Cricket

The inaugural World Championship of Legends (WCL) is set to ignite the cricketing world in July, bringing together legendary players from around the globe. Among them, the India Champions team, led by the iconic Yuvraj Singh, will showcase their exceptional skills on the hallowed grounds of England.The WCL, backed by the prestigious England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), aims to provide a credible platform for cricket legends to extend their careers and reignite their passion for the sport. The India Champions squad, unveiled in New Delhi, boasts an impressive roster of former World Cup winners and T20 champions, including Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, RP Singh, and Rahul Sharma.The team's owners, Salman Ahmed, Sumant Bahl, and Jaspal Bahra, expressed their pride in owning the India Champions and their commitment to delivering a cricketing spectacle that celebrates India's rich cricketing heritage. They believe the WCL will provide a unique opportunity for senior cricketers to showcase their skills and inspire future generations.Captain Yuvraj Singh, known for his explosive batting and match-winning performances, expressed his excitement to represent India Champions and play in England once more. He recalled the unforgettable emotions of the NatWest Finals and looked forward to the enthusiastic atmosphere and passionate fans that make playing in the UK a memorable experience.Suresh Raina, unveiling the team jersey, emphasized the inspiring legacy of Indian cricket and the profound sense of nostalgia and passion that England evokes within the squad. He stated that the team's objective is to exhibit cricketing excellence and reaffirm their position as champions and ambassadors of Indian cricket.The India Champions squad is a formidable force, featuring a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Irfan Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, and Dhawal Kulkarni complete the 15-member team.The WCL aims to rekindle the nostalgia of past clashes between top international teams and promises to bring the summers early to England with its star-studded lineup. The league will feature legendary players like Bret Lee, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Shahid Afridi, and Jacques Kallis, ensuring an unforgettable cricketing spectacle.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has revealed that he had a conversation with Suresh Raina regarding Raina's social media post that took a dig at Afridi. The post was made after Afridi was announced as an ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.In the post, a Twitter user wrote, "ICC has named Shahid Afridi as ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina." Raina responded by saying, "I'm not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you."Afridi addressed the post on his YouTube channel, stating that he had spoken to Raina about it and that everything was fine between them. "Suresh Raina and I have shared many cricketing moments, and he's a good person," Afridi said. "Sometimes, lighthearted banter happens. After seeing his post on social media, I spoke with him, and he understood the situation like a younger brother. He agreed to delete the tweet. It's all good; these things happen. Great individuals acknowledge and rectify their mistakes."Earlier, Raina had taken a humorous dig at Afridi during the IPL 2024 while answering a question from commentator Aakash Chopra. When asked if he had any plans to reverse his retirement decision, Raina joked, "I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi."Afridi's appointment as an ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2024 places him alongside other notable ambassadors such as Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt. Afridi has been a key figure in Pakistan's T20 World Cup history, playing a pivotal role in their journey to the final in the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their triumph in the 2009 edition.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina and Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi have engaged in a playful banter over Raina's retirement and Afridi's appointment as an ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup.During an IPL commentary stint, Raina had quipped, "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi," when asked about a potential comeback. Afridi remained silent, but a Pakistani fan recently reminded Raina of his remarks."ICC has named Shahid Afridi as ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina?" the fan posted on Twitter.Raina responded with a cheeky reminder of India's victory over Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup final. "I'm not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you," he tweeted.Afridi, who played a crucial role in Pakistan's T20 World Cup triumph in 2009, joins an illustrious group of ambassadors for the tournament, including Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt."The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart," said Afridi. "I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter."Raina's witty response and Afridi's enthusiasm for the T20 World Cup have sparked a friendly rivalry between the two former cricketers. Their banter has also highlighted the enduring passion for the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, which remains one of the most intense and captivating in the world.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has advised Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to stick to their batting-first strategy in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday. Raina believes that SRH's captain, Pat Cummins, will play a crucial role in the match due to his recent success in winning the ODI World Cup.Raina emphasized the importance of SRH's batting lineup putting up a strong total on the board. He also highlighted the significance of the eight overs of spin bowling that SRH will have at their disposal. Raina believes that KKR's experience of winning an IPL title in Chennai will add pressure to the SRH team.However, Raina pointed out that Cummins' leadership skills and experience in winning major tournaments will be invaluable for SRH. He believes that Cummins' ability to keep the dressing room focused and organized will be key to the team's success.KKR finished the league stage at the top of the points table, earning a direct spot in the final after defeating SRH in the qualifier one. SRH, on the other hand, secured their place in the final by defeating Rajasthan Royals in the qualifier two.

Suresh Raina, the former Indian cricketer, recently engaged in a witty exchange with a Pakistani journalist who attempted to troll him over his comments on Shahid Afridi. The journalist's post on social media, which referenced Afridi's appointment as an ICC ambassador for the 2024 T20 World Cup, prompted Raina to deliver a savage response.Raina, known for his quick wit, reminded the journalist of India's victory over Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semifinal, which was played in Mohali. "I'm not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you," Raina tweeted.The exchange stemmed from Raina's commentary duties on Jio Cinema, where he was asked by Aakash Chopra if he had any plans to revoke his retirement. Raina's cheeky response, "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi," referencing Afridi's multiple retirements, left the commentary box in splits.Raina, who announced his retirement from international cricket alongside MS Dhoni in 2020, has since been active in commentary. He retired from the IPL after the 2021 season, when CSK won their fourth title.Raina's response to the Pakistani journalist's troll attempt has garnered praise from fans and fellow cricketers alike. It highlights his sharp wit and his unwavering pride in his achievements with the Indian cricket team.

The India-Pakistan rivalry extends beyond the cricket field, with off-field banter and mischief adding to the intensity. Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recently took a playful jab at Pakistani great Shahid Afridi during the IPL commentary.When asked if he would consider coming out of retirement, Raina quipped, "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi." The comment drew laughter from fellow commentators, referring to Afridi's history of retiring and then making U-turns.Meanwhile, Pakistan is reportedly in talks with West Indies legend Viv Richards to serve as team mentor for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Richards' vast experience and knowledge of Caribbean conditions make him an attractive candidate.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen to secure Richards' services, despite his existing media commitments. The move is inspired by Richards' successful stint as a mentor for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.Pakistan has undergone a significant revamp of its white-ball setup since the departure of former director of cricket Mohammad Hafeez. Former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was recently appointed as head coach for limited-overs cricket.Kirsten, who guided India to the 2011 World Cup victory, will aim to inspire Pakistan to similar success. The team's upcoming four-match T20I series against England will serve as preparation for the World Cup.

Suresh Raina's Witty Response to Retirement Query Sparks LaughterFormer Indian cricketer Suresh Raina showcased his quick wit during the Qualifier 1 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. While providing Hindi commentary for Jio Cinema, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra inquired if Raina had any plans to reconsider his retirement, given his relatively young age of 37.Raina's response was met with laughter in the commentary box. "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi" (I am Suresh Raina, not Shahid Afridi), he quipped, referencing the multiple retirements of former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi.Raina announced his retirement from international cricket alongside MS Dhoni in 2020 and from the IPL after the 2021 season, when CSK won their fourth title. Since then, he has been actively involved in commentary.Recently, Raina shared a heartwarming moment with former India teammate Virat Kohli during an interaction on JioCinema at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of an IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and CSK. The meeting recalled a pivotal moment in Kohli's early career during the 2008 Emerging Players Tournament in Australia.Initially left out of the playing XI by coach Pravin Amre, Kohli was recommended by Raina after witnessing his potential in the nets. Kohli recounted, "Raina saw me playing in the nets and asked Amre sir why I wasn't playing. Raina insisted I should be played, so I got a chance to open against New Zealand and scored 120 not out. This probably convinced Dilip Vengsarkar sir, the selector. I scored 120 not out, and he probably decided then and there that I should be given further opportunities," acknowledging Raina's role in his early career.Raina's witty response and his contribution to Virat Kohli's career highlight his enduring presence in the cricketing world, even after his retirement from playing.

Shah Rukh Khan's Heartwarming Gesture After Unintentional Interruption of CommentatorsDuring the post-match celebrations of Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) emphatic victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024, co-owner Shah Rukh Khan inadvertently interrupted commentators Suresh Raina, Akaash Chopra, and Parthiv Patel during their on-field broadcast.As KKR secured a resounding eight-wicket triumph, a jubilant Shah Rukh embarked on a lap of honor to acknowledge the cheering fans. However, in his excitement, he unknowingly crossed paths with the commentators, who were providing their analysis of the game.The momentary interruption was met with a heartwarming gesture from Shah Rukh. Realizing his mistake, he immediately apologized and embraced Chopra, acknowledging the inconvenience he had caused.Shah Rukh's genuine remorse and subsequent apology were a testament to his humility and respect for the commentators. The incident highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the IPL community.Meanwhile, KKR's victory was a testament to their dominance throughout the tournament. Pacer Mitchell Starc's devastating spell in the powerplay, claiming three wickets, set the tone for their bowling performance. Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure, with only Rahul Tripathi and Heinrich Klaasen offering significant resistance.In response, KKR's openers, Venkatesh Iyer and skipper Shreyas Iyer, put on an unbeaten partnership to guide their team to victory in just 13.4 overs. Iyer's 58 not out and Iyer's 51 not out showcased their exceptional batting skills and composure under pressure.With this win, KKR secured their place in the IPL 2024 final, marking their fourth appearance in the championship match. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, will have one more opportunity to reach the final when they face the winner of the Eliminator in Chennai on Friday.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, recently shared his journey to international stardom, highlighting the pivotal roles played by Dilip Vengsarkar and Suresh Raina.During the 2008 Emerging Players tournament in Australia, Kohli's career took a significant turn. Despite initial struggles, Raina's intervention as captain led to Kohli's promotion to the opening spot. This decision proved transformative, as Kohli scored a century and caught the attention of then-chief selector Vengsarkar.Vengsarkar's belief in Kohli's potential paved the way for his international debut in 2008. However, it was the 2009 Emerging Players tournament that solidified Kohli's place in the Indian team. He emerged as the tournament's top scorer, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess.Kohli also reflected on two major setbacks in his career: the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup and the IPL final. The loss in the World Cup left him emotionally drained, while the IPL final defeat was particularly agonizing given their dominant position in the chase.Despite these setbacks, 2016 marked Kohli's peak as a batsman. He amassed over 2,500 runs in international matches, including seven centuries and 13 fifties. In the T20 World Cup, he was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance.Kohli's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and seizing opportunities. His unwavering determination and the support of key figures have shaped his remarkable career.