The Indian blind cricket team will not compete in the T20 World Cup as the government has denied it permission to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, the national federation said on Tuesday. The Indian team was supposed to cross the Wagah border on Wednesday for the event, scheduled to be held from November 23 to December 3. Also Read: Virat Kohli’s MRF bat fetches a price that will make your eyes pop The Indian blind cricket team had got a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sports ministry for participation but apparently couldn't get clearance from the MEA. "We have been told unofficially that the blind team will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were scheduled to travel to Wagah border tomorrow. But as of now no clearance has come from the ministry officials. So, we are a bit disappointed," Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), told PTI. "They are saying when the mainstream cricket team is not safe how can you be safe there. Of course, we will accept the decision, but why hold the decision till the last minute, why not inform us a month or 25 days back. There is a process," Yadab added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 10:21 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIFans are eagerly awaiting the commencement of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the first Test set to take place at Perth's Optus Stadium starting November 22. The series holds immense significance for both teams, as it could have a major impact on their chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship final. For Australia, the stakes are high as they look to avoid a third consecutive series defeat to India on home soil. After losing the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Aussies are desperate to bounce back and secure an early advantage in the series. With their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final hanging in the balance, this series is crucial for their aspirations. Also Read: Virat Kohli battles rain, keeps going in the nets at Perth stadium On the other hand, India enter the contest with a renewed sense of purpose, having suffered a humiliating 3-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in their recent home series. That defeat, marking India’s first Test series loss at home in 12 years, has left the visitors determined to make amends and prove their mettle on Australian soil. With both teams vying for World Test Championship points, the series promises to be a thrilling contest, brimming with intensity and high stakes. As the anticipation builds, a recent video shared by journalist Norman Kochannek unveiled an intriguing glimpse into the world of cricket memorabilia, featuring the prized bat of Kohli. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sri Harsha Majji (@sreeharshacricket) The bat, prominently displayed at the prestigious Greg Chappell Cricket Centre in Sydney, has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts for its remarkable value. Also Read: India’s practice photos spill the beans on Perth Test selection In the video, Kochannek revealed that the MRF bat, famously wielded by the cricketing legend, is priced at a staggering AUD 2,985, which translates to approximately Rs 1.63 lakh. The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre, known for its rich history and association with the game’s elite, now houses this symbolic piece of cricket history, further cementing Kohli's place among the sport’s greatest.
19 November,2024 08:02 PM IST | Perth | mid-day online correspondentFormer India captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday refused to leave the nets, even as India’s first practice session at the Optus Stadium in Perth was disrupted by rain. His determination to continue batting, even as the session came to a halt, underscored his commitment to getting into the best possible shape ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener on Friday. Kohli, who has been working hard since arriving in Australia, has had a somewhat lean run in recent months, leading to speculation about his place in the format. However, his resolve was clear in the nets, where he looked solid, showing signs of regaining his touch ahead of the crucial series. Despite the disruption caused by rain, Kohli continued to bat even as the rest of the squad left the field. His focus was unwavering, and he was only forced to stop once the rain intensified. Heavy rain couldn’t stop Virat Kohli at Optus Ground! Pure dedication as he powers through for perfection. Rain or shine, greatness trains!#ViratKohli𓃵 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BTkystzpuf — Muhammad Sami (@mrsami96) November 19, 2024 India have been practicing at the WACA, Perth’s old Test venue, since last Wednesday. They also played a three-day intra-squad match against India A at the venue, which proved to be a mixed bag for the team. Also Read: India’s practice photos spill the beans on Perth Test selection During the match, key batters KL Rahul and Shubman Gill sustained injuries. While Gill’s injury ruled him out of the opening Test in Perth, leaving India without both their captain, Rohit Sharma, and Gill, Rahul made a swift recovery. He returned to the nets just two days later and appeared to be in good form during Tuesday’s practice session at Optus Stadium, where he had an extended batting session. Tuesday's training session also provided a strong indication of India’s likely batting order for the series opener. With Gill sidelined, Devdutt Padikkal, the only player retained from the India A squad, is set to replace him. Padikkal, who made his debut in the Dharamsala Test against England earlier this year, scored a half-century at No. 4 but had a mixed outing in the series against Australia A, with scores of 36, 88, 26, and 1 in four innings. KL Rahul is expected to open the batting alongside debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kohli, as anticipated, will bat at No. 4, with Rishabh Pant following at No. 5. These players were also seen fielding in the slip cordon during India’s fielding drills on Tuesday, further suggesting that the team management is aligning the batting order ahead of the series.
19 November,2024 06:45 PM IST | Perth | mid-day online correspondentRishabh Pant on Tuesday rejected the legendary Sunil Gavaskar's assessment that the India wicketkeeper-batter left Delhi Capitals due to disagreement over his retention fee ahead of the mega auction of the Indian Premier League. Pant, who captained Delhi Capitals last year after making a comeback from a horrific car accident, is among the marquee players who were not retained by their franchises. He is expected to be one of the most sought-after players when the auction takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25. "My retention wasn't about the money for sure that I can say," Pant wrote on X, responding to a broadcaster video showing Gavaskar talking about the auction dynamics. My retention wasn’t about the money for sure that I can say 🤍 — Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) November 19, 2024 Gavaskar said while he expects Delhi Capitals to rope in Pant once again, he also wondered if there was a disagreement over the fee between the franchise and the player. "The auction dynamics are completely different; we don't really know how it will go. But what I feel is that Delhi would certainly want Rishabh Pant back in the squad," Gavaskar told Star Sports. Also Read: India’s practice photos spill the beans on Perth Test selection "Sometimes, when a player is to be retained, there is talk between the franchise and the player and franchise about the fees that are expected." "As you can see, some of the players who have been retained by the franchise, they've gone for more than say, what the No 1 retention fee deduction would be. Clearly I think, maybe there was some disagreement over there," he said. Gavaskar said Delhi Capitals will have to look for a new captain as well if Pant is not there in the roster. "My feeling is that Delhi would definitely want Pant back because they need a captain as well. If Rishabh Pant is not in their squad then they have to look for a new captain. My feeling is (that) Delhi would definitely go for Rishabh Pant," he said. Pant, along with other former captains Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders) and KL Rahul (Lucknow Super Giants), is listed at a base price of Rs 2 crore each among marquee Indian players. Pant has always been a part of the Delhi franchise since his IPL debut in 2016, scoring 3,284 runs at 35.31 with one century and 18 fifties in 111 matches.
19 November,2024 04:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWith only three days left before the Indian cricket team embarks on its highly anticipated Australian tour, they face an unexpected setback due to multiple player absences. Captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the series opener in Perth as he stays back for the birth of his child. To complicate matters, Shubman Gill fractured his thumb during the three-day simulation game against India A, further depleting India's top-order batting options. While the team has reserves in the form of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel, the question now is which of these players will be called up to fill the gaps in the playing XI for the first Test. Also Read: ‘Stay in the battle, show your aggro’ From recent practice session footage shared on social media, it appears that Padikkal and Jurel are the frontrunners to make the cut for the opening Test in Perth. In the training session on Tuesday, both Padikkal and Jurel were seen in the slip cordon alongside established names like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jurel, who is traditionally a wicket-keeper batter, was spotted fielding in the gully position, indicating his likely inclusion as a specialist batter in the middle order for the first Test. India's slip cordon in the practice sessions! ⚡️Padikkal at first slip, Virat second, Rahul third slip, Jaiswal at gully while Dhruv Jurel is taking catches at silly-point! 👀 pic.twitter.com/ystbguTXMv — IPLnCricket: Everything about Cricket (@IPLnCricket) November 19, 2024 🚨From the fielding practice pictures we can almost confirm that Jurel and Padikkal in playing X1😲In Slips:👇1 :Padikkal2:Kohli3:Rahul 4:Jaiswal Jurel at Gully,Pant (WK)This will be top 6 for India in Perth 😲What's your thoughts on this top 6?#INDvAUS #AUSvIND #BGT pic.twitter.com/K7iRamRmaa — Sivadath V H (@SivadathH68311) November 19, 2024 Though Gaikwad and Easwaran have also been discussed as potential replacements for Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, it seems the team management has opted for Padikkal and Jurel. Of the two, Jurel has made the most significant impression in recent practice games, particularly against Australia A. In that series, he was one of India’s standout performers, scoring two crucial half-centuries while batting in the middle order. Given that Rishabh Pant is set to take on wicketkeeping duties for the opening Test, Jurel's role will shift to that of a specialist batter. His impressive performances in the lead-up to the series, coupled with his adaptability, have made him a strong contender for a spot in the playing XI. As India finalise their squad for the Perth Test, the selections of Padikkal and Jurel underline the team management’s confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion, despite the absence of key players like Sharma and Gill.
19 November,2024 04:25 PM IST | Perth | mid-day online correspondentThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had to abruptly end the National Women's Championship here on Monday after five players had a close shave following a fire incident in the team hotel. The PCB had booked an entire floor for the five competing sides and team officials. A source said that when the fire broke out, barring five players, all the other cricketers and officials were at the National Stadium either for matches or net sessions. "Five players were in their rooms when the fire broke out. It has caused damage to some property of the players and officials," he said. "PCB has decided to curtail the National Women's One-Day Tournament 2024-25 in Karachi following a fire incident at the team hotel," the PCB said in a statement. "Fortunately, no players were injured, as the PCB promptly evacuated the five players in the hotel at the time of the incident and relocated them safely to the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre." The PCB apparently tried to find an alternate accommodation for the teams but because of the Ideas Defence Exhibition being held in Karachi, they could not find a hotel. Also Read: Shine on, Shinde! The PCB said the decision to truncate the tournament was taken keeping in mind the health and safety of the players. "Additionally, the unavailability of alternative accommodations to meet the approximately 100 rooms of the required standards contributed to this outcome," said the PCB statement. "To determine the tournament winner, the PCB has decided that the Invincibles and the Stars -- the top two teams after four matches each -- will face off in the final. The date and venue for the final will be announced in due course." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 04:05 PM IST | Karachi | PTIAhead of the third and final ODI against New Zealand, Sri Lanka on Monday, released players like Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Asitha Fernando. Sri Lanka have already attained an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-game series against New Zealand. Of the four rested players, Kusal had an outstanding outing in the ODI series with 217 runs from two games. Along with Kusal, Kamindu, Nissanka and Asitha have been regulars for Sri Lanka over the last few months. The selectors took the call to give the above players adequate time to rest and prepare for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Instead, Nuwanidu Fernando, Lahiru Udara, and Eshan Malinga have been included in the ODI squad. Sri Lanka ended its dreadful run against New Zealand in the ODIs with their first series win since November 2012. Also Read: Ravi Shastri’s key message for Team India ahead of BGT 2024-2025 series After 12 years of wait, Sri Lanka finally got the better of the Blackcaps and earned bragging rights with a narrow 3-wicket win in Pallekele. After a 3-0 ODI series win in 2012, the success in 2024 marked the first instance of Sri Lanka wrapping up the series against New Zealand. During those 12 years, Sri Lanka met New Zealand on five occasions, lost four, and held the Kiwis once for a draw. The third and final ODI of the ongoing series will be played on November 19 in Pallekele. The two-match Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka begins on November 27. The first game will be played in Durban, while the following Test takes place in Gqeberha. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 04:03 PM IST | Pallekele | ANIAhead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Team India stalwart Virat Kohli opened up on his best knock in Australia which came in the 2018-19 series. Virat Kohli as a player has always dominated the Australian team, generating headlines, eye-catching articles and massive viewership whenever he has arrived in the nation. While his previous performances have matched the hype, this series will be a crucial one for Kohli as he is struggling to score runs in the format. "My best knock in Australia is definitely my 100 at Perth in the 2018/19 series. I thought that was the toughest pitch I played on. It was great to get a 100 on that wicket," Virat Kohli said in a video shared by the BCCI. However, the series comes at a time when Kohli is far from his best. In 19 international matches this year, the 80-time centurion has managed just 488 runs at an alarmingly low average of 20.33, with only two half-centuries in 25 innings and a top score of 76. Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Team India sweats it out in training session at Optus stadium His decline in Test cricket has been particularly disheartening, as his current form contrasts sharply with the heights he achieved between 2016 and 2019. During that period, Kohli amassed 4,208 runs in Tests at an extraordinary average of 66.79, including 16 centuries, 10 fifties, and a record seven double centuries as a captain. Since 2020, Virat Kohli the Test batter has not touched the heights in the format according to his standards. In 34 matches, the right-hander has garnered 1,838 runs with an average of 31.68. This includes two centuries and nine half-centuries. The concluded Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand saw him score 192 runs in 10 innings with an average of 21.33. This dip in form saw Virat Kohli drop out of the ICC Men's Test batting rankings' Top 20 for the first time in a decade. Critics are questioning Kohli's place in the side, but Australia has often been a stage for his redemption. It remains to be seen whether he can script another comeback in this series. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, a day-night match under lights, will be played at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will take place at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The iconic Boxing Day Test will be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30, leading to the series finale at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. The five-Test series promises a thrilling contest and dramatic conclusion. (With ANI Inputs)
19 November,2024 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand's Kane Williamson paid tribute to his long-time compatriot and close friend Tim Southee after the seasoned pacer announced his plans to retire following the conclusion of the England series. Williamson and Southee's careers have gone side by side, beginning at the Under-19 level to the domestic circuit to their 100th Test for New Zealand together against Australia earlier this year. Their 100th Test appearance came together even though Williamson made his debut two-and-a-half years after Southee. The seasoned batter is New Zealand's highest run-getter in the Test format. On the other hand, Southee is the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket after Richard Hadlee, with 385 scalps to his name. Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023: Tearful captain, silenced crowd and a beautiful journey In the upcoming Tests, he will have an opportunity to hit the 400 Test wicket mark and become the second player from his country to do so. "Playing so long together, you just go through so much. Both doing stints in leadership roles and you go through different turbulent times, then you have some good ones as well, and they are all part of the experience," Williamson said ahead of the first Test, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo. "To do it as long as Tim has is incredible as a fast bowler, there's not many in the history of the game who have been able to achieve what he has. Such a huge member [and] leader of our side and a close friend as well," he added. With Southee set to have the last dance of his illustrious career, his retirement marks the departure of one more player of New Zealand's successful era, which saw the likes of Ross Taylor, Colin de Grandhomme and Neil Wagner. "It's life, isn't it. You do realise you are closer towards the end than the start which is a certainty. It's [about] navigating those periods because you feel slightly different when you play your first game to when you play your 100th," Williamson said. "There's different levels of excitement, your life changes a little bit, whether that's family, extra dogs, whatever it is you are into, so the picture does take a slightly different shape, and your motivation does adjust. There's sadness but excitement as well for Tim because the end of your time in a sporting professional environment is scary, but there's so much more to come," he noted. The three-match Test series between New Zealand and England will begin on November 28 at Hagley Oval. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 12:21 PM IST | Hamilton | ANIThe story of ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 will always have a soft corner in the heart of every Team India cricket fan. The journey, which started with a spectacular win over Australia, ended with a heartbreaking loss in the final against the 'Men in Yellow'. The fiery openings from skipper Rohit Sharma and the big hits from Shreyas Iyer in the middle-order will be cherished whenever the talks surround India's ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. Winning nine out of 10 matches at the ODI World Cup 2023 was a dream run for the 'Men in Blue'. But that one loss in the final washed out all the milestones and stellar performances in the event for India. After winning all the previous matches, India fell short of laying their hands on the elusive ODI World Cup 2023 in the finals against Australia. Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Kohli's form, opening pair woes and concerns for Team India The morning of November 19 began with the hearts filled with pride and excitement for the Indian fans. After all the 'Men in Blue' were about to register another iconic chapter in Indian cricket history. Having put to bat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the hosts' innings started on a high note with Rohit and his fireworks making sure that his side doesn't take a step back in the summit clash. Later, after his departure, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul attempted to steady India's ship in the first essay of the match. Kohli and Rahul played a knock of 54 and 66 runs, respectively. Riding on their knocks, India posted a target of 241 runs for Australia. But who knew, that a man with a moustache and a yellow jersey, would stand tall in India's path to the trophy. When everything was falling in place for India, Australia's swashbuckling opener Travis Head scored a match-winning century. Facing 120 deliveries, the explosive left-hander garnered 137 runs laced with 15 fours and 4 sixes. Each shot that Head played on the night of November 19 shattered the hosts' hopes of claiming the title. Shouldering him was Marnus Labuschagne who scored an unbeaten 58 runs. With Glenn Maxwell scoring the winning run, Australia secured a victory by six wickets. On International Men's Day, India saw their favourite men in tears following the loss in the final. Seeing their skipper Rohit Sharma and pacer Mohammed Siraj in tears, the nation forcefully accepted defeat. The scenes of Rahul expressing sorrow by being on his knees and Kohli covering his face with the cap highlighted the pain behind their efforts which went into vain. Like 2019, the 2024 edition of the World Cup will always hurt somewhere in the corner whenever the date emerges. The magical moments -- from Kohli's 50th century in the format to Mohammed Shami's seven-wicket haul in the semi-final clash will be remembered for a long time.
19 November,2024 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Sujay ShivalkarAhead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri urged the Indian side to put their 0-3 loss against New Zealand behind them and focus on the upcoming task. Rohit Sharma and Co. suffered a humiliating 0-3 loss against New Zealand. With this, they registered their first-ever Test series loss at home in 12 years. The series loss has also affected their rankings on the World Test Championship (WTC) table. Despite their unwanted record, Ravi Shastri remained optimistic about India's chances of making it to the WTC final at Lord's. "India will be smarting from that defeat in the series against New Zealand because they were caught unawares. They were a little complacent and paid the price for it. That said, this Indian team is a very proud one," Shastri told host Sanjana Ganesan during the latest episode of 'The ICC Review'. Also Read: ‘Stay in the battle, show your aggro’ Team India is supposed to win four out of their five Test matches against Australia in order to reach the WTC final. The first match between India and Australia will begin on November 22 in Perth. Historically, India has excelled when making early statements in away tours. This was evident during their 2018/19 tour of Australia, where they won the opening Test for the first time, defeating Australia by 31 runs in Adelaide, thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara's stellar century. Ravi Shastri emphasised the importance of starting the Australia tour on a positive note to regain momentum. "They would be hurting, and they'll want to get back on track as soon as possible. The best way to bounce back from such a series is to start another one strongly. So, the first two Tests become extremely crucial," he said. The 62-year-old also urged the team management to focus on the positives and draw inspiration from their successful tours Down Under. In 2018, under Virat Kohli's leadership, India secured their first-ever Test series win in Australia. They repeated the feat in 2021, despite missing several first-choice players in a thrilling series. "The key will be to ensure they start well and keep the players in a good frame of mind. That will be the coach's most important task," Shastri added. He also pointed out that India's batters could play a crucial role in giving the team an early advantage. "Confidence is key. They must focus on the positives, think about what they achieved in Australia last time, and build on that. Put the New Zealand loss behind them. These are different conditions, and some Australian tracks are the best to bat on once you settle in. It'll be a totally different scenario when they get out there," Shastri concluded. (With ANI Inputs)
19 November,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
