Cricket - Int News
Nadeem Khan visits Naya Naizimabad Cricket Stadium
Javed Iqbal
KARACHI:-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director High Performance Nadeem Khan visited Naya Nazimabad Cricket Stadium on the instructions of PCB Chairman Rameez Raja on Sunday and reviewed the available facilities.
He was welcomed by Syed Mohammad Talha, President, Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana and Mohammad Asif, Manager Sports. Nadeem Khan inspected the various parts of the cricket stadium. On this occasion, Syed Mohammad Talha briefed them. He told Nadeem Khan that there were five pitches in the green ground with flood lights. “The pitches for the net practice are different. The pavilion will have a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators. The stadium is nearing completion with a world-class dressing room, fitness gym, swimming pool and 56-room five-star hotel, “he added.
Syed Mohammad Talha said:
“Chairman Arif Habib is a man who loves sports and that is why he is building Naya Nazimabad as a sports city. The new Nazimabad city will be a hub for the promotion of sports.”
Nadeem Khan expressed satisfaction over the facilities at the stadium. He said that the Naya Nazimabad Cricket Stadium was a beautiful addition to the city. The stadium would gradually host domestic and international cricket matches next season as soon as the ICC requirements were met.
Dunk and Faulkner say Australia will enjoy playing in Pakistan
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-Australia men’s cricket team’s tour of Pakistan got a big thumbs-up from compatriots Ben Dunk and James Faulkner, who said the visitors will enjoy the atmosphere, the fanatic fans and a quality opposition during their tour for three Tests, three ODIs and a one-off T20I from 4 March to 5 April.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to speak to a few of the guys who are planning on coming over here. It’s certainly different to what we are used to at home. But, it’s important that cricket does come back to Pakistan and you get to play at home like you play away.
“So, for the boys that are coming out, I think they can expect to a population that loves cricket and good performances, whether they're from the home team or the away team. It would just be an amazing thing for world cricket,” Dunk, who played five T20Is for Australia and a Lahore Qalandars’ regular, told PCB digital.
Faulkner, who played a Test, 69 ODIs and 24 T20Is for Australia and is presently representing Quetta Gladiators in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022, backed Dunk when he said: “I'm excited to watch Australia play Pakistan.
“There are going to be challenging wickets in the Test matches to feature two very good teams. I am sure the Australian players are going to be tested and will enjoy playing against some quality players.
“It has been a long time since Australia came to Pakistan. In fact, it was probably the same year I came over for an under-19 trip when I was 17. I think it is important for cricket to be back in Pakistan, hence, why I’m here as well. I have traveled all around the world, so there is no exception for me not to come here.”
On Friday, the CA Board approved their national men’s team’s first tour of Pakistan in 24 years, while a day before on Thursday, Test captain Pat Cummins confirmed most players were comfortable with the tour going ahead.
“I think it’s great for cricket in general. Having played here in Pakistan for almost four years, I've got to experience a bit of the culture.
“Certainly before COVID, the crowds and the atmosphere that would flood into our games. So, I'm hoping the COVID situation allows as many fans to get into the grounds as possible because I think it would be a really amazing atmosphere for a lot of the Australian players to experience,” Dunk said.
Dunk echoed Faulkner’s views and agreed major Test playing nations needed to do more to ensure the smaller nations get enough Test cricket to survive and grow.
“It’s hugely important that some of the more established Test playing nations lift their weight and help out the other Test playing nations that aren’t as fortunate. We’re seeing quite often around the world that some of the smaller Test playing nations aren't getting enough cricket to survive.”
Cricket Australia accepts the resign of Head Coach Justin Langer
Jamil Siraj
CANBERRA (Australia):-Cricket Australia (CA) has accepted men’s team head coach Justin Langer’s resignation, as he (Justin) was offered a short-term extension to his current contract, which sadly he has opted not to accept.
CA would like to thank Justin for his outstanding leadership since he became Australian men’s team coach in 2018 and for guiding the team to the T20 World Cup title last year and the 4-0 Ashes victory. Justin is not only a legend of the game but an outstanding individual.
The contract extension offered to Justin was the result of a thorough review process that evaluated many factors including future requirements of the team and the upcoming extensive schedule of fixtures.
The extension was approved by the CA Board and was put to Justin last night. It included the opportunity to defend the T20 World Cup title in Australia at the end of this year.
Justin informed CA this morning he was not accepting the offer and would resign with immediate effect.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said: “Justin has been an outstanding coach of the Australian men’s team over the past four years.
“He has restored the trust in the team and his legacy is assured.
“We are extremely proud of his achievements since he took over in 2018, including the recent T20 World Cup victory and Ashes success.
“We are naturally disappointed Justin has decided against continuing as coach but respect his decision and wish him all the best in the future.
“I would like to sincerely thank Justin and also his family for all that they have given to Australian cricket over the past four years, for which we remain eternally grateful.” Andrew McDonald has been appointed as interim head coach.
Chris Silverwood leaves as England Head Coach of England Cricket Team
MANCHESTER (By H Shah):-Chris Silverwood has left his role as England Men’s Head Coach. The interim arrangement for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies will be announced in due course, says a press release.
ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said:
“During his time in the role Chris has given absolutely everything to make a success of it. He is a man of great integrity, who players and staff alike have enjoyed working with.
“Under Chris, England Men’s white ball teams have been ranked first and second in the world while he also led the Test team to a number of series wins including away in South Africa and Sri Lanka.
“He has led the England Men’s team with great resilience and empathy through an incredibly challenging period for English cricket, and he deserves our sincere thanks and gratitude.
“In the coming days Andrew Strauss will appoint a caretaker coach for the tour of the West Indies and will then consider the appropriate coaching structures to help England move forwards.”
Chris Silverwood said:
“It’s been an absolute honour to be England Head Coach, and I’m extremely proud to have worked alongside our players and staff. I want to thank them all for the hard work and commitment they have given during my time in the role and I wish them all the very best moving forward.
“The last two years have been very demanding but I have really enjoyed my time with the team and working with Rooty and Morgs, and I am very proud of this group considering the challenges. I leave with fond memories and I am now looking forward to spending some quality time at home with my family and embracing the next chapter.”
Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia announce revised schedule
Sports Bulletin Report
LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia today announced the revised itinerary of the 2022 Australia men’s cricket team’s tour of Pakistan for three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I.
The tour will now start and end in Rawalpindi with the opening Test to be played from 4-8 March and the four white-ball matches to be played from 29 March to 5 April.
The change in the first Test venue means that the second Test will be played in Karachi from 12-16 March and the third in Lahore from 21-25 March.
PCB Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain: “We are pleased that the Cricket Australia Board has formally approved their side’s five-week tour itinerary and confirmed that their best available players will visit Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. We are really excited to host Pat Cummins and his players, and look forward to a competitive series that will comprise three Tests, three ODIs and a T20I.
“While Australia will arrive at the back of strong performances in their home series against England, our team has been playing excellent cricket resulting in our players sweeping the ICC Awards. This braces for a keenly contested series, something that the fans will thoroughly enjoy and remember for a long time.”
The schedule has been revised to ease logistical and operational challenges as well as to avoid Pakistan Day rehearsals, which usually commence in Islamabad in the second week of March.
The two cricket boards have also agreed that the Australia Test side will complete their isolation in Australia, before arriving in Islamabad on 27 February on a chartered flight. After a one-day room isolation, they will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
Australia’s white-ball players are expected to arrive in Lahore on 24 March following isolation in Australia. After a one-day isolation upon arrival, they will integrate with other members of the side and travel to Islamabad for the first ODI in Rawalpindi on 29 March.
The Tests will be part of the ICC World Test Championship, while the ODIs are linked to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League from which the top eight sides, including hosts India, will qualify directly for the 2023 50-over World Cup.
Revised schedule:
27 Feb – Arrival in Islamabad
4-8 Mar – 1st Test, Rawalpindi
12-16 Mar – 2nd Test, Karachi
21-25 Mar – 3rd Test, Lahore
29 Mar – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi
31 Mar – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi
2 April – 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi
5 Apr – one-off T20I, Rawalpindi
Sri Lankan Cricketer Niroshan Dickwella Gets Business Management Diploma during his ban-period
Bipin Dani
Niroshan Dickwella, one of the three Sri Lanka cricketers who were suspended for bio-bubble breach in England has made the best use of his ban-period.
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper batter has successfully graduated from Global Technological Campus (GTC) with OTHM Level 4 & 5 programme in Business Management awarded by OTHM (UK).
"Niroshan Dickwella is a professional cricketer and his recent qualification is equivalent to the first and second years of a Bachelor’s Degree and will allow him to complete the final year at several prestigious universities in the UK", Mohamed Azmy, the institution's Chief Operations Officer, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said.
"As a professional sportsman, Niroshan is also interested in one of GTC’s exclusive programmes, the Advanced Diploma in Sports Management. This is a management programme with a specific practical focus on the Sporting Industry. The programme teaches management related topics from a sports perspective".
"The programme also covers topics that are only relevant to the sporting industry like Nutrition & Health, Sports Psychology, Sports Coaching, Sports History and Contemporary Debates in Sports".
This programme has been prepared by GTC for sports professionals with a long-term focus and plan on developing their careers in Sports Management.
"Niroshan and many others studied and completed their courses during the height of COVID-19 pandemic and they have been awarded the certificates", he signed off.
Daryl Mitchell receives the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for 2021
Aamir Ali Janjua
DUBAI (UAE):-As part of the 2021 edition of the ICC Awards, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Daryl Mitchell as the winner of the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for 2021.
Mitchell won the award for his gesture of refusing to take a single in the high-pressure ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Abu Dhabi on November 10, 2021. Earning the respect of the international cricket fraternity instantly, Mitchell becomes the fourth New Zealand player to win the award, following the footsteps of Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson.
The incident took place in the first delivery of the 18th over bowled by England spinner Adil Rashid with Jimmy Neesham on strike. New Zealand at that moment required 34 off the final three overs and despite the match situation, Mitchell refused to take the single as he felt he was in the bowler's way, who tried to stop the ball on his follow-through. Neesham had hit the ball firmly slightly wide off Rashid's reach, who collided with Mitchell as he went on to stop the ball. Neesham was eager to take the single and had come down the wicket seeing the opportunity but was turned down by Mitchell from the other end.
Commenting on receiving the honour and reflecting on that moment, Daryl Mitchell, said: “It is a real honour to receive the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award and it was absolutely amazing to be part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup that happened in UAE last year. Reflecting back, it was a pretty tight game against England at the semi-final of the tournament with only a few overs to go, Neesh hit a single down to long-off and I think I obstructed Rashid who was trying to get to the ball.
“We pride ourselves as a team, in the way we play our cricket and I guess that’s the spirit of cricket. Personally, I felt like I got in the way, and we wanted to win but on our own terms. I guess it paid off in the long run, that we won the game.
“We want to win every game, but we don’t want to do it in a way that goes against the values of cricket. The spirit of cricket is very important. It is a platform for young cricketers to watch and learn and to get inspired to play the game and go about winning it in the right way. At the end of the day, it is just a game, and it is a game that we all love, and we are very lucky to be able to do that in the right way.”
“Personally, there are more important things than winning a game of cricket and at that moment it was the right thing to do.”
This spirit is described in the preamble to the laws of cricket:
"Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its laws but also within the spirit of the game. Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself."
Sobers congratulates Holder for his Beaver-trick
Bipin Dani
World's greatest all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers was "more than happy" to congratulate the newest and Windies' first double hat-trick achiever Jason Holder on Sunday.
Jason Holder emulated Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, Sri lanka's Lasith Malinga & Ireland's Curtis Campher to become the fourth bowler in T20I cricket to claim four wickets in four balls. He did so against England at Bridgetown in the fifth and final match of the series, which enabled his team to win the match and the series.
"I was present at the Kensington Oval ground and after the match was invited by the team management to meet. I personally met Holder and congratulated his double hat-trick", Sobers, speaking exclusively over the telephone said.
"Grabbing 4 in 4 is rare and not many bowlers have achieved this. Holder is a no. 1 very good cricketer and it was his fantastic performance. I wished him good luck for the upcoming India tour as well", he added.
India-born Anuradha Doddaballapur, who is now a cardiovascular scientist in Germany was the first woman player to take four wickets in four balls in T20 internationals (against Austria in August 2020). (On 26th January this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent her a special message in Frankfurt on India's 75th year of freedom).
Beaver-trick
Holder's father, Ronald Holder speaking exclusively, says this feat of 4 in 4 is also known as a Beaver-trick.
West Indian All-rounder lady Matthews advances in ICC ODI Player Rankings
Sports Bulletin Report
DUBAI (UAE):-West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews has progressed four places to 11th position in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after a fine show in the first two matches of their four match-series against South Africa.
Matthews, who grabbed two wickets each in both matches, is the highest-ranked bowler from the West Indies with other off-spinner Anisa Mohammed in 25th place and Shakera Selman 26th. Seam bowler Shamilia Connell has moved up nine slots to 29th after taking three wickets in the two matches.
South Africa captain Sune Luus has advanced seven places to joint-34th among bowlers and is up two places to 44th in the batting list, which is now led by Alyssa Healy with Mithali Raj in second place after Lizelle Lee dropped two places to third. Lee, ICC’s Women’s ODI Player of the Year in 2021, is out of the series due to COVID-19.
The all-rounders’ list also sees changes at the top with Marizanne Kapp slipping to third after missing the matches against the West Indies. Nat Sciver and Elisse Perry are ranked first and second.
Chedean Nation (up five places to 51st) of the West Indies and opener Tazmin Brits (up 25 places to 64th) of South Africa are others to move up the batters’ list in the latest update that sees Sri Lanka’s players drop out of the rankings tables as they have not played ODIs since October 2019 and will make a return once they play an ODI.
Mikyo Dorji becomes first player of Bhutan to register his name for the IPL player auction
Bipin Dani
Bhutan's Mikyo Dorji became the first player from his nation to register for the IPL player auction.
The 22year-old right-handed batsman, who occasionally bowls medium pacer has registered his name for the IPL auction on 21st January and is now waiting for his fate.
Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Bhutan on Saturday, he said, "Obviously I am over the moon because it is the biggest cricket league in the world and it is every cricketer's dream to play in this league. Having the thought of being selected and part of a team itself gives me goosebumps but lets see how things go.....".
The players, however, will not lose sleep, if not picked.
"To be very honest there is a very little chance that I will be picked because as I said it's the biggest league so the competition is very high but registering my name itself is something very big for Bhutan cricket and myself".
"In case I don’t get picked this time then I’m sure in the near future I will be", he added.
"Mikyo Dorji is a talented cricketer and we selected him as soon as we saw him in the first phase. To be honest, his father introduced him to this game. He progressed in Darjeeling, where he did his schooling", D.S Gurung, the Bhutan Cricket Council Board CEO said.
Mikyo Dorji is a power hitter, who is also good at goalkeeping, volleyball, basketball and cricket. He chose cricket because he sees a future in it".
"He is a person with a strong determination and he believes that he can make it at any level if given the opportunity. For him, hard work and dedication are the most important things to succeed, “CEO added.
Today he lives in the southern part of Bhutan, mainly to play cricket and keep his shape.
Dreams will come true for Bhutan Cricket and also for Mikyo, if he is shortlisted.
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