Cricket

America's National Cricket League Appoints Haroon Lorgat as Commissioner, Aiming to Popularize Cricket in the United StatesIn a significant move to elevate the profile of cricket in the United States, the National Cricket League (NCL) has appointed former International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Haroon Lorgat as its commissioner. Lorgat, a respected figure in the cricketing world, will lead the NCL's efforts to popularize the sport and establish a sustainable cricket ecosystem in the country.Lorgat, who served as ICC CEO from 2008 to 2012, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the NCL. During his tenure at the ICC, he oversaw three World Cups and played a pivotal role in implementing key developments such as the Decision Review System (DRS), expanding anti-corruption measures, and fostering the growth of cricket in associate countries."I'm honored to take on this role with the National Cricket League at such a transformative moment," said Lorgat. "Cricket has the power to inspire new players and connect fans across the US. We're bringing something fresh, and with our focus on sustainability and global access, we are laying the groundwork to reshape American sports for future generations."Under Lorgat's leadership, the NCL will host its inaugural Sixty Strikes Tournament, a new 60-ball cricket format approved by the ICC. The tournament, scheduled to take place from October 4 to 14 at the University of Dallas, marks the first national sports league partnership with a university. The NCL anticipates a daily audience of around 4,000 attendees."We have established the National Cricket League as a premier force in the global cricket arena," said NCL chairman Arun Agarwal. "With the prestigious ICC endorsement, Haroon Lorgat's visionary leadership, and our strategic partnership with SEE Holdings championing sustainability, we are already reshaping the future of cricket in America and setting a new global standard for the sport."The NCL has also announced a partnership with SEE Holdings, a Dubai-based leader in sustainability and innovation. The league will feature top-tier players from around the world, including Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shakib Al Hasan, Robin Uthappa, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Lynn, Angelo Mathews, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, and Mohammad Nabi. Cricket veterans like Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Venkatesh Prasad, Sanath Jayasuriya, Moin Khan, and Blair Franklin will also be involved as mentors and coaches.The NCL's mission to popularize cricket in the United States aligns with the growing interest in the sport among American audiences. The U.S. is home to a diverse population with a significant number of cricket enthusiasts from various backgrounds. The NCL aims to tap into this potential and create a vibrant cricket culture in the country.

Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed surprise at the low turnout on Day 1 of the first Test encounter between India and Bangladesh in Chennai. While the crowd was quite less during the start of play, the spectators did make their way back into the stadium later in the day.In a recent interaction, Ashwin questioned the lack of crowd at the start of the match and wondered if the spectators struggled to get the tickets for the match."The ground was completely empty on the first day. I was wondering why the ground was so empty on Day 1. Virat Kept telling me that no one was coming to watch the Test match. But from that moment, there was a huge crowd. I wanted to ask you why so many people struggled to buy tickets?" Ashwin asked former cricketer and commentator Ashwath Bobo on his YouTube channel.Ashwath responded that fans were not sure whether the match will continue till Day 5 and as a result, most of them opted for daily tickets instead of a season ticket. That led to a massive queue outside the stadium and majority of the fans ended up getting late for the game."Initially, when ticket sales used to happen, they used to call it a season ticket or a day ticket. A season ticket is when you get it punched on Day 1 and you can come back for 5 days with same ticket. Many people were afraid that the match would not go on till the 4th or 5th day. So everyone had an ambiguity to buy the season ticket. So when they come to buy the day ticket, the crowd was huge. The crowd was from the Pavillion to the Pattabiram Gate," Ashwath said."So it was just one counter?" Ashwin asked."Yes there was just one counter. There were a lot of problems. When I came, there was a huge crowd in that line. But when I came, as you said, the crowd was scattered on Day 1. So, many people struggled to buy the day ticket. But as you said, yesterday was Saturday and crowd was huge. On Sunday, the crowd was there till the end of the presentation," Ashwath replied.Ashwin scored a ton and achieved a six-wicket haul to guide India to a 280-run victory.

ICC Unveils Theme Song for 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: 'Whatever It Takes'The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the official theme song for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, set to kick off on October 3 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The song, titled "Whatever It Takes," is a powerful and inspiring anthem created by the Indian girl band W.i.S.H.W.i.S.H, a rising star in the music industry, consists of four talented members: Riya Duggal, Simran Duggal, Zoe Siddharth, and Suchita Shirk. The band's name, "World Inka Stage Hai," reflects their global aspirations and passion for performing. Since their debut in March 2023, they have amassed over 100K followers on Instagram, showcasing their growing popularity and connection with fans.The theme song, "Whatever It Takes," embodies the determination and spirit required to compete at the highest levels of cricket. Its lyrics and melody aim to inspire and energize fans worldwide, creating an emotional connection with the tournament. The song highlights the challenges and sacrifices that athletes face in their pursuit of excellence, while also celebrating the joy and camaraderie that comes with playing the sport.As the Women's T20 World Cup approaches, the theme song will undoubtedly become an integral part of the event's identity. It will be played at matches, during broadcasts, and in promotional materials, helping to build excitement and anticipation for the tournament. Fans can expect a thrilling and memorable competition, with "Whatever It Takes" serving as a constant reminder of the passion and determination that drives the athletes on the field.

Kapil Dev's Insight: Prime Years for Cricketers and the Longevity of Rohit Sharma and Virat KohliFormer Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev, renowned for leading India to its historic World Cup triumph in 1983, has shared his perspective on the prime years for cricketers and the longevity of seasoned players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.According to Kapil Dev, the period between ages 26 and 34 represents the prime years for cricketers. During this time, players typically possess a combination of physical prowess, technical skill, and mental acuity. However, he emphasizes that fitness plays a crucial role in determining how long a player can maintain their peak performance.This insight is particularly relevant for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both surpassed the age range Kapil Dev identifies as the prime years. Kohli, who will turn 36 in November, and Rohit, who turned 37 in April, have recently retired from T20Is but continue to play in other formats.Kapil Dev believes that retirement is a personal decision. He suggests that as long as players maintain their fitness and derive joy from the game, they should continue playing. He cites examples of players like Ravi Shastri, who retired at a relatively young age, and Sachin Tendulkar, who had a prolonged career.Kapil Dev's perspective offers a framework for understanding the career trajectories of modern players. While he provides a general guideline, he acknowledges that personal decisions and circumstances play a significant role. As Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli navigate their post-prime years, Kapil Dev's philosophy provides them and their fans with a lens through which to view their future career decisions.

India's Under-19 cricket team continued their dominance in the three-match youth ODI series against Australia, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory in the second match.Opener Sahil Parakh played a pivotal role in India's triumph, smashing an aggressive unbeaten century (109 not out off 75 balls) to guide his team to the target of 177 in just 22 overs. Parakh's innings was studded with 14 boundaries and 5 sixes, showcasing his exceptional power-hitting abilities.The Indian bowlers had earlier restricted Australia to a modest total of 176 all out in 49.3 overs. Karnataka medium pacer Samarth Nagaraj (2/34), Kerala leg-spinner Mohammed Enaan (2/30), and off-spinner Kiran Chormale (2/29) shared six wickets among them to stifle the Australian batting lineup.Several Australian batters made starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores. Addison Sheriff (39 off 61 balls) was the top-scorer for the visitors, but his efforts were not enough to prevent India from taking a commanding lead in the series.Abhigyan Kundu (53 not out off 50 balls) provided valuable support to Parakh, stitching together a match-winning partnership of 153 runs. Kundu's innings featured nine boundaries, demonstrating his ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking.With the series already in their grasp, India will be looking to complete a clean sweep in the inconsequential third match on Thursday. The teams will then travel to Chennai for two unofficial 'Tests' starting from September 30.

B. Sai Sudharsan, the rising star of Indian cricket, has been making waves with his impressive performances in recent years. The Tamil Nadu left-hander, who made his India debut last year, recently represented India-C in the Duleep Trophy. In an exclusive interview, Sudharsan shared his insights on his career, training regimen, and aspirations.Underarm Throwdowns: A Key to SuccessSudharsan believes that practicing underarm throwdowns is crucial for developing strong batting fundamentals. "Underarm and drop ball are very difficult to play," he explains. "For that, basics are more important. If things are right, only then you can play underarm and the drop ball well."He incorporates underarm throwdowns into his regular training routine, focusing on balance, alignment, timing, and smoothness. "I have a routine. Whenever I go back after a tournament or whenever I play between matches, I try and play a lot of underarm, so that all my basics are always right," he says.County Cricket: A Valuable Learning ExperienceSudharsan's stints in English County cricket have been instrumental in his development as a batsman. "It's a very vast question," he says. "Earlier, when I used to play in swinging or seaming conditions, I used to have that kind of fear where there is a newness whenever I go in."However, his experiences in England have helped him overcome this fear. "Because of that the familiarity of the balls is there. If you go there, every ball swings. Every other ball swings. Every other ball seams off the wicket. So, (there's the development of) the habit of playing according to that, rather than getting surprised when we come in," he explains.Adapting to Different RolesSudharsan has shown versatility by batting at different positions, including No. 6. "It's definitely very new. I've never batted below No. 4," he admits. "So, that was a different experience and challenge."He embraces the responsibility that comes with batting in the middle order. "You need to play with all-rounders. You need to play with the bowlers. And taking more responsibility and more chances than them. So, it was a new experience for me and hopefully it worked well," he says.The Importance of GrindingSudharsan is known for his relentless work ethic. "I take rest, definitely," he says. "But I 200 per cent believe in it (the grind). Because, that's the one which is giving everything to us."He believes that consistency is key to success. "I think that consistency will in the future set you apart, where you can exponentially get better. I think that consistency is very important. That is what I'm striving for," he says.Aspirations for the FutureSudharsan is eager to represent India in Test cricket. "As a cricketer, this is a great platform and opportunity, where it feels like a Test match every game we play," he says. "I feel that is exposing us as cricketers to many different conditions. And I feel that it is helping me personally to get better as a batter."He is determined to continue working hard and prove his worth. "Obviously, if you get better in red ball, you can expand your batting in all formats. So, I feel this is one of the difficult formats to play for sure. And it is a test for everybody. So, obviously, I would love to play for the country whenever possible. And especially in red ball, because that has been a dream for everybody to get that Test cap. So, definitely looking forward," he concludes.

Team India's dominance continued as they secured a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series in Chennai. The hosts set a daunting target of 515 for Bangladesh, who were eventually dismissed for 234 on the fourth day.Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as the star performer for India, showcasing his all-round brilliance. With the bat, he notched up a powerful century, while with the ball, he claimed a memorable six-wicket haul. Ashwin's exceptional performance played a pivotal role in India's comprehensive victory.The match also witnessed a light-hearted moment involving India skipper Rohit Sharma. On the fourth day, Sharma was captured on camera flipping the bails at the striker's end and hilariously casting a spell on the stumps. The incident drew comparisons to Virat Kohli's habit of switching bails during matches, adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.India's victory gives them an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series. The second and final Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27.In the post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma expressed his satisfaction with the result, highlighting the team's preparation and the impact of Rishabh Pant's century. He also emphasized the importance of building a strong bowling unit capable of adapting to various conditions.

After a brief hiatus, the Indian cricket team returned to Test whites with a resounding victory in the first Test against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 280-run triumph not only extended India's unbeaten streak in Tests but also highlighted the team's growing depth and versatility.The Indian batting unit, which has undergone a transition in recent years, showed signs of maturity and resilience. While the senior trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and K.L. Rahul failed to set the scoreboard ablaze, the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill stepped up with crucial contributions. Gill's century in the second innings was particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and guide the team to victory.The biggest gain for India, however, was the validation of its all-rounder zone. Wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, spinners R. Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja all played pivotal roles in the team's success. Ashwin's century and his partnership with Jadeja in the first innings laid the foundation for India's dominance, while Pant's fiery ton in the second innings sealed the deal.Pant's story is a testament to his determination and resilience. After surviving a horrific car accident in December 2022, he has made a remarkable comeback, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with. His ability to alter the course of a game with his aggressive batting and fearless fielding makes him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, was equally impressive. The pace trio of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, along with the spin twins Ashwin and Jadeja, proved to be a nightmare for the Bangladeshi batters. The fielding was also top-notch, with sharp catches and quick reflexes in the outfield.As India moves to Kanpur for the second Test, Rohit Sharma's men have a chance to further emphasize their superiority. With the senior players expected to find their form and the all-rounders continuing to contribute, India is well-positioned to maintain its dominance in the Test arena.

England Women's cricket captain Heather Knight has been reprimanded and fined £1000 by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) for a photo of her in blackface from 2012. The photo, taken at a fancy-dress party, was deemed as racist and discriminatory conduct.Knight, who was 21 at the time, promptly accepted the charges and apologized for her conduct. She stated that she was not aware of the implications of her actions at the time and that she deeply regrets her mistake.The CDC accepted that Knight did not post the photo on social media herself and has no control over how it has been posted. However, the commission reiterated that the photo was "plainly prejudicial to the interests of cricket, brought the game and Ms Knight into disrepute, and undermined the ECB's strategic objective of eradicating discrimination from the sport."Knight's fine is suspended for two years pending her future conduct. The CDC stated that this is a specific case and is unlikely to set a precedent. The commission took into account Knight's lack of previous disciplinary issues, her unpaid ambassadorial work around diversity and inclusion, and her completion of the Professional Cricketers' Association's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training in 2021.Dave Lewis, interim director of the Cricket Regulator, said: "Cricket is working to become a more inclusive sport and the Cricket Regulator is committed to acting positively and impartially whenever racist behavior is reported to us.""In this case, Ms Knight's behavior was discriminatory and offensive, however the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) accepted there was no racist intent in her conduct. I welcome her acknowledgment of the potential impact of her behavior, and her unreserved apology."Knight has expressed her commitment to using her platform to promote inclusivity in cricket and ensure that underrepresented groups are afforded the same opportunities as others.