 West Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (L) and teammates Brandon King, Akeal Hosein and Rovman Powell celebrate a wicket against Afghanistan. - Photo courtesy CWI MediaTO continue their preparations for the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, the West Indies will play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE from January 19 to 22. The series was announced via a media release from Cricket West Indies (CWI), on November 10. The release said the clash is expected to provide both teams with invaluable game time as they fine-tune preparations for the World Cup. The Windies are ranked sixth by the ICC in T20s, while Afghanistan is ranked tenth. The Daren Sammy-coached West Indies team are currently in the midst of a five-match T20 series away to New Zealand, which they trail 2-1 after four matches. The fifth and final T20 will be played from 8.15 pm TT time on November 12. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe said playing in Sharjah will be great for the team to get used to the types of conditions they expect to face at the World Cup. "This series provides an ideal platform for our preparation. Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, and it also gives our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we'll encounter in India and Sri Lanka," Bascombe said. Afghan Cricket Board CEO Naseeb Khan also saw the upside of the upcoming tour. "Competing against the West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalise their lineup and enhance their preparations for the upcoming mega event in India and Sri Lanka," Khan said. "We have been closely monitoring the team's preparation process, and facing a quality West Indies side offers an ideal platform for their buildup." Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe 3-0 in their most recent T20 series, which ended on November 2, but suffered a 3-0 defeat to Bangladesh in their preceding T20 series. The first match of West Indies' series with Afghanistan bowls off on January 19, with the second and third T20s scheduled for January 21 and 22, respectively.The teams were grouped together for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which was jointly hosted by the Caribbean and the US, with West Indies topping the group with four consecutive wins, including a thumping 104-run victory over the Afghans. West Indies were ousted at the Super Eight phase of the tournament, with Afghanistan getting to the semifinals before being blown away by South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Windies to play Afghanistan in three T20s before T20 World Cup - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday |
Teams Confirmed and Remaining Spots Available (2025-08-08T13:18:00+05:30)
 The execution of the T20 tournament in 2024 was a major success; the qualification for the T20 World Cup in 2026 is already halfway, and multiple teams have already booked their places at regional finals. The 2026 T20 World Cup will also have the same exciting format, whereby there shall be 55 matches played in four groups of five teams each. Two Super Eights groups will take place with the teams that remained after the group stage and the semi-finals, and the final in order to determine the new champion. Teams Already Qualified for T20 World Cup 2026 Automatic Qualifiers and Host Nations The automatic qualifications of the T20 World Cup 2026 are hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It is these two giants in cricket who will invite other teams to play in their country. Since the 2024 tournament, various teams would ensure their qualification to the T20 World Cup 2026 as a result of grouping into the Super Eights. These include:Afghanistan – Made a strong impression in their first-round matches
Teams Qualified Through Rankings Some did not reach the Super Eight, and through the previous ICC T20I team ranks as of June 30, 2024, Super Eights placement was still achieved to qualify for the T20 World Cup in 2026:
Recent Regional Final Winners There have been some thrilling outcomes in the regional finals in the T20 World Cup 2026 qualification process: Americas Regional Final:
European Regional Final:
Remaining T20 World Cup 2026 Qualification Spots Africa Regional Final (September 19 – October 4) The Africa Regional Final will determine 2 qualification spots for the T20 World Cup 2026. Eight teams will compete:Botswana
Asia/East Asia-Pacific Regional Final (October 1-17) This combined regional final offers 3 qualification spots for the T20 World Cup 2026. Nine teams from across two regions will compete:
Countries that automatically qualified were Nepal, Oman and Papua New Guinea, by virtue of participation in the 2024 World Cup. Samoa were the team to stage an upset and win their sub-regional qualifier, whereas Japan was still undefeated in their qualifying action. T20 World Cup 2026 Qualification: Teams Confirmed and Remaining Spots Available |
Abhishek's sensational ton; Shami's three-fer help India to massive 150-run win; 4-1 series victory over England (2025-02-03T13:18:00+05:30)
 Mumbai: India's Abhishek Sharma acknowledges the crowd as he leaves the ground after losing his wicket during the 5th T20 match between India and England at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, February 2, 2025. (Photo: IANS/Raj Kumar) Mumbai, (IANS) Abhishek Sharma smashed records galore, posting the second-fasted fifty and hundred, whilst recording the highest score of 135 for India in T20I as they thrashed England by 150 runs in the fifth and final match to seal a 4-1 triumph in the five-match series at the Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday. It was Super Sunday all along for India as they posted a massive score of 247/9 in 20 overs and then bundled out England for 97 in 10.3 overs to win the match by 150 runs with 57 balls, romping to their second-biggest victory by a run margin after the 168-run triumph against New Zealand at Ahmedabad two years back. Hitting some sensational shots all around the ground, opener Abhishek Sharma blazed to the second-fastest century, only behind Rohit Sharma, by an Indian off 37 balls as his aggressive batting helped India post a massive 247/9 against England in the fifth and final T20I of the series at the Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday. Abhishek hammered the second-fastest fifty (17 balls) and second-fastest century (37 balls) during a majestic 135 off 54 balls, treating every England bowler with disdain; pulling, hoicking, reversing and driving with aplomb as he struck seven boundaries and 13 scintillating sixes in one of the best knocks by an Indian batter in bilateral T20 cricket in recent times. In reply, England fell to some brilliant bowling by Mohammed Shami, who came into the playing XI in place of Arshdeep Singh, and bagged 3-25 while the Indian slow-bowlers and the scoreboard pressure too contributed to their downfall as the visitors crashed to 97 all out in 10.3 overs, losing by 150 runs with 57 balls to spare. Phil Salt raced to a 23-ball 55 but the rest of the England batters failed to click with Ben Duckett (0), Jos Buttler (7), Harry Brook (2), Liam Livingstone (9), Brydon Carse (3) and Jamie Overton (1) departed for single-digit scores as England slumped to 96/8 in the 10th over. The contrast in both innings were stark as India were 142/3 at the same stage earlier in the evening. Mohammed Shami started England's downfall by getting Duckett to drive to Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi packed off Buttler and Brook as England slumped to 59/3. Abhishek Sharma (2-3 in one over) and Shivam Dube (2-11), whose substitution for concussion in the previous match had triggered a controversy, claimed a couple of wickets each and England's troubles mounted. It was an embarrassing collapse as none of the England batters barring Salt could do anything. It was an abject surrender by the England batters as only Salt and Jacob Bathell (10) reached double figures as the visitors sumped to an embarrassing defeat with 57 balls to spare. Shami completed their misery with the final two wickets off successive balls in the 11th over Abhishek Sharma was adjudged the Player of the Match for his sensational knock while Varun Chakravarthy bagged the Player of Tournament award for his brilliant bowling throughout the series. England skipper Jos Butter had opted to bowl first hoping to exploit the assistance bowlers usually get at the Wankhede but that not materialise as Abhishek came out with all guns blazing. Their expectations of the dew hampering the Indian bowlers too did not materialise as India ended their chase in quick time. Though India lost Sanju Samson (16) cheaply after he started the match with a bang by pulling Jofra Archer for a six off the first ball of the first over and repeating the act on the fifth delivery; Abhishek raised 115 runs for the second wicket partnership with Tilak Varma. Archer's bad day continued as Abhishek Sharma first smashed him to the extra-cover fence and then cut and cover-drove him in the point region for back-to-back sixes. Archer's two overs cost 34 runs. The left-handed Abhishek went hammer and tongs at Mark Wood and Jamie Overton and also mauled other bowlers, hitting Wood for two fours and a six in the fourth over, hammered back-to-back sixes off the first two deliveries by Overton as he raced to his fifty off 17 balls, the second fastest for India in T20Is after Yuvraj Singh's 12-ball blitz against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup in Durban. India were 95/1 at the end of six overs, posting their highest-ever score in Powerplay in T20Is. Abhishek and Tilak Varma reached 100 runs in the second wicket partnership off 36 balls, with Abhishek contributing 80 and Varma 23. Varma (23 off 15) fell soon after, caught behind by Phil Salt off Brydon Carse. But their 115-4un partnership has already put India on course for a big total. Abhishek, who continued to hammer the English bowlers, reached his hundred off 37 balls, hitting five fours and 10 sixes. He missed by two balls the fastest century in T20Is in a match involving two full members, shared by David Miller and Rohit Sharma. Rohit had blazed to a hundred off 35 balls against Sri Lanka in 2017. Though skipper Suryakumar Yadav (2) fell cheaply Abhishek got good company in Shivam Dube, who was substituted after suffering a concussion in the previous match. Dube played a pull and short-arm hook for back-to-back four and six off Archer and then handed the same treatment to Overton in the 13th over as India reached 178/3. He blasted 30 off 13 balls before being caught by Rashid off Carse. Hardik Pandya (9) and Rinku Singh (9) were out cheaply as India reached 200 runs in the 16th over. Abhishek, who had slowed down a bit into his 90s, unshackled himself again in the last five overs, hitting Carse for a four and six and Adil Rashid to two sixes before he was caught by Archer off Rashid, reaching out to hit a wrong'un and slicing it to sweeper cover. India were 237/7 in the 18th over and India finished close to 250 thanks to a couple of boundaries by Axar Patel (15). Brief scores:India 247/9 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 135, Shivam Dube 30; Brydon Carse 3-38; Mark Wood 2-32) beat England 97 all out in 10.3 overs (Phil Salt 55; Mohd Shami 3-25, Varun Chakravarthy 2-25, Shivam Dube 2-11, Abhishek Sharma 2-3) by 150 runs. 5th T20I: Abhishek's sensational ton; Shami's three-fer help India to massive 150-run win; 4-1 series victory over England | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
1st T20I: Abhishek smashes 79 as India thrash England by seven wickets, go 1-0 up (2025-01-24T11:06:00+05:30)
 After wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy shone with figures of 3-23 as India’s bowlers put in a magnificent performance to bowl out England for just 132, Abhishek provided an absolute masterclass on opening the batting in the shortest format, hitting five boundaries and eight sixes in his 34-ball stay. He mixed finesse and brute force in getting 68 out of 79 runs from boundaries and played a leading role in getting a comprehensive win for India. India’s chase began on a bright note as Sanju Samson hit four boundaries and a six in the second over to take 22 runs off Gus Atkinson. Abhishek got off the mark by flaying and carving Jofra Archer over the off-side for four and six respectively. But Archer bounced back as he rushed Samson on the pull and had him caught at deep mid-wicket. One brought two for the pacer as Suryakumar gave a leading edge on the pull and was caught out for a two-ball duck. From there on, the Abhishek show began as he flicked, carved, and smashed Mark Wood for two sixes and a four. After being dropped by Adil Rashid off his own bowling, Abhishek cut, flicked, and dispatched the leg-spinner for one four and two sixes. He then reached his fifty in 20 balls by hooking Jamie Overton for six. Abhishek’s carnage continued as he lofted Liam Livingstone for four, before smashing Atkinson for three boundaries. After lofting Rashid with the spin over extra cover for six and being dropped on the very next ball, Abhishek’s entertaining knock ended when he mistimed a googly to long-off. Tilak Varma hit three boundaries in his unbeaten 16-ball 19, including the winning run, to complete India’s chase with 43 balls to spare. Brief scores: England 132 al out in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 68; Varun Chakaravarthy 3-23, Arshdeep Singh 2-17) lost to India 133/3 in 12.5 overs (Abhishek Sharma 79; Jofra Archer 2-21) by seven wickets--IANS 1st T20I: Abhishek smashes 79 as India thrash England by seven wickets, go 1-0 up | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Women's T20 World Cup moved from Bangladesh to UAE (2024-09-25T13:30:00+05:30)
 ABU DHABI - The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup scheduled for October has been moved out of Bangladesh and will instead take place in the United Arab Emirates, the International Cricket Council announced on Tuesday. The decision to change the venue follows unrest in Bangladesh that led to the overthrow of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to flee the country at the start of the month after 15 years of iron-fisted rule. More than 450 people were killed in the weeks of protests leading up to her August 5 ouster, most by police fire. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has since taken over as interim leader. "It is a shame not to be hosting the Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as we know the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would have staged a memorable event," ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said in a statement. "I would like to thank the team at the BCB for exploring all avenues to try and enable the event to be hosted in Bangladesh, but travel advisories from the governments of a number of the participating teams meant that wasn't feasible. "However, they will retain hosting rights. We look forward to taking an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the near future." The 10-team tournament will be staged October 3-20 across two venues in the UAE - Dubai and Sharjah. Australia have won six of the eight previous editions, including each of the last three.The UAE stepped in to host the men's T20 World Cup in 2021, along with Oman, after the Covid-19 pandemic forced it to be relocated from India. Women's T20 World Cup moved from Bangladesh to UAE |
IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting appointed as Punjab Kings head coach (2024-09-24T12:23:00+05:30)
 New Delhi, (IANS): Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the next four seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL). In July, Ponting’s seven-year term with the Delhi Capitals ended after the franchise failed to enter IPL 2024 playoffs. He now becomes the sixth head coach in seven seasons for the PBKS, who finished ninth in the 2024 IPL season and chose to part ways with head coach Trevor Bayliss. "I am grateful to Punjab Kings for presenting me with the opportunity to be the new Head Coach. I am excited to take up the new challenge. I had great conversations with the owners and the management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of our visions for the team. "We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward," said Ponting in a statement issued by the franchise on Thursday. Under the Australian’s leadership, Delhi Capitals had reached the playoffs in three seasons - 2019, 2020 and 2021, while becoming known for his insightful coaching skills, nurturing youngsters and forming a good relationship with captain Rishabh Pant. In 2020, DC had reached their first-ever IPL final, where they finished runners-up to Mumbai Indians. On the other hand, PBKS have not qualified for the IPL playoffs since 2014, when they finished runners-up to Kolkata Knight Riders. Ponting had stints in the IPL with KKR and Mumbai Indians as a player till 2013. He was the with Mumbai Indians in an advisory role in 2014, before becoming their head coach in 2015, where they won the championship, and 2016 seasons. Recently, he was head coach during Washington Freedom's title-winning campaign in the 2024 season of Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. Ponting also serves as the head of strategy for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL since 2021. His first assignment as PBKS head coach would be to finalise the team strategy for the IPL 2025 mega auction, to be held later this year, especially with the retention rules yet to be officially known. "We are delighted to have Ricky on to guide and build our team for the next 4 seasons. His experience is crucial to help us develop a squad to deliver on-field success. His insights from his international coaching stints and as a television pundit would be vital in identifying talent ahead of the mega auction this year. His ability to develop cricketing and leadership skills will play a crucial role in our success," said Satish Menon, the franchise CEO. IPL 2025: Ricky Ponting appointed as Punjab Kings head coach | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Rahul Dravid set to become Rajasthan Royals head coach: Report (2024-09-20T12:44:00+05:30)
 New Delhi, (IANS): Former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid is all set to become Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach ahead of IPL 2025. Dravid’s tenure as India men’s head coach came to an end after the side won 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup win at Barbados in June this year. According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, Dravid recently signed a deal with the 2008 IPL-winning franchise and had initial conversations on player retentions ahead of the upcoming mega auction. Dravid had previously led the franchise in IPL 2012 and 2013 seasons after moving there in 2011. After his playing days ended, Dravid then served as the side’s mentor in 2014 and 2015 IPL seasons, before taking the same role with the Delhi Capitals till he became the National Cricket Academy (NCA) director in 2019. Dravid also has a good and long understanding with current RR captain, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who came through the ranks at the franchise and in the Indian team set-up under him. The report also said RR are also likely to sign former India cricketer Vikram Rathour as one of the assistant coaches to Dravid. Rathour, who also served as a former India selector, was a part of Dravid’s coaching staff at NCA before he became India’s batting coach in 2019. So far, Kumar Sangakkara, the franchise’s director of cricket since 2021, had been the de-facto head coach. Despite the potential signing of Dravid, the report claimed Sangakkara will continue with their franchise and look after their teams in other leagues - Paarl Royals in the SA20 and Barbados Royals in the CPL.RR’s next best finish after winning IPL 2008 was a runners-up position in 2022 when they came second best to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. After finishing at fifth place in IPL 2023 despite a bright start to the season, RR managed to enter the playoffs in IPL 2024, before bowing out of the competition in Qualifier 2. Rahul Dravid set to become Rajasthan Royals head coach: Report | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
India Champions defeat Pakistan Champions to clinch World Championship of Legends 2024 (2024-07-18T14:49:00+05:30)
 Leaders of India team at World Championship of Legends. PHOTO: X @wclleague Edgbaston [Birmingham], July 14: In a pulsating finale of the World Championship of Legends 2024, India Champions emerged victorious by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan Champions by five wickets here at Edgbaston on Saturday (July 13). The Yuvraj Singh-led side showcased their dominance in the competition and secured the coveted title in a match that went down to the wire as two teams fought hard. Pakistan Champions, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 156 for 6 in their 20 overs. Kamran Akmal (24 off 19) and Maqsood (21 off 12) gave the team a solid start, but regular wickets kept the scoring in check. The standout performer was Shoaib Malik, who scored a crucial 41 off 23 balls, anchoring the innings. Captain Younis Khan failed to make a mark as he was clean bowled by Irfan Pathan for 7. The middle-order collapsed and Misbah-ul-Haq was retired hurt after a brisk 18, late contributions from Sohail Tanvir (19* off 9) ensured Pakistan reached a respectable score. Indian bowlers, led by Anureet Singh who clinched three wickets with support from Vinay Kumar, Pawan Negi and Irfan Pathan (one wicket each) were instrumental in containing Pakistan’s batting lineup. In response, India Champions started their run chase with intent. Despite losing Robin Uthappa (10) early, Ambati Rayudu’s explosive 50 off 30 balls set the foundation for the chase for the Men in Blue. Suresh Raina too departed cheaply for 4 in the same over, helping Pakistan make a comeback. But a strong partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh Maan (34 off 33) kept India on track. Rayudu and Mann also departed in a space of 10 runs but the momentum stayed firmly in India’s favour with Yusuf Pathan’s blistering 30 off 16 balls before the latter was dismissed in the penultimate over. With captain Yuvraj Singh (15*) and Irfan Pathan (5*) at the crease, India sealed the win, finishing at 159 for 5 in 19.1 overs, much to the delight of their fans. Pakistan’s bowlers, despite their best efforts, couldn’t halt India’s march towards the target. Aamer Yamin was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-0-29-2, supported by Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan, who took one wicket each. Brief Scores: Pakistan Champions: 156/6 in 20 overs (Shoaib Malik 41, Kamran Akmal 24; Anureet Singh 2/43) Vs. India Champions: 159/5 in 19.1 overs (Ambati Rayudu 50, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 34, Yusuf Pathan 30; Aamer Yamin 2/29). India Champions defeat Pakistan Champions to clinch World Championship of Legends 2024 |
5th T20I: Sanju Samson & Mukesh Kumar star as India beat Zimbabwe by 42 runs; win series 4-1 (2024-07-15T12:45:00+05:30)
 Harare: Players of India celebrate a dismissal during the fifth T20 cricket match between India and Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, in Harare on Sunday, July 14, 2024. (Photo: IANS/@BCCI) Harare, July 14 (IANS) Vice-captain Sanju Samson smashed his second T20I fifty through a 45-ball 58, while fast-bowler Mukesh Kumar picked his career-best figures in the format through 4-22 as India beat Zimbabwe by 42 runs in the fifth and final game at the Harare Sports Club to win the series 4-1. Samson was at his languid best, hitting a four and four sixes in his knock, while sharing a 65-run stand off 56 balls for the fourth wicket with Riyan Parag, to bail India out of trouble after losing their top three batters in power-play. Dube’s quick cameo of 26, along with some lofty hits at the end from Rinku Singh took India to a competitive 167/6, as 30 runs came off the last two overs. In reply, Mukesh struck twice with the new ball to put Zimbabwe in early trouble. Dion Myers and Tadiwanashe Marumani kept Zimbabwe in the hunt, but a collapse saw the hosts’ go from 85/3 to 94/7 and be eventually all out for 125 in 18.3 overs, as India got a strong series win after losing the opening match by 13 runs. Mukesh gave India a brilliant start in their defence of 168 when Wesley Madhevere chopped on to his stumps in the opening over. The pacer came back in the third over to have Brian Bennett flashing hard at outside the off-stump and was caught by third man. He could have got his third wicket if he hadn’t overstepped while castling Myers. Myers and Marumani hit seven boundaries between themselves to lead Zimbabwe’s fight with a 44-run stand off 36 balls for the third wicket. But Washington Sundar broke the partnership by trapping a sweeping Marumani lbw with a slower delivery in the ninth over. Myers hit Abhishek Sharma for a four and six to keep Zimbabwe on track, but Dube took him out in the 13th over with a short ball cramping the batter for room and was caught off a leading edge by backward point. Sikandar Raza being run out in a mix-up with Johnathan Campbell by a direct hit from Dube, who took out the latter in the next over was a jolt Zimbabwe couldn’t recover from. From there, Abhishek and Tushar Deshpande got a wicket each, while Mukesh took remaining two scalps to finish with a four-fer in another convincing win for India. Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India a blistering start by swatting Raza for consecutive sixes on the first two balls of the innings, including off a no-ball. But Raza struck back by getting the ball to come in late and go past Jaiswal’s attempted on-drive to send the leg-stump on a walk. Abhishek was lucky to have been dropped by Bennett at cover-point off Blessing Muzarabani, but the pacer bounced back by having the left-handed batter nick behind an angled across delivery to Madande. Shubman Gill didn’t look much fluent in his stay at the crease, and was dismissed by Richard Ngarava when he tried to top-edged a pull to mid-on. In rebuilding India’s innings, Samson dealt majorly in boundaries – striking three wonderful sixes with his beautiful bat-swing, including a monstrous 110m hit. Brandon Mavuta gave Zimbabwe the breakthrough when Parag miscued his loft to long-off. But Samson marched forward by smashing boundaries to get his fifty, before pulling straight to deep mid-wicket and fall for 45-ball 58 off Muzarabani. Dube hit four cracking boundaries in his 12-ball 26 before a miscommunication with Rinku led to his run-out in the final over. Rinku lofted Faraz Akram down the ground for six, as 14 runs came off the final over. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of bowlers with 2/19 in his four overs, while their fielding, despite good catches being taken, had some lapses – three dropped chances, along with some fumbles, an aspect which hurt them throughout the series apart from their feeble batting returns.Brief Scores: India 167/6 (Sanju Samson 58, Shivam Dube 26; Blessing Muzarabani 2-19, Richard Ngarava 1-29) beat Zimbabwe 125 in 18.3 overs (Dion Myers, Faraz Akram 27; Mukesh Kumar 4-22, Shivam Dube 2-25) by 42 runs 5th T20I: Sanju Samson & Mukesh Kumar star as India beat Zimbabwe by 42 runs; win series 4-1 | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
Cricket-Shastri wants fewer test teams, MCC chief backs T20 in changing landscape (2024-07-11T12:03:00+05:30)
 Cricket – First Test – England v India – Trent Bridge, Nottingham, Britain – August 4, 2021 India head coach Ravi Shastri before the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo LONDON (Reuters) – Restricting test cricket to six or seven teams and using the 20-overs format as the vehicle to spread the game were some of the views aired at a symposium organized by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Test cricket’s dwindling appeal outside India, England and Australia has coincided with the proliferation of lucrative T20 leagues across the world. Although test cricket at the top level still often produces drama, the brevity and action-packed nature of 20-overs cricket has quickly made it the preferred format for the game’s new fans. Former India player and coach Ravi Shastri said test cricket must remain competitive and the only way to do so was to have only the relatively stronger teams competing in this format. “When you don’t have quality, that is when the ratings drop, there are fewer people in the crowd, its meaningless cricket, which is the last thing sport wants,” Shastri said at World Cricket Connects, an event at Lord’s hosted by the MCC. “You have 12 test match teams. Bring it down to six or seven and have promotion and relegation system. “You can have two tiers but let the top six keep playing to sustain the interest in Test cricket. “You can spread the game in other formats, like T20,” added the former India coach. Former Australia batter and coach Justin Langer said while he loved T20 leagues, he wanted international cricket to be protected for the impact in can have on young people. He cited examples including West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph’s memorial debut series in Australia this year. “…it had Australia enthralled and it brought the Caribbean to life,” Langer said. “Last week we saw a million people turn up to see India celebrated for winning the World Cup. “That is bilateral cricket and international cricket.” Summing up the themes, MCC President Mark Nicholas said the views were not to suggest test cricket was unwarranted, and that cricket needed money to sustain itself. “T20 cricket is the behemoth that everybody wants,” he said. “It is where the new market is, where the fans are and where the money is.“In cricket, money is seen as a dirty word but it shouldn’t be because it is the only way to sustain the game.” Cricket-Shastri wants fewer test teams, MCC chief backs T20 in changing landscape |
Have been living a dream, filled me with happiness and gratitude: Bumrah (2024-07-10T13:01:00+05:30)
 New Delhi, (IANS) Ace fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah said he has been living a dream ever since India won 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup on June 29, adding that the aftermath of the triumph has filled him with gratitude and happiness. In India’s triumph at the Kensington Oval on June 29, Bumrah capped off a remarkable run in the tournament, picking 15 wickets in the 29.4 overs he bowled at an average of 8.26, and an astonishing economy rate of just 4.17, to pick the Player of the Tournament award. "I am so thankful for the last few days. I’ve been living a dream and it has filled me with happiness and gratitude," Bumrah posted on X, along with a video of him attending the victory parade in Mumbai last week, where a lot of fans gathered, as well as of soaking in the adulation from a packed Wankhede Stadium. The video also featured Virat Kohli’s words at the function in Wankhede Stadium, where he lavished praise on Bumrah by saying, "What I would like everyone to do is to applaud a guy who brought us back into games again, and again, and again." It was phenomenal and we want him to play as long as possible. He is a once in a generation bowler. I am so glad he plays for us. A huge round of applause to Jasprit Bumrah please," he said. Bumrah was recently welcomed with flower petals showered on him after arriving at his home in Ahmedabad recently, once the felicitations were done in Mumbai, with his mother Daljeet rushing to embrace him. Meanwhile, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav expressed gratitude to fans in their unwavering support of the Indian team in the quest to win T20 World Cup. "To all my fellow Indians, The month of June has been special to me and all of us. Together, we accomplished a dream that we were chasing for long.“I would like to thank my teammates, the support staff, media and of course our biggest strength, the fans who kept supporting us throughout the tournament. I hope we have entertained you all and given you moments of joy that you, your family and friends will cherish with us for a lifetime. The cup is home guys, we all did it.” Have been living a dream, filled me with happiness and gratitude: Bumrah | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com |
End of an era as India faces T20 future without Kohli, Rohit (2024-07-03T12:07:00+05:30)
 NEW DELHI - Indian cricket on Sunday savoured World Cup victory while also coming to terms with the T20 retirements of modern-day greats, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both Rohit and Kohli called time on their T20 careers for India after the cricketing powerhouse edged South Africa to clinch its second T20 World Cup title in Barbados on Saturday. The two batting stalwarts have carried the dreams of a cricket-crazy nation for over 15 years and ended the shortest format at their peak. Kohli's match-winning 76 earned him the player of the final award, and Rohit led the team from the front with three half-centuries in the tournament, in which India remained unbeaten. "It has been so amazing playing with them for so many years. We all will miss them but... this is the best farewell we can give them," Hardik Pandya, Rohit's deputy in the tournament, said after the win.  AFP | Chandan Khanna Roger Binny, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team and is now president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), termed the two stalwarts' exit a "great loss". He said it would be tough to replace them immediately, despite India's good pool of T20 players in the Indian Premier League. Kohli, 35, won his second World Cup crown after the 2011 ODI win under M.S. Dhoni, who also led India to title victory in T20's showpiece event in 2007 at the inaugural edition. A rookie Rohit, now 37, was part of the first T20 triumph when India beat arch-rivals Pakistan in the final in Johannesburg. The two stalwarts, who have 45,961 runs between them across three international formats, will stay on in Test and ODI cricket.  AFP | Arun SANKAR - Dravid swansong - The title clash with South Africa was also the last match for outgoing coach Rahul Dravid, a former captain who left the international stage as a player without a World Cup win. Dravid, 51, said he will miss Rohit as a person more than just as a captain and player who amassed runs and records. Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir is widely reported to succeed Dravid as coach of the high-profile Indian team. Gambhir, who remained a key part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup win at home, coached IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders to their third title this year. "There was speculation that some senior players will be sent off after Gambhir comes in (as coach), but both Rohit and Kohli ended on a high note," former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel. "It was a good decision by both. Before anybody sacks them, or creates a doubt about their selection, a big player should decide their own fate." The T20 triumph has been redemption for Rohit, who was stripped of his IPL captaincy from Mumbai Indians this year. Pandya was handed the leadership role, much to the disappointment of many fans.  AFP | Arun SANKAR Kohli proved his big-match credentials, with his 59-ball 76 in the final clash -- after he managed just 75 runs in seven innings during the competition until the finale. All-rounder Pandya will be Rohit's likely replacement as leader in the T20 format, but batsman Suryakumar Yadav also remains in the fray for the role. Rohit succeeded Kohli as white-ball skipper in 2021 and became all-format captain months later with BCCI and fans getting uneasy over India's global title drought since their Champions Trophy win in 2013. But Pandya said there was "a lot of time" before the next T20 World Cup in 2026 for India to prepare. "I am very happy for both Rohit and Virat, two giants and legends of Indian cricket, (they) thoroughly deserved this," he said. fk/pjm/snBy Faisal Kamal, End of an era as India faces T20 future without Kohli, Rohit |
BCCI announces prize money for Team India after T20 WC triumph, multiple stars announce retirement (2024-07-01T14:25:00+05:30)
 Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma who announced their retirement from T20I cricket. PHOTO: X @ICC New Delhi [India], June 30: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) General Secretary Jai Shah on Sunday, announced the prize of Rs 125 crore for Team India for winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He took to social media and also praised the talent, determination, and sportsmanship of the Indian Team. “I am pleased to announce prize money of INR 125 Crores for Team India for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The team has showcased exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and support staff for this outstanding achievement!” Jay Shah wrote on X. A fine exhibition of death bowling by trio of Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya and stupendous knocks by Virat Kohli and Axar Patel helped India end their ICC trophy drought, securing their second ICC T20 World Cup title by beating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at Barbados on Saturday. Proteas are once again left heartbroken, yet to win an ICC title. Meanwhile, India has ended its 11-year long ICC trophy drought, winning their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013. India is the first team to have captured the title undefeated. Virat secured the ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance. Now, by securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India has ended their ICC trophy drought. Shortly after the winning match, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced they were ending their T20I careers Saturday. Both also announced their retirement from the short format after winning the trophy. After managing just 75 runs in the first seven innings of the competition, Virat stepped up when it mattered the most, scoring 76 in 59 balls, with six fours and two sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 128.81. Virat ended the ongoing edition with 151 runs in eight innings at an average of 18.87 and a strike rate of 112.68, with one fifty. In 35 T20 World Cup matches, Virat has scored 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, with 15 half-centuries. His best score is 89*. He is the highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament. In 125 T20I matches, Virat scored 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. He scored a century and 38 fifties and a best score of 122*. He ends the format as the second-highest run-getter of all time. Rohit also ended the tournament with a career-best performance with the bat with 257 runs in eight games at an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of over 156. His best score was 92 and scored three half-centuries in the competition to become the second-highest run-getter. Rohit retires as a double T20 WC champion, winning the title back in 2007 as a young up-and-coming prodigy. In 151 T20I matches, Rohit has scored 4,231 runs at an average of 32.05 with a strike rate of over 140. He scored five centuries and 32 fifties in his career, with the best score of 121*. Rohit is also the leading run-scorer in the format. Rohit’s leadership skills in the tournament, fine rotation of bowlers and Virat’s ability to overcome a lean patch and deliver when it mattered the most helped Men in Blue in ending their 11-year-long ICC trophy drought.  Ravindra Jadeja announces his retirement PHOTO: X ICC Star India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also annonced his retirement from the T20 Internationals after clinching the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title on Saturday. “With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals. Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats. Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 International career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support,” Jadeja posted on Instagram. Jadeja made his T20I debut in February 2009 against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder played a total of 74 matches where he managed to snap 54 wickets at an average of 29.85 and went on to score a total of 515 runs at a strike rate of 127.16 in the shortest format of the game.The 35-year-old’s best bowling performance came against Scotland in the 2021’s ICC T20 World Cup where he took three wickets and conceded just 15 runs in his spell of four overs at the Dubai International Stadium. On the other hand, with the bat, his best knock came against England in 2022 where he smashed 46 runs off 29 balls which helped the Men in Blue to a victory by 49 runs. BCCI announces prize money for Team India after T20 WC triumph, multiple stars announce retirement |
In Cricket, India storm into final of Men’s T20 World Cup, crushing England by 68 runs in semi-final in Guyana (2024-06-28T13:37:00+05:30)
 In Cricket, India stormed into the final of Men’s T20 World Cup after thrashing defending champions England by 68 runs in the semi-final in Guyana last night. Put in to bat first, India posted 171 runs for the loss of seven wickets in stipulated 20 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma with 57 runs off 39 balls was the top scorer for Team India. While for England, Chris Jordan scalped three wickets. Chasing the target of 172 runs, England were wiped out for just 103 in 16.4 overs. Both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel clinched three wickets each. Axar Patel was crowned as the Player of the Match. Akashvani correspondent’s report: India will take on South Africa in the Summit Clash at Barbados tomorrow. This is India’s third entry into the final of the tournament. Both India and South Africa are unbeaten in this tournament. They have shown exceptional performance with bat as well as ball. Team India is looking in a great touch as Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were already bowling well and now Axar Patel’s great spell against England in the semis shows India’s enhanced bowling attack. Skipper Rohit Sharma has also gained the momentum in last two matches, while Virat Kohli’s continuous poor performance in the tournament is a matter of concern for the men in blue. On the other hand, South Africa will be playing their maiden T20 World Cup final tomorrow. The inaugural champions of the tournament, India, will try to stop their rival South Africa from lifting their first ever ICC trophy. In Bridgetown, the battle of two unbeaten teams will decide the winner of this edition of ICC Mens T20 World Cup. In Cricket, India storm into final of Men’s T20 World Cup, crushing England by 68 runs in semi-final in Guyana |
Polarising Warner bows out with Australia World Cup exit (2024-06-26T11:57:00+05:30)
 David Warner's 15-year international career came to an anti-climactic end on Tuesday as Australia were dumped out of the T20 World Cup in excruciating fashion. SYDNEY - David Warner's 15-year international career came to an anti-climactic end on Tuesday as Australia were dumped out of the T20 World Cup in excruciating fashion. Australia and Warner could only watch on powerless as Afghanistan instead reached the semi-finals by beating Bangladesh by a nail-biting eight runs. Australia's fate had hung in the balance after India defeated them by 24 runs in St. Lucia on a day of high drama. The 37-year-old opening batsman Warner had always said the World Cup in the United States and Caribbean would be his farewell to international cricket. He couldn't have imagined going out quite like this. The combative Warner stood tall at the top of the Australian order ever since his international debut in January 2009, and as opening partners came and went. He hangs up his pads as arguably Australia's greatest three-format player. He is the country's leading run-scorer in T20 cricket with 3,277 from 110 games. Warner exited a glittering 112-Test career in January after plundering 8,786 runs at an average of 44.60, with a strike rate of 70.19. His one-day exploits were equally impressive, crunching 6,932 runs from 161 matches. Warner was also one of the most consistent slip fielders in the game, whose name was among the first on the team sheet. "He is probably our greatest-ever three-format player. He'll be a loss," Australia coach Andrew McDonald said recently. "Other people have been gunning for him for a period of time, but for us internally, we've seen the great value and what he brings to the table, hence why we've kept picking him." - Tarnished - But for all his exploits on the pitch, Warner made enemies along the way and will forever be remembered for his key role in a notorious ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Warner was seen as the chief plotter when Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper to scuff the ball before a crude attempt to conceal the evidence down his trousers during a Test in Cape Town. Along with skipper Steve Smith, Warner was suspended for a year by Cricket Australia, stripped of the vice-captaincy and banned from ever leading the team. Warner, who will continue to play T20 cricket in leagues around the world and will also be a commentator, admitted this month he would always be tarnished by "Sandpaper-gate". "I think it's going to be inevitable that when people talk about me in 20 or 30 years' time, there will always be that sandpaper scandal," he said. He feels he has been unfairly singled out. "Whether it's people who don't like the Australian cricket team or don't like me, I've always been that person who has copped it," he added. For that reason, Warner said he was looking forward to international retirement. "One can only absorb (so much)," he said. "For me, it's great to go out knowing I'm not going to cop it anymore." - 'Different side' - Warner was always an assertive presence and his involvement in "Sandpaper-gate" was not a surprise to many. In June 2013, he was suspended and fined for punching England's Joe Root in a Birmingham bar on the eve of the Ashes. "I'm extremely remorseful. I have let my teammates, Cricket Australia, the fans, myself and my family down," said Warner at the time. Two months earlier he was similarly contrite after an ugly Twitter spat with two Australian journalists. Despite the controversies, he kept bouncing back. Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said Warner was a tough competitor, but a different person off the field. "I've heard a lot from Davey recently about people making judgements about him from the way they see him play his cricket," he told reporters at the World Cup. "Once he's retired and he makes that next step of life into the media, you'll see a totally different side to him." mp/pst/ssy, By Martin Parry, AFP, Polarising Warner bows out with Australia World Cup exit |