Cricket

Jemimah Rodrigues, the 22-year-old Indian batter, has emerged as a key player in the national team and various T20 franchise leagues. Her journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, shaping her into a resilient and versatile cricketer.Rodrigues' international debut in 2018 was met with high expectations, and she has since navigated numerous obstacles to establish herself as a top-order batter. Her participation in the Kia Super League (KSL) in England proved transformative, not only enhancing her on-field performance but also fostering her independence and maturity.Despite the ongoing debate surrounding club versus country loyalties, Rodrigues embraces the opportunity to play alongside and learn from the best in the world in T20 leagues. She credits her Delhi Capitals captain, Meg Lanning, for instilling in her a sense of calmness under pressure.In the recent Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), Rodrigues played a crucial role in Trinbago Knight Riders' success, showcasing her ability to finish matches. This experience has boosted her confidence ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE.Rodrigues acknowledges that the Indian team is focusing on their own strengths rather than dwelling on their opponents. She recalls the pressure she faced in last year's T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, but credits her faith and the support of her parents for helping her overcome her nerves.In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, Rodrigues has been working on adapting to the number five batting position, where she aims to make a significant impact for India. She emphasizes the importance of aggression and adaptability in this role.While power-hitting is not her natural game, Rodrigues is developing this aspect of her batting. She draws inspiration from Virat Kohli, who relies on timing and gap-hitting to excel in T20 cricket.The Indian team has prioritized fielding and fitness in their preparations for the T20 World Cup. Rodrigues highlights the role of the support staff in enhancing these skills.Rodrigues dreams of a grand reception in Mumbai if India wins the T20 World Cup. Her name, meaning "dove" in Hebrew, symbolizes her hope for a successful campaign for the Indian team.

England's women cricketers have taken a significant step towards gender parity with the announcement that minimum starting salaries in domestic cricket will be equalized across the men's and women's professional games from 2025. This move aligns with the recommendations of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report, which called for a "fundamental overhaul" of the pay structure in women's cricket.The equalization of salaries will apply to both 'Rookie' level, which is being introduced into the women's game for the first time, and 'Senior Pro' level for established first-team players. This decision reflects the ECB's commitment to providing equal opportunities for young players considering cricket as a career choice.The announcement comes after the ICEC report revealed that the average England Women's salary was significantly lower than their male counterparts. The report set targets for equalizing pay at domestic level by 2029 and for internationals by 2030.In addition to equalizing starting salaries, the ECB has also confirmed that the eight Tier 1 counties in the new women's competition will have minimum squad sizes of 15 contracted players. Each first-class county is required to invest at least £500,000 on player salary costs in 2025, with a salary cap of £800,000 per year agreed for those clubs.Emma Reid, PCA Director of Player Rights and Women's Cricket, welcomed the announcement, stating that it is a "big step towards reaching parity." She emphasized that the PCA remains committed to achieving full parity across all areas of the professional game.The equalization of minimum starting salaries is a testament to the growing recognition of the value and talent of women cricketers. It is a positive step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable environment for women's cricket in England and Wales.

Trudy Lindblade, a seasoned sports administrator, has taken on the daunting task of leading Cricket Scotland through a period of turmoil and rebuilding. Despite the organization's recent history of racism and sexism allegations, Lindblade is determined to navigate the challenges and restore its reputation.Lindblade's journey to Cricket Scotland began after overseeing the successful UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow. However, she quickly realized the complexities of her new role, which has been marked by ongoing legal and human rights issues.One of Lindblade's first tasks was to address the McKinney Report, which revealed a culture of sexism and misogyny within Scottish cricket. She acknowledges the shock of the report's findings but emphasizes that Cricket Scotland is committed to addressing these issues.The organization has also faced allegations of racism, including from former Scotland seamer John Blain and retired player Hamza Tahir. Lindblade stresses that Cricket Scotland is open to dialogue and mediation to resolve these cases fairly.Despite the challenges, Lindblade is optimistic about the future of Scottish cricket. She is working on a four-year strategy that prioritizes women and girls, equality, and rebuilding trust. While not ruling out a future push for Full Membership, Lindblade believes the organization must first establish a solid foundation.Lindblade's experience in sports administration, including her work at the Carlton Australian Football Club and Cricket Australia, has prepared her for the challenges ahead. She draws on her strong character and the support of male leaders who have given her opportunities.Lindblade recognizes the importance of female leadership in cricket and is part of a group of female CEOs among Associate Members. She believes that women can bring different perspectives and empathy to leadership roles.As Cricket Scotland works to move forward, Lindblade acknowledges the ongoing hurt and anger but emphasizes the need for self-awareness and unity. She believes that the strategy will provide a path forward and that the organization can emerge from this period stronger than ever.

Cricket Australia (CA) remains steadfast in its decision to withhold bilateral cricket matches with Afghanistan due to the Taliban government's stance on women's rights. CA CEO Nick Hockley emphasized that ongoing discussions with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have not yielded sufficient progress.Despite withdrawing from three bilateral series with Afghanistan, Australia has continued to face the team at ICC events. Following Afghanistan's historic victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, Usman Khawaja and Rashid Khan expressed contrasting views on CA's stance.Hockley acknowledged Afghanistan's impressive performance in the tournament but reiterated CA's commitment to human rights. He stated that the decision to postpone bilateral matches was made after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the Australian government.CA maintains regular dialogue with the ACB and hopes to resume bilateral cricket in the future. However, the organization emphasizes the need for progress on women's rights.Meanwhile, 17 Afghanistan women players have appealed to the ICC for assistance in establishing a refugee team based in Australia. Hockley acknowledged the request and indicated that it would be discussed at upcoming ICC meetings.Hockley also confirmed that Australia is eager to host Bangladesh's men's team in the next FTP cycle. Bangladesh last played Tests in Australia in 2003 and a bilateral ODI series in 2008.

Afghan Women Cricketers Seek ICC Support for Refugee TeamIn the wake of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, 17 female cricketers who were contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in 2020 have appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for assistance in establishing a refugee team based in Australia.The players, who have been unable to represent their country since the Taliban banned women from participating in sports, have requested the ICC's "support and guidance" in formalizing their team. They acknowledge that the ACB cannot recognize them as a national team due to government policies.Instead, the players have proposed being administered by the East Asian Cricket office based at Cricket Australia as a refugee team. This would allow them to "represent all Afghan women who dream of playing cricket but are unable to in Afghanistan."The players' request comes as the Afghan men's cricket team has achieved unprecedented success, reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. While expressing pride in the men's achievements, the women's players lamented their own inability to represent their country."A profound sadness remains that we, as women, cannot represent our country like the male cricketers," they wrote in a letter to ICC Chair Greg Barclay.The ICC currently cannot offer the players official status because it relies on individual boards to compile and recognize teams. The ACB, due to the Taliban's stance on women, cannot recognize a women's team.To address this, the exiled players have requested recognition as a refugee team. They emphasize that only Afghan refugee cricketers would be included in their proposed set-up."Our goals in having a refugee team are to develop and showcase our talent, give hope to the women remaining in Afghanistan, and to draw attention to the challenges women of Afghanistan face," the players stated.The ICC has been contacted for comment on the players' request.

Smriti Mandhana, India's vice-captain, has ascended two positions to claim the third spot in the ICC Women's ODI batting rankings. This surge follows her match-winning century in India's 143-run victory over South Africa in the recently concluded three-match series.Mandhana's impressive performance, which included a maiden century on home soil, has propelled her to a total of 715 points. She now trails Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu, who has slipped to second place, and England's Natalie Sciver-Brunt, who has regained the top spot after scoring an unbeaten 124 against Pakistan last month.India's all-rounder Deepti Sharma has also made significant progress, climbing three places to 20th in the batting rankings. Pooja Vastrakar has similarly moved up three positions to 38th.Vastrakar has also made a notable jump in the ODI all-rounders' rankings, rising four places to 18th. South Africa's Marizanne Kapp remains the undisputed No. 1 ODI all-rounder.In the bowling department, Deepti Sharma has moved up one place to fourth after her economical performance in the series opener, where she claimed figures of 2/10. England's Sophie Ecclestone continues to dominate the ODI bowlers' rankings, maintaining a comfortable lead at the top.This surge in rankings for Indian players reflects their impressive performances in the recent series against South Africa. Mandhana's century and Sharma's all-round contributions have been instrumental in India's success.

England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has shed light on her absence from the first T20I against Pakistan, revealing that she underwent egg freezing to preserve her fertility for future family planning.Sciver-Brunt, 31, explained that she seized the opportunity between England's tour of New Zealand and the Pakistan series to undergo the procedure, which involves creating embryos for later use. She emphasized her desire to balance her cricket career with starting a family."Katherine and I would love to start a family, but I'd also like to continue playing cricket," Sciver-Brunt said. "We're lucky to have options, and we're figuring out the best path for us. I'd like to carry a baby when I finish playing, and Katherine wants to as well."England's support staff has been instrumental in facilitating Sciver-Brunt's recovery from the procedure. "The sports science and medical department have been incredibly supportive," she said. "They've ensured a smooth transition back to cricket."Sciver-Brunt missed the first T20I due to the physical toll of the procedure. "I'd just started exercising again, so I wasn't quite ready to play," she explained. However, she is expected to feature in the second match on Friday.Katherine Sciver-Brunt, who retired from cricket last year, highlighted the importance of egg freezing for women who wish to pursue both a career and family. "There's a timeframe on fertility," she said. "Freezing eggs now gives us healthy options in the future. It's a great choice to have, even though it's not cheap or easy."Sciver-Brunt's decision to prioritize her fertility while continuing her cricket career is a testament to the changing landscape for female athletes. It underscores the growing recognition of the need for flexibility and support for women who wish to balance their sporting and personal aspirations.

Hilton Moreeng, the long-standing coach of the South African women's cricket team, has stepped down after an illustrious 11-year tenure. Appointed in 2013, Moreeng played a pivotal role in South Africa's transition to professionalism and their rise to prominence on the international stage.Under Moreeng's guidance, the Proteas Women reached two 50-over World Cup semi-finals, two T20 World Cup semi-finals, and made history by becoming the first national senior side to reach a World Cup final, which they hosted in 2023.Moreeng's assistant coach, Dillon du Preez, will take over as interim coach for South Africa's upcoming tour of India. A permanent replacement is expected to be appointed in the near future."I am incredibly grateful to CSA and management for entrusting me with the honor of coaching the Proteas Women," Moreeng said in a statement. "It has been an unforgettable journey, and I am proud of what we have achieved together."Moreeng expressed his appreciation for the players, team management, fans, and media who have supported him throughout his tenure. He acknowledged the unwavering encouragement he received, which served as a constant source of motivation.In addition to Moreeng's departure, CSA has appointed Baakier Adams as the new batting coach and Bongani Ndaba as the fielding coach. Adams previously worked with the Warriors provincial team, while Ndaba brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Titans.The changes in the coaching staff mark a new chapter for the Proteas Women as they look to build on their recent successes and continue their pursuit of excellence on the international stage.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women's cricket team, has expressed her desire to maintain the composure displayed by her team during their recent 5-0 series sweep against Bangladesh in Sylhet when they return for the T20 World Cup in October.Unlike their previous encounter in Bangladesh in July 2023, which was marred by controversy, India's recent performance was marked by several positives. "The calmness all the players showed in the series is something I would like to take to the World Cup," Harmanpreet said after their 21-run victory in the fifth T20I.Harmanpreet's return to form was a significant highlight of the series. After struggling with low scores in the white-ball series against Australia, she scored 30 or more in three out of four innings against Bangladesh. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana also contributed with multiple 30-plus scores.D Hemalatha, who returned to the team after 15 months, showcased her power-hitting abilities at No. 3, a position previously occupied by Jemimah Rodrigues. With the ball, Radha Yadav emerged as a standout performer, claiming ten wickets in five matches and earning the Player of the Series award.Deepti Sharma's experience proved valuable in containing the opposition, while Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana also made significant contributions. Harmanpreet attributed their success to the confidence and momentum gained during the Women's Premier League (WPL)."The WPL gave our players a lot of confidence," she said. "We improved our game during that time, and those results are showing here."India's next assignment will be a multi-format series against South Africa at home in June-July, followed by the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup in October. Harmanpreet expressed her hope that India will be able to play their best cricket when they return to Sylhet for the World Cup opener against New Zealand."This tournament will give us a lot of confidence," she said. "Whatever we learnt here, we can take that to the World Cup. We are really working hard on that. Hopefully, in the World Cup, we will be able to do whatever we can do. I know our team has that much potential and hopefully, we play our best cricket."