Cricket

Afghanistan's cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland in Sharjah, with two uncapped players making their senior debuts. Mystery spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar and left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Nangeyalia Kharote have been included in the squad, while senior spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman continue to recover from injuries.Ghazanfar, a talented young cricketer, impressed during the Under-19 World Cup and will provide cover for Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the ODI series. Kharote, also a former Under-19 World Cup player, brings versatility to the team with his all-round abilities.Fast bowler Bilal Sami, who was among the reserves for Afghanistan's recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, has been promoted to the main squad. Sami, who has played 10 List A games, has taken 23 wickets at an average of 21.60 and an economy rate of 6.21.Wristspinner Qais Ahmad, who struggled for control in Sri Lanka, has been demoted to the reserves. Zia Ur Rahman and Shahidullah Kamal are the other reserve players in the side.Afghanistan's squad for the ODI series against Ireland is as follows:* Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt)* Rahmat Shah (vice-capt)* Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)* Ikram Alikhil (wk)* Ibrahim Zadran* Riaz Hassan* Azmatullah Omarzai* Mohammad Nabi* Gulbadin Naib* Nangeyalia Kharote* Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar* Noor Ahmad* Bilal Sami* Fazal Haq Farooqi* Naveed Zadran* Farid Ahmad MalikReserves:* Zia Ur Rahman* Shahidullah Kamal* Qais Ahmad

Fortune Barishal emerged victorious in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023, claiming their maiden title with a resounding six-wicket triumph over Comilla Victorians. The match, played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, witnessed a dominant performance from Barishal's bowlers and a clinical chase led by captain Tamim Iqbal and Kyle Mayers.Comilla, the four-time BPL champions, were restricted to a modest 154 for 6 after winning the toss and electing to bat. James Fuller played a pivotal role with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets in the powerplay. Taijul Islam and Obed McCoy also impressed with their economical spells, keeping the Comilla batters in check.In reply, Barishal's openers, Tamim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, provided a solid foundation with a 76-run partnership. Tamim, in particular, entertained the crowd with his aggressive strokeplay, becoming the tournament's highest scorer in the process.Kyle Mayers took over the mantle after Tamim's departure, striking five fours and two sixes to guide Barishal closer to victory. Andre Russell's late cameo of 27 runs off 14 balls proved futile as Barishal reached their target with ease in the 19th over.Comilla's fielding errors in the latter stages of the chase proved costly, allowing Barishal to capitalize on their opportunities. Mahmudullah and David Miller sealed the victory for Barishal, ensuring their first-ever BPL title.

Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane has expressed confidence in Shreyas Iyer's ability to perform in the upcoming Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu, despite the batter's recent struggles. Rahane believes Iyer's experience and contributions to Mumbai make him a valuable asset to the team."We all know he is an experienced player. His contribution for Mumbai has been amazing. Whenever he stands up for Mumbai, he has done really well, so I don't think he needs any encouragement or any advice," Rahane said.Iyer will be eager to help Mumbai reach the final, especially against a Tamil Nadu team that includes his India teammate R. Sai Kishore. Kishore is delighted to have B. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar back in the squad, as their experience and talent will boost the team's chances."Those two have worked hard in domestic and have gone there, they realize how important it is to show up here. We have played together for so many years and happy that they are in the team," Kishore said.Former Mumbai stalwart Sulakshan Kulkarni, who is now the Tamil Nadu head coach, believes his intimate knowledge of Mumbai cricket will give his team an advantage."I have told my squad that Mumbai cricket is on my fingertips. I know each and every (player's) positives and negatives," Kulkarni said.However, Mumbai head coach Omkar Salvi, who also learned the basics at Kulkarni's clinic, emphasized that proximity will not affect the team's focus during the semifinal."I have fond memories of playing under him in under-19. But, right now he is in the opposition dressing room. We will maintain distance for the next five days," Rahane said.

BCCI's Contract Termination for Domestic Neglect: A Step to Protect First-Class CricketLegendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev has lauded the BCCI's decision to terminate central contracts for players who prioritize international cricket over domestic commitments. This move, he believes, is crucial to safeguard marquee first-class events like the Ranji Trophy.The BCCI recently excluded Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from its central contracts after they ignored the board's directive to participate in the Ranji Trophy. The decision sparked mixed reactions, with some former players supporting the duo. However, Kapil Dev has unequivocally backed the BCCI's stance."Yes, a few players will suffer, but let it be," said Kapil. "Nobody is bigger than the country. Well done."He emphasized the importance of domestic cricket in nurturing and developing players. "I was sad to see domestic cricket being given the skip by players once they had established themselves in international cricket," he observed.The BCCI's decision is intended to send a strong message that domestic competitions must be given due importance. Kishan, despite not being on national duty, chose to focus on IPL preparations instead of playing for Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy. Iyer, on the other hand, made himself unavailable for Mumbai's Ranji quarterfinal after being dropped from the Indian team.Kapil believes that established stars have a duty to support domestic cricket, as they owe their success to their respective states. "International players should make themselves available to play for their states," he said. "It helps them extend their support to domestic players and pay back for the services rendered by the state association."The BCCI's move has also been welcomed by former cricketers who have benefited from the enhanced pension scheme. Kapil expressed his gratitude for the increase in monthly pensions, which has provided much-needed relief to families of yesteryear players.

Rajat Patidar's underwhelming debut series against England has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Test team. With just 63 runs in three matches, the middle-order batter has failed to live up to expectations. However, despite Patidar's struggles, South African legend AB de Villiers believes the Indian team will give him a longer rope.De Villiers, who played alongside Patidar in the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, praised the Indian team's culture of supporting players through lean patches. He pointed out that India's strong performances in the series have created a buffer for Patidar, allowing him to survive despite his lack of runs."Rajat Patidar not having the series of a lifetime or the one to remember. But the good thing about this Indian team and the culture is that you will survive in that side because of the great cricket they are playing and the results coming their way," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.De Villiers also highlighted Patidar's positive attitude and likability as factors that could influence the team management's decision to retain him. "If Patidar's attitude is catchy and if he is a likable character in the dressing room, Rohit and the selection panel will have the ability to say, 'Hold on, we do believe this guy has a future and we see him as a part of the team moving forward. Even though he hasn't been scoring runs, let's give him a longer run'," said the former South Africa captain.Former India opener Aakash Chopra also weighed in on Patidar's inclusion for the final Test, predicting his inclusion in the XI. "I think Rajat Patidar will play the fifth Test match. I think he will get another chance," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.The fifth and final India-England Test begins from March 7. Patidar will be hoping to make a significant contribution and prove his worth to the Indian team.

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, two prominent Indian cricketers, have been excluded from the latest BCCI contracts, sparking speculation and debate. The duo's omission has been interpreted as a stern message from the cricket governing body to players who prioritize franchise cricket over domestic commitments.Ishan Kishan, who took a break from India's tour of South Africa, has been practicing in Baroda instead of representing his state Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, claimed an injury prevented him from playing for Mumbai in the same tournament. However, reports suggest that the NCA's assessment contradicts Iyer's claim.The BCCI's decision to exclude Iyer and Kishan from the annual contract list has raised eyebrows. "Please note that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were not considered for the annual contracts in this round of recommendations," the BCCI stated in a release.The BCCI has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for players who are not representing the national team. "The BCCI has recommended that all athletes give precedence to participating in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team," the release added.Despite their exclusion, there is still a possibility that Iyer and Kishan could earn BCCI contracts in the future. "The selectors don't doubt their ability," a BCCI official told ESPNcricinfo. "But if the NCA is saying you are fit and you are not making yourself available for the Test series, how can the BCCI offer you a contract?"The BCCI release outlines the criteria for pro-rata contracts: "Athletes who meet the criteria of playing a minimum of 3 Tests or 8 ODIs or 10 T20Is within the specified period will automatically be included in Grade C on a pro-rata basis." The specified period is from October 1st, 2023 to September 30th, 2024.The exclusion of Iyer and Kishan serves as a reminder of the BCCI's commitment to domestic cricket and its expectation that players prioritize it over franchise commitments. The duo's future with the national team remains uncertain, but they have an opportunity to earn contracts by fulfilling the criteria outlined by the BCCI.

Ireland etched their name in cricketing history on Friday, securing their maiden Test victory against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. This historic triumph marked Ireland's first Test win in their eighth outing in the traditional format.Captain Andy Balbirnie led the charge with an unbeaten 58, guiding Ireland to a six-wicket victory in the final session of the third day. Chasing a modest target of 111, Ireland overcame an early wobble to seal the historic win.Afghanistan resumed their second innings on 134-3 but were dismissed for 218. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi top-scored with 55, while debutant Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed 46. Mark Adair emerged as the star performer with the ball, claiming eight wickets in the match, including three in the second innings. Craig Young and Barry McCarthy also chipped in with three wickets each.Ireland's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets for just 13 runs. However, Balbirnie stood firm, anchoring the innings with a composed half-century. Lorcan Tucker provided valuable support with an unbeaten 27, forming a crucial 72-run partnership with Balbirnie.The victory was a testament to Ireland's resilience and determination. Having played their first Test in 2018, they have now achieved a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. The two teams will now face off in three one-day internationals and three T20 games as part of their multi-format series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced its new central contracts, sparking debate over the inclusion of Hardik Pandya and the exclusion of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has defended the BCCI's decision, arguing that Pandya's case is distinct from that of Kishan and Iyer.Pandya, who has not played international cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury, was awarded a Grade A contract. Kishan and Iyer, on the other hand, were not included in the list for not participating in domestic cricket.Chopra emphasized that Pandya cannot be penalized for not playing first-class cricket because he is not vying for a spot in India's Test squad. "He is not playing red-ball cricket. That ambition or aspiration does not exist anymore," Chopra said.Chopra also highlighted Pandya's unavailability from both domestic and international cricket, explaining that he never missed a game like Kishan and Iyer. "He got injured during the World Cup, that was October-November," Chopra explained. "He was playing in the World Cup for India at that time."Pandya recently returned to competitive cricket at the DY Patil T20 Cup, leading the Reliance 1 team. He picked up 2 for 22 against Bharat Petroleum.Chopra's analysis suggests that the BCCI's decision to award Pandya a central contract is justified, given his unique circumstances and his continued value to the Indian team.

Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh, two formidable teams in Indian domestic cricket, will clash in the first semifinal of the Ranji Trophy at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Saturday. Vidarbha, riding high on their quarterfinal victory over Karnataka, will aim to deny MP a second final appearance in three years.MP, under the guidance of former Vidarbha coach Chandrakant Pandit, scraped a narrow four-run win against Andhra to reach the semifinals. Pandit's presence adds an intriguing subplot to the contest, as he led Vidarbha to back-to-back Ranji Trophy titles in 2017/18 and 2018/19.MP's batting has been led by Himanshu Mantri and Yash Dubey, who have both scored over 500 runs this season. However, their middle-order has been inconsistent, with Venkatesh Iyer often bailing them out of trouble. Iyer, a left-handed all-rounder, has scored 528 runs at a strike rate of 82.28.Vidarbha, on the other hand, will rely on Atharva Taide, who scored a century against Karnataka in the quarterfinals. Imports Dhruv Shorey and Karun Nair will also be key contributors to their batting. Captain Akshay Wadkar has also been in good form, scoring six half-centuries.In the bowling department, MP will look to Kumar Kartikeya, their leading wicket-taker with 38 scalps. Avesh Khan and Kulwant Khejroliya will provide support with their pace bowling. Vidarbha's bowling attack is led by Aditya Sarwate, who has taken 37 wickets this season.The match promises to be a close contest between two evenly matched teams. Vidarbha will be looking to reach their first Ranji Trophy final since 2018, while MP will be aiming to repeat their title triumph of 2022.