Cricket

Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has expressed uncertainty about his participation in the upcoming tour of India later this year. The tour, scheduled from September 19 to October 12, will feature two Tests and three T20Is.Shakib's hesitation stems from his busy schedule, which includes the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup and the Major League Cricket (MLC) season two in the USA. He is set to play for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in the MLC, which begins on July 5."I don't have many plans. There are two T20 tournaments in front of me. One is MLC and the other one is the Global T20 League in Canada, and let me see where I stand after playing these two tournaments because I need to understand (how I feel)," Shakib said."There is international cricket and there is a series against Pakistan and I am planning till that point of time and not planning beyond that. Now I don't have time to plan for three-four years and so planning for three to six months is better, and later I will think about my next plan. For now, I am planning till the Pakistan series," he added.Shakib also addressed the controversy surrounding fast-bowler Taskin Ahmed's absence from the Super Eights clash against India at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Taskin had initially claimed that he missed the team bus, but later clarified that he had arrived on time."Taskin apologized to the team for that afterwards and everyone in the team took it normally because a man can mistake and anyone can commit unintentional mistake. He accepted it and the thing ended at that point of time," Shakib said.Bangladesh's tour of India will be their first since 2019. The two teams last met in a T20I series in November 2022, which India won 2-1.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a dilemma as it grapples with the team's disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup. Sources within the board indicate that major changes to the national squad are unlikely, despite calls for a "major surgery" from PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.The PCB governing board will convene on Saturday to review reports submitted by head coach Gary Kirsten and senior team manager Wahab Riaz. However, insiders suggest that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is wary of provoking a confrontation with senior players. As a result, only superficial adjustments are anticipated."The reports by Kirsten and Riaz will help the Governing Board and chairman Naqvi decide the next course of action, but all indications are there Naqvi doesn't want a confrontation with senior players," a source told PTI.The question of Babar Azam's captaincy in white-ball formats remains a contentious issue. While some former Test captains and a faction within the board favor Shaheen Afridi as a replacement, the names Shan Masood and Muhammad Rizwan have also emerged as potential candidates.Kirsten's report echoes his post-match discussions with players during the World Cup, emphasizing the need for players to adapt new skills and improve their game awareness. He warned that failure to do so would result in them being left behind.Wahab Riaz's report, on the other hand, outlines personality clashes within the team during the World Cup. His assessment aims to provide further context as the governing board and chairman Naqvi deliberate on the next steps.Pakistan's upcoming cricket commitments include a two-Test series against Bangladesh followed by three Tests against England. It is expected that senior players like Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan will not opt for breaks during these important fixtures.The PCB governing board meeting is expected to result in minor adjustments and a renewed focus on the overall structure of domestic cricket. However, the primary core of the team is expected to stay intact.The upcoming months appear critical for the PCB, as they navigate through internal and external pressures in hopes of improving team performance without unsettling senior members.

Rishabh Pant Flaunts T20 World Cup Medal, Teammates Respond with HumorIndian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant took to social media on Wednesday to share his joy over winning the T20 World Cup. Pant posted selfies with the coveted medal hanging around his neck, accompanied by the caption "This medal hits you differently."The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and comments. Pant's teammates, Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj, couldn't resist teasing him with hilarious responses."Bhai same mere pass bhi hai," commented Axar, indicating that he also possessed the medal. Siraj joined in the fun, writing "bhai mere pass bhi h same."The Indian team, including Pant, Patel, and Siraj, had been stranded in Barbados for three days due to Hurricane Beryl. However, they finally departed on Wednesday on a special Air India flight.Pant's medal-flaunting post serves as a reminder of India's triumph at the T20 World Cup. The team defeated South Africa in a thrilling final on Saturday, securing their second T20 World Cup title.Pant played a crucial role in India's victory, scoring valuable runs and providing stability to the middle order. His performances throughout the tournament earned him praise from fans and experts alike.The T20 World Cup medal is a testament to Pant's hard work and dedication. It is a symbol of his contribution to India's historic triumph and will undoubtedly hold a special place in his heart.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup in the group stage has sparked widespread criticism and rumors of internal strife within the team. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has addressed these concerns, acknowledging the justified criticism but dismissing allegations of politics and groupism.Rizwan emphasized that the team's performance fell short of expectations and that they deserve the criticism they have received. He acknowledged that multiple factors contributed to their losses, including both bowling and batting deficiencies.However, Rizwan strongly refuted rumors of internal divisions, labeling them as "outside chatter." He pointed out that the same team had previously reached finals and semi-finals, indicating that the current struggles are not solely due to internal issues.According to reports, Babar Azam faced the challenge of uniting the team upon his return as captain, but was unable to do so due to alleged groupings. Shaheen Afridi was reportedly upset at losing the captaincy and not receiving support from Babar, while Rizwan was unhappy at not being considered for the role.Despite these rumors, reliable sources have confirmed that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will not make an immediate decision on Babar Azam's captaincy. Pakistan's next white-ball series is scheduled for November, giving the team time to address the issues that led to their World Cup exit.

India's T20 World Cup Champions to Return Home on Air India FlightAfter their historic victory in the T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team is set to return home on an Air India aircraft with call sign AIC24WC. The flight, which originated in New Jersey, will make a stopover in Bridgetown, Barbados, where the team will board.The aircraft is expected to touch down in Barbados at approximately 2 am local time. The team will then depart at 4:30 am, with an estimated flight duration of 16 hours. If all goes according to plan, the team is expected to arrive in Delhi on Thursday at 6 am Indian Standard Time (IST).The original departure time was scheduled for 6 pm local time on July 2, but was delayed due to Hurricane 'Beryl', which caused the cancellation of flights and the closure of the Grantley Adams International Airport.In addition to the team, the Indian media contingent that covered the tournament will also be on the same flight, as part of a special arrangement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The T20 World Cup final, held at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, saw India defeat South Africa by seven runs. The victory marked India's second T20 World Cup title, after their triumph in 2007.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable journey from a life-threatening accident to T20 World Cup glory has been an inspiration to many. After being involved in a horrific car crash in December 2022, Pant's career was in jeopardy. However, through sheer determination and resilience, he has made a triumphant return to the cricket field.Pant's selection as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman for the T20 World Cup raised eyebrows, but he proved his worth with consistent performances throughout the tournament. Despite facing stiff competition from KL Rahul, Pant justified his place in the team with his aggressive batting and reliable glovework.In the end, Pant emerged as a T20 World Cup winner, a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his teammates and fans. His journey from adversity to triumph is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Rahul Dravid, the outgoing India head coach, left an unforgettable mark on his final day at work by assigning a special task to star batter Virat Kohli. Amidst the celebrations of India's T20 World Cup triumph, Dravid reminded Kohli of his unfinished business: winning the World Test Championship Final."All three white ticked off, one red to go. Tick it," Dravid told Kohli, referring to the limited-overs global trophies (T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy) that Kohli has already collected. The "red" trophy represents the World Test Championship Final, which India has lost twice.Kohli, who retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup victory, smiled at Dravid's words. The 51-year-old coach, who was appointed in 2021, ended his tenure with this event.India's T20 World Cup triumph was their second overall, after their inaugural title in 2007. In the ODI format, India has won the 1983 and 2011 World Cups, along with the 2013 Champions Trophy.The congratulatory video also featured Suryakumar Yadav, whose spectacular catch to dismiss David Miller proved crucial in the final. Yadav expressed his disbelief at the magnitude of the achievement.Pacer Arshdeep Singh showcased polaroid shots taken before and after the final, highlighting the transformative power of belief.Due to Hurricane Beryl, the Indian team is currently stranded in Barbados. The team is expected to return to India on a charter flight.

Former Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has shed light on an incident that highlights the unwavering support MS Dhoni extended to Virat Kohli during a challenging phase in his career. Akmal's revelation comes in the wake of Kohli's recent struggles at the T20 World Cup 2024.In 2012-13, during Pakistan's tour of India, Kohli was enduring a similar slump in form. Akmal, who was present at a dinner with Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Shoaib Malik, witnessed firsthand how Dhoni stood up for Kohli.According to Akmal, the Team India manager approached Dhoni and suggested dropping Kohli from the final ODI of the series. However, Dhoni's response was emphatic: "I haven't gone home for six months. Why don't you book my tickets too along with Virat's?"Dhoni's unwavering belief in Kohli's abilities left Akmal astounded. "Virat is our best batter. Why should we drop him if he fails for 3-4 games?" Dhoni had reasoned.Akmal's account underscores the deep bond between Dhoni and Kohli. Dhoni's unwavering support played a pivotal role in Kohli's development as a cricketer. Less than two years later, Dhoni handed over the Test match captaincy to Kohli, recognizing his leadership qualities.Kohli's recent triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, where he led India to their second title, is a testament to the unwavering support he has received throughout his career. Dhoni's belief in Kohli's abilities has been instrumental in shaping the Indian captain's illustrious career.

Suryakumar Yadav's Miraculous Catch: A Moment of Redemption for Rohit SharmaIn the nail-biting final of the ICC T20 World Cup against South Africa, India's hopes seemed to dwindle as the ball soared towards the long-off stands. Captain Rohit Sharma's heart sank, but a moment of brilliance from Suryakumar Yadav ignited a spark of hope.With South Africa needing 16 runs off the final over and the dangerous David Miller at the crease, Hardik Pandya delivered a wide full toss. Miller unleashed a powerful strike, sending the ball hurtling towards the boundary. Rohit dropped to his knee, anticipating a six that could shatter India's dreams.However, Suryakumar Yadav, positioned at the boundary ropes, displayed remarkable composure. He leaped into the air, catching the ball just as he crossed the boundary line. With lightning-fast reflexes, he released the ball before re-entering the field of play to complete a spectacular catch.The Kensington Oval crowd erupted in a frenzy, and Rohit's expression transformed from despair to pure elation. Suryakumar's catch had not only saved a six but had also reignited India's hopes of securing the prestigious title."It was god's plan. I am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country...god's plan it was," Suryakumar said after the match.For many old fans, Suryakumar's catch evoked memories of the legendary catch taken by Kapil Dev in the 1983 World Cup final against the formidable West Indies. Kapil had run sideways from mid-on to snatch a top edge from Viv Richards off Madan Lal's bowling, showcasing remarkable judgment and skill.Suryakumar's catch not only saved a crucial six but also boosted the morale of the Indian team. It was a moment of redemption for Rohit Sharma, who had been under immense pressure to deliver the title.