Cricket

The ICC's recent men's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies has faced criticism from its broadcast partner, Disney-Star, raising concerns about the event's value and the overall return on investment.Disney-Star has expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of matches, particularly those that aired during unfavorable hours in the subcontinent, impacting viewership. The broadcaster also raised concerns about the drop-in pitches used at the Nassau County stadium in New York, which produced bowling-friendly surfaces and resulted in low scores.The first two pitches were deemed "unsatisfactory" by the ICC, while the pitch for the marquee India-Pakistan match was rated "satisfactory" despite Pakistan's failure to chase down a modest target. The semi-final pitch in Trinidad, where Afghanistan was dismissed for a mere 56, was also rated "unsatisfactory."Disney-Star's dissatisfaction is significant given its long-term partnership with the ICC, holding the rights to every ICC event since 2011. The broadcaster's concerns have implications for ICC members, who rely heavily on revenue from the rights deal.Discussions within the ICC to swap the USA-West Indies event with India or England in future years to provide more preparation time for venues were considered but did not progress.In addition to the pitch issues, the venue in Florida also faced criticism due to inadequate drainage and insufficient covers, leading to match abandonments.The ICC is currently conducting an audit of the event's handling after it emerged that the original budget for the US leg exceeded by up to USD 20 million. The dissatisfaction with the event has prompted suggestions to convert the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy to T20Is, although no developments have been made on this proposal.

Jay Shah, the newly appointed chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has expressed his gratitude to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and other members of the Indian and international cricket fraternity for their congratulatory messages. Shah, who is currently the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will assume the role of ICC chairman from December onwards.As the only candidate nominated to succeed Greg Barclay, Shah's appointment marks a significant milestone in his career. At 35 years old, he becomes the youngest person to ever lead the apex cricket body. Shah's nomination was unanimously supported by all 15 members of the ICC Board.In his message to Kohli, Shah acknowledged the Indian batting legend's contributions to the sport and expressed his commitment to working together to elevate cricket to new heights. He also thanked Rohit Sharma for his leadership on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of inspiring the next generation of cricketers.Shah's experience as the Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since 2021 has equipped him with valuable insights into the complexities of international cricket administration. He has emphasized the need to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote technological advancements, and expand the reach of cricket to new global markets.Shah's appointment has been met with optimism and anticipation within the cricket community. His commitment to inclusivity and innovation is expected to drive the sport forward and attract a wider audience.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest Test rankings, with significant changes in both the batting and bowling categories.Batting:Virat Kohli has climbed two spots to eighth, while Rohit Sharma has dropped one place to sixth. Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a notable jump to seventh. England's Joe Root remains at the top, with Harry Brook moving up to fourth after his impressive performance against Sri Lanka.Pakistan's Babar Azam has slipped six places to ninth, while Mohammad Rizwan has risen to a career-best tied-10th. Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim has also achieved a career-high ranking of 17th.Bowling:India's Ravichandran Ashwin continues to dominate as the top-ranked bowler in Test cricket. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja maintain their positions at third and seventh, respectively.England's Chris Woakes has moved up four places to 16th, and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando has climbed 10 spots to 17th. Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah and England's Gus Atkinson have both achieved career-best ratings.All-Rounders:Indian players continue to dominate the all-rounder rankings. Ravindra Jadeja remains at the top, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin. Axar Patel is ranked sixth.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, is currently enjoying a well-deserved break from international cricket. Having last played in an ODI series against Sri Lanka, Kohli is now spending quality time with his family. His illustrious career, spanning nearly two decades, has cemented his status as one of the greatest batters of all time.Kohli's journey to the pinnacle of cricket began with the 2008 U-19 World Cup. Similarly, another promising young top-order batter, Shubman Gill, embarked on his international journey with the 2018 edition of the U-19 World Cup. Gill has been hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket, and together with Kohli, they form a formidable top order.However, a recent fake video has surfaced online, causing a stir among cricket fans. The video features Kohli allegedly blasting Gill, claiming that there's a "big gap between showing promise and becoming a legend." Kohli also reportedly compares himself to Sachin Tendulkar. The comments in the video appear to be lip-synced, and the video has gone viral, sparking concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI).Despite the fake video, Kohli remains a respected figure in Indian cricket. He recently moved up two rungs to eighth place in the latest ICC Test rankings, while his captain Rohit Sharma dropped a spot to sixth. Young Yashasvi Jaiswal also made a significant jump, moving up to seventh place.In the ICC Test rankings, England's Joe Root remains the top-ranked batter, followed by Harry Brook, who has made a massive jump to fourth place. Pakistan's Babar Azam has dropped to ninth place, while Mohammad Rizwan has achieved a new career-high rating by moving into the top 10.Among bowlers, India's Ravichandran Ashwin continues to hold the top spot, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja maintain their third and seventh positions, respectively. England's Chris Woakes and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando have gained ground, while Pakistan's Naseem Shah and England's Gus Atkinson have attained career-best ratings.In the all-rounders' rankings, Jadeja and Ashwin continue to occupy the top two spots, with Axar Patel ranked sixth.

England's Harry Brook has ascended to the fourth position in the ICC Test batting rankings, a testament to his impressive performances in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. Brook's contributions of 56 and 32 at Old Trafford have propelled him up three spots, surpassing the likes of Babar Azam, Steven Smith, and Rohit Sharma.Joe Root remains the undisputed leader in the Test batting rankings, followed by Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. Babar Azam's recent struggles have seen him drop six places to ninth, while Mohammad Rizwan's heroics in Pakistan's loss to Bangladesh have earned him a seven-spot jump to joint 10th with Usman Khawaja.Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim has achieved a career-high rating after his match-winning 191 against Pakistan, moving up seven spots to 17th. Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya has also made strides, climbing one place to ninth among Test bowlers after his five-wicket haul in Manchester.In the T20I rankings, West Indies' Nicholas Pooran has risen three places to ninth among batters following their 3-0 sweep of South Africa. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie have also made significant gains, moving up to second and third spots respectively among bowlers, behind only England's Adil Rashid.These rankings reflect the dynamic nature of international cricket, with players constantly vying for supremacy. Brook's rise and Babar Azam's decline serve as reminders that form and consistency are crucial factors in determining the best players in the world.

In the realm of sports, the concept of the strong aiding the weak holds profound significance. While some argue that sport is merely an artificial construct, we imbue it with our ideals, transforming the seemingly meaningless into something transformative when backed by an ethical purpose.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently proposed a plan to address the disparity between the "haves" (India, England, Australia) and the "have-nots" (the rest) in Test cricket. This plan involves establishing a special fund to support nine Test-playing nations, ensuring they have the resources to sustain their red-ball game and provide decent compensation to players.Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has suggested a fund of five to ten million dollars. The distribution and contribution mechanisms are yet to be finalized. Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird, who raised the issue earlier this year, may have been responding to criticism from former Australian captain Steve Waugh about the lack of support for the game.Franchise cricket has created a vast wealth gap among cricketers, leaving the less fortunate behind. The plan aims to ensure that each Test player receives a minimum of ten thousand dollars per Test (excluding the top three players), and that cricket boards struggling for funds receive a boost.However, the psychological implications of this plan remain uncertain. The "Big Three" may demand concessions in return for their support. Additionally, there is a risk of creating a slippery slope, where countries with corrupt boards may exploit the fund to avoid investing in their own game and players.India's involvement in this plan is significant, as they receive nearly 40% of the ICC's global revenue. Yet, the Big Three need the support of Zimbabwe, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and others, as without their participation, Test cricket would be reduced to a three-team affair.The recent summit at Lord's highlighted the urgent need to address the decline of Test cricket. Unless action is taken, it could be restricted to six countries in four years. West Indies, once a dominant force, now struggles to field a competitive team, with many players opting for lucrative franchise leagues like the IPL.Indian franchise owners are increasingly acquiring English county teams, raising concerns about the future of world cricket. It is not difficult to imagine a scenario where the game is run by Indian businessmen and marketing managers rather than cricketers and politicians.As Adam Smith observed, "It is not from the benevolence of the butcher or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own self-interest." World cricket may be at a crossroads. The new fund could revitalize Test cricket, or it could prove to be a futile investment. But it is a chance worth taking.

Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been unanimously elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He will assume the role on December 1, 2023, becoming the youngest person to hold the position at the age of 35.Shah's election comes after Greg Barclay, who had served as ICC chairman for two terms since 2020, announced his decision not to seek a third term. The ICC board of directors had until August 27 to file nominations for the next chairman, and Shah was the only candidate nominated.In a statement, Shah expressed his gratitude for the nomination and outlined his vision for the ICC. He emphasized the importance of globalizing cricket, promoting technological advancements, and introducing marquee events to new markets. Shah also highlighted the significance of the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a catalyst for growth.Shah's appointment marks the fifth time an Indian has led the ICC, following Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. He has been involved in cricket administration since 2009, starting in the state of Gujarat. In 2019, he became the BCCI secretary and was re-elected in 2022.Upon assuming the ICC chairmanship, Shah will relinquish his positions at the BCCI and the ICC's Finance & Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee. He previously served as the Asian Cricket Council president from 2021 to 2024.Shah's election is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the ICC. His experience in cricket administration and his commitment to innovation are seen as key factors in his ability to lead the sport into a new era.

The upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off in the United Arab Emirates, and the warm-up matches have been announced. All 10 qualified teams will participate in these practice games, with each side playing two matches.The warm-up fixtures will be held from September 28 to October 1, and will provide teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the main event. The matches will be 20 overs per side and will not have international T20 status, allowing teams to field all members of their 15-player squad.Group A of the tournament features defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Group B includes England, South Africa, West Indies, Scotland, and Bangladesh.The warm-up fixtures will begin on September 28 with Pakistan taking on Scotland and Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh. Australia will face arch-rivals England the following day, while India will take on 2016 edition champions West Indies on the same day.The warm-up matches will be crucial for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and to build momentum ahead of the tournament. The matches will also provide an opportunity for players to gain valuable match experience and to adjust to the conditions in the UAE.The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will be held from October 10 to 20 in Dubai and Sharjah. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will be held on October 17 and 18. The final will be played in Dubai on October 20.

India-Pakistan Rivalry to Ignite Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in UAEThe highly anticipated Women's T20 World Cup 2024 has been relocated from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the tournament set to take place from October 6 to 20. The relocation was necessitated due to logistical challenges in Bangladesh.The tournament will feature 10 teams divided into two groups, with six-time champions Australia drawn in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Group B comprises South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Scotland.The India-Pakistan clash on October 6 is expected to be one of the highlights of the tournament, given the historic rivalry between the two nations. The match will be played in Dubai, which will also host the final on October 20.Each team will play four group matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals on October 17 and 18. The tournament will feature 23 matches across two venues, with 10 warm-up matches scheduled from September 28 to October 1.The Women's T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting and competitive event, with some of the world's best cricketers set to showcase their skills. The relocation to the UAE is expected to provide a safe and secure environment for the tournament, while also ensuring that fans from around the world can witness the action live.