Cricket

Sri Lanka's fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been ruled out of the upcoming home series against India due to an injury. The news was confirmed by Sri Lanka's chief selector Upul Tharanga, who stated that Chameera will miss both the T20Is and ODIs.Chameera's absence is a significant blow to Sri Lanka's bowling attack, as he is one of their most experienced and reliable bowlers. It is unclear when or how Chameera sustained the injury, but he was not picked in the Kandy Falcons side towards the end of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) earlier this month.Tharanga said that a replacement for Chameera will be named shortly, with Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, or Kasun Rajitha likely to be in contention.In other team news, Angelo Mathews has been left out of the T20I squad despite his impressive performances in the LPL. Tharanga confirmed that Mathews is no longer being considered for the next T20 World Cup in 2026."We need to look to the future," Tharanga said. "There's a big gap to fill when it comes to an allrounder in the side - we have about two-three new players in mind to slot into that role."Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera, who both had excellent performances in the LPL, are also not guaranteed a place in the starting XI. Tharanga confirmed that Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are the first-choice openers, with Kamindu Mendis likely to slot in at no.4.Captain Charith Asalanka will remain at no. 5, which leaves one spot - at no.3 - for either Chandimal or Perera.With the T20Is being played in Pallekele, a venue that has offered more pace and bounce than anywhere else in the country, Tharanga said Sri Lanka could play three fast bowlers. Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Matheesha Pathirana could be the first-choice combination, with Dasun Shanaka as another seam option at no. 6.On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will play, with Dunith Wellalage an option if Sri Lanka want an extra spinner.Sanath Jayasuriya, who has been appointed as Sri Lanka's interim head coach, said he will try his best to help the team succeed."I don't have experience as a head coach, but I will try and do my best with this challenge," Jayasuriya said. "That said, I'm only in the role on an interim basis, so we will have a permanent coach coming in soon."Sri Lanka have been preparing for the India series by playing in the LPL and having a training camp in Kandy. They have also been working with Rajasthan Royals high-performance director, Zubin Bharucha, on a short-term basis.

Sri Lanka's young pace sensation, Mathisha Pathirana, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming T20I and ODI series against India, scheduled to commence later this month. The 22-year-old believes that a strong performance in this series could provide a much-needed boost to the island nation's cricket."I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players. Their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions," Pathirana told The Hindu.Pathirana, who has quickly risen through the ranks in the last two years, is confident in his team's abilities. "We have a very good side and a lot of talent. Unfortunately, we didn't do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence-booster for the next three years," he added.The right-arm pacer has made a name for himself with his impressive performances for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2022. Pathirana expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, which has accelerated his career."After my under-19s, I was not in any squad in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka's main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from god for me. Until I played for CSK, not many knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (M.S. Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka," he said.In a short span, Pathirana has become one of the most reliable bowlers in the death overs. However, he is not content with that tag alone. "A lot of people say I am good at the death. But that is not enough for me. I want to be good with the new ball and in the middle overs too. If I can get swing and accuracy with the new ball, it will be good for me and the teams I play for," Pathirana stated.The upcoming series against India will be a crucial test for Pathirana and his Sri Lankan teammates. A strong showing could not only boost their confidence but also provide a much-needed shot in the arm for Sri Lankan cricket.

Sri Lanka Appoints Charith Asalanka as New T20 Captain Ahead of India SeriesSri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed Charith Asalanka as the new captain of the national Twenty20 team. The 27-year-old middle-order batsman takes over from Wanindu Hasaranga, who resigned after Sri Lanka's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup in June.Asalanka's appointment comes ahead of a white-ball series against visiting India, which begins with three T20 matches on Saturday in Pallekele. The three-match ODI series will follow, starting on August 2 in Colombo.Dhananjaya de Silva remains the Test captain, while the board has not yet announced any changes to the ODI team, currently led by Kusal Mendis.Asalanka has been a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in recent years, averaging over 30 in T20 internationals. He has also shown leadership qualities, having captained the Sri Lanka A team and the Colombo Stars in the Lanka Premier League.The Indian team arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday and will be looking to continue their recent dominance over their hosts. India has won the last five T20 series between the two sides, including a 3-0 sweep in February 2022.Sri Lanka will be hoping to use the home advantage to their benefit and put up a strong challenge against a formidable Indian team. Asalanka's appointment as captain is a sign of the board's confidence in his ability to lead the team to success.

Dion Myers' return to international cricket has been a revelation for the Zimbabwean batter. After taking a break to pursue his university studies in the UK, Myers has returned with a renewed perspective and a hunger to succeed.In his third international innings upon his return, Myers struck an unbeaten 65 off 49 balls against a formidable Indian side. It was a performance that showcased his talent and determination, and it has given Zimbabwe fans hope for the future."Over the last few years, there's been a lot of self-introspection," Myers said. "Watching a lot of cricket, along with my own training, helps you see what you can achieve or what you can do better to give to the team. The time away from the game was a blessing in disguise."Myers' absence from the Zimbabwean team has coincided with the retirement of several senior players, including Sean Williams and Craig Ervine. This has created an opportunity for young players like Myers and Clive Madande to step up and take on leadership roles.In the third T20I against India, Myers and Madande formed a crucial 77-run partnership that helped Zimbabwe recover from a precarious position. Myers was particularly impressive against spin, taking Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Abhishek Sharma for a combined 44 off 31 balls."It was the sort of wicket where you couldn't really come in straightaway and start going at 150-200 strike rate," Myers said. "I just tried to play it my way, hitting it on the ground early on, and as the innings goes on, you pick more areas of the ground."Myers' return to form has been a welcome boost for Zimbabwe, who are looking to rebuild their team after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. With his talent, experience, and leadership qualities, Myers is poised to play a key role in Zimbabwe's future success.

India's five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe has taken an exciting turn after the African nation's surprising victory in the opening match. However, India bounced back with a dominant 100-run win in the second match, thanks to Abhishek Sharma's six-filled century.Former Zimbabwe cricketer Hamilton Masakadza believes his team has the potential to upset India in the remaining three matches. He highlights the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and Zimbabwe's use of the format to develop young players. Masakadza also praises the talent of the young Indian team led by Shubman Gill, but notes that they are still hungry to prove themselves.Regarding Zimbabwe captain Sikander Raza, Masakadza commends his aggressive and positive approach. He believes Raza's leadership will inspire the team to put pressure on India and achieve positive results. Masakadza also emphasizes the importance of other teams touring Zimbabwe to provide their players with valuable experience.He expresses optimism about Zimbabwe's chances in the 2026 T20 World Cup, despite their recent failure to qualify. Masakadza acknowledges the team's shortcomings but believes they are learning from their mistakes and improving.Masakadza reflects on the decline of Zimbabwe cricket, attributing it to poor decision-making and a lack of experience. However, he is confident that the current group of players is on the right path to rectify these issues.He praises Indian batting sensation Rinku Singh for his power-hitting abilities and expects him to make a significant impact on the tour. Masakadza also acknowledges the contributions of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, who recently retired from T20Is. He expresses gratitude for their memorable performances and looks forward to their continued presence in other formats.

Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed uncertainty about his participation in the upcoming tour of India later this year. The tour, scheduled from September 19 to October 12, will feature two Tests and three T20Is.Shakib's hesitation stems from his busy schedule, which includes the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup and the Major League Cricket (MLC) season two in the USA. He is set to play for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the MLC, which begins on July 5."I don't have many plans. There are two T20 tournaments in front of me. One is MLC and the other one is the Global T20 League in Canada, and let me see where I stand after playing these two tournaments because I need to understand (how I feel)," Shakib said."There is international cricket and there is a series against Pakistan and I am planning till that point of time and not planning beyond that. Now I don't have time to plan for three-four years and so planning for three to six months is better, and later I will think about my next plan. For now, I am planning till the Pakistan series," he added.Shakib also addressed the controversy surrounding fast-bowler Taskin Ahmed's absence from the Super Eights clash against India at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Taskin had initially claimed that he missed the team bus, but later clarified that he had arrived on time."Taskin apologized to the team for that afterwards and everyone in the team took it normally because a man can mistake and anyone can commit unintentional mistake. He accepted it and the thing ended at that point of time," Shakib said.Bangladesh's tour of India will be their first since 2019. The two teams last met in a T20I series in November 2022, which India won 2-1.

Zimbabwe has announced its squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India in Harare, with batter Antum Naqvi receiving his maiden call-up. However, Naqvi's inclusion is contingent upon confirmation of his citizenship status.The squad also sees the return of allrounders Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta, who have completed their suspensions for drug use. Experienced fast bowler Tendai Chatara, who last played in the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, has also been recalled.Mainstays Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Ryan Burl, Joylord Gumbie, and Ainsley Ndlovu have been dropped from the squad. These players were part of Zimbabwe's recent away series in Bangladesh, which they lost 4-1.Naqvi, 25, has risen to prominence this year, becoming the first player to score a triple century for any Zimbabwe team in representative cricket. He scored an unbeaten 300 for Mid West Rhinos in the Logan Cup and captained the team in just his second year of domestic cricket in Zimbabwe.A top-order batter, Naqvi boasts a strike rate of 146.80 in seven T20 matches. Born in Brussels, Belgium to Pakistani parents, he moved to Australia at the age of four and earned a commercial airline pilot's license. However, he put his aviation career on hold to pursue cricket.Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024 and is aiming to rebuild under new head coach Justin Sammons. The average age of the squad to face India is 27, reflecting this intention.Captain Sikandar Raza, 38, is the most experienced player in the squad with 86 T20Is, while allrounder Luke Jongwe is second with 63 T20I appearances.

South Africa's women's cricket team has received a major boost with the return of all-rounder Chloe Tryon for the upcoming T20I series against India. Tryon has been sidelined since April due to a back injury but has now recovered and is eager to make her comeback.Tryon's inclusion in the squad is a significant development for South Africa, as she brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team. She is a hard-hitting batter, a skillful bowler, and a reliable fielder. Her return will provide the Proteas with much-needed depth and balance.Interim head coach Dillon du Preez expressed his delight at Tryon's return, saying, "She brings a lot of experience to the team and we can't wait to see her back on the field."The T20I series against India will be a crucial opportunity for South Africa to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. The Proteas will be looking to build on their recent performances, which have included a 3-0 ODI series defeat to India and a hard-fought draw in the ongoing one-off Test in Chennai.The squad for the T20I series includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead the team, while other key players include Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, and Ayabonga Khaka.South Africa will play three T20Is against India in Chennai on July 5, 7, and 9. The Proteas will be determined to put in strong performances and gain valuable experience ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has opened up about the emotional turmoil he endured during the India tour last year, as he grappled with the impending loss of his mother to cancer.Cummins, who was in India for a Test series, made the difficult decision to return home to be by his mother's side as she received palliative care. "Flying away... That's the hardest time of my life, easily," Cummins said in an interview for the Imperfects podcast.The captaincy weighed heavily on Cummins' mind during that period. "I remember my manager and a couple of other people around me who I normally listen to were calling me and being like, 'I think we need to give a little bit of a reason why you've gone home', and I'm like, 'Nah, don't care'," he recalled.Cummins' mother, Maria, passed away last year. The cricketer said he tried to keep her final days as private as possible and didn't explain to her why he flew home after playing in two Tests in India."But that time in particular – because we knew roughly the timeline, and knowing Mum and Dad as well; how much joy they get, sitting together, watching me play – that gave me enough confidence to go and play, and they were desperate for me to go and play, and I knew I could hop on a flight at any time and come back," Cummins said.Despite his determination to play, Cummins admitted that his mind was not fully on the game. "But for those couple of weeks I was in India, especially now I look back on it, my mind was not in India, it was back home the whole time," he said.Cummins even considered quitting as Australia captain at one point, as his desire to be with his mother intensified. "I honestly do not care what people think," he said. "After about six or seven days when I knew I wasn't going to come back to India, we said Mum's in palliative care. But I literally could not have cared less what people were saying about me."Cummins' decision to prioritize his family over cricket was met with understanding and support from his teammates and Cricket Australia. The captain's resilience and determination to balance his personal and professional life serves as an inspiration to many.