Cricket

Mohammed Amir, the Pakistani fast bowler who served a five-year suspension and a four-year international hiatus for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, has expressed his frustration over the constant criticism he faces from former Pakistani stars.Amir, who was only 19 at the time of the scandal, was banned along with fellow pacer Mohammed Asif and former skipper Salman Butt for deliberately over-stepping at the behest of Butt. All three were briefly jailed in the UK, where fixing is a crime."I have done penance for that big mistake," Amir said. "I was banned from 2010 to 2015 and took retirement from 2020 to 2024. I have lost nine years, but I accept it all as God's will and I have moved on."Amir made a successful return to international cricket in 2017 and was a key player in Pakistan's Champions Trophy triumph over India. However, he retired from all forms of international cricket in 2020 after differences with then-PCB chief Ramiz Raja.Raja and other Pakistani players have been vocal about the Pakistan cricket establishment giving Amir a second chance after his involvement in corruption. Amir has also faced criticism for being brought out of retirement and directly given entry into the Pakistan team without playing domestic cricket."There has been a lot of criticism by some people on me and Imad being selected without playing domestic cricket," Amir said.Amir countered the criticism by pointing out that he and Imad Wasim have regularly played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which he considers a domestic tournament."I ask them what is Pakistan's premier domestic T20 event? The PSL. And both of us (Imad) have played and performed in the PSL besides appearing regularly in other leagues. So what is wrong with selecting us for the T20 format?"Amir emphasized that if the selectors had picked him and Imad for Tests or ODIs, it would have been wrong."I myself have always said players must get experience in domestic first class and other events to be considered for the national team. But in our case, we are only playing T20 cricket and our form and fitness is there for all to see."Amir also revealed that former Test captain Muhammad Hafeez had called him last year to inquire about his willingness to come out of retirement."It was nice of him (he was director of Pakistan team) and he said I could still play for Pakistan, but I told him that given the uncertainty in the cricket board and team, I would prefer to remain out of international cricket."

T20 Cricket: A Vital Force in the Evolution of the Game, Says Sourav GangulyFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has emphasized the significance of T20 cricket in the modern era, stating that it has the potential to drive the game forward. Ganguly believes that the shortened format will continue to play a crucial role in the sport's development.Speaking at the unveiling of the Bengal Pro T20 League trophy in Kolkata, Ganguly acknowledged the transformative impact of T20 cricket. "It is a great introduction to the game," he said. "Change is inevitable in everything. Many of us who started playing 2-day cricket and 4-day cricket will have to accept that T20 cricket is here to stay and it is something that will take the game forward."Ganguly highlighted the accessibility and excitement of T20 cricket, making it an ideal format for attracting new fans and showcasing the sport's dynamism. He also emphasized the importance of T20 leagues in providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience."It's (T20 Leagues) happening in every state," Ganguly said. "We are probably 5-6 years late on this. Any way of playing the sport will always be very helpful. T20 is an important part of cricket these days and this will be a huge opportunity for everyone to perform."The inaugural edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League is scheduled to commence on June 11, 2024, in Kolkata. Eight teams will compete for the coveted trophy, providing a platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their skills and contribute to the growth of the sport.

Cricket's Batting Bonanza: A Tale of Pampered Batters and Endangered BowlersIn the golden age of cricket, the game was known as a "Gentleman's Game." However, in the modern era of Twenty20 cricket, it has transformed into a "Batter's Game." The dominance of batters has become so pronounced that bowlers are facing an existential crisis.During childhood, cricket was a game of skill and strategy. The boy with the bat could not simply dismiss himself at will. However, in the current IPL, batters are pampered with fielding restrictions that make it virtually impossible for bowlers to contain them.The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a showcase for the batting carnage that has engulfed cricket. In the ongoing edition, batters have been smashing records with impunity. Will Jacks' 41-ball century for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is just one example of the batting frenzy that has gripped the tournament.The strike rates of batters have skyrocketed. Veteran M.S. Dhoni's 229.16 may be an outlier, but even top-order batters are clocking strike rates that would make a Mumbai skyscraper blush. Travis Head, for instance, has a strike rate of 193.62.This batting dominance is not a recent phenomenon. It has been a gradual process that began with Kerry Packer's introduction of pyjama cricket under lights in Australia in the late 1970s. Cricket was no longer just about its classical avatar of Tests, as limited-overs cricket, offering floodlit instant gratification, blended entertainment into sport.As marketing departments realized the appeal of cricket and its ability to attract a new generation of fans, corporates jumped in. This led to a surge in money and celebrity status for cricketers. The over-sized sunshades, low-slung caps, and wave of the hand became synonymous with the game.Branding became an integral part of cricket, and the game played along. Tests continue to exist, but ODIs and T20s have become the cash cows. The shorter the game, the more difficult it is to target a batter's weaknesses. In Tests, bowlers can use a variety of tactics, but in ODIs and T20s, they are severely restricted.The IPL has further emboldened batting units with its impact-player substitution rule. There is always one extra player to fall back upon, giving batters even more freedom to swing for the fences.The result of this batting dominance is a decline in the art of bowling. Bowlers are no longer able to express their skills and are reduced to mere cannon fodder. R. Ashwin's recent social media post about the need to save bowlers is a testament to the crisis that the bowling fraternity is facing.The IPL and other T20 leagues have created a spectacle that is entertaining but ultimately unsustainable. The constant barrage of sixes and fours may provide instant gratification, but it is eroding the fundamental principles of cricket.The game is losing its balance, and it is time for a course correction. Cricket needs to find a way to restore the equilibrium between batters and bowlers. Otherwise, the game we love will become a mere shadow of its former self.

Northamptonshire County Cricket Club has secured the services of South African top-order batter Matthew Breetzke for the upcoming Vitality T20 Blast. The 25-year-old, who has represented his country in three T20Is, will bolster the Steelbacks' batting lineup alongside Zimbabwean allrounder Sikandar Raza.Breetzke's impressive domestic T20 performances caught the attention of Northamptonshire head coach John Sadler. "Matt is a highly capable batter who will bring power, experience, and determination to our side," Sadler said. "He fits the profile of the player we were looking for as our second overseas signing."In the recently concluded SA20, Breetzke emerged as the third-highest run-scorer with 416 runs at a strike rate of 135.50 for the Durban Super Giants. He continued his prolific form in the CSA T20 Challenge, topping the run-scoring charts with 467 runs for the Warriors.Breetzke expressed his excitement about joining the Steelbacks. "I am very grateful for this opportunity," he said. "I hope to make a significant contribution both on and off the field during my time at the club."Northamptonshire's decision to sign Breetzke reflects the club's commitment to strengthening its squad for the Vitality T20 Blast. The tournament, which features some of the world's best T20 players, is a major focus for the Steelbacks.With Breetzke and Raza in their ranks, Northamptonshire will be hoping to make a deep run in the competition and challenge for the title. The Steelbacks will begin their Vitality T20 Blast campaign on May 26 against the Birmingham Bears.

T20 Cricket's Evolution: Ponting Analyzes Batting Strategies and the Impact Player RuleRicky Ponting, the esteemed coach of Delhi Capitals and former Australian cricket legend, has provided insightful commentary on the remarkable evolution of T20 cricket and the transformative shifts in batting strategies that have shaped the modern era.Ponting acknowledges the once-unthinkable possibility of 300-run scores, attributing this to the liberating effect of the impact player rule on batters. He emphasizes the abandonment of traditional settling-in periods, highlighting the immediate need to "go out and hit from ball one."The significance of strike rates has also escalated, with Ponting noting the increasing focus on achieving specific strike rates regardless of ball count. He observes that teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians employ varying approaches to anchor roles, recognizing the need for stability and explosiveness in different team compositions.Ponting initially harbored skepticism towards T20 cricket's sustainability, but he now recognizes its enduring appeal, particularly evident in the high-octane spectacle of the Indian Premier League. He applauds the fearlessness and adaptability of modern batters, emphasizing their relentless pursuit of innovation and range-hitting prowess.Ponting predicts a paradigm shift towards 250-plus scores in India, fueled by the impact player rule and evolving ground dynamics. He believes that the format will continue to evolve, with batters pushing the boundaries of innovation and entertainment.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in high-scoring matches, with the possibility of a 300-plus score in an innings becoming increasingly likely. While this may seem like a thrilling spectacle for fans, it raises concerns about the future of T20 cricket.The relentless pursuit of six-hitting, once the hallmark of T20, is now becoming commonplace. Records are broken with alarming frequency, and the element of surprise is gradually fading away. As the poet W.H. Auden observed, repetition dulls the senses and fails to create lasting memories.The IPL has been played for 17 seasons, and many batters have grown up with the format. They have honed their skills to exploit the shorter boundaries and power-friendly pitches. As a result, scores that were once considered extraordinary are now becoming routine.The impact of this scoring inflation is evident in the diminishing significance of traditional statistics. For instance, a strike rate of 311, once considered exceptional, is now merely a footnote in the context of a 27-ball 84. A new metric, "aggressive shot percentage," is emerging to measure the frequency of boundary attempts.The question arises: is the end of T20 cricket approaching? While it may be premature to declare its demise, the format is undoubtedly facing a crossroads. The relentless pursuit of high scores may eventually lead to a plateau where further progress becomes impossible.The onus now falls on the bowlers to restore balance to the game. They must find innovative ways to counter the onslaught of batters. The rule-makers may also need to consider adjustments, such as giving bowlers greater advantages or limiting the number of overs they can bowl.The future of T20 cricket depends on the ability of the bowlers to regain their dominance. If they can do so, the format can continue to thrive. However, if the batting continues to outpace the bowling, the game may lose its appeal and become a mere spectacle of six-hitting.

Chennai Super Kings Reign Supreme in T20 Cricket with Record-Breaking 200+ TotalsChennai Super Kings (CSK), the formidable Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, has etched its name in the annals of T20 cricket history by achieving the most 200+ totals in the shortest format of the game. Their remarkable feat of scoring 212/3 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 match at Chepauk marked their 35th occasion of surpassing the 200-run mark in the tournament.This extraordinary achievement is a testament to CSK's consistent batting prowess and their ability to dominate opponents with their aggressive approach. Their victory against SRH, which they secured by bowling out their rivals for just 134 runs in 18.5 overs, further solidified their status as one of the most successful teams in T20 cricket.CSK's dominance in this aspect of the game is unmatched, with Somerset, an English county cricket team, trailing behind with 34 occasions of breaching the 200-run barrier. India, the cricketing powerhouse, has also made its mark with 32 200+ totals in T20 internationals, showcasing the depth and talent of its batting lineup.Another IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has also earned a reputation for their explosive batting displays, recording 31 occasions of scoring 200 or more runs in IPL history. Bolstered by some of the game's most exciting batsmen, RCB's aggressive style has made them a perennial threat in T20 cricket.From the English county scene, Yorkshire's tally of 29 200+ totals reflects their tradition of producing talented cricketers. Yorkshire's commitment to attacking cricket has yielded impressive results, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in domestic competitions.Not to be outdone, Surrey, another prominent English county team, has amassed 28 200+ totals in T20 cricket. Surrey's blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents has consistently produced thrilling performances, making them a team capable of achieving remarkable feats with the bat.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a batsman's paradise, but the 2024 edition has taken it to unprecedented heights, according to Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins. The Australian expressed his concerns after SRH's 78-run defeat to defending champions Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday.This season has witnessed a staggering six totals exceeding 250, with 200 no longer considered a safe score. Prior to this edition, only two teams had ever breached the 250-run mark in IPL history."T20 has always favored the batters, but it has gone to a whole new level this season," Cummins said at the post-match press conference. "The way we set up, we had the best chance if we got some really aggressive batters, and that's the way to win the tournament."Cummins acknowledged the challenges faced by bowlers in the current format. "Frankly, we don't have much (bowling) options. It's not Test cricket, with the ball swinging around. There's not much sideways movement, and there's not much on the wicket either," he said."So, a lot of times, the best way to get a wicket is to try and defend. Batters are getting better at hitting the ball out and even getting confident. It challenges you as a bowler. But, if you have a big total like 270-280 and if you can go at 9.00 as a bowler and make an impact, it could be match-winning."Analyzing the reasons for SRH's loss to CSK, Cummins admitted that the team needs to improve its chasing abilities. "Hard to put a finger on it. Nothing really went (according to) to plan tonight. We're pretty well-suited to chasing, but it hasn't really come off yet. So yeah, it is something (we need) to work on," he said."There was definitely dew there; haven't seen so much at any other venue across the country. But, we failed to make the most of it, and they bowled well as well. So, it (dew) didn't really factor in this match as much as we would have liked."Cummins also highlighted the need for the middle-order to step up. "Whenever the openers have gone off (to score), it's been match-winning and crazy. In a few chases, we felt that we set up really well," he said."Different batters have stepped up throughout the tournament, and you need two or three guys to make an impact. But tonight, we never really got going, unfortunately."As for the struggles faced by bowlers this season, Cummins suggested that the drier wickets could be a contributing factor. "Haven't really seen too much of a difference with the (new) white ball. It doesn't have as much swing as before, maybe because the wickets are drier. It's a tricky format, and I don't think there's a lot with the new ball," he said.

Mohammed Siraj Laments Lack of Bowler Support in Modern T20 CricketRoyal Challengers Bangalore pacer Mohammed Siraj has expressed his frustration over the lack of assistance for bowlers in contemporary T20 cricket. He attributes the proliferation of 250-plus totals to smaller grounds and flat pitches."Nowadays, 250-260 is scored in every second match," Siraj remarked after RCB's successful chase of Gujarat Titans' 201-run target. "Earlier, 250 was a rare occurrence."Siraj emphasized the challenges faced by bowlers due to the absence of swing and the prevalence of flat wickets. "There is no help for bowlers," he said. "Bowlers can just keep playing and keep getting hit."The ongoing IPL has witnessed a surge in high-scoring matches, with the 250-run mark being breached eight times. Teams have adopted an aggressive approach, utilizing the 'Impact player' rule and exploiting the favorable batting conditions.Despite the adversity, Siraj remains determined to maintain his self-belief. "As a bowler, you have to keep the self-belief," he said. "I have seen lots of ups and downs in life, so I don't give up if 1-2 matches don't go my way."Siraj acknowledged the role of luck in T20 cricket but stressed the importance of minimizing errors. "T20 is all about luck," he said. "I keep working on my flaws during training."Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudharsan admitted that his team needs to win all remaining matches to qualify for the playoffs. "Winning all the games is the only possibility which we can see," he said.Sudharsan praised the RCB batters for their clinical chase, attributing it to the improved pitch conditions. "The wicket got a little better under the lights," he said.