Monday, 23 Sep 2024 About Us Privacy policy TERMS AND CONDITIONS Contact Us
Cricket

CRICKET - Int News 13 May, 2022

Bails not dislodging is a lot rarer
BIPIN DANI Delhi Capitals' David Warner was lucky enough on Wednesday when he survived despite the stumps lighting up but the bails did not dislodge in the bowling of Rajasthan Royals' Yuzvendra Chahal. Two years ago in the ICC World Cup also, he had a similar luck reprieve. It has been a practice of using the Zing bails at all international and IPL matches. With both wooden and Zing bails a snick of the outside of the stump sometimes results in the force not being sufficient to dislodge the bail to the ground.  Here's what David Lighterwood, the Director of the company has to say on bails and whether is it a good idea to eliminate the concept of having bails on stumps. "The way the Zings work, if a Zing bail lights, it means that both spigots have lifted from the groove.  So at that point the wicket is 'put down' by the laws of cricket. But if the bail subsequently reseats (when the Zings will turn off) by the laws of cricket it is not out, as a rider to the relevant law also requires a bail to fall to the ground. So theoretically when the Zings are being used, a playing condition could stipulate this rider doesn't apply, so the wickets are 'put down' upon the flash", explains David Ligertwood, the Director of the company. "Importantly this would still be 100% definitive.  Just like the current law has been through history, by requiring a bail to fall to the ground. If the wickets only had to be touched by the ball to be out a whole range of problems are triggered", he adds. "One problem you would have if the ball only had to touch the stumps is that deciding if and when it took place would often not be definitive.  And in games without TV cameras you often couldn't adjudicate it.  So bails would have to remain in non-TV cricket.  And it would be a real negative if such a cornerstone of the game was different in amateur and grass roots cricket to that on TV". "Even in TV games the technology to determine if stumps were hit would likely never be black and white, and decisions would at times therefore take a long time to assess, and could only be determined when there were TV umpires.  The Zings flashing is 'in front of camera' and can be determined on the field of play".  "With the Zings indicating the instant the bail is dislodged, stumping and run out decisions can be made definitatively in an instant.  If replays and other technology had to be used to determine in which frame the stumps were first touched it would be very difficult, and become more difficult the higher the frame rates of the cameras become". "Another big downside to the ball only having to touch the stumps for a dismissal is that Bails, which are a quirky, interesting and historical part of the cricket, would be lost to the game".  "Bails not dislodging is relatively rare, and is simply a factor in the 'size of the wicket'.  It is a lot rarer than other pieces of luck in the game, like playing and missing etc.  So although there may be emotion around such an occurrence at times, it does not undermine the integrity of the game.  The wicket is always the same for both teams".  "However, when Zings are being used a playing condition could theoretically be introduced so the wicket is 'put down' upon the flash (ie both spigots lifting, but not requiring the rider that they fall to the ground).  This would then capture the vast majority of situations of when the stumps are hit and the bails reseat.  It would be very rare indeed that a bail doesn't flash if the wickets are hit.  So such a playing condition could apply when the Zings are being used, with no real downside". "But like I say, the current law is factual/definitive, historical, entertaining, and always the same for both sides (so fair).  Plus occurs rarely.  And moreover, we have the Zings to tell us the precise definitive moment the second spigot lifts for run outs and stumpings". "So I would say with so much at stake, if it ain't broke why look to change an element of the game that has subsisted for centuries?", Lighterwood concludes.

CRICKET - Blinds 12 May, 2022

NBP T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy: Islamabad, AJK, Bahawalpur and Lahore claim victories
Abdul Jabbar Faisal & Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Islamabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Bahawalpur and Lahore have won their matches on the opening day of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy (Grade-1) after beating their respective opponents here at two different venues on Thursday. Earlier, Fawad Mohsin (National Business Head North NBP) inaugurated the event. Syed Sultan Shah (Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council), Shoaib Qasirani (Head of Business Analytics NBP), Syed Salman Bokhari (Director Cricket Operations PBCC), and Mohammad Bilal (Director Marketing PBCC) were also the other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Addressing at the occasion, Chairman PBCC thanked the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) for the continued support for the last 12 years to host this event and said that this event will be helpful in finding the new talent for Pakistan Cricket. Match-1: Islamabad beat Gujranwala by 115 runs at Bhutto Cricket Ground: Anees Javed’s superb unbeaten innings of 135 runs helped Islamabad to overcome Gujranwala by a huge margin of 115 runs. Islamabad, put into bat by Gujranwala, made 227 runs in the allotted 20 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Anees Javed shined with the bat and hit 15 fours and 2 sixes in 72 balls innings of 135 runs. Shahzeb Haider with 39 runs was the second highest run-getter. Tayyab Rehmani and Mohammad Arif obtained a wicket apiece. In reply, Gujranwala chasing 228, was all out on just 112 runs in 17.3 overs. Talha Iqbal was their top scorer with 33 runs. Anees Javed, Shahzeb Haider, Yasir Malik, and Syed Kashan took 2 wickets each for Islamabad. Result: Islamabad won by 115 runs Man of the Match: Anees Javed Match-2: AJK beat Peshawar by 4 wickets at PAF Cricket Ground, E-9 AJK outplayed Peshawar in a sensational nail-biter. Nisar Ali’s master class innings of 105 runs off 57 balls, featuring 17 (4’s) helped AJK to pile up 229 runs on the board in 20 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Faisal Mehmood chipped in with 40 runs.  Mohsin Khan was the pick amongst the bowler, he claimed 2 wickets for 34 runs. In reply, Peshawar fought hard, Mohsin Khan and Sanaullah Khan kept their chances alive by dazzling batting but unfortunately fell 4 runs short of the target. Mohsin Khan made 82 runs off 53 balls and Sanaullah made 81 runs off 42 balls. Peshawar made 225 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 20 overs. Nisar Ali and Habib Taj claimed a wicket apiece. Result: AJK won by 4 runs Man of the Match: Nisar Ali Match-3: Bahawalpur beat Abbottabad by 9 wickets at Bhutto Cricket Ground: Abbottabad won the toss and decided to bat first. Abbottabad made 132 runs in 20 overs for the loss of 7 wickets. Naeem Ullah was the top scorer with 46 runs and Riasat Khan made 34 runs. For Bahawalpur, Saqib Ali took 2 wickets, Muhammad Ijaz and Muhammad Ayyaz claimed a wicket apiece. Bahawalpur in reply chased down the target of 133 runs rapidly in just 10.5 overs for the loss of 1 wicket. Moeen Aslam’s bat swung wildly and smashed unbeaten 78 runs off just 37 balls, featuring 11 (4’s) and 1 huge six. Result: Bahawalpur won by 9 wickets Man of the Match: Moeen Aslam Match-4: Lahore beat Okara at PAF Cricket Ground, E-9 Okara batting first made 175 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in stipulated 20 overs. Umar Daraz played a splendid inning of 93 runs off 59 balls. Rizwan Ali was the pick amongst the bowlers, he took 4 wickets for 33 runs. In reply, Lahore chased the target in style within 11.2 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Matiullah remained unbeaten on 85 runs off 38 balls with the help of 12 (4’s) and 1 six, he was well supported by Mohammad Salman who made 50 runs off 17 balls. Iftikhar Tiger was the only bowler for Okara to claim a wicket. Result: Lahore won by 8 wickets Man of the Match: Matiullah.

CRICKET - Int News 12 May, 2022

Brendon McCullum appointed England Test Team Head Coach
Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced today that it has appointed Brendon McCullum as England Men's Test Head Coach. McCullum, 40, will be in place to start his role for next month's LV= Insurance three-match Test series against New Zealand, which gets underway at Lord's from 2 June, subject to obtaining the necessary work visa. The ECB's selection panel of Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison, Managing Director of England's Men's Cricket Rob Key, Strategic Adviser Andrew Strauss and Performance Director Mo Bobat unanimously agreed that he was the outstanding candidate for the role, having impressed during the competitive interview process. New Zealand born McCullum currently works as Head Coach of Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and previously coached Trinbago Knight Riders to the 2020 Caribbean Premier League title. He also had an exemplary playing career that saw him earn 101 Test caps and was Test captain of the Black Caps from 2012 to his international retirement in 2016. Rob Key said: "We are delighted to confirm Brendon as England Men's Test Head Coach. It has been a real privilege to get to know him and understand his views and vision for the game. I believe his appointment will be good for England's Test team. "He has a recent history of changing cricket culture and environments for the better, and I believe he is the person to do that for England's red-ball cricket. "We were incredibly fortunate to have a seriously strong list of quality candidates for the post, with Brendon demonstrating he was our number one choice. "I'd like to thank Tom Harrison and the ECB Board for their support in this process. "I believe in Brendon and Ben Stokes - a formidable coach and captain partnership. Time for us all to buckle up and get ready for the ride." Speaking about his appointment, McCullum, added: "I'd like to say how pleased I am to be given this opportunity to positively contribute to England's Test cricket set-up and move the team forward into a more successful era. "In taking this role on, I am acutely aware of the significant challenges the team faces at present, and I strongly believe in my ability to help the team emerge as a stronger force once we've confronted them head-on. "I've enjoyed several robust conversations with Rob Key about the direction of travel for the team and have found his enthusiasm contagious. I'm no stranger to bringing about change within a team environment, and I can't wait to get started. "Ben Stokes is the perfect character to inspire change around him, and I look forward to working closely with him to build a successful unit around us." McCullum is due to arrive in the UK later this month. The Knight Riders have two matches left in their IPL group campaign on Saturday against Sunrisers Hyderabad and complete their season on Wednesday 18 May against Lucknow Super Giants.

CRICKET - Women 12 May, 2022

PCB retains Bismah Maroof team captain for 2022-23
Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed Bismah Maroof will continue to lead the national women’s limited-overs teams in the 2022-23 Season. Pakistan are gearing up for an action-packed bumper season in which they will play, at least, 25 matches with the schedules for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to be announced. Their season begins by hosting Sri Lanka in Karachi for three T20Is and three ODIs in what will be the first instance of ICC Women’s Championship matches being staged in Pakistan from later this month. Bismah’s team will then head for Belfast to play hosts Ireland and champions Australia in a T20I triangular series from 12-24 July before they move to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games to be held from 25 July to 8 August. Like the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, Bismah will travel to Belfast and Birmingham with her daughter Fatima and mother with the Pakistan Cricket Board sharing the travel, lodging and boarding expenses in line with its Parental Support Policy. In October, Ireland women will make their first-ever visit to Pakistan for three T20Is and as many ODIs, also ICC Women’s Championship matches, after which they will feature in ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup. They then travel to Australia for three T20Is and three ODIs, Pakistan’s first away ICC Women’s Championship fixtures of the cycle, at the start of 2023 and play ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February in South Africa. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof: “It is truly an honour for any cricketer to captain their country and it is a great privilege for me to continue in this role. The 2022-23 cricket season is the busiest for Pakistan women’s side and we are excited and geared up for the challenges it presents. “Every match in the upcoming season is important for us as a team as bilateral ODIs will determine whether we qualify for the next ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the T20Is provide us opportunities to prepare for the all-important T20 World Cup in February next year. “I want to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for its immense support throughout my career and especially in helping me strike the right work-life balance after the birth of Fatima. There was a time when I contemplated giving up on my passion of playing cricket, but the PCB ensured it never came to that with the introduction of the maternity policy, which has made the game as inclusive as it can be for the women in our country. I also want to thank my family and especially my husband, Abrar, who has been a great support throughout my career, and has provided me encouragement to continue to play for Pakistan.” Head of Women’s cricket Tania Mallick: “I want to congratulate Bismah Maroof on her retention as the leader of the national side. She has been an inspiration for women around the world with her demeanour on and off the field and I am sure our side will produce strong and consistent results in their leadership over the next year.” Bismah made her Pakistan debut at 15 against India in an ODI at Jaipur in December 2006. She is the only Pakistan women cricketer with 5,000 international runs. She took reins of the T20I side in 2016 and was named the ODI captain after the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

CRICKET - Domestic 12 May, 2022

Strong measures introduced to ensure transparency in age-group cricket
Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-To provide a level playing field to all teenage cricketers, the Pakistan Cricket Board conducted age verification tests on as many as 2,976 players with the help of latest scientific techniques ahead of the City Cricket Association U19 50-over tournament, which begins on 21 May. Top radiologists in the country were consulted and scientifically validated methods were used to radiologically estimate ages.  In these tests – on which PKR 10million were spent – x-rays were conducted on multiple body joints to increase accuracy. These were then reviewed by leading radiologists. This was different from previous practice where only wrist x-ray were assessed. It has been observed in the previous seasons that players have manipulated their ages to gain unfair advantage in the age-group competitions, which has not only hurt the spirit of the game but also put deserving teenage cricketers at a position of disadvantage, hampering their growth and development. This initiative is part of PCB’s efforts to encourage teenage cricketers to declare correct biological ages when participating in the age-group tournaments, and follows an extensive activity it undertook in January to determine correct ages of the participants ahead of the U13 and U16 Cricket Association tournaments. Director – High Performance, Nadeem Khan: “The participation of overage players in age-group cricket is a menace and has proved to be detrimental in the growth and development of cricketers at young level. “It was extremely important we took this profound step to inculcate transparency in the upcoming season. We have borne a significant cost for this extensive exercise as we remain committed to ensure credibility of our pathways cricket to produce Pakistan future stars.” The PCB has also introduced lower age limit for the first time to discourage players from reducing their ages on the official documents. Players born on or after 1 September 2003 or before 1 September 2007 are eligible for the upcoming CCA Under-19 tournament, which will run from 21 May to 4 June.

CRICKET - Blinds 11 May, 2022

NBP T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy starts from May 12 in Islamabad
Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-As many as 8 teams will take part in the 12th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy Grade-1 will start from May 12, 2022 at two different venues in the capital city Islamabad. According to an official of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), the premier national tournament of Blind Cricket the 12th edition of the NBP T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy Grade-1 will be taken place from May 12 to 16, 2022 at Islamabad. The matches will be played at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground and PAF Cricket Ground E-9.  Eight (8) top Teams across the country will be battling for this Grade-1 prime title during the 5-day national blind cricket fixture. Teams are divided into two following pools, as the top two teams will be qualify for semifinals and the final will be played on May 16 at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground G-7 Markaz Islamabad. The inauguration ceremony of the said event will take place on Thursday (May 12, 2022) at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Sittara Market G-7 Islamabad. Abbottabad won the Grade-2 Trophy last year (2021) so got the place in this year’s Grade-1 event and Attock stood last in the Grade-1 Trophy last year (2021) so relegated to Grade-2. Pool (A): Islamabad, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Abbottabad Pool (B): Peshawar, Lahore, AJK, Okara  Schedule of NBP T-20 Trophy 2022: 12-05-22 Islamabad Vs Gujranwala at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground 12-05-22 Peshawar Vs AJK at PAF Cricket Ground, E-9, Islamabad 12-05-22 Abbottabad Vs Bahawalpur at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Islamabad 12-05-22 Lahore Vs Okara at PAF Cricket Ground, E-9, Islamabad. 13-05-22 AJK Vs Okara at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Islamabad 13-05-22 Abbottabad Vs Islamabad at PAF Cricket Ground, E-9, Islamabad. 13-05-22 Peshawar Vs Lahore at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Islamabad 13-05-22 Gujranwala Vs Bahawalpur at PAF Cricket Ground, E-9, Islamabad. 14-05-22 Bahawalpur Vs Islamabad at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Islamabad 14-05-22 Gujranwala Vs Abbottabad at PAF Cricket Ground, E-9, Islamabad. 14-05-22 Lahore Vs AJK at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Islamabad 14-05-22 Peshawar Vs Okara at PAF Cricket Ground, E-9, Islamabad. 15-05-22 1st Semi-Final (1AVs 2B) at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Islamabad 15-05-22 2nd Semi-Final (1B Vs 2A) at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Islamabad 16-05-22  Final at Bhutto Shaheed Cricket Ground, Islamabad.

CRICKET - Women 11 May, 2022

Match officials for Pakistan-Sri Lanka women series announced
Sports Reporter KARACHI:-The Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed the match officials appointments for the Pakistan-Sri Lanka women T2oI and ODI series which will be played at the Southend Club, Karachi from Tuesday, 24 May. The Sri Lankan team arrives in Karachi on 19th May, the two teams will engage in a three-match T20I series with matches scheduled for 24, 26 and 28 May. The three ODI matches which are a part of the ICC Women’s Championship will be played on 1, 3 and 5 June. Umpires Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi, Imtiaz Iqbal and Imran Jawed will share the on-field and reserve umpire duties. Ali Naqvi will be the match referee for the T20Is while Mohammad Javed Malik will perform the refereeing duties for the ODIs. Umpire and match referee appointments: 24 May – 1st T20I, Karachi. Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi (on-field), Imtiaz Iqbal (reserve umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee) 26 May – 2nd T20I, Karachi. Faisal Afridi and Imran Jawed (on-field), Asif Yaqoob (reserve umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee) 28 May – 3rd T20I, Karachi. Asif Yaqoob and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field), Imran Jawed (reserve umpire); Ali Naqvi (match referee) 1 June – 1st ODI, Karachi. Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi (on-field), Imran Jawed (reserve umpire); Mohammad Javed Malik (match referee) 3 June – 2nd ODI, Karachi. Faisal Afridi and Imran Jawed (on-field), Imtiaz Iqbal (reserve umpire); Mohammad Javed Malik (match referee) 5 June – 3rd ODI, Karachi. Asif Yaqoob and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field), Faisal Afridi (reserve umpire); Mohammad Javed Malik (match referee)

CRICKET - Domestic 10 May, 2022

Adani Group acquires franchise in the new cricket league
Sports Bulletin Report UAE, Dubai (UAE):-Adani Sportsline, a part of the diversified Adani Group, has made a landmark foray into franchise cricket by acquiring the rights to own and operate a franchise in UAE’s flagship T20 league. Licensed by Emirates Cricket Board, the UAE T20 League is an annual event that will feature six franchise teams competing in a 34-match event. Top players from all the cricket playing countries are expected to be in the line-up of different teams. The league will be providing a platform and exposure to upcoming young cricketers. This will be the first major move overseas by the Adani Sportsline that will connect and engage with global fans from across the cricketing nations. Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE’s T20 League Chairman said; “It is a proud moment for us to announce the Adani Group’s association with the UAE’s T20 League as a Franchise team owner. This acquisition fits perfectly in the group of corporates who have already acquired franchise team rights in the League. The trust shown by the Adani Group augurs well for the League and we look forward to benefitting from their business acumen and working together to make our League successful.”  “We are excited to be part of the UAE T20 league,” said Pranav Adani. “The UAE is an amazing amalgamation of several cricket loving nations. It provides an excellent platform for enhancing the visibility of cricket as the sport goes increasingly global. Our presence here is also a great base for the Adani brand that is contributing significantly to the sports ecosystem in India through leagues such as boxing and kabaddi, and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level through the Garv Hai initiative.” Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board said; “We are extremely pleased to have one of Asia’s leading corporates as our franchise team owner. This is a resounding thumbs up to the unique opportunity that the UAE T20 league offers to experienced and established business owners. We are confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both the Adani Group and the League. UAE’s T20 League will attract some of the biggest names in world cricket while also giving a platform and international exposure to local and upcoming players”. Adani Sportsline is promoted by the Adani Group whose diverse businesses include port management, electric power generation and transmission, renewable energy, mining, airport operations, natural gas, food processing and infrastructure. The group has annual revenues of over US$20 billion with operations at 70 locations in 50 countries and a market cap of over $222 billion.

CRICKET - 10 May, 2022

Alyssa Healy and Keshav Maharaj claim ICC Player of the Month Awards for April
Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UEA):-Australia superstar Alyssa Healy and South Africa spin wizard Keshav Maharaj have been voted as the ICC Women’s and Men’s Players of the Month for April 2022. The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that Australia’s star of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final Alyssa Healy, and South Africa’s spin wizard Keshav Maharaj have been voted the ICC Women’s and Men’s Players of the Month for April 2022. Healy was selected the standout female player in April following her match-winning innings of 170 in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final in Christchurch, setting a record for the highest score ever made in any World Cup Final in the process. Tormenting England’s bowlers from the outset and scoring at a strike rate of 123.18, her blistering showcase at the crease steered Australia to a formidable total of 356 for 5, and with England falling short in reply, helped her side claim their seventh ODI crown. In being selected the ICC Player of the Month for April, Healy becomes the second female to win the accolade on two separate occasions after securing her first award back in April 2021. Healy was selected ahead of fellow nominees Janet Mbabazi (Uganda) and Nat Sciver (England). On being named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month, Healy responded “I am very humbled to win this month’s award ahead of two outstanding players. It was great to see Janet Mbabazi’s name in the mix after a stellar tri-series for Uganda. I’m looking forward to seeing her name in contention for more ICC Awards over the years to come. Thanks to all the fans for voting and supporting the women’s game. It’s been a great start to 2022 for our sport and I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year holds.” JP Duminy, the former South Africa international and ICC Player of the Month voting panel member remarked, “Alyssa’s performance has certainly taken the world by storm and to do it in a Final says a lot about the character of this woman. She is a pioneer in the women's game and has set the bar extremely high.” South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj is named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month after enjoying a prolific spell with the ball during their recent ICC World Test Championship series victory over Bangladesh on home soil. The spinner proved a constant threat to the tourists, taking 16 wickets at an average of 12.12, celebrating two seven-wicket hauls in the second innings of both Tests. His wickets were significant catalysts for his side’s 2-0 series triumph, winning comfortably on both occasions - by 220 runs in Durban, and 332 runs in Gqeberha. In securing this month’s award, Maharaj overcomes fellow nominees in compatriot Simon Harmer - with whom Maharaj shared lengthy spells in tandem on their way to victory - and Jatinder Singh (Oman). Acknowledging his award, Maharaj responded “I’m honoured and privileged to receive the ICC Player of the Month award for April and I want to thank my teammates for helping me win this award. I’m really happy with how the team has performed this past season and I hope we can build on this to reach greater heights as a unit.” Speaking about Maharaj’s excellent performances in April, member of the voting panel and ICC Hall of Famer Lisa Sthalekar said, “Keshav was key to South Africa’s success in the series. The amount of wickets he claimed at crucial times was exceptional and his valuable runs were among the main reasons they defeated Bangladesh.”

CRICKET - Int News 09 May, 2022

Sri Lanka Cricket board wants change in venue for first practice game in Bangladesh
BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka's touring cricket team which was supposed to play its first two-day practice match in Chattogram will now play in Dhaka. The visiting team was scheduled to play the inaugural tour game on May 11 & 12 at MA Aziz Stadium, (the first Test match is to be played in  Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) but the same has been shifted to the BKSP (Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan) ground in Dhaka. The home team to play the practice match against Sri Lanka will be known as the BCB XI and will be led by Md. Mithun.   "The request to change the venue was received from the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)", one of the sources in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said exclusively over the telephone from Dhaka on Sunday. "No specific reason was given for this change", the source further added. The Lankan squad comprising 18 players and 12 support staff including the tour selector Pramodya Wickramsinghe reached Bangladesh on Sunday morning will stay in Dhaka till the training and the practice game are over. Whereas, the home team was scheduled to reach the first Test venue on Sunday, i.e. a week before the Test, which is to begin on May 15.   "Maintaining the protocol, there was no thread ceremony held at the SLC office", the source in Colombo confirmed. The opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who, on Saturday scored 36 runs in his last match (of the first half season) for Yorkshire is scheduled to leave for Bangladesh immediately after the Sunday match. He is believed to have had chats with the coaching staff.
Most Popular
;