Cricket

India to Face Pakistan in Opening Match of 2024 U-19 Asia CupThe Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Men's 50-over U-19 Asia Cup, set to take place from November 29 to December 8 in Dubai and Sharjah. India will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 30 at the Dubai International Stadium.India has been placed in Group A alongside Japan and hosts UAE. They will face Japan on December 2 and UAE on December 4, both matches to be played in Sharjah. The top two teams from both Group A and B will advance to the semi-finals on December 6 in Dubai and Sharjah, with the final scheduled for December 8 in Dubai.Group B features defending champions Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The tournament will commence on November 29 with a match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, followed by Sri Lanka and Nepal facing off on the same day.This edition marks the 11th Men's U-19 Asia Cup, which was first held in Bangladesh in 1989. Japan, Nepal, and UAE earned their spots in the tournament after qualifying through the 2023 ACC Men's Under-19 Premier Cup.Bangladesh are the reigning champions, having defeated UAE by 195 runs in the 2023 final. India holds the record for most titles with eight, while Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh have each won once. The last three editions of the tournament were held in the UAE, with India winning their most recent title there in 2021.The U-19 Asia Cup provides a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience at the international level. It has been a stepping stone for many future stars, including Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Rashid Khan.

PCB Disappointed by India's Refusal to Play in Pakistan for 2025 Champions TrophyPakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed disappointment over reports that India has declined to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Naqvi emphasized the importance of the tournament for Pakistan's cricket landscape and its potential to foster cricketing ties in the region.Speaking to the media after inspecting the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi stated that the PCB has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their non-participation. However, he acknowledged reports in the Indian media and expressed concern."We have a clear stance that if India has any issues, we will accept it only if they give us in writing," Naqvi said. "We are not ready for any dialogue on a 'hybrid model' and believe that cricket should be kept away from politics."Naqvi reiterated the PCB's commitment to hosting a successful Champions Trophy and stated that they will continue preparations as planned. He added that if the BCCI formally communicates their non-participation, the PCB will consult with the government for guidance.The TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the BCCI has informed the PCB and other stakeholders of their decision to play their matches at a neutral venue, with Dubai being the likely host. The BCCI has reportedly cited security concerns as the reason for their decision.The PCB's disappointment stems from the fact that the Champions Trophy is a major ICC event and hosting it in Pakistan would have been a significant boost for the country's cricket. The tournament would have also provided an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its improved security situation and promote cricketing ties with India.The BCCI's decision has sparked mixed reactions in India. Some experts believe that the decision is justified due to security concerns, while others argue that it is a missed opportunity to improve relations between the two countries.The PCB remains hopeful that the BCCI will reconsider its decision and allow the Champions Trophy to be played in Pakistan. However, the PCB is also prepared to host the tournament at a neutral venue if necessary.

Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, is preparing for the highly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India after a disappointing nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. Pakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf's impressive five-wicket haul dismantled the Australian batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 163 runs in 35 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi's three wickets for 26 runs in eight overs further showcased Pakistan's fast-bowling dominance on the seam-friendly Australian pitches.In response, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid foundation with a 137-run partnership. Ayub, in particular, displayed his attacking prowess, scoring 82 runs off 71 balls, including six sixes and five fours. Spinner Adam Zampa claimed the only wicket for Pakistan, dismissing Ayub in the 21st over. Babar Azam (15 not out) and Shafique (64 not out) guided Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory, leveling the three-match series 1-1.Australia will be without several key players, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, for the series decider in Perth on Sunday. Cummins, who bowled seven wicketless overs, acknowledged Australia's shortcomings, particularly in batting. "We should have done better and scored more than 160," he said.In Cummins' absence, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will lead the side in Perth as the BGT-bound squad shifts its focus to the red-ball format. "We have a week at home. Good training sessions needed, mind now switches to the red ball," Cummins said.The first Test between India and Australia will commence in Perth on November 22.

The ongoing unofficial Test series between India A and Australia A has been marred by a series of ball-tampering controversies. In the first Test in Mackay, India A players were accused of altering the condition of the ball, leading to its replacement overnight. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the players and umpire Shawn Craig, with former Australia captain David Warner also questioning the decision.Cricket Australia (CA) later dismissed the allegations against India A, stating that the ball was changed due to deterioration. However, in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India A players were once again involved in a ball-related incident.In a viral video, the players can be seen having a conversation with the umpire, pointing out a substance on the ball. Commentators suggested that the substance could be either mud or white paint. Pacer Prasidh Krishna appeared particularly agitated during the discussion.The incident occurred as India A struggled in their second innings, losing five wickets for just 25 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy were the only batsmen to offer any resistance, with India A trailing by 11 runs at the end of day two.The ball-tampering allegations have cast a shadow over the series, which is intended to provide opportunities for players to impress ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The incidents have raised questions about the integrity of the game and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks the second time the auction will be held overseas, following the 2024 auction in Dubai.Every three years, IPL franchises undergo a reset, allowing them to retain a maximum of six players and rebuild their squads at the mega auction. This year, teams have a total purse of INR 120 crore to form their squads, with varying amounts available based on the number of players retained.As many as 1574 players registered for the auction, but the final list is yet to be released. Big names expected to be in the auction include Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Venkatesh Iyer, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, T Natarajan, Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, David Warner, Jos Buttler, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Devon Conway, Tim David, Rachin Ravindra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone.Teams have a maximum of 25 slots to fill, with a maximum of eight overseas players allowed. The size of each franchise's squad is a maximum of 25 (minimum size is 18) and there are ten teams - so a maximum of 250 players in total. Forty-six players have already been retained by the teams, leaving a maximum of 204 slots to fill during the IPL 2025 auction.The IPL teams were allowed to retain up to six players this time - of which a maximum of five can be capped and a maximum of two can be uncapped. The six could either be retained outright ahead of the auction, or can be bought back using Right-to-Match (RTM) options at the auction, or a combination of both.

As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma prepare for one of the most significant challenges of their careers in the upcoming Test series in Australia, former India head coach Greg Chappell believes the two stalwarts can rediscover their youthful energy and focus to reclaim their lost glory.Wounded by an unprecedented 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand, India will look to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the marquee five-match Test series in Australia beginning on November 22. According to Chappell, the ageing Sharma and Kohli must summon the same drive and focus that once marked their prime years if India hopes to reclaim its form on foreign soil.Reflecting on a conversation with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar in 2005, Chappell shared insights into the hurdles players face as they age. Tendulkar had sought Chappell's perspective and asked, "Greg, why does batting become harder as you get older? Surely it should get easier?""I explained to him that the mental demands of batting intensify with age," Chappell wrote in a column for 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "Batting gets harder because you realize how hard it is to make runs at this level and how difficult it is to maintain the mental focus that is required to be successful," the Australian batting legend wrote.He said "it's not the eyesight or the reflexes that drop off" when a player starts ageing but "it's the intense focus that is required that becomes harder to sustain.""When one is younger, the mind is focused on making runs. As you age, the opposition has put work into finding your weaknesses, and you are more aware of the conditions and the situation of the game."As a young player, you don’t worry about the conditions or the situation of the game, you only see the ball and how to make runs," Chappell wrote, describing Rohit, Kohli, and Australian batting stalwart Steve Smith as the "giants" of current times."If you want to play like you did as a younger player, you have to rekindle the attitude and the thought processes that you had as a younger player. That is the greatest challenge for the ageing player,” Chappell had explained to Tendulkar.Chappell said the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia "will be as much a battle of wits and endurance as it will be of skill, with each player needing to summon the drive and adaptability of their younger selves.""This sentiment captures what Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith will confront this series. They know that opposition teams have scrutinized their techniques, studied their weaknesses, and developed strategies specifically to exploit even minor chinks."Against New Zealand, Kohli endured his lowest-ever aggregate in a home Test series where he batted at least six times, scoring only 93 runs at an average of 15.50, with one half-century. This poor run has lowered his Test average to 47.83 from a peak of 55.10 in October 2019 -- the first time it has dipped below 48 since November 2016. He has dropped out of top-20 batters in ICC Test rankings for the first time in a decade.Kohli dropped eight spots to 22nd in the rankings while Rohit slipped to 26th. "For Kohli, the task is one of rejuvenation. Known for his unmatched intensity, passion, and high standards, Kohli’s recent travails will have annoyed him," Chappell wrote."The aggressive mindset that propelled him to greatness must now coexist with patience and focus. He enters this series hungry to reiterate his authority as India’s most formidable batsman of his generation."For Rohit, according to Chappell, the challenge lies in balancing his aggressive instincts with the calculated caution that Test cricket demands. "As captain, he must maintain his own form while shouldering the pressure of leadership – a delicate balance he’ll need to master if India is to thrive."This Test series, then, is more than just another chapter in cricket; it is a testament to the challenges that father time presents to even the most skilled players." Each player is more than a celebrated cricketer; they are icons of the determination and skill that defines our game. This series will be a defining chapter in their legacies.""For Sharma, Kohli, and (Steve) Smith, the true battle is not against their opponents but against time itself," Chappell wrote.

Marcus Harris' gritty 74 and a crucial last-wicket stand between Corey Rocchiccioli and Nathan McAndrew propelled Australia A to a 62-run first innings lead over India A on a rain-affected second day at the MCG.Harris, vying for a Test recall, held Australia A's innings together through two rain delays, anchoring the innings with a patient knock. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, valuable contributions from Jimmy Peirson, McAndrew, and Rocchiccioli helped Australia A post a competitive 223.Prasidh Krishna continued his impressive tour with four wickets, while Mukesh Kumar bagged three for India A. However, India A's second innings faltered, losing five wickets for 73 runs. McAndrew and Beau Webster did the damage in the absence of Michael Neser, who injured his hamstring on day one.KL Rahul, who is being considered as a potential replacement for Rohit Sharma in the first Test in Perth, failed again, falling for just 10 to the offspin of Rocchiccioli in bizarre fashion. Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad also departed cheaply, leaving India A in a precarious position.Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy held the innings together for India A, but the lead remains a slender 11 runs at stumps. The pitch has proven challenging for both sides, with only Harris and Peirson managing to pass 35 so far.Australia A's last-wicket stand could prove crucial in the context of the match, as they look to build a substantial lead and put pressure on India A. The third day promises to be pivotal, with India A needing to bat with resilience and Australia A aiming to capitalize on their advantage.

Pakistan's Rizwan and Australia's Zampa Engage in Humorous Banter During Adelaide ODIThe second One-Day International (ODI) between Pakistan and Australia in Adelaide on Friday featured a lighthearted exchange between visiting skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa. The banter, captured on the stump microphone, quickly went viral on social media.Australia's innings took a dramatic turn when Haris Rauf's fiery spell of 5 for 29 reduced the hosts to a mere 163 all out in 35 overs. Amidst the intense action, a moment of levity occurred in the 34th over bowled by Naseem Shah.As Zampa attempted a pull shot, Shah's bouncer sailed past his bat. Rizwan, behind the stumps, appealed for an edge, but the umpire ruled it a wide for height."You heard something?" Rizwan inquired of Zampa."You are appealing for everything?" Zampa retorted.Undeterred, Rizwan playfully asked, "Should I take the review?"To Rizwan's surprise, Zampa replied, "Yes, you should."Heeding Zampa's advice, Rizwan signaled for the review. However, replays showed that the ball had not touched Zampa's bat before entering Rizwan's gloves.The exchange drew laughter from both players and the commentators. It highlighted the camaraderie and sportsmanship that can exist even in the midst of intense competition.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has expressed his gratitude towards Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) following his release ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Maxwell, who was not retained by RCB, described his exit as a "beautiful" parting, praising the franchise's professionalism and transparency.Maxwell joined RCB in 2021 and played a crucial role in their middle order, helping them reach the playoffs three times. In 52 matches for RCB, he accumulated 1,266 runs and forged a strong bond with the franchise.Despite his successful stint, Maxwell understands RCB's decision to focus on building a core group of Indian players. "I got a phone call from Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, and it was actually a really beautiful exit meeting," Maxwell said. "We ended up talking about the game for about half an hour, discussing their strategy and what they were looking to achieve going forward. I was really happy with that."Maxwell commended RCB's approach, stating that it would foster smoother relationships between players and franchises. "If every team did that, I think it would probably make the relationship smoother. I could not speak high enough of the way they dealt with the whole situation," he added.While acknowledging the team's need to rebuild, Maxwell expressed his desire to return to RCB in the future. "I wouldn't say my RCB journey is over," he said. "I'd certainly love to get back there. It was a great franchise to play for, and I really enjoyed my time."As RCB embarks on a new chapter, Maxwell remains a highly sought-after overseas player. His all-round abilities and experience make him a valuable asset for any team. With the IPL 2025 auction approaching, Maxwell is likely to attract interest from multiple franchises.