Cricket

Bangladesh and the United States will engage in a three-match T20I series in May as part of their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This will be the first-ever T20I encounter between the two nations.The series will serve as a crucial warm-up for both teams ahead of the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies. Bangladesh has previously played two T20Is in the USA, both against the West Indies in 2018."This tour provides an ideal opportunity for the Bangladesh team to acclimatize to the conditions before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024," said Nizam Uddin Chowdhury, CEO of the Bangladesh Cricket Board. "We recognize the importance of this preparatory phase and are committed to making the most of this invaluable experience."Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka and South Africa in Dallas and New York, respectively, in the first two matches of their World Cup campaign. The series against the USA will help them adjust to the conditions and fine-tune their strategies.Meanwhile, the USA will also host Canada for a five-match T20I series in April. All games will be played at the Prairie View Cricket Complex in Houston, Texas."Ahead of the important Men's T20 World Cup, these games will be vital for our team to get their working combinations, build team cohesion, and fine-tune strategies," said Mr. Venu Pisike, Chairman of USA Cricket.Both the USA and Canada will make their T20 World Cup debuts in the tournament. They are placed in Group A alongside India, Ireland, and Pakistan. Bangladesh is in Group D and will face Nepal and the Netherlands in Kingstown, West Indies.

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan has vehemently defended Virat Kohli's place in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, dismissing suggestions that the star batter could be dropped from the squad.Irfan's comments come in response to a report in the Telegraph claiming that the Indian selectors are considering omitting Kohli from the team for the marquee event in the West Indies and the USA. Kohli has been out of the T20 setup for over 14 months, having last played in the format against Afghanistan earlier this year.However, Irfan strongly believes that Kohli's absence from the squad would be a grave mistake. "He won the matches in recent times, it's not fair to raise questions on his place. Those questioning Virat Kohli's place in the T20 World Cup belong in gully cricket," Irfan told News24.Irfan emphasized Kohli's match-winning abilities, particularly during the ODI World Cup last year. "We all saw what he did in the ODI World Cup last year, Virat Kohli won 3-4 matches in the World Cup for India on his own. If Kohli didn't step up on that occasion, India would have lost 3-4 matches including group-stage matches against Australia and New Zealand where India lost early wickets. He finished the match on his own," he added.Kohli finished the World Cup as the leading run-scorer with 765 runs at an average of 95.62. He also topped the charts during the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022.Irfan's comments highlight the importance of Kohli's experience and leadership in the Indian team. Despite missing the entire England Test series due to the birth of his son, Kohli is expected to return to action during the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed New Zealand's tour of Pakistan for a five-match T20I series in April 2024. The Black Caps will arrive in Islamabad on April 14 and play three matches in Rawalpindi from April 18 to 21, followed by two more at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 25 and 27.This tour marks New Zealand's third visit to Pakistan since December 2022, highlighting the growing camaraderie between the two cricketing nations. The visitors played two Tests and three ODIs in Pakistan at the turn of that year, before returning in April 2023 for a series of ten white-ball games.The upcoming T20I series will serve as New Zealand's final international engagement before the T20 World Cup in June. It will also be a crucial part of Pakistan's preparations for the global event, with the hosts set to play a total of 12 T20Is ahead of the tournament.However, the series clashes with the Indian Premier League (IPL), which means several of New Zealand's leading T20 cricketers may be unavailable. Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Glenn Phillips, and Lockie Ferguson are all contracted by IPL teams this season.Despite the potential absence of some key players, the PCB is confident that the series will be highly competitive. "This tour symbolises the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect that define the relationship between our two cricketing nations," said Usman Wahla, the PCB's director of international cricket.The series will take place shortly after the holy month of Ramzan and the Eid holidays, with games scheduled to begin at 7pm local time. The final few games of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have necessitated a late start because of Ramzan, taking place at 9pm.

Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding Virat Kohli's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, fans have rallied behind the cricketing icon, reminiscing about his unforgettable performance in the previous edition of the tournament in Australia.Kohli's iconic shot against Pakistan's Haris Rauf during the 2022 T20 World Cup has become a symbol of his unparalleled skill and nerve under pressure. The momentous six, hailed as the 'shot of the century,' captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide and showcased Kohli's ability to deliver in high-stakes situations.Social media platforms have been flooded with videos of Kohli's memorable shot, with fans expressing their unwavering support for his inclusion in the Indian squad. Former Pakistan cricketers Danish Kaneria and Mohammad Irfan have also voiced their support, echoing the sentiments of countless fans who believe in Kohli's prowess on the cricket field.England legend Stuart Broad took to social media to question the authenticity of the news surrounding Kohli's potential exclusion, further fueling the debate about his place in the team.Kohli's memorable encounter with Rauf occurred on October 23, 2022, during a high-stakes match at the T20 World Cup in Melbourne. With India facing a challenging chase against Pakistan, Kohli's steely resolve and masterful stroke play came to the fore as he smashed Rauf for two crucial sixes, igniting a roar of approval from the packed crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).The electrifying display of skill and composure by Kohli during that pivotal moment serves as a reminder of his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver when it matters most. As fans eagerly await the final squad announcement for the T20 World Cup, their unwavering support for Kohli remains steadfast, underscoring his status as a cricketing icon and a source of inspiration for millions around the globe.

Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding Virat Kohli's potential exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has expressed his unwavering belief that the star batter will retain his place in the team.Kaneria dismissed the rumors circulating on social media, emphasizing that such platforms should not be taken seriously. He firmly stated that Kohli's inclusion is imperative, given his consistent run-scoring and invaluable experience."How can you ignore him (Virat)? He should be in India's squad. He has been scoring runs, it is not a time to look beyond Kohli, it is a time to have Kohli in your squad, who can also groom youngsters," Kaneria told IANS.Kohli's last T20I appearance was in January against Afghanistan, where he scored 29 and 0 in two matches. However, Kaneria believes that these performances should not overshadow his overall contributions.In addition to Kohli, Kaneria also lauded the resurgence of chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav. He noted Yadav's regained confidence and improved performance, encouraging him to continue building on his momentum.Looking ahead to the upcoming IPL season, Kaneria urged the BCCI and franchises to prioritize the workload management of key players, especially to prevent injuries to the likes of Jasprit Bumrah. He also highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.Expressing his desire to contribute to the game, Kaneria expressed his willingness to return to the field as a coach. He welcomed the opportunity to work with any IPL team, particularly to mentor young spinners and contribute to the development of the next generation of cricketers.

With the Men's T20 World Cup fast approaching, the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will serve as a crucial platform for teams worldwide to finalize their squads. However, for Team India, a bombshell report suggests that the BCCI selectors are contemplating the bold move of excluding Virat Kohli from the squad for the prestigious tournament.The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA, will take place from June 2 to 29. Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian team, as confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. However, Kohli's inclusion remains uncertain, according to a report in 'The Telegraph'.India's inability to secure an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy has prompted the selectors to consider drastic measures, including the potential omission of former captain Kohli. The report indicates that the selectors have concerns about Kohli's recent performances in the T20 format.However, Kohli's performance in the upcoming IPL season could influence the selectors' decision. The batting icon recently took a break from the five-Test series against England to welcome the arrival of his second child.The report quotes a source stating that "it remains a very delicate matter and not many (in the BCCI) are willing to get involved," leaving the final decision to the board's selection committee led by former India pacer Ajit Agarkar.Agarkar has reportedly had discussions with Kohli, emphasizing the need for him to adapt his game to meet the demands of the team and the T20 format.

Ricky Ponting Weighs In on Steve Smith's T20 World Cup Prospects and Australia's CaptaincyICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has offered his insights on the potential inclusion of Steve Smith in Australia's squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Ponting also shared his views on who he believes should lead the team in the shortest format.Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting acknowledged Smith's limited T20I appearances but highlighted his experience as a valuable asset for Australia. "You love having guys like him around because of the experience and the calming influence that you can have around a team during a World Cup," Ponting said.However, Ponting suggested that Smith might not secure a spot in the starting XI due to the team's batting combinations. "But the other thing you always have to be mindful of is what role can he play? So I would think if Steve Smith does find his way into the squad, I don't think he will be in the starting XI," Ponting added.On the topic of Australia's T20 captaincy, Ponting expressed his support for all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. "I think he will (be T20I captain) and I think he deserves it as well as he has matured a lot as a player," Ponting declared. "He's certainly a leader of men...Leadership has always been in the back of the selectors' minds as far as Mitchell Marsh is concerned."Ponting's comments shed light on the strategic decisions facing Australia ahead of the T20 World Cup. Smith's potential inclusion and Marsh's captaincy candidacy are crucial considerations for the team's success in the tournament.

Rishabh Pant's much-anticipated return to cricket is imminent, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirming that the wicketkeeper-batter will participate in the upcoming IPL. Shah expressed optimism that Pant could also feature in the T20 World Cup later this year, provided he can maintain his fitness and wicketkeeping abilities.Pant has been sidelined since a horrific car accident in December 2022, which left him with severe injuries. However, he has made remarkable progress in his recovery and is now batting and keeping well. Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has already confirmed Pant's participation in the IPL, while co-owner Parth Jindal expects him to be fully fit and lead the team from the start.Meanwhile, India's premier pacer Mohammed Shami is also expected to make his comeback later this year. Shah revealed that Shami's ankle surgery was successful, and he is likely to return for the home Test series against Bangladesh in September. Shami missed the Test series against England and will also sit out of the IPL due to his injury.KL Rahul, who missed the last four Tests of the England series due to a quadriceps injury, is also expected to return for the IPL. He has undergone treatment in London and is currently undergoing rehab at the NCA. However, it is understood that Rahul is still awaiting clearance to join his IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants.The return of Pant and Shami will be a major boost for India, who are aiming to win the T20 World Cup on home soil later this year. Pant's wicketkeeping skills and explosive batting will be crucial for the team, while Shami's experience and pace will strengthen the bowling attack.

With the 2024 T20 World Cup approaching, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe is meticulously gathering information about the pitches in the USA and Caribbean, particularly in Dallas. The team will also play in New York and Kingstown, where they have limited knowledge of the playing conditions.To prepare for the tournament, Bangladesh has been playing on batting-friendly surfaces in Sylhet during the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka. Hathurusinghe expects the New York venue to have drop-in pitches similar to those in Adelaide, but there is uncertainty about the conditions in Dallas and Kingstown."We are looking at a combination for the World Cup, [especially] how the individuals are fitting in and understanding the game plan and be comfortable with that," Hathurusinghe said. "We wanted to play on good wickets here. We don't know about the wickets in America. We play two important games in America. Nobody has any clue [about the pitches]. There's not much data behind it."Hathurusinghe emphasized the need for bowlers to adapt to the expected batting-friendly pitches. In the ongoing series, Sri Lanka scored over 200 runs in the first T20I, but Bangladesh's bowlers have shown improvement in the second game."We know what we can do. We are continually working on [death bowling]. We are playing on different kinds of pitches now. There's more grass and carry," Hathurusinghe said. "We wanted to play on wickets that are conducive for high scoring, to get us to understand what areas we need to improve in bowling."Bangladesh's batting has also been impressive, with Soumya Sarkar contributing despite his tendency to get out after getting starts. The Sarkar-Litton Das opening pairing has been Bangladesh's 16th in T20Is since the start of 2022."We were 63 [68] for no loss. You don't see how many hundreds you made in T20s. As long as they are playing for the team, that's what we want," Hathurusinghe said. "[Sarkar] is contributing at the moment. He got [Kusal] Mendis' wicket. He was crucial for them in both games. [Litton and Sarkar] put their hands up after the first game, [saying that] their approach was wrong. They owned it, and went and played really good cricket."