News Analysis India

Tag: ICC

  • Opinion: Should Virat Kohli continue to open the innings for India or move down to number 3 in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024? , Cricket News

    T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli’s batting position in the ongoing T20 World Cup has become a major talking point. The star batsman has shined at number 3 for more than a decade, but in this tournament, he has been deployed as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma. This decision has not yielded results yet, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike. Let’s delve into the arguments for and against Kohli opening in the T20 World Cup.

    Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup 2024 Performance

    1 (5) vs Ireland

    4 (3) vs Pakistan

    0 (1) vs USA

    24 (24) vs Afghanistan

    Virat has had a poor run so far in the four matches in the ongoing edition of the T20 WC, where he has just managed 29 runs in four outings. Kohli struggled on the tricky New York pitch and registered a string of low scores – 1, 4, and 0. Many expected this to end on the Caribbean soil, but it didn’t change much for him. In the Super 8 match against Afghanistan, Kohli had another flop outing with a run-a-ball 24-run knock.

    Reasons why Virat Kohli should open

    1. Maximizing Batting Prowess: Opening allows Kohli to face more deliveries, potentially leading to a higher run tally. This is crucial considering his struggles in recent outings. Proponents argue that a familiarised opening role, like in IPL 2024 where he won the Orange Cap, can reignite his form.

    2. Aggressive Intent in Powerplay: Kohli’s strength lies in playing aggressive cricket. The opening partnership sets the tone for the innings, and Kohli’s attacking mindset can put the opposition on the back foot early on. This is especially important on sluggish pitches where a brisk start is vital.

    3. Accommodating a Flexible Middle Order: With Kohli opening, the middle order gains flexibility. Rishabh Pant’s explosive batting at number 3 has been a revelation, and the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube can play their natural game in the middle overs.

    Reasons Why Virat Kohli Should Bat At Number 3

    1. Disrupting a Proven Strategy: Historically, Kohli has thrived at number 3, anchoring the innings and building partnerships. A change in position can disrupt his rhythm and impact his batting confidence.

    2. Struggles as an Opener: Kohli’s recent form as an opener in the World Cup hasn’t been convincing. Scores of 1, 4, 0, and 24 have raised questions about his ability to adapt to the role seamlessly in high-pressure situations.

    3. Impact on Rohit Sharma: Opening alongside a struggling Kohli might put additional pressure on Rohit Sharma, another senior batsman. A struggling top order can leave the middle order exposed early on.

    Finding the Middle Ground: Can India Change The Batting Order According To The Pitch Conditions?

    Promote Kohli Up the Order Only on Flat Pitches: If the pitches become batting paradises later in the tournament, Kohli should stick to opening the innings. As we have seen in the IPL, he is very dangerous on good batting tracks and can make full use of the powerplay.

    Give Kohli a Short Leash: If his struggles as an opener continue, the team management might need to consider a change. A young talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal could be given an opportunity to showcase his skills.

    What’s My Take On Virat Kohli’s Batting Position

    Virat Kohli should continue to open the innings because he has been batting at number 3 for the last four or five World Cups, and we still haven’t won any of them. If India has decided to open with Virat Kohli, they should stick to it until the semi-finals or finals, wherever we reach. Now that Rishabh Pant looks settled at number 3, you don’t want to change the team combination against bigger opponents. All the upcoming matches will be against stronger teams, and now is not the time to experiment. Stick to this combination, as Virat is a match-winner who will eventually regain form. This gamble may prove to be a game-changer and could lead to a title win after 11 long years.

  • Pakistan’s T20 Campaign Derailed After Loss to USA: Here’s How PAK Can Still Qualify for Super 8 – All Scenarios Explained | Cricket News

    Pakistan suffered a shocking defeat to the USA in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. This loss has put Pakistan’s campaign in jeopardy, significantly reducing their chances of reaching the Super 8s. Coming into the World Cup with a shaky form—having lost two games to a second-string New Zealand, one T20I to Ireland, and a T20I series to England—Pakistan was expected to perform well in conditions favorable to fast bowlers. However, the USA displayed grit and determination, outplaying Pakistan in all departments to stun the 2022 runners-up.

    Pakistan’s Road To Qualification

    To keep their hopes alive, Pakistan must win their next three matches. A crucial game against India is scheduled for June 9, and a victory is essential for Pakistan to have a realistic chance of advancing. Additionally, Pakistan needs to defeat both Canada and Ireland to bolster their qualification prospects.

    If Pakistan loses to India, their chances become slim, even with wins against Canada and Ireland. This scenario arises because the USA could potentially accumulate more points than Pakistan. Even if the USA loses to Ireland and India, their superior run rate might give them an edge over Pakistan if Pakistan falls to India.

    Pakistan Qualification Scenarios Explained

    Pakistan needs a minimum of six points from the four matches in the group stage. After the unexpected loss to the USA, the road ahead is challenging for the Asian giants.

    Best Qualification Scenerio Result Pakistan vs India Pak Win Pakistan vs Ireland Pak Win Pakistan vs Canada Pak Win

    Points so far: 0 Total points needed: 6 Wins needed: 3 Matches remaining: 3

    If Pakistan win there all remaining matches and USA lose to India and Ireland Pakistan will directly qualify for the super 8 stage

    Tough Qualification Scenario Result Pak vs Ind Ind Win Pak vs Ire Pak Win Pak vs Can Pak Win


    In this case, Pakistan will have to hope that the USA loses to both India and Ireland, and that too by a large margin, so Pakistan can qualify based on net run rate. These are the only scenarios in which Pakistan can qualify for the Super 8 stage.

    The Gary Kirsten-coached side must secure victories in all their remaining group-stage matches. Another loss would force Pakistan to rely on the results of other Group A matches to keep their Super 8 hopes alive.

  • Babar Azam furious after Haris Rauf concedes last ball boundary against USA in T20 World Cup 2024- WATCH | Cricket News

    Pakistan suffered a shocking defeat to the USA in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. This loss has put Pakistan’s campaign in jeopardy, significantly reducing their chances of reaching the Super 8s. Babar Azam was visibly upset with fast bowler Haris Rauf after he gave up 11 runs in the last three balls, forcing a Super Over in Dallas. Despite starting well, Rauf failed to defend 14 runs in the final over of the second innings. Babar Azam stormed off the field, expressing his frustration verbally, as Pakistan failed to defend 159 runs against the USA, who are playing their first T20 World Cup.

    Ka karo may be in full angry mood #babarazam pic.twitter.com/h6s5RXB0fK

    — Babariology (@bismajahangir4) June 6, 2024

    The Pakistan team struggled in the first 10 overs with the ball, putting pressure on themselves. However, the fast bowlers made a strong comeback in the second half, with wickets from Haris Rauf and Mohammed Amir keeping Pakistan in the game. Rauf, who had been bowling well, came to defend 15 runs in the final over but ended up giving away 14 runs, leading to the Super Over at the Grand Prairie Stadium.

    Babar Azam’s frustration continued in the Super Over as Mohammed Amir gave up 18 runs against relatively unknown batters. Amir bowled multiple wide balls and overthrows, adding easy runs to the USA’s total. In the end, Pakistan failed to chase down the 19-run target in the Super Over, leading to one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.

    Pakistan’s Big Game Against India

    Pakistan is in trouble after losing to the USA. Their next game against India will be almost like a knockout match. It will take place at Nassau County Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9. Historically, Pakistan has struggled against India in T20 World Cups, losing six out of seven matches. However, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, remains optimistic, saying the outcome will depend on which team stays composed.

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal or Virat Kohli who will open for India in T20 World Cup 2024? Sunil Gavaskar Picks This Opener | Cricket News

    India’s superstar batsman, Virat Kohli, has been in the form of his life during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, scoring over 700 runs. Despite facing consistent criticism from former India opener Sunil Gavaskar regarding his strike rate, Kohli’s stellar performance has earned him praise and a potential new role in the Indian lineup. Gavaskar, previously skeptical of Kohli’s strike rate, has now endorsed him to open alongside Rohit Sharma for India, citing his recent IPL form. Notably, Gavaskar expressed doubts about left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form, suggesting he may not be the ideal candidate to partner Sharma at the top of the order for the Men in Blue.

    India’s WC T20 2024 Warm-Up Match: Different Opening Combination

    India’s warm-up game against Bangladesh hinted at a different opening combination, with Sanju Samson partnering Sharma due to Kohli’s late arrival from the United States. While Rohit Sharma clarified that the team composition is not finalized, the absence of Jaiswal from the opening slot indicates he might not be the preferred choice for the T20 World Cup 2024. Gavaskar emphasized Kohli’s exceptional form and suggested that his place as an opener alongside Sharma is justified, considering his recent performances. Regarding Jaiswal, Gavaskar noted a decline in his form compared to previous outings.

    “The kind of form Virat Kohli has been in, especially in the second half of the season, he should open with Rohit Sharma. Good players are good players, the kind of form Kohli has shown in the IPL, he has to open the batting . It’s good to talk about the left-hand, right-hand combination on television, but good players are good players no matter where they bat,” Gavaskar said in an interview after the T20 World Cup opener between USA and Canada. “Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been in the sort of form we saw him in during the Test series,” the India legend said of the left-hander who will compete with Virat for the second opener’s spot.

    Despite Kohli’s absence from the warm-up game, he remains hopeful of featuring in India’s playing XI as they kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5. However, Jaiswal might have to wait for his opportunity, given the indispensability of Kohli and Sharma to the team’s top order.

    India’s World Cup campaign to begin soon

    India’s T20 World Cup journey includes matches against Ireland, Pakistan, USA, and Canada, with expectations high for Kohli’s potential role at the top alongside Sharma.

  • ICC Lifts Suspension Of Sri Lanka Cricket With Immediate Effect | cricket news

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday lifted the suspension imposed on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect. ICC released a statement to announce the uplifting of SLC’s ban which read, “The International Cricket Council lifted the ban on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today with immediate effect. The ICC Board has been monitoring the situation since the suspension and are now satisfied that SLC are no longer in breach of membership obligations.”

    ALSO READ: Blame Game In Indian Camp After Defeat In Hyderabad, Captain Rohit Sharma Says THIS

    The ban imposed by the ICC on Sri Lanka Cricket in November 2023 has been lifted.https://t.co/qDPp8I2CM6 ICC (@ICC) January 28, 2024

    In November 2023, the ICC suspended the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board amid political turmoil in Sri Lanka. The controversy arose when the Sri Lanka Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, introduced an interim committee led by Arjun Ranatunga, resulting in the suspension of the entire SLC board. This decision followed Sri Lanka’s significant loss to India in the Cricket World Cup and an overall disappointing tournament performance, where they won only two out of nine matches and failed to secure a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

    The ICC Board met on November 21 and decided that Sri Lanka could continue to compete internationally both in bilateral cricket and ICC events. But, the ongoing U19 men’s Cricket World Cup was moved to South Africa, which was initially set to be played in Sri Lanka. (‘Virat Kohli Has Never Been To NCA,’ Rohit Sharma On Star Batter’s Fitness)

    Sri Lanka were allowed to play in international cricket following a “fervent appeal” from President Shammi Silva to the members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) board members to “carve out an exception” that allowed the nation to play international cricket despite getting suspended. .

    “However, pursuant to SLC President Shammi Silvas’ fervent appeal to the Members, the ICC Board has carved out an exception permitting Sri Lankans to compete internationally in bilateral and ICC events, despite the suspension,” the SLC release stated.

    Since the suspension, Sri Lanka have hosted Zimbabwe for a white-ball series, earlier this year. (With ANI inputs)

  • ICC Reveals New York Stadium Which Will Host IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2024 Match; It Is Not Even Under Construction Yet As Design Is Unveiled | cricket news

    It was only on Wednesday, some five months ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the 34,000-seat modular cricket stadium where eight of the tournament matches will take place including the marquee clash between India and Pakistan. ICC announced that the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York will be hosting the matches. The stadium is still not ready. In fact, there is no physical presence of it. The construction of the stadium will begin only in February.

    In separate releases, both ICC and the architect company Populous said that the construction of the stadium will begin in the month of February. The design team behind this ambitious project is Populous, renowned for creating some of the most iconic stadia worldwide, including the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

    A unique stadium

    Commencing its construction in February, the stadium incorporates innovative and sustainable design, employing temporary solutions to adhere to the rigorous cricket standards set by the ICC. This groundbreaking approach marks a world-first for the sport. The main general admission seats will utilize grandstands initially used for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, repurposing them for cricket spectators.

    Unveiling the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, which will host eight games at the 2024 Men’s #T20WorldCup _https://t.co/XaKWcZb6gw — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) January 17, 2024

    The venue will boast over 80,000 square feet of hospitality space, featuring a party deck, fan suites, cabanas, and VIP clubs, ensuring an unmatched experience for attendees. To enhance the overall event, a diverse range of food and beverage outlets will be strategically placed, complemented by designated media and broadcast areas, making it the largest ICC event ever. The stadium will have the seating capacity of 34,000 fans.

    There will be drop-in pitches used at the New York stadium. The pitches are being curated by Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions while the outfield will be cultivated by LandTek Group.

    “Cricket is a truly global sport with a passionate, knowledgeable fanbase and we’re thrilled to partner with the ICC and help bring the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup to the United States,” said Jeff Keas, Senior Principal at Populous. “The modular, sustainable stadium we’ve designed will create a fantastic experience for both US and international cricket fans and visitors to enjoy watching the world’s best teams and players.”

  • Usman Khawaja Shares Pics Of Other Cricketers Playing With Symbols On Their Bats To Expose ICC’s Double Standards | cricket news

    Just one day after the International Cricket Council (ICC) denied Usman Khawaja’s application to raise awareness over humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Australia opener called out the board for double standards sharing a post on Instagram. ICC rejected Khawaja’s request to display a picture of a dove and an olive branch on his bat and shoes during the Boxing Day Test match against Pakistan on Sunday.

    Checkout the post here:


    Australia skipper Pat Cummins backed his teammate Usman Khawaja in his attempts to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but stated that the ICC rules need to be accepted.

    Cummins’s remarks come after the International Cricket Council (ICC) denied Khawaja’s latest application to display an image of a dove and an olive branch on his bat and shoes ahead of the second Test. (Babar Azam, David Warner, Pat Cummins Catch Up On Christmas, Share A Laugh; See Pics)

    The logo that Khawaja intended to display is a reference to Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which reads, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

    While addressing a press conference, Cummins gave his views on ICC rejecting Khawaja’s application and said, “Not really, no – I don’t know the ins and outs of the application, but I think it is pretty vanilla, a dove.”

    “We really support Uzzy, I think he’s standing up for what he believes and I think he’s doing it really respectfully. All lives are equal and I don’t think that’s very offensive, and I’d say the same about the dove. That’s Uzzy. He can hold his head high the way he’s gone about it, but there’s rules in place, so I believe the ICC have said they’re not going to approve that. They make up the rules and you’ve got to accept it. Cummins added.

    An ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo stated the clause due to which the left-handed batter’s application was denied. (T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma Finally Breaks Silence On Playing (Or Not))

    “The ICC, after giving due consideration to Usman Khawaja’s request for a personal message logo on his bat for the remainder of the Test series against Pakistan, did not approve the application. Personal messages of this nature are not allowed as per Clause F of the Clothing and Equipment Regulations, which can be found on the ICC Playing Conditions page. The ICC is supportive of players using their platforms outside of the playing arena to promote human rights, peace and equality and would encourage him to continue to use alternative platforms,” an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.

    The left-handed batsman was charged under the same clause for wearing a black armband during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth without any prior approval. Khawaja wore the armband on the field instead of writing and wearing the message “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right,” as he originally intended to, to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    Although black armbands are regularly worn by players to mourn the deaths of former players, family members or other significant individuals, they need permission from the national board and the ICC before they are worn. The second Test between Pakistan and Australia will be played on Tuesday at the MCG.

  • Greg Barclay elected new chairman of ICC

    Greg Barclay, a lawyer by profession and a director in New Zealand cricket since 2012, has been elected the new chairman of the International Cricket Council. Barclay will replace India’s Shashank Manohar as the second independent chairman of the ICC. Barclay is the representative of New Zealand cricket on the ICC board but now he will step down from his role and replace Usman Khawaja. Khwaja was made interim chairman in July after Manohar’s two-year term ended.

    Let me tell you that the term of former ICC chairman Shashank Manohar ended in July this year, after which Imran Khawaja was made the interim chairman. Greg was the director of New Zealand cricket since 2012, and under his supervision, New Zealand hosted the 2015 World Cup with Australia.

    After being elected the ICC Chairman, Greg said, “It is an honor for me to be elected as the ICC President. I would like to thank my fellow directors for their support. I hope that we will work together to lead the game and come out of the Corona epidemic with a strong force. ”

    Greg was the representative of New Zealand cricket on the ICC board, but now he will resign from his post and will take over as the chairman of the ICC.

  • Australia tops in percentage, India slips to second place

    The ICC World Test Championship table has been reshuffled on the basis of percentage of points and India has lost its top position. Although the Indian team has the highest number of 360 points, in terms of percentage, Team India has slipped to second place while Australia has secured the first place. India has played four series so far while Australia has played three series. Australia reached the top with 82.2 per cent. The percentage of India is 75.00.

    England is third with 60.83 percent, New Zealand is fourth with 50.00 percent and Pakistan is fifth with 39.52 percent. The final of the World Test Championship will be played between the top two teams in this table. The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Thursday that the decision of the two finalists of the World Test Championship (WTC) will be decided on the basis of percentage of points which is now approved by the ICC Board.

    This new rule was recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee headed by Anil Kumble at the quarterly meeting of the ICC starting on Monday. ICC Chief Executive (CEO) Manu Sahni said that both the Cricket Committee and the Chief Executive Committee have approved this new system. In the new calculation, in the ranking made on the basis of percentage of points, Australia has topped the list with 82.2 percent while India has come second with 75 percent. Earlier, India was at the first position with 360 points and Australia was at number two with 296 points. But the new calculation has changed the ranking of both teams.

  • What is the minimum age policy to play international cricket?

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that they have introduced a minimum age policy in international cricket. Players will now have to be at least 15 years old to play international cricket, ICC has said. However, as announced by the world body, countries still have the option to field a player younger than 15 years old. In exceptional circumstances, boards could apply to ICC to allow a player under the age of 15 to play for the respective country.

    “The Board confirmed the introduction of minimum age restrictions for international cricket to improve safeguarding of players which will apply across all cricket including ICC events, bilateral cricket and U19 cricket. To play in any form of men’s, women’s or U19 international cricket players must now be a minimum age of 15,” ICC said in a release.

    “In case of exceptional circumstances, a Member Board could apply to the ICC to allow a player under the age of 15 to play for them. This could include where the player’s playing experience and mental development and wellbeing demonstrates that they would be capable of coping with the demands of international cricket,” it added.

    Earlier, there was no bar on the age of a cricketer to play any form of international cricket.

    Pakistan’s Hasan Raza, who played seven Tests and 16 ODIs between 1996 and 2005, holds the record of being the youngest to play international cricket. The right-handed batsman made his Test debut when he was 14 years and 227 days old.