Cricket

Afghanistan has bolstered its squad for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh with the inclusion of opening batter Sediqullah Atal and left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad. The 19-man squad will face Bangladesh in three ODIs from November 6 to 11 in Sharjah.Atal, who has six T20I caps, has been in impressive form at the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament, scoring 52, 95 not out, and 83. Noor, on the other hand, returns to the squad after a stellar performance in the Caribbean Premier League, where he was named Player of the Series for his 22 wickets for the St Lucia Kings.Afghanistan Cricket Board chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil explained the squad changes: "Ibrahim Zadran is currently undergoing rehabilitation and continues to recover from the surgery he recently had. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also remains unavailable due to ongoing treatment.""However, Noor Ahmad is back in the squad, and we have included a promising top-order batter in Sediqullah Atal, who has impressed everyone with his consistent top performances."Afghanistan will use the Bangladesh series as part of its preparation for the Champions Trophy in February 2025. In their previous assignment, the three ODIs against South Africa, Afghanistan created history with their first series win against an opposition ranked in the top five of the ICC rankings.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to witness a surge of top Indian cricketers entering the upcoming player auction, thanks to a significant alteration in the retention rules. The deadline for player retention is fast approaching, and the IPL circles are abuzz with frantic activity.The IPL authorities have deviated from the previous practice of reducing the "lesser amount" if a player's retention price exceeds the designated price for the slot. This time around, if the amount is equal to or greater than the designated price, the "higher of the two" amounts will be deducted from the player's purse.For example, in the 2022 auction, the highest price band for a player retention was Rs. 15 crore. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were retained by their respective franchises for Rs. 17 crore and Rs. 16 crore, respectively. However, since the cap for the top player was Rs. 15 crore, only Rs. 15 crore was reduced from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (then Bangalore) and Mumbai Indians' auction kitty.In the upcoming 2025 retention, Sunrisers Hyderabad is likely to retain Heinrich Klaasen (Rs. 23 crore), Pat Cummins (Rs. 18 crore), and Abhishek Sharma (Rs. 14 crore). If this happens, despite the combined designated kitty for the top three retentions being Rs. 43 crore (Rs. 18 crore, Rs. 14 crore, and Rs. 11 crore), Rs. 55 crore will be reduced from the SRH's auction purse of Rs. 120 crore.This rule change, combined with the additional bid offered to the highest bidder while using the Right to Match card, has resulted in Indian cricketers seeking amounts much higher than the anticipated brackets by the franchises. As a result, stars like Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL-winning captain), Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals skipper), Kuldeep Yadav (DC spinner), and Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings) may throw their hat in the auction pool.Contrary to this trend, Mumbai Indians is set to retain four of its top Indian stars – Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. While this will severely hamper its auction purse, the MI management is understood to have arrived at an agreement with the quartet.Punjab Kings may well enter the auction with Rs. 112 crore, the largest purse, since it is likely to retain only two uncapped cricketers. While Shashank Singh is a certainty, either Prabhsimran Singh or Ashutosh Sharma is likely to be retained.

India's humiliating 46-all out collapse in the first Test against New Zealand has sparked severe criticism from former cricketer Manoj Tiwary. Tiwary lambasted the team's selection and decision-making, particularly the bizarre choice to bat despite a rain-washed day.Tiwary questioned the logic behind captain Rohit Sharma's decision, emphasizing that common sense should have prevailed. He argued that the team should have opted for three pacers and given more overs to Ravichandran Ashwin, who has over 500 Test wickets.Tiwary also criticized coach Gautam Gambhir for failing to guide Sharma in his selection process. He pointed out that Sharma himself admitted to misreading the pitch, which could have been avoided with proper guidance."Good captains make mistakes, but the coach's role is crucial in providing constant guidance," Tiwary said. "I don't know why that didn't happen."Tiwary expressed concern about the impact on pacer Akash Deep, who was dropped from the XI after an impressive performance in the Bangladesh series. He suggested that Deep's confidence may have been shattered by the decision.With two Tests remaining in the series, Tiwary urged India to make a comeback. He emphasized the need for better decision-making and a more balanced approach to team selection.

India's men's cricket team faces an uphill battle in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand, trailing 0-1 after the first match. The focus now shifts to the second Test, scheduled to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.The pitch at the MCA Stadium has been under scrutiny, with concerns raised about its potential to favor spin bowling. India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, inspected the surface and engaged in discussions with the curators. The pitch is expected to be a turner, similar to the one used in the first Test against Australia in 2017, which proved challenging for India.New Zealand's batting mainstay, Daryl Mitchell, acknowledged the potential challenges posed by the pitch but expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt. "We can't change the surface. For us, it's reacting to what's coming at us and adapting on the fly," Mitchell said.India's fielding coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, assured that the team will not repeat the mistakes made in the first Test in Bengaluru, where they misread the conditions. "I don't think it was a massive miss. The conditions just caught us on the back foot a little," Doeschate said.The second Test promises to be a crucial encounter for both teams. India will be desperate to level the series, while New Zealand will aim to consolidate their lead. The pitch conditions will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the match.

Pakistan's Test team coach, Jason Gillespie, has garnered praise for his humble gesture after a training session ahead of the series-deciding third Test against England in Rawalpindi. A video circulating on social media shows Gillespie diligently picking up empty bottles and disposing of them in a dustbin.The incident occurred on Tuesday, as the team prepared for the crucial match. England had won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs, while Pakistan had fought back to clinch victory in the second by 152 runs.Gillespie's actions have been lauded by fans and observers alike, who have commended his "grace" and professionalism. Some have speculated that the empty bottles were left behind by the Pakistan players, who may have exited the training area without cleaning up.Meanwhile, the ground staff at the Rawalpindi stadium are working tirelessly to dry up the wicket in order to assist Pakistan's spinners. Three heaters and fans are being used on either side of the track to remove moisture from the 22-yard strip.The second match of the series was played on the same track in Multan, which became worn-out and cracked after being used in the first Test. This assisted the Pakistan spinners, who took all 20 English wickets to fall in that match.The third Test is set to begin on Thursday in Rawalpindi, with both teams eager to secure victory and claim the series. Pakistan will be hoping to continue their winning momentum, while England will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

Ni Made Putri Suwandewi, a promising Indonesian fast bowler, has joined the Perth Scorchers for the upcoming Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) season as an Associate rookie. Her signing marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between WA Cricket and Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, with a focus on developing women's cricket in the country.Suwandewi, 26, has been a standout performer for Indonesia since her international debut in 2019. With 49 wickets in 40 WT20Is at an exceptional average of 8.18 and an economy rate of 2.97, she has established herself as one of the most economical bowlers in women's T20I cricket.Her impressive bowling repertoire includes a menacing inswinger, a deceptive slower ball, and the ability to execute precise yorkers. Perth Scorchers coach Becky Grundy and high performance boss Kade Harvey were particularly impressed by her skills during their visit to Bali earlier this year."She bowls a natural inswinger, but has excellent variety with a good slower ball and can hit the yorkers," Harvey said. "She's quite short, but a really skilful bowler."Suwandewi's arrival in Perth has been met with enthusiasm, and she has already made a positive impression during training. "She's got the potential to play a role for us in the tournament," Harvey said. "We're going to be missing some international players at different stages. It was a good opportunity to utilise the rules in terms of the Associate rookie. But we wouldn't have done it if we didn't think she was capable of contributing."The signing of Suwandewi underscores the growing partnership between WA Cricket and Persatuan Cricket Indonesia. Grundy and Harvey's visit to Bali in April provided an opportunity to witness the progress of women's cricket in Indonesia and identify areas for collaboration."We were really impressed with the standard of cricket from the girls in Indonesia," Harvey said. "They play on astro turf, so we think a big part of their development is getting on good turf wickets."With over 200,000 women playing cricket across 21 provinces, Indonesia has a vast potential for growth in the sport. The partnership between WA Cricket and Persatuan Cricket Indonesia aims to provide support and guidance to help the Indonesian women's team achieve their goal of becoming a top 10 team in the world.

The Indian cricket team's impressive performance at the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup continued with a thrilling victory over Pakistan in the semi-final. Led by Tilak Varma, the team has showcased exceptional talent and determination throughout the tournament.In the crucial match against Pakistan, India's openers, Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh, provided a solid start, scoring 68 runs in the powerplay. However, Pakistan's left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem struck on his first ball, dismissing Abhishek. Muqeem's fiery send-off sparked controversy, drawing criticism from former Pakistan captain Basit Ali.Ali expressed his disappointment with Muqeem's behavior, stating that it was disrespectful and unbecoming of a young player. He emphasized the importance of teaching young players to respect their opponents and maintain a sportsmanlike spirit.Despite the setback, India fought back with resilience. Tilak Varma top-scored with 44 runs, while Prabhsimran Singh and Abhishek contributed crucial cameos. India posted a competitive total of 183 for 8 in 20 overs.In response, Pakistan fought valiantly, but India's bowlers proved too strong. Anshul Kamboj emerged as the top wicket-taker with three scalps, while Rasikh Dar Salam and Nishant Sindhu claimed two wickets each. India's remarkable comeback secured a well-deserved victory.The Indian team's success in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup is a testament to the depth of talent and the bright future of Indian cricket. The players have demonstrated their skills, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. As they continue their journey, they will undoubtedly face new challenges, but their talent and resilience will serve them well.

New Zealand's resounding eight-wicket victory in the rain-affected first Test against India in Bengaluru has instilled a sense of optimism within the Kiwi camp. Middle-order batsman Daryl Mitchell expressed the team's readiness to confront any challenges, including spin-friendly tracks, in the upcoming second Test in Pune.The Kiwi pacers' remarkable performance in the first innings, dismissing India for a paltry 46, marked India's lowest Test total on home soil. Despite a spirited fightback in the second innings, erasing New Zealand's 356-run lead, India ultimately succumbed to defeat.Mitchell acknowledged the varying challenges posed by different soil conditions in Pune and Mumbai, but emphasized the team's preparedness to adapt. "Every country has its unique challenges," he said. "We've encountered different spinning wickets in Galle and Mumbai, with varying soil types. It's crucial to understand the threats each pitch presents and devise strategies to neutralize them while applying pressure on the bowlers."New Zealand's first Test victory in India in 36 years has boosted their confidence, but they anticipate a fierce response from a wounded Indian team, particularly with World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake. India currently leads the WTC standings and will aim to strengthen their position with another win."We can't alter the surface, so we must adapt to the conditions and respond effectively," Mitchell stated. "As Kiwis, we pride ourselves on embracing the moment and staying present. We can't control the wicket, but we'll formulate a plan to take 20 wickets and score runs."Mitchell also expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant's valiant 99 in India's second innings, despite his knee injury. "Rishabh is a world-class player, and I respect his approach to the game," he said. "Their partnership was impressive, but we recognized the need to continue taking wickets and applying pressure."

Former Australian opener David Warner has expressed his willingness to return to Test cricket, offering to fill the crucial opening slot for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Warner, who stepped away from the longest format earlier this year, has stated that he is ready to make a comeback and provide experience at the top of the order.Australia's opening position has been under scrutiny, with the team struggling to find a consistent pair. Warner's return could be a timely solution ahead of the high-stakes series against India. Known for his aggressive style and extensive experience in Aussie conditions, Warner's inclusion could bolster the home team's chances in the challenging five Test matches.Warner has emphasized the sincerity of his proposal, rejecting any notion that his statements were intended as a joke or made in a lighthearted manner. "I'm always available, just got to pick up the phone," Warner told Code Sports. "I'm always dead serious. Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I'm more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play."Warner, considered one of Australia's finest opening batsmen, stepped away from the game earlier this year. Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive 8,786 runs and 26 centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 335.As the Australian team faces challenges such as Cameron Green's injury and Steve Smith's return to his usual position at No. 4 after a short stint as an opener, the 37-year-old cricketer suggests that the team may need to re-evaluate their choices for the opening slots."I did retire for the right reasons to finish the game, and I wanted to finish. But my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I'm not going to shy away from that," Warner said, adding that he had cheekily messaged both Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey about the situation."I've spoken to Torch (McDonald) and his answer back to me was, 'you retired,'" Warner laughed. "I don't think he wants to give me the pleasure of him saying, 'can you come back?'"Warner's potential return to the Test team would add depth to Australia's lineup and provide a much-needed boost of experience. His aggressive style and ability to score quickly could be a valuable asset in the upcoming series against India.