Cricket

Uganda's Cricket Cranes are poised to make their historic debut at the T20 World Cup, a testament to their unwavering determination and the growing popularity of cricket in the East African nation. Despite being overshadowed by football, cricket has taken root in Uganda, thanks to its introduction by British settlers and the influx of Indian laborers.The Cranes, clad in their vibrant red kit, are undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of their new head coach, Abhay Sharma. Time is of the essence as they prepare to face formidable opponents like New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea.Captain Brian Masaba, ranked second in T20 international wins, is optimistic about the team's chances. "If we can pick up a couple of wins, it would be a huge bonus," he said. "But more importantly, the World Cup gives Uganda a platform to showcase our country."Juma Miyagi, a 21-year-old rising star, hopes the World Cup will not only boost Ugandan cricket but also propel his own international career. "I come from the ghetto," he said. "I would like to see myself in one of the biggest leagues in the world and maybe helping out my family."Veteran all-rounder Frank Nsubuga, at 43, is the elder statesman of the squad. "Having been playing for the last 27 years, I'm very excited to have qualified for the World Cup," he said. "It was my dream and it has come true."Coach Sharma, with his wealth of global experience, is confident in the team's abilities. "We are going step by step," he said. "We are working on their skill sets and mindset."While expectations are high, Sharma remains realistic. "This is a young team and it is a baby of global cricket," he said. "But they are in good shape and expectations are high."The Cricket Cranes' journey to the T20 World Cup is a testament to their passion, perseverance, and the growing popularity of cricket in Uganda. Their performance on the global stage will not only inspire a new generation of cricketers but also showcase the nation's sporting prowess.

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman has vehemently defended young wicketkeeper Azam Khan's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, dismissing criticism that he was selected based on "sifarish" (recommendations). Zaman's outburst came in response to a journalist's question about whether other players deserved a spot ahead of the "unfit" Khan.Despite impressive performances in T20 leagues worldwide, Khan has struggled to replicate his form for Pakistan, averaging a mere 11 runs in international matches. However, Zaman believes the selectors made the right choice based on Khan's past achievements."If you make a team, then don't pick him. The team is picked by Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam. What you said is disrespectful towards a player. You've to see how he managed to find a spot for himself in the team. He has been selected due to his performances in the CPL," Zaman asserted at a press conference.Zaman urged journalists to conduct thorough research before making such accusations. "Please do some research on how a player like Azam Khan fought his way into the playing XI. Even I can say that you came here by recommendation. So, do some research before coming to the press conference," he added.Meanwhile, Pakistan's T20 World Cup preparations suffered a setback with a disappointing loss to England in the second T20I of the four-match series. England posted a formidable 183/7, led by Jos Buttler's 84, while Pakistan was restricted to 160, with Reece Topley claiming three wickets. England now holds a 1-0 lead in the series, with the remaining matches scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday.

Will Jacks, the rising star of English cricket, is eager to showcase the invaluable lessons he learned from batting alongside Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as England prepares to defend its T20 World Cup title.Jacks, who has played a pivotal role in England's recent warm-up victory over Pakistan, credits Kohli for providing him with crucial guidance during their partnership in the IPL. He believes that Kohli's unwavering intensity and attention to detail have left a lasting impression on him."He's a very good role model," Jacks said of Kohli. "The way he approaches all the training and every aspect of the game off the field, his intensity, everything he does is a 100 percent attention."Jacks particularly values the insights Kohli shared with him about pacing the game and maintaining focus during high-pressure chases. He believes that these lessons will be invaluable as England embarks on its World Cup campaign."When we were batting together, he was coaching me through there," Jacks revealed. "I learned some valuable things about chasing in that innings and pacing the game, which was really helpful."Despite his impressive performances in the IPL, Jacks remains humble about his England record. He acknowledges that his T20 average of 18.16 is a "mixed bag," but he is determined to improve his consistency and make a significant contribution to the team's success."I've been getting starts every game and it's about how do I change those into match-winning scores," Jacks said. "That's more of a mindset thing. It doesn't matter what I'm averaging: if the team's winning, then it's good."As England gears up for its World Cup opener against Scotland, Jacks is confident that the team is building in the right direction. He is excited to represent his country on the global stage and believes that the lessons he has learned from Kohli and other experienced players will help him make a positive impact.

The advent of T20 cricket initially suggested it was a format tailored for younger players. However, over time, experienced veterans have dominated the game, challenging the notion that it's solely for the young.As the upcoming T20 World Cup approaches, several teams are fielding squads that resemble "dad's armies," with a significant number of players over the age of 30.Australia:Australia's squad boasts only one player under 25, Cameron Green. The core of the team revolves around seasoned veterans such as David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Mathew Wade, all of whom are on the wrong side of 30. Mitchell Marsh, at 32, has been handed the captaincy ahead of Pat Cummins, signaling a preference for fresh ideas over reputation.England:The defending champions, England, have opted for continuity, fielding a similar team to the one that triumphed in Australia in 2022. Led by Jos Buttler and an aging leadership group, the squad is packed with experienced players like Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wood. While they may appear similar to their previous campaign, players like Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, and Jofra Archer have gained valuable experience since then.New Zealand:Kane Williamson continues to lead New Zealand into major tournaments, and he will be joined by a core of senior players who are well past their 30s. Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, Mitch Santner, and Jimmy Neesham form the backbone of the team. Rachin Ravindra, at 24, is the only player under 25, but the firepower of Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen will provide support to the experienced core.Pakistan:Finalists in the last edition, Pakistan will be led by Babar Azam and a similar-looking team. The squad includes the return of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, who have performed well in the Pakistan Super League. The inclusion of Azam Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub brings freshness to the team. Experienced campaigners like Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi will provide stability.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has once again showcased its innovative and heartwarming approach to engaging with fans. Following the charming squad announcement video featuring kids Angus and Matilda, NZC has released a touching farewell video as the Blackcaps depart for the T20 World Cup 2024.The video captures the heartwarming moments between Angus and Matilda and the cricketers at the airport. The duo interacts with the players, wishing them well and expressing their excitement for the tournament. The video highlights the close bond between the team and its young fans.NZC's unique approach to squad announcements has garnered widespread praise. Last year, the board enlisted the help of players' family members to unveil the ODI World Cup team. This innovative style has set NZC apart and has been lauded by fans and experts alike.The T20 World Cup 2024 will be held in the West Indies and the USA from June 2. The Blackcaps, led by returning captain Kane Williamson, will be aiming to make a significant impact on the global stage. The team boasts a strong squad with a mix of experienced players and rising stars.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a dominant force in cricket, often overshadowing the T20 World Cup. However, the IPL's influence on the World Cup squad selection has been limited, with selectors opting for a pragmatic and conservative approach.The 15-member World Cup squad, led by Rohit Sharma, includes experienced players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. While these players have proven their worth in the past, their recent IPL performances have raised questions about their current form.The absence of young players who impressed in the IPL, such as Abhishek Sharma and Harshit Rana, has sparked debate. Critics argue that the selectors should have given more weight to IPL performances, especially in a format that favors experimentation.However, the selectors have defended their decision, emphasizing the importance of experience and pedigree in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup. They believe that the team's core was established before the IPL, and that individual performances in the league should not overshadow the overall balance and chemistry of the squad.The T20 World Cup format, with its unpredictable nature and knockout rounds, makes it difficult for even the best teams to dominate. India's goal is to win the title, and the selectors have opted for a safety-first approach to ensure a strong foundation.While experience is crucial, the question remains whether the selectors have overlooked the potential of in-form youngsters. The IPL has provided a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills, and some argue that their contributions should be valued more in the World Cup selection process.The performance of India in the tournament will determine the validity of the conservative approach. If the team succeeds, it will reinforce the importance of experience and stability. However, if they falter, it may lead to a reassessment of the role of IPL performances in future World Cup selections.

Hardik Pandya, India's all-rounder and vice-captain, has been under intense scrutiny lately due to personal and professional challenges. Despite the adversity, Pandya has joined Team India in New York for the upcoming T20 World Cup, signaling his readiness for the mega event.Pandya's recent struggles include a disappointing Indian Premier League season as captain of the Mumbai Indians. The team's failure to qualify for the playoffs and their last-place finish drew criticism from fans, leading to Pandya being booed during matches.Amidst the speculation and scrutiny, Pandya's post on social media announcing his arrival in New York for Team India's training session has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans have expressed support for Pandya, while others remain skeptical about his ability to lead the team to success.The Indian cricket team has begun their preparations in New York for the ICC 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to start on June 2. The first batch of players, including captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and head coach Rahul Dravid, arrived in New York a few days ago and have now started their training sessions.India has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, Ireland, and Canada. They will begin their World Cup campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5. Before the main event, the Indian team is set to play a warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1.India's only T20 World Cup victory came in 2007 under the leadership of MS Dhoni. The current squad is eager to replicate that success and bring the trophy home once again.

Rinku Singh Breaks Silence on T20 World Cup Snub, Reveals Conversation with Rohit SharmaIndian cricketer Rinku Singh has expressed his disappointment over being excluded from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad, but has accepted the decision due to team composition.In an interview with Dainik Jagran, Singh revealed that he had a conversation with skipper Rohit Sharma about his omission. "Rohit Bhaiya did not say anything special. He only said that just keep working hard. There is a World Cup again after two years. There is no need to worry too much," Singh said.Singh's exclusion from the squad came as a surprise to many, given his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, the BCCI selectors opted for Shivam Dube and Axar Patel as all-rounder options.Singh admitted to being upset initially, but has since come to terms with the decision. "Yes, anyone feels a little bad if he is not selected despite good performance. However, this time I could not get selected due to the team combination. It is okay, one should not think too much about things that are not in one's hands," he said.Despite his disappointment, Singh remains optimistic about his future prospects. "There is a World Cup again after two years. There is no need to worry too much," he said.Singh's exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad has sparked debate among fans and experts. Some have questioned the selectors' decision, while others have defended it, citing the need for a balanced team composition.

Australia's T20 World Cup preparations got off to a strong start with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Namibia in their opening warm-up match. Despite missing several key players, Australia's depleted squad showcased their depth and talent.Josh Hazlewood led the charge with an impressive new-ball spell, taking two wickets in his first three overs. The absence of regular bowlers forced Australia to field four substitutes, including head coach Andrew McDonald and national selector George Bailey.David Warner, returning from an injury-hit IPL season, made the most of his time at the crease, smashing a 20-ball half-century. Warner's innings set the tone for Australia's chase, which they completed with ease in just 10.3 overs.Ashton Agar, recalled for the tournament, opened the attack with Hazlewood and bowled economically. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis also contributed with wickets, while Tim David's part-time offspin proved useful.Namibia struggled to build partnerships, with only Jan Frylinck (38) offering significant resistance. Australia's fielding was sharp, with Borovec taking a fine catch to dismiss Davin.The victory provides a confidence boost for Australia ahead of their second warm-up match against hosts West Indies on Thursday. The team will be hoping to continue their winning ways and fine-tune their preparations for the main event.