Cricket

India Skipper Rohit Sharma Impressed by Nassau County International Cricket StadiumIndian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma recently visited the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, which is set to host several matches during the upcoming T20 World Cup. Sharma expressed his admiration for the new facility, stating that it will provide an exceptional experience for both teams and fans.The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium boasts a seating capacity of 34,000 and will host its first World Cup match on June 3 between Sri Lanka and South Africa. India will play their only warm-up game at the venue on June 1 against Bangladesh before facing Ireland, Pakistan, and USA in their Group A matches.Sharma praised the stadium's open ground and decent capacity, predicting that it will create an electrifying atmosphere during the World Cup matches. He also highlighted the excitement among fans in New York and across the globe for the tournament."It looks beautiful. It's quite an open ground. When we come here and play our first game, I just can't wait to feel the atmosphere in the stadium," Sharma said. "It's a decent capacity as well. Hopefully it's gonna be a good one. People in New York will be very interested in coming and watching the World Cup, with the World Cup happening for the first time here."The Indian captain expressed his eagerness for the tournament to begin, emphasizing the anticipation among players and fans alike. "I'm pretty sure all the fans across the various teams are quite excited and looking forward to this tournament, and also as players can't wait to get started," Sharma said.The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is expected to be a major attraction during the T20 World Cup, providing a world-class venue for some of the most exciting matches in the tournament.

Pakistan's wicket-keeper batter Azam Khan has come under fire from fans after a disappointing performance in the fourth T20I against England on Thursday. Khan was dismissed for a duck after facing just five deliveries and dropped two easy chances while fielding.Khan's poor performance has sparked outrage among fans, who have criticized his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Many believe that Khan's inclusion in the squad is a result of nepotism, as he is the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan."Azam Khan is the best example of nepotism in our country," tweeted Mubasher Lucman. "Mediocrity rules here in every department. Shameless people who persisted with him must be charged and sentenced. This is a criminal act, not a simple mistake."Khan's struggles have been evident in recent matches. He has failed to make a significant contribution with the bat and has been criticized for his poor fielding."Azam Khan is an embarrassment to international cricket," tweeted Yang Goi.England's victory in the fourth T20I was a comprehensive display of their all-round strength. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid was named player of the match after taking 2-27 from his four overs, while Phil Salt and Jos Buttler provided a blistering start to England's chase with an opening stand of 82.Harry Brook finished the game with a six off paceman Haris Rauf, who was the pick of the Pakistan attack with 3-38. England finished on 158-6 to win with more than three overs to spare.The victory gave England a 2-0 triumph in the four-match T20 series, with games at Headingley and Cardiff washed out without a ball bowled."We have worked hard in training and there is a good feeling around the squad," Buttler told Sky Sports.

Indian Cricket Team Disgruntled with Subpar Training Facilities in New YorkAhead of the T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team has expressed dissatisfaction with the training facilities provided to them at Cantiague Park in New York. According to a News18 report, the team, including head coach Rahul Dravid, is unhappy with the practice facilities and other arrangements.The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, which will host India's warm-up game and three group matches, reportedly lacks practice facilities. As a result, Cantiague Park has been designated as a makeshift training venue for the Indian team. However, the team has raised concerns about the quality of the pitches and other facilities at the park."Everything is makeshift – from pitches to other facilities. Safe to say everything is very average in nature. The team has raised their concerns," a source close to the team told News18.The report also claims that the team is not satisfied with the food arrangements at the venue. The International Cricket Council (ICC), when contacted for comment, stated that no such concerns or complaints had been raised with them by the Indian team."There has been no complaint or concern expressed regarding the practice facilities at Cantiague Park by any team,” the ICC said.The ICC had earlier designated Cantiague Park as the official training facility for teams. However, the facility is located a fair distance from the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where the matches will be played.India is scheduled to play its only warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1. Their Group A games against Ireland, Pakistan, and USA will be hosted at the Nassau Stadium before they move to Florida for their final group game against Canada.

Team India's T20 World Cup preparations kicked off in earnest with an intensive three-hour training session in New York on Thursday. The squad, which arrived in the US on May 27, had a couple of days off to adjust to the time difference and weather conditions.The training session was a serious affair, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav facing the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya in the nets. Hardik, in particular, had a grueling session, bowling for an hour before unleashing his power against the bowlers. He also engaged in a lengthy discussion with batting coach Vikram Rathour.Unusually, tailenders Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh focused on their batting skills, while all-rounders Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Hardik trained with both bat and ball. Yuzvendra Chahal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Avesh Khan, and Rinku Singh, who arrived late in New York, participated in light training drills.The training session emphasized adapting to the pitch conditions, which offered considerable bounce. India's first warm-up game is scheduled against Bangladesh on Saturday.

Defending T20 World Cup champions England showcased their dominance with a resounding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their final warm-up match at The Oval. The triumph capped off a 2-0 series win for England, who will now turn their attention to the upcoming global tournament.Pakistan's innings got off to a promising start, with openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan putting on a 59-run partnership. However, England's bowlers, led by leg-spinner Adil Rashid, applied pressure and triggered a collapse. Rashid claimed two crucial wickets, while Jofra Archer and Mark Wood also chipped in with key dismissals. Pakistan was eventually restricted to a modest 157.England's chase was a clinical display of batting prowess. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, who was captaining the side in place of the rested Eoin Morgan, put on a blistering 82-run opening partnership in just seven overs. Salt departed for 45, but Buttler continued his impressive form, scoring 39 before being dismissed.Harry Brook, who has been in excellent touch for England in recent matches, provided the finishing touches with a six off Haris Rauf. England reached their target with more than three overs to spare, securing a comprehensive victory.Rashid was named player of the match for his economical spell of 2 for 27. Buttler praised his team's performance, highlighting the hard work and positive atmosphere within the squad. He also acknowledged the experience of his players, many of whom have featured in the Indian Premier League.England will now head to Barbados for their T20 World Cup opener against Scotland on June 4. Pakistan, the 2009 champions, will face co-hosts the United States in Dallas two days later.

England vs Pakistan 4th T20I: A Crucial Clash Before the T20 World CupThe fourth T20I between England and Pakistan holds immense significance as it marks the final competitive match for both teams before they embark on their T20 World Cup 2024 campaigns. England, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, and Pakistan, the runners-up, will be eager to fine-tune their preparations in this crucial encounter.The series has been marred by rain, with the first and third T20Is being washed out. England emerged victorious in the second T20I, giving them a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Pakistan, however, will be determined to level the series and gain momentum heading into the World Cup.Both teams boast formidable lineups. England's batting is anchored by the likes of Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan, and Ben Stokes, while their bowling attack features the likes of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Adil Rashid. Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely on the experience of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi to guide them to victory.The match will be played at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London, which is expected to witness a thrilling contest between two of the world's top T20 sides. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the confidence and morale of both teams as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

As the T20 World Cup approaches, anticipation builds for the tournament's standout performers. Former India captain Virat Kohli is widely expected to dominate the run-scoring charts, but legendary Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has offered a surprising prediction.Gilchrist believes that David Warner will emerge as the tournament's highest run-scorer. On the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, he stated that the Australian opener will have "one last dance" before retiring after the World Cup. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, however, maintains that Kohli will score the most runs.Kohli's recent form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) supports Vaughan's prediction. He ended the 2024 season with the Orange Cap for most runs, becoming the only Indian to win the honor twice. Kohli scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75, with a century and five fifties. His best score was 113* and his strike rate stood at 154.69, the highest it has ever been for him in a single IPL season.Gilchrist's choice for the highest wicket-taker is Kuldeep Yadav, while Vaughan opts for Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa.Kohli's impressive IPL performance has fueled expectations for his success in the T20 World Cup. His ability to anchor the Indian batting lineup and score runs consistently makes him a formidable threat to opposing bowlers. However, Warner's experience and recent form suggest that he could be a dark horse in the race for the tournament's top run-scorer.The T20 World Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a host of talented players vying for individual glory. Kohli and Warner are among the favorites to lead the run-scoring charts, while Yadav and Zampa are contenders for the highest wicket-taker award. As the tournament unfolds, it will be fascinating to see which players rise to the occasion and etch their names in the annals of T20 cricket.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has urged fans to rally behind the national team throughout the upcoming T20 World Cup, regardless of the outcome. With the tournament set to commence in two days, Naqvi emphasized the importance of unwavering support for the players."Support the team and assure them that we [the fans] are with you [the team] whether you win or lose," Naqvi told the media in London. "I just want to request one thing which we really need for the next four weeks. Let us all support our players."Pakistan's preparations for the World Cup have been hampered by rain-affected matches in their ongoing T20I series against England. However, Naqvi expressed confidence in the team's strategy and urged the players to perform to their potential."Overall, a strategy is in place that they don't have to panic and give their best [on the field]," Naqvi said.Pakistan's squad for the World Cup features a pace-laden attack, a departure from the trend of other teams opting for more spinners. Naqvi defended this decision, stating that the team has a plan in place."We have a strategy in place. We have a plan. We have a combination. We have a team. We have a captain. We have a coach. We have a management. We have everything in place," Naqvi said.Pakistan is placed in Group A and will face co-hosts USA in their opening match on June 6. The team will be looking to make a strong start to their World Cup campaign and secure a place in the Super 12 stage.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 draws to a close, the focus shifts to the highly anticipated T20 World Cup. India, led by Rohit Sharma, has set their sights on breaking their decade-long ICC trophy drought.The team has already arrived in the United States for preparations, but their training has been disrupted by inclement weather. A viral video on social media captured Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid patiently waiting for a taxi amidst a heavy downpour in New York City.Despite the weather challenges, India's preparations continue. They will play a warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1 before their tournament opener against Ireland on June 5. The much-awaited clash against Pakistan is scheduled for June 9.India's Group A campaign will also include matches against co-hosts USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15. The team will be aiming to replicate their success in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where they emerged as champions.India's batting lineup boasts a formidable combination of experience and youth. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul form the core, while Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan provide explosive power. The bowling attack is equally impressive, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Yuzvendra Chahal leading the charge.The team's preparations have been meticulous, with a focus on fitness, strategy, and team bonding. They will be determined to overcome the weather challenges and emerge victorious in the T20 World Cup.