Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering three options for the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The tournament is set to commence in February 2025.According to sources, the ICC is exploring the following options:1. Hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned: This would mark Pakistan's first major ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which it co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.2. Hybrid model: Under this scenario, matches involving India and the knockout stages would be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the remaining matches would take place in Pakistan.3. Hosting the tournament outside Pakistan: If this option is chosen, potential hosts include Dubai, Sri Lanka, or South Africa.Pakistan has not hosted any major ICC events since the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. The 2011 Champions Trophy was subsequently moved to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, but Pakistan has visited India on three occasions since then: for a white-ball series in 2012-13, the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, and the 2023 ODI World Cup.The ICC's decision on the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy is expected to be made in the coming months.

Indian Trio Soars in ICC Rankings After Bangladesh VictoryIn the wake of India's dominant 49-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of their T20I series, three Indian players have made significant strides in the latest ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings.Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder, played a pivotal role with the bat, scoring a rapid 39* off just 16 deliveries. His innings, which included five fours and two sixes, propelled him seven spots up to 60th in the T20I batting rankings. Pandya also made an impact with the ball, taking a wicket, which helped him climb four places to third overall in the T20I All-Rounder Rankings.Arshdeep Singh, the young pacer, emerged as a standout performer, taking three wickets to climb eight places to eighth in the T20I bowling rankings. This marks a career-high rating for Singh, who is on the verge of surpassing the records set by Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner, also impressed with his bowling, taking three wickets. His performance helped him maintain his position in the top 10 of the T20I bowling rankings.In the ODI Player Rankings, there were minor adjustments following South Africa's 2-1 series victory over Ireland in Abu Dhabi. Curtis Campher, Craig Young, and Graham Hume all made notable gains in the ODI rankings after their impressive performances in the final match.

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has made a significant leap in the ICC Women's T20 batting rankings, climbing four spots to share the 12th position with Sri Lanka's Harshitha Samarawickrama. Kaur now boasts 610 rating points, a testament to her consistent performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE.However, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues have slipped in the rankings. Mandhana has dropped one place to fifth, while Rodrigues has fallen two spots to 20th. Veteran offspinner Deepti Sharma has also lost ground, dropping two places to fourth, while seamer Renuka Singh Thakur has maintained her position at fifth.In the bowlers' rankings, off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has made an impressive surge, climbing nine places to 29th. Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal has made history by becoming the first from her country to briefly top the rankings, overtaking long-time number one Sophie Ecclestone. However, Ecclestone has regained her position after claiming 2/15 against South Africa in a Player-of-the-Match performance.South Africa openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits have both achieved career-best-equalling rankings after moving up two spots each to third and sixth respectively.The ICC rankings have been released amidst the ongoing T20 World Cup, where teams are vying for the coveted title. The tournament has witnessed some thrilling matches and impressive performances, with players from various nations making their mark on the global stage.

New Zealand's women's cricket team will embark on a three-match ODI tour of India later this month, a series that was initially postponed due to scheduling conflicts. The matches, scheduled for October 24, 27, and 29 in Ahmedabad, will serve as a crucial step in both teams' quest for direct qualification to the 2024 Women's Cricket World Cup.The series holds particular significance for New Zealand, who currently sit sixth in the ICC Women's Championship standings, just one spot below India. With West Indies and Bangladesh potentially threatening their position, the matches against India are vital for the White Ferns' hopes of securing an automatic berth in the World Cup.The hosts, India, will also be eager to perform well in the series, as they aim to solidify their position among the top five teams in the championship standings. The top five teams, along with the hosts, will earn direct entry to the World Cup, while the remaining teams will have to compete in a global qualifier.Both teams will be coming off the Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE, which concludes on October 23. If they reach the final, they will have less than 72 hours to prepare for the ODI series. This could potentially impact the availability of key players, including India's Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, and New Zealand's Sophie Devine.The series will mark New Zealand's first ODI matches in India since 2015, when they overcame a 1-0 deficit to clinch the series. The White Ferns will be hoping for a similar result this time around, as they look to strengthen their position in the championship standings and secure their place in the World Cup.

Sadia Iqbal's brief reign as the top-ranked ICC women's T20I bowler was a historic moment for Pakistan cricket. However, Sophie Ecclestone quickly reclaimed the top spot, highlighting the intense competition at the pinnacle of the sport.Iqbal's rise to the top was fueled by her impressive performance in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup. She equaled Ecclestone's ranking after taking three wickets for 17 runs against Sri Lanka in Pakistan's opening match. Ecclestone's return of 0 for 21 against South Africa allowed Iqbal to briefly overtake her.However, Iqbal's subsequent performance against India (1 for 23) and Ecclestone's Player-of-the-Match winning 2 for 15 against South Africa saw the English spinner regain her top ranking. The gap between the two remains narrow (762 points for Ecclestone, 754 for Iqbal), indicating the possibility of further changes in the rankings.Iqbal's success is a testament to her exceptional skills as a left-arm spinner. She has taken the most wickets (28) in T20Is in 2024 among all players participating in the World Cup. Sana Mir, the former Pakistan captain, is the only other Pakistani woman to top an ICC player table, having been the top-ranked ODI bowler in 2018-19.Beyond the top two, several other players have made notable movements in the rankings. Suzie Bates' 27 runs against India lifted her to seventh place among batters, while Harmanpreet Kaur's performances against New Zealand and Pakistan saw her rise to 12th. Danni Wyatt-Hodge's impressive scores against Bangladesh and South Africa helped her climb to joint 18th.Among bowlers, Megan Schutt's 3 for 12 against Sri Lanka propelled her into the top ten at No. 10. Sarah Glenn moved up to third, behind Ecclestone and Iqbal, while Ash Gardner and Rabeya Khan also made significant gains. Nonkululeko Mlaba's impressive performances for South Africa saw her rise nine spots to 13th.The ongoing Women's T20 World Cup has showcased the depth of talent in women's cricket. The competition for rankings positions remains fierce, with players from various nations vying for supremacy. As the tournament progresses, further changes in the rankings are likely, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the sport.

Hansie Cronje, the former captain of the South African cricket team, was a legendary figure who led his country to numerous victories. Born in 1969, Cronje's rise to prominence was meteoric, becoming the national team captain at the tender age of 24. Under his leadership, South Africa transformed into a formidable force in world cricket.Cronje's tactical brilliance and aggressive approach were instrumental in the team's success. He guided the Proteas to triumph in 27 Tests and 99 ODIs during his tenure. The pinnacle of his achievements was the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy, which remains South Africa's only major ICC title to date.However, Cronje's reputation as an admired sportsman was shattered in 2000 when he became embroiled in a match-fixing scandal. He admitted to taking money from bookmakers in exchange for providing match-related information and manipulating outcomes. The revelation sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, as Cronje had been perceived as a man of integrity.The King Commission, established to investigate the matter, uncovered the extent of Cronje's involvement, leading to his lifetime ban from cricket. His fall from grace was swift and severe. Once a national hero, he became a symbol of betrayal, and the scandal deeply damaged his legacy.Despite expressing remorse and asking for forgiveness, Cronje's career was over. He spent his remaining years largely away from the public eye. Tragically, his life was cut short on June 1, 2002, when the chartered aircraft he was aboard crashed into the Outeniqua Mountains.Cronje's legacy remains complex and tragic. He was a brilliant cricketer who brought South African cricket to new heights, but his personal and professional misjudgment overshadowed his achievements. Despite his tarnished image, many mourned the loss of a man who had once been a source of national pride.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off with a grand Captains' Day at the Dubai International Stadium, bringing together the leaders of all 10 participating teams. The event marked the beginning of the ninth edition of the tournament, which promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, emphasized the continuous learning journey in cricket. She stressed the importance of constant improvement and the value of learning from both victories and mistakes. Kaur expressed her gratitude for the support of her team and their dedication to achieving their goals.Australia's captain, Alyssa Healy, highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament. She acknowledged that all 10 teams have a legitimate chance of winning the World Cup and that her team is excited for the challenge of facing formidable opponents.West Indies captain, Hayley Matthews, reflected on the extensive preparation leading up to the World Cup. She emphasized the significance of the event and the team's aspirations for success. Bangladesh's captain, Nigar Sultana, expressed optimism despite the initial disappointment of the event being moved from Bangladesh.Scotland's captain, Kathryn Bryce, emphasized their competitive spirit and aim to perform well on the big stage. England captain, Heather Knight, discussed the challenges and growth in her captaincy, highlighting the importance of adaptability and learning from others.Pakistan captain, Fatima Sana, expressed her approach to leadership, emphasizing self-expression and support from management. New Zealand captain, Sophie Devine, highlighted the remarkable growth in women's cricket, particularly in the area of fast bowling.South Africa captain, Laura Wolvaardt, spoke about their focused approach and the team's changes. Sri Lanka captain, Chamari Athapaththu, embraced their underdog status and expressed confidence in their young squad.The World Cup will feature 23 matches held over 18 days in Dubai and Sharjah. The opening match will see hosts Bangladesh face Scotland, followed by Pakistan against Sri Lanka. The tournament promises to entertain and inspire a new generation of cricket fans while serving as a transformative platform for women's cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a proactive step to combat online toxicity and foster a more inclusive environment for players and fans at the Women's T20 World Cup. The tournament, which kicks off in Sharjah on October 3, 2024, will feature a cutting-edge social media moderation tool developed in collaboration with GoBubble.This AI-powered tool monitors official and player social media channels for toxic content, including hate speech and harassment. By proactively identifying and addressing such content, the ICC aims to protect the mental health of players and create a positive atmosphere for all involved.Over 60 players have already opted in for the social media protection service, recognizing the importance of safeguarding their online presence. South Africa's Sinalo Jafta expressed her gratitude for the initiative, stating that it provides a much-needed shield against the often-degrading comments that players face on social media."That protection for me is very big because players get to share their life with the world without the fear of being judged or criticized," Jafta said.ICC head of digital, Finn Bradshaw, emphasized the organization's commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all participants and fans. "It's been great to see so many of the players and teams embrace our new initiative," Bradshaw said.The social media moderation tool is part of a broader effort by the ICC to promote gender equality and inclusivity in cricket. The Women's T20 World Cup is a significant platform for showcasing the talent and skills of female cricketers, and the ICC is determined to ensure that the tournament is a safe and welcoming space for all.

Sri Lankan Spinner Praveen Jayawickrama Banned for One Year for Anti-Corruption BreachThe International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama for breaching the anti-corruption code. The ban, which was announced on August 18, 2023, includes a six-month suspension.Jayawickrama admitted to obstructing an investigation by the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). The charges relate to both international cricket and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).The 24-year-old made his international debut in 2021 and has represented Sri Lanka in five Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is. He last played for the national team in a T20I series against Australia in 2022.In the LPL, Jayawickrama played for the Jaffna Kings in 2021 and the Dambulla Sixers in 2024. He took two wickets in his only appearance for the Kings in 2021.The ICC's investigation into Jayawickrama's conduct began in August 2022. The specific details of the allegations against him have not been made public.Jayawickrama has accepted the ban and has expressed remorse for his actions. He has also pledged to cooperate fully with the ICC's ongoing investigation.The ICC's anti-corruption code is designed to protect the integrity of the sport. It prohibits players from engaging in any form of corruption, including match-fixing, spot-fixing, and betting on matches.The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and has taken a number of steps to strengthen its anti-corruption measures in recent years. These measures include increased education and awareness programs for players and officials, as well as the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Corruption Unit.