Ipl 2018 letest updates

For 18-year-old Mandeep Singh, to be inside the Kolkata Knight Riders dressing room was a surreal experience. He had appeared for India in U-19 World Cup in January of 2010, played a solitary game for Punjab in Vijay Hazare Trophy in February and a month later, found himself surrounded by the likes of Chris Gayle, Sourav Ganguly and Shane Bond, in the KKR setup.

After waiting for some games to get his debut, and when he eventually got the chance against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai, Mandeep was equally excited and nervous as he was going to watch his idol Sachin Tendulkar bat from close quarters.

For someone who had grown up watching Tendulkar bat and score runs and cheered each one of those boundaries and sixes sitting in front of a TV set, the world had flipped upside down for him. He was suddenly asked to stop the same man from scoring runs because he was in the opposition team. It was a tumultuous occasion, but it gave a huge satisfaction that Sachin and him were playing in the same match. Mandeep did not even get to bat in the match but that would never be a reason to forget his IPL debut.

"What I remember (from that debut match) is fielding and watching Sachin Tendulkar bat in that match from close quarters," Mandeep told Firstpost.

"He was the one, like many of us, who inspired to take up the sport. I started playing cricket because of Sachin Tendulkar. He was a school to me while growing up. And now, to see him field, was incredible. I was having total fun, to be honest. Just being in that moment. That was surreal. He was batting right in front of me and the stadium was jampacked. That was the first time I was playing a match with or against him. And he had demolished us. He had hit us all over the park. But to be honest, I was having great fun as well watching him bat. We ended up losing the match but I was somewhere also happy for the fact that there was Sachin Tendulkar in my first IPL match," said Mandeep, whose voice gave a peek into that 18-year-old over the phone.

It was a fantasy land in the early days for Mandeep, who was star struck and in disbelief all the time, watching the big guns go about, sharing the dressing room with them and travelling from one city to another, to play cricket and staying in the big hotels.

"Sometimes, I used to think, how did I come here? At the very start, I have to say, I was star struck. Also, staying in the big hotels and travelling. It was very strange and awesome. And slowly, everything settled down, as I began bonding with other players," Mandeep recalled.

Of many surreal things happening with him during that edition, the one more worth mentioning is his meeting with Shah Rukh Khan. The KKR co-owner, who was passionately involved in the functioning of the team, had called him and the other debutant Harpreet Singh to his room for a chat. Mandeep still remembers that chat.

"We all had seen Shah Rukh in films and I thought I was going to meet Shah Rukh Khan. That was a big thing for me. I don't think so I would have got a more better start before my debut match," said Mandeep.

"He spoke to us in Punjabi also. He said don't be scared, just play your natural game and as the Punjabis are known for, play like a warrior. That talk really calmed me down."

A new team, a dream-like dressing room, jam-packed stadiums, a bollywood star as a cheerleader and a million watching in their homes, Mandeep's 18-year-old self looks at all of this as a freakish yet learning experience. The crowd cheering him from behind as he saved a boundary as a substitute fielder, was an unexpected happening. It remains an unforgettable experience for him. But he also remembers that Brett Lee ball that got him out after he had hit the Australian pacer for a boundary the previous bowler. That was also a learning.

With no T20 experience behind him, he was a seeker of valuable inputs from the format itself.

"I was only 18, and from childhood, I was told to defend, if the ball went a certain distance off the bat in the nets, the coach used to ask you to pack your bags and leave and here suddenly, you had to score quick runs. I think that season also gave me a lot of learning in terms of how to approach batting in T20s," said Mandeep.

Yet, for Mandeep, the thrill and fun of playing, for the first time, in IPL, is hard to forget.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Karachi: In a startling revelation, former PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has claimed that banned Test batsman Umar Akmal suffers from epilepsy for which he had refused to take treatment.

Umar was recently slapped with a three-year ban for not reporting corrupt approaches before the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Sethi, who was Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Head of Executive Committee between 2013 and 2018, said when he took over the reins of the cricket body, the first problem he faced concerned Umar.

"We had medical reports that confirmed he suffered from epilepsy fits and we called him back from the West Indies. When I met him I told him it was a serious problem and he needed to take a break and get proper treatment. But he was not willing to accept this. He was mentally not there," Sethi told a TV Channel.

"Anyway I stopped him from playing for two months but later on we sent the medical reports to the selectors and left it to them because I didn't like to interfere in their work."

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.

Sethi also claimed that Umar put himself above the team despite being a supremely talented cricketer.

"...but he refuses to accept discipline and he is an individualistic player prone to play with instinct. He plays for himself not for his team. He is outside all discipline."

The former official also feels the three-year ban imposed on Umar would eventually end his career.

"I am afraid his career is threatened and it appears to me to be the end of the line for him. Umar has always been someone outside all discipline and this three-year ban was going to happen," he said.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

In 'Nostalgia Drive', Anindya Dutta celebrates a significant victory in Indian cricket which occurred in that corresponding month in history

***

The year was 1946. In the first summer of first-class cricket after a devastating and debilitating war, the last team from Undivided India to tour Britain landed on her shores.

The squad included Hindus, Muslims, a Parsi (Rusi Modi), and a Christian (Vijay Hazare) — a side that represented the country's diversity. Leading the team, was Iftikhar Ali Khan, the Nawab of Pataudi, a man who had made his debut for England during the infamous Bodyline Series of 1932-33.

It was one of the wettest summers recorded in England, made worse by the early May start. But that did not prevent the crowds from coming out in numbers to witness the return of first-class cricket. This was a British Isles caught between the exhilaration of emerging victorious from the Second World War, and the devastation the war had wrought upon the country. The prospect of cricket was as invigorating as the summer rain.

Pataudi's team would play 33 matches on a tour that lasted four months. Twenty-nine of the matches, including three Tests, were first-class, and the Indians would win 11 of them, losing only four.

Starting their tour in Worcester and stopping by at Oxford, the visitors came to the Oval in London for a match that was destined to adorn the history books for decades to come.

(L-R) India's CS Nayudu, Shute Banerjee and Chandra Sarwate examine cricket bats (Photo via Getty Images)

‘What’s the Hurry in Surry?’

If you drive down the beautiful country roads in Surrey, barely an hour south of London, signs accost you every so often sending a subtle message to slow down, given the outstanding scenery. They read — What’s the Hurry in Surry?

On 11 May 1946, at the Oval, where Surrey plays their home matches, their captain, Nigel Bennett, (an amateur club Cricketer, who urban legend suggests was leading the side in a case of mistaken identity — the invitation to captain the county had gone out to him instead of Major Leo Bennett, a more accomplished cricketer) would ignore the sage advice displayed on the roads of his home county, in his hurry to end the Indian innings.

During the war, as Martin Williamson wrote in ESPN Cricinfo, ‘The Oval had been used as a searchlight site and then a prisoner-of-war detention centre. German bombs had damaged the pavilion and stands. The square, fenced off, had not been touched for six years. This was the inaugural first-class match at the ground since the end of hostilities the year before.’

Miraculously, the wicket was in good condition, and the Indians batted sensibly after losing two quick wickets. The one Surrey bowler who troubled them was Alec Bedser, about to make his debut in the first Test match, barely a week away.

By three minutes past four in the afternoon, Bedser had the Indians in dire straits at 205 for 9. It was at this stage that No 11 SN ‘Shute’ Banerjee strode out to join No 10 CS ‘Chandu’ Sarwate at the crease.

‘Banerjee came to join me,’ Sarwate was to later recall. ‘The Surrey captain then thought that we would last hardly a few minutes. He called the groundsman and was trying to tell him the roller that he would require.’

Banerjee and Sarwate — Two Contrasting Careers

Sarobindu Nath ‘Shute’ Banerjee was 35-years old when he stepped on to the Surrey turf that day. It was not his first tour of England.

In 1936, he had come to the British Isles as a feared fast-medium pacer in a team led by the unworthy Vizzy. Unwittingly made a pawn in a game of upmanship and petty rivalry between Vizzy and CK Nayudu, Banerjee was told just before the Test match started that he would no longer be a part of playing XI and would be replaced by Baqa Jilani. Jilani had ‘earned’ his place by publicly insulting Nayudu at the breakfast table on the instigation of Vizzy.

Ten years later, he would once again be denied a Test cap in England as lesser players won theirs. Banerjee would eventually play a sole Test match at home at the age of 38 against the West Indies in 1949, picking up five-wickets on a debut that had been delayed by 13-years.

In a fulfilling first-class career stretching more than 30 years, Banerjee took 385 wickets in 138 matches at an average of 26.61. For a fast-medium bowler operating on largely unresponsive tracks, these were magnificent numbers. His stock delivery was the one that came into the batsman, often resulting in a thick edge to the wicket-keeper. Slower balls that moved away after pitching in line was a variation that brought him a lot of wickets.

He was no mug with the bat either. With 3,715 runs including five centuries and 11 fifties, Banerjee made his wicket count as long as he was at the crease. As he walked in that day at The Oval, with his team’s situation precarious, Banerjee took comfort from the fact that in the previous season's Ranji Trophy, he had scored a fifty opening the innings for Bihar.

The man greeting him midway at the pitch was another remarkable character.

Chandrasekhar Trimbak ‘Chandu’ Sarwate was a fingerprint expert by profession with degrees in Arts and Law, and a cricketer by design. With 494 wickets against his name, this leg spinner in a career spanning 32 years had made a name for himself in the domestic circuit. And with 14 centuries and 38 fifties, he was far more accomplished than any No 10 batsman had a right to be. He was fated to be luckier than Banerjee, getting the opportunity to play nine Tests without particularly distinguishing himself in the process.

More importantly, Sarwate had also opened for Holkar, scoring a hundred in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, and the Banerjee-Sarwate pair had actually opened together for East Zone in 1945-46.

But the inexperienced Nigel Bennett could not have known any of this, and was in for the surprise of his life.

The Greatest Last Wicket Stand in History

Sarwate would later sum up what happened next when he recalled: ‘That evening we couldn't do anything wrong.’

Indeed they couldn’t.

The two men attacked with some brilliant hitting on the off side and Surrey had no answer, handicapped after Bedser’s 39-year-old fast bowling partner Alf Gover had gone off with a strained tendon in his heel.

By close of play on that first day, Sarwate had reached 107, Banerjee was 87, and the pair had added 193 in two hours. As the players trooped off The Oval that evening, Bennett did not even glance at the groundsman. The roller had long been forgotten.

John Arlott, making his debut as a BBC commentator in the series, wrote in his match report: ‘The two men batted capably and correctly, defending well against Bedser who bowled industriously, and scoring, chiefly in front of the wicket, by strokes made out of confidence and with no trace of last-wicket anxiety.’

The next day was Sunday, a rest day. At 12.27 pm on Monday, the stand finally ended when Banerjee was dismissed. The pair had added 249 in three hours and ten minutes, Sarwate making 124 not out and Banerjee 127. It had been the greatest last-wicket stand in history. Never before nor since have both No 10 and No 11 both scored a century in a first-class match.

The demoralised Englishmen were dismissed for 135, CS Nayudu taking a hat-trick with his leg spin. Pataudi gave Banerjee a rest from bowling. He had done enough.

Surrey followed on, ending the day at 172 without loss. But the next day Sarwate got into the act with his leg spin and picked up five for 54 to make the match truly memorable for him.

When the Indian opening pair walked out to score the 20-runs needed to register their nation’s first win in 10-years in first-class cricket, Surrey had their final surprise. As a reward for his all-round showing, or perhaps in a blatant display of princely schadenfreude, captain Pataudi had sent Sarwate out to face the first ball of the innings.

Chandu Sarwate did not hit the winning runs as his captain had hoped, losing his wicket in his eagerness to score. But as India rattled off the runs, and Sarwate and Banerjee embraced each other in the dressing room, they were not to know that seven decades on, their dual centuries, scored while batting at No 10 and 11 respectively, would endure in the record books, their names forever immortalised by this greatest last-wicket stand in cricket.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Ross Taylor was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in a virtual ceremony held online because of COVID-19 restrictions.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2Wj49T3

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

In 'Nostalgia Drive', Anindya Dutta celebrates a significant victory in Indian cricket which occurred in that corresponding month in history

***

The year was 1946. In the first summer of first-class cricket after a devastating and debilitating war, the last team from Undivided India to tour Britain landed on her shores.

The squad included Hindus, Muslims, a Parsi (Rusi Modi), and a Christian (Vijay Hazare) — a side that represented the country's diversity. Leading the team, was Iftikhar Ali Khan, the Nawab of Pataudi, a man who had made his debut for England during the infamous Bodyline Series of 1932-33.

It was one of the wettest summers recorded in England, made worse by the early May start. But that did not prevent the crowds from coming out in numbers to witness the return of first-class cricket. This was a British Isles caught between the exhilaration of emerging victorious from the Second World War, and the devastation the war had wrought upon the country. The prospect of cricket was as invigorating as the summer rain.

Pataudi's team would play 33 matches on a tour that lasted four months. Twenty-nine of the matches, including three Tests, were first-class, and the Indians would win 11 of them, losing only four.

Starting their tour in Worcester and stopping by at Oxford, the visitors came to the Oval in London for a match that was destined to adorn the history books for decades to come.

(L-R) India's CS Nayudu, Shute Banerjee and Chandra Sarwate examine cricket bats (Photo via Getty Images)

‘What’s the Hurry in Surry?’

If you drive down the beautiful country roads in Surrey, barely an hour south of London, signs accost you every so often sending a subtle message to slow down, given the outstanding scenery. They read — What’s the Hurry in Surry?

On 11 May 1946, at the Oval, where Surrey plays their home matches, their captain, Nigel Bennett, (an amateur club Cricketer, who urban legend suggests was leading the side in a case of mistaken identity — the invitation to captain the county had gone out to him instead of Major Leo Bennett, a more accomplished cricketer) would ignore the sage advice displayed on the roads of his home county, in his hurry to end the Indian innings.

During the war, as Martin Williamson wrote in ESPN Cricinfo, ‘The Oval had been used as a searchlight site and then a prisoner-of-war detention centre. German bombs had damaged the pavilion and stands. The square, fenced off, had not been touched for six years. This was the inaugural first-class match at the ground since the end of hostilities the year before.’

Miraculously, the wicket was in good condition, and the Indians batted sensibly after losing two quick wickets. The one Surrey bowler who troubled them was Alec Bedser, about to make his debut in the first Test match, barely a week away.

By three minutes past four in the afternoon, Bedser had the Indians in dire straits at 205 for 9. It was at this stage that No 11 SN ‘Shute’ Banerjee strode out to join No 10 CS ‘Chandu’ Sarwate at the crease.

‘Banerjee came to join me,’ Sarwate was to later recall. ‘The Surrey captain then thought that we would last hardly a few minutes. He called the groundsman and was trying to tell him the roller that he would require.’

Banerjee and Sarwate — Two Contrasting Careers

Sarobindu Nath ‘Shute’ Banerjee was 35-years old when he stepped on to the Surrey turf that day. It was not his first tour of England.

In 1936, he had come to the British Isles as a feared fast-medium pacer in a team led by the unworthy Vizzy. Unwittingly made a pawn in a game of upmanship and petty rivalry between Vizzy and CK Nayudu, Banerjee was told just before the Test match started that he would no longer be a part of playing XI and would be replaced by Baqa Jilani. Jilani had ‘earned’ his place by publicly insulting Nayudu at the breakfast table on the instigation of Vizzy.

Ten years later, he would once again be denied a Test cap in England as lesser players won theirs. Banerjee would eventually play a sole Test match at home at the age of 38 against the West Indies in 1949, picking up five-wickets on a debut that had been delayed by 13-years.

In a fulfilling first-class career stretching more than 30 years, Banerjee took 385 wickets in 138 matches at an average of 26.61. For a fast-medium bowler operating on largely unresponsive tracks, these were magnificent numbers. His stock delivery was the one that came into the batsman, often resulting in a thick edge to the wicket-keeper. Slower balls that moved away after pitching in line was a variation that brought him a lot of wickets.

He was no mug with the bat either. With 3,715 runs including five centuries and 11 fifties, Banerjee made his wicket count as long as he was at the crease. As he walked in that day at The Oval, with his team’s situation precarious, Banerjee took comfort from the fact that in the previous season's Ranji Trophy, he had scored a fifty opening the innings for Bihar.

The man greeting him midway at the pitch was another remarkable character.

Chandrasekhar Trimbak ‘Chandu’ Sarwate was a fingerprint expert by profession with degrees in Arts and Law, and a cricketer by design. With 494 wickets against his name, this leg spinner in a career spanning 32 years had made a name for himself in the domestic circuit. And with 14 centuries and 38 fifties, he was far more accomplished than any No 10 batsman had a right to be. He was fated to be luckier than Banerjee, getting the opportunity to play nine Tests without particularly distinguishing himself in the process.

More importantly, Sarwate had also opened for Holkar, scoring a hundred in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, and the Banerjee-Sarwate pair had actually opened together for East Zone in 1945-46.

But the inexperienced Nigel Bennett could not have known any of this, and was in for the surprise of his life.

The Greatest Last Wicket Stand in History

Sarwate would later sum up what happened next when he recalled: ‘That evening we couldn't do anything wrong.’

Indeed they couldn’t.

The two men attacked with some brilliant hitting on the off side and Surrey had no answer, handicapped after Bedser’s 39-year-old fast bowling partner Alf Gover had gone off with a strained tendon in his heel.

By close of play on that first day, Sarwate had reached 107, Banerjee was 87, and the pair had added 193 in two hours. As the players trooped off The Oval that evening, Bennett did not even glance at the groundsman. The roller had long been forgotten.

John Arlott, making his debut as a BBC commentator in the series, wrote in his match report: ‘The two men batted capably and correctly, defending well against Bedser who bowled industriously, and scoring, chiefly in front of the wicket, by strokes made out of confidence and with no trace of last-wicket anxiety.’

The next day was Sunday, a rest day. At 12.27 pm on Monday, the stand finally ended when Banerjee was dismissed. The pair had added 249 in three hours and ten minutes, Sarwate making 124 not out and Banerjee 127. It had been the greatest last-wicket stand in history. Never before nor since have both No 10 and No 11 both scored a century in a first-class match.

The demoralised Englishmen were dismissed for 135, CS Nayudu taking a hat-trick with his leg spin. Pataudi gave Banerjee a rest from bowling. He had done enough.

Surrey followed on, ending the day at 172 without loss. But the next day Sarwate got into the act with his leg spin and picked up five for 54 to make the match truly memorable for him.

When the Indian opening pair walked out to score the 20-runs needed to register their nation’s first win in 10-years in first-class cricket, Surrey had their final surprise. As a reward for his all-round showing, or perhaps in a blatant display of princely schadenfreude, captain Pataudi had sent Sarwate out to face the first ball of the innings.

Chandu Sarwate did not hit the winning runs as his captain had hoped, losing his wicket in his eagerness to score. But as India rattled off the runs, and Sarwate and Banerjee embraced each other in the dressing room, they were not to know that seven decades on, their dual centuries, scored while batting at No 10 and 11 respectively, would endure in the record books, their names forever immortalised by this greatest last-wicket stand in cricket.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Wellington: Veteran batsman Ross Taylor has won the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal as New Zealand’s cricket player of the year, claiming the top award for the third time in its 10-year history.

File image of New Zealand's Ross Taylor. AP

The presentation was made by Hadlee on Friday, on the final day of New Zealand Cricket’s virtual awards ceremony.

In a season of milestones, Taylor surpassed Stephen Fleming as New Zealand’s leading Test run-scorer and became the first player from any nation to play 100 international matches in all three formats.

The 36-year-old scored 1,389 runs across in tests, one-day internationals and Twenty20 matches in the 2019-2020 season, playing in all but one of New Zealand’s 32 internationals in the awards period.

“It’s been full of ups and downs,” Taylor said. “A World Cup final, losing that final. The Boxing Day test which was such a proud moment to be part of and to have so many Kiwis there supporting us was something I’ll never forget."

Hadlee, regarded as New Zealand’s greatest cricketer, spoke to Taylor by video link in a ceremony forced online by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’ve followed your career since 2006 as I was part of the selection panel when you played your first ODI and then Test match," Hadlee said. “I’ve watched your progress over the past 14 years and I just want to congratulate you on all your performances and records to date.

“You’ve been a wonderful performer, you’ve got a fantastic record and on behalf of New Zealand Cricket I’d just like to say thanks very much for your contribution, not only to New Zealand cricket, but to world cricket.”

Seam bowler Tim Southee was named New Zealand’s Test Player of the Year after previously winning the award as best bowler. In the four tests New Zealand won during the awards period Southee took 25 wickets at an average of 16.4.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Posted in Labels: fantasy, news, sports

Posted in Labels: fantasy, news, sports

Posted in Labels: fantasy, news, sports

AB de Villiers made a shock retirement in 2018 but has since shown interest to return to the international side. Despite retiring from international cricket, the former South Africa player has been part of the T20 leagues including turning up for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The former captain said there is desire from his end to return to the international fold but admitted that he will only make a comeback if he feels that he has earned his place in the side.

"I don’t have an honest answer yet," said de Villiers on Star Sports' Cricket Connected on the possibility of a comeback. "What I can share with you guys is that the desire is there from my side. The desire to get me involved with the Proteas have been shown by Cricket South Africa as well. With Mark Boucher as coach and Graeme Smith as Director, they are keen to get me involved which is very pleasing to hear. I hope everything works out and there a few things that need to fall in place."

"The most important thing to me is I have to be in the tip-top form and I have to be better than the player next to me. If I deserve a spot in the side it becomes easy for me to feel like I deserve to be in the side and I have earned my spot. I have not been in the Proteas side for a while and I think that is important for myself and for other people as well to see if I am still good enough to play them," he added.

"I feel like my desire to play again. I am hungry now to perform I always wanted to play for South Africa and it has been privilege and honour to wear your country’s badge on your heart hopefully that happens again and I will do everything I can to give myself that opportunity again."

The 36-year-old played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s for the national side before his retirement.

Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered for the T20 World Cup later in the year only if he shows good form and proves himself to be the "best man for the job".

"I had some discussions with Boucher during the Mzansi Super League. We had a lot of fun with the Tshwane Spartans the team that I played for. With Boucher as coach I really enjoyed my time there. Boucher is a born leader, a natural leader. When he speaks you listen because he says the right things at right time but secondly he backs with 147 Test matches, a lot of ODIs and a lot of experience playing international cricket."

"When I listen to him I do feel like there is always something to learn so I really enjoy him as a coach and we started talking about my enjoyment for the game which he could see on my face when I was playing for his team, he asked me where does this comes from and why do you have so much energy and why do love the game so much doesn’t it mean you have a story to tell at the international level. I told him I have never closed that book I always wanted to play I had some obstacles to cover in last 3-4 years from a personal point of view. I always loved playing cricket and always loved hitting the cricket ball there were a lot of other factors involved in me not contributing the game as much as I should have."

De Villiers acknowledged the reason behind him not fully committing to a return was the cancellation to the sport forced by the pandemic. All matches have been cancelled with IPL a casualty as well. Biggest tournament on the calendar this year is the T20 World Cup in October and November in Australia. But the future of the 16-team event remains in the balance.

"The schedule for next 12 months is unclear with the virus hitting and what is going to happen with the cricket schedule around the world. That is one of my big worries and reasons why I am not committing to any cricket at the moment. Once I get an opportunity to go outside my house is to start hitting the cricket ball and to get into that form that I was in 2015 and lets say in the latter half of my career when I was playing cricket I really want to get into that form of playing cricket as quickly as I can. I want to focus but there is a lot of uncertainty in terms of scheduling of cricket over the next 12 months we will have to see what is going to happen."

Amid the lockdown, an outdoorsy AB has been focusing on setting a routine. "I have got a new workout , I have got a small gym in my home where I run a lot on my treadmill and I have the basics when it comes to dumbbells and I have mats to do my floor exercise as well. So I have kept myself busy with that I have got. Two toddlers: 3 and 5 years old have kept me busy. We do a little bit of school work online, me and my wife work throughout the day with our toddlers. At night when the kids are off to sleep, we have an hour or two to ourselves and we watch a bit of TV that keeps us busy and entertained. The most important for me and my wife this lockdown has been health and good routine," he concluded.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

The ECB's statement said playing the Hundred behind closed doors was not an option because an event with no fans "directly contradicts the competition's goal to attract a broader audience".

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/3f5emeo

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Brett Lee seems to be giving Andrew Symonds a very close haircut in a picture posted by ICC.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/3cZM177

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding feels that everything is not right with cricket at the moment and those in charge should use the pause to introspect.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2VRl8wB

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

New Delhi: Looking to suck out every dollar available, cricket was suffering from overkill and the coronavirus-forced break should be used to introspect whether the game is heading in the right direction, says West Indies fast bowling great Michael Holding.

The 66-year-old cricketer-turned-commentator personally believes hitting the pause button for a while was necessary amid excessive commercialisation of the sport.

"Just use the pause to look within the game, to look at what has been happening with the administrators, with the players, and think: Are we heading in the right direction? Is everything okay with our game? Personally, I don't think so," Holding told ESPNcricinfo.

"Everybody has just been head-over-heels charging down the hill, looking for every dollar available. But can we just pause a bit, hit a plateau for a bit and sit down and look and see if everything is fine? There is too much cricket being played, for one."

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill with sporting events around the globe have been postponed or cancelled. The hugely-popular Indian Premier League (IPL) has been postponed indefinitely and the T20 World Cup, to be held later this year in Australia, is also under doubt.

The deadly disease has so far claimed around 2,18,000 lives with India accounting for more than 1000 deaths.

Holding, nicknamed 'whispering death' for his quiet approach, said sooner or later the administrators will have to resume cricketing action and if needed, behind the closed doors.

"A lot of administrations figure that they have to play some form of the game to satisfy their broadcasters. Because if the broadcasters don't get what they pay for, they are going to demand their money back," said the Jamaican, who is an avid fan of horse racing and is currently locked down at Cayman Island.

"So they have to try and play cricket behind closed doors, or whatever form they can get to play. I can't fault them for trying to do that."

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Sydney: Amidst concerns that cash-strapped governing bodies will give priority to men's events over less-lucrative women's fixtures once the health crisis triggered by COVID-19 pandemic is over, star Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry believes that women sport will emerge unscathed.

Sporting activities around the world have been brought to a grinding halt by the coronavirus outbreak.

"Sport, in general, is resilient and I can't actually see it having a long-lasting negative effect," Perry told the Australian Associated Press.

"It's certainly made organisations rethink how they run their sports and their codes and potentially strip it back to what is really important."

"That's not necessarily a bad thing. I don't think it's going to affect women's sport. It's become so apparent that if you want all your population engaging in your code you need to engage all the population. And part of that is having women's involvement," she added.

Women's cricket has enjoyed unprecedented attention in the recent years, with about 86,000 spectators attending the Twenty20 World Cup final between Australia and India, last month.

"It's still very much an area for growth and that might be even more apparent after coronavirus because codes are going to have to keep finding new revenue streams."

The 29-year-old believes the Australian women's team could be the first side to resume cricket.

The Australian women's team could go ahead with its tour of Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at the start of the summer if travel exemptions for athletes between the two countries are applied.

"It might be the case that either the Aussie women's team or Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) might be the first cricket to start up again. I think there is a lot of scope in that," Perry said.

The all-rounder is of the opinion that the WBBL has a good chance of getting a stand-alone window in case the men T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia in October-November, is postponed.

"I was probably a little fearful for this WBBL because of the men's T20 World Cup. I think it probably would have got swallowed in that."

"If the men's World Cup doesn't go ahead then it's a really good chance for us to have a stand-alone window," Perry said.

Click here to follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

With cricket activities halted, David Warner is utilising the time to sharpen his dance moves, as is evident from his social media posts.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/3f39oyA

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

London: England pacer Stuart Broad does not foresee a resumption of cricket any time soon even as the stakeholders of the game consider holding matches in empty stadiums to counter the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus outbreak has caused a collapse of sports events worldwide, forcing either cancellations or postponements.

Like other sports, international and domestic cricket too has been disrupted leading the national boards to contemplate resuming the game behind closed doors.

"It's strange for players. It does still feel a long way away from getting back to playing cricket," Broad told the BBC.

The 33-year-old is confident that the stakeholders of the game won't be going ahead with tournaments if any risks are involved.

"One thing is for sure the sport won't take any risks. We will only be back playing live cricket when it has been deemed safe to do so by the government," Broad said.

"I think that would be behind closed doors and players and management staff would be in a close environment.

"There has been talks about playing in grounds with hotels built in them so you don't have to leave and move too far. Obviously, we will be shining the ball and there will be contact quite naturally," he added.

However, the England speedster feels the players must continue to do whatever is in their hands to get back on the field.

"But we just have to make sure we are doing everything we can right now as players and don't delay playing due to fitness reasons once we are told to play," he said.

Last week, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) suspended all forms of professional cricket till 1 July.

England were scheduled to launch the inaugural edition of The Hundred, a new 100 balls per side format to be played by eight franchises, in July.

But with the latest delay in the commencement of the game, the tournament may be delayed.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Rohit Sharma turned 33 on Thursday and he was greeted with a loving wish from wife Ritika Sajdeh.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/3f4B46b

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Auckland: Skipper Kane Willamson was on Thursday named the men's ODI Player of the Year at the annual New Zealand Cricket awards for his stellar performance throughout the year.

Ross Taylor and White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine took home the men's and women's T20 Player of the Year award respectively, while Suzie Bates was rewarded for her consistency with the bat as she claimed the women's ODI player of the year.

The awards were presented online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Williamson had a hugely successful year, both individually and with the New Zealand team, which he led to the World Cup final.

At the World Cup, the 29-year-old amassed 578 runs at an average of 82, including two centuries, which culminated in him being named player of the tournament.

"Kane was simply exceptional at the ICC Cricket World Cup last year," New Zealand head coach, Gary Stead said.

"Kane fully deserved his selection. He builds great partnerships with our well-established middle order and when he bats deep in an ODI innings, we'll invariably be in a good position to win most of those matches.

"He leads the team well, he has his own style and certainly the respect of his peers. His calm, purposeful demeanour flows through his leadership and, in turn, the team," he added.

Veteran Blackcaps batsman Taylor scored 330 runs at a strike-rate of 130 to take home the honour in the shortest format of the game.

"A man of Ross' international experience is very valuable in the fast and furious nature of T20 cricket," Stead said.

"He has the ability to sum up batting conditions quickly and accurately in a variety of venues and countries. This is a skill which serves the team well and helps us adapt plans quickly in the shortest form of the game."

In women's cricket, Bates was named the ODI player of the year after making two half-centuries in three matches against South Africa - the team's only games in the format in the past year.

Despite only having one ODI series against South Africa at home this summer, Bates showed her class scoring 142 runs at an average of 42.

"Suzie has been a world class performer for many years," White Ferns head coach, Bob Carter said.

"She paces an ODI innings really well and has the ability to read fields and pre-empt what opposition captains are trying to do and how they are looking to contain or restrict her game."

In women's T20, Devine enjoyed an unprecedented year, scoring her maiden T20 century while also becoming the first player, male or female, to reach 50 in five, and then six, consecutive T20 Internationals.

"Sophie had an exceptional season with the bat in T20 cricket," Carter said.

Devine scored 429 runs at an average of 71 and at a strike-rate of 132 employing a power game that rivals the best female players in the world.

"Our T20 side is at its best when Sophie is scoring runs at the top. She gives others around her the freedom to play their natural game.

"Sophie's ability with the ball in T20 cricket goes under the radar at times. She will often step up and bowl the hard overs and uses changes of pace to her advantage. She is a top quality all-rounder and an exceptional T20 talent," Carter said.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

The Pakistan Cricket Board has banned Umar Akmal for three years for failing to report corrupt approaches.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/35omi5R

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

India’s star batsman and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma turned 33 on Thursday. The right-handed batsman who made his debut in 2007 saw his career take a massive turn when he was asked to open for India in the 2013 Champion's trophy.

On his birthday, wishes have been pouring in from all across India, including those from the cricketing fraternity.

His Indian Premier League (IPL) team Mumbai Indians was one of the first to wish him. “As the clock strikes 12, we wish our Captain - our Leader more boundaries, more sixes, more runs, more records and many more trophies Paltan, send out your wishes with #HitmanDay #HappyBirthdayRohit #OneFamily @ImRo45," read the post.

As the clock strikes 1️⃣2️⃣, we wish our Captain - our Leader more boundaries, more sixes, more runs, more records and many more trophies

Paltan, send out your wishes with #HitmanDay #HappyBirthdayRohit #OneFamily @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/Gflye8ZyVq

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 29, 2020

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) too posted a video on Twitter, remembering Rohit Sharma’s debut in Test cricket.

Happy Birthday, Hitman

On @ImRo45's special day, here is a recap of The Hitman show in whites. This one was in one of his favourite hunting grounds - Kolkata #HappyBirthdayRohit

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 30, 2020

Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri wished a "great year ahead" to the ‘hitman’ and wished health and happiness for Sharma and his family as well.

Happy Birthday, Sharmaaaa! Have a great year ahead. Here's wishing you and your family health and happiness - God Bless @ImRo45 #HappyBirthdayRohit #HitmanDay #HappyBirthdayHitman pic.twitter.com/lNlGfYN9aa

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 30, 2020

“Happy birthday to Rohit Sharma, a master of the pull shot,” the International Cricket Council wrote on their Twitter wall.

364 international appearances
14,029 runs
39 centuries

Happy birthday to Rohit Sharma, a master of the pull shot pic.twitter.com/ikHjVBApob

— ICC (@ICC) April 30, 2020

Khaleed Ahmed, Mohammad Shami, Mayank Agarwal and the official twitter handle of IPL too extended their wishes to Sharma on his birthday.

You are one of the nicest and most genuine people I know. Wish you a very happy birthday bro @ImRo45 #HappyBirthdayRohit #HappyBirthdayHitman

— Khaleel Ahmed (@imK_Ahmed13) April 30, 2020

Happy birthday to you. From good friends and true, from old friends and new, may good luck go with you and happiness too!”@ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/5wtgrhUsbn

— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) April 29, 2020

Happy birthday to you. From good friends and true, from old friends and new, may good luck go with you and happiness too!”@ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/5wtgrhUsbn

— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) April 29, 2020

Happy birthday to you. From good friends and true, from old friends and new, may good luck go with you and happiness too!”@ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/5wtgrhUsbn

— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) April 29, 2020

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Star Australian opener David Warner does not see the need to abolish the use of saliva to shine the ball when cricket resumes in the post COVID-19 world as he feels it is no more or no less risky than sharing the change room with fellow players.

There is speculation that the use of saliva to shine the ball will be stopped to cut down the risk of the highly contagious infection when international cricket restarts.

"You're sharing change rooms and you're sharing everything else, I don't see why you have to change that," Warner told cricket.com.au.

"It's been going around for hundreds of years now, I can't recall anyone that's got sick by doing that. If you're going to contract a bug, I don't think it'd necessarily be just from that.

"I'm not too sure but it's not my place to comment on whether or not we should or shouldn't (use saliva to shine the ball). It's up to the ICC and the governing bodies to decide."

However, former fast bowler Shaun Tait believes it is important to be open about changes and the use of saliva could become a thing of the past.

"I've never been a huge fan of the saliva on the ball, it's not very nice really," Tait said.

"We have to be open to some possible changes there."

The subject of legalisation of ball tampering has led to divided opinions with West Indies pace great Michael Holding saying it is a bit "self contradictory", while South Africa legend Allan Donald being open to the idea.

Among others, batting great Sachin Tendulkar said players will be wary of using saliva to shine the ball, while Pakistan legend Waqar Younis, former India pacer Ashish Nehra and spinner Harbhajan Singh have supported the use of spit.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja were among the six players dropped from Cricket Australia's list of nationally contracted players.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2ydwguz

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

A lost conversation. That’s what I think about when I think of Sana Mir. I was interviewing her for this article on the rivalry between India and Pakistan’s women’s teams, and as I started to transcribe it later, I realised that a part of the recording was incomplete. I scrambled to type out everything I remembered from the chat; thankfully, most of it was safe, recounting stories of stone-pelting (Asia Cup 2006, when Pakistan toured India), record-breaking (2012, when Pakistan beat India for the first time in World Cups), and an Asian collusion at Lord’s.

This last occasion was in 2014, when Mir played alongside Jhulan Goswami, Mithali Raj, and Shashikala Siriwardene for a Rest of the World side playing against the MCC, as part of the club’s double centenary celebrations. “I remember Mithali was standing at mid-off, and that was the first time Mithali was cheering for me, ‘that was a good ball, do it again’. It was quite an amazing feeling cheering for each other,” Mir told me at the time.

It is an anecdote that reflects Mir’s global appeal, attested to by the many congratulations that have poured in upon her retirement. They recognise Pakistan’s greatest female cricketer, whose intangible legacy is as rich and valuable as her tangible one.

Let’s count what we can first. Mir finishes as ODI cricket’s fifth-highest wicket-taker, and she is in the top-10 in T20Is too. She led her country to two Asian Games gold medals, pieces of metal that were instrumental in the transformation of the image of women’s cricket in Pakistan in the early 2010s.

She was recently named captain of Wisden’s Team of the Decade, underlining how highly her leadership is rated around the world. Her career survived an early back injury, and the switch from medium pace to off-spin that it demanded. Her bowling evolution saw her reach the No 1 rank in ODIs, the first Pakistani to do so (by which time she had added leg-spin to her bag of tricks). Most significantly, she led Pakistan to two WT20 wins against India, in 2012 and 2016, the only times a Pakistan team have had success over India in World Cup cricket.

But to understand what Sana Mir means to Pakistan, it is necessary to peek into Pakistan. I had that honour when I was a part of the India Under-21 team that toured Lahore in 2005, when Mir was making her first appearances in green. But 15 years ago is a long time. To stay current I called up Ahmer Naqvi, Karachi-based freelance journalist who wrote this profile of Mir in 2015.

“If you stop the comparison with male cricketers, then Sana Mir is easily the most recognisable athlete in Pakistan,” he said. Athlete, not just female athlete. She has been the face of campaigns run by bigwigs like Uber and Pepsi. She has been the voice of social causes, speaking out against body shaming. She has been on billboards, as a contradiction and inspiration to countless women who are told they cannot ride pillion on motorbikes unless they sit side saddle.

Women’s cricket in Pakistan has been walking a tightrope for a decade. Naqvi describes the Overton Window of society there, where feminism and women’s rights are difficult conversations even in well-educated circles.

Cricket is inseparable from the national psyche, but expanding this construct to include women in a leap many are yet to take. To even have discussions on women’s cricket, you need to find a few firm feet on a lake of thin ice. And in those rare and unwelcoming patches, women’s cricket finds a few inches to put down roots, seeking sunlight and space.

“In that sense, the idea of women playing cricket is just very difficult to discuss in polite society. For it to survive it always needs to not be too apparent, until suddenly it becomes acceptable. That’s a really central dilemma,” says Naqvi.

In this context, Mir’s 15-year international career grows even taller, especially the first Asian Games gold medal in 2010 (India did not send men’s or women’s teams). From receiving death threats a decade earlier, the Pakistan women’s team were briefly the toast of the nation, elevating them above the men, who won the bronze.

Charged with not just becoming the best cricketer she could, but also helping her team believe the same, Mir’s competitiveness has paved the way for other leaders to emerge. Bismah Mahroof and Javeria Khan have both led the side since 2017, and Nida Dar became the first Pakistani to play in the Women’s Big Bash.

Helping the team believe they could beat powerhouse neighbours India is something she counts most special. “We had a mental block before that (2012) that we could not beat India because we had never beaten them... Once you beat a team, they are not unbeatable next time you face them. That’s why that match is very special to me. To be able to do it, cross the line.”

The latter third of her career saw some inevitable clashes with the establishment. She was the first woman cricketer to achieve national recognition, a sister-figure to many in the team, even after the captaincy passed on to younger players. Perhaps it was the unavoidable complications of being the first woman to truly shine in a male-dominated cricketing landscape. We do not know. What we know is that there was certainly discontent at her exclusion for the squad for the 2020 T20 World Cup, with the captain Mahroof mentioning that she would have preferred to have Mir in the side.

Mir eventually did make the World Cup, at the invitation of the ICC to the historic final at the MCG, where she was among a few select legends of the game to provide a guard of honour to the two teams in the innings break. It was a grand moment to be a part of, with more than 86,000 clapping on, but as a fellow player, I think Mir might have preferred to retire on her own terms, with her teammates flanking her, no matter if there was no one in the audience. But sport carries no guarantees, no scripts, and we all sign up to that.

My favourite Sana Mir memory comes from that lost audio clip, describing the second time Pakistan beat India, in a rain-affected game at Delhi in the 2016 WT20. As the captains were informed about the outcome, Mir’s teammates started their celebrations, but she held on for a split second, showing the grace to not smile too widely as she shook hands with her Indian counterpart. And she told me in that interview that she later counselled her teammates against celebrating too much in the dressing room, cognizant of the fact that the catering and stadium staff who had taken such good care of them so far were all Indian.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Rishi Kapoor had fought a long battle with cancer before he died at a hospital in Mumbai on Thursday.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2WdpgG6

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Karachi: Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal could have a part of his three-year anti-corruption ban suspended when the judge heading the Cricket Board's disciplinary Panel gives out his detailed judgement soon, a source in the PCB has said.

After the hour-long hearing of the panel held on April Monday in Lahore, where Umar appeared himself to plead his case, Justice (retd) Miran Chohan announced a three-year ban on the batsman for failing to report corrupt approaches.

"People are jumping to conclusions about the three-year ban but the detailed order is yet to come out. Umar might eventually get a three-year ban with two years suspended or something like that," the source told PTI.

He said there are chances the judge will suspend most part of the three-year ban given the clauses under which Umar has been charged by the Anti-Corruption Unit and also given his past track record.

"Umar could get a suspended sentence in his three-year ban because this will also test him as an individual to see how he behaves and conducts himself in future," the source said.

"When majority part of a ban is suspended, the player has to be careful with his behaviour or he could end up being banned for the entire duration of the ban," he explained.

Umar has the right to appeal against the panel decision 14 days after he gets a copy of the detailed judgement. His appeal will be heard by an independent adjudicator to be appointed by the board.

Two years ago, the Anti-Corruption Tribunal of the PCB, headed by Lt. General (retd) Tauqir Zia, had also banned Sharjeel Khan for five years with half of the sentence suspended, which allowed him to make a comeback in the Pakistan Super League 5 in February.

Umar was suspended from playing in the PSL 5 on 20 February by the PCB in the spot-fixing approach case.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

The BCCI wished Rohit Sharma on his 33rd birthday by recalling a special knock from one of his favourite hunting ground.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2YkbWTc

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Melbourne: Star batsman Marnus Labuschagne and two other Test players, Joe Burns and Matthew Wade, have been added by Cricket Australia to its list of 20 contracted players for the 2020-21 season.

The value of each contract is still uncertain because of the coronavirus pandemic which has forced Cricket Australia to furlough the bulk of its staff.

File image of Marnus Labuschagne. AP

Players are usually ranked by selectors and paid an income that corresponds to where they are rated on the list but COVID-19 uncertainty continues to affect the upcoming schedule and Cricket Australia's revenue projections.

Among those upcoming events in doubt are the men’s Twenty20 World Cup, which Australia is scheduled to host in October and November. The Australians are also scheduled to host a series against India involved four Test matches, three one-day internationals and three T20Is.

Labuschagne didn't have a central contract last season but is expected to be one of the most highly ranked players for 20-21 after a strong Ashes series in England and home summer against Pakistan and New Zealand.

Labuschagne scored four half-centuries against England after joining the Ashes series midway through the second test as Steve Smith’s concussion substitute. He then added three centuries and one double century in five tests in Australia.

He also made his ODI debut in January and has scored 305 runs in six innings at an average of 50.33, including his first ODI century against South Africa in Potchefstroom.

Usman Khawaja, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Marcus Harris, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh and Marcus Stoinis were dropped from the list, making way for Ashton Agar, Mitchell Marsh, Kane Richardson, opening batsman Burns and veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Wade.

“We feel all deserve their inclusion recognizing the performances of those players in the past 12 months and, as importantly, what they can offer in the next 12 months,” chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said on Thursday.

“Marnus’ rise has been meteoric and well documented, Joe has been a good test match player, Ashton Agar’s form in T20 internationals has been exceptional, while Kane Richardson has been outstanding in the 20-over and one-day games."

Cricket Australia 2020-21 men's contracted players list: Ashton Agar, Joe Burns, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

England all-rounder Moeen Ali said if he gets a call tomorrow to play, he will definitely put his hand up.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/3f6R1ss

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Star South African batsman AB de Villiers on Wednesday denied being approached to lead the national team hours after a TV channel quoted him as saying that an offer has been made by the country's cricket board.

File photo AB de Villiers. Reuters

"Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days," de Villiers tweeted.

The explosive batsman retired from all forms of international cricket in 2018 but there has been talk of a return in the national team.

Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected', in a press release, quoted him as saying that he has "been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again."

The 36-year-old played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s for the national side before his retirement.

The former captain said that he will only make a comeback if he feels that he is good enough to play at the international level even though he has been a regular on franchise circuit.

"The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI," he said.

"I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it's important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there," he said.

South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that de Villiers would be considered in the national team for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia only if he shows good form and proves himself to be the "best man for the job".

But in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, de Villiers said he is not sure of a comeback if the T20 World Cup, to be held in October-November, is postponed.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Wednesday said that the Pak-Indo-Lanka joint management Committee (PILCOM), which was formed for the purpose of conducting 1996 Cricket World Cup, was liable to deduct tax at source for payments made to non-resident sports associations for the tournament.

PILCOM was a committee formed by the cricket boards or associations of Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka for the purpose of conducting the 1996 Cricket World Cup which was jointly-hosted by these three countries.

The apex court said that payments made to the non-resident sports associations for the tournament represented their income which accrued or deemed to have arisen in India.

A bench comprising Justices UU Lalit and Vineet Saran delivered its judgement on an appeal filed by PILCOM challenging the November 2010 order of the Calcutta High Court in this regard.

"In the premises, it must be held that the payments made to the non-resident sports associations in the present case represented their income which accrued or arose or was deemed to have accrued or arisen in India. Consequently, the appellant (PILCOM) was liable to deduct tax at source in terms of section 194E of the Act," the bench said, while dismissing the appeal of PILCOM.

Section 194E of the Income Tax Act deals with payments to non-resident sportsmen or sports associations.

The verdict noted that out of 37 matches played in all in the World Cup, only 17 were played in India.

Detailing the facts, the judgement noted that these three host countries were required to pay varying amounts to cricket boards or associations of different countries as well as to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in connection with conducting the preliminary phases of the tournament and also for promotion of game in their respective countries.

Two bank accounts were opened by PILCOM in London, to be operated jointly by the representatives of Indian and Pakistan cricket boards, in which receipt from sponsorship, TV rights and others were deposited and from which the expenses were met.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had appointed its committee for the purpose of hosting World Cup matches in India.

Since the convener-secretary of the BCCI's committee was functioning from Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta), necessary bank accounts were opened there for receipts and expenditure relating to World Cup matches to be held in India.

Certain amounts were transferred from bank accounts in London to the three co-host countries for disbursement of fees payable to the umpires and referees and also defraying administrative expenses and prize money.

It came to the knowledge of income tax (IT) department that PILCOM had made payments to ICC as well as to cricket control boards or associations of different member countries of ICC from its two London bank accounts.

Thereafter, the income tax department issued a notice to the office of PILCOM located in Kolkata asking it to show-cause why actions under the relevant section of IT Act be not taken against it for its failure to deduct taxes from payments made by it in accordance with section 194E.

During the arguments before the top court, PILCOM's counsel had said that payments were towards grant of privilege and had nothing to do with matches that were played in India and they were made in accordance with the decision of ICC in a meeting held in London.

PILCOM's counsel had argued that the amounts were made over in England and the basic question in the matter was whether any income had accrued in India.

The counsel appearing for the IT department had argued in the top court that income in question had arisen from a source of income in India, which was playing of cricket matches here, and the requirement of law was fully satisfied.

"In the present case, the non-resident sports associations had participated in the event, where cricket teams of these associations had played various matches in the country," the apex court said.

"Though the payments were described as guarantee money, they were intricately connected with the event where various cricket teams were scheduled to play and did participate in the event. The source of income, as rightly contended by the Revenue, was in the playing of the matches in India," the bench said.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Six months of the ban has been suspended after Deepak Agarwal accepted one charge of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/35hzrOg

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Several cricketers, including Virat Kohli, have decided to auction their gear to generate money to fight the coronavirus pandemic and Azhar Ali has now joined the list.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/3aP44vr

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

BCCI ombudsman and ethics officer DK Jain is yet to hear from the top brass on his contract extension after his one-year term ended in February.

Justice Jain was appointed as Ombudsman cum Ethics Officer in February, 2019 and now it is up to the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah to offer him an extension.

"It was some time back that the CEO (Rahul Johri) had verbally asked me if I would be interested in an extension and I had said yes. But after that I haven't yet heard from them. Obviously, now the situation is different due to the lockdown," Justice (retired) Jain told PTI on Wednesday.

"Let BCCI come up with a formal (written) offer and I will definitely consider it," Jain added.

Asked if he has received any new set of complaints, he replied: "I wouldn't be knowing because BCCI sends me the list. Right now, the office is closed because of the lockdown. I don't think there are any new cases of Conflict of Interest."

Jain said there are five cases that are pending with him.

"If I remember correctly, there are either four or five cases pending. One of them is Conflict of Interest case of Mayank Parikh," said Jain.

Parikh is a former liaison officer of the Indian cricket team. One of the complaints against Parikh was that he ran six clubs in Mumbai.

Jain's tenure started with the "Koffee with Karan" controversy involving KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya.

He had subsequently heard numerous cases of Conflicts of Interest cases, notable being that of former Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) members Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and VVS Laxman.

Back in February during an Apex Council meeting, the appointment of separate Ombudsman and Ethics Officer was on the agenda but there hasn't been much progress on that front.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Mike Hussey picked Virender Sehwag to open the innings, while chose Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to bat at number four and five respectively.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2yPrhjZ

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

There have been many instances of people taking help from their family members to get some much-needed grooming during the coronavirus lockdown. The latest to join the league is cricketer Yusuf Pathan.

Yusuf got a haircut from his brother and former Team India bowler Irfan Pathan. Yusuf shared his pictures before and after the haircut on Instagram. He also put out a picture showing Irfan at work.

“Before and after courtesy : @irfanpathan_official swipe to see the barber;)” read the caption.

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli also received a haircut from his wife Anushka Sharma.

The actress put out a video in which she can be seen trimming Kohli’s hair. “This is what quarantine does to you, you allow things like these to happen. Getting a haircut with kitchen scissors,” Virat says in the video.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also recently shared a picture of cutting his own hair during the lockdown. “From playing square cuts to doing my own haircuts, have always enjoyed doing different things. ‪How’s my new hairdo looking,” Tendulkar wrote in the caption of the pic.‬

Irfan Pathan had hit the headlines in December last year after he hit back at former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq for calling Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah a “baby bowler”.

Razzaq said that he had played against great bowlers like Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram and Bumrah is a baby bowler in front of him.

Irfan requested fans not to pay any heed to such unnecessary and over the top comments. He recalled a statement made by former Pakistan cricketer Javed Miandad that bowlers like Irfan could be found in every lane of Pakistan to add context.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

AB de Villiers said he wants to ensure that he is in top form when the time comes for donning the national colours.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2KOvUgB

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Ben Stokes has said his Australian rival and IPL teammate Steve Smith is a "genius" as well as "strange" as he hailed the number one Test batsman.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2VKHXSs

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Cricket South Africa has asked AB de Villiers "to lead the national side once again" but the dashing batsman wants to ensure that he is in top form when the time comes for donning the national colours.

File photo AB de Villiers. Reuters

De Villiers, an explosive batsman, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket in May 2018 but of late there have been talks of an imminent return in the national team.

But the former captain said that he will only make a comeback if he feels that he is good enough to play at the international level even though he has been a regular on franchise circuit.

"The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI," he said.

"I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it's important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there," he said.

South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered in the national team for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia only if he shows good form and proves himself to be the "best man for the job".

But in wake of COVID-19, De Villiers is still not sure when the next round of cricket will be played.

"However, with the virus going around, I don't know what's going to happen with the schedule," he signed off.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has cricket at its heart but it's surrounded with glitz, glamour and money. Every action-packed edition of the carnival not only satiates the hunger of cricket junkies but also brings along the opportunity for many to turn their dreams into reality. Players rise from obscurity to stardom on the IPL's platform. Rags to riches stories are scripted with players not only gaining our attention but also winning our hearts.

But once in a while there are youngsters who enter the arena of the most popular T20 league with their reputation preceding them. It was the same for Shivam Mavi.

With his searing pace, ability to swing the ball at high speed and a potent bouncer, Mavi had helped India clinch their record fourth Under-19 World Cup title in 2018. The fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh finished the tournament with nine wickets which came at an impressive average of 18.89.

In the auction for the 2018 edition of IPL, that took place during the U-19 World Cup, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) snapped up the young pacer for a whopping Rs 3 crore for his ability to constantly clock 145 kmph.

Now it was just a wait of a few more months before Mavi had the opportunity to showcase his talent in the most followed franchise tournament in cricket. That wait was stretched a bit more with KKR boasting Mitchell Johnson, Andre Russell and Vinay Kumar in their ranks. The D-Day finally came on 14th April against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Mavi was set for a debut at home in KKR's third match of the season.

In the auction for the 2018 edition of IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders snapped up Shivam Mavi for a whopping Rs 3 crore. Sportzpics

On a day that was expected to be nondescript as the previous ones, the information of Mavi's impending debut was relayed to him by head coach and legendary Jacques Kallis and assistant coach Simon Katich, a day ahead of the match during the team's training session.

"I knew a day before Sunrisers match that I would be making my IPL debut," Mavi tells Firstpost. "Jacques Kallis and Simon Katich sir informed me during the nets."

From there on, it was about preparing for the big game. KKR were under the pump after losing the previous match against Chennai Super Kings. For Mavi it was going to be a momentous occasion. Senior teammates Johnson and Russell took the lead in preparing the youngster for it.

"Mitchell Johnson and Andre Russell came to me to speak to me ahead of the debut match to help me release the pressure. They were cracking jokes with me. They spoke to me before the match and during it as well. They kept guiding me about how I should bowl in a given situation," says Mavi.

Although, when you speak with the young fast bowler, it seems like he would not have required much preparation. The pressure of mega money riding on your name could get to any player let alone an upcoming cricketer, but Mavi seemed very sorted in that department. He knows good cricket is root of all the money and fame.

The time he spent with his former coach Rahul Dravid seems to have served him well.

"I never felt the pressure of the money that KKR had spent on me. I never think of things like that. I didn't think about it on my debut as well. My focus is always on the cricket. It's easy to get distracted when you lack experience but mental aspect plays a major role in cricket and if you can keep your focus away from money, it will be of great help," shares the 21-year-old cricketer.

What did got Mavi anxious to an extent was the wait to get the ball in his hands on debut.

"Kallis sir gave me the cap before the match. His instructions were pretty simple. He told me to go out and enjoy the game. He said process is more important and I must look to implement on pitch what I have practised," recounts Mavi.

KKR batted first and posted 138/8 with Mavi being the last to get out on the last ball of the innings. In reply, KKR went with experience to defend the modest total.

Mavi only got to roll his arms in the 15th over. He gave away 10 runs and was hit for a six by Kane Williamson. That was to be end of his bowling on the night.

Understandably, it wasn't a performance to remember for long for the pacer as his team lost the match.

"The wait was long. Even the ball came very late to me, so there was some anxiety but I had prepared for it."

The most memorable moment for Mavi comes from his second IPL match when he cleaned bowled the then Delhi Daredevils captain Gautam Gambhir.

"Next match, I got to bowl from the start and I picked up the wicket of Delhi Daredevils' captain Gautam Gambhir. That's the most memorable moment for me from IPL," says Mavi.

After his debut, Mavi went on to play eight more matches in the league before missing the 2019 edition due to a back injury. And while he didn't have the most memorable debut, what lives in his memory is the experience of playing in front of packed Eden Gardens. He played in front of big crowds in the U-19 World Cup but the first experience of it on that night was quite unique.

"It was an amazing experience to play in front of 50-55,000 people. That feeling of playing in front of such a big crowd, when they cheer for you is great experience."

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Out-of-favour Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal feels his banned younger brother Umar should learn from the exemplary conduct of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli both on and off the field.

Umar was slapped with a three-year ban from all forms of cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his failure to report corrupt approaches ahead of the Pakistan Super League.

"My advice for Umar is that he has to learn. If he has made a mistake, he must learn from others. He is still young. There are many distractions in life," Kamran said on a chat show Cow Corner Chronicles.

"But he must learn from say, Virat Kohli. In the early days of IPL, Virat was different and then he changed his attitude and approach. Look how he has turned into world's number one batsman," he added.

Kamran said he can also benefit from observing the conduct of Tendulkar and Dhoni who have always steered clear of controversy.

"There is our own Babar Azam who is now in the top three in the world. Then there are other examples like Dhoni. Look at the way he led his team. Then Sachin paaji who was always away from controversies. These are fantastic examples before us."

"We should observe and learn from them. They only looked at the sport. Off the ground, their behaviour was impeccable with their fans and they are fine ambassadors for the sport. We can only benefit from their examples."

Kamran feels his younger brother was handed a harsh punishment as others have been let off more leniently for similar offences.

"He can never be what the media says he did. He may have reported late, but PCB should deal with him like anyone else. Cricket is our bread and butter.

"He has been dealt a very raw deal by the previous management (led by former coach Mickey Arthur). He needs a bit more support," Kamran said.

Kamran, who featured in 53 Tests, 157 ODIs and 58 T20Is, last played for Pakistan in 2017 in the white-ball formats.

Most famously, Kamran clashed with Gautam Gambhir during the 2010 Asia Cup in Dambulla and later with Ishant Sharma during a T20I in Bengaluru in 2012-13.

"It was all due to misunderstanding and happened in the heat of the moment then. Gautam and I are good friends because we have played a lot in A' cricket. We meet regularly, have food together."

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Irrfan Khan, one of India's top actors, died in Mumbai on Wednesday and the sports fraternity got together to condole his death.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/2yas6Uf

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar has lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board for not taking serious action against people who get themselves involved in match-fixing.

from Latest Cricket News, Cricket Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com https://ift.tt/3aLp9H5

Posted in Labels: Cricket Info, Latest Cricket News, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com

Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar believes that Virender Sehwag's Pakistani contemporary, Imran Nazir, was more talented than the aggressive Indian but didn't have his brain and was also let down by the country's cricket administration.

The 44-year-old believes Pakistan, in general, did not take good care of the talent it had.

"I don't think Imran Nazir had the brain that Sehwag had. I don't think Sehwag had the talent that Imran Nazir had. There is no comparison with regards to talent. We tried to contain him a little," Akhtar told local media.

"When he hit a brutal hundred against India in a side match, I asked them to play Imran Nazir consistently but they didn't listen."

Nazir played only eight Tests for Pakistan, scoring 427 runs and featured in 79 ODIs to score 1895 runs.

Sehwag, on the other hand, scored 8586 Test runs from 104 matches and had 8273 ODI runs from 251 matches.

Criticising the Pakistan cricket establishment, the Rawalpindi Express said it did not nurture the players it had.

"It is unfortunate that we do not know how to take care of our brands. We could have had a player better than Virender Sehwag in Imran Nazir. He had all the shots while also being a good fielder. We could have utilised him brilliantly but we just couldn't," he said.

The former pacer said legendary former batsman Javed Miandad played a crucial role in shaping Nazir's career.

"Whenever Imran Nazir played well, it was because of Javed Miandad. He would be in the dressing room and trying to get him to play.

"Whenever he played a bad shot Javed bhai would send him a message in order to keep him focused," he concluded.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News

Sydney: Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey on Wednesday picked the Indian trio of swashbuckling former opener Virender Sehwag, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and current skipper Virat Kohli in his 'Best Enemies XI' in Test cricket.

Hussey, who played Test cricket for Australia from 2005 to 2013, picked the Best XI of opponents he has played against in Test cricket on "The Unplayable Podcast".

The 44-year-old named Sehwag, known for his explosive batting, and former South African captain Graeme Smith as openers in the strong batting line-up which also includes the likes of Brian Lara, Tendulkar, Kohli, Jacques Kallis and Kumar Sangakkara.

Hussey picked Tendulkar and Kohli to bat at number four and five respectively.

South Africans Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, English pacer James Anderson and spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan made for the bowling attack.

The Australian said it was difficult for him to leave out former Chennai Super Kings teammate MS Dhoni. He justified his decision, stating that the dasher from Ranchi was pipped by Sangakkara based on the impact in the longest format of the game.

"I wrestled with this one between Kumar Sangakkara, MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers. But I think the latter two have got more impact in the shorter formats T20s and ODI."

"Sangakkara had immense impact in Test cricket," Hussey said.

Asked what it was like facing bowling legends like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Brett Lee in the nets, the former middle-order batsman said the sessions were ruthless.

"It was brutal. If you can get through your net sessions unscathed you know you can get through any thing in Test cricket."

"That was real strength of the Australian team when I was playing," he added.

Hussey, was part of a dominant Australian side,and the southpaw, believes "high quality training" was the reason behind the team's success.

"Seeing the current team train now, the high quality training probably sets up apart from the other countries certainly the West Indies. Have seen a couple of their training session and they are much more relaxed."

"I think that has played an important part in Australia's success in the past."

Michael Hussey's 'Best of Enemies' XI: Virender Sehwag, Graeme Smith, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, James Anderson, Muttiah Muralitharan.

Posted in Labels: Firstpost Firstcricketnews Latest News