Cricket

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reached out to the country's army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, seeking security assurances for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from October 3-20. The tournament is set to take place in two Bangladeshi cities, Sylhet and Mirpur.The BCB's request comes amidst political unrest in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been closely monitoring the situation, as violent protests against the government have resulted in numerous deaths and the resignation of Hasina.The ICC has the option of relocating the tournament to a different venue within a similar time zone, with India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sri Lanka being potential alternatives. However, the BCB remains hopeful that the event can be held in Bangladesh.BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon and several other board directors, believed to have the backing of Hasina's Awami League party, have fled the country. However, other directors remain in Dhaka and are determined to keep the tournament in Bangladesh."We are trying to host the tournament," said Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu, chairman of the BCB umpiring committee. "We have sent a letter to the Army Chief regarding assurance about the security of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup as we have only two months in hand."The ICC has communicated with the BCB, and the board has responded that it will provide an update shortly. "After the (interim) government is formed, we still have to give them assurance of the security considering it cannot be given by the board or anyone else apart from a law enforcement agency of the country," added Mithu.The warm-up round for the Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on September 27. The ICC will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and make a decision on the tournament's venue based on the security assurances provided by the country's authorities.

Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama has been charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating three counts of the anti-corruption code. The charges stem from alleged corrupt approaches made to Jayawickrama in international matches and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).According to the ICC statement, Jayawickrama, 25, has been charged under articles 2.4.4 and 2.4.7 of the code. These charges include:* Failing to report an approach to engage in match-fixing in future international matches to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) without unnecessary delay.* Failing to report an approach to approach another player on behalf of a corrupter to engage in match-fixing in the 2021 LPL to the ACU without unnecessary delay.* Obstructing the investigation by deleting messages containing the approaches and offers to engage in corrupt conduct.Jayawickrama has 14 days from August 6 to respond to the charges. The ICC and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have agreed that the ICC will handle the LPL charge alongside the charges related to international matches.Jayawickrama made his international debut in a Test match against Bangladesh in April 2021. He has since played five Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is for Sri Lanka. His last appearance for the national team was in a T20I series against Australia in 2022.In the 2021 LPL, Jayawickrama was part of the Jaffna Kings team that won the title. He played one match that season, taking two wickets. In the 2024 LPL, he represented the Dambulla Sixers.The ICC's anti-corruption code is designed to protect the integrity of the sport and prevent corruption from infiltrating cricket. The charges against Jayawickrama are a serious matter, and the ICC will investigate the allegations thoroughly.

Ranjan Madugalle, a veteran match referee, has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first to officiate 400 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). This milestone was achieved during the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Khettarama.Madugalle's illustrious career as a match referee spans over three decades, beginning in 1993. During this time, he has also officiated in more than 200 Test matches, another remarkable record. Notably, he served as the ICC's chief match referee until the position was discontinued.Simon Taufel, a former elite-panel umpire and the ICC's former umpires performance and training manager, lauded Madugalle's achievements. "Ranjan's longevity is remarkable," Taufel said. "He has served Sri Lanka, the ICC, and the game of cricket with distinction and integrity. This milestone highlights his commitment and dedication to the sport he loves."Before embarking on his officiating career, Madugalle was a respected cricketer, representing Sri Lanka in 21 Tests and 63 ODIs as a batter. His transition to match refereeing has been seamless, and he has consistently maintained the highest standards of professionalism and fairness.Madugalle's 400th ODI as a match referee is a testament to his unwavering passion for cricket and his dedication to ensuring the integrity of the game. His contributions to the sport have been invaluable, and he continues to inspire aspiring match officials and cricket enthusiasts alike.

Ihsanullah Janat, a prominent Afghanistan top-order batter, has been suspended from all cricket-related activities for five years due to corruption allegations. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the ban on Wednesday, effective immediately.The ACB's investigation revealed that Janat violated Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code during the second edition of the Kabul Premier League earlier this year. The specific breaches involved improper influence and attempts to manipulate the outcome of matches.Janat has acknowledged his guilt and confessed to his involvement in corrupt activities. The ACB's anti-corruption unit is currently investigating three other players for potential involvement in similar offenses.Janat, 26, has represented Afghanistan in 20 international matches across all three formats. He made his debut in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2017 and has since played 15 ODIs, scoring 307 runs. He has also featured in three Tests, amassing 110 runs, and one T20I, where he scored a quickfire 20.Janat's suspension is a significant blow to Afghanistan's cricket team, which has been plagued by corruption scandals in recent years. The ACB has vowed to take strict action against any players or officials involved in such activities.The ban on Janat serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in cricket. The ACB and the ICC are committed to eradicating corruption from the sport and ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all players.

The upcoming 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh from October 3-20, faces uncertainty amidst political turmoil and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The tournament's fate hangs in the balance as the International Cricket Council (ICC) closely monitors the situation.The ICC has expressed its priority for the safety and well-being of all participants, stating that it is coordinating with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), security agencies, and independent consultants. The matter of unrest in Bangladesh was raised during the ICC Annual Conference in Colombo last month, but it was not formally discussed.The tournament, which will feature 10 teams playing 23 matches over 18 days, is set to take place at two venues: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet. Warm-up matches will be held from September 27 to October 1 at BKSP in Dhaka.India, the defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, West Indies, Scotland, and hosts Bangladesh will compete in the tournament. Bangladesh will host the event for the second time after 2014.The opening match will feature South Africa facing England, followed by Bangladesh taking on Scotland in the evening match in Dhaka. Australia will begin their title defense against Sri Lanka on October 4 in Sylhet, while India will open its campaign against New Zealand on the same day.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for October 17 in Sylhet and October 18 in Dhaka. The Women's T20 World Cup champions will be crowned in Dhaka on October 20.The ICC's decision on the tournament's fate will depend on the ongoing political situation in Bangladesh. If the unrest continues, the event may be moved to an alternative venue.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring the political unrest in Bangladesh, which has led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20, and the ICC is adopting a wait-and-watch approach before making any decisions about the tournament's location.The unrest in Bangladesh stems from a controversial quota system that reserves 30% of jobs for families of veterans from the 1971 liberation war. The system has sparked fierce demonstrations across the country, resulting in over 100 casualties in the past two days.The ICC has an independent security monitoring system across all its member nations. The situation in Bangladesh is being monitored closely, but with seven weeks left for the tournament to begin, it is too early to comment on whether it will be shifted from Bangladesh.The ICC does have contingency plans for unavoidable circumstances. In case of a need to relocate, Sri Lanka could be an option, given that it successfully hosted the men's T20 World Cup in 2012.A critical question remains whether countries like South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia will send their women's teams to Bangladesh amidst the current volatile security environment. For now, the ICC continues to monitor the situation as the start date of the Women's T20 World Cup approaches.

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Chamari Athapaththu have been nominated for the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for July 2024.Smriti Mandhana, India's vice-captain, is aiming for back-to-back success after winning the award in June. In July, she scored 273 runs in T20Is at an average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 139.28. She began with a career-best 149 in the one-off Test against South Africa, setting a record partnership with Shafali Verma. She also scored 100 runs in the T20I series against South Africa and 173 runs in the Women's Asia Cup.Shafali Verma, India's opening batter, scored 229 Test runs and 245 T20I runs in July. She became the second Indian woman to hit a double century in Tests, reaching the milestone in 194 balls, the fastest ever in Women's Tests. She also scored 205 in the first innings, the highest score for India in their record-breaking total of 603/6. In the T20I series against South Africa, she scored 45 runs, and in the Women's Asia Cup, she was the second-highest run-getter with 200 runs at a strike rate of 140.84.Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka's skipper, led her team to victory in the Women's Asia Cup on home soil. She scored 304 runs during the competition at an average of 101.33 and a strike rate of 146.85. Her standout performances included an unbeaten 119 against Malaysia and two crucial half-centuries in the knockout stages.The ICC Women's Player of the Month award for July 2024 will be announced soon.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing for the possibility that India may decline to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year. During its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, the ICC approved a budget of approximately $65 million to cover expenses related to hosting matches outside Pakistan if necessary.The ICC has not officially addressed India's potential absence, but a contingency plan has been put in place. The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget that includes an estimate of the increased costs associated with moving matches outside Pakistan.The ICC has not yet identified alternative venues, but Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are the designated venues in Pakistan. The PCB has reportedly undertaken significant renovation work at these venues.The budget allocation includes $35 million for the competition itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for television production costs. The ICC has circulated a tentative schedule to broadcasters and participating teams, with India's matches scheduled to take place in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter on March 1.The tournament will feature two groups, with India and Pakistan joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. India's other matches are scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23.The ICC has allocated a week-long support period from February 12th to 18th for teams to participate in practice matches and media events. March 10th has been designated as a reserve day for the final match.The ICC will send a team to Pakistan next month to inspect the venues. The final decision on whether to move matches outside Pakistan will depend on the Indian team's decision and the Government of India's stance.

India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain, prompting former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to downplay its significance. Mushtaq believes that the tournament should proceed regardless of India's presence.The ICC has allocated a substantial budget for the event, which is scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, India's stance on traveling to Pakistan is still unclear.Mushtaq argues that the focus should not be on India's decision but on ensuring the tournament's success. He believes that the ICC will address any concerns regarding India's participation."It's simple. If India wants to come, they can. If they don't want to come, it doesn't matter. There's no point in making a fuss about it," Mushtaq said. "This won't make either party good or bad. This is ICC's event, and they will look into this matter, as they should."The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted the ICC with the responsibility of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan. The PCB has also advised its officials to refrain from commenting on India's decision.Despite the uncertainty, the PCB is proceeding with preparations for the tournament, assuming that India will participate. The ICC's approval of the budget has fueled speculation that backup funds have been allocated in case India declines to send its team.The PCB's stance reflects its desire to host a successful Champions Trophy and showcase Pakistan's capabilities as a host nation. However, the ultimate decision on India's participation rests with the BCCI, which has yet to make an official statement.