Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar to Grace Cricket Field Again in International Masters LeagueLegendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is set to return to the cricket field as he will participate in the inaugural International Masters League (IML), a six-team T20 competition scheduled to take place later this year across three venues in India. The IML will feature players from India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka, and will be played in Mumbai, Lucknow, and Raipur.The T20 tournament, which will be held annually, is the brainchild of Tendulkar and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who will also serve as the league commissioner. Tendulkar and Gavaskar have collaborated with PMG Sports and SPORTFIVE, a sports marketing company, to establish a new company in India to organize the league.The IML aims to provide a platform for retired cricketers to showcase their skills once again and rekindle the memories of their illustrious careers. The league will also offer fans an opportunity to witness their cricketing heroes in action once more."In the last decade, T20 cricket has accelerated its adoption and has drawn new fans into the game," said Tendulkar. "There is now a strong desire among fans across ages to re-witness age-old battles in newer formats."Gavaskar added, "The International Masters League will bring fans closer to the legends they've admired for years, offering another golden chance to watch their heroes live in action."Parties interested in participating in the league through ownership of one of the franchise teams have been invited to submit expressions of interest. The IML is expected to generate significant interest among cricket enthusiasts and provide a unique opportunity for fans to relive the golden era of cricket.

Jos Buttler, England's white-ball captain, is currently sidelined with a calf injury. Despite his absence, he has been actively involved in planning the team's future under new head coach Brendon McCullum.Buttler believes that the younger generation of cricketers, shaped by franchise-based T20 cricket, possess a fearless nature and are ready for international cricket. He attributes this to the high-intensity and competitive environment of these tournaments, which bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.The IPL's "impact player" rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, has sparked debate. However, Buttler emphasizes the importance of all-rounders, who provide balance and versatility to the team. He believes that multi-skilled players are crucial for success in modern cricket.Buttler is excited to work with McCullum, who has had a significant impact on the Test team. He acknowledges that having a single head coach across formats can provide consistent messaging, but also recognizes the need for flexibility and smart scheduling.Despite the availability of data and input from various sources, Buttler believes that the captain's role remains vital, especially in T20 cricket. He emphasizes the importance of making quick decisions on the field and managing the game effectively.

Ireland's thrilling final-ball victory in the third ODI against England has ignited a surge of optimism within the team as they prepare for the T20 leg of the tour in Dublin. Gaby Lewis, Ireland's stand-in captain, believes the momentum from their triumph will propel them to success in the shorter format.Lewis's match-winning 72 from 56 balls in the third ODI was instrumental in Ireland's narrow three-wicket victory. Despite a spirited fightback from England, led by Lauren Filer and Mady Villiers, Ireland's lower-order held their nerve to secure the win.The result may not have altered the series outcome, which England claimed 2-1, but it has instilled a sense of belief in the Irish team. After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup, the victory has provided a much-needed boost."It's huge," said Lewis. "It puts the defeat in the last game to the back of our minds. We're looking forward to bringing that positivity into these two games this weekend."The fact that Ireland prevailed in a shortened 22-over contest has further bolstered their confidence in the T20 format. "It gives us that confidence in the T20 format," said Lewis. "We're looking forward to a 2-0 series win this weekend!"England captain Kate Cross acknowledged Ireland's superiority in the third ODI but praised her team's resilience. "Ireland were the better team in that third ODI," said Cross. "But what our girls did really well was they fought to stay in the game."Cross also highlighted the learning opportunities presented by the setback, particularly for the six new caps who featured in the series. "We got a little bit of a sniff at the end of that game," said Cross. "But incidents like what happened with Hollie [Armitage's misfield] are just part of the game."England's T20I squad will feature several new faces, including Seren Smale and Charis Pavely. Katie George has also been called up as cover for Mahika Gaur, who is recovering from a side strain."Mahika is coming back from an injury," said Cross. "Katie's been added to the squad to just give us a little bit more depth in the seam attack."With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, both Ireland and England will be eager to make a statement in the upcoming matches. Ireland will be looking to continue their winning ways, while England will be determined to prove their mettle in the shorter format.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has bid farewell to T20 International cricket after leading India to victory in the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup in Barbados. Kohli's illustrious career has not only earned him a massive fan following for his on-field brilliance but also for his stylish appearance.Once known for his fiery aggression on the field, Kohli has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. His more balanced approach has made him a role model for millions of fans, highlighting the importance of discipline and fitness both in sports and life. This shift reflects a broader cultural movement towards healthier lifestyles inspired by Kohli's example.Kohli's rise to captaincy began in 2014 when he was appointed Test captain during a series against Australia. Notably, in his first match as captain, he scored a century in both innings in Adelaide. In 2017, Kohli became the full-time captain of India's white-ball cricket team, succeeding MS Dhoni. Under his leadership, the team reached the finals of the Champions Trophy and the semi-final of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.Kohli's retirement from T20 International cricket marks the end of an era. He leaves behind a legacy of five key lessons that resonate with fans and aspiring athletes alike:1. Respect the opportunity life gives you: Kohli emphasizes the importance of cherishing opportunities and making the most of them.2. Trust God's plan: Kohli believes in the divine plan and encourages others to have faith in their journey.3. Work hard and make a comeback: Kohli's resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to overcome challenges and strive for success.4. Take risks: Kohli advocates for embracing risks and stepping outside of comfort zones to achieve growth.5. The night is darkest just before dawn: Kohli reminds us that even in the face of adversity, hope and triumph can emerge.Kohli's retirement from T20 International cricket is a bittersweet moment for Indian cricket fans. While they will miss his presence on the field, they will forever cherish the memories and lessons he has imparted.

England and Australia are set to clash in a thrilling series of eight T20Is over the next 18 days, starting with the first match in Southampton. Despite a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, England boasts a strong squad with a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Australia, too, is looking to make a statement after their early exit from the World Cup.The series marks the beginning of a new era for England's T20 team, with Brendon McCullum taking over as head coach in January. Marcus Trescothick will lead the team for this series and the upcoming tour of the West Indies. Phil Salt will captain the side in the absence of the injured Jos Buttler.Australia, on the other hand, is gradually transitioning its team with an eye towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. While some Test players are missing due to the busy schedule, the squad still features a blend of experience and youth. Josh Inglis and Cameron Green impressed in the recent matches against Scotland, while Josh Hazlewood has joined the squad after recovering from a minor injury.The spotlight will be on England's Jacob Bethell, an all-rounder who has generated buzz with his performances in the T20 Blast. Australia's Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has been given the opportunity to replace David Warner at the top of the order, will be eager to prove his worth.England has confirmed its XI for the first T20I, with Bethell and Jordan Cox making their debuts. Jamie Overton will also make his T20I debut as a batter-only. Australia has not yet named its XI, but Mitchell Marsh has confirmed that Hazlewood will return after his calf niggle.The match will be played on a surface with minimal grass and some of the largest boundaries in the country, which could favor Australia. The weather forecast is fair, although chilly in the evening. The match is a sellout, and Hampshire is installing 1000 solar panels at the Utilita Bowl before the game.

South Africa's uncertainty over Quinton de Kock's international availability continues, with the star batter omitted from another T20I series. De Kock, who has not announced a complete retirement from international cricket, missed the recent T20s against West Indies and will not feature in the upcoming matches against Ireland.White-ball coach Rob Walter expressed uncertainty about de Kock's future with the national team. "I don't know, to be dead honest," Walter said. "For the next little while, there will be no conversations between myself and Quinny as to whether he wants to play for South Africa again."De Kock's absence has prompted South Africa to invest in other players, including Reeza Hendricks as an opener and Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton, and Heinrich Klaasen as wicketkeepers. However, Klaasen is currently unavailable due to personal reasons.Walter emphasized that de Kock's place in the team is not guaranteed, even if he expresses a desire to return. "There might be a conversation and also that conversation does initially mean it will lead to him being selected," Walter said. "We have to just allow him to have his space, to play league cricket and to do what he needs to do. What will become more and more important is performance."De Kock's decision to prioritize league cricket over international commitments has sparked a debate about the balance between franchise and national team obligations. South Africa's decision to allow de Kock to miss a bilateral series in the lead-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup was seen as a significant shift in their selection policy.Despite the uncertainty surrounding de Kock's future, South Africa remains focused on preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup. They will play four T20Is at home against India in November as part of their preparations.

Australia Shatters T20 Powerplay Record with Jaw-Dropping 113/1In a breathtaking display of power hitting, Australia has set a new world record for the highest-ever Powerplay score in T20 Internationals. Chasing Scotland's total of 154/9 at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, Australia unleashed an aggressive onslaught, amassing an astonishing 113/1 in just six overs.Travis Head was the architect of this explosive innings, smashing a 17-ball fifty, the joint-fastest by an Australian in T20Is. Head's brutal assault left the Scottish bowlers shell-shocked, as he raced to 80 off just 25 deliveries, striking boundaries at will. His onslaught included five fours and one six in a single over bowled by Brad Wheal, propelling Australia to this incredible milestone.Mitchell Marsh, the Australian skipper, provided excellent support, contributing 39 off 12 balls. The pair's ruthless partnership took full advantage of Scotland's inexperienced bowling attack, leaving them with no answers as the ball frequently disappeared into the stands.Australia's record-breaking Powerplay overshadowed the earlier efforts of Scotland's batters, who had posted a competitive total thanks to George Munsey and Matthew Cross's contributions. However, the Scottish bowlers were unable to contain the carnage unleashed by the Australian top order.Australia's total of 113/1 in just six overs is a testament to their fearless approach and relentless aggression, setting a new standard in the shortest format of the game. The match ended with Australia comfortably chasing down the target in just 9.4 overs, winning by seven wickets. This record-breaking Powerplay is sure to be remembered as one of the most dominant batting performances in T20 history.

Australia's T20 squad, rejuvenated after a disappointing World Cup exit, embarks on a three-match series against Scotland and England with an eye towards the 2026 event. The absence of David Warner and other senior players presents an opportunity for fresh faces to make their mark.Jake Fraser-McGurk, the IPL sensation, is expected to make his T20I debut, but the opening batting position remains fluid. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head could also be considered, while Cameron Green has experience at the top of the order.Nathan Ellis, Australia's most experienced quick on tour, has a chance to establish himself as a leader in the bowling attack. His death bowling prowess is well-known, but he may also be utilized in the powerplay, an area where Australia has struggled in recent World Cups.Josh Inglis takes over as wicketkeeper, replacing Matthew Wade. His versatility allows him to bat anywhere in the top five, but he may slot into Wade's role as a finisher. Marcus Stoinis and Tim David are other options for the crucial middle order.Fielding was a major concern for Australia in the Caribbean. The inclusion of Fraser-McGurk and Cooper Connolly, along with the athleticism of Green, Hardie, and Abbott, should improve their fielding performance.As Australia builds towards the next T20 World Cup, this series provides a platform for experimentation and evaluation. The team will look to identify the best combinations and strategies to challenge the world's top teams.

Nicholas Pooran, the explosive West Indian batter, has etched his name in the annals of T20 cricket history by setting a new world record for the most sixes in a calendar year. During a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match on Saturday, Pooran smashed nine towering sixes in his blistering 43-ball 97 against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, propelling his team, Trinbago Knight Riders, to a resounding 44-run victory.This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record held by the legendary Chris Gayle, who had hit 135 sixes in 2015. Pooran's tally of 139 sixes in 2024 not only eclipses Gayle's mark but also places him ahead of Gayle's other two impressive six-hitting seasons, with 121 sixes in 2012 and 116 in 2011.Pooran's record-breaking performance is a testament to his exceptional power-hitting abilities and his consistent brilliance across various franchise leagues and international cricket throughout 2024. His stellar form extends beyond just six-hitting, as he has also accumulated an impressive 1,844 runs this year, placing him third on the list for most T20 runs in a calendar year.In the CPL match against the Patriots, Pooran's innings was the cornerstone of Trinbago Knight Riders' formidable total of 250/4. The Knight Riders' bowlers then restricted St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to 206/8, securing a comfortable win.Pooran's record-breaking feat is a testament to his exceptional talent and his status as one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket today. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and his consistent performances make him a valuable asset to any team.