Cricket

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has endorsed the decision by the newly formed selection committee to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah from the squad for the remaining two Tests against England. The move has sparked debate, with some questioning the rationale behind dropping three of Pakistan's most talented players.Afridi, however, believes the decision is a wise one that will ultimately benefit both the players and the team. He argues that resting these players will prolong their careers and allow them to return refreshed and rejuvenated. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity for the PCB to test and groom new talent, building a stronger bench strength for the future."Supporting the selectors' decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break from international cricket. This move not only helps protect and extend the careers of these champion players but also gives a great opportunity to test and groom emerging talent, building strong bench strength for the future," Afridi posted on Twitter.The decision to drop the trio has also been met with some criticism, with some arguing that it sends the wrong message to the players and could damage their confidence. However, Afridi believes that the players will understand the rationale behind the decision and will use it as motivation to improve their performances."I am confident that Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem will come back stronger than ever. They are all world-class players, and they will use this break to work on their game and come back even better," Afridi said.The decision to drop the trio is part of a wider shake-up of the Pakistan cricket team following their disappointing loss to England in the first Test in Multan. The PCB has formed a new selection committee, comprising Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Hasan Cheema, and advisor Bilal Afzal, and has given them the power to make all selection decisions, including the finalizing of the playing eleven.This move has reduced the powers of captain Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie, who previously had the final say in selection matters. However, the PCB believes that this change will allow the selectors to make more objective and informed decisions, free from any external pressure.

Pakistan A captain Mohammad Haris has revealed a surprising directive within his team for the Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup: a ban on discussing India in the dressing room. This unprecedented measure aims to alleviate the intense pressure that often accompanies matches against their arch-rivals.Haris, who has represented Pakistan in both ODIs and T20Is, explained the rationale behind the ban. "We don't have to think (only) about India, we have to think about other teams as well," he said. "It creates so much pressure that mentally you are thinking about India, India. We have to face other teams as well."The 23-year-old captain believes that focusing solely on India can be detrimental to the team's performance. "So this team is currently banned (from talking about India). We have not talked about India so far in the dressing room. Not just India, we have to respect other teams as well."Pakistan A will face India A in their tournament opener on October 19. The other teams in their group are UAE and Oman. India will be led by middle-order batsman Tilak Varma, who has already played for the senior team in both ODIs and T20Is. Opener Abhishek Sharma will serve as Varma's deputy.Haris's revelation has sparked a range of reactions on social media. Some have praised the decision as a wise move that will help the team focus on their other opponents. Others have questioned the necessity of such a ban, arguing that it could create an unnecessary sense of mystery and tension.Regardless of the differing opinions, the ban on discussing India in the Pakistan A dressing room is a clear indication of the intense rivalry between the two nations. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will prove successful in helping Pakistan A achieve their goals in the tournament.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, Bengal's prolific opening batsman, continues to impress with his consistent performances, raising questions about his absence from the Indian national team. In the recent Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh, Easwaran hammered a century (127), his fourth in the last nine innings. This followed his two centuries in the Duleep Trophy and a superb 191 in the Irani Cup against Mumbai.Easwaran's impressive run of form has seen him score 7,638 runs in 99 first-class matches at an average of 49.92, including 27 centuries. Despite his stellar performances, he has yet to receive a call-up to the national team.In an interview with TOI, Easwaran expressed his desire to make a fresh start this season after an injury-hit campaign last year. He praised the sporting pitch at Ekana Stadium, where he scored two centuries in the last 15 days.Easwaran also discussed his aggressive approach in the second innings against Uttar Pradesh, which he attributed to the need to put up a decent score. He highlighted the importance of being proactive on challenging wickets.Reflecting on his cricketing journey, Easwaran credited his father's passion for the game as his inspiration. He also acknowledged the valuable lessons he learned during his time with India A, where he played alongside international cricketers.Easwaran emphasized that his focus remains on performing for his team and that the decision of whether or not to call him up to the national team rests with the selectors. He expressed his gratitude for being part of the Indian team environment during the 2021 England tour, where he gained valuable insights from senior cricketers.

Bengaluru's SubAir System Poised to Play Crucial Role in India-New Zealand TestBengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is bracing for a potential weather battle as the first Test between India and New Zealand looms on Wednesday. Persistent rain has already delayed the toss, but the venue's state-of-the-art drainage system, known as the "SubAir" system, stands ready to mitigate the impact of further downpours.The SubAir system serves two vital functions: water drainage and aeration. By facilitating proper air circulation within the soil, it promotes the health and vitality of the grass. The system can seamlessly switch between drainage and aeration modes, adapting to the specific requirements of the moment.During rainfall, the SubAir system swiftly activates its drainage mode, efficiently removing excess water from the surface. This rapid drainage capability ensures that the grass remains in optimal condition, preventing waterlogging and associated issues that could compromise the quality of the turf.The SubAir system was reportedly introduced at the venue in 2017 and has proven its effectiveness in ensuring timely resumption of play after rainfall. It can reportedly get the ground ready for play within half an hour after the rain stops.Both India and New Zealand will be eager to get the match underway. India seeks to consolidate their position atop the World Test Championships Table, while New Zealand, the inaugural edition's champions, needs victories to keep their slim chances of finishing in the top two alive.The SubAir system will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the series opener. If the weather relents and there is no further rain, the system will ensure that the match can proceed as scheduled. However, if the rain persists, the system's ability to rapidly drain excess water will be crucial in minimizing the impact on the game.

Cricket Australia has announced the schedule for the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia, with significant changes to the traditional rotation. The Gabba will host the second Test as a day-night match, while Adelaide will host the third Test as a day game.The series will commence with the first Test in Perth from November 21-25, followed by the day-night Test in Brisbane from December 4-8. Adelaide will host the third Test from December 17-21, with the traditional Boxing Day Test taking place at the MCG from December 26. Sydney will host the fifth and final Test from January 4-8.The shift of the day-night Test from Adelaide to Brisbane is a notable departure from the previous rotation. Adelaide has been the home of the day-night Test since its inception in 2015, hosting the second Test in the 2017-18 and 2021-22 Ashes series. However, South Australia's government and Cricket Australia were keen to give Adelaide a marquee holiday slot, recognizing its popularity as a tourist destination.The Gabba has previously hosted three day-night Tests, including the West Indies' famous victory in January 2023. However, it will be the first time Brisbane has not hosted the Ashes opener since 1982-83. The future of the Gabba as a Test venue remains uncertain due to redevelopment plans for the stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympics.There has been some criticism of Cricket Australia's decision to move the Ashes opener away from the Gabba, with former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson among those who believe it should remain the traditional starting point of the summer. However, the Australian team is reportedly content with playing the opening Test in Perth, where they have an unblemished record.The use of the pink ball at the Gabba has also raised concerns, as Australia's bowlers have previously expressed reservations about its suitability for the pitch. The ball has been known to soften quickly at the Gabba, leading to periods of stagnation in play.Despite these concerns, the 2025-26 Ashes series promises to be a highly anticipated event, with both Australia and England looking to claim the coveted urn.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar's recent visit to the National Cricket League (NCL) in Dallas, USA, has sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts. Tendulkar, a co-owner of the NCL, was joined by fellow Pakistani cricket icons Wasim Akram, Zaheer Abbas, and Moin Khan.Akram shared a photo on social media, capturing the moment with the caption, "With 2 Asian greats @sachin_rt & #ZaheerAbbas and of course one of the best wicket-keepers from Pakistan #MoinKhan at NCL."The NCL, played in the T10 format, aims to promote cricket in the United States. Tendulkar's involvement as a co-owner is a testament to his commitment to expanding the sport's reach.During his stay in the US, Tendulkar was honored at a Dallas Cowboys NFL game, where team owner Jerry Jones presented him with a custom No. 10 jersey. This gesture highlights the growing popularity of cricket in America.Tendulkar's presence at the NCL and his involvement in promoting cricket in the US are significant steps towards introducing the sport to new audiences. Through the NCL's innovative format, he is working to make cricket more accessible and engaging for American fans.The NCL's T10 format, with its fast-paced and exciting gameplay, is particularly well-suited to attract new viewers. The league's focus on entertainment and community engagement is also helping to build a strong foundation for cricket in the United States.Tendulkar's passion for cricket and his commitment to its growth are evident in his involvement with the NCL. His presence at the tournament and his collaboration with other cricket legends is a testament to his dedication to promoting the sport globally.

Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph's remarkable partnership propelled West Indies to a historic victory over England in the T20 World Cup group stage, securing a semi-final berth for the first time since 2018.Despite being underdogs, West Indies defied expectations with a dominant performance. Joseph, in particular, played a pivotal role, smashing a career-best 52 off just 38 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Her aggressive batting set the tone for the innings, as she and Matthews put on a 102-run stand off just 74 balls.Matthews, who played her best innings of the tournament with 50 off 38, provided solid support to Joseph. The duo's partnership was the second time both openers had scored 50 or more in a women's T20I for West Indies, the first being in the 2016 T20 World Cup final.Joseph's rise to the occasion was particularly impressive, as she stepped up in the absence of Stafanie Taylor, West Indies' leading run-scorer. Her versatility and improved ball-striking have made her a valuable asset to the team.Despite England's vast resources and unbeaten record in the group stages, West Indies' determination and fighting spirit proved too much to overcome. Deandra Dottin also played a crucial role, setting the tone with brilliant fielding and contributing with the ball.West Indies' victory is a testament to their resilience and the depth of their squad. By topping their group, they avoid favorites Australia in the semi-finals and will face New Zealand on Friday in Sharjah.Matthews expressed her pride in her team's performance, highlighting the challenges they have faced and the passion that drives them. "We probably just don't have it like the rest a lot of the time," she said. "But the one thing that does bring the entire West Indies together is cricket."

India's T20 Batting: A Symphony of Innovation and AudacityIn the realm of cricket, India's T20 batting has emerged as a captivating spectacle, leaving spectators in awe and opponents bewildered. The team's ability to execute unorthodox strokes with precision and audacity has redefined the boundaries of the game.Like the legendary Brazilian football team, India's T20 batters have mastered the art of improvisation, exploiting angles and creating space to drive the ball through the gaps. They have taken the traditional orthodoxy of cricket and pushed it to its limits, resulting in a mesmerizing display of skill and imagination.One of the most striking aspects of India's T20 batting is the sheer variety of strokes employed. Suryakumar Yadav's flick over square leg, Sanju Samson's powerful drives, and Hardik Pandya's effortless sixes are just a few examples of the innovative shots that have become synonymous with the team.These strokes are not merely the result of random experimentation but rather the culmination of countless hours of practice and a deep understanding of the game. The players have honed their skills to such an extent that they can execute these complex maneuvers with astonishing consistency.The precision required to execute these shots is staggering. Suryakumar Yadav's ability to scoop a potential yorker over point for six is a testament to his exceptional hand-eye coordination and timing. Even seasoned commentators like Sunil Gavaskar have expressed their amazement at the level of skill on display.The emergence of India's T20 batting prowess has also been attributed to a shift in mindset. The retirement of Virat Kohli has freed up the team's approach, allowing younger players to express themselves without fear of failure. This has resulted in a more aggressive and innovative style of play.The impact of India's T20 batting has been profound. It has not only entertained fans but also inspired a new generation of cricketers to push the boundaries of the game. As the team continues to evolve and innovate, it is clear that the future of T20 cricket is in safe hands.

Manchester Originals have extended Simon Katich's contract for another year, despite the men's team's disappointing performance this season. However, Stephen Parry has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the women's side after two years.The decisions were made by the Originals board, which has been restructured to reflect the team's closer ties with Lancashire from 2025. Lancashire will become majority shareholders in Originals next season, acquiring a 51% stake from the ECB, while the remaining 49% will be sold to a private investor.Mark Chilton, Lancashire's director of cricket, will lead the search for Parry's successor as women's head coach. James Sheridan, a member of the Lancashire board, has replaced Mark Chapman as Originals' chair, although Chapman remains on the board.Katich, a former Australian batter, has coached Originals men since the Hundred's inception in 2021. Despite finishing as runners-up in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the team struggled this year, winning only one of their eight matches."We were all disappointed with how this season went," Katich said. "I feel we have unfinished business given the events of the last three editions of the Hundred and all of us at the Originals will ensure that we get back on track next year… We are determined to win it for Manchester."Parry, on the other hand, has been replaced after his side finished sixth in the women's Hundred this season. Originals are the only women's team who have not reached the knockout stages in any of the tournament's first four editions."Stephen leaves us with our thanks and best wishes," Sheridan said. "He joined us with our women's team under-strength and still finding its feet at this level of cricket… We are in a much better place following two years with Stephen at the helm."The recruitment process for Parry's successor will begin immediately, with Chilton overseeing the search. "Our aim now is to recruit a world-leading women's short-format head coach, and we are very excited where this group of players can take Manchester Originals next year and beyond," Chilton said.These announcements come ahead of Friday's deadline for first-round bids in the ECB's sale process of the Hundred. Lancashire is actively seeking a "sporting partner" to become co-owners of Originals.