Cricket

South Africa's T20 World Cup squad has fallen short of the transformation targets set by Cricket South Africa (CSA), prompting concerns about the lack of progress in developing Black African cricketers. Despite initiatives over the years, CSA admits that these efforts have not yielded the desired results.The 15-player provisional squad includes six players of color, but only one, Kagiso Rabada, is Black African. CSA's target requires an average of six players of color in the XI over a season, with at least two being Black African. Even if all six players of color in the squad play every game, South Africa will still miss the target of two Black African players at the T20 World Cup.This has raised concerns among former CSA and ICC president Ray Mali and former sports minister Fikile Mbalula, who criticized the lack of progress in transformation. Mali called for the return of a selection panel, arguing that the current system of giving one person the power to select the team is not effective in a diverse country like South Africa.CSA has acknowledged the lack of Black African talent at the highest level and has committed to an acceleration program to identify and develop players. Director of cricket Enoch Nkwe has presented plans to increase the representation of Black African players ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup on home soil.However, CSA has also emphasized that it will not interfere in selection decisions. Head coach Rob Walter has defended the squad composition, citing the lack of depth in the domestic system. He believes that the system needs to improve to provide more diverse options for selection in the future.Despite Walter's explanation, the absence of Black African batters in the T20 World Cup squad has raised questions about the effectiveness of the acceleration program. Lungi Ngidi, the only other Black African player who could have been included, was left out in favor of Anrich Nortje, who offers "raw pace."CSA has not insisted on Ngidi's selection in the final squad and will not influence Walter's choice of the final XI. This is a departure from past practices, where CSA has intervened to ensure that transformation targets are met.

Taskin Ahmed, despite his recent injury, has been named vice-captain and included in Bangladesh's 15-member squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. The all-rounder suffered a side strain during the series against Zimbabwe but is expected to recover in time for the tournament.Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the team, which also features veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has participated in every T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007. Litton Das, despite his recent struggles in white-ball cricket, has also been included in the squad.Taskin's injury occurred before the fifth T20I against Zimbabwe on May 12, forcing him to miss the match. However, he was named Player of the Series for his impressive performance in the previous four games, claiming eight wickets.Bangladesh will kick off their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 8 in Dallas. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars, with the likes of Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah providing support to the core group.The team will also have the services of Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Tanzim Hasan. Hasan Mahmud and Afif Hossain have been named as traveling reserves.Bangladesh will be hoping to make a strong impact at the World Cup, having reached the semi-finals in 2016. With a talented squad and a determined mindset, they will be aiming to challenge the top teams and make a deep run in the tournament.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the spotlight has fallen on India captain Rohit Sharma's form and future in the team. Despite his recent struggles in the IPL, Rohit will lead India in the tournament, but questions linger about his longevity in international cricket.Age has become a significant factor in retirement decisions, with Rohit now 37 years old. However, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh's father, Yograj Singh, believes that age should not be a determining factor.In an interview with Sports 18, Yograj emphasized that fitness and form should be the primary criteria for player selection, regardless of age. "This talk about age, that someone is these many years old... I have never understood it. What is wrong if you are fit at 40, 42 or even 45, and if you are performing?" he said.Yograj pointed out that players like Mohinder Amarnath and Virender Sehwag have excelled despite not prioritizing fitness. He believes that if Rohit Sharma were to focus on his fitness, he could potentially extend his career until he is 50 years old."Rohit Sharma and Viru [Virender Sehwag] are two such great players who have never thought about fitness and training. If he does, he can play till he is 50," Yograj explained.Yograj's comments highlight the ongoing debate about the role of age in sports. While some argue that older players may lack the physical capabilities of their younger counterparts, others maintain that experience and maturity can compensate for any decline in athleticism.As the T20 World Cup draws near, the Indian team management will have to carefully consider Rohit Sharma's form and fitness. If he is able to regain his peak performance, he could lead India to another World Cup triumph. However, if his struggles continue, the team may need to explore alternative leadership options.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Rinku Singh has endured a challenging season in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring only 168 runs in 12 matches compared to his impressive 474-run tally last year. Despite being touted as a potential candidate for India's T20 World Cup squad, Rinku was only selected as one of four traveling reserves.Reflecting on his form, Rinku acknowledged, "I haven't had enough opportunities to bat, and even when I did, I couldn't perform as well as I wanted for the team. I've been experiencing some ups and downs, but I'm trying to stay mentally strong and calm. I keep believing in myself and hope to improve in the next match. I don't dwell on the past and focus on the present."In KKR's recent match against Mumbai Indians (MI), Rinku played a brief but impactful innings of 20 runs off 12 balls, contributing to his team's 18-run victory in a rain-affected encounter. After rain delayed the toss and start of play, the game was reduced to 16 overs per side. KKR posted 157-7, with Venkatesh Iyer top-scoring with 42 off 21 balls.In response, MI finished on 139-8, with Tilak Varma scoring a quickfire 32 off 17 balls before falling to fast bowler Harshit Rana, who took two wickets in the final over. Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell also claimed two wickets each, securing KKR's playoff berth.KKR captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team's performance, saying, "We were playing fantastic cricket, and the boys have taken responsibility. There have been many game-changers. The boys have shown great attitude, and it was on display today. We have a mindset to win from any situation."With their victory, KKR secured a top-two finish, giving them two chances to qualify for the playoffs.

Mumbai Indians' IPL 2024 campaign has come to an abrupt end, making them the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. The Hardik Pandya-led side has struggled throughout the season, with a lack of consistency and a series of setbacks.Before the tournament began, the Mumbai Indians camp was already facing turmoil with the removal of Rohit Sharma as captain. The team's performance has not improved since then, with the side failing to find a winning formula.Adding to the team's woes, four of its key players - Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah - are currently representing India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This has further depleted the Mumbai Indians' squad and made it difficult for them to compete.According to reports, the Mumbai Indians camp was expected to settle down over time, but this has not been the case. Sources have claimed that skipper Rohit Sharma and some BCCI selectors, including Ajit Agarkar, were not in favor of Hardik Pandya's inclusion in the 15-member T20 World Cup squad.Pandya's performance in the IPL 2024 has been inconsistent. In 13 games, he has scored 200 runs at a strike rate of 144.93 and taken 11 wickets at an economy of 10.59. However, most of his good bowling performances have come in the latter half of the tournament.The report also suggests that Pandya's selection for the T20 World Cup was made "under pressure." It further claims that Rohit Sharma may consider retiring from the T20 format after the World Cup.When Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar were asked about Hardik Pandya's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad despite his poor form, Agarkar explained that the selection committee had no choice as there was no suitable replacement available.The Mumbai Indians' elimination from the IPL 2024 is a major disappointment for the team and its fans. The side will now have to regroup and rebuild for the next season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach for the Indian men's cricket team. The position will be open for a three-and-a-half-year term, commencing on July 1, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2027.The incumbent head coach, Rahul Dravid, will conclude his tenure after the T20 World Cup in the Americas next month. Dravid has been at the helm since November 2021, and his contract was extended last year due to the lack of time to appoint a new coach before India's tour of South Africa and the T20 World Cup.To be eligible for the position, candidates must meet the following criteria:* Age below 60 years* Played a minimum of 30 Tests or 50 ODIs* Served as a head coach for a full member Test nation for at least two yearsThe selection process will involve a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates. The deadline for submitting applications is May 27, 2024.The new coach will face several significant challenges during their tenure, including:* Managing the transition from batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are in the latter stages of their careers* Handling important assignments such as the away white ball series in Sri Lanka, home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and the T20 and 50-over World CupsThe BCCI's decision to seek a long-term coach suggests that they are looking for stability and continuity in the team's leadership. The new coach will have the opportunity to shape the future of Indian cricket and guide the team to success in major tournaments.

Jos Buttler, the dynamic wicket-keeper batsman, has bid farewell to the Indian Premier League (IPL) to join the England squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Buttler's departure comes as England prepares for a crucial four-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting May 22, where he will lead the Three Lions.Buttler's leadership will be instrumental in England's quest to retain their T20 World Cup title. His ability to inspire and lead by example has been evident throughout his career, and he will be expected to play a pivotal role in the team's success on the global stage.In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Buttler has been in exceptional form, amassing 359 runs in just 11 matches, including two centuries. His contributions have been crucial for Rajasthan Royals, who currently sit second in the 10-team table.Rajasthan Royals bid an emotional farewell to their star player through a heartfelt video shared on social media. "We'll miss you, Jos bhai!," the team wrote, expressing their gratitude for his contributions.Buttler's departure leaves a void in the Rajasthan Royals lineup, but the team remains in contention for a playoff berth. The top four teams will qualify for the playoffs, with the final scheduled for May 26 in Chennai.Rajasthan Royals last won the IPL title in 2008 under the legendary Shane Warne's captaincy. The team will be hoping to replicate that success this season, but they will need to overcome the absence of their star wicket-keeper batsman.

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad selection reflects their anticipation of slow, batter-unfriendly conditions in the USA and Caribbean. Chief selector Upul Tharanga explained that the team has prioritized spin-bowling options, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana leading the line.Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage offer all-round capabilities, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is among the traveling reserves. Dhananjaya and Wellalage have been included despite limited T20I experience, showcasing the team's focus on versatility.Tharanga emphasized that the team's all-rounders provide flexibility, allowing them to field three spinners if necessary. Dhananjaya's bowling skills and Wellalage's batting potential were cited as key factors in their selection.Concerns over power-hitting have been raised, but the selectors expressed confidence in the team's ability to generate enough runs. They highlighted the presence of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dasun Shanaka as capable power hitters.Janith Liyanage, despite not being initially shortlisted, has been named as a traveling reserve due to his impressive ODI performances. Matheesha Pathirana's availability remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury, but the team is hopeful he will be fit for the tournament's start.Sri Lanka's seam attack includes Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Asitha Fernando as a traveling reserve. Tharanga believes they have the necessary options to trouble batters in all phases of play, particularly in the powerplay.

The Netherlands will be without two experienced players, Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe, for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Both players have opted to prioritize their county commitments over national duty, leaving a void in the Dutch squad.To fill the gap, the Netherlands have called up Daniel Doram, a left-arm spinner from the Leeward Islands, to their T20I squad for the first time. Doram, who holds a Dutch passport, has impressed in the West Indies Championship this season, taking 29 wickets at an average of 20.27.The T20 World Cup clashes with the start of the Vitality Blast, England's county T20 competition, forcing Associate players to choose between their primary employers and their national teams. Bas de Leede (Durham) and Fred Klaassen (Kent) have been released by their counties for the tournament, but Ackermann and van der Merwe have committed to Durham and Somerset respectively.In van der Merwe's absence, Doram will join Tim Pringle as one of two left-arm spinners in the Dutch squad. The 6' 7" tall Doram has never played a professional T20 match but was on standby when the Netherlands toured Nepal earlier this year."We have been able to select a well-balanced team, which we are confident will be able to perform in the conditions against the opposition we face in the US and West Indies," said Netherlands head coach Ryan Cook. "All of the players have been training well and have been involved in the recent ProSeries with some exciting performances showing the growing depth and quality in Netherlands cricket."Scott Edwards will continue as captain, and there are several changes to the squad that finished fourth in their Super 12s group at the 2022 T20 World Cup. Shariz Ahmad, Tom Cooper, Stephen Myburgh, Ackermann, van der Merwe, Brandon Glover, and Timm van der Gugten are out, while Wesley Barresi, Aryan Dutt, Michael Levitt, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Vivian Kingma, and Doram have come in.The Netherlands will prepare for the tournament with a tri-series against Scotland and Ireland, which starts on Saturday. They have been drawn in Group D of the T20 World Cup alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.