Cricket

Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is poised to become the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to multiple reports, Shah has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Greg Barclay in the top post.To secure his nomination, the ICC requires a proposer and a seconder. England and Australia are reportedly backing Shah's candidature, further strengthening his bid for the position.If Shah is elected, he will become the youngest-ever ICC chief at the age of 36. His election would also make him the latest in a line of prominent Indians who have held the prestigious position, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.Currently, Shah serves as the BCCI-appointed ICC director and chairs the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs sub-committee, one of the most influential bodies within the ICC. His leadership in these roles, coupled with the strong backing from international cricket boards, places him in a favorable position to guide the ICC in the coming years.Meanwhile, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president, Rohan Jaitely, is reportedly the frontrunner to become the next BCCI secretary if Shah becomes ICC chairman. According to sources quoted by Dainik Bhaskar, Jaitely is leading the race among other candidates.The ICC has set a deadline of August 27 for current directors to submit their nominations for the chairmanship. Greg Barclay, who is eligible for a third term, has announced his decision not to seek re-election, paving the way for Shah's potential ascension.

Shikhar Dhawan, the swashbuckling Indian opener, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a glittering career that spanned over a decade. Former Indian cricket team head coach and director Ravi Shastri paid a heartfelt tribute to Dhawan, expressing his gratitude and admiration for the cricketer's impactful career.Dhawan, fondly known as "Shiki Boy," made his international debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup. Known for his aggressive style of play and ability to score runs at a rapid pace, Dhawan played a pivotal role in India's success in various ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.One of Dhawan's most memorable performances came in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer and played a crucial role in India's triumph. He also played a key role in India's victory in the 2016 Asia Cup, scoring a match-winning century in the final against Bangladesh.In addition to his international exploits, Dhawan was also a prolific run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is the second-highest run-getter of all time in the IPL, with over 6,700 runs to his name. He won the IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and was a key member of the Delhi Capitals team that reached the final in 2020.Dhawan's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. He was a beloved figure among fans and teammates alike, known for his infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude. His contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered for years to come.

Bangladesh has achieved a historic triumph in Test cricket, securing their first-ever victory against Pakistan in the first Test match at Rawalpindi on August 25, 2024. This momentous win marks a significant milestone for Bangladesh's cricket team, breaking Pakistan's dominance in the format.Pakistan, batting first, declared their innings at 448 for 6, with Saud Shakeel (141) and Mohammad Rizwan (171) leading the charge. Bangladesh responded with a determined batting performance, led by Shadman Islam (93), Mominul Haque (50), and a brilliant partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim (191) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (77). Bangladesh's total of 565 gave them a 117-run lead.In Pakistan's second innings, Bangladesh bowlers tightened their grip, dismissing wickets at regular intervals. Mohammad Rizwan (51) once again provided some resistance, but Pakistan's batting collapsed, losing 8 wickets for just 80 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4 for 21) and Shakib Al Hasan (3 for 44) were the main wicket-takers for Bangladesh.Bangladesh's openers, Tamim Iqbal and Najmul Hossain Shanto, chased down the target of 30 with ease, securing a historic 10-wicket victory. This triumph is a testament to Bangladesh's growing strength in Test cricket and their ability to compete with the top teams in the world.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering establishing a dedicated fund to bolster Test cricket and level the playing field for boards outside the "Big Three" (India, Australia, and England). This initiative aims to provide a minimum standard match fee of approximately US $10,000 for players across all Test-playing nations.The fund, driven by Cricket Australia chair Mark Baird and supported by the BCCI and ECB, is intended to make Test cricket more appealing to players who may otherwise opt for more lucrative franchise leagues. It would also reduce the financial burden on less-wealthy boards, which often incur losses when hosting Test matches.The fund is expected to be in the region of US $15 million and has the backing of BCCI secretary Jay Shah and ECB chair Richard Thompson. It is currently in its formative stages and has not yet been formally discussed by the ICC board or executive committee.Baird expressed optimism about the fund's potential, stating, "We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white-ball cricket."The ECB has already implemented a similar concept, agreeing to pay Zimbabwe a "touring fee" for their upcoming Test match at Trent Bridge. This move reflects the growing recognition that boards need to find ways to make Test cricket financially viable for all nations.The ICC's proposed fund would be a significant step towards ensuring that Test cricket remains a vibrant and competitive format. It would provide a financial incentive for players to prioritize Test cricket and help to level the playing field for boards outside the "Big Three."

Jay Shah's potential move to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as Chairman has sparked speculation about his successor as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary. With Shah's term ending in October 2025, the BCCI faces the task of finding a suitable replacement.Among the potential candidates is Rajiv Shukla, the current BCCI Vice-President. Shukla, a Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha, could be asked to take on the role for a year. Another contender is Ashish Shelar, the BCCI Treasurer and a prominent figure in Maharashtra BJP. However, Shelar's political commitments may limit his availability.Arun Dhumal, the IPL Chairman, possesses the necessary experience to lead the BCCI. He has previously served as Treasurer and now heads the lucrative Indian Premier League. A swap of roles between Dhumal and Shukla could be a viable option.Devajit 'Lon' Saikia, the BCCI Joint Secretary, is another potential candidate. While not as well-known, he plays a crucial role in the current BCCI administration.Younger administrators such as Rohan Jaitley, the DDCA President, and Avishek Dalmiya, the former CAB President, could also be considered. Other young state unit officials include Dilsher Khanna (Punjab), Vipul Phadke (Goa), and Prabhtej Bhatia (Chattisgarh).The possibility of a completely new face taking over the top job cannot be ruled out. However, the BCCI's power structure typically favors individuals who have been part of the system.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering establishing a dedicated fund of at least USD 15 million to support Test cricket. This initiative aims to increase player match fees and address the migration of talent to lucrative T20 franchise leagues.The proposal, put forward by Cricket Australia (CA), has garnered support from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is poised to become the next ICC Chairman, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The fund would enhance the minimum match payment for Test players and cover the expenses of overseas tours.This initiative is particularly crucial for national boards like the West Indies, which face challenges in competing with the salaries offered by global T20 competitions. The fund would ensure a minimum Test payment of USD 10,000 for all players and cover the costs of overseas tours for struggling countries.CA Chairman Mike Baird, who initially proposed the concept, expressed enthusiasm for the momentum behind the Test match fund. He emphasized the need to eliminate barriers and promote Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport, preserving its history and legacy alongside newer white-ball formats.However, the fund is unlikely to benefit the three wealthiest cricket nations – India, Australia, and England – as they already provide substantial salaries to their players. The availability of funds for Test cricket from the ICC may also be influenced by an ongoing dispute with broadcaster Star, which seeks to renegotiate a 2022 broadcast deal and reduce its value by half.The BCCI has implemented an incentive scheme for India's men's Test cricketers to prioritize the format and reward consistent performances. Players who participate in at least 75% of India's Test matches in a season earn a bonus of Rs 45 lakh per match, in addition to the regular Test match fees of Rs 15 lakh.The ICC's proposed Test cricket fund is a significant step towards preserving the integrity and competitiveness of the longest format of the game. By addressing financial concerns and supporting struggling nations, the fund aims to ensure the continued growth and popularity of Test cricket worldwide.

India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has ascended one spot to third in the latest ICC ODI rankings for women, released on Tuesday. With 738 rating points, Mandhana is the top-ranked Indian batter in the 50-over format, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur maintains her ninth position.Sri Lanka's star batter Chamari Athapaththu has slipped behind Mandhana to fourth place, but her compatriots Nilakshika de Silva (up three places to 32nd), Harshitha Samarawickrama (up eight places to 44th), and Kavisha Dilhari (up four places to 50th) have all made significant gains in the ODI batting rankings.Mandhana also retained her fourth spot in the T20 rankings, with Sri Lanka's Samarawickrama and Ireland opener Gaby Lewis reaching career highs. Samarawickrama's impressive knock of 65 off 44 balls in the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Ireland propelled her up three places to 13th position, while Lewis's match-winning 119 off 75 balls has lifted her four places to a career-best-equalling 21st position, which she had previously attained in July 2022.Mandhana's consistent performances in both ODI and T20 cricket have solidified her status as one of the world's leading batters. Her ability to score runs at a rapid pace and her versatility in playing different roles in the team make her a valuable asset for India.The rise of Sri Lankan batters in the rankings is a testament to the team's recent resurgence in women's cricket. Athapaththu, Samarawickrama, and de Silva have all played key roles in Sri Lanka's recent victories over Ireland and Pakistan.The ICC rankings are a reflection of the current form and performances of players and teams. Mandhana's rise in the rankings is a recognition of her exceptional batting skills and her contribution to India's success in women's cricket.

Greg Barclay, the current chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has announced that he will not seek a third term after his tenure ends on November 30. This has sparked speculation about the future of BCCI secretary Jay Shah at the ICC.Shah, who is considered one of the most influential figures in the ICC boardroom, is currently the head of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee. He enjoys a lot of goodwill with most of the 16 voting members.As per ICC rules, the chairman's election comprises of 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) required for the winner. Earlier, a two-third majority was required.Current directors are required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by August 27, 2024. If there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on December 1, 2024.Shah has one year left as the BCCI secretary before going on a mandatory cooling-off period of three years from October 2025. If he decides to move to the ICC with a year of his secretaryship still left, he will have four years left in the BCCI.At 35, Shah could become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar are the Indians who have headed the ICC in the past.

ICC Considers Relocating Women's T20 World Cup from Bangladesh Amid Political UnrestAmidst escalating political tensions in Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating moving the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup out of the country. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC held a virtual board meeting on Tuesday and identified the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a potential alternative venue.The tournament, originally scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20, has been thrown into uncertainty due to the ongoing political crisis. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly agreed to the shift but will remain the official host of the event.The decision to relocate the tournament is primarily driven by concerns over the safety and security of players, officials, and spectators. Bangladesh has been experiencing widespread protests and political unrest in recent weeks, raising concerns about the ability to host a major international sporting event.The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the venue change in the coming days. If the tournament is indeed moved to the UAE, it would mark the second time in a row that the Women's T20 World Cup has been held in the country. The 2020 edition was also hosted in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The potential relocation of the tournament has drawn mixed reactions. Some have expressed disappointment that Bangladesh will not be able to host the event, while others have welcomed the decision to prioritize safety and security.The ICC is committed to ensuring the well-being of all participants and will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh closely. The organization will provide further updates as they become available.