CRICKET

Indian Cricket Board consults captain, head coach, chief selector to revive players’ interest in red-ball cricket

Published

10 months ago

February 29, 2024

admin

The Indian Cricket Board, the richest cricket governing body in the world, tries its best to maintain the hype and spirit of the traditional format of the game. In a bid to revive players’ interest in red-ball cricket, the board is understood to be considering a substantial hike in Indian cricketers’ remuneration. The development comes a day after the announcement of the senior men cricketers’ annual contract list for the 2023-24 season.

On Wednesday, the board released the annual retainership list, shockingly leaving out Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan. Both made headlines when they decided not to participate in the Ranji Trophy season. Despite directives from the board and head coach Rahul Dravid, they continued to skip India’s premier red-ball tournament while not featuring in the national team. This has forced the board to take a bold decision and favour other players who are willing to play in the longer format.

According to a TOI report, the cricket board is in talks with Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar on ways to revive players’ interest in domestic and international red-ball matches. Sources say the board may consider raising the players’ match fee/remuneration – both Test and domestic – so that it matches the remuneration of lower mid-level Indian Premier League (IPL) contracts.

Player to be rewarded at a similar level as IPL

It has come to the notice of the board that players prefer IPL/shorter format over red ball cricket. The Ranji Trophy has been regarded as a pathway to the Indian national team for years, but the interest shown by players in this tournament has dwindled in recent times.

“The board has asked for recommendations from the Indian team management. They are taking a very aggressive approach towards maintaining the sanctity of the longest format of the game. It is imperative that players, who are committed to first-class cricket, are rewarded at a similar level as IPL cricket. That would mean that existing remuneration has to be multiplied,” a source was quoted as saying by TOI.

According to the report, if a player plays all the Ranji Trophy matches he can earn Rs 75 lakhs per year, while if a player plays all the Tests in a year he can make Rs 15 crores.

“The recommendations are on the lines of increasing the Test match and first-class fees by three times. The idea is that if a player plays the entire Ranji Trophy, he should be able to make around Rs 75 lakhs which matches an average IPL contract. It has also been suggested that if a player plays all Test matches in a year, he should be able to make Rs 15 crores which is at par for any marquee IPL contract,” the source added.

CRICKET

Captains Gear Up for NPL Final Showdown

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

Captains Share Strategies Ahead of NPL Final

The stage is set for the highly anticipated NPL final between Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts at TU International Cricket Ground. Both captains expressed their excitement and shared their strategies during a pre-match press conference, building anticipation for the thrilling clash in the NPL Final.

Sudurpaschim Royals captain Dipendra Singh Airee stressed the importance of maintaining consistency and playing with determination. He assured fans the team was fully prepared to deliver their best performance. Airee highlighted teamwork as the key to their successful journey to the final.

Janakpur Bolts captain Aasif Sheikh reflected on their previous losses to Sudurpaschim but emphasized a strong mental approach for the final. Sheikh urged his players to focus on executing their skills under pressure and remain confident despite the challenges. He also acknowledged the significance of fan support, calling on supporters to cheer positively for both teams.

Both captains praised the contributions of Nepali players in their squads, emphasizing their pivotal role in the tournament’s success. They also encouraged a spirit of sportsmanship and appreciation for the growing standards of Nepali cricket.

The final promises an exhilarating contest as two formidable teams compete for the championship title. Fans can expect a captivating battle between Sudurpaschim’s consistency and Janakpur’s determination. The match is scheduled to start at 12:15 PM, with cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the outcome.

CRICKET

Janakpur Bolts Secure Spot in NPL Final to Face Sudurpaschim Royals

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Janakpur Bolts in the NPL final! Janakpur Bolts defeated Karnali Yaks by two wickets in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Qualifier 2 to secure their spot in the final. Chasing a modest target of 119 runs, Janakpur overcame early setbacks and achieved victory in 19 overs, finishing with eight wickets down.

New Zealand batter Jimmy Neesham played a pivotal role, scoring a rapid 45 runs off just 17 balls. His innings included two fours and five sixes before being dismissed by Bipin Sharma. Contributions from Mayan Yadav (14 runs) and Sher Malla (16 runs not out) also proved crucial in the lower order.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 118 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Gulshan Jha top-scored for Karnali with 25 runs off 20 balls, while Dev Khanal added 24. Janakpur’s bowlers, including Lalit Rajbanshi, Jimmy Neesham, and Muhammad Mohsin, each picked up two wickets to restrict the opposition.

Janakpur’s journey to the final wasn’t without challenges. They suffered a defeat against Sudurpaschim Royals in Qualifier 1, forcing them into this must-win game. Despite an unsteady start, with key players like Aasif Sheikh and Lahiru Milantha departing early, the team showed resilience under pressure.

The final, set for Saturday, will feature Janakpur Bolts facing Sudurpaschim Royals in what promises to be an intense battle. Both teams, having proven their mettle throughout the season, are eager to clinch the prestigious NPL title.

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Virat Kohli to Move to London with Family, Coach Confirms

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Jelan

Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has confirmed that Kohli, wife Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, plan to relocate to London. Sharma revealed that the cricketer envisions settling in the UK post-retirement. Virat Kohli frequently visits London, where their son Akaay was born earlier this year on February 15.

The couple owns property in London, where they are expected to reside after the move. “Yes, Virat plans to move to London with his family soon. However, he is currently focused on cricket and spending time with his family,” Sharma stated.

Kohli has balanced cricket commitments and family time this year. After the birth of his son, he returned to India following the T20 World Cup in June and played series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Currently participating in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his next major assignment is the Champions Trophy, followed by IPL 2025.

Despite a dip in form during recent matches against Australia, Sharma expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to deliver. “Virat scored a brilliant century in Perth and will bounce back in the Boxing Day and Sydney Tests,” Sharma said.

Regarding Kohli’s career longevity, Sharma dismissed retirement rumors. “Virat is fit and will continue playing for at least five more years. He will likely participate in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa,” he added. Sharma emphasized Kohli’s passion for cricket and his ability to perform under pressure.

As Kohli continues to shine on the field, his potential relocation marks a new chapter for the cricket icon and his family.