prevailed, securing the coveted title.The victory was a testament to the team's hard work and dedication. Yuvraj, who has been battling cancer, has shown remarkable resilience and determination. His leadership and the team's unwavering spirit inspired them to overcome the challenges and achieve success.The 'Tauba Tauba' dance performance has become a symbol of the team's camaraderie and their ability to find joy even in the midst of adversity. The video has gone viral on social media, with fans praising the players for their talent and their infectious enthusiasm.

Sanju Samson's Mammoth Six Powers India to Series Victory Over ZimbabweIn a thrilling conclusion to the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, Sanju Samson unleashed a colossal 110-meter six that left cricket fans in awe. Facing Brandon Mavuta in the fifth and final match, Samson sent the ball soaring over the roof and out of the ground, showcasing his immense power.Samson's innings of 58 off 45 balls, studded with four sixes, played a pivotal role in India's 42-run victory. He shared a crucial 65-run partnership with Riyan Parag, who contributed 22 off 24 balls, to stabilize the innings after a shaky start.Alongside Samson, Shivam Dube's quickfire 26 off 12 balls propelled India to a competitive total of 167 for six. In response, Zimbabwe's batting faltered against the disciplined bowling of Mukesh Kumar, who claimed an impressive 4/22. Dube (2/25) and Washington Sundar (1/7) also chipped in with wickets as India bowled out Zimbabwe for 125 in 18.3 overs.Samson's six was not only a testament to his power but also a symbol of India's dominance in the series. The hosts won the first four matches comfortably, with Samson playing a key role in each victory. His ability to pick the right moments to attack and his fearless approach made him a constant threat to the Zimbabwean bowlers.Mukesh Kumar's bowling performance was equally impressive. The young pacer consistently troubled the Zimbabwean batsmen with his accuracy and variations. His early breakthroughs set the tone for India's bowling effort, and he continued to pick up wickets throughout the innings.India's victory in the series is a testament to the depth and talent of their squad. Despite missing several key players due to injuries, the team managed to overcome a spirited Zimbabwean challenge. Samson's six and Mukesh Kumar's bowling were the highlights of the final match, but the entire team deserves credit for their consistent performances throughout the series.