Cricket

Virat Kohli's Hilarious Remark Lightens Mood During India-Bangladesh TestIndian batting maestro Virat Kohli injected a dose of humor into the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai with a hilarious remark aimed at Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.Kohli found himself at the crease early in India's second innings, just like the first, after the hosts lost two quick wickets. However, his stay was brief, as he was dismissed for 17 runs by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.The incident occurred during India's second innings when Kohli was at the non-striker's end. The stump mic captured Kohli humorously referring to Shakib as 'Malinga,' a nod to the former Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga, who was famous for his exceptional yorkers."Tu Malinga bana hua hai, Yorker pe Yorker de raha hai!" Kohli joked, as Shakib consistently delivered a series of effective yorkers.Kohli's remark not only showcased his wit but also highlighted Shakib's impressive bowling performance, reminiscent of the legendary Malinga known for his deadly yorkers.Shakib, who has been a standout player for Bangladesh, took the comment in good humor, reflecting the sportsmanship that characterises cricket.Kohli's early dismissal was a setback for India, but his hilarious remark provided a light-hearted moment in an otherwise tense match. The incident also highlighted the camaraderie between the two players, who have faced each other on numerous occasions in international cricket.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's peculiar habit of biting on a mysterious thread attached to his helmet during the first Test against India in Chennai has sparked curiosity among fans and commentators alike.Shakib's unusual behavior was first noticed on Day 2 of the match, as he came out to bat with Bangladesh struggling at 4/4. The experienced batter began his innings with a couple of boundaries, but it was the helmet string that caught everyone's attention.Social media users quickly shared images of Shakib biting on the thread, speculating about its purpose. Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who was commentating on the match, shed light on the reason behind Shakib's habit.According to Karthik, who learned about it from former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal, the string helps Shakib keep his head straight and prevents it from dropping towards the leg side. Shakib has previously struggled with vision problems and has consulted an ophthalmologist in London.Karthik also mentioned that Shakib has been seen biting his jersey during the Global T20 Canada. This suggests that the thread-biting habit may be a way for Shakib to cope with his eye issues.Shakib's determination to overcome his vision problems is evident in his efforts to find solutions. The thread-biting habit may seem unconventional, but it demonstrates his commitment to addressing his challenges and improving his performance on the field.

Somerset's Tom Banton showcased his exceptional batting prowess on the opening day of the Vitality County Championship Division One clash against Surrey, scoring a magnificent 132 runs. The home side, batting first at Taunton, posted a competitive 317 all out, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.Banton's innings was a masterclass in strokeplay, featuring 16 boundaries and a towering six. He formed a crucial partnership with Tom Abell (49) and James Rew (38), guiding Somerset to a solid position. However, Surrey's bowlers fought back with the second new ball, led by Bangladesh spinner Shakib Al Hasan (4-92) and Dan Worrall (3-41).The match began with a setback for Somerset as Lewis Goldsworthy was dismissed for a duck. Archie Vaughan and Tom Lammonby steadied the innings, but Lammonby fell to Jordan Clark. Vaughan, despite a slow start, played with composure, reaching 44 at lunch.After the break, Worrall removed Vaughan, and Shakib claimed the wicket of Abell. Banton and Rew then flourished, taking the score to 197 for 4 at tea. Banton reached his century off 132 balls, while Rew contributed a valuable 35.The introduction of the second new ball proved decisive for Surrey. Worrall dismissed Banton and Kasey Aldridge in quick succession, while Shakib accounted for Craig Overton. Lewis Gregory and Brett Randell were also dismissed cheaply, leaving Somerset with a total of 317.Surrey's bowlers will be pleased with their fightback, but Somerset will be confident of defending their total on a pitch expected to offer increasing turn. The match is poised for an exciting conclusion over the next few days.

Surrey Cricket Club has secured the services of world-renowned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for a crucial County Championship match against Somerset. The move comes as Surrey faces a shortage of players due to England duty commitments.Shakib, a veteran of international cricket, brings a wealth of experience and exceptional skills to the Surrey squad. His arrival is expected to bolster the team's batting and bowling capabilities. Surrey's director of cricket, Alec Stewart, expressed his delight at signing Shakib, stating that it was an "easy decision" given the team's current situation.Surrey is currently in contention for a third consecutive Championship title, and Shakib's presence is seen as a significant boost to their chances. The club is missing eight players due to England duty, including spin-bowling all-rounders Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence.Shakib's signing effectively replaces Sai Sudharsan, who has returned to India for domestic commitments. For Shakib, the match provides an opportunity to gain competitive experience ahead of Bangladesh's upcoming Test series in India.In addition to Shakib, Surrey has also convinced Tom Curran to return to first-class cricket after a two-year absence. Curran had previously announced his retirement from red-ball cricket but has been included in the squad for the Somerset match.Somerset, Surrey's opponents, have also made a signing, bringing in New Zealand seamer Brett Randell on a short-term deal. Elsewhere, Lancashire has signed Trinidadian seamer Anderson Phillip for their final three Championship games as they aim to avoid relegation.

Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder from Bangladesh, is set to make a brief appearance in the English County Championship for Surrey before joining his national team for their upcoming tour of India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted Shakib a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the match against Somerset, scheduled for September 9 in Taunton.Surrey will be without their England players during that round due to the ongoing Sri Lanka Test series and the start of the Australia white-ball series. Shakib's inclusion will provide a much-needed boost to Surrey's squad.After his stint with Surrey, Shakib will fly to Chennai to join the Bangladesh team for their first Test against India, starting on September 19. The tour will also include two more Tests and three T20Is before Bangladesh returns home for a series against South Africa in October.Shakib's participation in the County Championship comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings in Bangladesh. He is among 147 people charged in connection with an alleged murder during protests in early August. However, the BCB has stated that Shakib can continue playing for Bangladesh as the investigation is still in its early stages.The ECB has the authority to withhold Shakib's registration to play in England even if he is granted a UK visa. However, Bangladesh's Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs adviser, Asif Nazrul, has expressed confidence that Shakib will not be arrested.Shakib's recent performances for Bangladesh have been impressive. He played a crucial role in their historic Test victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, taking three important wickets on the fifth day. He is also part of the ongoing second Test, which has been affected by rain.

Pakistan's cricket team, reeling from a humiliating defeat in the first Test against Bangladesh, will seek redemption in the second and final Test at Rawalpindi, starting August 30, 2024. The hosts suffered a historic 10-wicket loss in the series opener, prompting a shake-up in the squad.Marquee pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the second Test due to the birth of his son. Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to replace him in the lineup.Bangladesh, on the other hand, has received a boost with the inclusion of all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, who was initially doubtful due to an ongoing murder case against him.The second Test will be a crucial encounter for both teams. Pakistan will be desperate to avoid a series whitewash, while Bangladesh will aim to consolidate their historic victory and secure their first-ever Test series win over Pakistan.The match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting at 10:30 AM IST. It will not be telecast live in India, but fans can follow the live streaming on the TamashaWeb app and website.

Bangladesh's historic 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test of the two-match series in Rawalpindi marked a significant milestone for the team. This triumph was Bangladesh's first-ever Test win against Pakistan, a testament to their growing prowess in the international cricket arena.Amidst the series, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) faced a legal challenge regarding star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib was accused of involvement in a murder case, prompting a legal notice demanding his recall and ban from the team.The BCB initially stated that a decision on Shakib's status would be made after the first Test. However, recent reports from Cricbuzz indicate that the BCB has allowed Shakib to continue playing in the series."He [Shakib] will continue playing. We received a legal notice regarding bringing him back and we replied them saying this [that he will continue to play]," BCB president Faruque Ahmed told Prothom Alo, a leading Bengali daily.Ahmed emphasized that Shakib's guilt has not been established and that he will continue to play until proven otherwise. The BCB also expressed its intention to provide Shakib with legal assistance if necessary.Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Shakib will not return home after the Pakistan series. He is scheduled to travel to England to participate in a four-day match for Surrey. The BCB has granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for this purpose."He [Shakib] has not played red-ball cricket for a while and that is why we have given him an NOC to play for Surrey as it will help him to adjust with red-ball cricket more than anything else," a BCB official confirmed to Cricbuzz.Following his stint with Surrey, Shakib will join the Bangladesh team for the two-match Test series against India, commencing on September 19.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran all-rounder, will continue to play and represent Bangladesh until proven guilty. This decision comes despite Shakib's involvement in a First Information Report (FIR) related to a murder case amid recent unrest.Initially, BCB officials had suggested that a decision regarding Shakib's future participation would be made after the opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. However, the situation escalated legally when Shajib Mahmood Alam, a lawyer from the Supreme Court, on behalf of Advocate Md Rafinur Rahman, sent a legal notice to the BCB.The notice demanded Shakib's immediate removal from cricket, stating that according to the rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a player named in a legal case should not remain part of the national team. It also called for Shakib to aid in the investigation and urged the BCB to inform the ICC about the situation.BCB president Faruque Ahmed confirmed Shakib's continuation in an interview with Bengali daily Prothom Alo. He stated, "He [Shakib] will continue playing. We received a legal notice regarding bringing him back, and we replied to them saying this."Ahmed explained that since the FIR is in its initial stages and no guilt has been proven, Shakib will remain with the team. He added, "The Bangladesh team will go to India after the Pakistan series, and we want him in that series as well. He is our contracted player, and if necessary, we will provide him with legal assistance."Despite his legal situation, Shakib is set to meet his international and domestic commitments. He won't return to Bangladesh with the team after the Test series against Pakistan as he is scheduled to play a four-day match for Surrey in England. The BCB has granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from September 5 to 14 to participate in the County game against Somerset.A BCB official confirmed Shakib's participation to Cricbuzz, saying, "He [Shakib] has not played red-ball cricket for a while, and that is why we have given him an NOC to play for Surrey, as it will help him adjust to red-ball cricket more than anything else." The match between Surrey and Somerset is scheduled from September 9 to 12.Following his stint in county cricket, Shakib is set to rejoin the national squad in India, where Bangladesh is scheduled to play two Tests and three T20Is starting September 19.As legal proceedings continue, the BCB's stance underscores a commitment to due process while remaining focused on upcoming international fixtures.

Pakistan's cricket team suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi. The loss marks Bangladesh's maiden victory over Pakistan in five-day cricket.Bangladesh's spinners, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan, played a pivotal role in Pakistan's collapse. Mehidy claimed 4-21, while Shakib took 3-44, dismissing Pakistan for a mere 146 runs in 55.5 overs.Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled on a pitch that had been unresponsive for the first four days. However, small cracks began to appear, which Bangladesh's spinners exploited effectively. The hosts also faced criticism for not including a frontline spinner in their team.Pakistan's leading batsmen, Babar Azam and Shan Masood, failed to make significant contributions, scoring only 22 and 14 runs, respectively. First-innings century-maker Saud Shakeel was dismissed for a fourth-ball duck.Bangladesh's victory was a historic moment for the team, as it marked their first win over Australia, England, and Pakistan. The win in Rawalpindi was only their sixth in 143 Tests.Pakistan's loss has raised concerns about the fitness of fast bowler Naseem Shah, who has been criticized for his "bulging belly." Social media users have questioned his fitness and suggested that he may not be taking his training seriously.Pakistan skipper Shan Masood expressed disappointment over the loss, stating that the team did not take Bangladesh lightly but the pitch did not play as expected. Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dedicated the win to those who lost their lives in the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh.The second and final Test match of the series will be played in Rawalpindi from Friday.