Cricket

Australia's T20 World Cup preparations have been hampered by the absence of several key players who were involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final. The team will have just nine players available for their warm-up match against Namibia on Tuesday, with captain Mitchell Marsh still recovering from a hamstring injury.Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc, who played in the IPL final on Sunday, will briefly return to Australia before joining the World Cup squad. Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, who were part of Royal Challengers Bangalore's playoff run, are also spending time at home. These five players are expected to arrive when the Australia squad reaches Barbados ahead of their first group match against Oman on June 5.Marcus Stoinis has also yet to arrive in the Caribbean. "It's important to be flexible," Marsh said. "Guys have been at the IPL. They've been playing a lot of cricket so we've prioritized giving them a couple of days at home, see their family, refresh and play the long game for this tournament."Australia may need to call on members of the coaching staff to field during the warm-up matches if they want a full complement. Brad Hodge, Andrew McDonald, George Bailey, and Andre Borovec could be called in. Daniel Vettori, another assistant coach, will also be part of the group but would not be eligible to field in warm-up matches.Marsh is confident of being able to play both warm-up matches as a batter despite his hamstring injury. "I'm just ticking off the last few things I need to tick off to be fit and available," he said. "All went well today. It's been progressively slow but finally getting there now and looking forward to getting stuck into the tournament."Some teams have opted out of practice matches altogether, but Australia's two warm-ups will be important for players coming from the off-season and those who did not feature much for their IPL sides. David Warner, whose international career will end at the World Cup, is also coming into the tournament after a lean IPL and a hand injury.

Cricket's global reach is set to be tested in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be held in the Caribbean and the United States. The tournament, which features the fastest and most explosive format of the game, has been expanded to include 20 nations, making it the largest ever.The United States, a country where cricket has struggled to gain a foothold, will host 16 group stage matches, including the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan. While organizers acknowledge the challenges of converting mainstream American sports fans, they hope to attract large crowds from immigrant communities with strong cricket ties.The ICC views the tournament as a stepping stone towards cricket's return to the Olympics in 2028. The T20 format, with its shorter duration and high-scoring matches, is seen as an ideal vehicle for growing the sport.The expansion of the tournament has provided opportunities for emerging cricket nations to compete on the big stage. USA, Canada, and Uganda will make their T20 World Cup debuts, while Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Oman will aim to make their mark.India, with its star-studded lineup, is the favorite to win the tournament. However, Australia, England, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan are all contenders.The tournament promises to be filled with surprises, as the T20 format often favors underdogs. The group stage will be crucial, with only the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage.

West Indies capped off their T20 World Cup preparations with a resounding 8-wicket victory over South Africa, completing a 3-0 series sweep. The triumph marked their fourth series win since the previous T20 World Cup and their first 3-0 triumph over South Africa.South Africa, on the other hand, have struggled in recent T20Is, winning only two of their last 11 completed matches. Their concerns extend to their middle order, with Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs absent from this series. Quinton de Kock's form and Ryan Rickelton's struggles also raise questions.Anrich Nortje's high economy rate and lack of wickets cast doubt on his readiness for international cricket. However, he remains part of South Africa's World Cup squad.West Indies, meanwhile, appear well-prepared for the tournament. They have won four out of five series since the last T20 World Cup and chased down 164 in just 14 overs in the final match against South Africa.Obed McCoy, a late addition to the T20 World Cup squad, impressed with 3 for 39 in the final match. Brandon King, the stand-in captain, finished as the series' leading run-scorer.Johnson Charles, who had struggled for form, silenced critics with a dominant half-century, setting the platform for West Indies' victory. He targeted South Africa's fastest bowlers, Nortje and Gerald Coetzee, with impressive ease.Gudakesh Motie, the left-arm spinner, made an early impact with two wickets in his first two overs. However, he conceded 11 runs in his final over and was not used again.Rassie van der Dussen, excluded from South Africa's T20 World Cup squad, had the final say with a 30-ball fifty. His 77-run partnership with Wiaan Mulder prevented a South African collapse.Kyle Mayers missed a crucial catch that could have dismissed van der Dussen early on. However, he made amends with a two-handed catch to dismiss Mulder later in the innings. Mayers also contributed with an unbeaten 36 with the bat, helping West Indies wrap up the chase.

The West Indies cricket team has suffered a setback ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, with star all-rounder Jason Holder ruled out due to an injury sustained while playing in the County Championship. The Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the news on May 26, stating that Holder will require a recovery period and will not be available for the tournament.Holder's absence is a significant blow to the West Indies, as he is a key player in both their batting and bowling lineups. He has been a consistent performer for the team in recent years, and his experience and leadership will be missed.In Holder's place, the CWI has named Obed McCoy as his replacement. McCoy is a left-arm fast bowler who has impressed in recent matches for the West Indies. He has taken 10 wickets in his last five T20 internationals, and his ability to swing the ball both ways makes him a valuable asset to the team.In addition to McCoy, the CWI has also named five reserve players for the tournament: Kyle Mayers, Fabian Allen, Matthew Forde, Andre Fletcher, and Hayden Walsh. These players will be on standby in case of any further injuries or unforeseen circumstances.The T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by the Caribbean nations and the USA from June 2. The West Indies will be looking to make a strong impression on home soil, and they will be hoping that McCoy can step up and fill the void left by Holder's absence.

India's vice-captain Hardik Pandya is set to join the Rohit Sharma-led squad in New York on Sunday afternoon ahead of the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup. Pandya's absence from the first batch of Indian players and support staff departing for New York on Saturday night had raised eyebrows.According to Cricbuzz, Pandya had been vacationing overseas after Mumbai Indians' disappointing IPL 2024 campaign ended with a defeat to Lucknow Super Giants. He is now on his way to New York to link up with the Indian team for the showpiece event starting from June 1.Pandya's IPL 2024 performance was underwhelming, with the all-rounder struggling with both bat and ball. He managed only 216 runs in 14 matches at an average of 18 and a strike-rate of 143.05. With the ball, he picked up 11 wickets at an economy-rate of 10.75 and average of 35.18.As a leader, Pandya failed to inspire Mumbai Indians, who finished at the bottom of the points table. This was a stark contrast to his successful stint as captain of Gujarat Titans, who won the IPL title in 2022 and finished runners-up in 2023.Other players who will join the Indian team later include Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan, who played for Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024. Traveling reserve Rinku Singh, who will be playing in the IPL title clash on Sunday night, will also join the squad. Virat Kohli has reportedly sought permission to join the team late.Apart from Rohit, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and traveling substitutes Shubman Gill and Khaleel Ahmed, left for New York from Mumbai on Saturday night.India is set to play their lone warm-up game against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 1. Their Men's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Group A opponents Ireland in New York, followed by a highly-anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9.India will then face co-hosts USA on June 12 in New York, before going to Florida to take on Canada on June 15 to wrap up their Group A league matches. India were the inaugural winners of the Men's T20 World Cup in 2007 and are aiming to claim the silverware for just the second time through the upcoming tournament.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has expressed his preference for prioritizing international cricket over lucrative T20 franchise leagues. Zampa, who withdrew from the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) due to fatigue, believes that representing Australia brings him a greater sense of fulfillment."I've really come to love playing for Australia," Zampa said. "It's always been enjoyable, but under the current leadership, it's just so much more so. I make good money playing for Australia, and I would love to prioritize that and being with my family."Zampa acknowledged that franchise cricket has its benefits, but it doesn't compare to the camaraderie and atmosphere of the Australian dressing room. "I don't get enough out of franchise cricket," he said. "It's great for certain aspects of your life, but it's not like being in the Aussie dressing room. I don't get the same buzz out of it."The leg-spinner had previously considered becoming a globe-trotting T20 player, but has since realized that he prefers a more balanced approach. "I've thought about playing franchise cricket all year round, but after winning the World Cup and having a young family, I've realized I want to play cricket for as long as I can," he said. "Instead of trying to play for nine or 10 months of the year, I'd rather play for six or seven."Zampa is excited about Australia's upcoming T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies and the USA, where he will reunite with left-arm spinner Ashton Agar. "I feel like there's a little bit of unfinished business," Zampa said. "Ash missed out on the last World Cup, and I really think this is his World Cup to put his stamp on."Zampa also praised the potential of young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, who was in contention for a traveling reserve role before suffering an injury. "He's had a lot of niggles and injuries, but he's years ahead of where I was at his age," Zampa said. "He's really smart and certainly going to have a long career for Australia."

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina and Pakistani legend Shahid Afridi have engaged in a playful banter over Raina's retirement and Afridi's appointment as an ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup.During an IPL commentary stint, Raina had quipped, "Suresh Raina hu, Shahid Afridi nahi," when asked about a potential comeback. Afridi remained silent, but a Pakistani fan recently reminded Raina of his remarks."ICC has named Shahid Afridi as ambassador for ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Hello Suresh Raina?" the fan posted on Twitter.Raina responded with a cheeky reminder of India's victory over Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup final. "I'm not an ICC ambassador, but I have the 2011 World Cup at my house. Remember the game at Mohali? Hope it brings back some unforgettable memories for you," he tweeted.Afridi, who played a crucial role in Pakistan's T20 World Cup triumph in 2009, joins an illustrious group of ambassadors for the tournament, including Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Usain Bolt."The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart," said Afridi. "I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter."Raina's witty response and Afridi's enthusiasm for the T20 World Cup have sparked a friendly rivalry between the two former cricketers. Their banter has also highlighted the enduring passion for the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, which remains one of the most intense and captivating in the world.

Rohit Sharma's Heartwarming Gesture for Young Fan Ahead of T20 World CupIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma displayed his compassionate side as he prepared to depart for the T20 World Cup in the United States. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport security check, Rohit noticed a young fan eagerly seeking his autograph.Initially, Rohit politely declined, citing time constraints. However, the fan's persistent request and evident enthusiasm touched Rohit's heart. He approached the security personnel and requested them to grant the young fan access.With a smile, Rohit signed the poster for the overjoyed fan, leaving an unforgettable memory for the young cricket enthusiast. The incident highlights Rohit's humility and his genuine care for his fans.The first batch of Indian cricketers, including Rohit, departed for the United States on Saturday for the T20 World Cup, which commences on June 2. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the USA and the West Indies.Along with Rohit, star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, top-ranked T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Rahul Dravid, and several other players left from Mumbai airport.The Indian team will begin its campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. They will face arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9, followed by matches against co-hosts USA and Canada in their Group A fixtures.Rohit's heartwarming gesture towards the young fan serves as a reminder of the special bond between cricketers and their supporters. It also underscores the importance of kindness and compassion in the world of sports.

Pakistan's recent 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I has sparked criticism from former all-rounder Shoaib Malik. Malik, who has played over 400 international matches for Pakistan, believes the team management needs to make significant changes to its batting order and strategy.Malik's primary concern is the team's batting order. He suggests that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan, followed by Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan. This order, he believes, would provide a more balanced and experienced lineup.Malik also emphasizes the importance of giving finishers like Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed adequate time in the middle. He argues that expecting them to start scoring at a high rate immediately is unrealistic and unfair. Instead, the captain should allow them to settle in and gradually increase their scoring rate.In addition to the batting order, Malik also believes the team needs to utilize its options on the bench more wisely. He suggests that players like Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali could provide valuable contributions if given the opportunity.Malik's comments highlight the need for strategic adjustments within the Pakistan team. As they prepare for the remaining matches in the series and the upcoming T20 World Cup, the team management must carefully consider his suggestions and make the necessary changes to improve their performance on the international stage.