Cricket

Imrul Kayes, the veteran Bangladeshi opener, has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket. The 34-year-old made the emotional announcement in a video message on his Facebook page, stating that his last red-ball match will be Khulna Division's National Cricket League (NCL) match against Dhaka Division at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka next week.Kayes' Test career spanned 39 matches, with his last appearance coming in the historic day-night Test against India at Eden Gardens in 2019. Batting primarily at the top of the order, he amassed 1797 runs at an average of 24.28, including three centuries and four fifties.However, Kayes' Test career was most notable for his prolific opening partnership with Tamim Iqbal. Together, they formed Bangladesh's most successful opening pair, accumulating 2336 runs in 53 innings. Their average first-wicket partnership of 45.80 is also the best among any Bangladesh opening pair.Kayes and Iqbal shared four century stands, including a memorable 185-run partnership at Lord's in 2010 and a world-record 312 against Pakistan in Khulna in 2015. The latter partnership helped Bangladesh save the Test match after conceding a 296-run first-innings lead, and remains the only 300-plus opening stand in the third or fourth innings of a Test match.Kayes' first-class career has also been impressive, with the left-hander just 70 runs short of the 8000-run mark. He will have the opportunity to reach this milestone in his farewell game in Mirpur, which begins on November 16.Kayes' retirement marks the end of an era for Bangladesh cricket. He was a key member of the team that achieved Test status in 2000 and played a significant role in their subsequent rise in the international arena. His contributions to Bangladesh cricket will be fondly remembered by fans and players alike.

Agni Chopra, the son of renowned Bollywood filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has emerged as a rising star in the Indian cricket scene. With an exceptional First-Class average of 99.06, Agni has garnered immense attention and admiration.Since his debut for Mizoram in the Ranji Trophy Plate league earlier this year, Agni has amassed 1585 runs in just nine games, including eight fifties and four centuries. His remarkable consistency has propelled him to the forefront of Indian cricket.Agni attributes his success to an unwavering hunger and a relentless focus on avoiding dismissals. He has also dedicated himself to improving his fitness, which has enabled him to sustain his impressive run-scoring form.Despite his dominance in the Plate League, Agni harbors aspirations of playing in the Elite League with Mizoram. He believes that this would provide him with the opportunity to face top-level bowlers and further enhance his skills.Agni's ultimate goal is to represent India at the international level. He recognizes that this requires consistent performances and a willingness to play in the Elite division of the Ranji Trophy.As the son of famous parents, Agni has faced scrutiny and comparisons. However, he remains unfazed and relies on a close circle of trusted individuals for guidance and support.Agni's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. He was disappointed to miss out on the IPL auction last year, but he remains hopeful of securing a contract in the upcoming mega auction.Agni's journey is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to pile up runs and chase his dreams, Agni Chopra is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in Indian cricket.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024-25 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier domestic first-class competition. The tournament will commence on October 26 and culminate in the final on December 19.In a significant expansion, the tournament will feature 18 teams representing 16 regions, including two teams each from Lahore and Karachi. This marks a departure from previous years, which saw a limited number of teams participating."The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is the pinnacle of domestic cricket in Pakistan," said Abdullah Niazi, Director of Domestic Operations. "It showcases the immense talent across the country and prepares players for international challenges."The PCB's commitment to strengthening its domestic structure was evident in the successful Champions One-Day Cup earlier this year. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy remains a cornerstone of this commitment.The tournament's start date of October 26 is later than usual, as the PCB prioritized the Champions One-Day Cup in September. This means the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will overlap with Pakistan's busy Test season, which includes seven home games.Pakistan vice-captain Saud Shakeel suggested that the first-class competition could be used to prepare for the upcoming tour of South Africa by replicating the conditions there.

Cheteshwar Pujara, the seasoned Indian batter, has sent a resounding message to the national selectors with a masterful century for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh. The 36-year-old's timely ton serves as a reminder of his enduring class and unwavering determination ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Pujara's 66th First Class century, a testament to his prolific run-scoring prowess, saw him surpass West Indies legend Brian Lara for the most hundreds in the format. It was also his 25th in Ranji cricket, placing him second among active players.The veteran batter's century came after Chhattisgarh amassed a formidable 578 for 7 (declared) in their first innings. Undeterred, Pujara anchored Saurashtra's response with a composed and elegant knock. His 198-ball innings was adorned with 11 boundaries, showcasing his impeccable timing and shot selection.This century marks Pujara's first in the ongoing Ranji season, following a modest start against Tamil Nadu. However, it comes on the heels of a successful County stint in England, where he amassed 501 runs for Sussex, including two centuries.Pujara's resurgence is particularly timely given India's recent batting struggles in the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. With the tour Down Under looming, the veteran has thrown his hat in the ring for selection, eager to prove his worth on the biggest stage.Pujara's last Test appearance for India came in the World Test Championship Final against Australia in June 2023. The top-order batter, who has played 103 Tests for his country, boasts an impressive tally of 19 centuries in the traditional format.As the Indian team prepares for the challenges of the Australian tour, Pujara's century serves as a timely reminder of his resilience, experience, and unwavering commitment to the game.

Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, on the cusp of a significant milestone in his cricketing career, expressed gratitude and determination as he prepared to play his 100th First Class match.Easwaran, who has been a consistent performer for Bengal, reflected on his 11-year journey in the sport. He acknowledged the support of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for providing him with the platform to showcase his talent."It's a long journey," Easwaran said. "I thanked the association in my acceptance speech. The CAB gave me a chance to play First Class cricket. It feels good that I am playing my 100th match."The 29-year-old batsman, who has come close to earning the India cap on multiple occasions, has scored four centuries in the 2024-25 season. Despite his impressive performances, Easwaran remains focused on his primary goal of piling on runs."It will happen when it has to happen," he said. "You keep on doing your job. I am only thinking about the Bihar match. We got a good start to the season. My focus is only on the Ranji Trophy."Easwaran has accumulated 7638 runs in 99 matches at an average of 49.92 before the match against Bihar. His consistent performances have earned him recognition as one of the most promising batsmen in the country.However, the Bengal opener remains grounded and continues to work hard to improve his game. He believes that his journey has been filled with valuable lessons and experiences."It makes me feel special," Easwaran said. "It was not my dream to play 100 matches. My aim was to play for India. It's still the same dream. It was good to enjoy the journey. I have learnt a lot. I have made a lot of friends. I have a lot of memories."As Easwaran prepares to step onto the field for his 100th First Class match, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of his team and the Bengal cricket fraternity. His determination and unwavering focus on his goals make him a role model for aspiring cricketers across the country.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, Bengal's prolific opening batsman, continues to impress with his consistent performances, raising questions about his absence from the Indian national team. In the recent Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh, Easwaran hammered a century (127), his fourth in the last nine innings. This followed his two centuries in the Duleep Trophy and a superb 191 in the Irani Cup against Mumbai.Easwaran's impressive run of form has seen him score 7,638 runs in 99 first-class matches at an average of 49.92, including 27 centuries. Despite his stellar performances, he has yet to receive a call-up to the national team.In an interview with TOI, Easwaran expressed his desire to make a fresh start this season after an injury-hit campaign last year. He praised the sporting pitch at Ekana Stadium, where he scored two centuries in the last 15 days.Easwaran also discussed his aggressive approach in the second innings against Uttar Pradesh, which he attributed to the need to put up a decent score. He highlighted the importance of being proactive on challenging wickets.Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Easwaran credited his father's passion for the game as his inspiration. He also acknowledged the valuable lessons he learned during his time with India A, where he played alongside international cricketers.Easwaran emphasized that his focus remains on performing for his team and that the decision of whether or not to call him up to the national team rests with the selectors. He expressed his gratitude for being part of the Indian team environment during the 2021 England tour, where he gained valuable insights from senior cricketers.

Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman N. Jagadeesan made his Duleep Trophy debut for India-B in the second-round match against India-C at the Rural Development Trust (RDT) Stadium B-ground in Anantapur. It was his first-ever first-class match outside the Ranji Trophy.Jagadeesan, who was part of the South Zone squad that won the title last season, had not played in the first round of the ongoing edition. He expressed his excitement about making his debut, saying, "I was very elated about it because you always wanted to be a part of a Duleep Trophy side."Despite feeling nervous initially, Jagadeesan overcame his debut jitters and played his natural game. "I was feeling a bit nervous in the beginning, but the moment I got to know nine wickets had fallen (for India-C) and probably I'd be batting soon, I think I was just focused a lot more on my batting," he said.Jagadeesan looked set to score his maiden Duleep Trophy century, but he was caught behind off Anshul Kamboj on 70 (137b, 8x4). While he was disappointed, he took away the positive of overcoming his debut nerves.Jagadeesan also highlighted a unique feature of the ongoing Duleep Trophy edition: "We have seen a lot of Duleep Trophies, and I think this Duleep Trophy has seen a lot of international players playing the games. Playing with them in close quarters, you get to learn a lot."The Duleep Trophy is a prestigious first-class cricket tournament in India, and Jagadeesan's debut marks a significant milestone in his career. He will be hoping to continue his good form and help India-B progress in the tournament.

Medium-pacer Anshul Kamboj's impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy has earned him praise and recognition. The 23-year-old was initially surprised by his selection but seized the opportunity to showcase his skills.In the second-round match against India-B, Kamboj's eight-wicket haul for 69 runs played a pivotal role in securing a significant first-innings lead for India-C. His maiden First Class five-wicket haul came on a batting-friendly wicket, highlighting his ability to adapt and excel in challenging conditions.Kamboj's bowling effort was particularly impressive considering the absence of pace spearhead Sandeep Warrier due to a hamstring injury. He and Vijaykumar Vyshak had to shoulder the extra workload, which they did with aplomb.Despite having played only 13 First Class matches prior to the tournament, Kamboj displayed maturity and composure. He explained his strategy of bowling in front of the batters to increase the chances of lbw and bowled dismissals.Among his wickets, Kamboj was particularly proud of dismissing Sarfaraz Khan, a renowned batsman in the domestic circuit. He credited his success to bowling in the right areas and maintaining consistency.India-B skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran, who carried his bat with an unbeaten 157, expressed satisfaction with his ability to bat for an extended period after recovering from a hamstring injury. He emphasized the importance of spending time in the middle and gaining confidence for future matches.Kamboj's performance has not only earned him the Player-of-the-Match award but also raised hopes for his future prospects. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions bodes well for his career.

Ishan Kishan's scintillating century propelled India C to a commanding position on the opening day of the second round of the Duleep Trophy. The left-handed opener, who was a late inclusion in the squad, smashed a counterattacking 111 off 126 deliveries to lay the foundation for India C's imposing total of 357 for 5 at stumps.Kishan, who was originally set to play for India D, was drafted into the India C team on match-eve after making a late dash from Bengaluru. The 24-year-old showed no signs of fatigue as he dominated the proceedings, forging a crucial 189-run partnership with B Indrajith for the third wicket. Indrajith contributed a valuable 78, his second half-century in three innings.Kishan's knock, which included 14 fours and three sixes, marked his official return to red-ball cricket since his Test debut in the Caribbean in July 2023. Last month, he had led Jharkhand in two pre-season games in Tamil Nadu, where he had struck a century in his first outing.India C's batting performance was further bolstered by the return of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had retired hurt in the first over after twisting his ankle. Gaikwad returned to bat at the fall of Indrajith's wicket and added 42 more to his score to remain unbeaten on 46 at stumps.However, India C's progress was not without its setbacks. Seamer Mukesh Kumar picked up three wickets, while Navdeep Saini and legspinner Rahul Chahar claimed one apiece. B Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar, both vying for a place in the Indian middle order, failed to capitalize on strong starts, making 43 and 40 respectively.Despite these minor setbacks, India C will be confident heading into the second day, with Kishan and Gaikwad at the crease and a solid platform to build upon.