CRICKET
Pakistan-Afghanistan series postponed until 2022
Afghanistan’s three-match ODI series against Pakistan has been indefinitely postponed until 2022.
On Monday afternoon, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that they have accepted Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) proposal to postpone the series.
ACB claimed that postponement of the ODI series was largely down to their players’ mental health issues, increase in coronavirus cases, lack of broadcasters, and disruption in flight operations in Kabul.
ACB informed PCB that due to the current political situation in Kabul, their players are not in an ideal mental space.
After numerous decisions made by both the cricketing boards regarding the schedule, they couldn’t come to terms with any logistical changes and have decided to organize this ODI series in 2022.
Initially, ACB chairman Hamid Shinwari confirmed to the cricketing broadcasters that they tried to move the series to Pakistan and then decided to move the series to Sri Lanka, but they couldn’t come to a mutual consent with PCB considering the situation in Kabul.
Currently, there are no commercial flights taking place in Kabul due to the Taliban takeover in the country.
Moreover, the Sri Lankan government also announced a 10-day lockdown on Friday, after they recorded the highest coronavirus cases and 187 deaths in one day since the emergence of the pandemic.
After the ACB had agreed to schedule the series in Sri Lanka, their plan was initially to travel to Pakistan by road.
Afterward, they would fly to Dubai, and then to Colombo to commence the ODI series. However, this difficult route had its share of roadblocks because of the coronavirus protocols.
“Until this evening, we had an agreement in principle to play the ODI series in Pakistan and we are thankful to our neighbors for their continuous support” Shinwari stated.
Unfortunately, some situations are not within the hands of cricket boards and ACB had to prioritize their players’ mental health issues more than anything else. After looking at some of the players face-to-face, Shinwari understood that they are not prepared. He felt that the team required a camp that allowed their players to adapt to the weather and conditions
“Now with the delay of preparations regarding the Sri Lankan tour, we have lost a lot of valuable time. Therefore, we feel that going to Pakistan without any preparations in such a short period is not a great idea for our players,” Shinwari concluded.
The postponement of this series is a massive negative point for the welfare of Afghanistan cricketing fans.
They would think that the current political situation along with the escalating coronavirus cases couldn’t have come at a worse time.
This would have been the first time that Pakistan would have played Afghanistan since Pakistan’s nail-biting win over their neighbors in the World Cup 2019.
Both teams have locked horns four times in their cricketing history, with the men in green winning every encounter.
Pakistan are currently in West Indies, trying to level the two-game Test series. Windies took home the first clash to take the lead.
The T20I series was marred by rain interruptions but the visitors won it 1-0.
BIG NEWS
Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket
The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.
This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.
The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.
As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.
In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.
The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.
Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.
BGT
Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team
Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.
McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.
Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.
Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.
Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.
The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.
BGT
Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket
Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.
Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.
Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.
These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.
As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.
Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.
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