Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently introduced revised retention rules for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, sparking concerns among franchises over the Right to Match (RTM) process.The new rules grant the highest bidder an additional opportunity to increase their bid before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right. This has raised concerns that the RTM's purpose of determining a player's market value is being undermined.According to a report by Cricbuzz, franchises are apprehensive about the potential for arbitrary bids by the highest bidder. The new rule allows the highest bidder to increase their bid by any amount, which the team with the RTM must then match."The highest bidder will be given one final opportunity to raise their bid for a player before the team holding the RTM card can exercise their right," states the new rule circulated by the BCCI.For instance, if Team 1 holds the RTM for Player X and Team 2 has placed the highest bid of Rs. 6 Cr, Team 1 will be asked if they will exercise RTM. If Team 1 agrees, Team 2 will have the chance to increase their bid. If Team 2 raises their bid to Rs. 9 Cr, Team 1 can use the RTM and acquire Player X for Rs. 9 Cr. However, if Team 2 chooses not to raise the bid and keeps it at Rs. 6 Cr, Team 1 can use the RTM and get Player X for Rs. 6 Cr.Franchises argue that this new rule may discourage them from using the RTM option and push them towards more retentions. They believe that the RTM's aim is to determine a player's market value, but the new rule makes them match potentially arbitrary bids.Some franchises have formally written to the BCCI expressing their concerns, while others have discussed them with BCCI officials. Critics also suggest that the new rule may counteract the BCCI's goal to attract star players to the auction.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced that the finals for the next two years will be held in Guyana and Barbados. Guyana will host the final in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year that the Providence Stadium will host the championship match. In 2026, the final will be held at Kensington Oval in Barbados for the first time ever.The CPL made the announcement in a press release on Friday, stating that it had agreed to one-year deals with the two venues. Guyana's President, Mohammed Irfan Ali, expressed his support for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the defending CPL champions, and announced Guyana's hosting of the 2025 final.Barbados Royals, two-time CPL winners, will be eager to reclaim the trophy on home soil in 2026. CPL CEO Pete Russell praised Guyana and Barbados for their partnership with the league over the past 12 years and thanked the governments of both countries for agreeing to host the finals.The Amazon Warriors secured their berth in Sunday's final after defeating the Barbados Royals in the second qualifier. Quickfire knocks from Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Shai Hope helped the Warriors chase down 149 runs in just 15 overs. The Warriors will now face the St Lucia Kings in the championship match on October 6.The CPL is one of the most popular cricket tournaments in the Caribbean, featuring some of the world's top players. The league has played a significant role in developing cricket in the region and has helped to promote the sport globally.

Australian Cricketers Unanimously Crown Rishabh Pant as India's Top SledgerThe rivalry between India and Australia has always been intense, with heated moments and on-field aggression becoming commonplace. In a recent video released by Star Sports, Australian cricketers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne unanimously agreed that Rishabh Pant is the most prolific sledger in the current Indian cricket team.Pant, known for his aggressive and often witty sledging, has become a formidable presence on the field. In the same video, he recalled his memorable sledging battles with former Australian captain Tim Paine during the 2018 series. Pant revealed that even the then Australian Prime Minister recognized him through his sledging."I do it with love!" Pant said. "I don't like it when someone does it to me, so I sledge politely."Pant's sledging has often been a source of entertainment for fans, but it has also drawn criticism from some quarters. However, the Australian players acknowledged that Pant's sledging is usually harmless and in good spirits."He's a bit of a character," said Starc. "He's always up for a bit of banter, and he's not afraid to give it back."Meanwhile, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has regained the top spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings after his impressive performance in the second Test against Bangladesh. Bumrah replaced his teammate Ravichandran Ashwin, who had held the top spot after the first Test.In batting, Yashasvi Jaiswal has moved to a career-high third position after his scintillating knocks in the Kanpur Test. The 22-year-old is now behind only Kane Williamson and Joe Root in the rankings.Veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli has also made a significant jump in the rankings, rising six places to the sixth position. Rishabh Pant remains in the top 10, dropping three spots to ninth.

Cricket's allure often stems from the thrill of a powerful stroke or the precision of a lightning-fast delivery. While these moments ignite our passion, they overshadow the versatility of players who excel in both batting and bowling. These rare individuals, known as all-rounders, are the epitome of cricketing prowess.In the annals of cricket, all-rounders have left an indelible mark. From the legendary Kapil Dev to the enigmatic Imran Khan, these players have captivated audiences with their ability to dominate the game from both ends. In contemporary cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have emerged as India's formidable all-rounders.Ashwin and Jadeja's recent performances in the Test series against Bangladesh showcased their exceptional skills. Ashwin amassed 114 runs, averaging 57, while Jadeja contributed 94 runs at an average of 47. Their 199-run seventh-wicket partnership in the first innings effectively sealed Bangladesh's fate.Beyond their batting prowess, Ashwin and Jadeja are renowned for their spin bowling. Ashwin claimed 11 wickets in the series, while Jadeja scalped nine. This double whammy, coupled with the pace of Jasprit Bumrah, proved insurmountable for the Bangladeshi batsmen.The value of all-rounders extends beyond their individual contributions. They provide teams with flexibility and depth, allowing them to adapt to different conditions and strategies. In India's case, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant offer multiple insurance policies, mitigating the risk of batting or bowling collapses.However, India's quest for a genuine fast-bowling all-rounder remains unfulfilled. Despite the emergence of promising candidates like Ajit Agarkar, Irfan Pathan, and Stuart Binny, none have consistently matched the standards set by Kapil Dev.The absence of a seam-bowling all-rounder is particularly felt in overseas conditions, where the new ball plays a crucial role. In England, Australia, and New Zealand, batting collapses are common, and it is here that all-rounders can stem the rot and provide much-needed stability.The search for India's next great fast-bowling all-rounder continues, but for now, Ashwin and Jadeja remain the backbone of the team's all-round capabilities. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes them invaluable assets, ensuring India's dominance in the world of cricket.

New Zealand Elects to Bat First Against India in Women's T20 World Cup OpenerIn the opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine opted to bat first after winning the toss. Devine cited the pitch's stability as a factor in her decision, believing it would not deteriorate significantly throughout the innings.New Zealand's lineup features a pace-heavy attack, with Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Lea Tahuhu as the primary options. Eden Carson and Amelia Kerr provide spin support.India, on the other hand, has opted for a three-pronged fast bowling attack for the first time in a T20I this year. Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh, and Arundhati Reddy will lead the charge, while Radha Yadav, India's second-highest wicket-taker this year, has been omitted to accommodate an extra seamer. Shreyanka Patil and S Asha will provide spin options alongside Deepti Sharma.New Zealand enters the tournament with a modest record of one win in 13 T20Is this year, while India has been in impressive form, winning 11 out of 17 matches in the same period. India is considered the favorite heading into the match.

India's seismic approach to the second Test against Bangladesh, which saw them lose two and a half days due to unpreparedness, has sent shockwaves through the cricket world. Despite the lost time, India's aggressive batting and exceptional bowling performance secured a resounding victory, highlighting the team's newfound mindset under Rohit Sharma's leadership.After Bangladesh were bowled out for 233, the popular belief was that the match would end in a tedious draw. However, Rohit's declaration of intent to "go hard at the bowling" set the tone for a remarkable turnaround. In just 34.4 overs, India amassed 285 runs for nine wickets, setting a new record for the fastest team milestones in Test cricket.Rohit's blistering 40-ball 60, which included three boundaries off the first over, ignited the Indian innings. The skipper's aggressive approach inspired his teammates, who followed suit with a relentless assault on the Bangladeshi bowlers. Shubman Gill (20), Cheteshwar Pujara (22), and Virat Kohli (24) all made significant contributions, while Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 86 off 68 balls sealed the victory.India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, was equally impressive. They dismissed Bangladesh for 233 and 170, respectively, in just 74.2 and 47 overs. Bumrah's 5/42 in the first innings and 3/30 in the second were instrumental in India's dominance.The victory not only secured 12 crucial World Test Championship points for India but also showcased the team's newfound attacking mindset. Rohit's leadership has instilled a belief that India can win matches even in challenging circumstances.The Kanpur Test has also highlighted the significance of the World Test Championship. India's aggressive approach was driven by the need to secure a place in the final for a third consecutive cycle. The victory has given them a significant advantage in the race for qualification.Beyond Rohit and Kohli, India's batting group is remarkably young and talented. The likes of Gill, Pujara, Iyer, and Rishabh Pant have already shown their potential, and their continued development bodes well for the future of Indian cricket.

South Africa, led by captain Temba Bavuma, have opted to bat first in the second ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. This decision marks the second consecutive toss win for Bavuma in the three-match series, which South Africa aims to clinch with a 2-0 lead.Tony de Zorzi, South Africa's opener, has been rested for the match due to a soft tissue injury in his right knee. He sustained the injury while sliding to make a stop in the deep during the first ODI. Kyle Verreynne has been brought in as his replacement, while Bavuma will move up to open alongside Ryan Rickelton, who played a crucial role in the previous game with a 91-run knock.Nandre Burger, who missed the series opener, has been ruled out of the remaining tour, including South Africa's upcoming two-match Test series in Bangladesh, due to a lumbar stress reaction.Ireland, on the other hand, has fielded an unchanged XI from the team that lost by 139 runs in the first ODI. Paul Stirling continues to lead the side, with Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, and Stephen Doheny forming the core of the batting lineup.

South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt Anticipates Team's Peak Performance in Women's T20 World Cup 2024Ahead of South Africa's opening match in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 against West Indies, captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed optimism about her team's ability to reach their peak at the right time. The Proteas will face their Group B opponents at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday afternoon.Wolvaardt acknowledged the challenges of the tournament, stating, "We know it's going to be a tough competition, but we're confident in our abilities." She emphasized the importance of consistency and execution, adding, "We need to be consistent in all three departments of the game and execute our plans effectively."The South African skipper highlighted the team's recent performances as a source of encouragement. "We've been playing some good cricket lately, and we're starting to gel as a unit," she said. "We're looking forward to the challenge and believe we can make a strong impact in the tournament."Wolvaardt also praised the team's preparation, saying, "We've had a good build-up to the World Cup, and we're feeling well-prepared." She expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to different conditions and strategies.The Proteas will be looking to make a statement in the tournament after a disappointing performance in the previous edition. Wolvaardt believes her team has the potential to go far. "We have a lot of experience in the team, and we're all hungry for success," she said. "We're determined to make a mark in this World Cup and show the world what we're capable of."

International cricket will make a grand return to Gwalior after a 14-year hiatus, with the city set to host the opening T20I match between India and Bangladesh on October 6th. This historic encounter will mark the first-ever international cricket match at Gwalior's newly constructed Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium.Previously, Gwalior's Captain Roop Singh Stadium was the venue for international cricket matches, including the iconic 2010 ODI where Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in the format. However, since Tendulkar's memorable knock, international cricket has been absent from the city.The Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium will now take center stage, hosting the first of three T20I matches between India and Bangladesh. This state-of-the-art facility boasts world-class amenities and a capacity of over 20,000 spectators.The Captain Roop Singh Stadium has a rich history in Indian cricket, having hosted several memorable matches over the years. Some notable encounters include:* West Indies' victory over India by 73 runs in January 1988* India's triumph over South Africa by 38 runs in November 1991* India's back-to-back wins over England by 3 and 4 wickets in March 1993* India's victory over Australia by 37 runs in October 2003* India's emphatic win over Pakistan by 153 runs in February 2010The stadium is also known for hosting the first and only day-night Ranji Trophy final in 1996 between Mumbai and Delhi. Mumbai emerged victorious in that five-day affair courtesy of their first-innings lead.In addition to its cricketing legacy, the Captain Roop Singh Stadium has a unique connection to hockey. Originally a hockey stadium, it was named after Roop Singh, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in hockey at the 1932 and 1936 Games. Roop Singh was the younger brother of hockey legend Dhyan Chand.The return of international cricket to Gwalior is a testament to the city's passion for the sport and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association's commitment to promoting cricket at all levels. The Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium is set to become a new landmark in Indian cricket, hosting many more memorable matches in the years to come.