Cricket

Rahul Dravid, India's outgoing head coach, has declined the additional Rs 2.5 crore bonus offered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for leading the team to its second T20 World Cup title. Dravid's decision stems from his commitment to equality and team spirit, ensuring that all members of the support staff receive the same bonus.Initially, the BCCI had decided to award Dravid a Rs 5 crore bonus, the same amount given to the playing squad members. However, Dravid requested a reduction in his bonus to align it with the Rs 2.5 crore given to the other support staff, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T. Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathore."Rahul wanted the same bonus money (Rs. 2.5 crore) as the rest of his support staff. We respect his sentiments," a BCCI source disclosed.This is not the first instance of Dravid advocating for equal distribution of rewards. In 2018, as the head coach of India's U-19 World Cup-winning team, Dravid also refused a higher bonus for himself. At that time, the BCCI had initially decided to award him Rs 50 lakh while other support staff members would receive Rs 20 lakh each and the players Rs 30 lakh each. Dravid requested an equal distribution, resulting in a revised list where every member of the coaching staff, including Dravid, received Rs 25 lakh each.Dravid's actions reflect his unwavering commitment to equality and team spirit, hallmarks of his coaching tenure that have set a high standard for integrity and leadership in Indian cricket. His decision to decline the additional bonus ensures that all members of the support staff are recognized and rewarded equally for their contributions to the team's success.

Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign has led to the dismissal of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq as selectors for the national team. The departures, expected to be officially announced later this week, mark the first casualties in the fallout from the team's early exit from the tournament.Wahab's position as a selector had been under scrutiny following Pakistan's group stage elimination. Despite being removed as chief selector earlier this year, he was widely seen as the de facto head of the seven-member committee. This perception reportedly caused internal frustrations for Wahab, who bore the brunt of criticism for the committee's decisions.The nature of the selection committee is also likely to be revised, with the appointment of a chief selector expected. The number of selectors may also be reduced, making it unlikely that Wahab and Razzaq will be replaced.Wahab's departure is a significant setback for a man who was once considered close to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Wahab had served as caretaker sports minister in Naqvi's cabinet and followed him to the PCB, where he was initially appointed chief selector. He also traveled with the Pakistan team to the T20 World Cup as senior team manager.Naqvi is believed to have been keen to demonstrate that no one is immune from consequences. The decision to dismiss Wahab and Razzaq represents another U-turn in the PCB's selection process. The seven-member committee was only announced four months ago, with Wahab demoted from chief selector. At the time, Naqvi stated that the committee would make decisions based on debate and argument.The instability within the selection committee has been a persistent issue for the PCB in recent years. Six chief selectors have been appointed in the past four years, including Wahab, Haroon Rashid, Shahid Afridi, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim, and Misbah-ul-Haq.The remaining five members of the selection committee include the head coach and captain of the respective formats, Mohammad Yousaf, Asad Shafiq, and data analyst Bilal Afzal.

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) has vehemently denied allegations that its players engaged in a drinking party inside the team hotel during the recent T20 World Cup. The claims, published in a weekend newspaper on July 7, alleged that the players had a drinking session before their match against South Africa, which they subsequently lost by six wickets.In a strongly worded statement, the SLC denounced the report as "entirely false, fabricated, and baseless." The board emphasized that no such incidents occurred and that the news report was "unfairly damaging" to the reputation of Sri Lanka Cricket, its officials, and the players.The SLC has requested that the newspaper publish a "Right of Reply" to address the false allegations and rectify the damage caused. The board expressed its belief that such reporting undermines the integrity of the sport and the reputation of the Sri Lankan cricket team.Sri Lanka's performance at the T20 World Cup was disappointing, with the team securing only one victory against the Netherlands. They were eliminated in the group stage after losing to South Africa and Bangladesh, while their match against Nepal was washed out.The SLC's denial of the drinking party allegations comes amid ongoing concerns about the conduct of Sri Lankan cricketers. In recent years, several players have been involved in disciplinary issues, including alcohol-related incidents.The SLC has emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct and discipline within the team. The board has stated that it will take appropriate action against any players found to have violated team rules or engaged in inappropriate behavior.

Jasprit Bumrah: A Legend in All Three Formats, Hails Ramiz RajaFormer Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has heaped praise on Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a "legend in all three formats" of cricket. Raja's comments come in the wake of Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he emerged as the Man of the Tournament with 15 wickets from eight matches.Raja acknowledged Bumrah's remarkable journey, from a young player with an awkward bowling action and low confidence to a world-class bowler who has led India to victory in the World Cup. He highlighted Bumrah's ability to deliver match-winning spells under immense pressure, making him an indispensable member of the Indian team across all formats.Bumrah's decision to continue playing T20Is is a significant boost for the Indian team, which has recently witnessed the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from the shortest format. Bumrah's presence ensures that India retains one of its most valuable assets in T20 cricket.Raja's praise for Bumrah is a testament to the Indian pacer's exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Bumrah's ability to consistently perform at the highest level has earned him the respect and admiration of cricket fans and experts alike.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has granted head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie full authority to revamp the national team's fortunes following their disappointing T20 World Cup performance.In a meeting with the coaches, Naqvi expressed his unwavering confidence in their abilities and pledged the board's unwavering support. Kirsten, the white-ball coach, candidly shared his concerns about the team's performance at the World Cup.Both coaches emphasized the need for stringent fitness standards as a prerequisite for team selection. Naqvi empowered them to make any necessary changes to improve the team's performance, without compromising on player selection or fitness.Kirsten had previously warned senior players to adapt to new skills and enhance their game awareness or risk being left behind. Senior team manager Wahab Riaz's report to Naqvi highlighted personality clashes within the team during the World Cup.Naqvi granted both coaches carte blanche to implement their plans for both red-ball and white-ball formats. Assistant coach Azhar Mahmood also attended the meeting.Kirsten stressed the need to rebuild combinations and change the mindset of players in the white-ball format. He and Gillespie had agreed to become head coaches a few months before the World Cup, with Naqvi offering them long-term contracts and the assurance of ample time to implement their strategies.Kirsten, who previously worked with the Indian team, brings a wealth of experience to Pakistan. The PCB is optimistic that under his and Gillespie's guidance, the team can regain its former glory.

India's T20I Veterans Bow Out, Paving Way for YoungstersIndia's recent T20 World Cup triumph was bittersweet, marked by the retirement of three legendary players: Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Virat Kohli. While fans mourned their departure, spinner Kuldeep Yadav respects their decision, recognizing it as an opportunity for young talent to shine.Kohli's retirement announcement signaled a changing of the guard in Indian cricket. He expressed his belief that it was time for the younger generation to take the reins, paving the way for a new era. Kuldeep echoed this sentiment, stating that the retirements would create opportunities for youngsters to make their mark in the shortest format of the game.The T20 World Cup final was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian team. Despite South Africa's strong start, India's pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, held firm, restricting the Proteas to a manageable total.Kuldeep praised the team's approach, saying, "We were desperate to win the World Cup. We achieved what we wanted to." The victory broke India's nearly two-decade-long title drought in the T20 World Cup, a testament to the team's hard work and dedication.As India enters a new era in T20I cricket, the retirements of Sharma, Jadeja, and Kohli will undoubtedly leave a void. However, Kuldeep believes that the younger players are ready to step up and fill their shoes. With their talent and determination, they have the potential to continue India's success in the shortest format of the game.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Emotional Farewell from T20I CricketIndian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have bid farewell to the T20I format, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Their shock retirements came after India's triumphant victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados.During the post-match presentation, Kohli announced that the final against South Africa would be his last T20I for India. "It's time for the next generation to take over," he said. Hours later, Rohit Sharma followed suit, announcing his retirement from the format at a press conference.Both players will continue to represent India in Test and ODI cricket. However, their departure from T20Is has sparked a wave of emotions among fans and cricket enthusiasts.A poignant moment from the final has now gone viral, capturing the unspoken bond between Kohli and Sharma. As they walked out to bat, they shared a brief hug, a gesture that went unnoticed during the match. In retrospect, it seems like a subtle farewell between two icons of Indian cricket.Rohit Sharma hailed the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph as the greatest achievement of his career. He amassed 257 runs at a strike rate of 156.70, providing India with crucial starts. Kohli, on the other hand, scored 75 runs before the final but played a pivotal role in the summit clash with a match-winning 76.Kohli ended his T20I career as India's second-highest run-scorer in the format, with 4188 runs in 125 games. He also holds the record for most runs in Men's T20 World Cups (1,292 runs).The retirements of Kohli and Sharma mark the end of an era in Indian cricket. Their contributions to the game have been immense, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has penned an emotional tribute to former head coach Rahul Dravid, expressing his gratitude and admiration for his mentor's guidance and leadership.Dravid's tenure as coach culminated in India's triumph at the T20 World Cup, a moment that Rohit described as "the only thing missing from your arsenal." He hailed Dravid's humility, love for the game, and ability to connect with players on a personal level."I have been trying to find the right words to properly express my feelings on this, but I’m not sure I ever will," Rohit wrote on Instagram. "Since my childhood days, I have looked up to you just like billions of others but I was lucky enough to get to work with you this closely."Rohit credited Dravid with instilling confidence and fostering a comfortable environment within the team. He also acknowledged Dravid's strategic acumen, which played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup victory."This was the only thing missing from your arsenal and I’m so happy that we got to achieve it together," Rohit said. "Rahul bhai it has been an absolute privilege to get to call you my confidant, my coach and my friend."Dravid's decision to remain as coach after the disappointment of the ODI World Cup final in 2023 proved pivotal. His guidance and support helped India overcome adversity and secure the T20 World Cup title, ending a 17-year wait for the prestigious trophy.Rohit's heartfelt tribute underscores the profound impact Dravid has had on Indian cricket. His legacy as a coach will be remembered for his ability to inspire, motivate, and lead a team to unprecedented heights.

Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana, two of India's most celebrated cricketers, have been honored by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as the "ICC Men's Player of the Month" and "ICC Women's Player of the Month" for June, respectively.Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup, where he claimed 15 wickets and was named Player of the Tournament, earned him the men's award. He was instrumental in India's historic triumph, becoming the first team to win the tournament without losing a single game.Mandhana, on the other hand, played a pivotal role in India's ODI series sweep over South Africa. She scored 343 runs at an average of 114.33, including two centuries, and was named Player of the Series. Her consistent batting helped India secure a comfortable victory in the three-match series.Bumrah expressed his delight at receiving the award, stating, "It's a special honor for me following a memorable few weeks spent in the USA and West Indies. We have had a lot to celebrate as a team, and I'm delighted to be able to add this personal accolade to the list."Mandhana also expressed her gratitude, saying, "I'm really glad to have won the ICC Women's Player of the Month for June. I'm really happy with the way the team has performed and I'm happy to have contributed."Both Bumrah and Mandhana have been praised for their exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. Their performances have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired aspiring cricketers around the world.