Cricket

The T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on June 1 in the United States and West Indies, presents a golden opportunity for Team India to break their prolonged ICC title drought. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian squad is determined to rectify their near-miss in the ODI World Cup last year, where they succumbed to Australia in the final.However, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has identified a glaring weakness in the Indian team's composition. Doull emphasizes the absence of top-order batsmen who can contribute with a few overs of bowling in the T20 format."That's one thing India have been missing massively. Players in their top-five, six, who can bowl a couple of overs in T20 cricket," Doull stated.Doull also speculates on the potential changes to the Indian squad after the T20 World Cup. He envisions a future lineup that includes Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top, along with Shivam Dube, who can provide bowling depth in the top five."You might have a couple of guys, Shivam Dube stays, couple guys who can bowl two or three overs in that top five. That then becomes crucial and then you can bat deeper and pick four genuine bowlers, and then you have 2-3 all-rounders who can do the job, two of whom are in your top-five," Doull explained.As the T20 World Cup draws near, expectations are soaring for Team India. Fans are optimistic that the combination of experienced players and emerging talent will propel the team to the elusive ICC trophy and end their title drought.

Virat Kohli's Departure for T20 World Cup Delayed Due to Paperwork IssueIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli's departure for the T20 World Cup in the United States has been postponed due to a delay in paperwork, according to reports. The first batch of players from India's squad, led by captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, departed for the USA on Sunday.Kohli was not among the players who left on the first flight. Batting coach Vikram Rathour, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, along with traveling reserves Shubman Gill and Khaleel Ahmed, were also spotted at the Mumbai airport.Team vice-captain Hardik Pandya was also absent from the group. Pandya is reportedly in London and will fly to the US from there.The delay in Kohli's departure is believed to be related to a paperwork issue. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) is working to resolve the matter as soon as possible.Kohli is a key member of the Indian team and his absence from the first batch of players departing for the USA is a concern. However, the BCCI is confident that the issue will be resolved soon and Kohli will join the squad in time for the tournament.The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in the United States from October 16 to November 13. India is one of the favorites to win the tournament, and Kohli's presence in the squad will be crucial to their chances of success.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for its decision to recall players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the T20I series against Pakistan. Vaughan believes that the players would have benefited more from participating in the IPL playoffs than playing in the T20I series.Vaughan's comments come after England players Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Jos Buttler were ordered to return for international duty, missing out on the IPL playoffs. Vaughan argues that playing in the high-pressure environment of the IPL playoffs would have been better preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup than playing in a T20I against Pakistan."I think England missed a trick by sending all their players home," Vaughan said on the 'Club Prairie Fire' podcast. "I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler in particular, playing in the IPL in the eliminations (playoffs), pressure, crowd, expectation, I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan."Vaughan emphasized that he is not advocating for club cricket to take precedence over international duty. However, he believes that the pressure and intensity of the IPL playoffs would have been more beneficial for the players' development in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup."I am all for international cricket, but...this tournament (IPL) in particular is so exposed to pressure...players are under a huge amount of pressure from fans, owners, social media; it's massive," Vaughan said. "I just felt Buttler, probably not as much but I still think he could have stayed here, but Will Jacks and Phil Salt, I think they would have been better prepared (for the T20 World Cup) staying here and playing in the IPL than going back to Headingley to play a (T20I) game."Former Australia captain Adam Gilchrist agreed with Vaughan's assessment, stating that the players who were actively involved in the IPL playoffs should have been allowed to stay back. "I am sure there are a number of (England) players who could have fulfilled those obligations (for T20I series against Pakistan) in the international setup there, but the guys that were actively involved in the IPL, in the finals period (should have stayed back). I think that's a missed opportunity, spot on," Gilchrist said.The IPL final will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday in Chennai, while the T20 World Cup will begin on June 2 in the US and West Indies.

The Indian cricket team has embarked on its journey to the United States for the ICC T20 World Cup, which commences on June 1. The first group of players, including captain Rohit Sharma, pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, and top-ranked T20I batsman Suryakumar Yadav, departed from Mumbai airport.Accompanying the players were head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour. Young batting talent Shubman Gill, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube, along with pacers Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Khaleel Ahmed, were also part of the contingent.The spin department was represented by Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rinku Singh, and Virat Kohli are yet to join the team.India's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. The highly anticipated India versus Pakistan clash will take place on June 9. India will then face tournament co-hosts USA (June 12) and Canada (June 15) to wrap up their Group A matches.India will be aiming to end their ICC trophy drought, having last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Since then, India has reached the 50-over World Cup final in 2023, semifinal in 2015 and 2019, the title clash of the ICC World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023, T20 WC final in 2014, semifinals in 2016 and 2022 but failed to secure a major ICC trophy.India will be aiming to win their first T20 WC title since they won the inaugural edition of the tournament back in 2007 in South Africa. In the last edition held in Australia in 2022, India lost to England by 10 wickets in the semifinals.

The Pakistan cricket team's captaincy has been a topic of intense scrutiny in recent months. After a disappointing Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign, Babar Azam resigned as captain across all formats. Shan Masood was appointed as Test captain, while Shaheen Afridi took over the T20I leadership.However, Afridi's tenure as T20I captain was short-lived. After a 4-1 series loss to New Zealand, he was replaced by Babar Azam. Despite rumors of a rift between the two players, the Pakistan camp appeared to be in harmony.However, a recent report has reignited speculation about internal divisions. According to ESPNcricinfo, Afridi declined the offer to become Pakistan's T20I vice-captain ahead of the upcoming World Cup in the USA and West Indies.This development has raised eyebrows, especially considering that Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad, announced on May 24, does not include a designated vice-captain. The squad includes Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Khan.The absence of a vice-captain has fueled speculation about the state of the Pakistan team's leadership. Some observers believe that Afridi's refusal to accept the role is a sign of dissatisfaction within the squad. Others suggest that it may simply be a matter of personal preference.Regardless of the reasons behind Afridi's decision, the captaincy issue has once again become a talking point for Pakistan cricket fans. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the team's leadership will be under intense scrutiny.

Bangladesh's chief selector, Gazi Ashraf Hossain, has expressed confidence in the 15-member squad selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite their recent series loss to the United States. The team has been finalized ahead of the ICC's May 25 deadline for submitting final squads.After consulting with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, Hossain stated, "We are hoping they do well in the T20 World Cup. We are keeping faith in the existing squad." He acknowledged the team's disappointing start to the tour but emphasized the need to move forward.The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also called up 21 players for the Bangladesh Tigers' training camp from May 26. Six of these players are designated as T20 World Cup reserves, including Mohammad Saifuddin, who has opted out for the first two weeks due to a family emergency.Hossain explained that the camp aims to prepare players for white-ball cricket and provide replacements in case of emergencies. He highlighted the importance of having specialists for opening batting, stating that "facing the new ball is a challenge everywhere."Regarding the team's opening batting combination, Hossain expressed confidence in finding suitable options from those who performed well in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He also provided an update on Taskin Ahmed's recovery from a side strain, indicating that he could resume full training by June 5.Bangladesh's T20 World Cup campaign begins on June 7 against Sri Lanka in Dallas. They will also face South Africa, Netherlands, and Nepal in the group stage. Prior to the main tournament, they will play warm-up matches against the United States and India.

Pakistan's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup has been met with praise from former Australian batter Matthew Hayden, who believes the team has a solid lineup. However, he also highlighted fielding as a potential weakness for the team.Pakistan's fast-bowling attack is particularly impressive, with Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf all included in the squad. Hayden described the quartet as "amazing" talents, noting their ability to generate pace and swing.The batting lineup also boasts star power, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman all in the side. Azam, the captain, is a natural leader and a prolific run-scorer, while Rizwan is a reliable wicketkeeper-batter. Zaman, a left-handed opener, is known for his aggressive batting style.Hayden believes that Pakistan's fielding is an area that needs improvement. "Their defensive efforts in the field have and hopefully, in this case, won't diminish their performances," he said.Pakistan is currently playing a four-match T20I series against England as part of their preparations for the World Cup. They will open their World Cup campaign against the USA in Texas on June 6, before facing arch-rivals India in New York on June 9.

Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Afridi has expressed optimism about the national team's chances of reaching the final of the upcoming 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that the conditions in the West Indies and the USA, where the tournament will be held, will favor Pakistan's strengths.Pakistan has a strong track record in the T20 World Cup, having won the title in 2009 and finishing as runners-up in 2007 and 2022. They have also reached the semi-finals in 2010, 2012, and 2021.Afridi highlighted the team's exceptional bowling attack as a key factor in their success. "I think in any cricket team in the world, nobody has such a strong bowling line-up," he said. "All our four fast bowlers have a lot of skill and even the bowlers sitting on the bench like Abbas (Afridi)...has a lot of skill with a good slower ball."He also praised the team's batting lineup, but urged them to improve their strike rate in the middle overs. "The thing that bothers me is the strike rate of our batters, especially in between the seven to thirteen over phase," he said. "I hope that the strike rate improves in that phase. In terms of runs per over, eight or nine runs per over are needed."Afridi declined to single out any one player as the key to Pakistan's success, but he emphasized the importance of captain Babar Azam's leadership. "But if I had to pick one, I would pick the captain Babar Azam, because he is the leader," he said. "I want him to perform well, and make timely decisions which will take the team to victory."Overall, Afridi is confident in Pakistan's ability to make a deep run in the 2024 T20 World Cup. "I feel Pakistan should make the final," he said. "The reason is that the conditions (in the West Indies and the USA) suit our team. If we look at the spinners in our team, they are outstanding. They might not be in form but I know they will return in form. If we talk about fast bowling, it’s an incredible attack. In batting, we have great strength.”

England vs Pakistan 2nd T20I: A Crucial Rehearsal for the T20 World CupEngland and Pakistan will lock horns in the second T20I of their four-match series on Saturday in Birmingham. This highly anticipated encounter holds immense significance as it serves as a crucial rehearsal for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.The first T20I between these two cricketing giants was unfortunately washed out due to persistent rain, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the second match. England and Pakistan have been in contrasting form in recent times. Pakistan has emerged victorious in three of their last five T20Is, while England has managed to secure two wins and suffered three defeats.England will be keen to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the first T20I. They will be led by their experienced captain, Jos Buttler, who will be looking to set the tone for the series. The English batting lineup boasts a wealth of talent, including the likes of Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes.Pakistan, on the other hand, will be aiming to continue their winning momentum. They will be led by the enigmatic Babar Azam, who is currently ranked as the world's number one T20I batsman. The Pakistani batting lineup also features the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Asif Ali.The bowling departments of both teams will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. England will rely on the experience of Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid, while Pakistan will look to their pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.This second T20I promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Both England and Pakistan will be eager to secure a victory to gain an early advantage in the series and boost their confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup.