Cricket

Mallika Sagar, the renowned auctioneer with over two decades of experience, will once again preside over the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah. This marks a significant milestone for the IPL, as Sagar becomes the first female auctioneer to conduct the event for the second consecutive year.Prior to her involvement with the IPL, Sagar successfully conducted the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction and the eighth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Her expertise and professionalism have earned her widespread recognition in the sports auction industry.Ahead of the two-day mega auction, all IPL franchises are actively preparing to assemble their squads for the upcoming cycle. With retentions already completed, teams are conducting trials to finalize their potential shortlists. Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians have already held their trials, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Supergiants are expected to conduct theirs after the ongoing Ranji Trophy concludes on November 16.A total of 1574 players have registered for the IPL mega auction, and the list will be shortlisted before being presented to the ten teams in Jeddah. Each franchise can have a maximum of 25 players in their setup, and 204 slots will be up for grabs during the two-day event.Several high-profile Indian players, including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, will be available in the auction pool. These players are expected to attract significant interest from teams seeking a captain or key players to bolster their squads.The IPL mega auction is a crucial event that shapes the composition of teams for the upcoming season. With Mallika Sagar at the helm, the auction promises to be a captivating and competitive affair, as franchises vie to secure the best talent available.

Afghanistan Women's Cricket Team to Play Historic Match in MelbourneAn Afghanistan women's cricket team, composed of refugees now residing in Australia, will make history by playing a match in Melbourne in January. This will be the first time the team has reunited since fleeing their homeland following the Taliban takeover.The T20 match between an Afghanistan Women's XI and a Cricket Without Borders XI will take place on January 30 at Junction Oval, preceding the opening day of the floodlit Women's Ashes Test at the MCG.The players involved escaped Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban seized power and now reside in Canberra and Melbourne. While many play for local cricket clubs, they have been unable to form a representative team until now.The Australian government has played a crucial role in facilitating the match. "Numerous individuals from the cricket community and beyond have collaborated to support the Afghanistan women's team members since their relocation to Australia," said Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley. "This match will serve as a testament to their efforts."Earlier this year, 17 players who were contracted to the Afghanistan Cricket Board in 2020 penned a letter to the ICC requesting assistance in establishing a refugee team in Australia. "Our goal is to showcase our talent, inspire women in Afghanistan, and highlight the challenges they face," the letter stated. "We aspire to compete at the highest level, like the Afghanistan men's team."On Tuesday, CA announced a partnership with UNICEF Australia as part of the foundation's "Until Every Girl Can Play" campaign, which promotes gender equality.The match will not only be a celebration of the team's resilience but also a symbol of hope for women in Afghanistan. It will demonstrate the power of sport to unite and empower individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

Indian cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been nominated for the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) Team of the Decade. The 50-player shortlist recognizes the most outstanding players from the league's 10-year history.Kaur, a right-handed batter, has played 62 matches for Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL. She has scored 1440 runs at an average of 37.89, including seven half-centuries. Her consistent performances have earned her a place among the league's elite players.The WBBL Team of the Decade will be selected by a panel of experts, including Cricket Australia Director Clea Smith, Mel Jones, Lisa Sthalekar, Matthew Mott, Quentin Hull, Laura Jolly, and Alistair Dobson. Fans will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite players through the Big Bash App from November 11-24.The final 12-player team will be announced at the WBBL 10 Final on December 1. As per league rules, the team can include a maximum of three overseas players.Kaur's nomination is a testament to her exceptional talent and contributions to the WBBL. She is the only Indian player on the shortlist, highlighting her status as one of the most respected and admired cricketers in the world.The WBBL Team of the Decade will honor the players who have shaped the league's history and inspired generations of young cricketers. Kaur's inclusion on the shortlist is a fitting recognition of her achievements and her role in the growth of women's cricket.

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has etched her name in the record books as the fastest Indian to score a half-century in a Women's T20 World Cup. In a blistering display of power-hitting, Kaur reached the milestone in just 27 balls against Sri Lanka in Dubai.Kaur's innings was a masterclass in aggression, as she unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under relentless pressure. She surpassed the previous record held by Smriti Mandhana, who reached the mark off 31 deliveries against Australia in 2018.Coming in at a crucial stage, Kaur wasted no time in settling, targeting both spinners and pacers with equal authority. She cleared the boundary with ease, dispatching deliveries at her own will. The rapid fifty not only showcased her explosive batting but also shifted the momentum in India's favor, as they posted a commanding 172-run total.With this knock, Kaur also joined an elite group of batters, becoming only the third player after Suzie Bates of New Zealand and her compatriot Smriti Mandhana to amass 3500 runs in Women's T20Is. Her fearless approach and ability to dominate the bowling attack in high-pressure situations have become her signature, further cementing her reputation as one of the premier batters in women's cricket.In 176 T20Is till date, the seasoned 35-year-old has amassed an impressive tally of 3522 runs. Her batting prowess is evident in her commendable average of 28.63 and a strike-rate of 108.13. Harmanpreet's consistency is further highlighted by her single century and 13 half-centuries in the shortest format of the game.

India vs Pakistan: A Rivalry Defined by Close Encounters in T20 World CupsIndia and Pakistan, two cricketing powerhouses, have engaged in a captivating rivalry in the T20 World Cup, with each encounter marked by intense competition and thrilling finishes. Their first meeting in the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup in 2009 set the tone for a series of memorable clashes.India has dominated the head-to-head record, winning 12 of the 15 matches played so far. However, Pakistan has shown resilience, triumphing in three games, including a narrow two-run victory in the 2016 edition.In the T20 World Cup, India has maintained its dominance, winning five of the seven matches against Pakistan. The upcoming encounter on Sunday in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup promises to be another nail-biting affair.Key Moments in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Encounters:* 2009: India's Priyanka Roy claimed a five-wicket haul to restrict Pakistan to 75, leading India to a five-wicket victory.* 2010: Poonam Raut's unbeaten 54 guided India to a nine-wicket win, chasing down Pakistan's 104/6.* 2012: Pakistan's Nida Dar's three wickets helped restrict India to 97/8, securing a one-run victory for Pakistan.* 2014: India's Soniya Dabir took three wickets to restrict Pakistan to 100/9, securing a six-run victory.* 2016: Rain played a crucial role, with Pakistan declared the winner by two runs (DLS) after being ahead of the par score.* 2018: Mithali Raj's 56 off 47 led India to a seven-wicket victory, chasing down Pakistan's 133/7.* 2023: Jemimah Rodrigues' whirlwind 53 not out helped India chase down Pakistan's 149/4, securing a seven-wicket victory.Upcoming Clash:India and Pakistan will face off on Sunday in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. India, coming off a heavy defeat to New Zealand, will be eager to bounce back, while Pakistan will be confident after their victory over Sri Lanka. The match promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams determined to secure a crucial victory.

Bangladesh's historic victory in the Women's T20 World Cup opener against Scotland has ignited a surge of emotions and optimism within the team and the nation. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty expressed her elation, stating that the win after a decade-long drought was "very emotional."Joty, who played her 100th T20I in the match, emphasized the significance of the victory for the development of women's cricket in Bangladesh. "We have been waiting for this victory for a long time," she said. "It means a lot for women's cricket. We have always said that we have to create momentum, and now it seems like we are going to dream of doing something bigger."Despite the disappointment of not hosting the tournament as planned due to political unrest, Joty expressed gratitude for the support they received in the United Arab Emirates. "It was heartbreaking initially, but the people who came here today were brilliant," she said. "We are fortunate to be able to play here and represent our country."Scotland's Saskia Horley, who took three wickets in the match, acknowledged the disappointment of losing but expressed pride in competing at the World Cup. "Our captain said we're going to be history makers here," she said. "Anything above that is a bonus."Bangladesh's victory has created a wave of excitement back home. "They were very happy," Joty said of her family and fans. "They're in a very good mood right now."The team's next challenge will be against England on Saturday, while Scotland will face the West Indies on Sunday. The momentum gained from this historic win will undoubtedly fuel Bangladesh's aspirations for further success in the tournament.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off with a grand Captains' Day at the Dubai International Stadium, bringing together the leaders of all 10 participating teams. The event marked the beginning of the ninth edition of the tournament, which promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, emphasized the continuous learning journey in cricket. She stressed the importance of constant improvement and the value of learning from both victories and mistakes. Kaur expressed her gratitude for the support of her team and their dedication to achieving their goals.Australia's captain, Alyssa Healy, highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament. She acknowledged that all 10 teams have a legitimate chance of winning the World Cup and that her team is excited for the challenge of facing formidable opponents.West Indies captain, Hayley Matthews, reflected on the extensive preparation leading up to the World Cup. She emphasized the significance of the event and the team's aspirations for success. Bangladesh's captain, Nigar Sultana, expressed optimism despite the initial disappointment of the event being moved from Bangladesh.Scotland's captain, Kathryn Bryce, emphasized their competitive spirit and aim to perform well on the big stage. England captain, Heather Knight, discussed the challenges and growth in her captaincy, highlighting the importance of adaptability and learning from others.Pakistan captain, Fatima Sana, expressed her approach to leadership, emphasizing self-expression and support from management. New Zealand captain, Sophie Devine, highlighted the remarkable growth in women's cricket, particularly in the area of fast bowling.South Africa captain, Laura Wolvaardt, spoke about their focused approach and the team's changes. Sri Lanka captain, Chamari Athapaththu, embraced their underdog status and expressed confidence in their young squad.The World Cup will feature 23 matches held over 18 days in Dubai and Sharjah. The opening match will see hosts Bangladesh face Scotland, followed by Pakistan against Sri Lanka. The tournament promises to entertain and inspire a new generation of cricket fans while serving as a transformative platform for women's cricket.

Bangladesh Skipper Nigar Sultana Eyes Victory in Women's T20 World Cup 2024Ahead of the highly anticipated Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana has expressed her team's determination to make a mark on the global stage. Bangladesh will embark on their World Cup journey on Thursday, facing Scotland in their opening match.Sultana believes that this tournament presents a golden opportunity for her team to showcase their talent and potential. "It is a huge opportunity for the team, playing this kind of event in front of the world, to show the talent and the potential we have," she said.The Bangladesh skipper has set a clear goal for her team: to secure a victory in every match. "Individually, this will be my fourth T20 World Cup for Bangladesh, but I'm yet to win a game - so first and foremost, as a team or as an individual player, my goal is to get a win," Sultana stated.Bangladesh's aspirations extend beyond just winning matches. They aim to push for a semi-final berth in the prestigious tournament. "That will give us momentum we can use throughout the tournament as we try and push for a semi-final spot," Sultana added.Bangladesh finds itself in a competitive Group B, alongside England, Scotland, South Africa, and West Indies. Despite a disappointing defeat to Sri Lanka in their first warm-up match, Bangladesh bounced back with a victory over Pakistan, instilling confidence within the team.Sultana acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about her team's chances. "We are trying to push for the semi-final spot. We know it will be tough, but we are confident that we can do it," she said.The Bangladesh squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 comprises:* Nigar Sultana (C, WK)* Nahida Akter* Murshida Khatun* Shorna Akter* Ritu Moni* Sobhana Mostary* Rabeya Khan* Sultana Khatun* Fahima Khatun* Marufa Akter* Jahanara Alam* Dilara Akter* Taj Nehar* Shathi Rani* Disha Biswas

Jemimah Rodrigues, a key member of the Indian women's cricket team, believes that adaptability and a team-first mentality will be crucial for India's success at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. India, who finished runners-up in the 2020 edition, will begin their campaign against New Zealand on October 4.Rodrigues, who scored a half-century in India's first warm-up match against West Indies, emphasized the importance of assessing conditions and playing to the situation. "I just want to keep it simple and do whatever it takes to help the team win," she said. "When I put things in that perspective, it gets the best out of me and motivates me."The 24-year-old also highlighted the need to play to the situation, regardless of the bowler. "It's not about specific bowlers but about playing to the situation," she said. "Bowlers can have off days, and as a batter, I need to assess which bowler to attack and when to hold back."Rodrigues praised the team's blend of youth and experience, with players like Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma having already played in World Cups. "This team is special," she said. "There's something in this team, a fire to win, and at the same time, an energy and bond that's very special."Speaking about New Zealand legend Sophie Devine, Rodrigues said, "I've always admired her game. We've prepared well to bowl against her, and now it's just about executing our plans."India will also face Australia in the group stage, and Rodrigues believes execution will be key against the former champions. "We've prepared well and put in the work," she said. "Now it's time to execute our plans."Rodrigues also praised senior teammates Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. "Smriti is young, but she understands the game and her role so well," she said. "Harman di is a big-match player. We want to win it for India and for her."