Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating the retention of two significant playing conditions from the previous domestic and Indian Premier League (IPL) season: the two-bouncer clause and the Impact Player rule.Two-Bouncer Clause:Introduced last season in domestic cricket and the IPL, the two-bouncer rule allows bowlers to deliver a second bouncer in an over. While initially welcomed by the cricketing community, the BCCI is now reviewing its implementation. The rule's impact on the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the men's Twenty20 inter-state competition, is being considered.Impact Player Rule:The Impact Player rule, which permits teams to substitute a player during an innings, remains a contentious topic. While former cricketer Zaheer Khan supports the rule, many players and coaches have expressed reservations. The BCCI is yet to make a decision on its inclusion in the SMAT.BCCI's Delay in Sharing Playing Conditions:Despite assurances, the BCCI has delayed sharing the playing conditions for the SMAT. State associations are still awaiting confirmation on the two rules, which could impact their continuation in the IPL.Key Points:* The BCCI is reviewing the two-bouncer clause and Impact Player rule.* The decision on these rules for the SMAT will influence their inclusion in the IPL.* The BCCI has not yet released the playing conditions for the SMAT.* Zaheer Khan supports the Impact Player rule, while others have expressed concerns.

Team India's Concerns Over Nassau Stadium Conditions Ahead of T20 World CupTeam India's head coach Rahul Dravid has expressed concerns over the playing conditions at the Nassau Stadium in New York, where the team will play three of their four group stage matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup.After their only warm-up game against Bangladesh at the venue on Saturday, Dravid shared his assessment of the conditions, pointing out that the ground was a bit soft and the pitch a bit spongy. He feared injury concerns and asked players to be watchful while playing at the new venue."The ground is a little bit soft. So I think the guys will feel that a little bit tomorrow on the hamstring and calves, so it is an area we have to ensure we are working around and ensure that the guys are looking after themselves because it does feel a little bit heavy underneath," Dravid said in a video posted by BCCI."Little bit spongy at times but I thought we coped really well. I thought we managed that really well. We batted and put what we thought was an above par score on that wicket. Then came out and bowled really well," he added.India will play against Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States at the Nassau Stadium on June 5, 9, and 12, respectively, before moving to Florida for their final Group A game against Canada on June 15.In the warm-up game against Bangladesh, India batted really well on a tricky track to post 182 for five. While keeper-batter Rishabh Pant fired a 32-ball 53 before retiring, all-rounder Hardik Pandya hit an unbeaten 23-ball 40 to lift India to a solid total. Bowlers then fired in unison to stop Bangladesh at 122 for 9 in their 20 overs.Dravid's concerns stem from the fact that the Nassau Stadium is a newly built facility, and the playing surface may not have settled yet. He will be hoping that the conditions improve before India's first group stage match against Ireland on June 5.