Cricket

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain and current director of cricket for the Delhi Capitals, has expressed his support for retaining the impact-player rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he believes that teams should make their decisions regarding the impact player before the toss.The impact-player rule allows teams to substitute a player from their bench into the playing XI during the match. This rule has been a topic of discussion after the recent IPL season, which saw a significant increase in high-scoring matches. Ganguly believes that the rule adds an element of strategy and skill to the game."I like the impact player rule. My only thing with IPL is that I just want the grounds to be a bit bigger. The fences should go a little behind," Ganguly said. "It is a great tournament. The only thing you can do with the impact player is decide before the toss, so it's a bit of skill there."Ganguly also commented on the performance of Prithvi Shaw, who had a disappointing IPL season. He emphasized that Shaw is still a young player and needs time to adjust to the demands of T20 cricket."He (Prithvi Shaw) is a young kid. He is just 23. He is still learning how to play T20 cricket. He is a very fine talent and he will get better. Sometimes, we expect too much too early from everyone and I am sure Prithvi, with the skills he has, he will do well," he added.Ganguly praised Rishabh Pant for his return to form after his car accident in 2022. He believes that Pant has worked hard to regain his fitness and skills."He was superb for us (DC) in the IPL. I was so happy to see the way he came back, because I have always said that he is a special player," Ganguly said. "Even earlier, I have said that he is exceptional. You don't want such talent to be lost for such disastrous reasons (accident). He has really worked hard to get back to where he is and he is the Rishabh Pant of old."Ganguly also expressed his hope that Wriddhiman Saha, the wicketkeeper-batter, will be selected by the Bengal selectors. Saha has expressed his desire to return to Bengal after playing for Tripura for two years."He wants to play for Bengal and rightfully so. He is a Bengal boy," Ganguly said. "He went away to Tripura for two years because he was playing there as a professional. He has finished that and he wants to be in Bengal. I am sure the selectors will pick him for Bengal."

Former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has endorsed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir as a potential candidate for the role of India's head coach. Gambhir's name has emerged as a frontrunner for the position, which will become vacant after Rahul Dravid's tenure ends on June 30.Ganguly, who was instrumental in Gambhir's success as a player, believes that the former World Cup winner possesses the qualities necessary to lead the national team. "He is honest, understands the game very well, and has had success with the Knight Riders in the IPL," Ganguly said. "In Gautam, you have all the qualities you need in India's head coach."However, Ganguly acknowledged the difference between coaching a franchise and an international team. "There is indeed a difference between coaching or mentoring a franchise and coaching an international team, that too a high-profile team like India," he said.Despite this, Ganguly expressed confidence in Gambhir's ability to adapt to the demands of the role. "I am sure Gautam will know it and is aware of it. He will know how to deal with stars like Virat and Rohit, and will surely adapt himself to the culture of the change room," he said.Gambhir's recent success as KKR mentor, guiding the team to victory in IPL 2024, further strengthens his credentials. Ganguly believes that Gambhir's strong character and cricket brain make him an ideal candidate for the job. "He is a strong character and a good cricket brain. If he does want the job, he will make a very good coach," he said.The BCCI is expected to announce the new head coach by the end of March. Gambhir's application, if submitted, will be considered alongside other potential candidates.

In a surprising turn of events, Pakistani journalist Farid Khan has apologized to former England captain Michael Vaughan for his previous criticism. The apology stems from Vaughan's earlier comments suggesting that England players would have benefited more from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs than playing against Pakistan in a T20I series.Initially, Khan had vehemently criticized Vaughan for disrespecting Pakistan cricket. However, following England's 2-0 victory in the four-match series, Khan has now acknowledged the validity of Vaughan's claims.In a video posted on social media, Khan expressed his regret and apologized to Vaughan. He admitted that Vaughan's assessment of the situation had proven accurate. Khan expressed concern about Pakistan's upcoming matches against Canada and the USA in the World Cup, citing the team's poor performance in the recent series.Vaughan promptly accepted Khan's apology, stating, "Apology accepted."Vaughan's initial comments had been made after the England Cricket Board (ECB) recalled its players from the IPL playoffs to participate in the T20I series against Pakistan. Vaughan argued that the players would have gained more valuable experience by completing the IPL season with their respective franchises."I think you're going to miss the trick by sending all their players home," Vaughan said. "I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Jos Butler, in particular, playing in the IPL in the eliminators, pressure, crowd, expectation. I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan."Vaughan emphasized the importance of the IPL's high-pressure environment and the benefits it could provide for the players' development.Khan's apology and Vaughan's acceptance highlight the dynamic nature of sports commentary and the willingness of individuals to acknowledge their mistakes. It also underscores the importance of constructive criticism and the value of learning from one's experiences.

Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra has speculated that star batter Rohit Sharma and young wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan may not feature for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.Rohit's future with MI has been uncertain since he was relieved of his captaincy duties by the franchise. MI appointed Hardik Pandya as captain for IPL 2024, but the five-time champions endured a disastrous season, finishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table.Chopra believes that Rohit may have played his last game for MI. He also suggests that Kishan, who was acquired by MI for a hefty price tag of 15.5 crores, may be released by the team. However, Chopra notes that MI could use the 'Right to Match' card to retain Kishan if necessary."I think they will let Ishan Kishan go. They might use the 'Right to Match' card because 15.5 crores is just too much money. I don't think Ishan will be retained," Chopra said on his YouTube channel."I think Rohit Sharma has played his last match for the Mumbai Indians, whether he doesn't want to be retained or the franchise lets him go," he added. "Either way, I see them parting ways. I don't think you will be seeing Rohit Sharma in the Mumbai Indians jersey again. That's just my understanding. I might be wrong, but I feel, either which way, Rohit Sharma will not be playing for the Mumbai Indians when you start the next season."Rohit's next assignment will be to lead the Indian cricket team in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. India will face Ireland in their tournament opener on June 5.

England's IPL Absence: A Blessing or a Curse Ahead of T20 World Cup?England's decision to withdraw their players from the IPL 2024 playoffs to prepare for the series against Pakistan has sparked a debate among cricket pundits. Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized the England Cricket Board (ECB), arguing that the IPL would have provided better preparation than facing Pakistan.However, former England captain Nasser Hussain has praised the IPL for its role in developing players for big games. "They're a very balanced side, they've played in a lot of big games," Hussain said on Sky Sports. "We don't talk enough about the IPL and how that obviously sets you up as a cricketer but also sets you up in big games. And under pressure and big crowds and that's what you need going into a World Cup."Hussain believes that England's IPL experience will be crucial in the upcoming T20 World Cup. "They've done all that they could do," he said. "They've just got to be better than they were at that 50-over World Cup. They went into that with a lot of hope and it didn't start well and they didn't react well. So they need to have a Plan B."Despite their IPL absence, Hussain believes England are well-prepared for the T20 World Cup. "They're in a real good place," he said. "They just got to go and do it."

Gautam Gambhir, the former India opener, is widely expected to be appointed as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid. While an official announcement is yet to be made, experts believe that Gambhir possesses the qualities necessary to lead the team to success.Gambhir's recent success as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has further enhanced his credentials. Under his guidance, KKR won the IPL title in 2024, adding to his previous triumphs as captain in 2012 and 2014.Former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who retired after IPL 2024, praised Gambhir's coaching abilities. "He has been at the helm, taken all the decisions (for KKR), be it sending (Sunil) Narine opening or getting Mitchell Starc in the auction," said Karthik. "He has that fire in him."Gambhir's track record as a player and coach reflects his winning mentality. He was part of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Karthik believes that Gambhir's experience and leadership qualities would be invaluable to the Indian team."India would do very well under him because I feel he has that fire that is required," said Karthik. "He will infuse that winning culture he has infused here (at KKR)."Former New Zealand pace bowler Simon Doull also endorsed Gambhir's potential as India coach. "He is a tough character, but I think he is very fair character and I think he'll do a great job if he were to take over," said Doull.Gambhir's tenure as India coach is expected to begin after the T20 World Cup in June. If appointed, he will be tasked with guiding the team to success in major tournaments, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is embarking on a bold initiative to privatize the Hundred, its flagship franchise league, with the aim of elevating it to the status of the world's second-largest after the Indian Premier League (IPL). The board has appointed financial advisors and legal counsel to facilitate the sale process, which is targeted for completion by the end of 2023.The counties have expressed their support for the ECB's proposed "direction of travel," recognizing the potential financial benefits of selling stakes in the eight Hundred teams to private investors. The ECB currently owns all the teams, but the sale is expected to attract interest from IPL owners and private equity firms.The proceeds from the sale will be distributed in a structured manner. Initially, the ECB will transfer 51% of the shares in each team to the host counties, who will then decide whether to retain all, some, or none of their stakes. The ECB will then sell its remaining 49% stake, with 10% allocated to the recreational game in England and Wales.The remaining proceeds will be shared among the counties, with the first £275 million distributed equally among all 19 first-class counties and MCC. The next £150 million will be shared among the 11 non-host counties, and any proceeds exceeding £425 million will be distributed equally among all 19 counties.Vikram Banerjee, the ECB's director of business operations, emphasized the transformative potential of the privatization move. "We have identified this moment as the opportunity to take the Hundred to the next level while capitalizing on the global interest in the competition to underpin the structure of the whole domestic game," he said.The ECB believes that the Hundred will play a crucial role in the future of cricket in England and Wales. The board is seeking strategic partners with the expertise to elevate the competition and ensure that the benefits extend to all levels of the sport.The Raine Group, which has advised on recent sales processes at Chelsea and Manchester United, will lead the search for investors and negotiate the terms of investment. Deloitte will provide strategic advice, while Latham & Watkins and Onside Law will serve as legal co-counsel.The Hundred will run from July 23 to August 18 this year, and the ECB hopes to showcase the competition's potential to prospective investors. However, the first six days of the season will overlap with Major League Cricket, which could impact the availability of overseas players.

Former Pakistan cricket star Kamran Akmal has endorsed Michael Vaughan's controversial statement that the Indian Premier League (IPL) offers a superior playing experience to facing Pakistan. Vaughan's comments sparked a debate about the state of Pakistan cricket, with Akmal acknowledging the team's recent struggles.Akmal expressed his agreement with Vaughan, citing Pakistan's disappointing performances against weaker opponents. He emphasized that the IPL provides a more challenging and competitive environment, featuring top-quality bowlers and batters. Akmal believes that Pakistan should use Vaughan's criticism as motivation to improve their performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup.Akmal also criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its handling of the team, suggesting that it has contributed to the current state of affairs. He urged the PCB to take steps to revamp the system and restore Pakistan's competitiveness.Akmal's comments highlight the growing concern over the decline of Pakistan cricket. The team has struggled to maintain its former glory, losing to teams it would have once easily defeated. Vaughan's statement has reignited the debate about the quality of Pakistan cricket and the need for urgent action.Pakistan's upcoming T20 series against England will be a crucial test for the team. A strong performance could silence critics and restore confidence, while a poor showing could further damage the team's reputation. Akmal's call for motivation and the PCB's need to address the team's weaknesses will be key factors in determining Pakistan's future success.

Pakistan Players' Reaction to IPL Final Sparks Online DebateThe Pakistan cricket team's recent tour of England has sparked a heated online debate after a video emerged showing the players walking past a television airing the Indian Premier League (IPL) final. The video has ignited a war of words between fans from India and Pakistan, with some expressing resentment over Pakistan players' absence from the lucrative league.Strained relations between the two countries have prevented Pakistani players from participating in the IPL for several years. This has led to frustration among some Pakistani fans, who believe their players are missing out on a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills and earn substantial financial rewards.In the viral video, Pakistan players can be seen walking through a lounge as the IPL final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad plays on a television in the background. The players appear to ignore the match, leading some Pakistani fans to claim that they "ignored the IPL final."This has sparked a backlash from Indian fans, who have accused Pakistan players of being disrespectful towards the IPL. Some members of the Pakistani media have also joined in the fray, poking fun at the league's popularity.However, the IPL remains the most popular and competitive T20 league in the world, attracting top players from around the globe. Pakistan has its own T20 franchise tournament, the Pakistan Super League, but it has not yet achieved the same level of recognition or financial success as the IPL.The online debate highlights the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket. While the two countries have not played a bilateral series since 2012, their fans remain fiercely passionate about the sport and eager to engage in friendly banter.