Cricket

South African left-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi has made a significant decision to opt out of his national contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA), effective immediately. This move allows him to become a free agent and participate more freely in T20 leagues worldwide without being bound by South African obligations.Shamsi's decision stems from a desire for greater flexibility during the domestic season. He aims to explore all available opportunities and prioritize his family's well-being. However, he remains committed to representing South Africa and will be available for selection in white-ball squads at major tournaments."This will not impact my ability or motivation to play for the Proteas in any way," Shamsi stated. "It has always been my dream to bring the World Cup home to South Africa, and no franchise league will ever be more important than playing for my country."Shamsi's last appearance for South Africa was in the T20 World Cup final against India in June. He has not been part of the ongoing tour of the UAE, where South Africa is facing Afghanistan and Ireland. The team has rested several senior players and used the matches to expand its player pool.One potential factor behind Shamsi's decision is CSA's decision to withdraw him from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year to play for the Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge. This resulted in Shamsi missing six matches for the Karachi Kings and losing out on match fees.Another possible reason is CSA's requirement for contracted players to attend the CSA awards night, even if they are not award winners. Shamsi had to return home during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to attend the event, missing three matches for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and losing portions of his match fee.Match fees from overseas leagues are reportedly substantial and more lucrative than national contracts. The clash between the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge and the PSL in 2025 would have forced Shamsi to miss portions of the PSL if he remained contracted to CSA.Shamsi's decision follows a similar move by fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who opted out of his central contract earlier this year due to physical concerns and a desire to play more in T20 leagues.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the 22-year-old Indian batter, has emerged as a key player in the national team and various T20 franchise leagues. Her journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, shaping her into a resilient and versatile cricketer.Rodrigues' international debut in 2018 was met with high expectations, and she has since navigated numerous obstacles to establish herself as a top-order batter. Her participation in the Kia Super League (KSL) in England proved transformative, not only enhancing her on-field performance but also fostering her independence and maturity.Despite the ongoing debate surrounding club versus country loyalties, Rodrigues embraces the opportunity to play alongside and learn from the best in the world in T20 leagues. She credits her Delhi Capitals captain, Meg Lanning, for instilling in her a sense of calmness under pressure.In the recent Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), Rodrigues played a crucial role in Trinbago Knight Riders' success, showcasing her ability to finish matches. This experience has boosted her confidence ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE.Rodrigues acknowledges that the Indian team is focusing on their own strengths rather than dwelling on their opponents. She recalls the pressure she faced in last year's T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, but credits her faith and the support of her parents for helping her overcome her nerves.In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, Rodrigues has been working on adapting to the number five batting position, where she aims to make a significant impact for India. She emphasizes the importance of aggression and adaptability in this role.While power-hitting is not her natural game, Rodrigues is developing this aspect of her batting. She draws inspiration from Virat Kohli, who relies on timing and gap-hitting to excel in T20 cricket.The Indian team has prioritized fielding and fitness in their preparations for the T20 World Cup. Rodrigues highlights the role of the support staff in enhancing these skills.Rodrigues dreams of a grand reception in Mumbai if India wins the T20 World Cup. Her name, meaning "dove" in Hebrew, symbolizes her hope for a successful campaign for the Indian team.

Despite a devastating leg injury that shattered his IPL 2024 and World Cup aspirations, Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff remains unyielding in his pursuit of success. The 34-year-old's journey in 2024 has been a rollercoaster of setbacks and triumphs.In March, just days before his scheduled departure for the IPL, a freak accident at the WACA nets left Behrendorff with a broken fibula. The injury came at a cruel time, as he was in peak form and considered a contender for Australia's T20 World Cup squad.Undeterred, Behrendorff refused to let the setback define him. He opted out of his state contract with Western Australia and embarked on a freelance career in global T20 leagues. This bold move saw him go from representing Australia, WA, and Mumbai Indians to becoming an uncontracted freelancer overnight.Despite the uncertainty, Behrendorff's return to cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. He lifted the Lanka Premier League trophy with Jaffna Kings and helped the Toronto Nationals win the Global T20 Canada title, earning player-of-the-match honors in the final.Behrendorff's success as a freelancer has led him to believe that more players will follow in his footsteps, choosing to forgo state contracts in favor of the lucrative opportunities offered by T20 leagues.While the pinnacle of cricket remains the Baggy Green, Behrendorff believes that success is not solely defined by Test cricket. He has made a significant impact in the game through his contributions in limited-overs formats.Behrendorff's T20 journey is far from over. As T20 leagues continue to expand, he is confident that he can continue to make a mark on the global stage. His determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to all who face adversity in their pursuit of success.

Elite cricket remains largely untainted by corruption, according to outgoing ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) chief Alex Marshall. However, he warns that corruptors are targeting local T20 leagues outside the ICC's jurisdiction, which are managed by individual member nations.Marshall emphasizes that the cricket witnessed by fans is generally "safe and clean." However, he acknowledges that corruptors are constantly seeking entry points into the sport, particularly through poorly run lower-level franchise leagues. He stresses that the threat of corruption persists as long as there is money to be made, and corruptors will exploit any weaknesses in the system.Marshall expresses satisfaction with the increasing number of players reporting corrupt approaches to the ICC ACU. He attributes this to the ACU's efforts to build trust and assure players of confidentiality and action. Players have witnessed corruptors being exposed, named, and banned, which has raised awareness and empowered them to protect the game from corruption.During his seven-year tenure at the ICC, Marshall's ACU has achieved significant milestones. These include punishing former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan for failing to report a corrupt approach and banning former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak.Marshall highlights the successful eradication of corruption from Sri Lankan cricket with the assistance of local authorities. Multiple former international and domestic players were implicated in alleged shady dealings, but the implementation of legislation and stronger measures has significantly improved the situation.Marshall concludes by emphasizing the importance of vigilance and collaboration to keep corruption out of cricket. He urges players, officials, and fans to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the ICC ACU.

As Alex Marshall, the head of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) anti-corruption unit (ACU), prepares to depart his post, he has issued a stern warning about the ongoing threat of corruption in cricket. Marshall, who has served as the ACU's head for seven years, has highlighted the vulnerability of "badly run" domestic T20 leagues to corruptors seeking entry points into the game.Marshall's tenure has been marked by significant progress in combating corruption. He has witnessed an increase in player trust, with more players reporting approaches from corruptors. The ACU's educational efforts have also empowered players to recognize and resist corrupt practices.One of Marshall's notable achievements was the investigation into corruption in Sri Lanka. The ACU's intervention led to the country becoming the first in South Asia to criminalize match-fixing offenses. Marshall also oversaw the charging of several Sri Lankan players, including former captain Sanath Jayasuriya, for refusing to cooperate with investigations.Other high-profile cases handled by Marshall's ACU include the charging of Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and Zimbabwe's Heath Streak for corruption-related offenses. Both players accepted their guilt and received sanctions.Despite these successes, Marshall remains vigilant about the ongoing threat of corruption. He emphasizes that corruptors are constantly seeking weaknesses in the system to exploit. One such weakness, he warns, is poorly managed T20 franchise leagues that operate outside the ICC's jurisdiction.Marshall's departure from the ICC marks the end of an era in the fight against corruption in cricket. However, his legacy will continue to shape the ACU's efforts to protect the integrity of the game.

The exodus of Kiwi cricketers from national contracts to lucrative T20 leagues has raised concerns about player availability for New Zealand, according to captain Tim Southee. Star players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Finn Allen have recently opted for casual contracts, prioritizing franchise cricket over central contracts with New Zealand Cricket.Southee acknowledged the challenges this trend poses, particularly given New Zealand's limited player pool. "It's a small cricketing country in terms of numbers," he said. "It would be great to have as many people as possible available for New Zealand, but the way the world is going, it's getting harder and harder."New Zealand faces a demanding schedule in the coming months, with six Tests in the subcontinent, including three against India. The conditions will be vastly different from those in New Zealand, and Southee expects spinners to dominate."Conditions are foreign to what we're used to," Southee said. "But we're excited about the chance of playing six Test matches on the bounce here in the subcontinent."Southee, a pace bowler, may miss a game or two due to the expected dominance of spinners. "We've got four quality pace bowlers at our disposal," he said. "So it's about working out what balance is right."After the India series, New Zealand will host England for a Test series, concluding their World Test Championship duties. Southee emphasized the challenges of playing nine Tests in a short period."It's a challenge for every side," he said. "For players playing multi-formats, you have to balance the chopping and changing nature of busy schedules."Despite Afghanistan's inexperience in Test cricket, Southee warned against underestimating them. "Afghanistan has been an improving side for a number of years," he said. "They've got a lot of confidence from their success in the T20 World Cup and the one-day World Cup."

Jay Shah, the 35-year-old secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to become the youngest chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) when he takes over on December 1, 2024. Shah's election was met with unanimous support from 15 out of 16 ICC Board members.Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave attributed Shah's election to his impressive leadership at the BCCI. Grave highlighted Shah's successful hosting of the Women's Premier League, the 50-over World Cup in India, and the signing of lucrative broadcast deals.Former Australia head coach John Buchanan urged the ICC under Shah's leadership to make long-term decisions for cricket's future. Buchanan expressed concerns about the proliferation of T20 leagues and emphasized the importance of Test cricket as the foundation of the game.Buchanan believes the ICC needs to carefully consider the number of leagues it approves to avoid overwhelming players and ensure the relevance of the ODI format as a transition between Tests and T20s. He also acknowledged the financial incentives for players to participate in T20 leagues but stressed the need for a balance to maintain the integrity of the sport.Buchanan anticipates a transition phase for the Australian Test side after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year, as many players are over 30 years old. He expects changes in the team's composition to accommodate younger talent.

West Indies Cricketers Prioritize T20 Leagues Over Tests, Says Andre RussellAndre Russell, the explosive West Indian all-rounder, has shed light on the ongoing issue of premier West Indian cricketers opting out of Test matches in favor of lucrative T20 leagues around the world. Russell believes that the lack of interest in Tests stems from a shift in priorities rather than financial concerns."I don't think it's the money, I don't think money is the issue," Russell told Press Association. "Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests."Russell's comments come amidst West Indies' struggles in the World Test Championship, where they currently languish at the bottom of the table. Despite a recent draw against South Africa, the team has been plagued by inconsistent performances and a lack of depth in the Test format.Russell, along with several other high-profile West Indian players, has been absent from the Test team in recent years, opting instead to participate in T20 leagues such as The Hundred. This has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket in the Caribbean."I'm always excited watching the other West Indian batters, especially when they're hitting boundary after boundary," Russell said. "As long as you can do well from contracts outside your nation I think they are going to grab that opportunity but everyone wants to play on the big stage."Russell believes that the allure of T20 leagues, with their shorter format and higher financial rewards, has made it difficult for players to commit to the rigors of Test cricket. He also acknowledges that the physical demands of Test cricket may not be suitable for all players."Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don't think my body will keep up with Test cricket," he said. "But those in the team at the moment are fit enough and taking on the challenge."Russell's comments highlight the challenges facing West Indies cricket as it grapples with the changing landscape of the sport. The team's struggles in Test cricket have raised questions about the future of the format in the Caribbean, while the popularity of T20 leagues has created a new set of priorities for players.

Former Indian cricket legend Dilip Vengsarkar has urged young aspiring cricketers to prioritize Test cricket, emphasizing its significance in establishing true cricketing honor. Vengsarkar believes that while T20 leagues offer fame and financial rewards, the traditional format of Test cricket remains the ultimate test of a player's skill and endurance.Vengsarkar, a member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, expressed concern that parents are often swayed by the allure of T20 leagues, neglecting the importance of red-ball cricket. He stressed that young players should focus on developing their skills in Test cricket, which would ultimately benefit them in all formats of the game."Parents are overawed with the success of IPL, its teams, and players," said Vengsarkar. "But the focus of young players should only be on red-ball cricket, which would also help them do well in other formats."Vengsarkar, who played a pivotal role in bringing Virat Kohli into the national team as chief selector, emphasized the equal importance of bowlers in all formats of the game. "Bowlers also have a big role to play not just in the IPL but also Test cricket," he said. "They can be match-winners. Try to play Test cricket for your country. If you are a good Test cricketer, you can play other formats of the game.""You will be rated only by what you have done for the country in Test cricket," Vengsarkar added. "IPL is a good format, it is good entertainment, and it also meets the finances, which is also very important, but Test match cricket is the ultimate."Cricket coach Jwala Singh, who has mentored young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Prithvi Shaw, echoed Vengsarkar's sentiments. He emphasized the crucial role of parents and coaches in nurturing young cricketers."When you play any sport, there are three pillars: the player, the parents, and the coach," said Singh. "It has to be a combined effort of all three, and that is what this book is about."Singh cautioned parents against being overly ambitious for their children, driven by the fame and financial rewards of T20 leagues. He advised them to focus on fostering their children's passion for the sport and providing them with the necessary support and guidance."If a child has passion (for the sport) and it continues for (a number of) years, that is how it will work out," he added.