Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the match officials for the Super 8 stage of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Rodney Tucker and Paul Reiffel will officiate the opening Super 8 match between India and Afghanistan in Barbados on June 20. David Boon will serve as the match referee.For India's crucial clash with Australia, Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth will be the on-field umpires, with Jeff Crowe as the match referee. The match will be played at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on June 24.Chris Gaffaney and Richard Kettleborough will oversee the USA's historic first-ever knockout match at an ICC Men's T20 World Cup against South Africa on June 19. Joel Wilson will be the TV umpire for this match, and he will also stand as an on-field umpire alongside Gaffaney when the USA faces England in Barbados on June 23.Allahudien Paleker, making his senior men's tournament debut, will act as the fourth umpire for the USA-South Africa match. He will also be the TV umpire for England's meeting with the West Indies on June 19.Nitin Menon and Ahsan Raza will be the on-field umpires for England's match against the West Indies, while Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid will be the TV umpire. Ibne Shahid will also act as an on-field umpire alongside Chris Brown for England's second Group 2 game against South Africa on June 21.Jeff Crowe, who has overseen more T20Is than anyone else, will be the match referee for England's clashes with the West Indies and South Africa, as well as Australia's match against India.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies witnessed a shocking turn of events as former champions Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and regular contenders New Zealand failed to advance to the Super Eight stage.Pakistan, alongside India, was expected to comfortably qualify from Group A. However, a Super Over loss to the host nation USA and a failed run chase against India left them one point short of qualification. Sri Lanka and New Zealand, on the other hand, found themselves in groups with multiple favorites. Sri Lanka was grouped with Bangladesh and South Africa, while New Zealand faced two-time champions West Indies and Afghanistan.Subpar performances and tactical blunders contributed to the downfall of these heavyweights. Pakistan's benching of Tim Southee, the all-time leading wicket-taker in T20Is, in a crucial encounter against Afghanistan proved costly. New Zealand's death-over bowling collapse against West Indies effectively eliminated them from the tournament after two losses in their opening games. Sri Lanka, after two losses and a No-Result against Nepal, finished third in their group with three points.The precarious nature of the pitches in the United States became a point of contention. Pakistan and Sri Lanka felt undone by the bizarre wicket at Nassau County Stadium in New York, believing that different circumstances could have yielded different results. Rain also played spoilsport, denying Sri Lanka and Pakistan their crucial fourth game, which may have altered their fortunes.Despite the setbacks for these established teams, the tournament has highlighted the rise of cricket in associate nations. The host USA defied expectations by beating Pakistan and qualifying for the Super Eight with five points, thanks to a spirited performance from Saurabh Netravalkar.

Trent Boult, the left-arm paceman, has announced his retirement from international cricket after New Zealand's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign ended with a seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea. Boult's 13-year international career came to an end in the anticlimactic setting of a meaningless T20 World Cup match."It feels a little bit weird, a few emotions obviously the last couple of days," said Boult. When asked if the game represented his final New Zealand appearance, Boult hinted at uncertainty: "I haven't thought much further than this, I'm in no position to comment right now. I enjoyed being out there one last time."New Zealand's hopes of qualifying for the second-round Super Eights were dashed by defeats to Afghanistan and tournament co-hosts the West Indies earlier in Group C. Papua New Guinea had also been eliminated before the match in front of a sparse crowd at the Brian Lara Stadium.Boult took two wickets for 14 runs as PNG were skittled out for 78 in an innings where fellow quick Lockie Ferguson finished with a remarkable 3-0 from his maximum four overs. "Gutted to not go any further, but I'm very proud of what I've done with the Black Caps and sad it's my last day with New Zealand," said Boult.The 34-year-old has been infrequently selected for international duty since being released from his New Zealand central contract in August 2022, allowing him to play in more domestic T20 leagues abroad. The swing bowler did feature in New Zealand's 50-over World Cup campaign last year, where they reached the semi-finals only to suffer a 70-run defeat by tournament hosts India at a packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.Boult's tally of 317 wickets in 78 Tests is the fourth highest by any New Zealand bowler. Longstanding new-ball colleague Tim Southee (380 Test wickets) is second, behind Richard Hadlee (431 wickets). "I've shared a dressing room with Tim Southee for well over a dozen years," said Boult, with the pair both involved when New Zealand beat India in the inaugural 2021 World Test Championship final. "It's a partnership I've enjoyed forming, and we're very good friends off the field."Boult's last Test was against England at Headingley nearly two years ago, with the World Cup semi-final the most recent of 114 one-day internationals that yielded 211 wickets in total. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson paid tribute to Boult by saying he had been a "great servant of the game" who was "consistent in all formats". The star batsman added: "It'll be sad to see him go, it's been quite special being with him throughout his career. "He's got such an attitude for getting better. He trains very hard, he's as fit as he's ever been. He knows how he wants to operate in all formats. He sticks his chest out and performs well for his country." "He's made a fantastic contribution to our game and he's created a space for new players to come in and meet the standard that he's set."

New Zealand's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean has sparked questions about the team's future direction. The Black Caps, who have consistently reached the semi-finals in recent editions, were eliminated after unexpected losses to Afghanistan and the West Indies.Coach Gary Stead acknowledged the need for reflection and potential changes to the squad. Veteran seamer Trent Boult has already announced his retirement from T20 internationals, and further adjustments may be necessary to revitalize the team's performance.Stead's contract extends until the end of the current World Test Championship cycle in 2025, but he may consider relinquishing his responsibilities in the white-ball formats. New Zealand has enjoyed success under Stead and captain Kane Williamson, winning the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 and reaching the T20 World Cup final in 2021.However, a long-sought-after white-ball trophy continues to elude the Black Caps, leading to questions about the leadership's ability to secure one. Williamson, who recently relinquished the Test captaincy, may decide to step down from white-ball leadership or drop a format to extend his playing career.The team's older players, including Southee and Boult, may opt for a reduced workload or pursue franchise cricket. New Zealand faces the challenge of reconstructing a competitive T20 squad for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Sri Lanka and India.

Nicholas Pooran, the swashbuckling Trinidadian, has etched his name in the annals of West Indies cricket history by becoming the leading T20 run-scorer, surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Pooran's unwavering determination and relentless hard work.Pooran's journey to the top has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. After a promising start in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, he suffered a major setback in a car accident that sidelined him for an extended period. Undeterred, Pooran persevered, honing his skills in various franchise leagues.His international breakthrough came at the 2019 50-over World Cup, where he showcased his explosive batting with a brilliant 118 against Sri Lanka. However, a four-game suspension for ball-tampering later that year cast a shadow over his career.In 2022, Pooran was appointed captain of the T20 squad for the World Cup in Australia. Despite the team's disappointing losses to Scotland and Ireland, Pooran remained resolute in his belief in his abilities.Now, as the West Indies prepare for the Super Eights stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Pooran's experience and leadership will be crucial. He has vowed to continue the legacy of Chris Gayle, entertaining fans and inspiring the next generation of West Indian cricketers.Pooran's success is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. His journey from adversity to triumph is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.

Pakistan's qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup has been confirmed despite their disappointing performance in the ongoing edition. Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar's suggestion that Pakistan might have to play qualifiers proved incorrect.According to ICC rules, 12 teams automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament. Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka received direct entry, while the top eight teams from the Super 8 stage of the current edition also secured their berths. These teams include India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh.The remaining three automatic slots were allocated based on the ICC Men's T20I rankings as of June 30, 2024. As a result, New Zealand, Ireland, and Pakistan qualified.Pakistan's qualification is a relief after their early exit from the ongoing tournament. They were stunned by USA in the group stage and failed to beat India, which would have guaranteed their progression.The Super 8 stage of the current edition begins on June 19, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The groups are as follows:* Group 1: India, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh* Group 2: England, USA, West Indies, South AfricaThe remaining eight slots for the 2026 T20 World Cup will be determined through regional qualifiers.

The United States Cricket team's remarkable journey to the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 has ignited a surge of support for the national side among Americans. The Major League Cricket (MLC), a US-based T20 league, has lauded the team's achievement, highlighting the contributions of its players who are also members of MLC teams.Team USA's impressive run began with a resounding victory over Canada in their opening match. They then emerged victorious in a thrilling super-over encounter against Pakistan, securing their position as runners-up in Group A of the main event. Their fortune continued when their match against Ireland was canceled due to weather conditions.The team's success has been attributed to the presence of several MLC players, including Ali Khan, Nitish Kumar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Nosthush Kenjige, Monank Patel, Shayan Jahangir, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Milind Kumar, Andries Gous, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Yasir Mohammad.Vijay Srinivasan, CEO of Cognizant Major League Cricket, expressed his elation at the team's advancement to the next round. "This is a historic moment for the sport, especially for our players from Major League Cricket who are representing the USA," he said. "We hope this inspires boys and girls around the country to pick up a bat and ball this summer."Srinivasan also emphasized the significance of Team USA's qualification for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which will provide MLC with a platform for continued growth.The MLC, which features six teams—the Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom—boasts some of the world's top domestic and international players. These players are eager to represent their nations in the World Cup.The inaugural 2023 MLC season was a resounding success, with sold-out matches attracting millions of viewers worldwide. This momentum is expected to continue with the upcoming T20 World Cup and the MLC's second season, which kicks off on July 5.

South Africa, renowned for their formidable batting lineup, will face a stern test against a spirited USA in their opening Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup in North Sound on June 19. Despite remaining unbeaten in the tournament so far, the Proteas have yet to cross the 120-run mark in any of their four games.While their batting performance has been underwhelming, South Africa's bowlers have been exceptional. Anrich Nortje, who had been struggling for form, has turned it around with some scintillating displays, becoming the joint second leading wicket-taker with nine scalps. He forms a formidable partnership with fellow pacer Ottneil Baartman, while Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada will also be eager to trouble the inexperienced USA batters.USA, a diverse team featuring players from various backgrounds, has surprised many with their impressive run in the tournament. They have qualified for the Super Eights in their debut appearance, playing an aggressive brand of cricket. However, their skipper Monank Patel's fitness remains a concern after he missed the match against India and was doubtful for the Ireland game.South Africa, with their world-class batters like Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klassen, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller, will be keen to flex their muscles against USA. However, the top order of De Kock, Reeze Hendricks, and captain Aiden Markram may feel the pressure to perform after surviving by a run against Nepal in their previous game.With defending champions England and hosts West Indies also in Group 2, South Africa cannot afford to let up against USA. They will be eager to start the Super Eight on a winning note and prove their credentials as one of the favorites for the title.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has sparked outrage among fans, former players, and critics alike. The team's defeats against the United States and India sealed their fate, with a washed-out game against the USA adding insult to injury.Despite avoiding another embarrassing loss against Ireland in their final match, the team's performance has been met with widespread criticism. Former players and experts have expressed their frustration on television and talk shows, while videos of Pakistani fans destroying their TV sets have gone viral on social media.Amidst the backlash, a video has emerged online showing pacer Haris Rauf being taunted by a fan for the team's poor performance. The video shows Rauf walking with his wife when the fan allegedly taunts him. A furious Rauf jumps over a line of street shrub as his wife tries to stop him.Though the video is not clearly audible, Rauf appears to accuse the fan of being Indian, to which the fan responds that he is Pakistani. To his credit, the fan stands his ground against a furious Rauf, who is eventually stopped by other passersby.The incident highlights the intense emotions surrounding Pakistan's T20 World Cup exit. The team's performance has not only disappointed fans but has also raised questions about the future of Pakistani cricket.Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam and five other players have chosen to spend their holidays in London before returning home. This decision has further angered fans, who believe that the players should be held accountable for their poor performance.