Cricket

Former Australian Test opener Joe Burns has embarked on a new chapter in his cricket career, representing Italy in the upcoming sub-regional qualifiers for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. The move comes after a challenging period for Burns, who was dropped by Queensland last season and did not earn a place on their 2024-25 contract list.Burns' decision to play for Italy is a poignant one, as he revealed in an Instagram post that he is honoring the memory of his brother, who passed away in February. His brother's number, 85, is emblazoned on his Italy shirt, a tribute to the connection they shared through cricket."This isn't just a number and this isn't just a jersey. This is for the people who I know will be looking down proudly from above," Burns wrote. "In February of this year, my brother sadly passed away. 85 was his number in the last team he played for the mighty Northern Federals in sub-districts."Burns qualifies for Italy through his mother's heritage and is eager to represent his ancestral country. He is set to feature in the sub-regional qualifiers, which will take place in Rome from June 9-16. Italy is grouped with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg, and Turkey in group one."I often reflect on the bravery and commitment it must have taken my grandparents when they left Italy to start a new life in Australia," Burns wrote. "They found a way to make it work through adversity, and this has always given me solace through life's lessons. I'm so proud to represent Italy on our path to the 2026 World Cup."Burns' move to Italy marks a significant change in his career trajectory. He was averaging 37.16 in the Sheffield Shield when he was dropped by Queensland, but is now without any professional deals in Australia. In 23 Tests for Australia, he made four centuries, averaging 36.97, with his last appearance coming against India in late 2020.Despite the challenges he has faced, Burns remains passionate about cricket and is determined to make a positive impact with Italy. He is confident that his experience and leadership will be valuable to the team as they strive to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded with the Kolkata Knight Riders emerging victorious, claiming their third title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. However, the absence of Team India players in the final has sparked commentary from Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who views it as a "blessing in disguise" for Indian cricket ahead of the T20 World Cup.Akram, speaking to Sportskeeda, emphasized that the lack of Indian players in the IPL final allows them to concentrate solely on their preparations for the World Cup, without the additional strain of a prolonged tournament. "Now, at least none of them will have to claim fatigue. They were thinking ahead, prioritizing India over reaching the final. It could be a blessing in disguise for India," Akram stated.Akram, who had previously expressed concerns about player fatigue due to the demanding IPL schedule, noted that the Indian contingent would benefit from the additional rest and preparation time. "We discussed in the previous show that I was worried about their potential fatigue, and they will be tired, no doubt. Even America is not their home ground. I think Pakistan's first match is in Dallas. Now they will go and play there, with one or two practice matches. It will be okay, I suppose. It is T20, the boys will recover, and nowadays fitness levels are very high," he added.The Indian squad has already arrived in New York to prepare for the T20 World Cup. They will play a warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1 at Nassau County, providing crucial practice time before the tournament begins. The early focus on preparation is expected to give India a better chance this time around.The T20 World Cup is set to start on June 2, with Rohit Sharma's Team India beginning their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. The absence of Indian players in the IPL final ensures they are well-rested and focused, an advantage that Akram believes could be pivotal.

Pakistan's Bowling Line-Up: A Force to Reckon With at T20 World CupFormer Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has hailed Pakistan's bowling attack as the most formidable in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 1. Afridi's assertion stems from Pakistan's impressive performance in the previous edition, where they emerged as runners-up.In a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Afridi lauded the exceptional talent and depth of Pakistan's pace battery, which boasts the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. "No other cricket team in the world possesses such a potent bowling line-up," Afridi declared. "Our four fast bowlers are highly skilled, and even those on the bench, like Abbas Afridi, have exceptional abilities, including a deceptive slower ball."Afridi expressed unwavering confidence in the bowlers' ability to outclass world-class batters. However, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has raised concerns about the team's bowling strategy. Raja emphasized that while Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a standout performer, he needs to diversify his bowling tactics, particularly when the ball is not swinging."Shaheen Shah Afridi's bowling is a concern," Raja remarked on his YouTube channel after Pakistan's recent 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I. "If the ball isn't swinging and he bowls at full length, he becomes vulnerable. He must develop a shorter length and vary his pace, especially when the pitch offers little assistance."Pakistan will face England in the third T20I in Cardiff on Tuesday, a crucial encounter for the team to address these concerns and refine their strategies ahead of the World Cup.

Jos Buttler, England's talismanic wicketkeeper-batter, will miss the third T20I against Pakistan due to paternity leave. Buttler, who captained England to a 23-run victory in the second T20I at Edgbaston, has traveled home to London to be with his wife Louise, who is expecting their third child imminently.Buttler's absence is a blow to England, but it ensures that he will be available for the entire T20 World Cup campaign, which begins next Tuesday in Barbados. The 31-year-old had previously confirmed that he would be at the birth regardless, raising the prospect that he could miss a group-stage match.Moeen Ali, England's vice-captain, is expected to lead the team in Buttler's absence. Ali played down the significance of the leadership change, saying, "Nothing will change too much: it's just taking over from what he's doing and then when he comes back, he takes over."In Buttler's absence, England are likely to make a few changes to their side. Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow could move up a spot each in the batting order, with Ben Duckett coming in at No. 4. England could also add another bowling allrounder to their side in Sam Curran.Mark Wood, who bowled with a heavily strapped knee before Saturday's T20I, could also come into contention in Cardiff if England opt to take a cautious approach to Jofra Archer's fitness following his international comeback.However, Tuesday night's match is under threat from the weather. If the match is washed out, England will have a 1-0 lead in the four-match series heading into the final match at The Oval on Thursday night.

Heinrich Malan, the head coach of the Ireland men's cricket team, has signed a two-year contract extension, extending his tenure until mid-2027. This decision aligns with Ireland's goal of qualifying for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa and Zimbabwe.Malan's appointment in January 2022 marked a significant shift for Ireland, as he became the first non-Irish coach to lead the national team. Under his guidance, Ireland has made notable strides, particularly in the T20 format. They have successfully qualified for the last two T20 World Cups and even defeated eventual champions England in the group stage of the 2022 edition.In February 2023, Ireland achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever Test victory against Afghanistan. This triumph showcased the team's growing competitiveness across all three formats of the game.Malan's extension comes at a crucial time for Ireland, as they prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. He will work closely with captain Paul Stirling to lead the team in this prestigious tournament."I am delighted with the extension as it provides the squad and coaching staff a great deal more certainty as we build upon the foundations we have put in place over the last two years," said Malan. "We are now a three-format squad and - despite our smaller talent pool to draw from compared to other Full Members - we have been gradually building a sustainable structure that ensures we can continue to compete and improve on all three fronts."Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director of Cricket Ireland, praised Malan's contributions to the team's development. "Over the last 18 months or so, the team has improved significantly in the T20 format which was our weakest format," said Holdsworth. "His research into what world-class looks like, and the data he has gathered around the T20 format globally, has led to the production of a blueprint for the Ireland Men's team."Ireland's players recently secured revised central contracts, including pay raises, after negotiations. This demonstrates the growing recognition of the team's achievements and the commitment to supporting their development.As Ireland embarks on the next phase of their cricketing journey, Malan's leadership and strategic planning will be crucial in guiding them towards their goal of qualifying for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

England's IPL Departure: A Missed Opportunity for T20 World Cup PreparationThe premature departure of English players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the playoffs has raised concerns about their readiness for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that the decision to recall players for a series against Pakistan may have hindered their development.Vaughan argues that players like Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Will Jacks would have benefited significantly from the high-pressure environment of the IPL playoffs. He emphasizes the importance of playing under intense scrutiny from fans, owners, and social media, which he believes is more valuable preparation than a T20 match against Pakistan."I think you're going to miss the trick by sending all their players home," Vaughan said. "Playing in the IPL in the eliminators, pressure, crowd, expectation. I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan."Vaughan acknowledges the priority of international cricket but believes that the IPL offers a unique opportunity for players to enhance their skills in a competitive and demanding environment. He particularly highlights the potential benefits for Jacks and Salt, who have limited experience at the international level."But Will Jacks and Phil Salt, I think they'd have been better prepared staying here playing in the IPL, then going back to head and let's play a game," Vaughan concluded.While England secured a comfortable victory in the first T20I against Pakistan, Buttler, Jacks, and Salt failed to make significant contributions with the bat. This performance raises questions about their readiness for the challenges of the T20 World Cup.Vaughan's comments underscore the importance of balancing international commitments with opportunities for players to develop their skills in high-pressure environments. The IPL provides a platform for players to test their abilities against the world's best and gain valuable experience that can translate into success at the international level.

The T20 World Cup marks the triumphant return of cricket to North American soil, carrying with it the hopes of igniting a passion for the sport in the United States. With an estimated 30 million fans in the country, the International Cricket Council (ICC) sees immense potential in the US market.The tournament, a prelude to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, will feature 16 matches across three locations: New York, Dallas, and Lauderhill. The majority of the 55 scheduled matches, including the knockout rounds, will take place in the Caribbean.Cricket's history in the United States dates back to the mid-1800s, but its popularity waned during the Civil War when baseball emerged as a faster-paced alternative. However, the ICC believes that the T20 format, with its shorter duration and entertainment value, could appeal to American audiences."It's entertainment, and that's what people look for," says legendary West Indian cricketer Brian Lara. "Americans want entertainment."To engage with the American audience, the ICC has enlisted eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt as the World Cup ambassador and promoted the event at the recent Formula 1 race in Miami.The tournament will also provide a platform for the US team, composed primarily of players with South Asian and Caribbean heritage, to make its World Cup debut. President of USA Cricket, Venu Pisike, believes that the event will raise awareness for the sport and pave the way for its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics."The World Cup is bringing a lot of awareness, and the opportunity for cricket to be in the Olympics will definitely attract the community," said Pisike.However, for cricket to gain a foothold in the US, it must overcome challenges such as its perceived complexity and the lack of professional opportunities for American players. The Major League Cricket, launched last year, is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to create a sustainable future for the sport in the country.

Indian Cricket Team Arrives in New York for T20 World Cup 2024The Indian cricket team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, has arrived in New York to participate in the T20 World Cup 2024. The team, which includes pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and top-ranked T20I hitter Suryakumar Yadav, departed for the US on Saturday.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video on its official social media account showing the players traveling to the United States. The footage captured the Indian cricketers boarding the team bus and arriving at the New York airport."Touchdown New York! #TeamIndia have arrived for the #T20WorldCup," BCCI tweeted.India's first match in the T20 World Cup will be against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for June 9. India will conclude their Group A matches on June 12 against the USA, the tournament co-host, and on June 15 against Canada.The Indian team is one of the favorites to win the T20 World Cup. They have a strong batting lineup led by Sharma, Yadav, and Virat Kohli. The bowling attack is equally impressive, with Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Yuzvendra Chahal leading the charge.India will be looking to improve on their performance in the previous T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals by England. The team has been in good form in recent months, winning the Asia Cup and the T20I series against New Zealand.The T20 World Cup 2024 is expected to be a highly competitive tournament, with all the top teams in the world participating. India will be hoping to add to their two T20 World Cup titles and cement their status as one of the best cricket teams in the world.

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has hinted at potentially retiring from one format of international cricket to accommodate more franchise cricket in his schedule. The 34-year-old, who has been a mainstay in the Australian Test and ODI teams for over a decade, has expressed his desire to prioritize franchise cricket as he nears the twilight of his career.Starc's decision comes after a stellar season with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played a pivotal role in their title triumph. He finished the tournament with 17 wickets, including five in the two knockout games, showcasing his exceptional skills and match-winning abilities.While Starc did not explicitly state which format he intends to give up, it is likely to be ODIs considering the next 50-over World Cup is not scheduled until 2027. This would allow him to focus on T20 cricket, which has gained immense popularity in recent years and offers lucrative financial opportunities.Starc's decision reflects the changing landscape of cricket, where franchise leagues are becoming increasingly competitive and financially rewarding. Players are now faced with the dilemma of balancing their international commitments with the allure of lucrative contracts in franchise cricket.Starc's experience in the IPL has not only boosted his confidence but also provided him with valuable preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies. He believes that the tournament will be a different challenge compared to the IPL, with pitches likely to offer more assistance to spinners and lower scores expected.Despite the criticism he faced during the early stages of the IPL, Starc remained unfazed and focused on contributing to his team's success. He emphasized that he does not need additional motivation from his price tag and that he is committed to performing at his best for whichever team he represents.Starc's decision to potentially retire from one format of international cricket is a significant development in the world of cricket. It highlights the growing influence of franchise leagues and the challenges faced by players in balancing their international and franchise commitments.