Cricket

Mohammed Amir, the Pakistani fast bowler who served a five-year suspension and a four-year international hiatus for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, has expressed his frustration over the constant criticism he faces from former Pakistani stars.Amir, who was only 19 at the time of the scandal, was banned along with fellow pacer Mohammed Asif and former skipper Salman Butt for deliberately over-stepping at the behest of Butt. All three were briefly jailed in the UK, where fixing is a crime."I have done penance for that big mistake," Amir said. "I was banned from 2010 to 2015 and took retirement from 2020 to 2024. I have lost nine years, but I accept it all as God's will and I have moved on."Amir made a successful return to international cricket in 2017 and was a key player in Pakistan's Champions Trophy triumph over India. However, he retired from all forms of international cricket in 2020 after differences with then-PCB chief Ramiz Raja.Raja and other Pakistani players have been vocal about the Pakistan cricket establishment giving Amir a second chance after his involvement in corruption. Amir has also faced criticism for being brought out of retirement and directly given entry into the Pakistan team without playing domestic cricket."There has been a lot of criticism by some people on me and Imad being selected without playing domestic cricket," Amir said.Amir countered the criticism by pointing out that he and Imad Wasim have regularly played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which he considers a domestic tournament."I ask them what is Pakistan's premier domestic T20 event? The PSL. And both of us (Imad) have played and performed in the PSL besides appearing regularly in other leagues. So what is wrong with selecting us for the T20 format?"Amir emphasized that if the selectors had picked him and Imad for Tests or ODIs, it would have been wrong."I myself have always said players must get experience in domestic first class and other events to be considered for the national team. But in our case, we are only playing T20 cricket and our form and fitness is there for all to see."Amir also revealed that former Test captain Muhammad Hafeez had called him last year to inquire about his willingness to come out of retirement."It was nice of him (he was director of Pakistan team) and he said I could still play for Pakistan, but I told him that given the uncertainty in the cricket board and team, I would prefer to remain out of international cricket."

Virat Kohli's Direct-Hit Brilliance Stuns Gujarat Titans, Underscores His Invaluable Contribution to RCBIn a moment of fielding brilliance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli showcased his exceptional skills on the field, dismissing dangerous Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Shahrukh Khan with a direct-hit during the IPL 2024 match in Bengaluru.Kohli's precision and athleticism were on full display as he executed a direct-hit to dismiss Shahrukh, who was attempting a quick run. The crowd erupted in cheers, recognizing Kohli's invaluable contribution to his team's success.Teammate Cameron Green's awe-filled reaction to witnessing Kohli's exceptional fielding skills up close added an extra layer of appreciation to the moment. As Kohli executed the direct-hit to dismiss Shahrukh, Green's astonishment was palpable, reflecting the admiration shared by teammates and fans alike for Kohli's brilliance on the field.The incident occurred in the 13th over of the game, when GT batter Rahul Tewatia played RCB pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak's delivery with soft hands towards the off-side. Shahrukh got off the blocks to go for a quick run, and Tewatia sent him back, but it was too late by then, as an alert Kohli wasted no time and nailed a direct-hit in one motion at the bowler's end to rattle the stumps.GT innings were in tatters as they were five down after the departure of Shahrukh, who made 24-ball 37 with the help of five fours and a six, at the score of 87.Kohli's direct-hit dismissal of Shahrukh was a testament to his exceptional fielding skills and his unwavering commitment to his team. It was a moment that underscored his invaluable contribution to RCB's success and further cemented his status as one of the best fielders in the game.

SunRisers Hyderabad's impressive performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 has sparked immense excitement among fans, leading to a viral video of over-enthusiastic supporters mobbing team stars Heinrich Klaasen and Jaydev Unadkat. The incident has raised concerns about crowd management and safety precautions.SRH's resurgence this season has been remarkable, with the team currently sitting fourth in the points table. Their aggressive batting lineup, featuring Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Klaasen, has shattered records, including the highest total in IPL history.However, the viral video has cast a shadow over the team's success. It shows Klaasen and Unadkat being pushed and harassed by fans, prompting criticism of the SRH management for allowing such a large crowd without adequate security measures.Meanwhile, former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has heaped praise on young Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has emerged as a standout performer for SRH. Watson hailed Reddy's dominance over experienced spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin in the team's recent victory over Rajasthan Royals.Reddy's blistering 76* off 42 balls, including eight sixes, played a crucial role in SRH's one-run win. Watson described Reddy as a "special talent" and one of his favorite players to watch, highlighting his exceptional skill and ability to perform under pressure.Watson also acknowledged the IPL's role in showcasing young Indian cricketers with exceptional abilities. He believes that Reddy is one of many talented players who have emerged through the league, contributing to the abundance of talent in Indian cricket.

IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans Dominate with Lowest Powerplay TotalsIn a season marked by high-scoring affairs, Gujarat Titans have adopted a contrasting approach, registering the lowest powerplay totals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Lowest Powerplay Totals in IPL 2024* 23/3 - GT vs RCB, Bengaluru* 27/3 - PBKS vs SRH, Mullanpur* 28/4 - MI vs LSG, Lucknow* 30/4 - GT vs DC, Ahmedabad* 31/2 - RR vs DC, JaipurGujarat Titans' StrugglesGujarat Titans have consistently struggled in the powerplay, with their lowest total coming against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru. They managed a mere 23 runs while losing three wickets, their lowest-ever powerplay total in IPL history.In their match against Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad, GT again found themselves in trouble, scoring only 30 runs and losing four wickets. This hindered their batting strategy and affected their overall score.Other Teams' WoesPunjab Kings also faced difficulties in the powerplay, scoring 27 runs and losing three wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur. This setback hindered their momentum and made it challenging to build a substantial innings.Mumbai Indians had a tough time against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow, mustering only 28 runs and losing four crucial wickets during the powerplay.Rajasthan Royals had a disappointing start against DC in Jaipur, scoring 31 runs and losing two wickets, which was a setback for them early in the game.RCB's DominanceIn the match against Gujarat Titans, RCB captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bowl. RCB remained unchanged for the match, while GT made two changes, bringing in left-arm spinner Manav Suthar and left-arm pacer Joshua Little.ConclusionGujarat Titans' contrasting approach in the powerplay has been a key factor in their performances in IPL 2024. While other teams have struggled to find their footing in the early overs, GT has consistently registered low totals, highlighting the importance of a solid start in the shortest format of the game.

Former Indian cricket star Navjot Singh Sidhu has provided an update on his wife Navjot Kaur's recovery from breast cancer surgery. Kaur underwent a second surgery last month, and Sidhu has been sharing her progress with fans on social media.In an update on Saturday, Sidhu said that 70 stitches have been removed from Kaur's wound, which is healing well. However, there is still a 2.5-inch area that requires daily dressing under the supervision of Dr. Manpreet Thind. Sidhu is waiting for the wound to fully heal before beginning the necessary radiation therapy."Keeping fingers crossed..... hopeful for a full recovery within 2 weeks to start the radiation treatment as planned," Sidhu wrote on Twitter.Sidhu also posted a couple of pictures with his wife and the doctor who has been treating her. In one of the pictures, Kaur is seen standing on her own two feet, a sign of her progress."Back on her feet ... discharged from Hospital ... one month recovery time before 25 radiation sessions ... Big thank you to Dr Rupinder and the staff ... indebted forever," Sidhu wrote.Earlier, Sidhu had revealed that his wife had undergone an operation for Metastasis, a rare condition that prompted the doctors to remove her affected skin and reconstruct it."Operation for rarest of rare Metastasis - lasted three and a half hours. Affected skin removed and reconstruction done with flaps. Her resolve is steadfast, the smile never leaves her face - courage thy name is Noni. Dr Rupinder hoping for a speedy recovery," Sidhu had written.While his wife's health and recovery remain a priority, Sidhu is expected to continue entertaining fans with his commentary in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) faced off in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Bengaluru on May 4. RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first.RCB remained unchanged for the match, while GT made two changes. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, making his IPL debut, and left-arm pacer Joshua Little replaced R Sai Kishore.GT's innings got off to a solid start as Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill put on a 50-run partnership. However, RCB's bowlers fought back, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing Gill for 21. Sai Sudharsan and David Miller then steadied the innings with a 40-run stand.But RCB's spinners, Karn Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed, applied the brakes on GT's scoring rate. Suthar and Noor Ahmad chipped in with useful cameos, but GT could only manage 168/5 in their allotted 20 overs.In response, RCB's openers, Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, got off to a flying start. They put on 50 runs in just 4.2 overs before Kohli was dismissed for 25. Du Plessis continued to anchor the innings, scoring a well-paced 44.Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik then played crucial knocks of 33 and 32 respectively, guiding RCB towards victory. Despite a late flurry of wickets, RCB chased down the target with 8 balls to spare.

With over half of the IPL 2024 season completed, the playoff race remains wide open, with no team yet securing a berth and no team eliminated. However, the chances of Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) reaching the postseason are dwindling.MI's playoff hopes took a significant blow after their 24-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. The five-time champions have now lost eight of their 11 matches and are on the verge of elimination. To qualify, MI must win all their remaining three games and hope for a series of favorable results from other teams.RCB's playoff chances are also hanging by a thread. The team is currently at the bottom of the standings with only three wins from 10 games. However, they have shown signs of improvement in recent matches, winning two consecutive away games against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans.For RCB to qualify, they must win their remaining four fixtures and hope that the teams above them in the standings lose several games. The team's chances will be boosted if the winner of the upcoming SRH vs. LSG clash wins all their remaining matches, while the loser loses all three.The remaining fixtures for MI and RCB are as follows:MI:* May 6: vs SRH, Wankhede Stadium* May 11: vs KKR, Eden Gardens* May 17: vs LSG, Wankhede StadiumRCB:* May 4: vs GT, Bengaluru* May 9: vs PBKS, Dharamsala* May 12: vs DC, Bengaluru* May 18: vs CSK, BengaluruWhile both MI and RCB have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the playoffs, their chances are slim. They will need to win all their remaining games and hope for a series of favorable results from other teams.

Mayank Yadav, the promising fast bowler for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has suffered a setback that will likely rule him out for the remainder of IPL 2024. The injury, a small tear in his abdomen, is similar to the one that sidelined him earlier in the season.Head coach Justin Langer expressed optimism that Yadav could potentially return for the playoffs if LSG qualifies, but acknowledged the challenges of his recovery. "We'll be praying that he can play, hopefully, in the playoffs, but I'm a realist as well. It'll be probably difficult for him to get up for the back-end of the tournament," Langer said.Yadav's absence is a significant blow to LSG, who have relied on his pace and wicket-taking ability. In his three appearances this season, he has claimed 9 wickets at an impressive average of 11.11 and an economy rate of 6.78.The 21-year-old's injury highlights the challenges faced by young fast bowlers, who are prone to various injuries as they develop. Langer emphasized the importance of patience and rehabilitation, noting that Yadav's previous recovery was successful."He's got huge potential. But his rehabilitation was excellent. He went into the game [against MI], had a couple of bowls before the game. He was completely pain free. So it's very sad for him and it's disappointing for LSG as well that he might [not[ play the rest of the tournament," Langer said.Yadav's injury raises questions about whether he was rushed back into action too soon. However, Langer defended the decision, stating that Yadav's rehabilitation had been thorough and he had been pain-free in the lead-up to the match against Mumbai Indians.Despite the setback, LSG remains hopeful that Yadav can make a full recovery and return to the team in the future. His potential and impact on the team have been evident in his brief appearances this season, and his absence will be felt in the upcoming matches.

After India's T20 World Cup squad announcement, captain Rohit Sharma engaged in a conversation with Rinku Singh, who was omitted from the 15-man roster. The encounter occurred at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, prior to the Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders match.Despite his exclusion, Rinku appeared cheerful during his chat with Sharma, who arrived at the stadium after a press conference with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Former SunRisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody commended Sharma's leadership and communication skills, highlighting his honesty and upfront approach with Rinku."That's great leadership right there. Making sure you're upfront and honest. It's easier to speak to someone when they're included in the squad, it's always hard to speak to someone who has been left out. That's why Rohit Sharma is so highly-regarded around the playing group. He is a very good leader. He's got those soft skills, which is so important around communication," Moody said.Agarkar acknowledged the difficulty in selecting the squad, particularly regarding Rinku's omission. "It's probably the toughest thing that we have had to discuss, frankly. I mean, he has done nothing wrong, nor a Shubman Gill, for that matter. You know, it's again, the combinations. We are not quite sure what conditions we'll get, so we wanted to try and have enough options," he explained.Agarkar emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of Rinku's abilities but rather a matter of selecting the best possible combination for the team. "It's just unfortunate. I don't think it's anything to do with Rinku Singh. It's not his fault that he has missed out. It's more the 15 that we felt gives (India the best chance). With two keepers who are both terrific batters, there is already an extra batter sitting out," he said.