Cricket

India's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked controversy, with the Indian cricket team expressing reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Despite proposals for a hybrid model where India would play their matches in Dubai, Pakistan has rejected the idea.The impasse between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cast doubt on the future of the competition. Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has warned that the absence of India could result in a significant financial loss of $100 million for the ICC and the host country.Akhtar emphasized the importance of India's participation, stating that it would not only boost sponsorship revenue but also create a positive atmosphere for the tournament. He urged both the PCB and the ICC to find a solution that accommodates India's concerns.Meanwhile, the Indian blind cricket team has been denied permission to travel to Pakistan for the T20 World Cup due to security concerns. The team had received a No Objection Certificate from the sports ministry but was unable to obtain clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs.The decision has disappointed the team, which had undergone a 25-day training camp in preparation for the tournament. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) expressed frustration over the late notice, arguing that the team could have been spared the effort of selecting a squad if the decision had been made earlier.The Indian government's decision to deny permission to the blind cricket team highlights the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The two countries have a history of political and military conflicts, which have impacted sporting relations.

The Austrian Cricket Association (ACA) has issued an unreserved apology to the Israel Cricket Association (ICA) and the Israel cricket team for an incident that occurred prior to their Men's T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier A match on June 10.While the exact nature of the incident remains undisclosed, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the ACA has taken prompt action to address the issue. The player responsible has been subjected to appropriate disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the ACA's disciplinary procedures.Following the incident, the ICC initiated a conciliation process between the ACA and the ICA to facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution. The process was conducted confidentially by Paul Mortimer, an independent expert in anti-discrimination and race relations.The incident took place in Spinaceto, Rome, during a Europe Qualifier A match between Austria and Israel. The tournament serves as a pathway to qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Austria emerged victorious in the match, with Aqib Iqbal's unbeaten 35-ball 52 sealing a seven-wicket win over Israel.The ACA's apology and the ICC's intervention underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment in cricket. The incident serves as a reminder that all players and teams deserve to participate in the sport without fear of discrimination or harassment.The ICC's Anti-Discrimination Code prohibits any form of discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. The code requires all ICC members to implement policies and procedures to prevent and address discrimination in cricket.The ACA's swift response to the incident demonstrates its commitment to upholding the ICC's Anti-Discrimination Code and creating a welcoming environment for all participants in the sport. The ICC's conciliation process has facilitated a resolution that allows both teams to move forward and focus on their respective cricket journeys.

New Zealand's triumph in the Women's T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates last month was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Despite being considered underdogs, the White Ferns defied expectations and emerged victorious.Craig McMillan, the team's assistant coach, had unwavering faith in his players. "We have worked hard over a period of time, and we know the improvements they've made over the last 12 months," he said. "Sometimes the stars align, but you still have to be good to make the most of those stars aligning."Amelia Kerr was the shining star for New Zealand. The leg-spinning all-rounder, who holds the record for the youngest cricketer to score a double hundred in ODIs, was named player of the final and the tournament. She was the competition's leading wicket-taker and scored a crucial 43 off 38 balls in the final."She bowled beautifully," said McMillan. "In the final, she stepped up when we needed her."Kerr's all-round performance was complemented by contributions from the entire team. "It has always been a strength of New Zealand sides, whether men's or women's — everyone chips in," said McMillan. "Rosemary Mair did a great job with the ball, Lea Tahuhu, who has been around a long time, picked up key wickets."New Zealand's fielding was also exceptional throughout the tournament. "That is so important in the T20 game," said McMillan. "We had only one bad game against the West Indies, but apart from that, against India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and then in the final against South Africa, we took our catches, and that was crucial."The win against India in New Zealand's opening match was particularly significant. "It was a very strong group, as Australia was also there," said McMillan. "And we knew that we probably had to win one of those first two games to actually be able to go through to the next stage. So we really targeted those games. Against India it was almost probably our best performance. It got us off to a great start. And momentum is really important in the World Cup."McMillan believes the team's success was also due to the presence of several all-rounders. "Some of them, like skipper Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are, in fact, double internationals, in hockey and basketball respectively," he said.McMillan emphasizes the importance of playing multiple sports, especially for young athletes. "I think it's really important that not only females, but males too, play as many sports as they can," he said. "I myself played a lot of football up until 18 and then I had to make a decision. I was a tough centre-back. I used to cut strikers down. But I just think you get multi-skilled players when they play other sports. That helps them when they come and have to make a decision at some stage."McMillan is optimistic about the future of women's cricket. "It will get stronger and stronger," he said. "I think even in the last two or three years, you have seen the development, with the WPL and all that. Those franchises play a big part in terms of the development of the players. But we are just seeing some really talented females who are given the opportunity to show how good they are around the world. It is important that it not only grows in Australia, England and India, but in all the countries."

India's Dominance in T20 Cricket: A Year of Triumphs2024 has been a remarkable year for the Indian cricket team in the T20 format. With an impressive record of 23 wins in 25 matches, India has showcased their dominance and embraced the attacking style of modern-day T20 cricket.Their success began with whitewashes against Afghanistan and Bangladesh at home, followed by a similar feat against Sri Lanka away. Even their second-string side triumphed in Zimbabwe with a 4-1 victory. However, the pinnacle of their achievements came with their undefeated run to lift the T20 World Cup in June.India's transformation in T20 cricket has been evident in their aggressive batting approach. They have shed their conservative mindset and now play with a fearless attitude, aiming to score big totals. This shift has paid dividends, as they have breached the 200-run mark eight times in 2024, the most by any team in a single year.In the upcoming T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg, India will be looking to end the year on a high note. They have already secured an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series and will be eager to maintain their winning streak.South Africa, on the other hand, has had a disappointing year in T20 cricket. Despite their unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup, they have struggled in bilateral series, with a winless streak of eight matches. However, they will be determined to avoid a 3-1 defeat and salvage some pride in the final match.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has raised concerns over reports of several cricket boards failing to pay players their prize money in full for their participation in the recent men's T20 World Cup. The WCA has received reports of threats and intimidation against players who have raised concerns about unpaid dues.According to ESPNcricinfo, players from five of the 20 participating teams, including eight Associate Members of the ICC, have not received their payments. The WCA has expressed its disappointment and urged the ICC to take appropriate action against boards that fail to fulfill their obligations."We are extremely concerned with a number of countries who are still yet to pay players their prize money from the men's T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier in the year, and especially with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments," said Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive.The WCA has also announced the establishment of a Global Player Hardship Fund to support international players in need who are not covered by existing domestic support frameworks. The fund will be governed by an oversight group of experts and players' association representatives.Meanwhile, Heath Mills and Sana Mir have been reappointed as executive chair and independent director of the WCA, respectively. The WCA board met in Singapore this week for its annual general meeting, where these decisions were made.

Arshdeep Singh Credits Jasprit Bumrah for His Bowling SuccessIndia's rising pace sensation Arshdeep Singh has attributed his remarkable development as a bowler to the invaluable guidance of his senior teammate Jasprit Bumrah. The duo's formidable partnership played a pivotal role in India's triumphant run to the T20 World Cup 2024 title, with both pacers delivering match-winning performances throughout the tournament.Arshdeep, who has swiftly become a cornerstone of India's bowling lineup in T20 cricket, acknowledged Bumrah's profound influence in building pressure on opponents, thereby enhancing his own effectiveness and wicket-taking ability."I have had a really good bowling partner in Jassi bhai (Jasprit Bumrah), and he has helped me enormously in taking a lot of wickets by creating pressure from the other end. So a lot of credit goes to him as well," Arshdeep told the media ahead of the third T20I between India and South Africa.However, Arshdeep emphasized the importance of adapting to varying conditions and situations to maintain his performance level, especially in Bumrah's absence during the ongoing series."But the main thing is how well I can adapt to the conditions and the situations of the game, how I can attack the batsman early on and take some early wickets. And even at the death, how I can outsmart them and bring the game back into our hands," he added.Despite facing challenges in replicating his World Cup form, Arshdeep has managed to secure a couple of crucial wickets in the series. With the series currently tied at 1-1, he is focused on refining his approach to help India gain the upper hand in the upcoming matches.Arshdeep's rapid rise to prominence has been marked by his ability to swing the ball both ways, generate pace, and execute yorkers with precision. His partnership with Bumrah has formed a formidable bowling duo that has been instrumental in India's recent successes in T20 cricket.

The Indian men's blind cricket team is eagerly awaiting clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to participate in the 4th T20 World Cup for the Blind, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from November 22 to December 3. The team has already received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, but official permission from the MEA is crucial for their participation.The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to not send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 has heightened tensions between the two countries. However, the Indian blind cricket team remains hopeful of receiving clearance to compete in the World Cup.India has a remarkable track record in the T20 World Cup for the Blind, having won the first three editions organized by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. They defeated Pakistan twice and Bangladesh once in 2022.This year, the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) will host the tournament. Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), expressed excitement about the prospect of facing Pakistan again. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for visually impaired cricketers and the team's determination to extend their winning streak.The Indian men's blind cricket team selected for the 4th T20 World Cup comprises 17 players from various states, categorized based on their level of visual impairment. The team includes experienced and talented players from across the country, united in their goal to compete at the highest level.The team's participation in the World Cup would not only be a testament to their skill and determination but also a symbol of the resilience and spirit of sportsmanship that transcends political boundaries. The Indian blind cricket team is eager to represent their country and make their mark on the international stage.

Melie Kerr, the New Zealand all-rounder, has been crowned the ICC Women's Player of the Month for October, marking her second time receiving the prestigious honor. Her exceptional performances during the T20 World Cup and New Zealand's subsequent tour of India earned her the accolade.Kerr's brilliance shone brightest in the T20 World Cup final, where she was named Player of the Match. Her crucial 43 runs and three wickets played a pivotal role in New Zealand's historic victory. Throughout the tournament, she showcased her all-round prowess, amassing 135 runs and claiming a tournament-record 15 wickets, earning her the Player of the Tournament award.Continuing her impressive form, Kerr made an immediate impact in India. In the solitary ODI she played, she grabbed a four-wicket haul and contributed an unbeaten 25 runs with the bat. Her overall tally for October stands at 160 runs and 19 wickets from just seven appearances."It's an honor to receive this award," said Kerr. "There are so many world-class cricketers who deserve it. It's a special month with the World Cup win, and I'm grateful to my team, coaches, and family for their support."Kerr's consistent performances have solidified her status as one of the most formidable all-rounders in women's cricket. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her an invaluable asset to any team.

Sri Lanka's men's cricket team, led by Charith Asalanka, is aiming to recapture the glory days of the 2007-2014 era, when the team reached five World Cup finals and won the 2014 T20 title. After a string of limited overs series wins against India and West Indies, Asalanka believes the team has the potential to climb back into the top three of the ICC rankings."Our goal is to climb to the top three in the rankings," said Asalanka. "If we've consistently been winning, when we go to the ICC tournaments, we won't get exposed."Sri Lanka's recent resurgence has been built on the back of strong performances from new players such as Janith Liyanage and Nishan Madushka. Asalanka believes that the team's bench strength is improving, which will help them compete with the best teams in the world."We're hoping to play our best XI all the time," said Asalanka. "That's how our bench strength improves as well, because they then know how well you have to play to get a spot in that XI. And the players in the XI also fight for their own places."Sri Lanka's next challenge will be a series against New Zealand, which begins with a T20I on August 29. Asalanka is confident that his team can continue their winning ways and move up the ICC rankings."We are hoping to come back to that level," said Asalanka. "It's important to play really well from tour to tour."