Cricket

Bangladesh's chief selector, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, has expressed confidence in the 15-member squad selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite their recent series loss to the United States. The team has been finalized ahead of the ICC's May 25 deadline for submitting final squads.After consulting with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, Hossain stated, "We are hoping they do well in the T20 World Cup. We are keeping faith in the existing squad." He acknowledged the team's disappointing start to the tour but emphasized the need to move forward.The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also called up 21 players for the Bangladesh Tigers' training camp from May 26. Six of these players are designated as T20 World Cup reserves, including Mohammad Saifuddin, who has opted out for the first two weeks due to a family emergency.Hossain explained that the camp aims to prepare players for white-ball cricket and provide replacements in case of emergencies. He highlighted the importance of having specialists for opening batting, stating that "facing the new ball is a challenge everywhere."Regarding the team's opening batting combination, Hossain expressed confidence in finding suitable options from those who performed well in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He also provided an update on Taskin Ahmed's recovery from a side strain, indicating that he could resume full training by June 5.Bangladesh's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 7 against Sri Lanka in Dallas. They will also face South Africa, Netherlands, and Nepal in the group stage. Prior to the main tournament, they will play warm-up matches against the United States and India.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has unveiled his ideal Team India squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, slated to be announced by May 1. In a video shared by Star Sports, Pathan meticulously outlined his lineup, providing insightful justifications for his choices.Batting Order:Pathan's batting order preferences begin with captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers. The middle order comprises Virat Kohli at No. 3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4. For the crucial No. 5 and No. 6 slots, Pathan suggests Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), and Shivam Dube.Lower Middle Order and Spinners:The lower middle order, according to Pathan, should feature Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is a certainty, while Ravi Bishnoi is preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal due to his superior fielding abilities.Pace Bowling Unit:Pathan's pace bowling unit is led by Jasprit Bumrah, followed by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.Extra Batter Dilemma:Regarding the inclusion of an extra batter, Pathan suggests a choice between Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson. The decision will depend on whether the team opts for an additional batter or an extra wicketkeeper.Pathan's Ideal Squad:Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson.

England's T20 World Cup squad selection faces a dilemma as Jamie Overton's back injury casts doubt over his availability. The Surrey allrounder, who has impressed as a short-format allrounder, was expected to receive his maiden T20I call-up. However, an inconclusive scan has left his injury status uncertain.Overton's absence from Surrey's recent County Championship fixtures has raised concerns. He is scheduled for another scan in two weeks, but England's provisional squad for the T20 World Cup must be submitted by May 1.The selection panel, led by Rob Key, will meet soon to finalize the 15-man squad. Ben Duckett is a contender for the spare batter role, while Tom Hartley is likely to be the second spinner ahead of Rehan Ahmed.Jofra Archer is expected to be included in the provisional squad and given a chance to prove his fitness against Pakistan. Chris Jordan, who was omitted from the squad that lost to West Indies in December, could also be recalled due to Overton's injury.The identity of England's wicketkeeper is another topic for discussion. Jos Buttler's captaincy duties may make it challenging for him to keep wicket, especially with the ICC's new fielding penalties for slow over-rates. Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow are potential alternatives.The ECB has not yet clarified whether England players will be allowed to participate in the IPL knockout stages if their franchises qualify. This could impact the availability of players like Buttler for the start of the Pakistan series.England's squad announcement is expected on Tuesday morning. They have until May 25 to make changes, but they will aim to avoid a repeat of last year's World Cup debacle when Harry Brook was added to the squad at the last minute.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies from June 2 to 29. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad before the end of this month.Former Indian players have been weighing in on the potential squad, with some surprising omissions and inclusions. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has included Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya in his squad, but only if he is bowling regularly. Pathan emphasized that Pandya's batting prowess is undeniable, but his bowling effectiveness is equally important.Pathan's squad also features under-fire Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, but on one condition. Pathan emphasized that Pandya's inclusion depends on his bowling fitness, given his undeniable batting prowess. However, the effectiveness of his bowling holds equal significance; if he isn't consistently and effectively bowling, the team's composition warrants a reassessment."My squad for the World Cup. 1) Rohit Sharma (C)2) Yashasvi Jaiswal 3) Virat Kohli4) Surya Kumar Yadav 5) Rishabh pant (wk)6) Shivam Dube7) Hardik Pandya provided he is bowling regularly8)Rinku singh 9)Ravindra jadeja10) Kuldeep Yadav 11)Jasprit Bumrah 12)Arshdeep singh 13)Mohammed Siraj 14)Ravi Bishnoi/Yuzi chahal 15) shubhman gill/ sanju Samson Travelling reserves. 2 Fast bowlers, wicket keeper, batsman." Pathan posted his squad on X.— IrfanPathan (@IrfanPathan)Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu, who is among the Star Sports experts panel, also picked his Team India squad for the T20 World Cup. Surprisingly, Rayudu's squad includes only one allrounder in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, while also featuring young pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who is nursing an injury.For the middle-order batting slots up for grabs, Rayudu went ahead with the in-form players Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube, while preferring veteran Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant in the wicketkeeper-batsman's role. He also ignored KL Rahul, who has been doing well for Lucknow Super Giants in the role of 'keeper-batsman.Ambati Rayudu's India squad for T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav