Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed the demand by Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray to prioritize Mumbai as the host city for major cricket finals. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated that the board's policy dictates that the venue for finals is not solely determined by a particular city.Thackeray's request stemmed from the massive public turnout during the Indian cricket team's victory parade in Mumbai following their triumph in the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI considers various factors when selecting venues, including seating capacity and the overall distribution of matches across the country."It cannot always be given to a particular city," Shukla said. "There has been a final match -- 1987 World Cup -- in Kolkata also, and Kolkata is considered as Mecca. So it can't be decided that it should always happen in a particular city."Shukla highlighted the importance of considering the capacity of stadiums, citing the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which hosted the 2023 World Cup final with a seating capacity of 1,30,000. He also mentioned the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which can accommodate approximately 66,000 spectators."This is purely a decision keeping in mind the entire country and all the venues. You cannot confine to one venue," Shukla explained.While acknowledging the enthusiasm of Mumbai fans, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI must prioritize the interests of the entire nation. He praised the Mumbai Police for their efficient management of the victory parade and expressed the board's appreciation for the city's support."Mumbai is always on our priority list. But saying that all the finals should take place in one city... It never happens in any country," Shukla added.

Indian Cricket Team Receives Triumphant Welcome in MumbaiThe Indian cricket team, fresh from their historic T20 World Cup victory, was greeted with an outpouring of joy and adulation during their victory parade in Mumbai. The team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, paraded through the city aboard an open-top bus, waving to the throngs of fans who lined the streets.The parade commenced at Marine Drive, which was renamed "Mumbai's JAADU KI JHAPPI" by industrialist Anand Mahindra in honor of the team's triumph. The players, including star batsman Virat Kohli, proudly displayed the T20 World Cup trophy to the cheering crowd.Suryakumar Yadav, who played a pivotal role in India's victory with a match-changing catch in the final against South Africa, expressed his delight at Mahindra's suggestion. "Kya baat keh di sir," Yadav tweeted.The victory parade was a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, which culminated in India's first ICC trophy in 11 years. The team's triumph has sparked a wave of national pride and has been hailed as a major achievement for Indian cricket.

India's T20 World Cup triumph was celebrated with a grand parade in Mumbai, bringing the city to a standstill. The parade, delayed by two hours due to crowd chaos, began after Rohit Sharma and his team arrived around 5 pm on Thursday.The Wankhede Stadium, the iconic venue that witnessed India's 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, was packed with passionate fans within minutes of the gates opening. The stadium's capacity was quickly reached, forcing the authorities to close the gates around 5 pm, leaving thousands of fans outside.Inside the stadium, fans braved the rain, humidity, and a scarcity of food and water, determined to celebrate their team's victory. Despite the intermittent rain, the fans remained in their seats, entertained by a DJ playing a variety of songs, creating an atmosphere akin to a rain-dance party with speakers blaring popular anthems like "To Brazil" by Vengaboys and the unofficial sports anthem "Chak de India."The stadium erupted with chants of "Sachin… Sachin," "Mumbaicha Raja, Rohit Sharma!" and "India… India," reflecting the unwavering support and passion of the Indian cricket fans.Upon their arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport's Terminal 2, Rohit Sharma and his team received a water salute. The team then made their way to the Wankhede Stadium, where they were welcomed by the roaring crowds.Prior to the parade, the team had a breakfast meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi before flying to Mumbai at 3:42 pm, having returned from Barbados earlier that morning.The parade, which was delayed due to crowd chaos, began after Rohit Sharma and his team arrived around 5 pm on Thursday. A viral video shows quite a few slippers lost by the fans, who had gathered in large numbers to witness the victory parade. The chaos left debris and lost footwear scattered along the parade route.Despite the challenges, the parade was a fitting tribute to India's T20 World Cup victory, a moment that will be etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans for years to come.

India's T20 World Cup triumph was celebrated with an unforgettable open-top bus parade in Mumbai, where the victorious squad basked in the adoration of their ecstatic fans. Amidst the jubilant scenes, a video shared by Rishabh Pant on social media captured the raw emotions of the wicketkeeper-batsman.Pant, whose career was nearly derailed by a horrific car accident in December 2022, was visibly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. "Mazaa aa gaya (enjoyed it). Amazing feeling. Kya janta hai yaar (amazing fans)," he exclaimed, his voice choked with emotion.Pant's remarkable recovery and return to the international stage has been an inspiration to many. After undergoing multiple surgeries and a year of rehabilitation, he made a triumphant comeback in the IPL 2024. His World Cup triumph marks a significant milestone in his journey.India's victory in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. After being stranded in Bridgetown due to Hurricane 'Beryl,' the champions finally returned home to a hero's welcome.Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team in Delhi before they flew to Mumbai for the grand celebration. The felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium was a fitting tribute to the team's historic achievement.The open-top bus parade through Marine Drive showcased the immense pride and joy felt by the Indian fans. The streets were packed with a sea of supporters, waving flags and cheering for their heroes. The players, beaming with happiness, soaked in the adulation and shared their joy with the crowd.Rishabh Pant's emotional video serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of sports. His journey from adversity to triumph is an inspiration to all who face challenges in life. The T20 World Cup victory will forever be etched in the annals of Indian cricket history, and the open-top bus parade will remain an unforgettable moment for the players and fans alike.

Justin Langer, the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants, experienced a profound awakening during the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Visiting the modest one-room abode of his team's physiotherapist, Rajesh Chandrashekhar, in Mumbai's Dharavi slums, Langer was confronted with a stark contrast to the opulent lifestyle he had become accustomed to.This encounter served as a poignant reminder of the vast disparities that coexist within the city, juxtaposing the extravagance of the cricketing world with the austere living conditions of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support its success. Despite LSG's failure to make the playoffs, Langer's experience left an indelible mark on him."After a life of living what I would now define as extreme luxury, I was humbled like never before seeing how other human beings live their day-to-day lives," Langer wrote in a post for 'The Nightly.'Chandrashekhar's insistence on giving Langer a haircut sparked the transformative encounter. "At first, I thought nothing of the invitation, but as the days moved into weeks, RC kept asking me if I needed a haircut," Langer recalled.Eventually, Langer relented, and Chandrashekhar arrived at his door with clippers, scissors, and a spray bottle of water. As they chatted, Langer was captivated by Chandrashekhar's life story."His story blew me away," Langer remarked. Chandrashekhar shared his humble beginnings in the slums of Mumbai and how a lucky break as a masseur for the local football team led him to his current role."I asked him what it was like to live in the 'slums,'" Langer said. Chandrashekhar described his home as the size of the bathroom in the luxury hotel they were staying in, where he lived with his mother, father, brother, sister, and brother-in-law.Langer was astonished by the contrast. "The bathroom in this luxury hotel we were staying in was nice, but as I looked around, it was about the size of my laundry here in Perth," he said.A day before his departure from India, Langer asked Chandrashekhar to take him to his home. "You want to visit my home?" Chandrashekhar asked with surprise.Langer and his brother accompanied Chandrashekhar to his humble abode, navigating through narrow alleyways and concrete houses. "When we reached the door of RC's house, we removed our shoes and walked into the humblest abode imaginable," Langer recalled.Inside, the family's living space was a mere four by five meters, with a single mattress on legs, a tiny kitchenette, and bundles of onions and garlic under the miniature kitchen bench. Despite their limited possessions, Langer sensed a sense of contentment among the family members."What struck me about our visit to RC's house was that while they seemed to have nothing, they also had everything they really needed to be happy," Langer concluded.

Mumbai, the undisputed powerhouse of Indian domestic cricket, has reclaimed its throne as Ranji Trophy champions after an eight-year title drought. In a thrilling culmination to the tournament at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai defeated a resilient Vidarbha by 169 runs on Thursday.The victory marks Mumbai's record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title, further cementing their dominance in the tournament's history. The hosts set a daunting target of 538 runs for Vidarbha, who fought valiantly but ultimately fell short.Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar showcased remarkable resilience with his first century of the year, while Harsh Dubey contributed a vital fifty. However, Mumbai's relentless bowling attack, led by Tanush Kotian's four-wicket haul and Tushar Deshpande's crucial breakthroughs, proved too strong.Mumbai's triumph is a testament to their unwavering determination and the depth of their squad. Veteran cricketer Dhawal Kulkarni, who bid farewell to all forms of the game with the final wicket of the match, played a pivotal role in the victory.For Vidarbha, despite their commendable effort, it was a case of heartbreak as they succumbed to defeat in the Ranji Trophy final for the third time after clinching two titles.Mumbai's Ranji victory marks a triumphant return to the pinnacle of domestic cricket, ending their eight-year wait for glory. It is a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Mumbai cricket team and a testament to the talent and dedication of their players.

Mumbai's Musheer Khan has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the youngest Mumbai batsman to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final, breaking the record previously held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.The 19-year-old left-handed batsman showcased his talent and potential during the final against Vidarbha, scoring a remarkable 136 off 326 deliveries, adorned with 10 boundaries. Musheer's stellar performance played a pivotal role in propelling Mumbai to a commanding lead of over 500 runs in the final.Musheer's journey to this historic achievement has been marked by consistent performances throughout the Ranji Trophy. In the crucial semi-final encounter against Tamil Nadu, he contributed a vital 55, setting the stage for Mumbai's victory with his resilient batting.Prior to his exploits in the Ranji Trophy, Musheer showcased his talent on the international stage, delivering notable performances in the Under-19 World Cup and Youth ODIs. With an impressive track record and promising potential, Musheer Khan emerges as a bright prospect for Indian cricket, following in the footsteps of his elder brother Sarfaraz Khan, who recently made his international debut with a string of impressive performances against England.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit has heaped praise on Shreyas Iyer after the star batter's scintillating 95 for Mumbai in the second innings of the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha. Iyer, who was dismissed for just seven in the first innings, smashed 10 fours and three sixes during his whirlwind knock.Pandit, who will join forces with Iyer during IPL 2024, hailed the KKR skipper for his fearlessness and compared his knock to the World Cup semi-final century. "It was an important innings for Shreyas and he delivered it when it mattered. Although in a different format, his innings resembled the one in the World Cup semifinal here at the Wankhede against New Zealand (he had scored 105 off 70 deliveries then). He is playing good cricket and it was bad luck that he could not score big runs in the last few games," Pandit told Cricbuzz."The fact that he smashed 10 boundaries and three sixes is an indication that he is playing fearlessly and is not changing his style of play. The innings will stand him in good stead," he added.For the unversed, Iyer had smashed 105 off just 70 balls in the ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, also at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.After the Ranji Trophy final, Iyer will associate with Chandrakant Pandit at KKR, having missed the last season of IPL due to an injury.Pandit also hailed Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane for his knock in the second innings, saying that the veteran played the best knock for his side. "I liked his (Musheer) approach and his partnership with Iyer may have made things difficult for Vidrabha. But the best knock I think came from Ajinkya (73). He scored those runs when Umesh Yadav was in the midst of a good spell. Now with so many runs on the board, it will be very difficult for Vidarbha," he concluded.

Mumbai's dominance in the Ranji Trophy final has left Vidarbha facing an insurmountable task. After Mumbai's batting collapse on Monday, Vidarbha's batters failed to capitalize on Tuesday, leaving them with a daunting target of 528 runs.Experts believe that "big stage anxiety" has played a significant role in Vidarbha's underwhelming performance. Chandrakant Pandit and Sulakshan Kulkarni, former Vidarbha coaches, attribute the team's struggles to the pressure of playing in a high-stakes final."Players know that it's not often that one gets such a big stage," said Pandit. "At the back of the mind, players keep thinking about all this. This leads to anxiety and eventually numb nerves."Kulkarni echoed Pandit's assessment, stating that Vidarbha appeared "overawed by the big stage." He also criticized the team's decision to not bat first, which he believes deprived their bowlers of much-needed rest."On Day 1, it was a good pitch for batting," said Kulkarni. "Batting first would have given the Vidarbha bowlers more time to rest."Vidarbha's plan throughout the season has been to bat first and post a big total, but they deviated from this strategy in the final. Kulkarni believes this was a mistake, as it put additional pressure on their bowlers."They made a great comeback after being bowled out for 170 in the first innings against MP in the semifinal," said Kulkarni. "Even more reason they should have batted first here too."With Mumbai's bowlers in top form, Vidarbha's chances of chasing down the target appear slim. The team will need a historic effort to overcome the deficit and claim their first Ranji Trophy title.