Cricket

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are set to face off in a highly anticipated series that has historically been marked by intense rivalry. However, both teams' captains and coaches have emphasized their desire to put the past behind them and focus on a competitive and respectful series.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his belief that the series will be a good one, with both teams aiming for victory. He acknowledged the pressure that comes with international competition but emphasized the team's focus on their own performance. Shanto also highlighted the depth of Bangladesh's bowling attack, stating that all of their bowlers have the potential to be match-winners.Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood echoed Shanto's sentiments, stating that he wants to forget the past and concentrate on the future, particularly Sri Lanka's preparation for the T20 World Cup. Silverwood acknowledged that Sri Lanka will be the favorites but emphasized that both teams will be pushing hard for victory.Despite the absence of key players Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka, Silverwood expressed confidence that others will step up and take advantage of the opportunity. He praised Nissanka's recent performances and expressed hope that he will return soon.Shanto, who is leading Bangladesh for the first time in all three formats, spoke about the challenges of his new role. He emphasized the importance of building relationships with his players and coaching staff and expressed his belief that the responsibility will not hinder his performance as a batter.The series is expected to be a competitive one, with both teams looking to build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh has performed well in T20Is in recent months, while Sri Lanka will be eager to prove their credentials as one of the favorites for the World Cup.

India's all-rounder Shardul Thakur has raised concerns over the demanding schedule of the Ranji Trophy, expressing fears that the tight turnaround between matches could lead to player injuries. Thakur, who recently scored a century in the semifinal against Tamil Nadu, emphasized the need for the BCCI to reconsider the schedule for next year's tournament."It's difficult because we are playing first-class games in a three-day gap - that has never happened in Ranji Trophy season ever," Thakur said. "The schedule is becoming tighter and tighter. If boys keep playing like this for two more seasons, there will be a lot of injuries across the country."Thakur pointed out that in previous years, players had more time between matches in the Ranji Trophy. "When I remember playing Ranji Trophy back in the days, good 7-8 years back, the first three games used to have a three-day break and then it was a four-day break and knockouts were played on five-day breaks," he said."Now this year, we have seen that all the games have been played on a three-day gap. It is extremely tough on domestic players to expect them to play ten games in a row with just a three-days gap if a team makes it to the finals."Thakur's concerns were echoed by Tamil Nadu skipper R Sai Kishore, who agreed that the schedule was particularly challenging for fast bowlers. "Fast bowlers are extra tired because you travel on one day," Kishore said. "I think that is because there is not enough spacing between the games."Thakur also acknowledged that his team, Mumbai, had faced challenges in managing their resources due to the tight schedule. "Mohit (Avasthi) also had an injury in the sixth game," he said. "He played five games in a row. He had a huge workload because Tushar (Deshpande) was also selected for India A. He was not available. Dhawal (Kulkarni) was playing alternate games, looking at his age and workload. Royston (Dias) is fairly new.""He (Mohit) operated a lot in those first five games and then he had an injury so he had to miss a game. I think that is because there is not enough spacing between the games," Thakur added.Despite his impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, Thakur admitted that an international comeback for India is not on the cards at the moment. "I think international comeback is far from now because the Test team is out already for the fifth game (against England) and after this we are going into the IPL," he said. "It's far, I am not thinking that far."

Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, has hailed Pep Guardiola as the most exceptional sporting leader of the past 15 years. Vaughan believes that England's Ben Stokes should adopt Guardiola's approach of never allowing players to become complacent about their place in the side.Vaughan's comments come in the context of England's Bazball approach, under coach Brendon McCullum, which has backfired during the ongoing tour of India. England have already conceded the series 3-1 after initially winning the first Test in Hyderabad.Vaughan questioned the approach of England batters and demanded greater accountability from them. He cited Guardiola's approach at Manchester City as an example of how to keep players on their toes."In my eyes he's the best sporting leader of this generation, say the last 15 years. He never allows his players to get comfortable. He always keeps them guessing, and they all know they are guaranteed nothing," Vaughan wrote in a column for Daily Telegraph.Vaughan questioned England's selection policy and said despite losing the series the visitors have a lot at stake to play for in the final Test in Dharamsla beginning March 7."Consistency of selection is such a fine balance in team sports. Making people comfortable is right, and England have generally batted well over the last two years," he wrote."There comes a point, though, where when it's your batting that is costing you the biggest series you can't keep sending the same guys out there every week."Vaughan said a loss in Dharamsala would be a demoralising result for England. He once again criticised England's batters approach."India haven't lost two matches in a series at home since 2012, on their run of 17 series wins in a row. 4-1 would be a very disappointing end to a disappointing winter, with the World Cup debacle, both white-ball series lost in the Caribbean and even a poor World Cup for the Under 19s," he wrote."It's a huge week for a number of England's batsmen. When we think of this England team, we think of their wonderfully dynamic batting. But when you look at why they haven't won any of their last three series, it's down to the batting."Vaughan feels when it comes to team selection there should be consistency in the batting order."Complacency can be damaging. As a management team, how you approach selection of batsmen and bowlers is obviously different. Fast bowlers, especially, sit out games and are rightly rotated to preserve their bodies," he wrote."With batsmen you want consistency. When you play like England do, backing is important. Aggressive, expansive cricket means mistakes will be made. Players need to have the confidence to take on risky shots without fear that they will be dropped immediately. That is good, and as captain I always preferred to give a player one game too many than one too few."In hindsight he also took a took a dig at McCullum and Stokes for their approach."I do wonder, though, if this England setup takes backing a bit too far. Since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over, only one batsman has been dropped, and even that was the tamest dropping you will ever see. "England inherited Alex Lees from the previous regime and gave him a crack, but always had their eye on Ben Duckett to open with Zak Crawley so simply moved Lees on at the end of their first summer," he wrote."Ultimately, on any sporting team's road to greatness, you need a moment, a rod, where every player realises 'wow, maybe I'm not part of the furniture'. As soon as people think they are part of the furniture it creates a bit of comfortable complacency, which can be damaging."

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has refuted claims that India, England, and Cricket Australia have disregarded a proposal to safeguard Test cricket. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald alleged that the three influential boards dismissed a document drafted by New Zealand Cricket chair Martin Snedden, which suggested overhauling the future tours program (FTP) to preserve the longest format of the game.Hockley vehemently denied these allegations, stating that ongoing discussions are centered on optimizing the calendar and fostering cricket's global growth. The proposed blueprint includes additional windows for T20 leagues beyond the Indian Premier League, modifications to the World Test Championship points system, 40-over ODIs, concerns about T20Is, and efforts to pool broadcast rights revenue for bilateral series.Hockley emphasized Australia's commitment to supporting the ICC in ensuring the health of all three cricket formats. He highlighted the country's role in introducing the World Test Championship and its involvement in the ICC's FTP working group.Hockley acknowledged the global expansion of cricket, citing the United States' embrace of the game and its co-hosting of the T20 World Cup with the West Indies later this year. He stressed the importance of a format strategy that accommodates all formats and fosters their coexistence.Regarding the World Test Championship, Hockley emphasized its significance and Australia's unwavering support for men's Test cricket as its most valuable asset. He emphasized the need to enhance the prominence of the World Test Championship and ensure its economic viability in all territories.Hockley concluded by highlighting the ongoing efforts to configure the calendar to accommodate all three formats. He emphasized the collaborative nature of these discussions, involving all ICC members, to ensure the continued growth and success of cricket worldwide.

Lahore Qalandars' owner Sameen Rana has vehemently criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its handling of Haris Rauf's central contract termination, which was announced just two days before the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Rana condemned the timing of the decision as "pathetic" and accused the PCB of "really poor management."Rana expressed his dismay at the lack of communication with Rauf, stating that the player was not given proper notice or explanation for the termination of his contract. He emphasized that such a public humiliation was unprecedented and disrespectful.The decision came after Rauf made himself unavailable for Pakistan's Test series in Australia, a move that drew criticism from chief selector Wahab Riaz. However, Rana questioned the timing of the announcement, arguing that it was unnecessary and disruptive to Qalandars' PSL campaign.Rana highlighted the impact of the decision on Qalandars, who have struggled in the tournament due to injuries, unavailability, and poor performances. He expressed concern that Rauf's psychological state was affected by the termination, which coincided with his search for form.Rana also revealed that Rauf suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Qalandars against Karachi Kings, which is expected to sideline him for six weeks. He lamented the additional burden placed on the team to motivate Rauf and keep him focused.Rana's criticism reflects the growing frustration within the Qalandars camp over the PCB's handling of the situation. The team has been left reeling from the loss of their premier fast bowler and the negative impact it has had on their PSL campaign.

Rishabh Pant's Marbles Match: A Glimpse of Childhood Amidst IPL PreparationsIndian cricket star Rishabh Pant is eagerly anticipating his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a horrific accident in December 2022. While recovering from his injuries, Pant has found solace in reliving his childhood memories, as evidenced by his recent game of marbles with neighborhood children.On Sunday, Pant took to Instagram to share a story of himself playing "goli," a popular street game in India. With a bandana covering his face, Pant was seen enjoying the game with the neighborhood kids. The video captured the essence of his childhood, bringing a smile to the faces of his fans.Pant's return to the IPL is a significant development for the Delhi Capitals franchise and the Indian team. Former India captain and Delhi Capitals' Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, has indicated that Pant will be declared fit for action by the NCA on March 5.However, Ganguly hinted that Pant may not be pushed directly into wicketkeeping in the IPL. This decision is likely to be made based on Pant's recovery progress and the team's strategy.Pant's accident on December 31, 2022, was a major setback for the Indian team. He suffered multiple injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The accident raised concerns about his future in cricket, but Pant's determination and resilience have been evident throughout his recovery process.With the 17th edition of the IPL commencing on March 22, Pant's return to action is a welcome boost for the Delhi Capitals. His aggressive batting and exceptional wicketkeeping skills will be crucial for the team's success in the tournament.

Himanshu Mantri's masterful century propelled Madhya Pradesh to a commanding position in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha. Resuming on 47 for one, Mantri anchored the innings with a patient and technically sound knock of 126 off 265 deliveries. His innings, studded with 13 boundaries and a six, proved crucial as Madhya Pradesh gained an 82-run lead in the first innings.Mantri's knock was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite losing his opening partner early, he forged a solid partnership with Harsh Gawli, extending their alliance to 61 runs. However, Vidarbha's pacers struck back, dismissing Gawli and two more batsmen in quick succession.Undeterred, Mantri found support in Sagar Solanki, adding 42 runs for the fifth wicket. He then combined with Saransh Jain for a crucial 73-run stand, taking Madhya Pradesh past Vidarbha's first innings total.As the pitch eased out, spinners Aditya Sarwate and Akshay Wakhare posed some challenges. However, Mantri's skill and experience allowed him to counter their threats effectively. He reached his century with a quick single off Wakhare, celebrating the milestone with a roar.Unfortunately, Mantri's dismissal soon after, along with Jain's, halted Madhya Pradesh's progress. However, their contributions had already laid the foundation for a strong lead.In their second innings, Vidarbha lost Atharva Taide early, trailing by 69 runs at stumps. The match remains finely poised, with Madhya Pradesh holding a significant advantage but Vidarbha still in contention.

Shardul Thakur's scintillating century and Tanush Kotian's unbeaten half-century propelled Mumbai to a commanding position in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu. Thakur's counterattacking 109, featuring 13 fours and four sixes, rescued Mumbai from a precarious 106 for seven.Sai Kishore's six-wicket haul had threatened to derail Mumbai's innings, but Thakur's onslaught turned the tide. He forged crucial partnerships with Hardik Tamore (35) and Kotian (74 not out), adding 105 and 79 runs respectively.Thakur's innings was a masterclass in aggression and adaptability. He pierced gaps with precision and cleared the field with disdain, bringing up his maiden century across formats. Despite an ankle injury, he continued to torment the Tamil Nadu bowlers.Kotian, who had played a pivotal role in Mumbai's previous match with a 232-run stand for the 10th wicket, continued his impressive form. He played like a specialist batter, cracking 10 fours in his unbeaten 74.Mumbai's tailenders once again played a crucial role, with Tushar Deshpande (17 not out) joining Kotian to add an unbeaten 63 runs for the 10th wicket. This rearguard action gave Mumbai a massive 207-run first-innings lead.Sai Kishore's impressive bowling performance was overshadowed by Thakur's heroics. The Tamil Nadu skipper opened the bowling in conditions favoring seamers and delivered a superb spell of 17-6-28-4 in the first session. He also dismissed Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer.Despite the setback, Mumbai's young opener Musheer (55) showed maturity and resilience. However, a lapse in concentration led to his dismissal, leaving Thakur to take charge of the innings.

BCCI's Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Step Towards Preserving TraditionFormer Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to mandate players to participate in domestic cricket. This move aims to safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, which have been overshadowed by the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).Tiwary, who recently retired from cricket, believes that the BCCI's mandate is crucial for the survival of domestic cricket. He has observed a shift in players' priorities, with many prioritizing IPL contracts over domestic performances."Youngsters and established players speak only about IPL during domestic matches," Tiwary said. "When you get 5 cr or 7 cr, players start thinking in their subconsciousness."This mindset has led to players faking injuries to avoid exerting themselves in domestic matches, Tiwary revealed. "They try to avoid the last bit of effort required to dive and save a boundary that might have been crucial for the domestic team," he said.The BCCI's mandate has been met with mixed reactions. While some former cricketers and experts have praised the move, others have called for it to be applied equally to all players.Despite the criticism, the BCCI's decision is a step in the right direction. It sends a clear message that domestic cricket remains a vital part of the Indian cricket ecosystem. By ensuring that players are available for their respective teams, the BCCI is safeguarding the integrity and competitiveness of these tournaments.In addition to preserving tradition, the BCCI's mandate also serves a practical purpose. It provides players with an opportunity to maintain their fitness and form during the off-season. By participating in domestic cricket, players can stay sharp and ready for international duty.The BCCI's decision is a bold one, but it is necessary to ensure the long-term health of Indian cricket. By prioritizing domestic cricket, the BCCI is investing in the future of the game and ensuring that the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments continue to produce world-class players.