Cricket

The Irish government has approved the construction of a permanent international cricket stadium and High Performance Centre at the National Sports Campus in Dublin. This ambitious project is a significant step towards Ireland's goal of hosting the 2030 T20 World Cup alongside England and Scotland.Currently, Ireland lacks a permanent home stadium, relying on club cricket grounds with temporary seating. This has hindered the country's ability to host major international matches, including the recent postponement of a bilateral series against Australia.The new stadium will address this issue, providing a dedicated venue for Ireland's national cricket team. The first phase of the project will include a main cricket oval with a permanent seating capacity of 4000, a high-performance center, and facilities for players and officials. Completion is scheduled for 2028.The proposed facilities will include both indoor and outdoor practice and training areas, enhancing the development of Ireland's cricketers. The stadium will also increase the number of pitches available, allowing Ireland to host more international and domestic matches.Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland, hailed the announcement as a "huge tribute" to the sport's growth in Ireland. He believes the new facilities will "drive the sport forward" and assist Ireland's players in achieving success on the world stage.The stadium will not only benefit the national team but also provide opportunities for women's cricket, youth development, and provincial competitions. It is expected to become a hub for cricket in Ireland, fostering the sport's growth and popularity.

India's veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a significant move by returning to the India Cements group, where he will play a multifaceted role in Superking Ventures, a subsidiary of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The 37-year-old, who previously played for CSK from 2008 to 2015, expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to the cricketing fraternity and nurture young talents.Ashwin's return to India Cements marks a homecoming of sorts, as he began his cricketing journey with the organization. K.S. Viswanathan, CEO of Chennai Super Kings Ltd., hailed Ashwin's return, emphasizing his exceptional cricketing abilities and commitment to the game. Viswanathan highlighted Ashwin's role in guiding the CSK High-Performance Centre and Super Kings academies, where he will share his vast experience and expertise with aspiring cricketers.The CSK High-Performance Centre, located in Navalur on the outskirts of Chennai, is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a comprehensive training environment for young players. Ashwin's involvement in the centre is expected to enhance its capabilities and foster a culture of excellence. The centre's ground is ready for use, and other infrastructure is under construction. CSK even held a practice session at the venue during the Indian Premier League (IPL), and it will also host TNCA first-division matches this year.While Ashwin's return to India Cements has sparked speculation about his potential return to the CSK playing XI, the path to a reunion is not straightforward. The IPL is set to undergo a mega auction in 2025, with retentions and no trade window before that. However, Ashwin remains eligible to play for the India Cements teams in the first division (2024-25) that starts on Thursday, although he is unlikely to feature in the first few rounds.Ashwin's return to India Cements is a testament to his enduring passion for cricket and his desire to give back to the game. His experience and leadership qualities will undoubtedly benefit the organization and the young cricketers under its wing.