Cricket

The Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) has undergone a significant rebranding, transforming into the World Cricketers' Association (WCA). This decision was announced following a board meeting and the organization's 25th anniversary celebration in New York, coinciding with the ongoing Men's T20 World Cup 2024.The WCA has also established the prestigious Tim May Medal, named after the former Australian offspinner who played a pivotal role in the development of the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) and later became the first full-time CEO of FICA in 2005. This medal will be bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the players' association movement in cricket.Tim May and Richard Bevan were honored as the inaugural recipients of the Tim May Medal. Bevan served as the CEO of the Professional Cricketers' Association, the player union for English cricketers, from 2003 to 2007."In an era where collective representation is paramount, the World Cricketers' Association stands as a beacon of unity for players worldwide," said WCA CEO Tom Moffat. "The vast majority of the world's top male and female cricketers are now affiliated with the WCA, demonstrating the unwavering commitment to player representation amidst the evolving landscape of the game."The name change to the World Cricketers' Association reflects the organization's global reach and its unwavering commitment to representing players at the highest level."As we embark on a new chapter, we acknowledge the legacy of those who have shaped FICA's journey," Moffat added. "We honor their contributions and look forward to building upon their foundation, ensuring that the voices of players continue to be heard and their interests are protected."

Fielding has emerged as a pivotal aspect of modern cricket, often determining the outcome of matches. Spectacular fielding efforts have become commonplace, but a recent catch by Englishman Paul Coughlin has garnered widespread attention, even eliciting a reaction from England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes.During a T20 Blast game, Coughlin, a right-arm pacer, bowled a full toss to the batter, who unleashed a powerful drive down the ground. Coughlin instinctively extended his right hand to block the ball, but to everyone's astonishment, the ball stuck in his hand, resulting in the batter's dismissal.Stokes, known for his exceptional fielding abilities, could not resist reacting to the video, exclaiming, "What the heck...joke that." The catch has become a viral sensation, showcasing the incredible skill and reflexes required in modern cricket.Coughlin's catch highlights the importance of fielding in the game. While batting and bowling remain crucial, fielding has become an integral part of team success. Good fielders can save runs, take crucial wickets, and create momentum shifts.The standard of fielding in cricket has reached unprecedented heights, with players constantly pushing the boundaries of athleticism. However, Coughlin's catch stands out as a testament to the exceptional skill and dedication required to excel in this demanding aspect of the game.

Nepalese cricket sensation Sandeep Lamichhane has etched his name in the annals of T20I history by becoming the second-fastest bowler to reach the milestone of 100 wickets. During Nepal's T20 World Cup match against Bangladesh in St. Vincent, Lamichhane's two-wicket spell propelled him to this remarkable achievement.Prior to this match, Lamichhane had amassed 98 wickets in 53 T20I appearances, boasting an impressive average of 12.58 and an economical rate of 6.29. His latest feat places him just behind Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, who achieved the 100-wicket mark in one game fewer.Lamicchane's return to international cricket has been a triumphant one. After facing an eight-year prison sentence for a rape conviction, he was cleared and made his comeback in the match against South Africa last week. Despite not playing a competitive match since late last year, Lamichhane's rigorous training at Kathmandu's TU Ground has paid dividends.His arrival in the USA was initially delayed due to visa issues, but the ICC granted him a late addition to Nepal's World Cup squad. "We had tried hard to secure a US visa for Lamichhane, but it didn't work out," said CAN president Chatur Bahadur Chand. "We requested the ICC to allow him to be added to the World Cup squad as a late entry, and they have now approved his inclusion for the last two group stage matches."Lamicchane expressed his gratitude for the support he received in securing his visa and joining the squad. "I would like to thank the Government of Nepal, Foreign Ministry, Sports Ministry, National Sports Council, and Cricket Association of Nepal for their support," he said. "I am now joining the National team for the last two matches in the West Indies and look forward to fulfilling my dreams and the dream of all cricket lovers."In the match against Bangladesh, Nepal fell short by 21 runs, but Lamichhane's historic achievement overshadowed the result. His remarkable journey from facing adversity to reaching the pinnacle of T20I bowling is a testament to his resilience and determination.

Sybrand Engelbrecht's extraordinary six-save on the midwicket boundary during the Netherlands' T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka has become an instant viral sensation. Despite the Netherlands' eventual defeat, Engelbrecht's athleticism and skill have earned him widespread praise.Engelbrecht, who made his Netherlands debut at the age of 35, has established himself as one of the world's leading fielders. His reputation stems from his exceptional diving catches and his ability to cover significant ground with ease.In the match against Sri Lanka, Engelbrecht's save prevented a certain boundary and potentially saved his team several runs. He initially moved in off the boundary before realizing the ball would soar in the cross-wind. He then flung himself at full stretch to catch the ball over his right shoulder and flicked it back into play as he landed over the boundary cushions.Engelbrecht's save was not enough to keep the Netherlands in the tournament, but it showcased his exceptional fielding abilities. He has developed a reputation for setting high standards for himself and his team, believing that fielding is a competitive advantage.Despite the Netherlands' disappointing exit from the tournament, Engelbrecht expressed pride in his team's effort. He acknowledged that they had missed opportunities in crucial moments, but he remained optimistic about the team's future."We really thought that if we play our brand and style of cricket that we can and wanted to put up a bigger fight," Engelbrecht said. "I think there'll be a little bit of disappointment in the changing room in general."Engelbrecht's performance in the T20 World Cup has further cemented his status as one of the most exciting fielders in the world. His athleticism and skill have made him a fan favorite, and his dedication to his craft is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers everywhere.

Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh, two contrasting players, have emerged as unsung heroes for India in the ongoing T20 World Cup.Pant, a prodigious talent who miraculously survived a life-threatening accident, has played crucial knocks in India's three victories. Batting at No. 3, he has provided stability and momentum to the team. His 31-ball 42 against Pakistan was a masterclass on a challenging pitch.Captain Rohit Sharma's decision to promote Pant to No. 3 was a strategic move. It allows India to have a left-right combination in the middle order and utilize Pant's counter-attacking abilities. Rohit believes Pant's all-round game will be invaluable in the West Indies leg, where spin is expected to play a significant role.Arshdeep Singh, on the other hand, has impressed with his ability to swing the new ball and deliver accurate yorkers at the death. His left-arm angle provides variety to India's pace attack. After a strong performance against Ireland, Arshdeep was entrusted with the last over against Pakistan, where he successfully defended a low total.In the match against USA, Arshdeep claimed four wickets for just nine runs, earning him the Man of the Match award. His ability to bowl consistently at a good pace and execute variations makes him a valuable asset for India.Both Pant and Arshdeep have shown resilience and determination in their performances. Pant has overcome his physical and mental challenges to deliver for his team, while Arshdeep has worked tirelessly to improve his skills.As India enters the Super-8s, the contributions of Pant and Arshdeep will be crucial. Their ability to perform under pressure and provide match-winning moments will be key to India's success in the tournament.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they crashed out of the tournament despite a consolation victory over Ireland. Captain Babar Azam expressed regret over the team's mistakes in crucial matches against India and the United States.Babar played a key role in Pakistan's chase of 107 against Ireland, remaining unbeaten on 32. However, the pursuit was far from smooth, with Pakistan nearly squandering the opportunity to secure the win."We made few mistakes in the matches against the USA and India. When you lose wickets, the pressure is on you," Babar said. "We couldn't finish off close games, and as a team we weren't good."Pakistan's tournament started with defeats against India and the USA, but they managed to bounce back with wins against Canada and Ireland. Despite the early setbacks, Babar expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly their ability to conclude the tournament on a positive note."We took early wickets with the ball. But with the bat, we didn't finish well. We lost back-to-back wickets, but got over the line in the end."Babar acknowledged that Pakistan need to bounce back swiftly from this setback. However, he remained uncertain about his future as the team's skipper."Let's see, what team needs, I'll be okay with it. We have a good bunch of players, we've to go home, chat and see where we lacked, and then come back," he added.Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who received the player of the match award, admitted that throughout the tournament, the team failed to exhibit the appropriate style of cricket that was expected of them."We haven't played the kind of cricket our country demands, have a few areas to improve on. It's tough (the result)," said Afridi.Ireland captain Paul Stirling admitted that the team struggled to find the optimal combination of players throughout the tournament."It's getting that balance right. T20...we probably haven't got that this time around. It's been a difficult couple of weeks. We'll go back, regroup and see if we can come back stronger," he noted.

Birmingham Bears secured their second victory in three days, solidifying their position among the North Group contenders with a seven-wicket Vitality Blast triumph over Derbyshire Falcons at the Incora County Ground.On a challenging pitch that restricted run-scoring, the Bears restricted Derbyshire to a modest 133 for 7. Left-arm spinner Danny Briggs led the bowling attack with an impressive 2 for 23, while David Lloyd top-scored for the Falcons with a gritty 50 and Brooke Guest contributed an unbeaten 38. Richard Gleeson also chipped in with two wickets in the powerplay.Derbyshire's spinners initially threatened to stifle the Bears' chase, but Dan Mousley and Sam Hain displayed remarkable patience and resilience. Their 93-run partnership across 13.3 overs proved decisive, with Mousley sealing the victory with his seventh four with seven balls to spare.Derbyshire's innings got off to a shaky start when Aneurin Donald departed cheaply. However, Lloyd and Guest provided some stability before Gleeson struck twice in the final over of the powerplay to give the Bears an early advantage. Lloyd reached a 36-ball half-century with two towering sixes but was eventually caught attempting to clear the midwicket boundary.Samit Patel and Ross Whiteley fell cheaply, leaving Derbyshire struggling at 103 for 5. Mousley's offspin proved economical, conceding only 16 runs in his allocation. Zak Chappell's run-out in the final over left Derbyshire with a below-par total of 133.Birmingham's chase began with a setback as Daryn Dupavillon dismissed Rob Yates. Mousley responded with three quick boundaries, but Alex Davies was caught at midwicket after hitting a six. Mousley continued to anchor the innings, reaching his fifty from 42 balls.Patel and Mitch Wagstaff applied pressure with their spin bowling, but Mousley and Hain remained patient and gradually chipped away at the target. Hain eventually departed for 43, but Mousley remained unbeaten on 66* to guide the Bears to victory.

India's journey through the Group A stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States was a tale of resilience and tactical brilliance. The team's opening match against Ireland was a straightforward affair, but the subsequent clash against arch-rivals Pakistan tested their mettle.Recognizing the challenging conditions on the New York pitch, India employed clever tactics. They promoted Axar Patel up the batting order to provide stability, while Jasprit Bumrah was brought back into the attack at a crucial juncture to neutralize Pakistan's momentum. These strategic moves proved effective, as India secured a hard-fought victory.The match against the United States was a gritty affair, with India digging deep to overcome a determined opposition. However, a washout in the final group match against Canada left the team disappointed. The Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium was expected to host a shortened game, but the outfield remained unfit for play due to inadequate ground coverage.India's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, expressed his frustration at the lack of match practice. He emphasized the importance of getting a game ahead of the Super 8 stage in the West Indies, especially considering Virat Kohli's poor form. Kohli, who has managed only five runs in three outings, was expected to find his rhythm in the West Indies, where pitches are more conducive to batting.Rathour, however, expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to bounce back. He stated that Kohli is "hungrier than ever" to prove his worth and is eager to make a significant contribution to the team's success.

Sri Lanka vs Netherlands: A Clash of Pride and Motivation in T20 World Cup 2024The T20 World Cup 2024 is set to witness a thrilling encounter between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands on Monday, June 17. Both teams, placed in Group D, will be eager to salvage some pride and momentum in their final match of the tournament.Sri Lanka, the 2014 champions, have endured a disappointing campaign, marred by off-field controversies and poor on-field performances. Despite their early exit from the Super Eight round, the Lankans will be determined to end their tournament on a high note.On the other hand, the Netherlands have exceeded expectations in this tournament, winning two out of three matches. However, they find themselves on the brink of elimination due to the tight competition in Group D. A victory against Sri Lanka would not only boost their morale but also keep their slim hopes of advancing alive.The match will be played at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, starting at 6:00 AM IST. The toss will take place at 5:30 AM IST.Key Players to Watch:* Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga* Netherlands: Scott Edwards (captain), Max O'Dowd, Bas de LeedeMatch Preview:Sri Lanka will be desperate to prove their worth and restore some pride after a forgettable tournament. They will rely on their experienced players like Shanaka and Nissanka to lead the charge. However, the Netherlands have shown great resilience and determination throughout the tournament. They will be confident of upsetting Sri Lanka and securing a memorable victory.The match promises to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams having something to prove. Sri Lanka will be eager to avoid further embarrassment, while the Netherlands will be determined to make a statement and keep their World Cup hopes alive.