Cricket

Harmanpreet Kaur, the torchbearer of Indian women's cricket, is set to make history as she joins an elite group of players to have featured in all nine ICC Women's T20 World Cup editions. The upcoming tournament in the United Arab Emirates will mark her ninth appearance, a testament to her longevity and unwavering commitment to the sport.Kaur's journey to the pinnacle of women's cricket has been marked by both brilliance and resilience. She has been a key figure in India's rise as a global force, combining textbook batting with explosive power-hitting. Her ability to adapt to different roles and situations has made her an invaluable asset to the team.While Kaur's experience is a major asset, her recent form has raised some concerns. She has managed only two half-centuries since the last T20 World Cup, and her strike rate has dipped slightly. However, the Indian captain remains unfazed, confident in her ability to handle the pressure and deliver when it matters most.Kaur's team is a blend of experience and youth, with only three players yet to feature in a T20 World Cup. The squad boasts a wealth of talent, including Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Shafali Verma.India's hopes of lifting their maiden ICC trophy rest heavily on Kaur's shoulders. She has been a source of inspiration for countless young girls and has played a pivotal role in popularizing women's cricket in India. As she embarks on her ninth World Cup campaign, Kaur is determined to leave a lasting legacy and bring glory to her country.

India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has set their sights firmly on winning the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The team's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have fueled their aspirations to lift the coveted trophy.Kaur, the charismatic captain, has instilled a fearless mindset within the squad, emphasizing the importance of playing with aggression and leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory. The team's unwavering belief in their abilities has been forged through countless hours of training and a shared desire to bring honor to their nation.Every match leading up to the World Cup is viewed as an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills and inspire young cricketers worldwide. The team's journey to the final of the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup and their near-miss in the 2023 edition serve as testaments to their potential and resilience.Kaur expressed her excitement about playing in the United Arab Emirates for the first time, anticipating the enthusiastic support of the crowds in Dubai and Sharjah. The squad boasts a formidable blend of experience and youthful exuberance, with seasoned veterans guiding the path for promising young talents.The team's camaraderie and mutual respect create a supportive environment where every player feels valued and empowered. Kaur acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the support staff in fostering a positive and nurturing atmosphere.Preparations for the World Cup have been meticulous, with the team embarking on a rigorous training regimen immediately after the conclusion of the previous edition. Each player has embraced the importance of fitness, recognizing its profound impact on their performance.While strategies may adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, the team's primary focus remains on maximizing their own potential and playing to their strengths. Kaur emphasized the importance of adaptability and the ability to execute their plans effectively.The Indian women's cricket team is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage. Their unwavering determination, fearless approach, and unwavering support for one another make them a formidable force to be reckoned with. As they embark on their journey towards the 2024 World Cup, the team carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to witness their triumph.

Australia's dominance in women's cricket was tested in the second T20I against New Zealand in Mackay, as they narrowly secured a 29-run victory despite a dramatic batting collapse.After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia's innings was anchored by Alyssa Healy's 38 off 25 balls. However, a stunning collapse saw them lose 7 wickets for just 28 runs, with New Zealand legspinner Amelia Kerr claiming a career-best 4 for 20. Ellyse Perry's 34 proved crucial, but her bizarre run-out triggered Australia's downfall.New Zealand's chase started cautiously, with Suzie Bates scoring a steady 34. However, Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland combined to take 4 wickets for 34 runs, squeezing the run rate and closing out the game despite some sloppy fielding from Australia.Healy's aggressive start set the tone for Australia's innings, but Perry struggled for timing. Healy's dismissal for 38 proved costly, as Australia's middle order crumbled. Kerr's wrong'uns proved devastating, dismissing Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, and Sophie Molineux.New Zealand's chase was hampered by Australia's tight bowling in the powerplay. Bates broke free briefly, but her dismissal for 34 left the visitors needing a high run rate. Gardner's revenge on Kerr and Litchfield's catch to remove Bates put Australia in control.Despite some untidy fielding, Australia's bowlers held their nerve. Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze threatened a late surge, but Sutherland's catch off Gardner sealed the victory.

South Africa's women's cricket team concluded their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup with a convincing eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the series decider. The Proteas chased down Pakistan's total of 153 with nine balls to spare, marking their joint fifth-highest successful chase in T20Is.Anneke Bosch, who retired four runs short of a half-century, played a crucial role in setting up the victory. Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen contributed with 45 and 44 not out, respectively.Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain South Africa's batters, with only Tuba Hassan proving economical. The Proteas batters effectively used their feet against spin, an area that has been a concern for them in the past.In contrast, Pakistan squandered the opportunity to post a larger total. Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza provided a solid start, but their partnership was broken in the sixth over. Nida Dar, Pakistan's second-highest run-scorer in T20Is, was dismissed for 12, while Fatima Sana's 27 helped set up a strong finish.However, Chloe Tryon's left-arm spin proved difficult to get away, and Pakistan struggled to add quick runs in the latter stages of their innings. South Africa's attack, without Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, kept Pakistan in check.Fielding remains a concern for both sides, with nine catches dropped across the three matches. South Africa and Pakistan will need to improve their judgement under the high ball ahead of the T20 World Cup in Dubai.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team has made a significant change to its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, recalling experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera while omitting young seamer Kawya Kavindi.Ranaweera, 38, has been a mainstay of the Sri Lankan team for over a decade, with 91 T20I wickets to her name. Her inclusion is seen as a strategic move, given the spin-friendly conditions expected in the UAE, where the tournament will be held.Despite her experience, Ranaweera's bowling has not been particularly penetrative in the shortest format this year. However, her economy rate of 5.86 and ability to control the run rate make her a valuable asset.Kavindi's omission leaves Sri Lanka with just three main seam-bowling options in their World Cup squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana. This could be a concern, especially considering the strength of the opposition in Group A, which includes Australia, India, and New Zealand.On the batting front, Sri Lanka boasts a formidable lineup led by captain Chamari Athapaththu. Harshitha Samarawickrama and 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne have also been in impressive form, giving the team confidence that they can compete with the best in the world.Sri Lanka's triumph in the recent Asia Cup has further boosted their morale and given them a belief that they can reach the final four of the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 3, and Sri Lanka will be eager to make a strong statement in their opening match against Pakistan.

Australia's women's cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup by fielding their strongest XI in a three-match series against New Zealand. Captain Alyssa Healy emphasized the importance of consistency in their lineup, stating that they have been settled in the T20 format for a long time.While Australia experimented with their lineup during their Bangladesh tour, Healy believes it's crucial to establish a stable XI leading into the World Cup. She acknowledged the temptation to unleash the pace duo of Darcie Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck, but noted that it would require careful consideration of the team's balance.New Zealand, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing tour of England, where they lost eight consecutive matches. Captain Sophie Devine expressed confidence in her team's ability to learn from their mistakes and move forward. She highlighted the return of pace bowler Rosemary Mair, who missed the England tour due to injury.Both Healy and Devine welcomed the ICC's announcement of increased prize money for the T20 World Cup, recognizing it as a significant step forward for women's cricket. Healy stated that it's an amazing opportunity for the game to be recognized and appreciated.As the teams prepare for the World Cup, the series against New Zealand will provide valuable experience and allow them to fine-tune their strategies. Australia will aim to maintain their dominance, while New Zealand will seek to regain their form and prove their mettle against one of the world's top teams.

Pakistan's women's cricket team has faced a reduction in allowances during their ongoing training camp in Multan, sparking disappointment among players. The team, preparing for three T20I matches against South Africa, will only receive allowances once the series commences.This change in policy contrasts with previous camps and the treatment of the men's national team. In the past, the women's team received modest daily allowances at training camps. However, this time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is providing accommodation and three meals, which were not previously offered.According to a PCB official, the board's policy dictates that no daily allowances are provided if three meals and hotel accommodation are available. While this policy applies to both the men's and women's teams, it is rarely enforced for the men.During the recent men's training camp, players received daily allowances in addition to accommodation and food. This compensation was considered in lieu of three free meals, which were not provided. In previous camps, the men's side has almost always received daily allowances, even when meals were available.The reason for the change in meal and allowance structure for the women's team is unclear. At a previous camp in April, the team received both daily allowances and three full meals. However, the PCB has since deemed financial recompense unnecessary if three meals are provided.This change has left many women's players disappointed, as they believe being away from home for a camp warrants more than just basic lodging and food. The situation is particularly concerning as the team prepares for the Women's T20 World Cup next month.The PCB's decision comes at a time when its expenditure in other areas of the game is at an all-time high. Stadium upgrades, including the rebuilding of Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the renovation of National Stadium in Karachi, are believed to have cost billions of rupees.Additionally, the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup has seen a significant financial outlay, with prize money nearly ten times higher than last year. Mentors for the five teams are also receiving substantial salaries.Meanwhile, the women's central and domestic contracts remain unfinalized. Last year, 19 women were awarded central contracts, but they were due for assessment after 12 months. Six weeks have passed since that assessment date, but no revisions have been announced.

The South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) has expressed its support for promoting women's cricket while acknowledging the upcoming ODI series between South Africa and Afghanistan in the UAE. Afghanistan remains the only ICC Full Member without a women's team due to severe restrictions imposed on women under the Taliban government.This bilateral series marks the first between the two nations and only the third time South Africa will play 50-over cricket against Afghanistan after facing them at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. These fixtures are not part of the 2023-2027 Future Tours Programme (FTP) but have been added to provide more competitive opportunities for South Africa's teams.SACA welcomed these additions but expressed concern over the "deteriorating human rights for women under the Taliban rule." The association reiterated its support for promoting women's cricket globally."World Cricketers' Association and SACA do not condone any situation in which women's players are excluded from competing in our sport," said Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO and WCA board member. "Every athlete has the right to equality of opportunity, protected by international law and the Universal Declaration of Player Rights."SACA urged CSA to use its leverage during the series to highlight the importance of protecting and respecting the rights of Afghanistan's women's players.CSA is expected to remain silent on the statement but has participated in discussions regarding Afghanistan's situation as an ICC Member. The ICC continues to explore solutions, including the possibility of a refugee team based in Australia.The ICC is hesitant to ban Afghanistan's men's team, as it did with South Africa in 1970 due to racial Apartheid. The ACB cannot recognize a women's team due to the Taliban's stance on women. Concerns exist that forcing the issue could endanger lives.Despite Afghanistan's Full Member status, some countries have refused to play against them bilaterally. Australia has postponed two series against Afghanistan due to government concerns. South Africa has only faced Afghanistan in major events, including the recent T20 World Cup semi-final.South Africa's white-ball coach, Rob Walter, declined to comment on whether the team considered not playing against Afghanistan, deferring to Cricket South Africa.South Africa will play three ODIs against Afghanistan in Sharjah from next Wednesday, followed by two T20Is and three ODIs against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a remarkable financial turnaround, posting profits of R815 million (US$ 45.6 million) for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This significant achievement marks a departure from the losses incurred over the past three reporting periods, totaling R538 million (US$ 30.14 million).The turnaround is primarily attributed to increased revenue from broadcast rights, which now account for 54% of CSA's income. The successful hosting of the 2024 Under-19 men's World Cup and a bumper SA20 tournament, in which CSA holds a majority stake, further contributed to the financial boost.CSA's total ICC disbursements for the period amounted to R566 million (US$ 31.63 million), a significant increase from the previous year's R290 million (US$ 16.2 million). The organization anticipates another strong financial year in 2024-2025, largely due to hosting India for four T20Is in November, with revenue projections exceeding R150 million (US$ 8.38 million) per match.The financial turnaround has had a positive impact on the women's game in South Africa, with CSA investing R32 million (US$ 1.78 million) in professionalizing domestic women's cricket. The cost of running professional cricket remains CSA's largest expense, with R633 million (US$ 35.3 million) allocated to domestic men's and women's teams.Despite the financial challenges, CSA reported strong performance across all levels of cricket. The men's team reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, while the women's team achieved historic victories against Australia. Grassroots cricket also saw a surge in participation, with the KFC mini-cricket program reporting a 20% increase.The CSA AGM marked the end of Lawson Naidoo's three-year tenure as chair. A new chair will be elected at a special general meeting this month, with the selection process limited to independent directors.