Cricket

Mumbai's Musheer Khan has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the youngest Mumbai batsman to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final, breaking the record previously held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.The 19-year-old left-handed batsman showcased his talent and potential during the final against Vidarbha, scoring a remarkable 136 off 326 deliveries, adorned with 10 boundaries. Musheer's stellar performance played a pivotal role in propelling Mumbai to a commanding lead of over 500 runs in the final.Musheer's journey to this historic achievement has been marked by consistent performances throughout the Ranji Trophy. In the crucial semi-final encounter against Tamil Nadu, he contributed a vital 55, setting the stage for Mumbai's victory with his resilient batting.Prior to his exploits in the Ranji Trophy, Musheer showcased his talent on the international stage, delivering notable performances in the Under-19 World Cup and Youth ODIs. With an impressive track record and promising potential, Musheer Khan emerges as a bright prospect for Indian cricket, following in the footsteps of his elder brother Sarfaraz Khan, who recently made his international debut with a string of impressive performances against England.

Umpiring Blunder Sparks Controversy in Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy FinalA major controversy has erupted during the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy final between Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, casting a shadow over the prestigious tournament. The incident in question occurred during the morning session of Day 1, when Karnataka opener Prakhar Chaturvedi was controversially given out caught-behind by the on-field umpire.Replays clearly showed that wicketkeeper Aaradhya Yadav had grassed the ball, but the umpire raised his finger, leaving Chaturvedi and the Karnataka team in disbelief. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with fans questioning the "level of umpiring" in the domestic circuit.One fan took to Twitter to highlight the bizarre incident, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to investigate and penalize the umpire. The tweet quickly gained traction, with many users expressing their anger and frustration."Level of Umpiring in our Domestic circuit. @JayShah @BCCIdomestic," the fan wrote, accompanied by a video of the incident.Some users even called for a ban on wicketkeeper Yadav for cheating."The keeper should be banned for two years from playing cricket," one user tweeted.The controversy has also raised concerns about the quality of umpiring in Indian domestic cricket. Commentators and experts have expressed their disappointment over the incident, calling for stricter measures to ensure fair play and accurate decision-making.Meanwhile, the Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Vidarbha is also underway at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai set a target of 538 for Vidarbha after posting a mammoth 418 in their first innings, thanks to a century by Musheer Khan. At Tea on Day 4, Vidarbha were 155/4, with Karun Nair and captain Akshay Wadkar at the crease.The umpiring controversy in the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy final has cast a negative light on the tournament and raised serious questions about the standards of umpiring in Indian domestic cricket. The BCCI is expected to investigate the incident and take appropriate action to ensure that such controversies do not occur in the future.

Ollie Davies, a rising star in New South Wales cricket, has drawn comparisons to legends like Steve Smith and David Warner after his pivotal role in his team's Sheffield Shield victory over Queensland.In the pursuit of 130 for victory, NSW secured a five-wicket triumph on Thursday, thanks to a blistering knock from Daniel Hughes. Davies contributed a valuable 25 after NSW had stumbled to 91 for 4.However, it was Davies' first-innings score of 131 off 147 deliveries that proved decisive, helping NSW post 316 and earning him player-of-the-match honors. Davies concluded his Shield campaign with 670 runs at an average of 67, the fourth-highest tally of the season.NSW captain Moises Henriques predicts a bright future for Davies. "I've witnessed many exceptional young batters emerge through the NSW ranks over the past two decades," Henriques said. "Ollie appears to be another one of those players. He's relentless and always pushing the scoreboard forward.""He reminds me of a combination of Steve Smith, David Warner, and even Phil Hughes. They're all aggressive run-scorers who can find runs in areas where others struggle. For him to score three centuries in seven games this season, in bowler-friendly conditions, demonstrates his mindset of constantly scoring runs and pressuring the bowlers."NSW began their season with two losses and a draw, extending their winless streak in red-ball cricket to 15 matches. However, a 10-wicket victory over Western Australia in November sparked a resurgence, propelling NSW to third place in the standings with four wins, three draws, and three losses.For Queensland, it's a time for reflection after finishing last on the ladder with only two wins and two draws from 10 matches. They began the final day against NSW at 287 for 8 and were dismissed for 301 despite Xavier Bartlett's valiant efforts.NSW aimed to make light work of the run chase, and Hughes adopted a T20 approach, smashing six fours and two sixes on his way to a 29-ball half-century. His dismissal shortly after left NSW at 75 for 3, and there were some anxious moments at 91 for 4 after Matthew Gilkes was dismissed for 6. However, composed innings from Henriques and Davies guided NSW to victory.Debutant Queensland bowler Callum Vidler claimed 3 for 38, adding to his 2 for 50 in NSW's first innings. "It's not the outcome you want on debut, but it was an incredible experience to be out there," Vidler said.

Major League Cricket (MLC) has secured Cognizant as its inaugural title sponsor, marking a pivotal moment for professional cricket in the United States. This multi-year partnership aims to accelerate the growth of the sport in America, fostering a new era for the world's second-largest sport.Vijay Srinivasan, co-founder of MLC, hailed the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Cognizant as our title sponsor, starting with season two of MLC this summer." He emphasized the partnership's role in propelling the league's growth and the sport's popularity in the United States.Cognizant's Chief Executive Officer, Ravi Kumar S, expressed the company's enthusiasm for supporting MLC's vision. "We are excited to inspire the next generation of cricket players," he said. The partnership extends beyond sponsorship, encompassing outreach and education initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in sports and technology.Cognizant's sponsorship portfolio includes partnerships with PGA, LPGA, Aston Martin Formula 1 (AMF1) team, SailGP, and the English Football Association. This move aligns with the company's commitment to showcasing the intersection of sports and technology while promoting diversity and inclusion.MLC's second season, commencing on July 4, promises an exhilarating display of talent. Renowned cricketers from Afghanistan, South Africa, Pakistan, and the West Indies will grace the field, including Rashid Khan, Faf du Plessis, Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock, Haris Rauf, and Sunil Narine.The success of MLC's inaugural season, characterized by sold-out matches and a surge in fan engagement, has set the stage for further expansion. Matches for the 2024 season will be held at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, with additional venues to be announced soon.The partnership between MLC and Cognizant marks a significant milestone in the journey to establish cricket as a prominent sport in the United States. It promises growth, excitement, and opportunities for players and fans alike, solidifying the sport's future in the American sporting landscape.

Nestled amidst the picturesque Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Pradesh, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamsala has emerged as a global icon for its breathtaking beauty and unparalleled cricket experience. Standing tall at an altitude of 1,457 meters above sea level, this stadium offers spectators a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas, lush greenery, and the vibrant city of Dharamsala.The stadium's unique setting has garnered international acclaim, with cricket legend Wasim Akram recently highlighting its beauty on the renowned Pakistani sports show, The Pavilion. Akram drew comparisons between Dharamsala and other picturesque stadiums like New Zealand's Queenstown Stadium, lamenting the lack of similar venues in Pakistan.The HPCA stadium has played host to numerous memorable cricket matches, including India's fifth and final Test match against England in 2022. In this match, India secured a dominant victory by an innings and 64 runs, clinching the series 4-1. Ravichandran Ashwin's five-wicket haul in the second innings cemented his place among the elite spin legends of the game.Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the HPCA stadium is also renowned for its excellent playing conditions. The pitch offers a balanced contest between bat and ball, while the outfield is meticulously maintained to ensure fast and accurate fielding. The stadium's modern facilities, including state-of-the-art dressing rooms, media centers, and spectator amenities, further enhance the overall experience.The stadium's popularity has not only boosted tourism in Dharamsala but has also inspired the development of other picturesque cricket venues in India. The Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru are just a few examples of stadiums that have embraced the concept of combining cricket with stunning surroundings.As the popularity of cricket continues to grow worldwide, the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports. Its breathtaking beauty and unparalleled cricket experience have made it a global destination for fans and players alike, inspiring the creation of similar venues that enhance the joy of the game.

Virat Kohli's Unquenchable Thirst for World Cup GloryFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that star batsman Virat Kohli remains driven by an unyielding desire to secure another World Cup triumph. Despite missing out on the prestigious title on three previous occasions, Kohli's hunger for victory remains undiminished.Kohli made his World Cup debut in 2011, where he played a pivotal role in India's historic victory, ending the country's 28-year wait for the coveted prize. Since then, he has participated in eight World Cups, shattering numerous records along the way. He surpassed batting legend Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most centuries in ODIs and secured the highest run tally in a single edition of a World Cup.However, despite these achievements, Kohli's desire for the elusive World Cup title remains unfulfilled. Harbhajan Singh believes that this burning desire will continue to fuel Kohli's performances until he finally gets his hands on the trophy."Virat Kohli didn't appear on the ground. He needed a well-deserving rest and he got it. In 2011 he won a World Cup, he got into the team and he won the World Cup for the first time, we had already played three or four World Cups and he won it for the first time. It was luck and after that, Virat turned into a big player he played in 2015, 2019, and 2023, and even after that he couldn't get his hands on the trophy," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel."So that feeling stays in the mind of the player. I think he won't be satisfied until he gets his hand on the trophy. He has broken a lot of records and scored a lot of runs. His hunger will be satisfied when he gets his hands on the World Cup trophy," he added.Kohli will return to the field in the IPL 2024, where he will lead Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their quest for their maiden IPL title. RCB will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the season opener at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Bengaluru.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian spinner, has criticized England's "Bazball" approach, calling it "defenseless cricket." Ashwin's comments come after India's 4-1 victory in the recently concluded five-match Test series against England.Ashwin took particular issue with James Anderson's claim ahead of Day 4 of the second Test that England would chase down the 399-run target within 60 overs. The result was quite different, as the visitors were bowled out and defeated comprehensively. Ashwin expressed surprise at the over-the-top statement, saying that although it was a show of positive mindset, it "went too far.""James Anderson went into a press conference in the second Test after winning the first considerably well. Much respect to them for winning that. He told the press that even if the 4th innings target was 500 or 600, we'll finish it in 60 overs. Even though it was an example of their positive mindset, it felt like they had gone too far," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.Ashwin also believes that Bazball leans more towards being a "defenseless cricket" and although Joe Root is a great player of spin, his game was also impacted due to the style of cricket."The one thing I understood after the first Test is that Bazball isn't just aggressive cricket. It is defenseless cricket. They aren't going to play a defensive shot at all. They are going to get out if they play defense. To my surprise, Joe Root also agreed to their game plan. Because if you take world cricket's vest defense rankings, Root is an easy number 1 on that list against spin. He also bought into their approach," he said.On the second day of the Rajkot Test match, Ashwin dismissed England's Zak Crawley to pocket his 500th Test scalp. Before him, only Anil Kumble reached the milestone among Indians. He became the ninth bowler worldwide to take 500 wickets. However, hours after the feat, Ashwin went through a traumatic experience for which he had to leave the squad on an immediate basis."Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the Test squad, effective immediately due to a family medical emergency. In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully supports Ashwin," said BCCI in its release. Reports said Ashwin's mother Chitra had suffered a medical emergency.Now, Ashwin has revealed how exactly thing transpired. "We went to the dressing room for another debrief and then back to our rooms. Rohit, me, and others were just discussing some things about the match here and there.""That is when I realized I was not getting calls from my parents or wife. I thought they were busy attending calls and giving interviews. I called my wife around 7 PM, asking why my parents weren't answering my call. Her voice was a bit shaky. She asked me to come separately from the crowd and told me that my mother collapsed after a headache," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel."I blanked out. I did not know how to react or what questions to ask. I was crying but wanted to ensure nobody was watching me cry. It is unnecessary to think of it that way, but it was instinctive. I could not think. I was crying in my room for some time.""Then, the team physio checked on me as I was not picking up calls. Rahul Bhai and Rohit Bhai also came to check on me, and all I could tell them was that I could not think clearly," he added.

In the final group-stage encounter of the Women's Premier League (WPL), Gujarat Giants opted to bat first against Delhi Capitals in Delhi. While Delhi Capitals had already secured their place in the knockout phase, Gujarat Giants were playing for pride, having been eliminated from contention.Delhi Capitals made one change to their lineup, bringing in offspinner Minnu Mani for quick bowler Titas Sadhu. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, fielded an unchanged XI.The match commenced after a brief spell of light rain earlier in the evening. Gujarat Giants' openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney, provided a solid start, putting on a 50-run partnership. However, the introduction of spin proved to be a challenge for the Giants, as they lost wickets at regular intervals.Dayalan Hemalatha and Phoebe Litchfield made valuable contributions, but the Giants were eventually restricted to 149/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Shabnam Shakil was the pick of the Delhi Capitals bowlers, claiming 2/25.In response, Delhi Capitals openers Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma got their team off to a flying start. Lanning, in particular, looked in ominous form, hitting boundaries at will. However, the introduction of Meghna Singh into the attack proved to be a game-changer.Singh dismissed both Lanning and Verma in quick succession, and the Delhi Capitals innings began to falter. Jemimah Rodrigues and Alice Capsey tried to steady the ship, but the Giants bowlers kept chipping away at the wickets.In the end, Delhi Capitals fell short of their target, finishing on 138/8. Singh was the star performer for Gujarat Giants, taking 3/23.Despite the defeat, Delhi Capitals remain in a strong position to qualify for the final directly. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have ended their campaign on a losing note.

The Tiigers of Kolkata have emerged as a formidable force in the ISPL tournament, securing their third consecutive victory with a thrilling one-run triumph over Falcon Risers Hyderabad. The match was a captivating spectacle, showcasing the team's resilience and all-round prowess.Kolkata's batting lineup set the tone with a competitive total of 75 runs. Jonty Sarkar led the charge with a brilliant 21 runs, while Munna Shaikh contributed a valuable 18, including two boundaries. The Hyderabad bowlers put up a spirited fight, but Kolkata's batsmen held their ground, setting a challenging target.The chase proved to be equally intense, with Hyderabad falling just short of the mark. Kolkata's bowlers displayed exceptional skill and determination, restricting their opponents to 74 runs. The match reached its climax in the final over, with Hyderabad needing just two runs to win. However, Kolkata's bowlers held their nerve, delivering a series of accurate deliveries that ultimately sealed the victory.This hard-fought triumph underscores the Tiigers of Kolkata's growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure. Their all-round strength, both in batting and bowling, has made them a formidable contender in the tournament.The team's success has also attracted the attention of renowned personalities. Yo Yo Honey Singh, the "King of Rap," has expressed his support for the Tiigers, along with internet sensation Orry. Such endorsements not only boost morale but also add to the team's star power.With this impressive victory, the Tiigers of Kolkata have solidified their position as a top contender in the ISPL. They are now one step closer to securing a spot in the semi-finals and are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.