Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to introduce three new domestic tournaments, one for each format of the game, starting next season. The aim is to bridge the gap between the standard of domestic cricket and international cricket.The tournaments, called Pentangular, will feature the top 150 players in the country, divided into five teams. Each tournament will be played in addition to the existing tournament in the format, creating an elite layer of competition.The PCB's research has shown a significant gap between the quality of domestic and international cricket in Pakistan. The new tournaments are designed to address this issue by providing more opportunities for the country's best players to compete against each other.The tournaments will not be franchised out but will be owned and operated by the PCB. The five teams will be newly created entities with their own management and coaching set-ups. The tournaments are likely to be played on a double league basis.Selection for the teams will be done in part by the PCB's selection committee, who will distribute a set number of players across the teams, while the rest of the roster will be picked by the team's managements.Pentangular tournaments are not new to Pakistan domestic cricket, but they are being pitched with a new purpose. The PCB believes that they will create a bridge between domestic and international cricket, reducing the quality gap.One of the benefits of the new tournaments is that they will provide more first-class games for the best players. In recent years, players have finished the first-class season by December, leaving a significant gap before Pakistan's next Test series. The Pentangular tournaments will offer the opportunity for players to continue playing first-class cricket during this period.However, the PCB faces challenges in scheduling the new tournaments. Pakistan's domestic season is already packed with two first-class tournaments, a one-day cup, a T20 tournament, and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Next season is particularly busy with international commitments, including Tests against Bangladesh and England, an ODI tri-series, and the Champions Trophy.The PCB may need to expand the domestic season into May to accommodate the new tournaments. It will also need to upgrade stadium facilities around the country to host more matches.Despite the challenges, the PCB is determined to introduce the new tournaments. It believes that they will significantly improve the quality of domestic cricket in Pakistan and help to produce better players for the international team.

The Australian women's domestic cricket landscape is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of a new T20 competition aligned with the eight WBBL clubs and an ACT side. This restructuring comes after pressure from Victoria and New South Wales, who expressed concerns about the proposed state-based model.The tournament, designed to compensate for the reduced WBBL season, will feature eight teams under their WBBL banners plus a side from ACT. Each team will play four matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The competition will take place before the WBBL season, providing opportunities for fringe players and opening up spots in teams due to the absence of Australian players participating in the T20 World Cup.The restructuring aims to address concerns raised by Victoria and New South Wales, who feared that their fringe players could lose out on playing opportunities under the state-based model. The new format ensures that all WBBL clubs have a direct pathway to the domestic T20 competition, providing a clear development pathway for players.The timing of the tournament also aligns with the T20 World Cup, allowing for the inclusion of overseas stars who may not be available during the WBBL season. However, the presence of ACT, which has several players contracted to WBBL clubs, presents a potential complication.The restructuring is part of Cricket Australia's Women's and Girls Action Plan, which aims to enhance the player pathway and increase opportunities for women in cricket. The new T20 competition will raise the average female domestic player salary for 2024-25 to AU$163,322, while the WBBL salary cap remains unchanged.

Gautam Gambhir: IPL Should Not Be the Primary Route to the Indian TeamFormer Indian opener and current Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has expressed his concerns about the Indian Premier League (IPL) becoming the primary route for young players to secure a spot in the national team. While acknowledging the high standard of cricket in the IPL, Gambhir emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between the tournament and other domestic cricket competitions.Gambhir believes that the IPL provides valuable exposure and experience for young players, but it should not overshadow the significance of traditional formats and tournaments in their development. He stressed that the focus should be on nurturing players through a comprehensive system that includes first-class cricket, List A cricket, and other domestic competitions."The bigger concern that arises is about how many youngsters want to play Test cricket for India," Gambhir said. "I hope the IPL is not a shortcut to play for India."Gambhir also pointed out that the IPL has significantly improved the quality of domestic cricket in India. He believes that the tournament has made domestic players more competitive and has raised the overall standard of T20 cricket in the country."Today, when I look at international T20 sides, apart from 2-3 teams, I don't see enough competition when it comes to playing for India," he said. "Not many teams can match the quality that India has. So, I feel that in today's day and age, IPL has become far more competitive than international T20 cricket."Gambhir's comments come amidst concerns that the IPL is overshadowing other forms of cricket in India. Some critics argue that the tournament's lucrative contracts and high-profile nature are attracting young players away from traditional formats.Gambhir, however, believes that it is possible to strike a balance between the IPL and other domestic competitions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive system that provides opportunities for young players to develop their skills and experience different formats of the game.

At 32, Shashank Singh has spent nearly a decade in domestic cricket, earning his first IPL contract over six years ago. Yet, it is only now that he's being hailed as the big discovery of IPL 2024.Shashank's journey began in senior domestic limited-overs cricket during the 2014-15 season. Five years later, he made his Ranji Trophy debut. In this IPL, he has been one of the standout performers, consistently delivering impressive performances as a middle-order batter."It feels good when someone refers to me as a find. Ultimately, that's because I have been able to back myself, showcase my potential, and deliver frequently this IPL season," Shashank tells The Hindu. "People like you follow domestic cricket so closely that you know that I have been around the circuit for a decade now. I am not sure how I have fared, but I have survived. I have always been confident about my abilities, and I am glad I have been able to execute them better."Shashank doesn't shy away from hitting good balls out of the park, but one cannot ignore his tendency to downplay himself. The fact that it took him a lot of time to cement a place in a side — domestic or IPL — seems to have made him more practical in his approach.Growing up in Bhilai and representing Madhya Pradesh in Under-15 and Under-17 cricket, Shashank, the son of a police officer and telecommunications officer, moved to Mumbai with his family to pursue his cricketing dreams. Although he made it to the Mumbai Under-19 team, his senior debut was delayed. He finally made the cut as an all-rounder in 2014-15 season, but despite his effective medium-pace bowling, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the team.In 2018-19, he tried his luck in Pondicherry but eventually returned to Chhattisgarh, which was a recognized member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India by now. During his first season with Chhattisgarh, Shashank played a crucial role in securing its first-ever victory over Mumbai in all formats at the senior level.While competing in Mumbai's maidans, Shashank had caught the eye of IPL scouts, earning stints with Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and Rajasthan Royals between 2017 and 2021. His IPL debut was with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, but he was released and went unsold in the 2023 auction.Fast forward to 2024, and Shashank's fortunes have turned. His heroics for Punjab Kings, including a stunning unbeaten 68 off 28 balls, helped his team chase down the highest-ever IPL target of 262 with eight balls to spare. Shashank, unaffected by his past setbacks, embraces his success this time."This is a by-product of all the struggles I have had at various levels. I have learned from every failure and little success I have had over all these years." He chuckles at being called "old," just as he does when dubbed "the find of the season."Thanks to his morning yoga routine and countless hours on the cricket grounds across India, Shashank seems to be in his prime. His knack for breaking down challenging targets, like turning 127 off 54 balls into "six sixes and six fours," shows his confidence. Age doesn't bother him; he's focused on emulating his Mumbai teammates to reach his dream of playing for India."I have been playing with Pravin Tambe at D.Y. Patil (in Mumbai's corporate leagues) and have seen him debut in the IPL and in Ranji in his 40s," Shashank says. "And I have a friend in Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) with whom I have been playing for Parsee Gymkhana for the last 15 years."Shashank emphasizes the Suryakumar example, noting how both he and Suryakumar excel at turning high-risk shots into calculated risks with precision, especially under pressure. "The world sat up and took notice when Surya hit Jofra Archer for a six off his first ball in international cricket, but I had been watching him do the same for well over a decade, so I knew he would do it. Similarly, I know what I am capable of, and I support my abilities."Being the mature individual he is, on and off the field, Shashank doesn't require pep talks from mentors. He gleans pointers from short conversations as adeptly as he reads a bowler's wrist — it could be with former India cricketer Abey Kuruvilla or his head coach at one of his earlier teams, SRH's Brian Lara."We miss him (Kuruvilla) at D.Y. Patil since he is with BCCI now, but he calls and shares his observations regularly," said Shashank. "And he (Brian) texted me the other day to compliment me, and we had a short chat."Even Punjab Kings head coach Trevor Bayliss and director Sanjay Bangar are no exceptions. Just before the KKR game, Bangar and Shashank bumped into each other over breakfast. "All he told me was to be careful about a specific ball that Sunil Narine bowls, and I kept it in mind. Even Trevor — we had this meet and greet event with the fans, and someone was late by a couple of minutes — so in those two minutes, Trevor had a suggestion about a drive I played, and that's about it," Shashank says.Throughout the conversation, there is a wide grin on Shashank's face. Perhaps Jonny Bairstow should take credit for it. "I got a duck in our season opener (against Delhi Capitals on March 23), was sitting dejected in the dug-out, and suddenly Jonny tapped me from behind and said, ‘If I don’t see you smiling, I will stop speaking with you’. I have kept it in mind ever since."Despite his accomplishments, no conversation with Shashank is complete without mentioning the IPL Auction in Dubai on December 19. After the franchise raised the paddle for him, there was confusion as another player with the same name, a younger hard-hitting batter from Punjab, seemed to be preferred. The franchise issued a clarification the next day, but Shashank wasn't fazed. Bangar called him ‘around 6 a.m.’ and assured him of the franchise's trust."Hitesh Goswami sir, our Chhattisgarh head coach and talent scout for the franchise, indicated that Punjab Kings was interested in me," he recalls. "It's been reduced to nothing but a joke in our camp ever since."Shashank even appeared in a social media video for the franchise, humorously addressing the identity confusion with a famous dialogue from the Hindi film Andaz Apna Apna.With his confidence being sky-high and form at its peak, call him old or call him a find. Shashank Singh, at 32, does not mind!

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced significant changes to its domestic cricket calendar for the 2024-25 season, including the elimination of the toss in CK Nayudu Trophy matches. This move aims to address the issue of home teams preparing pitches that favor their strengths, particularly in the Under-23 tournament. Instead, the visiting team will now have the option to choose whether to bat or bowl first.Another innovation introduced in the CK Nayudu Trophy is a new points system designed to promote balanced performances. Points will be awarded for batting and bowling performances in the first innings, as well as for the first innings lead or outright win. This system is similar to the one used in the English County Championship and may be implemented in the Ranji Trophy next season if it proves successful.The Ranji Trophy will also undergo a major change, being split into two phases. The first five games will be played after the Duleep Trophy, which will kick off the domestic season, followed by the Irani Cup and the white-ball tournaments. The last two Ranji league matches and the knockout stages will be held at the end of the season. This adjustment aims to minimize the impact of weather disruptions, particularly in the North and East Zones.The Duleep Trophy will feature four teams selected by the national selectors, indicating the BCCI's departure from the zonal system. Additionally, the gap between Ranji Trophy matches will be increased to allow players more time for recovery and to maintain peak performance throughout the season.In women's cricket, all Inter-zonal tournaments will have teams selected by the national selectors, ensuring a more competitive and balanced playing field.These changes are part of a broader effort by the BCCI to revamp domestic cricket and create a more equitable and challenging environment for players. The recommendations were made by a four-member committee led by India's head coach Rahul Dravid and will be submitted to the Apex Council for approval.

Joe Root, England's Test captain, has endorsed the use of the Kookaburra ball in the County Championship, arguing that it can enhance the skills of domestic cricketers and narrow the gap between domestic and international cricket.The Kookaburra ball, typically used in Australia, was introduced in the first two rounds of the County Championship season. While the initial results showed a high number of draws, Root believes that the ball's flatter seam and quicker loss of shape can challenge bowlers and force them to develop new strategies.Root, who has extensive experience with the Kookaburra ball overseas, sees its use in England as an opportunity for bowlers to improve their wicket-taking abilities in challenging conditions. He emphasizes that the transition to the Kookaburra ball may involve some initial difficulties, but it can ultimately lead to a higher standard of cricket.Root draws parallels to England's success in limited-overs cricket, which he attributes to a mindset shift and the development of a pool of talented white-ball players. He believes that a similar approach can be applied to red-ball cricket, with the Kookaburra ball serving as a catalyst for improvement.The Kookaburra ball trial is part of a wider effort to enhance the quality of domestic cricket and prepare players for the rigors of Test cricket. Root's support for the initiative highlights the importance of embracing innovation and challenging the status quo to elevate the standard of the game.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating a significant move to double the remuneration for domestic cricketers. This initiative aims to address the concerns of non-IPL players who may feel financially disadvantaged.Currently, the BCCI pays Rs 60,000 per day to players with over 40 Ranji Trophy appearances. Players with 21-40 matches and 20 matches receive Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 per day, respectively. Reserve players earn Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 per day in their respective categories.The BCCI is considering doubling these fees, with plans to increase the payment scale to between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore for players who feature in 10 Ranji Trophy matches. Additionally, players will receive higher earnings for participating in domestic white-ball tournaments like the Vijay Hazare and Mushtaq Ali.This move is intended to encourage domestic players to prioritize the Ranji Trophy and maximize the earnings of those not involved in the IPL. The BCCI is also considering implementing these changes as early as next season.Earlier this year, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced increased match fees for Test players. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar welcomed the announcement and suggested that domestic cricketers' fees be doubled or tripled. He believes that higher fees would reduce player pullouts from the Ranji Trophy and attract more participation.The BCCI's decision to double domestic players' remuneration is a positive step towards recognizing their contributions and ensuring their financial well-being. It is expected to have a significant impact on the domestic cricket landscape in India.

Riyan Parag, the young batting sensation from Assam, is finally showcasing his true potential in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. After years of underperforming, Parag has adopted a simpler mindset, replicating the approach that has brought him success in domestic cricket.With three half-centuries and a strike rate of 161.42, Parag has amassed 318 runs in seven matches, placing him third on the list of top run-getters in IPL 2024. "I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible," Parag explained to Star Sports. "I used to overthink when I didn't perform, but I realized that in domestic cricket, I don't dwell on it. So, I decided to do the same here."Parag's confidence has also been boosted by batting at his preferred number four position. "That's my favorite spot," he said. "It's helped me a lot. I believe in myself, no matter the situation or bowler. I'm glad it's starting to show."Parag's resurgence has been a major factor in Rajasthan Royals' impressive start to the season. The team currently sits in the top four of the points table, with Parag playing a key role in their victories.Ahead of Parag in the run-scoring charts are Travis Head of Sunrisers Hyderabad (324 runs) and Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bangalore (379 runs). Rajasthan Royals will face Mumbai Indians in their next match on April 22, where Parag will look to continue his impressive form.

Wellington have emerged victorious as the Plunket Shield champions after the final day of their match against Northern Districts in Hamilton was washed out due to inclement weather. The match at Seddon Park was a virtual final, with Wellington and Northern Districts being the only two teams in contention for the title in the final round.Wellington entered the game with a narrow lead at the top of the table and managed to accumulate sufficient bonus points during the first two innings to maintain their advantage. Northern Districts had a glimmer of hope after Tim Seifert's century gave them a slender lead of 88, and they had Wellington reeling at 127 for 4 in their second innings. However, they were unable to take the field on the final day, handing the title to Wellington.Wellington captain Tom Blundell expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "Ideally, you want to see the game go the distance, but it's a competition where you work hard throughout the season. We're unbeaten the whole season, so I think for me, we are the deserving winners." He added, "It's a pretty special day. For me, the Plunket Shield is probably the most rewarding trophy in domestic cricket. You play a whole season, and to come away with the Plunket Shield is a pretty special memory."Blundell played a pivotal role in Wellington's triumph, scoring a century in their first innings to lift them to 323. He shared a crucial 77-run partnership with Ben Sears for the final wicket, earning vital bonus points.Otago's Dale Phillips emerged as the leading run-scorer for the season, amassing 686 runs at an average of 49.00, including two centuries in the final two rounds. Central Districts' Greg Hay, who finished third with 643 runs at 49.46, announced his retirement from the game at the end of the season, signing off with an impressive 179 off 434 balls against Otago.Wellington's Nathan Smith was the top wicket-taker with 33 wickets at an average of 17.18, including two five-wicket hauls.