Cricket

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer and two-time World Cup-winning captain, believes that India has the potential to end their ICC trophy drought but emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude and peaking at the right time.India, who last won an ICC trophy in 2013, began their T20 World Cup campaign with an emphatic victory over Ireland. Ponting, speaking from New York, acknowledged India's strong squad but stressed the need to overcome the immense pressure that comes with representing a cricket-obsessed nation."You've got to try and keep a clear mind where you can focus on the task at hand rather than thinking too far ahead or worrying about any sort of external pressures," said Ponting. "There's no doubting the talent (in India squad), but we also shouldn't forget that the World Cups are not easy to win."Ponting highlighted the importance of raising the game in the latter stages of the tournament. "One thing you know about World Cups, you have to have your best players playing well at the right time. Australian teams are playing their best cricket right at the back half of the tournament and peaking again at the right time in a major event," he said.Six months ago, Australia lifted the ODI World Cup trophy under Pat Cummins' captaincy, demonstrating their ability to peak at the right moment. Ponting believes India has the talent to match the likes of Australia, England, and South Africa, who he considers the top four teams in the ongoing tournament."I mean, it's not so much about power hitting, it's about strike rates as well," said Ponting when asked if India lacked the power-hitting capabilities of their rivals. "If you look at the strike rates of the Indian batters, they'd probably match up pretty well against players from other countries."Ponting also emphasized the importance of opening with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli throughout the tournament. "What we've seen with Rohit over the last couple of years is that he is playing a lot more of an aggressive role at the top of the order than he probably once did. Virat is coming off another magnificent IPL opening the batting for RCB, so I would definitely be going that way," he said.In terms of spin bowling, Ponting believes India is well-covered with the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel in their squad. "A lot of Australia's success as well revolves around how well Adam Zampa bowls. We saw that in the 50-over World Cup and what he's done for the Australian T20 cricket in the last four or five years has been outstanding. Spin might play a bigger role as the tournament goes on...Wrist spin obviously even more important," he added.

Ireland will face a formidable challenge when they take on Canada in the T20 World Cup on June 6 in New York. The Irish team, led by Andy Balbirnie, will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing loss to India, while Canada will be looking to build on their impressive performance against the United States.Ireland has a wealth of experience in the T20 World Cup, having participated in eight tournaments. However, they have struggled to make a significant impact, reaching the 'Super 8' only once in 2009. Balbirnie and captain Stirling, who have a combined experience of over 250 T20Is, will be crucial to Ireland's hopes of success.Canada, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the T20 World Cup. They will be making their debut in the tournament and will be looking to make a statement. Canada has a strong batting lineup led by Navneet Dhaliwal, who was a key player in their victory over Ireland in the 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifier.The match between Ireland and Canada promises to be a close and exciting contest. Ireland will be favored due to their experience and quality, but Canada has shown that they are capable of upsetting the odds.

ICC Defends Nassau County Pitches Amid Safety Concerns, No Plans to Relocate T20 World Cup MatchesDespite mounting criticism over the condition of the drop-in pitches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has no immediate plans to move the remaining T20 World Cup matches to alternative venues.The untested pitches have drawn significant flak for heavily favoring bowlers, leading to low scores and safety concerns. Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 77 by South Africa, while India dismissed Ireland for just 96. The unpredictable bounce and two-paced nature of the pitches have raised eyebrows.According to a BBC report, the Indian team has privately expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions, citing safety worries for their batters. India is scheduled to face Pakistan in a highly anticipated Group A match at the same venue on Sunday.The ICC is reportedly analyzing data from previous matches to determine potential actions but has stated that there are no current plans to shift the New York games to Florida or Texas, which feature natural turf pitches. An unused pitch has been earmarked for the India-Pakistan match, with flexibility to change based on conditions.The Nassau County venue, specifically constructed for the T20 World Cup, features ten Tahoma grass pitches imported from Australia. These were installed a few weeks before the tournament. Australian curator Damien Hough, an expert in drop-in pitches from Adelaide Oval, was brought in by the ICC to prepare the pitches.However, the outfield, made of Kentucky bluegrass grown in New Jersey and placed atop sand, has contributed to the pitch issues. The India-Ireland match highlighted the challenges, with balls either bouncing at ankle height or rising sharply. Several players, including Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, sustained injuries. Sharma retired hurt after scoring 52 due to an elbow injury.Additionally, the venue's slow outfield and uneven boundary lengths, differing by 10 meters on either side, have further complicated play. During the India-Ireland match, fans were seen cheering for Ireland to extend the game, hoping to see more of the Indian team bat.Concerns also extend to the six drop-in pitches at the practice facility in nearby Cantiague Park. South African batters preferred throwdowns over facing bowlers in the nets due to safety concerns.The ICC's decision to stick with the Nassau County pitches has been met with mixed reactions. Some experts believe that the pitches will improve as the tournament progresses, while others argue that the safety of players should be paramount. The ICC will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has swiftly addressed concerns raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the team's accommodation for the upcoming T20 World Cup fixtures in New York. The PCB had expressed dissatisfaction with the initial hotel arrangements, which involved a lengthy 90-minute drive to the match venue.In response to the PCB's formal complaint, the ICC has relocated the Pakistan team to a hotel located just a five-minute drive from the purpose-built stadium on Long Island in Westbury, New York. This move significantly reduces travel time, allowing the team to optimize their preparation and minimize logistical challenges.The PCB's chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, played a pivotal role in lodging the complaint and securing the relocation. The new accommodation provides a more convenient and efficient base for the team as they prepare for their high-stakes match against arch-rivals India on Sunday.The Indian cricket team, also playing its group games in New York, is staying in a hotel that is just a 10-minute drive from the stadium. India has already secured a victory in their first match at this venue.The Sri Lankan team, which faced challenges in its first match against South Africa, has also raised concerns about the long drive to the stadium from their designated hotel, which exceeds an hour.The Pakistan team will travel to New York after their opening Group A game against co-hosts United States in Dallas on Thursday.The ICC's responsiveness to the PCB's concerns highlights its commitment to ensuring optimal conditions for participating teams during the T20 World Cup. By addressing logistical issues promptly, the ICC aims to minimize travel-related stress and enhance the overall experience for players and fans alike.

Australia's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a winning start, but they had a scare when veteran pacer Mitchell Starc was forced off the field with a cramp during their match against Oman.Starc bowled just one delivery in his fourth over before he was subbed off by Cameron Green. The left-arm pacer bowled a wide and was visibly in pain after the delivery. Physios came out and gave him on-field treatment, and Starc eventually walked off the field.After the game, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh provided an update on Starc's condition. "Starcy was just a cramp so didn't want to take a chance," Marsh said in the post-match presentation. "When Starcy says I am okay to go off you let him go off."Despite Starc's absence, Australia managed to pull off a comfortable 39-run win. However, the match was closer than the scoreline suggests. Oman had their moments to shine throughout the game, and at one point, they had Australia by the ropes.After being put to bat, Australia struggled to muster up runs on the board. In the ninth over, Mehran Khan was on a hat-trick after removing Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell on back-to-back deliveries.But Marcus Stoinis and David Warner pulled Australia out of their misery with their 102-run stand. The bowlers kept their composure and effectively dealt with the threat that Oman batters carried."Close game. Good to get the win. It's not going to be the 200 types in this tournament. We are kind of going to the old T20 style here in this tournament," Marsh said."(On Stoinis) Took his time and showed his experience. We are looking forward to playing England. Different conditions here. Oman v Australia was a tight one, great for the game of cricket. There is sun here and we will enjoy that. It's going to be a great game," he added.After clinching a 39-run win in their campaign opener, Australia will now face their arch-rival England on Saturday at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has expressed concerns about Babar Azam's leadership abilities and Pakistan's preparedness for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Latif believes that Azam lacks the experience and composure to handle the pressure of high-stakes matches, particularly against India.Latif also highlighted India's superior bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav, as a key factor in their favor. He pointed out that Pakistan's bowling unit has been weakened by injuries and fitness issues, leaving them vulnerable in the middle overs.Latif criticized the timing of Gary Kirsten's appointment as Pakistan's head coach, arguing that he has not had enough time to build a rapport with the players. He also expressed admiration for Virat Kohli's popularity and his ability to inspire his teammates.Latif emphasized that Azam's growth as a captain depends on having a stronger supporting cast. He noted that Azam often lacks the support of his teammates, unlike Kohli, who has a more experienced and talented squad around him.Latif's comments raise questions about Pakistan's chances in the T20 World Cup. While they have a talented team, their lack of preparation and leadership concerns could hinder their progress. India, on the other hand, appears to be a more balanced and confident unit, making them the favorites in the upcoming clash between the two arch-rivals.

India's batting coach Vikram Rathour has confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will continue to bat at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup following his impressive performance against Ireland. Rathour also expressed his satisfaction with having a fully-fit Hardik Pandya back in the squad, both of whom played crucial roles in India's victory over Ireland on Wednesday.Pant and Pandya, who made their return to international cricket after a long hiatus due to injuries, showcased their skills in India's eight-wicket triumph in their opening game of the tournament. On a challenging pitch with uneven bounce, Pant's unbeaten 36 included a stunning reverse-scoop six, highlighting his return to form after a horrific car accident in December 2022."Yes, he has been batting really well. The two games (warm-up and Ireland) he has played, he has looked really, really good," Rathour told the media after the match at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium. "At the moment, he is our No. 3 and it helps that he is a left-hander," Rathour added, confirming Pant's spot in the lineup alongside skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the top.Both Pant and Pandya demonstrated their fitness and form during the IPL, paving their way back into the India squad for the T20 World Cup. Despite a challenging season as captain for Mumbai Indians, Pandya's skills as an all-rounder were highly valued by India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar.In the match against Ireland, Pandya's performance with the ball was remarkable. He delivered a precise spell, taking three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, marking his first match since October 2023 when he had to leave the field due to an ankle injury during a game against Bangladesh."Hardik looked really good. Hardik has been — I mean, even in the practice game and even in the practice — bowling really well," Rathour noted. "He looks fit enough to go through four overs and he's been bowling with some pace and some accuracy, so yeah, it's great," he added.India's positive start to the T20 World Cup, bolstered by the return of Pant and Pandya, sets a promising tone for their campaign as they continue to navigate the challenges of the tournament.

Virat Kohli's uncharacteristic failure against Ireland in India's T20 World Cup 2024 opener has sparked a challenge from legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar. Despite India's eight-wicket victory, Kohli's rare poor show, scoring only 1 run from 5 balls, has raised concerns.Gavaskar, however, remains confident in Kohli's ability to bounce back, stating that great players like him tend to make up for lost opportunities in subsequent matches. "They want to score double the runs," Gavaskar said. "And who better to score double the runs than against Pakistan?"India's victory against Ireland marked their most successive wins against a single opponent in T20 cricket. Skipper Rohit Sharma's half-century, Rishabh Pant's finishing touches, and Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah's impressive spells were instrumental in the win.Pant's winning shot in the 13th over sealed the victory, giving India their eighth win against Ireland in T20Is. This victory also extended India's winning streak against Ireland to eight, equaling their record against Bangladesh from 2009 to 2018.India's dominance in T20 cricket is further evident in their seven wins each against Australia, Sri Lanka, and West Indies. The Rohit Sharma-led side has established itself as a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.

Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, are poised to make a strong run in the upcoming tournament in the United States. Despite a recent 0-2 series loss to England, the unpredictable Pakistani squad, led by Babar Azam, remains a formidable force.In a video released by the official broadcaster, key players expressed their excitement and determination to rectify the mistakes made in the previous edition, where they finished as runners-up to England.Babar Azam, the skipper, emphasized the team's thorough preparation and the unique excitement of playing in a major event. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the pace spearhead, acknowledged the novelty of the tournament's location in the US, expressing hope for a successful campaign.Mohammad Rizwan, the keeper-batter, recalled the team's disappointment in the previous final and their resolve to learn from their past mistakes. Naseem Shah, another pacer, highlighted the team's excitement for the new conditions and their desire to hold the trophy aloft.Azam Khan, the keeper-batter, expressed his joy at participating in his first World Cup and the unexpected opportunity to play in the United States.Pakistan's opening match against the US in Dallas on Thursday will set the tone for their tournament. However, their highly anticipated clash against archrivals India in New York on Sunday looms large, promising a thrilling encounter between two cricketing powerhouses.