Cricket

Chamari Athapaththu, the enigmatic Sri Lankan cricket captain, has put an end to speculation about her international retirement, confirming her intention to lead her team until at least next year's ODI World Cup.Athapaththu, 34, has been a cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket for over a decade, amassing an impressive record as both a batter and a leader. Her recent performances at the Asia Cup, where she emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer and guided her team to victory, have further cemented her status as one of the most influential players in the women's game.Despite hinting at a possible retirement in the past, Athapaththu has now clarified that she remains committed to representing Sri Lanka on the international stage. "Hopefully I'll still play till the next 50-over World Cup," she stated in a recent interview.This announcement is a significant boost for Sri Lankan cricket, as Athapaththu's experience and leadership will be invaluable in the team's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh and the ODI World Cup in India next year.Athapaththu's decision to continue playing is a testament to her unwavering passion for the game and her desire to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. Her presence in the team will provide stability and guidance, while her exceptional batting skills will continue to be a major asset for Sri Lanka.As Sri Lanka gears up for the challenges ahead, Chamari Athapaththu's commitment to the national team is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for both players and fans alike.

Gautam Gambhir's appointment as India's head coach has sparked speculation about the future of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players retired from T20Is after the recent World Cup, leaving their availability for future tournaments uncertain.BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Rohit will lead India in the ICC Champions Trophy and World Test Championship in 2025. However, it remains unclear whether he and Kohli will be available for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Gambhir has stated that both players are in his plans, emphasizing their experience and ability. However, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has pointed out Gambhir's previous comments suggesting that senior players would be dropped if they underperformed in the T20 World Cup.Srikkanth believes that Kohli's fitness levels could allow him to play in the 2027 World Cup, but he doubts Rohit's ability to perform at a high level at the age of 40. The tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, which could pose physical challenges for older players.The BCCI has not yet made a decision on the future of Rohit and Kohli. The selectors will likely assess their performances in the upcoming series and make a determination based on their form and fitness.

The Indian cricket team's recent triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup has overshadowed the controversy surrounding the pitch used in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. However, former India star Mohammad Kaif's allegations that the pitch was deliberately made slow have reignited the debate.Kaif claimed that Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid inspected the pitch for three days before the final and requested a slow track to counter Australia's pace attack. Former batting coach Viram Rathour, who was present for both the T20 and ODI World Cups, has now refuted these allegations.Rathour insists that the pitch was similar to those used in previous matches and that it eased out as the day progressed. He also dismissed the notion that curators operate independently of team influence."When you are moving around the pitch, you have to say just two lines - please don't put water, just reduce the grass. This happens. That is truth. And it should be done. You are playing at home," Kaif had said.Rathour's comments contradict Kaif's claims and suggest that the pitch was not deliberately altered to favor India. However, the controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the role of pitch preparation in international cricket.

India's skipper Harmanpreet Kaur emphasizes the significance of the ongoing series against South Africa in preparing for the Women's ODI World Cup next year. The series provides an opportunity for the team to adapt to different home venues and capitalize on familiar conditions.Harmanpreet highlights the importance of gaining experience on various home wickets, as India has limited experience playing at home. She believes this series will boost their confidence and provide valuable insights into the behavior of the wickets and the combinations that can be used for the World Cup.Despite the overcast weather and scattered rain forecast in Chennai, Harmanpreet remains optimistic about the Chepauk track. She notes that it is not entirely different from the wickets in Mumbai, where they played their previous two Tests. The team has been practicing for the last three days, which Harmanpreet believes will be beneficial during the match.Harmanpreet expresses confidence in the team's bowling department, which includes Arundhati Reddy, Smriti Mandhana, and herself. She acknowledges Reddy's versatility and her ability to contribute with the bat as well. Harmanpreet also indicates that she and Mandhana are willing to bowl if necessary.The Indian captain credits head coach Amol Muzumdar for helping her adapt to the Test format, despite her limited experience. She praises the BCCI for its efforts in promoting women's cricket, including the return of red-ball cricket to the domestic calendar.Harmanpreet expresses gratitude for the opportunity to play Test cricket and hopes for a positive result in the upcoming match against South Africa. She believes the team is well-prepared and eager to deliver.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Rivalry: Intensity Surpasses India-Pakistan MatchesFormer India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja, who served as Afghanistan's mentor during the 2023 ODI World Cup, has revealed that the intensity between Afghanistan and Pakistan during matches is significantly higher than that of India and Pakistan.Jadeja recalled Afghanistan's historic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the World Cup, describing the winning team's behavior as "bin piye sharaabi" (intoxicated without alcohol). Afghanistan chased down a target of 283 runs in 49 overs, securing their first-ever ODI win against Pakistan."That day, I witnessed players getting high without consuming alcohol," Jadeja said on Caught Behind.Jadeja's appointment as Afghanistan's mentor coincided with the team's historic victory. Ibrahim Zadran was named Player of the Match for his 87-run knock off 113 balls."When friends asked me how I felt, I told them to multiply the intensity of an India-Pakistan match by 10. Everyone is surprised when they hear this," Jadeja added.Former Pakistan player Rashid Latif echoed Jadeja's sentiments, recalling a similar experience when he coached Afghanistan at the 2023 Asian Games. "After Afghanistan's victory over Pakistan, I also saw players getting high without alcohol," Latif said.In the Asian Games semi-finals, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by four wickets, chasing down a target of 116 runs with 13 balls to spare.In the ongoing T20 World Cup, Afghanistan is placed in Group C alongside West Indies, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. Pakistan, meanwhile, is in Group A with India, Ireland, Canada, and the United States.

Ajay Jadeja's selfless mentorship played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's remarkable performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup. The former Indian star declined all financial compensation from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), prioritizing the team's success over personal gain."We repeatedly offered compensation, but Jadeja refused, stating that our success was his reward," said ACB CEO Naseeb Khan.Jadeja's guidance proved invaluable as Afghanistan stunned former champions England and Pakistan, along with a formidable Bangladesh side. Their journey ended at the hands of Glenn Maxwell's double century.Jadeja's illustrious career included 196 ODIs for India, amassing 5,359 runs with six centuries and 30 half-centuries. He also played 15 Tests, scoring 576 runs.Afghanistan's head coach, Jonathan Trott, hailed Jadeja's contribution, crediting him for transforming the team from "minnows" to a respected force.Jadeja's selfless act underscores his unwavering commitment to the sport and his belief in the potential of Afghanistan's cricketers. His mentorship has left an enduring legacy, inspiring the team to strive for greater heights.

As the men's T20 World Cup concludes, preparations for the women's ODI World Cup next year are underway. South Africa, currently third in the championship table, aims to secure automatic qualification and gain experience by playing hosts India.India, as hosts, automatically qualify for the World Cup, but their ODI form has been inconsistent. After sweeping Sri Lanka and England in 2022, they tied a series in Bangladesh and lost 3-0 to Australia at home. However, they have over a year to improve their consistency.South Africa, on the other hand, faces a crucial challenge. They need to win four of their remaining six matches to secure automatic qualification. If they win fewer games, they may still qualify but will rely on other results.South Africa embarks on this journey without former coach Hilton Moreeng, who resigned in May. Assistant coach Dillon du Preez has taken over as interim coach, with Baakier Abrahams and Bongani Ndaba joining the coaching staff.Tazmin Brits returns to the South African squad after recovering from a knee injury. She will partner Laura Wolvaardt, the leading run-scorer in ODIs this year, at the top of the order.India's squad includes Jemimah Rodrigues, who missed the Bangladesh series with a back niggle. Pooja Vastrakar's availability is uncertain due to an undisclosed injury. Arundhati Reddy may be the second seamer in support of Renuka Singh if Vastrakar is unavailable.Rain could impact the series, as showers have been frequent in Bengaluru. If play is severely interrupted, it would disappoint the local crowd, who have shown strong support for women's cricket.India will look to improve their performances after disappointing showings against Australia. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur will be under scrutiny, while youngsters Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh will aim to make an impact.

Heinrich Malan, the head coach of the Ireland men's cricket team, has signed a two-year contract extension, extending his tenure until mid-2027. This decision aligns with Ireland's goal of qualifying for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa and Zimbabwe.Malan's appointment in January 2022 marked a significant shift for Ireland, as he became the first non-Irish coach to lead the national team. Under his guidance, Ireland has made notable strides, particularly in the T20 format. They have successfully qualified for the last two T20 World Cups and even defeated eventual champions England in the group stage of the 2022 edition.In February 2023, Ireland achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever Test victory against Afghanistan. This triumph showcased the team's growing competitiveness across all three formats of the game.Malan's extension comes at a crucial time for Ireland, as they prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. He will work closely with captain Paul Stirling to lead the team in this prestigious tournament."I am delighted with the extension as it provides the squad and coaching staff a great deal more certainty as we build upon the foundations we have put in place over the last two years," said Malan. "We are now a three-format squad and - despite our smaller talent pool to draw from compared to other Full Members - we have been gradually building a sustainable structure that ensures we can continue to compete and improve on all three fronts."Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director of Cricket Ireland, praised Malan's contributions to the team's development. "Over the last 18 months or so, the team has improved significantly in the T20 format which was our weakest format," said Holdsworth. "His research into what world-class looks like, and the data he has gathered around the T20 format globally, has led to the production of a blueprint for the Ireland Men's team."Ireland's players recently secured revised central contracts, including pay raises, after negotiations. This demonstrates the growing recognition of the team's achievements and the commitment to supporting their development.As Ireland embarks on the next phase of their cricketing journey, Malan's leadership and strategic planning will be crucial in guiding them towards their goal of qualifying for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team has set their sights on reaching the semi-finals of both the T20 and ODI World Cups, according to captain Chamari Athapaththu. The team has shown impressive form in recent months, winning T20I series against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa, and reaching the final of the Asian Games. They also won ODI series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and are in contention for automatic qualification for the 2025 ODI World Cup.Athapaththu's confidence stems from her team's recent performances, including her own record-breaking 195 not out against South Africa. This innings not only marked the third-highest individual score in women's ODIs but also led Sri Lanka to the highest successful chase in the format.The team's success is also attributed to the contributions of young players like Nilakshika Silva, who scored an unbeaten 50 against South Africa. Athapaththu believes that her team has the potential to achieve great things, especially if they continue to play with the same determination and skill.However, Athapaththu is also aware of the challenges ahead. Sri Lanka must perform well against West Indies and Ireland to secure a top-five finish in the Women's Championship table and qualify for the ODI World Cup. They must also navigate the T20 World Cup qualifiers in the UAE, where they are grouped with Thailand, Scotland, Uganda, and USA.Despite the challenges, Athapaththu remains optimistic about her team's chances. She is particularly excited about the prospect of seeing another Sri Lankan batter surpass her record score. She believes that such achievements can inspire the next generation of cricketers and help Sri Lanka become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.