Cricket

With the ICC Champions Trophy looming on the horizon, concerns linger over Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness in the 50-over format. Despite his impressive performances in T20 cricket, Pandya's endurance in longer formats remains a question mark.Sources within the BCCI have revealed that Pandya's fitness will be closely monitored in domestic cricket over the next few months. The all-rounder has requested a break from the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka, citing personal reasons. However, his bowling workload will be under scrutiny in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year."While he has done exceptionally well bowling just four overs in T20 cricket after returning from his injury, Hardik hasn't been tested in longer formats. His endurance needs to be monitored," a BCCI source told TOI.Pandya's selection for ODIs is not guaranteed if he lacks the stamina to bowl longer spells. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir have expressed reservations about handing him a leadership role due to his uncertain availability.Suryakumar Yadav was appointed captain for the T20Is in Sri Lanka, while Pandya was stripped of his ODI vice-captaincy, which was given to Shubman Gill."Hardik's batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup, but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs," the source added.Pandya's injury history has been a concern, with his India comebacks often coinciding with ICC tournaments. He lost his place in T20 cricket after the 2021 T20 World Cup due to his inability to bowl at full throttle.With only six ODIs remaining before the Champions Trophy, the BCCI is keen to ensure that Pandya is fully fit and ready to contribute with both bat and ball. His workload will be carefully managed to avoid any setbacks that could jeopardize his participation in the prestigious tournament.

Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the captain of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27. However, Pandya will not participate in the subsequent ODI series in August due to personal reasons.According to sources, Pandya has already informed regular skipper Rohit Sharma of his decision. Sharma is also taking a break from the series. An official confirmed Pandya's decision, emphasizing that his absence from the ODIs is solely due to personal reasons and not related to any fitness issues.With Pandya unavailable for the ODIs, the leadership role could be assigned to either KL Rahul or Shubman Gill. Rahul previously led India in the ODI series in South Africa, while Gill recently captained the team to a 4-1 series victory over Zimbabwe.A senior BCCI source stated, "Hardik Pandya was India's T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and will lead the side."Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup. The T20Is against Sri Lanka will be played from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, while the ODIs are scheduled from August 2 to 7 in Colombo.The squad for the series is expected to be announced shortly. This series marks the beginning of the Gautam Gambhir era in Indian cricket, with the new head coach's input expected to influence the team's leadership and composition.

South Africa's women's cricket team will embark on a comprehensive tour of India, featuring a three-match ODI series, a one-off Test, and a three-match T20I series. The tour will commence with a warm-up match against a Board President's XI side in Bengaluru on June 13.The ODI series will follow, with matches scheduled for June 16, 19, and 23, all to be played in Bengaluru. The one-off Test will take place in Chennai from June 28 to July 1, marking India's third Test match in seven months. The T20I series will conclude the tour, with matches scheduled for July 5, 7, and 9, also in Chennai.The inclusion of the one-off Test is a significant development, as it was not originally part of the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have been actively promoting women's Test cricket. This will be South Africa's second Test match since their return to the format in 2022, while India will be playing their third Test in the past year.The tour is strategically designed to provide continuity in formats ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be held in Bangladesh in September-October. By playing the T20Is at the end of the tour, both teams can maintain their focus on the shortest format.In addition to the international matches, the BCCI has also reintroduced a red-ball tournament into the women's domestic calendar. The inter-zonal competition, featuring five matches, aims to provide more opportunities for women cricketers to develop their skills in the longer format.The South Africa-India women's tour promises to be an exciting and competitive series, showcasing the growing strength of women's cricket in both countries.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the national team will embark on a tour of New Zealand in 2025, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This will be the sixth series between the two nations since 2023.The tour was finalized during a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO Scott Weenink in Lahore. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand.It was agreed in principle that the tour will take place after the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. The meeting was also attended by PCB COO Salman Naseer and Director International Cricket Usman Wahla.As per the existing ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), New Zealand is also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy.New Zealand visited Pakistan twice in 2022/23 for a Test and white-ball series, while Pakistan toured New Zealand in January 2023 for a five-match T20I series.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country's interior minister, requested the NZC official to convey the secure environment in Pakistan for international cricket to other ICC members."The PCB chief spoke in reference to Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy early next year and the need for all participating nations to play in Pakistan without any concerns at all," a source said.The PCB is keen to showcase Pakistan's ability to host major international cricket events, and the upcoming Champions Trophy will be a significant opportunity to do so. The board is confident that the tour by New Zealand will further enhance the country's reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for cricket.