Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied receiving any official proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan, but India's participation remains uncertain due to political tensions between the two countries.Media reports have suggested that the PCB has proposed a plan that would allow the Indian team to travel back to Delhi or Chandigarh after each game in Pakistan for security reasons. However, the BCCI has stated that it has not received any such proposal and that the decision on India's participation lies with the Indian government.India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series in over a decade, and their only encounters have been during international tournaments. While India's participation in the Champions Trophy remains in doubt, Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.The PCB is reportedly prepared for the possibility that India may not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. However, the board has stated that it will not move the title clash from Lahore even if India qualifies for the final. The PCB's stance will be discussed at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting in Dubai from October 18 to 21.The BCCI may request the ICC to hold the tournament in a hybrid model, with India's matches being played in a neutral venue such as Sri Lanka or Dubai. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which hosted the final of the 1996 World Cup, is currently undergoing renovations to increase its seating capacity.The decision on India's participation in the Champions Trophy will ultimately depend on the Indian government's assessment of the security situation in Pakistan. The tournament is scheduled to be held from February 26 to March 19, 2025.

In the realm of cricket, Sarfaraz Khan has emerged as a maverick, defying conventional norms with his unique style and unwavering determination. Like the legendary Imran Tahir, whose exuberant celebrations became synonymous with his wicket-taking prowess, Sarfaraz's sprint around the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after reaching his maiden Test century was a testament to his unbridled joy and the fulfillment of a childhood dream.Despite his unconventional appearance, Sarfaraz possesses an exceptional batting ability that has earned him a place in the Indian Test team. His journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and a refusal to be defined by his physical attributes. In the recently concluded Test match against New Zealand, Sarfaraz showcased his resilience and adaptability, overcoming a shaky start to produce a match-winning century.Initially, Sarfaraz's inclusion in the team was seen as a backdoor entry, but he proved his worth with a series of impressive performances in domestic and India-A matches. His debut in Rajkot was a testament to his talent, as he scored twin half-centuries and displayed a fearless approach against the English bowlers.However, fate had other plans for Sarfaraz. With the return of Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul, he found himself on the sidelines for the Chennai and Kanpur Tests. Undeterred, he continued to work hard, knowing that his opportunity would come again.That opportunity arrived in Bengaluru, where he was thrust into the middle order after Shubman Gill suffered an injury. Despite being unfamiliar with the No. 4 position, Sarfaraz embraced the challenge with characteristic enthusiasm.The conditions were far from ideal, with a damp track and a formidable Kiwi bowling attack. Sarfaraz's first innings ended prematurely, but he returned with a vengeance in the second innings. His response to the game situation was a powerful sweep off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, a stroke he repeated to signal his intent.For the next five hours, Sarfaraz was an immovable object, showcasing his Mumbai-honed street smarts and the guidance of his father. The New Zealand bowlers tried to exploit his perceived weakness against the short ball, but Sarfaraz countered with a variety of shots, including late-cuts, dabs, upper-cuts, and ramps.His partnership with Rishabh Pant was a masterclass in attacking cricket. The duo complemented each other perfectly, dismantling the Kiwi bowlers with a combination of power and finesse. Sarfaraz's ability to play the ball late and his penchant for scoring behind square on the off-side proved to be a constant thorn in the opposition's side.With his century, Sarfaraz has cemented his place in the Indian Test team. He has shown that he is not just a one-dimensional player but a versatile batsman capable of adapting to different situations. His journey is a reminder that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle, and that the path to success is often paved with unexpected twists and turns.

Sri Lanka's dominance continued as they secured a resounding five-wicket victory in the rain-affected first ODI against the West Indies in Pallekele. Captain Charith Asalanka and debutant Nishan Madushka played pivotal roles with impressive half-centuries.Chasing a revised target of 232 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka faced an early setback, losing three wickets for 45 runs. However, Asalanka's arrival at the crease sparked a remarkable turnaround. He forged a formidable partnership with Madushka, amassing 137 runs for the fourth wicket at a rapid pace.Both Asalanka and Madushka reached their half-centuries in just 44 balls, showcasing their exceptional batting prowess. Madushka, who has previously played 10 Test matches, seized the opportunity to replace injured opener Pathum Nissanka, the leading run-scorer in ODIs in 2024."I am glad that he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands," Asalanka said. "It is good to have healthy competition in the side."The West Indies had posted a respectable 183 for four in 38.3 overs before rain interrupted their innings. However, their spinners struggled to grip the wet ball, giving Sri Lanka an advantage."We were really tested by the conditions," West Indies skipper Shai Hope said. "Particularly for the spinners, the wet ball was quite challenging."Gudakesh Motie eventually broke the Asalanka-Madushka partnership, with Brandon King taking a sharp catch at slip. But by then, Sri Lanka had gained a significant advantage.Madushka departed for 69 off 54 balls, while Asalanka fell for a brilliant 77 off 71 balls, both victims of Motie's bowling. Despite Motie's three wickets, the challenging conditions hindered his impact.Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage guided Sri Lanka to victory with ease.Earlier, the West Indies faced challenges against Sri Lanka's spinners. However, Sherfane Rutherford's career-best 74 not out, supported by Roston Chase, helped the visitors recover with an unbroken 85-run partnership for the fifth wicket.Sri Lanka's victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. They had previously come from behind to win the T20 series 2-1, marking their first series win over the West Indies in the shortest format.

Shakib Al Hasan's Fans Attacked Amidst Test Retirement ControversyShakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi cricketer, has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding his retirement from Test cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) initially approved his request to retire during the series against South Africa, but the Bangladesh government advised him against returning to the country due to security concerns.This decision sparked protests among Shakib's fans, who gathered outside the Mirpur cricket stadium in Dhaka. On Sunday, a group of individuals attacked the protesters with sticks, prompting the intervention of army and law enforcement personnel.The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Shakib's retirement. In 2023, he joined the Awami League party and filed a nomination to contest in the 2024 Bangladesh general election. However, the party's leaders and supporters, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are facing allegations of crimes committed during a recent uprising.Shakib is one of the accused in these cases, but he expressed his desire to bid farewell to cricket after the Test series against South Africa. The BCB's decision to appoint Phil Simmons as the new head coach, replacing Chandika Hathurusinghe, further complicates the situation.The controversy has raised questions about the safety of athletes in Bangladesh and the role of politics in sports. Shakib's fans remain adamant in their support, while the government and BCB face pressure to address the security concerns and ensure a fair resolution for the cricketer.

New Zealand's White Ferns etched their name in cricket history on Sunday, October 20, 2024, by capturing their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title with a clinical 32-run victory over South Africa in Dubai.The triumph marked a remarkable turnaround for the White Ferns, who had endured a 10-match losing streak heading into the tournament. However, they emerged as the most dominant bowling unit, showcasing their resilience and determination.In the high-stakes final, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine opted to bat first. Amelia Kerr (43 off 38) and Brooke Halliday (38 off 28) played pivotal roles in guiding the team to a competitive total of 158 for five.South Africa's chase began promisingly, with Laura Wolvaardt (33 off 27) and Tazmin Brits (26 off 25) putting on a 47-run opening partnership. However, the introduction of Kerr's leg-spin proved to be a game-changer.Kerr's guile and accuracy stifled the South African batters, and she claimed the crucial wicket of Wolvaardt in the 10th over. The Proteas' middle order failed to respond to the pressure, and they were eventually restricted to 126 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.Kerr finished with impressive figures of three for 24, while fellow spinner Eden Carson chipped in with two for 23.New Zealand's victory was a testament to their collective strength and unwavering belief. They had overcome adversity throughout the tournament, and their triumph was a fitting reward for their hard work and dedication.

Former Indian batsman Pravin Amre is set to part ways with the Delhi Capitals (DC) after a nine-year stint as assistant coach. The franchise has recently revamped its coaching staff, appointing Hemang Badani as head coach and Venugopal Rao as director of cricket.Amre's departure is said to be mutual, with the franchise owners appreciating his contributions to the team's development. His four-year contract has come to an end, and while GMR, the company running the team for the next two years, may offer him a new role, it is unlikely to be directly with the Delhi Capitals.Amre joined DC in 2015 as an assistant coach and domestic talent scout. He played a key role in identifying and nurturing several Indian players, including Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed, and Prithvi Shaw. He served as a bridge between domestic players and former head coach Ricky Ponting, helping them adapt to the IPL environment.Since July 2023, Amre has been the head coach of the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket in the USA. He has also coached Mumbai to three Ranji Trophy titles, served as India A coach, and was the chief selector for India Under-19s.Amre's departure marks the end of an era for the Delhi Capitals. His contributions to the team's success and the development of young Indian players will be remembered.

Shakib Al Hasan Protests Erupt Outside Bangladesh StadiumOn Sunday, the day before the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa, a clash erupted outside the Shere Bangla National Stadium between pro-Shakib Al Hasan and anti-Shakib Al Hasan groups.The "Shakibians" demanded the reinstatement of Shakib in the Test squad, while the opposing group, Mirpur Chhatra Janata, had earlier sent a letter to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) demanding his removal.The clash occurred as the South African team trained inside the stadium. Security forces intervened to disperse the protesters, and one person was reportedly detained.Shakib's inclusion in the squad had sparked controversy due to his political affiliations with the Awami League party, which was overthrown in August. The BCB withdrew him from the team on Friday, citing security concerns.Shakib's fans have since staged protests outside the stadium, demanding his reinstatement. On Sunday, they were met with barricades and security forces.The BCB has not yet commented on the protests or Shakib's future with the national team. The first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa is scheduled to begin on Monday.

Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's injury scare during the first Test against New Zealand raised concerns for the Indian team. Pant suffered a blow to his operated knee on Day 2, forcing him to leave the field. Despite the injury, Pant returned to bat on Day 3 and played a crucial role in India's fightback.However, Pant's innings ended just one run short of a century, and India suffered another batting collapse. After the match, Pant shared a cryptic post on Instagram, hinting at his frustration. He also took to Twitter to thank the fans for their support and vowed that the team would bounce back.Pant's injury scare is a major concern for India, as he is a key player in the team's batting lineup. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in excellent form in recent months, and his absence would be a significant blow.New Zealand's victory in the first Test was their first in India since 1988. The win gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra played crucial roles in New Zealand's victory, with Young scoring 48 not out and Ravindra scoring 39 not out.The second Test between India and New Zealand will be played in Pune from October 24. India will be looking to level the series, while New Zealand will be aiming to secure a series victory.

Virender Sehwag, the Indian Batting Legend, Celebrates 46th BirthdayIndian cricket legend Virender Sehwag turned 46 on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of birthday wishes from the cricket fraternity on social media.Sachin Tendulkar, Sehwag's former teammate and fellow batting icon, humorously noted that Sehwag's age of 46 is a "perfect mix of four and six," mirroring his explosive batting style.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extended its birthday greetings, highlighting Sehwag's remarkable achievements, including his 8,586 Test runs and 8,273 ODI runs.Yuvraj Singh, Sehwag's long-time teammate and World Cup-winning all-rounder, playfully remarked that Sehwag is the reason bowlers' economy rates are ruined.Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, who played a pivotal role in Sehwag's development as a batter, wished his "younger brother" a happy birthday.Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian spinner, expressed his admiration for Sehwag's "blazing centuries," which will forever be etched in the memories of cricket fans.Suresh Raina, the former middle-order batter, thanked Sehwag for inspiring generations with his "fearless cricket."Sehwag's illustrious career spanned 104 Test matches, 251 ODIs, and 19 T20Is. He holds the record for the fastest Test triple century, reaching 300 off just 278 balls. He is also the only Indian to have scored two Test triple hundreds.Sehwag's aggressive batting style and ability to dominate bowlers made him one of the most feared batsmen of his era. He retired from all forms of international cricket in October 2015, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.