Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering adjustments to the schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which it is hosting, to accommodate matches involving India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move comes after the Indian government expressed concerns about its team traveling to Pakistan due to security and socio-political reasons.The PCB is exploring a "Hybrid Model" similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka. Sources within the PCB believe that even if India is not permitted to tour Pakistan, minor adjustments can be made to the schedule, with India likely playing its matches in Dubai or Sharjah.The International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot force any board to go against its government's policy, and it remains to be seen when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will make a final decision. By the time the decision is made, the ICC will be chaired by India's Jay Shah.The PCB is urging the ICC to announce the tournament schedule by next week, as officials from the governing body are expected to visit Lahore. The PCB has proposed a tentative schedule that includes a marquee match between India and Pakistan in Lahore on March 1, 2025.The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The final is set for March 9 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. According to the proposed schedule, all of India's matches would be held in Lahore for security and logistical reasons.The PCB is investing heavily in upgrading its stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, where the Champions Trophy matches will be played. The board is spending approximately 13 billion rupees on these renovations.

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav remains determined to add to his solitary Test cap, despite his impressive T20I credentials. The 34-year-old has been actively participating in domestic cricket, including the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, in an effort to earn a Test recall."When the time comes, I will make a Test comeback," Yadav asserted. "I am playing all the domestic tournaments, be it red-ball or white-ball. I don't miss any game. If that [Test comeback] has to happen, it will happen."Yadav also expressed his support for Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who has faced criticism following India's 3-0 Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand. "In sports, winning and losing are common. Everyone works hard, everyone wants to win," Yadav said. "For me, the most important thing in life is the balance. Whether he's [Rohit] doing well or not, his character does not change. That is one quality which I feel a sportsman should always have."As T20I captain, Yadav has learned valuable lessons from Rohit, particularly in handling youngsters. "I know how he [Rohit] treats the players, what he wants from them. So that route I have also taken because he's been very successful recently," Yadav explained. "I try to replicate that. When I am on the ground, I keep noticing how his body language is, how calm he is under pressure situations, how he talks to the bowlers, how he treats everyone on the field and off the field."Under Yadav's leadership, India has achieved impressive results in T20Is, winning 11 out of 13 matches. Yadav attributes this success to providing his players with freedom and clarity. "You have to understand what's happening around, what's going on in their [the players'] minds and it is very important to give them that comfort," he said. "Everyone has different skillset, and they also want to come out and express themselves. So that freedom is very important when they get onto the field and that is what I try and give."India's T20I squad for the South Africa series includes several young players, and Yadav believes they have made his job easier. "They have made my job very easy if you've seen the last two to three series," Yadav said. "I have told them to keep the needs of the team in front, and whatever calls they take, we are here to back them."Despite the bouncy nature of South African pitches, Yadav is confident in India's ability to perform well. "We do play on good bouncy pitches back home in India also. There are quite a few, so it's nothing new for us," he said. "And we played here last year. We know what the conditions are and what the ground and wicket have for us. We have our game plan, we'll back that and are very excited for the series ahead."

Kerala's gritty lower-order batting, led by captain Sachin Baby and Salman Nizar, put them in a commanding position against Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the KCA-St. Xavier's College ground.After resuming on 105 for four, Kerala lost Baba Aparajith and Aditya Sarwate cheaply to Uttar Pradesh's left-arm spinner Shivam Sharma. However, Baby and Akshay Chandran steadied the innings with a 63-run stand for the fifth wicket.When Chandran fell, Baby found an ideal ally in Nizar, who curbed his natural flamboyance to play a patient innings. The duo navigated the challenging track, using the depth of the crease and stepping out to loft the ball over the infield.Baby and Nizar's 99-run partnership for the sixth wicket put Kerala in control. Baby eventually fell for 83, trapped in front by Shivam Mavi, but Jalaj Saxena continued the resistance with a fluent 35.Nizar remained unbeaten on 74, hitting sixes and fours off leg spinner Piyush Chawla to signal Kerala's intent for the third day. Mohammed Azharuddeen also contributed with an unbeaten 11, ensuring Kerala reached 340 for seven at stumps.Uttar Pradesh's bowlers toiled hard, with Shivam Sharma taking two wickets and Saurabh Kumar, Aaqib Khan, and Chawla claiming one each. However, Kerala's lower-order resilience proved too much to overcome.

Riding on opener Shivam Bhambri's eye-catching knock of 80, Chandigarh managed to nudge ahead of Delhi on day two of a Group D Ranji Trophy contest. A number of handy contributions from the middle and lower order, too, made a difference as the host secured a 48-run first-innings lead on a pitch where the spinners were extracting appreciable assistance.Bhambri's 111-ball 80 proved crucial for Chandigarh. The right-hander, who has been in fine form this season, played a patient and composed innings, anchoring the team's batting effort. He found support from wicketkeeper Mayank Sidhu (44) and Aayush Sikka (24), who stitched together a 62-run partnership to deflate Delhi's hopes of grabbing first-innings honours.Delhi captain Himmat Singh relied heavily on spin given the conditions on offer, but pacers Himanshu Chauhan and Siddhant Sharma bowled only 19 of the 92 overs that they were on the field. Ayush Badoni, who is in the team more for his batting, was the most successful of the four tweakers Delhi had at its disposal, claiming four for 57 in 14 overs of off-spin. Left-arm spinner Sumit Mathur bowled well too, returning figures of 28-5-72-3.It was Mathur who made the first breakthrough of day two. Introduced in the 11th over of the day, the 26-year-old removed Manan Vohra immediately. The Chandigarh skipper had added 100 runs for the second wicket alongside Bhambri before being caught by Yash Dhull at cover off a ball that seemed to hold up on the surface.Three more wickets in the opening session, including that of Bhambri who miscued a slog sweep to long on, reduced Chandigarh to 182 for five at lunch, 94 runs adrift of the visitor's total with five wickets in hand. Instead of pressing the panic button, Sidhu and Sikka were judicious in their shot selection and stitched together a 62-run partnership. It went a long way towards deflating Delhi's hopes of grabbing first-innings honours.Badoni, nevertheless, stuck to his task and ended with a four-wicket haul for his second straight game. The scores:Delhi — 1st innings: 276.Chandigarh — 1st innings: Arslan Khan b Siddhant 0, Shivam Bhambri c Kshitiz b Shokeen 80, Manan Vohra c Dhull b Mathur 44, Ankit Kaushik c Himmat b Mathur 2, Rajangad Bawa b Badoni 33, Aayush Sikka lbw b Badoni 24, Mayank Sidhu c (sub) b Badoni 44, Gurinder Singh b Badoni 32, Jagjit Singh Sandhu c Vashisth b Siddhant 18, Nishunk Birla (not out) 21, Vishu Kashyap b Mathur 9; Extras (b-12, lb-3, w-2): 17; Total (in 92 overs): 324.Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-100, 3-104, 4-160, 5-164, 6-226, 7-273, 8-278, 9-302.Delhi bowling: Siddhant 12-3-37-2, Chauhan 7-0-32-0, Mathur 28-5-72-3, Shokeen 18-1-60-1, Vashisth 13-1-51-0, Badoni 14-2-57-4.Delhi — 2nd innings: Sanat Sangwan (batting) 19, Anuj Rawat (batting) 13; Total (for no loss in 10 overs): 32.Chandigarh bowling: Vishu 4-1-13-0, Birla 5-1-13-0, Gurinder 1-0-6-0.

Pakistan is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup for the second One-Day International (ODI) against Australia in Adelaide on Friday. Despite discussions about introducing left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram, the pitch conditions favor pacers.According to a source close to the team, Pakistan will likely field the same XI that narrowly lost the first match in Melbourne by two wickets. The pace attack will comprise Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah, who has been cleared to play after a minor strain in the first match.Pakistan will rely on part-time spinners Agha Salman, Saim Ayub, and Kamran Ghulam, who did not bowl in the opening ODI. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will retain their roles, while all eyes will be on Babar Azam, who has been struggling for form.Despite speculation about replacing Mohammad Hasnain with all-rounder Aamer Jamal, the team management believes it would be premature to drop Hasnain after just one game, especially considering his extended absence from international cricket.

India and South Africa Set for T20I Rematch with World Cup GrudgeThe upcoming T20I series between South Africa and India holds both a sense of unfinished business and a glimpse into the future. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, India snatched victory from South Africa's grasp, leaving the Proteas heartbroken.While many key players from that final will be absent, the series remains significant as both teams prepare for the next World Cup in 15 months. India, fresh off a 3-0 series win against Bangladesh, will look to continue their aggressive approach. South Africa, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back from their recent struggles.Form Guide and Key PlayersSouth Africa's form has been inconsistent, with losses to West Indies and a draw against Ireland. Aiden Markram, who has struggled for runs this year, will be under pressure to deliver. India, meanwhile, has been in impressive form, posting a massive 297 for 6 in their last T20I. Tilak Varma, who has yet to make a significant impact at the international level, will be eager to prove his worth.Team News and DebutsSouth Africa may hand debuts to allrounder Andile Simelane and legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter. India is likely to give batting allrounder Ramandeep Singh his T20I cap and recall Axar Patel.Pitch and ConditionsThe match will be played at Kingsmead in Durban, a high-scoring venue with an average first-innings total of 184. However, rain could disrupt the proceedings, with a 40% chance of precipitation.Stats and Trivia* India has a strong head-to-head record against South Africa in South Africa, with six wins and three losses in nine T20Is.* Suryakumar Yadav has the highest strike rate (169.48) among players with at least 1000 T20I runs.* Arshdeep Singh is India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is this year, with 28 scalps in 14 games.* Heinrich Klaasen has three half-centuries and a strike rate of 168.09 in nine T20I innings against India.Quotes"It has been a testing few months now... But you lock into the bigger picture, you lock into how much it is going to help cricket in South Africa moving forward," said Aiden Markram on South Africa's recent struggles."It has always been challenging playing against South Africa... Hopefully, we will have a game [tomorrow]; last time we missed out on the game here," said Suryakumar Yadav on facing South Africa for the first time since the T20 World Cup final.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has embarked on a new chapter in his career off the field, announcing a partnership with Sporting Beyond. This move marks a significant shift for Kohli, who has been a dominant force in the cricketing world for over a decade.Sporting Beyond, a global sports marketing and management company, shares Kohli's values of transparency, integrity, and a passion for sports. The partnership will encompass all of Kohli's business interests, including endorsements, brand collaborations, and personal ventures.Kohli's decision to join Sporting Beyond comes amidst a challenging period on the field. Despite achieving historic milestones, he has faced inconsistent form and a drop in his ICC Test rankings. However, his experience and aggressive style remain crucial for India's success in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a highly anticipated series that holds significant importance in the context of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals. Kohli's leadership and batting prowess will be vital for India's chances of securing a place in the finals.Kohli's partnership with Sporting Beyond is expected to provide him with a fresh perspective and support as he navigates the challenges ahead. The company's expertise in sports marketing and management will enable Kohli to maximize his brand value and pursue his business interests effectively.As Kohli embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on him to reignite his form and lead India's batting charge against Australia. His experience, determination, and unwavering passion for the game make him a formidable force, and his partnership with Sporting Beyond could prove to be a game-changer in his illustrious career.

Marcus Trescothick, England's batting coach, has expressed concerns over the lack of domestic 50-over cricket, which he believes is hindering the development of the team's young white-ball players.England's recent ODI series defeat in Barbados marked their third consecutive loss since the 2023 World Cup, with the team fielding a largely inexperienced lineup due to the overlap with Test commitments. Several key players were absent, including Jordan Cox and Rehan Ahmed, who were the only members of the Pakistan tour group to feature in the Caribbean.Trescothick emphasized the importance of domestic 50-over cricket in providing players with the necessary experience and understanding of the game. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the current structure, which sees the One-Day Cup clashing with the Hundred."It's not helping because you're not getting the volume of games that players would like to get and really build an understanding of the game," Trescothick said. "But you kind of know why that is and that is the structure we're given to play, and we'll make a fist of it and make it work as much as we can."Phil Salt, who scored 74 in the final ODI, echoed Trescothick's sentiments, calling for more domestic 50-over opportunities. "I don't think there's many players in this team that you could go through and go 'oh they're doing a great job right now'," Salt said. "That's the reality of it because we've not played a lot of 50-over cricket."Trescothick acknowledged the challenges of finding a balance between Test cricket, domestic T20 competitions, and the Hundred. However, he stressed the need to address the lack of 50-over cricket, which is essential for the development of England's white-ball players."It's really challenging," Trescothick said. "We know how important Test cricket is in England and obviously having the domestic T20 competition and the Hundred, that's vitally important to our game. How do we get that balance right? That's for the powers above to look at, but it's not going to be easy."Trescothick also provided an update on Jofra Archer, who successfully completed the series without any injury issues. The fast bowler took only one wicket, but Trescothick expressed satisfaction with his performance as England look to build him back to potentially playing Test cricket in the summer.

Siddhesh Lad's return to the Mumbai cricket team has been a resounding success, culminating in a match-winning century against Odisha in the Ranji Trophy. After a brief stint as a regional broadcaster, Lad was forced to reconsider his retirement due to Mumbai's need for experience in the middle order.Lad's second-innings fifty on a turning track in Vadodara against Baroda hinted at his continued reliability as Mumbai's "crisis man," a title he earned with his numerous rescue acts in the past. However, Lad's aspirations extend beyond individual accolades to another Mumbai title."I just want to keep enjoying for as long as possible and help Mumbai win another Ranji title," said Lad. "Mumbai regained the Ranji Trophy last season, now I want to be a part of a winning squad again."Lad's return has been a testament to the support and encouragement he received from head coach Omkar Salvi and the rest of the support staff. Despite initially feeling demotivated, Lad was pushed to the hilt and is now grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.Lad's resurgence is a reminder of the importance of experience and resilience in cricket. His ability to adapt to different conditions and perform under pressure is a valuable asset to any team. As Mumbai continues its quest for another Ranji Trophy title, Lad's contributions will be crucial.