Cricket

Ali Maiden has been appointed as the head coach of the Birmingham Phoenix women's team for the 2025 season of The Hundred. Maiden succeeds Ben Sawyer, whose contract was not extended after four seasons at the helm.Maiden, who played a pivotal role as assistant coach in England Women's World Cup triumph in 2017, brings a wealth of experience to the Phoenix. He was part of the London Spirit coaching staff that guided the team to the women's Hundred title in the summer. In August, he was named head coach of Bears Women, having previously served as batting coach at Yorkshire."Ali joins the Phoenix with extensive experience in the women's game, both internationally and in franchise cricket," said Craig Flindall, Birmingham Phoenix general manager. "He was chosen as the new Bears Women head coach after a thorough selection process, which demonstrates his high caliber.""2025 is a significant year of transition for the Phoenix, with new investors expected to join next year. We are confident that Ali will guide us through this period as we aim to reclaim our position at the top of the table," Flindall added. "We extend our gratitude to Ben for his contributions during his five years with Phoenix Women and wish him well in his future endeavors."Birmingham Phoenix also announced that Dan Vettori will continue as head coach of the men's team for 2025.

India to Face Pakistan in Opening Match of 2024 U-19 Asia CupThe Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled the schedule for the 2024 Men's 50-over U-19 Asia Cup, set to take place from November 29 to December 8 in Dubai and Sharjah. India will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on November 30 at the Dubai International Stadium.India has been placed in Group A alongside Japan and hosts UAE. They will face Japan on December 2 and UAE on December 4, both matches to be played in Sharjah. The top two teams from both Group A and B will advance to the semi-finals on December 6 in Dubai and Sharjah, with the final scheduled for December 8 in Dubai.Group B features defending champions Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Nepal. The tournament will commence on November 29 with a match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, followed by Sri Lanka and Nepal facing off on the same day.This edition marks the 11th Men's U-19 Asia Cup, which was first held in Bangladesh in 1989. Japan, Nepal, and UAE earned their spots in the tournament after qualifying through the 2023 ACC Men's Under-19 Premier Cup.Bangladesh are the reigning champions, having defeated UAE by 195 runs in the 2023 final. India holds the record for most titles with eight, while Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh have each won once. The last three editions of the tournament were held in the UAE, with India winning their most recent title there in 2021.The U-19 Asia Cup provides a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience at the international level. It has been a stepping stone for many future stars, including Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Rashid Khan.

Former England Test captain Sir Alastair Cook has emphasized the need for the team to finalize Jos Buttler's role in the white-ball setup. Buttler, who has been sidelined since the T20 World Cup semi-final due to a calf injury, will return as captain for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies.Cook believes that England must determine whether Buttler will continue as a wicketkeeper or transition to a specialist batter. This decision will significantly impact the team's lineup and strategy. He also expressed his confidence in Buttler's commitment to England, despite his recent signing of a two-year central contract.Cook highlighted the emergence of several promising young players in the T20I squad, including Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, and Liam Livingstone. He praised their modern approach to the game and their ability to execute a wide range of shots.However, Cook emphasized the need for these players to gain experience and make the step up to international cricket. He believes that one of them will eventually establish themselves as a standout performer.Cook also expressed his satisfaction with Jofra Archer's return to the ODI team. Archer has played all three ODIs against the West Indies, indicating his improved physical condition. Cook believes that Archer's versatility and ability to bowl in all phases of the game make him a valuable asset to the English bowling attack.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied media reports suggesting that it has agreed to a "hybrid model" proposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to these reports, the BCCI had proposed that the Indian cricket team would play its matches at a neutral venue, a suggestion that was allegedly accepted by the PCB.However, PCB sources have categorically stated that the two cricket boards have not engaged in any discussions regarding a hybrid model and that no such plans are being considered for the tournament. Pakistan remains steadfast in its stance that it will host the tournament in its entirety at Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi."The hybrid model is not under consideration. It is documented that our position has not changed. People file stories claiming sources X Y Z. People file anything just to get some views. As of now, we haven't decided anything as far as the Champions Trophy. Our stand is as it is," a PCB source asserted.The political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented the two teams from facing each other in a bilateral series for over a decade. While Pakistan participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, India has yet to confirm its participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, expressed confidence in a swift visa issuance process for Indian fans wishing to attend the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He conveyed this assurance during a meeting with a group of Sikh pilgrims from the United States.Naqvi expressed optimism that Indian fans would respond positively to the opportunity to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. "We will be keeping a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and we will try to make the visa issuance policy brisk," Naqvi stated.The PCB is eager to welcome Indian fans to Pakistan and witness the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Lahore.

PCB Disappointed by India's Refusal to Play in Pakistan for 2025 Champions TrophyPakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed disappointment over reports that India has declined to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Naqvi emphasized the importance of the tournament for Pakistan's cricket landscape and its potential to foster cricketing ties in the region.Speaking to the media after inspecting the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi stated that the PCB has not received any official communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding their non-participation. However, he acknowledged reports in the Indian media and expressed concern."We have a clear stance that if India has any issues, we will accept it only if they give us in writing," Naqvi said. "We are not ready for any dialogue on a 'hybrid model' and believe that cricket should be kept away from politics."Naqvi reiterated the PCB's commitment to hosting a successful Champions Trophy and stated that they will continue preparations as planned. He added that if the BCCI formally communicates their non-participation, the PCB will consult with the government for guidance.The TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the BCCI has informed the PCB and other stakeholders of their decision to play their matches at a neutral venue, with Dubai being the likely host. The BCCI has reportedly cited security concerns as the reason for their decision.The PCB's disappointment stems from the fact that the Champions Trophy is a major ICC event and hosting it in Pakistan would have been a significant boost for the country's cricket. The tournament would have also provided an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its improved security situation and promote cricketing ties with India.The BCCI's decision has sparked mixed reactions in India. Some experts believe that the decision is justified due to security concerns, while others argue that it is a missed opportunity to improve relations between the two countries.The PCB remains hopeful that the BCCI will reconsider its decision and allow the Champions Trophy to be played in Pakistan. However, the PCB is also prepared to host the tournament at a neutral venue if necessary.

Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, is preparing for the highly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India after a disappointing nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. Pakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf's impressive five-wicket haul dismantled the Australian batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 163 runs in 35 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi's three wickets for 26 runs in eight overs further showcased Pakistan's fast-bowling dominance on the seam-friendly Australian pitches.In response, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid foundation with a 137-run partnership. Ayub, in particular, displayed his attacking prowess, scoring 82 runs off 71 balls, including six sixes and five fours. Spinner Adam Zampa claimed the only wicket for Pakistan, dismissing Ayub in the 21st over. Babar Azam (15 not out) and Shafique (64 not out) guided Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory, leveling the three-match series 1-1.Australia will be without several key players, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, for the series decider in Perth on Sunday. Cummins, who bowled seven wicketless overs, acknowledged Australia's shortcomings, particularly in batting. "We should have done better and scored more than 160," he said.In Cummins' absence, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will lead the side in Perth as the BGT-bound squad shifts its focus to the red-ball format. "We have a week at home. Good training sessions needed, mind now switches to the red ball," Cummins said.The first Test between India and Australia will commence in Perth on November 22.

Bengal tightened its grip on its Elite 'C' Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka on Friday, moving into a strong position on the penultimate day.Bengal's fast bowler Ishan Porel spearheaded the morning session, claiming three quick wickets to dismiss Karnataka for 221. With an 80-run first-innings lead, Bengal adopted a cautious approach in its second innings, reaching 127 for three. The visitor now holds an overall advantage of 207 runs, putting it in a favorable position to secure a victory on Saturday.Resuming on 155 for five, Karnataka relied on overnight batters Abhinav Manohar and Shreyas Gopal to build a substantial partnership. However, their hopes were dashed when Porel dismissed Shreyas (28) caught behind in the fourth over of the day.Shortly after, Karnataka suffered a major setback when Manohar was caught by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. The umpire upheld the appeal for an inside edge, despite Manohar's protestations. Young Hardik Raj (11) was also sent back after attempting a tight single, with substitute Pradipta Pramanik throwing down the stumps.Vidyadhar Patil (33) and V. Koushik (11) provided some resistance, putting on 40 runs for the ninth wicket. Patil showcased his batting prowess, striking the ball cleanly and powerfully when deliveries were in his arc.Karnataka's hopes of closing the gap with Bengal's total evaporated when fast bowler Suraj Sindhu uprooted Vidyadhar's stumps.Bengal's openers, Shuvam Dey (30) and Sudip Chatterjee (48), blunted the new ball threat with grit and patience. By the time the duo was dismissed - both to thick edges - Karnataka had lost ground.In the evening session, a Vidyadhar peach stunned first-innings centurion Anustup Majumdar. The Bengal skipper pressed forward to defend, but Vidyadhar snuck the ball between bat and pad to flatten the middle stump.

KL Rahul's dismal batting form continued in the second unofficial Test against Australia A, leaving India A in a precarious position. Rahul, who is vying for an opening spot in the Indian Test team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, managed a mere 14 runs across two innings, including a bizarre dismissal in the second innings.After bowling out India A for 161 on the opening day, Australia A posted 223, giving them a 62-run first-innings lead. However, India A's top-order faltered in their second innings, with Rahul falling in an embarrassing fashion.Facing 44 deliveries, Rahul misjudged a tossed-up delivery and failed to offer a shot. The ball ricocheted off his pads and onto the stumps, leaving him bewildered as he trudged back to the pavilion. This dismissal between the legs further compounded his struggles ahead of the crucial Test series.Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was selected as a backup opener for the upcoming tour of Australia, also failed to impress. After a first-innings duck, he managed only 17 runs in the second innings. The Indian top-order struggled against the quality spin and pace of the Australian bowlers, leaving them at 56/5 early in the second innings.Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel (19 batting) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (9 batting) ensured there were no further setbacks, negotiating the remaining overs before stumps were drawn for the day.Earlier, India A's pace attack, led by Prasidh Krishna's four-wicket burst and Mukesh Kumar's three-wicket haul, dominated the Australian batting, dismissing them for 223 in 62.1 overs. Marcus Harris was the standout batter for Australia A, scoring a gritty 74 off 138 balls.In response, India A lost openers Abhimanyu and Sai Sudharsan cheaply to disciplined bowling from Nathan McAndrew and Beau Webster. Abhimanyu's misreading of McAndrew's pace led to his dismissal at gully, adding to the team's concerns. Devdutt Padikkal (1) also fell cheaply, as both Webster (2/14) and McAndrew (2/22) tore through India's batting lineup.However, Jurel and Reddy then held firm, ensuring India A ended the day on 73/5, still trailing by 11 runs.

India's upcoming tour of Australia poses significant challenges for the team, particularly in the batting department. Former batter Robin Uthappa believes that the squad needs players who can play a conventional style of cricket, emphasizing the importance of defense and patience.Uthappa suggests that KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the most suitable candidates for this role. He notes that both players possess the ability to anchor the innings and provide stability to the batting lineup. Despite the team's preference for aggressive stroke-makers, Uthappa argues that a defensive approach is crucial in the challenging conditions of Australia.While Cheteshwar Pujara has been a key figure in India's previous Test victories Down Under, Uthappa believes there is still a place for him in the team. Pujara's experience and ability to grind out runs can be invaluable in the face of Australia's formidable bowling attack.Uthappa also discusses India's upcoming T20I series against South Africa. He highlights the importance of this series for Sanju Samson, who has been in impressive form recently. Uthappa believes that Samson has the potential to solidify his position in the team with a strong performance in this series.Additionally, Uthappa advocates for the inclusion of Ramandeep Singh and Yash Dayal in the T20I squad. He praises Singh's all-round abilities and Dayal's resilience and character. Uthappa believes that both players have the potential to make significant contributions to the team.