Cricket

Paceman Jofra Archer has been recalled to England's squad for the defense of their T20 World Cup crown after a year out of action. The 29-year-old, who has endured a string of injuries since his international breakthrough in 2019, has not played competitive cricket for a year but has recovered from a right elbow injury.Archer's return is a major boost for England, who are looking to retain the title they won in Australia in 2022. The right-arm quick has taken 15 wickets in 15 T20 appearances for England, and his pace and accuracy will be a valuable asset to the team.Archer's recall is also a testament to his resilience and determination. After suffering a stress fracture of his elbow in 2021, he underwent surgery and spent months rehabilitating. He made a brief return to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022, but was forced to withdraw after just two matches due to a recurrence of the injury.However, Archer has worked hard to regain his fitness, and he is now back to full strength. He has been playing for Sussex in the County Championship, and he has taken 14 wickets in four matches.Archer's return to the England squad is a welcome boost for captain Jos Buttler. The team is already without Ben Stokes, who has ruled himself out of the T20 World Cup to focus on regaining full fitness as an all-rounder.England will begin the defense of their title against Scotland in Barbados on June 4. They will also play Pakistan in a four-match T20 series beginning at Headingley on May 22.

West Indies' women's cricket team clinched an unassailable 3-0 series lead over Pakistan in the T20I series after a thrilling two-run victory in the third match. The match witnessed a stunning collapse from Pakistan in the death overs, triggered by the brilliance of Hayley Matthews.Matthews, who has been in exceptional form throughout the series, once again led the charge for West Indies with a commanding 68 off 49 balls. Her innings guided the visitors to a competitive total of 132 for 5. Pakistan, in response, looked poised for victory at 115 for 2, with Sidra Ameen anchoring the chase with a well-crafted 63 off 58 balls.However, the match took a dramatic turn in the final overs. Matthews, who had already taken two wickets in the match, struck twice in as many deliveries to spark a stunning collapse. Pakistan lost six wickets for just 10 runs in 20 deliveries, handing West Indies an improbable victory.The hosts' implosion began when Matthews dismissed Ameen with a pinpoint yorker. The next ball, she trapped Fatima Sana in front of the stumps. The pressure mounted on Pakistan as Aaliyah Alleyne removed Nida Dar in the following over.With the momentum firmly in West Indies' favor, the hosts' nerves began to fray. A needless run-out and a rash shot from Sana further compounded their misery. Pakistan's hopes of a series win evaporated as they fell short by a mere two runs.The victory was a testament to the resilience and determination of the West Indies team. Matthews, in particular, was a standout performer, showcasing her all-round abilities with both bat and ball. Pakistan, despite their valiant efforts, were unable to overcome the psychological scars of their previous narrow defeats in the series.

Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic Bollywood star, is not only known for his acting prowess but also for his passion for cricket. As the co-owner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), SRK is a dedicated cheerleader and team member, often accompanied by his children. Among them, his youngest son, AbRam Khan, has stolen the hearts of fans with his adorable moments at the stadium.One of the most recent highlights was a playful "fight" between SRK and AbRam during KKR's match with Delhi Capitals on April 29, 2024. In a viral clip, SRK playfully shakes AbRam while the latter firmly expresses his point of view. The heartwarming exchange has become a social media sensation.Beyond the stadium, AbRam's love for cricket extends to KKR's training sessions. Pictures of the father-son duo playing cricket have surfaced online, earning them the affectionate nickname "Mufasa and Simba."In 2022, the Khan trio, including Suhana and Aryan, cheered for KKR in style. Suhana looked chic in a yellow tank top, while Aryan made a rare appearance. AbRam, the youngest, stole the show with his adorable wish for KKR's victory over Punjab Kings, his fingers crossed.In 2017, AbRam's presence proved to be a lucky charm for KKR as they defeated Gujarat Lions by 10 wickets. The father-son duo shared a memorable moment with matching temporary tattoos on their chests.Another unforgettable moment came in 2016 when AbRam engaged in a playful "spit war" with his father after KKR's victory over Kings XI Punjab. The video of their playful exchange showcased the strong bond between the two.AbRam's IPL debut in 2015 was equally adorable. The two-year-old joined his father at Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the opening match, wearing a white jersey. His presence was hailed as a "lucky charm" after KKR's victory over Mumbai Indians.As IPL 2024 continues, fans eagerly anticipate more heartwarming moments between SRK and AbRam. Their bond, filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for cricket, continues to captivate the hearts of millions.

Dhanashree Verma Celebrates Yuzvendra Chahal's T20 World Cup SelectionSocial media sensation and dancer Dhanashree Verma expressed her joy and excitement on Tuesday after her husband, Yuzvendra Chahal, was named in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Taking to her Instagram story, Dhanashree shared a picture of a billboard featuring the members of Team India's T20 squad, with a caption that read, "Come on. @yuzi_chahal23 He is back."Chahal's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his impressive performances in recent times. Known for his ability to take wickets in the middle overs, Chahal has been a key asset for India in the past. He last represented the national team in August 2023.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled India's 15-member squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies from June 2.Leading the team will be seasoned opener Rohit Sharma, while his Mumbai Indians teammate Hardik Pandya will serve as his deputy. Joining them in the squad are Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohd. Siraj.Chahal's inclusion as the second wrist spinner alongside Kuldeep Yadav strengthens India's bowling attack. The team will be hoping to replicate their success in the 2023 T20 World Cup, where they emerged as champions.

Cricket Fever Inspires Nostalgic Fashion CollectionAs the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts, a limited-edition clothing capsule has emerged, paying homage to the sport's golden era. Motherland, a fashion brand known for its innovative designs, has launched a collection inspired by the iconic cricket fashion of the 1970s.The collection transports fans back to the time of Test cricket, where players donned classic whites, off-whites, and deep navy blues. The recurring pattern on the pullovers, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and caps is the seam of a cricket ball, a subtle nod to the sport's essence. The insignia "Eye On The Ball" further emphasizes the collection's cricket-centric theme.V Sunil, the founder and creative director of Motherland, explains the inspiration behind the collection: "From the '70s through the '90s, Test cricket had great style. The image of Kapil Dev and the boys holding the (limited overs) world cup is so iconic. Our symbology of the spin ball and 'eye on the ball' typography at the first glance looks like a protest symbol which is very much part of street fashion vocabulary."The collection is crafted from 100% cotton knitwear and 100% cotton twill fabric for caps, ensuring breathability and comfort. Sunil highlights the unique features of the collection, including classic collars, a color combination of off-white, navy, and maroon, and a distinctive cricket-ball stitch polo."We wanted to create products with style, energy, and character at accessible prices," says Sunil. "A tribute to the meritocratic spirit of cricket, this collection is about creating products with style, energy, and character at accessible prices, a philosophy that we call sportocracy."Motherland's cricket collection is available online at motherlandsuperstore.com, with prices starting at ₹1,500. The brand plans to open a store in Gurugram soon.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to international cricket has been cemented with his inclusion in India's squad for the T20 World Cup in June. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has made a stunning comeback after a horrific car accident 16 months ago.Pant's inclusion marks a significant milestone in his recovery journey. Since his return to elite cricket this year, he has amassed an impressive 398 runs in 11 matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League. His performances have earned him a place in the 15-member squad traveling to the United States and West Indies for the tournament starting June 1.Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the team, with Hardik Pandya serving as vice-captain despite facing criticism. Veteran wicketkeeper KL Rahul will make way for Pant's return.Pant's comeback is a testament to his resilience and determination. After the road crash in December 2022, which left him with severe injuries, he underwent an intensive rehabilitation program. His return to the field was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, a testament to his unwavering spirit.The squad also includes batting mainstay Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, while Shubman Gill was among four reserves. Star all-rounder Pandya is making a comeback after an ankle injury sidelined him during the Afghanistan series in January.Despite facing inconsistency in the IPL, Pandya remains a key player for India. His return to the T20 team is crucial as the team prepares for the World Cup.The squad's selection has sparked some debate, with some questioning the inclusion of certain players. However, the selectors have expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform at the highest level.India will be looking to defend their T20 World Cup title, which they won in 2022. The tournament will be a major test for Pant and the rest of the squad, who will be determined to prove their mettle on the international stage.

Former England cricketer Monty Panesar has announced his intention to run as a parliamentary candidate for George Galloway's Workers Party in the upcoming general election. Panesar, a renowned left-arm spinner, will contest the Ealing Southall constituency, which has been a Labour stronghold for over a decade.Panesar, who was born in Luton, played 50 Tests for England, claiming 167 wickets at an average of 34.71. His impressive cricketing career included notable performances in the 2005 Ashes series and the 2009 ICC World Twenty20.The Ealing Southall constituency has been represented by Labour MP Vivendra Sharma since 2007. Sharma currently holds a substantial majority of over 16,000 votes. However, Galloway's Workers Party is hoping to make inroads into the constituency, particularly given Panesar's local connections and popularity.Galloway, who returned to Parliament in March after winning the Rochdale by-election, confirmed Panesar's candidacy at a press event outside the Houses of Parliament. He praised Panesar's cricketing achievements and expressed confidence in his ability to represent the people of Ealing Southall."Monty was a great left-arm spinner, and we could do with him in Parliament," Galloway said. "He's a man of the people, and he'll fight for the interests of his constituents."Panesar's decision to enter politics has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his qualifications for public office, while others have welcomed his involvement in the political process. Regardless of one's political views, Panesar's candidacy is sure to add an intriguing dimension to the upcoming general election.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, and the omission of middle-order batter Rinku Singh from the 15-man squad has raised eyebrows.Rinku Singh, known for his hard-hitting abilities, was widely expected to be included in the squad. However, the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee opted to include him only as a reserve player.The T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in the US and the Caribbean from June 2, will see India fielding a strong squad. However, the exclusion of Rinku Singh has left many fans and experts questioning the decision.Rinku Singh has been in impressive form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), despite limited opportunities. His omission from the main squad has sparked a debate on social media, with many expressing their disappointment.Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan took to Twitter to express his surprise at Rinku Singh's non-selection. "Rinku Singh not in the main squad for the T20 World Cup is a big surprise. He has been in good form in the IPL," Pathan tweeted.Other fans and experts have also voiced their opinions on the matter. Vikrant Gupta, a cricket analyst, tweeted, "Rinku Singh deserves to be in the main squad. He is a match-winner and can change the game with his batting."LoyalSachinFan, a popular cricket fan account, tweeted, "Rinku Singh's omission is a big mistake. He is a talented player who can make a difference in the T20 World Cup."Mufaddal Vohra, another cricket analyst, tweeted, "Rinku Singh's non-selection is a blow to India's batting depth. He is a player who can score runs quickly and put pressure on the opposition."The BCCI selection committee has not yet provided an official explanation for Rinku Singh's omission from the main squad. However, it is speculated that his recent dip in form and lack of opportunities in the IPL may have influenced the decision.Despite his non-selection, Rinku Singh remains a valuable asset to the Indian team. His inclusion as a reserve player indicates that the selectors still value his abilities and may consider him for a place in the main squad if injuries or other circumstances arise.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal have been included in India's provisional squad for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, while star batter Shubman Gill and big-hitter Rinku Singh have been relegated to the reserves group.The BCCI announced the Rohit Sharma-led squad after a meeting between secretary Jay Shah and chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Ahmedabad. All-rounder Hardik Pandya was retained as vice-captain despite his poor recent form after taking over Mumbai Indians leadership in the ongoing IPL.Samson, who has had a good IPL both as a batter and captain for Rajasthan Royals, was included as the second wicketkeeper-batter behind Rishabh Pant, pipping the likes of K L Rahul and Ishan Kishan. Hard-hitting batter Shivam Dube also made the cut on the back of a strong IPL showing.Leg-spinner Chahal, who last played for India in August 2023, is the second wrist spinner in the team alongside Kuldeep Yadav. However, Gill, who is enjoying a good run in the IPL as Gujarat Titans captain, found himself among the standbys along with Kolkata Knight Riders' big-hitter Rinku Singh.The selectors decided to show faith in Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had a slow start in the IPL but regained his touch recently for Rajasthan Royals. The T20 World cup begins on June 2 in the USA and the Caribbean. India will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York.