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Facebook and Google fight to broadcast cricket in India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 05:56:00 +0000

Facebook and Google have positioned themselves to obtain the rights to broadcast international cricket matches in India, which are to be awarded on Tuesday, according to several local media.

The auctions conducted by the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) focus on the allocation of rights between 2018-2023. The two behemoths are not alone on the starting line. In particular, they will have to compete with the two current broadcasters, Star India and Sony Pictures Network India, as well as the YuppTV streaming service.

This is the first time that Google ventures into the sports rights sector in India. Facebook, which remains at the heart of several polemics, had already tried to get in September the broadcast rights of matches of the Indian championship, but had failed against Star India.

The allocation of broadcast rights for international matches is divided into several prizes, which include various geographical areas, in India and abroad, and media, television and digital. Facebook and Google would be well placed to obtain these digital rights, according to several Indian newspapers.

Exemplary punishment for Australian Cheaters

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 05:01:00 +0000

Steve Smith and David Warner, captain and vice-captain of the Australian cricket team, have been suspended for one year for their role in the scandal of the match against South Africa in Cape Town. Smith acknowledged that during the same cheated, using a tape to scrape the ball and change its trajectory, after television cameras were caught his teammate Cameron Bancroft, also sanctioned with nine months. The three players have already been sent home from the concentration in South African lands.

All three may participate in club competitions, but not in international tournaments with their selection during the duration of their sanctions. The premeditated trap they used against South Africa has shaken the world of cricket not only in Australia.

"David Warner will not occupy relevant positions in the future," said the Australian cricket team. While Smith and Bancroft must wait two years to do it again, and "even then it will depend on acceptance by the fans," he added. In addition, each of them must complete one hundred hours of community services before being eligible again.

Also Read: The Scandalous Trap That Has Deeply Disappointed Australia

Smith and Bancroft have been found guilty of knowing the cheating plan, but according to the Australian Federation's investigations, Warner would have been the instigator.

"The Federation understands the anger of the fans and the Australian community about these events as they go against the integrity and reputation of Australian cricket and sport and the sanctions must reflect that," said David Peever, president of the association.

"They are significant penalties for professional players and this body has not imposed them lightly. We hope that after the suspension period players will be able to play the sport they love again and rebuild their careers" he said.

Cricket cheaters have been sent back to Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 04:46:00 +0000

Australian squad captain Steve Smith, vice-president David Warner and player Cameron Bancroft, have been sent home from South Africa as a result of their involvement in the team's attempt to cheat on Saturday, during a test game against South Africa Series, the most prestigious game formula for sport. So they will not play in the next match between the two national teams - the tournament is made of different matches - which will start on Friday in Johannesburg. Smith will be replaced by the player Tim Paine in the role of captain.

In short, the scandal in which the three players are involved concerned the attempt to secretly tamper the ball with which they were disputing the game against South Africa. This attempted tampering was taken by the cameras and that's why the managers had to admit it.

For now, Smith, Warner and Bancroft have not been suspended or driven out by the national cricket team, but it is not excluded that in the next there may be serious repercussions on their career for this scandal. Australia coach, Darren Lehmann, who according to Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland had nothing to do with trying to cheat, will not leave his place.

Australia in shock of "Sand Paper Gate"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 04:27:00 +0000

A piece of tape and a whole sport is shaken. In Australia, where cricket is king, the captain of the Australian team is caught in a cheating scandal. The reason? This piece of ribbon, to change its trajectory.

In the Commonwealth, cricket is king. The sport of bat attracts more than one billion and a half of followers, around the world and in particular in Australia, India, South Africa... No wonder that when a scandal explodes in this sport of bat, it shakes a whole country.

That's what is happening right now in Australia, where one of the newspapers is focused on cheating on his national team captain, Steve Smith. Sunday, during a test match against South Africa, the most prestigious format, over five days, he admitted to cheating while trying to destabilize the trajectory of the ball, with tape, with the complicity of his teammate Cameron Bancroft. Except that the subterfuge was caught by the cameras before the latter tries to hide the action by hiding the adhesive in his pants.

Also Read: The Australian Cricket Team Caught In The Act Of Cheating

A national tragedy for Australians, which even pushed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to intervene. He evokes a bitter disappointment. It completely defies understanding that the Australian cricket team is involved in cheating. In the eyes of Australians, the captaincy of the national cricket team as prestigious as his prime minister. Seeing such a maneuver at the head of the national team, especially in a sport of "Gentlemen" is a source of disappointment, far from the Australian mind.

The Australian press has seized the case, claiming the shame of such a case, henceforth nicknamed "SandPaperGate". Even the old legends of cricket are indignant. They are nearly 450 to have worn the green cap of the team, which is considered an honor. Former pitcher Rodney Hogg lamented on Twitter: "Unfortunately, it's pure cheating and Steve Smith has to resign from his position."

Jamie Fuller, chief executive of Skins, sportswear manufacturer, "Cricket Australia (CA), the governing body of sport, must show good governance in the face of scandal. If they do not, there will not be only the national team that will be shamed. It will be you all. It will be cricket. It will be us all."

For the moment, Smith has been given a suspension match by the International Cricket Council. But the case should keep talking.

Especially since sport is extremely popular in Commonwealth countries. Thus, for example, in 2017, the Anglo-Welsh Cricket Federation, gave up the rights of the competition of its national team for nearly 1.25 billion euros.

The scandalous trap that has deeply disappointed Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 15:51:00 +0000

Australia is in a "shock" state. In a country where cricket is the national sport and captain of the national team of this sport is considered the second most important job in the country after the prime minister, the crude confession of Steve Smith, a player who occupies currently that position, has been a real blow.

Smith acknowledged on Sunday that he had cheated, and what's worse, he had done it premeditatedly. The Australian player confessed that he had planned to alter the state of the ball to change his trajectory during a game against South Africa played on Saturday in Cape Town.

His partner Cameron Bancroft used an adhesive tape to collect abrasive particles from the field and rub the ball with them to scrape it and make its unpredictable trajectory. However the cameras chased him doing it, but when he realized he tried to hide the tape by putting it in his pants.

Smith confessed the facts in a press conference that ended up causing a real scandal in Australia, where the controversial episode has jumped to all media.

Also Read: The Australian Cricket Team Caught In The Act Of Cheating

Even the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, acknowledged being "shocked" and having suffered a "bitter disappointment". "It is completely impossible to assume that the Australian team is involved in a trap," he said. And is that cricket, already considered a sport of gentlemen, is more than a sport in Australia, rooted in the soul and ideals of the country.

Putting on the green cap of the national team is considered sacred in Australia, as it is an honor that only 450 people have been able to enjoy. That is why Turnbull asked the Australian Cricket Federation ('Cricket Australia') for a quick and forceful action to punish those who are responsible.

The trap and its subsequent confession have already had consequences among the sponsors of the Australian team, who have transmitted their discomfort. For example Jamie Fuller, executive director of the specialized clothing brand 'Skins', who on an advertising page in the press wrote that "cricket is part of our national soul and defines us, what is right and what is not, what that is good and what is wrong. Cricket Australia must act. If it does not, it will not be only the national team that will be covered in shame, it will all be you, it will be cricket, we will be all of us ».

Other sponsors, including Qantas Airways, Sanitarium cereals, Lion brewer, sportswear brand ASICS, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Toyota, said Monday that they are studying their relationship with the Australian national team after the scandal and waiting for the investigation of 'Cricket Australia'.

Before any future decisions that the Australian federation can make, Steve Smith was stripped of the national captaincy on Sunday and suspended for a match by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and on Monday it became known that the player has left a He also agreed to stop being the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, the franchise of the Indian cricket league where he plays.

For his part, Cameron Bancroft, who was hunted by the cameras carrying out the trap designed by his captain and a group of players of the Australian team, received three penalty points and a fine of seventy-five percent of his income for the party but escaped a suspension.

The Australian cricket team caught in the act of cheating

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:52:00 +0000

In Australia, cricket is the king of sports and the national team is ready for anything to win a match. To go too far, like Saturday, March 24 when the Australians tried a rough cheating to lose their opponents, South Africa, during a match in Cape Town. The scene may seem surreal, but the scandal is immense.

Everything happened live, under the eyes of the cameras, reports our correspondent in Melbourne, Caroline Lafargue. As South Africa leads, Cameron Bancroft, a player on the Australian team, pulls a piece of yellow, dust-coated tape from his pocket. A sort of improvised sandpaper that he intends to use to sand the ball and change its trajectory. All this to surprise the South African drummer.

Problem: One of the referees notices the little carousel of Cameron Bancroft, who panics and tries to hide his yellow tape in his pants. The match is then immediately stopped. Then follows a long meeting behind closed doors, explains our correspondent in Johannesburg, Noé Hochet-Bodin.

Pursued by the International Federation, Cameron Bancroft acknowledges the fault: " I saw an opportunity to use tape so that the ball could stick to pellets on the ground and so that it could change direction, " says the player.

"I'm not proud of that"

A premeditated " opportunity ", as Steve Smith, the captain of this Australian team, admits in a press conference. " The team knew it. We talked about it at lunch. I'm not proud of that. It's not in the spirit of sport. This raises questions about my integrity and the integrity of the team as a whole, "the athlete apologizes before" promising "that such a situation will not happen again.

A mea culpa that does not prevent the Australian Federation of Cricket to conduct the investigation and to commit to cleaning the team. For the moment, only the International Cricket Council has intervened against the cheats: he suspended the captain for a match and imposed a big fine on Cameron Bancroft. In Australia, humiliation is in any case total.

Chinese Cricketers Join Peshawar Zalmi

noreply@blogger.com (CricNama) — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 16:07:00 +0000

Chinese cricketers Jian Li and Yufei Zhang have reached Dubai as special guests of Peshawar Zalmi chairman Javed Afridi. Both players will train with Peshawar Zalmi squad.

Chairman Peshawar Zalmi Javed Afridi stated "It is a new breakthrough in cricket. Two Chinese cricketers will be with the Peshawar Zalmi squad from today. This step will go a long way in facilitating aspiring cricketers in China and in reinforcing the bond between the two nations."

Peshawar Zalmi mentor Younis Khan presented Peshawar Zalmi shirts to both Chinese Cricketers as team Zalmi Welcome them for the PSL. Both cricketers will train with Peshawar Zalmi in training sessions to gain great experience.

PSL 2018: Peshawar Zalmi Vs Karachi Kings in Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:52:00 +0000

Pakistan Super League (PSL) Artist Press Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 10:36:00 +0000

The press conference of Pakistan Super League 2018 (PSL 3) artist was held yesterday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The backdrop for the opening ceremony of the third edition of the PSL took place where the artists who performed at the event talked about their performances that are expected to electrify the crowd at the stadium tomorrow.

The starry cast for the ceremony includes some world-class artists who have left their mark with their stimulating and memorable songs that have touched the hearts and minds of millions of fans. Following tradition, the opening ceremony of the third season should dazzle audiences in the stadium and the millions who watch on their television screens and in our LIVE broadcast around the world.

The ceremony is a wonderful reflection of the culture and heritage of Pakistan marvellously amalgamated with modernity, an internationally renowned artist as Jason Derulo will act this year following in the footsteps of Sean Paul and Shaggy who left their mark on the first two editions of the Pakistan Super League.

The artists who spoke at the press conference included Abida Parveen, Ali Zafar, Shehzad Roy, Sachal Orchestra, Emcees, Bilal Ashraf and Hareem Farooq. In addition to the wonderful line-up of performances, the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League would include some other fascinating acts and attractions that will enthral the fans for the third year in a row.

The ceremony begins at 7pm UAE time, the ceremony will be followed by the first match of the tournament between defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and newcomers Multan Sultans, the match will start at 9:00 p.m.

Pakistan Super League 2018 Trophies Unveiled

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:02:00 +0000

The Trophy for the Pakistan Super League 2018 (PSL 3) was presented yesterday at the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Before the unveiling of the trophy at the Stadium, a special 'Uber Trophy Transfer' was carried out.

The Trophy was collected from the Swarovski office in an Uber Chopper that took off from Atlantis Helipad, the helicopter landed in the Me'aisem City Center.

In the centre of the city of Me'aisem, league's trophy was received by the captain of the reigning champions, Peshawar Zalmi captain Daren Sammy, who was driven to the place in an Uber Limousine. The captains of the other five franchises Brendon McCullum (Lahore Qalandars), Shoaib Malik (Multan Sultans), Misbahul Haq (Islamabad United), Imad Wasim (Karachi Kings) and Sarfraz Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators) were also present in the car.

In addition to the Uber limousine, the car fleet also included two Teslas. Sammy and the rest of the captains were taken to the Dubai Cricket Stadium where the trophy was unveiled.

This year three new trophies of individual prizes have been added for the best performers in the Pakistan Super League this year. These include Player of the Tournament, The Best Batter, The Best Bowler, Safest Hands (Wicket-Keeper), the Best Player in the Field and Spirit of Cricket Award.

NCA's Advanced Training Program for U-16 Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 09:21:00 +0000

National Cricket Academy (NCA) will begin the U-16 Training and Development Camp from March 12 to April 7, 2018, at the Inzamam ul Haq High-Performance Center, Multan. In this regard, the National Junior Selection Committee has selected 28 players to form under the elite NCA coaches panel. The selection of players for this program is based on his performance in the Inter-Regional tournament recently concluded by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pepsi.

The 28 selected players with their respective regions are:

Saim Ayub, Mubashir Nawaz, Syed Nasim Ali Shah, Shahryar Rizvi, Aliyan Mehmood Saad bin Yousaf (Karachi), Muhammad Ahsan, Kh. Arham (Sialkot), Imad Afzal, Adil Naz (Abbottabad), Atif Khan, Hassan Abid Kiyani (Islamabad), Aurangzeb, Abdul Ghaffar (Quetta), Umer Eman, Khalil ur Rehman, Bilal Hussein Ali Munir, Kabir Khan (Lahore) usama Afridi (Rawalpindi), Amir Khan, Haris Khan (Peshawar), Izzatullah (FATA)), Sameer Saqib (Faisalabad), Zaman Khan (AJC), Rizwan Mehmood, Salman Khan (Hyderabad), Muhammad Ammar (Bahawalpur)

Players must show up March 11, 2018, at the High-Performance Center Inzamam ul Haq, Multan.

PSL 3 Trophy will be Unveiled in Dubai tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 11:36:00 +0000

The wait for the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is almost over. But, before the cricket action begins on February 22, a ceremony will be held in Dubai tomorrow to unveil the trophy of PSL 3.

The Trophy for the tournament will be unveiled to the public at the Dubai International Stadium. Then, the trophy will be taken to the headquarters through from where it will be received by the captains of the PSL teams.

The Captain of defending champion, Peshawar Zalmi, Darren Sammy, will take the trophy to the ceremony.

In a video interview before the third edition of the Pakistan Super League, the former captain of the Windies praised the revival of international cricket in Pakistan and recalled his memories of PSL last year.

"We had to see bright scenes at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, everyone had the Zalmi flag," Sammy recalled PSL 2, as he expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani crowd. "It's time I gave them back their love." We lifted the trophy in Lahore last year, we will raise it again in Karachi on March 25."

The event will be attended by managers and owners of the PSL franchises, along with senior officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board. The defending champions Peshawar Zalmi play debutants Multan Sultans in the opening match of PSL 3 on February 22 in Dubai.

PITU to Develop Android App for PCB

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 09:53:00 +0000

The chairman of the PCB, Mr. Najam Sethi, and Dr. Umar Saif, founder of the Vice Chancellor of Information Technology University of Punjab (ITU), signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to use “Insights” - a unique match analysis and scoring tool developed at no cost to the ITU for the coming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other domestic series in Pakistan, including the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, the Pakistan Cup, etc.

The system has been developed by Talha Rehmani and his team with the opinion and guidance of cricket experts such as Inzamam ul Haq, a legendary cricketer of Pakistan and current head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, and Mushtaq Ahmed, coach of Pakistan’s National Cricket Academy.

Detailed assessment sessions were conducted with these mentors and PCB support staff such as analysts, qualifiers, coaches and other coaches.

About the Insights software

Insights is an expert player profile system developed by the Information Technology University research team, Lahore, Pakistan (ITU) for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The system contains a parallel scoring application, both on the web and on Android, where the scores of the matches with the smallest details are entered using only an Android tablet, which makes it very profitable.

The scorer can enter a lot of additional information along with scores such as the location in the field, the terrain and weather information, the ball launch point, the swing and height estimate, and information.

The system can be used simultaneously by two users to enter the details of the same party to cover it with greater precision, that is, a scorekeeper can add scores while an analyst can add field and field information, etc. The user can also enter details of each delivery event, for example, if a four-hit, the user can select, from a pre-populated list, the name of the shot, if the players timed it or if it was a mishit. Similarly, the details of a batter's dismissal, a career, a point or a six, all different types of scoring events can be recorded with just a few clicks. Below are some screens of the mobile interface.

The main landing screen, the field placement screen, the scoring screen with the scoring throws appear and the throwing screen to indicate where the ball was thrown and the height of the ball compared to the ball

The data collected, both from coincidences and individuals, are then used to obtain both concrete and soft analytical results.

This can be an important tool to track a player's performance from the root level to the top, identify weak and strong areas for hitters, identify trends and factors that affect the performance of each bowler, work on improving your defects and equipment selection. E.g. If the system identifies that a player is good against the turn, he may be selected to play in friendly spin conditions.

On the other hand, if a player is weak against the turn, the repair work can be started.

USA Cricket Launches an Official Membership Program

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 05:09:00 +0000

In what is a major step forward in the unification of cricket in the United States, USA Cricket today launched the official membership program for sports within the country, which continues the path laid out by the US Cricket Constitution which was approved in December 2017.

The membership program will be divided into two main categories, Individual and Organizational Membership. The individual membership will allow interested people in the cricket community to participate in the new governing body. The organizational membership continues the participation of the League and participation in the organization, but also provides the opportunity for individual clubs to join USA Cricket. The organizational membership also includes academies, schools, universities, universities and other cricket organizations.

The membership program is the next step in the process of building a world-class cricket governing body and will help facilitate a fair and transparent election process involving the entire US cricket community and it unifies the sport in the future.

Once the election process begins, the new membership of USA Cricket may vote on the seven (7) of the ten (10) members of the Board. The new USA Cricket Board is expected to be ready by May 2018. In a step by USA Cricket to be as inclusive as possible, all members are free until June 30, 2018.

A collaborative work approach with the cricket community in the United States was carried out when designing the membership program. USA Cricket would like to thank all the stakeholders who contributed during the last year to help achieve a program that has been designed for everyone within the cricket community.

Membership in USA Cricket will have many benefits, which will increase over time, and includes; voting for the Board of Directors, insurance coverage for individuals and clubs, zonal programs, access to the competition management platform of CricClubs, educational resources, exchange of best practices and more.

For more information on the different categories and benefits of membership, and to apply for the USA Cricket membership, visit the US Cricket website here: https://www.usacricket.org/membership.

[Televistan] When captains used all 11 players as bowlers

noreply@blogger.com (Ammar Zia) — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Bouncers - Dont change the Captain change system instead

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 08:26:00 +0000

Pakistan won the first test against Zimbabwe due to an extra ordinary innings of Younis Khan. However, all other batsmen especially top order flopped. In first test Zimbabwe could not capitalise the momentum due to lack of experience but team Pakistan’s continuous poor performance provoked Zimbabwe to have a jubilant ending of the test. As I said earlier that Coach Whatmore should formulise, the strategy considering and tweaking the weaker aspects of the team otherwise these mistakes will haunt us again against South Africa and Sri lanka. But the players agreed upon bringing shame at the hands of Zimbabwe, this has created bigger trouble for Whatmore who is trying to console by saying that Pakistan equalised the series against Zimbabwe did not lose it.

Moin Khan who was a critique about the system and team when he was an expert on TV channels now when he has been appointed to a post in PCB he has declared grass as green. Former Wicket Keeper should have been worried about the defeats however, he is declaring the performance rather satisfactory saying Pakistan only played bad in two matches in the rest of the tour team played well. This indeed is another limit of naivety.

What are the reasons behind losing, who were the underperforming players, and which player has a falling performance graph? Our readers must have realised that very well as for past few days “experts” on TV are sobbing over the defeat and conducting autopsy of the team. The majority agrees that Pakistan lost due to the defensive approach of Captain Misbah who failed to act like a finisher in the second test mach. As a result Pakistan lost by 24 runs. If Misbah would have single handedly lead Pakistan to the victory he could avail the praises but now he is the only one facing the music and his critical 79 runs not out have been totally wasted. This is interesting that why experts fail to see that team is not all about Misbah only there were five other expert batsmen too who also failed completely.

It seems to be easy escape for the office holders in PCB to bring Captain down and cricket fans can be amused with the chants of new captain and new spirit. However, this will not be the solution of the real problem. There is need of changing the system not captain, system that is killing the capabilities of cricket in Pakistan. This is sheer helplessness that poor performers cannot be replaced as the options have either lesser experience or talent. Moreover, seniors like Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq are still playing because board and system failed to produce their replacement, and those who were painted as the next big thing are also in line to be replaced.

Just because the backup does not have good players, therefore the poor performers from Zimbabwe series will still manage to hold their spot against South Africa for the series in UAE. Change in system is inevitable to turn things around and creating a consistency in the performance. PCB is not producing good players regularly for the international level and as a result; cricket is on the verge of devastation. Rather than emphasising over changing the captain the need of hour is to change is vision, mindset and setting up an effective system that PCB can operate with and produce good results with any captain.

India vs Australia: Rohit Sharma’s fiery 209 on Diwali

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 19:47:00 +0000

What do you expect on Diwali? Fireworks and the likes, obviously. Rohit Sharma’s double-century at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the seventh ODI against Australia was just that.

With the riveting and jaw-dropping performance, Sharma has now become the third player to score 200 in an ODI match.

After dismissing in-form Virat Kohli on duck, Australia’s hopes were running. But then Sharma came, saw and outclassed. He ruined Aussies’ hopes, making 209 runs off 158 balls, claiming many a record.

He played the second-biggest innings of ODI history and became the third player to score 200 after countrymen Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.

The biggest one-day innings is under Sehwag’s belt who scored 219 in December 2011 against West Indies. Tendulkar made his double-ton in 2010 against South Africa.

Moreover, Sharma also broke Shane Watson’s world record of most sixes in an ODI innings, hitting 16 sixes. Watson hit 15 sixes. Sharma also completed his 1,000 runs in 2013 and 3,000 runs in career.

Sharma completed his double-century in a style, smashing a six to Clint McKay on the first ball of the innings’ last over. He was dismissed after two balls, but not before creating a history. He took only 42 balls to reach 200 from 100.

India vs Australia: ICC’s new rules a ‘death sentence’ for bowlers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 17:56:00 +0000

The new ODI rules by the International Cricket Council are adversely affecting bowlers, and the ongoing India-Australia series is the best example of it. Where the environment has been improving for batsmen, the cricket is getting more and more difficult for bowlers. And the organisation responsible for it is the one which is handling the game.

Both teams have been able to play only four of the six games as two ODI were abandoned because of rain. A total of 2565 runs were scored in these four matches, excluding the 295 runs scored in one of the abandoned matches. India have defeated Australia in two such matches where they were chasing a target of more than 350 runs.

The ICC has recently decided to allow two separate balls for both ends in one-dayers. This decision has come as a hard blow for the ‘reverse swing’ because if the opponents play the maximum 50 overs, even then it is quite difficult to obtain reverse swing with a 25-overs-old ball.

And as if it were not enough, the ICC has taken another measure to strengthen batsmen, that is, it has reduced the number of players to four from five outside the 30-yard circle. That’s why in the case of batting wicket, batsmen can endanger bowlers’ career.

The ongoing India-Australia series is also being played in the condition favourable to batsmen. In the first match Australia set a target of 305 runs, and restricted India to 232 to clinch a 72-run victory.

Then in the second ODI in Jaipur, Australia amassed a Himalayan total of 359 runs, but India chased it in the 44th over, with a loss of just one wicket.

The third ODI was another high-scorer where Australia chased a 304-run target, winning the match by six wickets. Rain washed away the fourth and fifth matches. The Aussies scored 298-8 in the first innings, but the second innings could not be completed due to rain. The fifth ODI was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Then the historic Nagpur mach was held where only 10 wickets were lost and a whopping 701 runs were scored. India chased a target of 351 and so the match was another nightmare for bowlers.

The statistics were staggering if taken as individually, too. The least average of the four top-scorers is 56, whereas the lowest strike rate among them is of 95.91. Australia captain George Bailey has scored 474 runs in the series with an amazing average of 118.50 and almost the same strike rate. Kohli has gathered 344 runs at 172 and with a strike of above 124. Rohit Sharma, 282 runs at 94 and strike rate of 95 and Shikhar Dhawan, 224 runs at 56 with a strike rate of 101.

The result of these batting heroics is obvious: a blow to bowlers. The top three wicket takers are Mitchell Johnson, Vinay Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have collected 7 wickets each with averages of 33.42, 34.71 and 40.57 and economy rates of 5.68, 7.04 and 6.17, respectively.

Ironically, the batsmen who are making the most of the new ICC rules are crying because of their team’s bowlers. India captain MS Dhoni and vice captain Virat Kohli have objected to these changes. Dhoni has even cited some bowlers saying they felt they should be replaced by bowling machines.

Though the last match of the series is yet to be played, the ICC should reconsider the rules.

Even the batsmen who are making hay are criticising the new rules due to their teammates' bowlers (Photo: BCCI)

Moin Khan seems set to replace Dav Whatmore

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 18:18:00 +0000

Dav Whatmore is unlikely to continue as Pakistan coach after the recent defeats against South Africa, and the team manager Moin Khan seems set to replace him.

Moin Khan is participating in the training sessions and working in all three departments – batting, bowling and fielding – more actively than Whatmore.

It seems the ‘opportunist’ players know what is going to happen, therefore, they have ditched Whatmore and are trying to appease Moin.

Team sources say that in team meeting and training sessions Moin Khan is spending more time with players and senior player are co-operating with him as much as they can.

Although Najam Sethi is busy in dealing court issues, some team players know Moin is Sethi’s favourite and his vote would be a key to run team’s affairs in the near future.

Pakistan vs South Africa: Chokers turn the tables on Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:21:00 +0000

Chasing a 184-run target, can a team lose the match if they are on 165-4? Yes, if the chasers are Pakistan. Pakistan needed just 19 more runs to win against South Africa in the first ODI played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. But that meagre score proved to be a Himalayan task for Pakistan, who succumbed to the Proteas bowling prowess on 182, just one run behind their opponents’ total.

[caption id="attachment_2438" align="alignright" width="230"] The 52-run partnership between Parnell and Tsotsobe in the ninth wicket proved decisive. (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

So where India chased 351 runs against Australia in Nagpur, their neighbours failed to chase 184 in Sharjah.

Two were the decisive reasons of Pakistan’s defeat: the 52-run partnership between Wayne Parnell and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, and Pakistani players losing wickets after batting powerplay.

The 71-run partnership between Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad, and later Misbahul Haq’s presence put Pakistan in good position. But Misbah’s dismissal in the first over of powerplay, and the loss back-to-back loss of Umar Amin, Umar Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Shahid Afridi and Wahab Riaz stifled Pakistan’s chase. From 165-4 in the 41st over, Pakistan were all-out in the 47th over for 182.

Pakistan’s excessively prudent behaviour in the chase was the actual reason of the fiasco. The team managed to make just 135 runs in 35 overs, and then lost wickets in an attempt to inch up the strike rate when the last powerplay began. Pakistan came under pressure from Misbah’s departure in the powerplay’s first over. Then there was successive loss of wickets as soon as the powerplay ended.

Shehzad and Misbah remained top-scorers with 58 and 31 runs.

South Africa’s Parnell and Imran Tahir took three wickets apiece, whereas Morne Morkel and Tsotsobe took two each.

The Proteas’ innings was also a chaos. The match remained in the grip of Pakistan’s bowlers from the Colin Ingram’s dismissal in the first over to more than half of the innings. When Ryan McLaren lost his wicket in the 27^th over, South Africa’s one end became completely vulnerable. The team were 86-6 by then. But Miller’s 37 and Parnell’s 56 guided the Proteas to 183 – a huge total for Pakistan as it turned out.

Saeed Ajmal came back to his form after quite a long time, taking four wickets off 30. Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Irfan took three, two and one wickets, respectively.

Parnell was given man-of-the-match award for his performance.

Pakistan’s decision to include Wahab Riaz for Junaid Khan and Sohail Tanvir for Asad Shafiq also proved wrong. Wahab failed both as a bowler and batsman. He succumbed to opponents’ bowling pressure when he was needed the most. Tanvir did better bowling, but he also failed to stick to the crease when wickets were falling.

South Africa are now leading 1-0 in the five-match series after the unbelievable victory. The second ODI will be played on Nov 1 in Dubai.

Players prefer practice to rest after 1st ODI drama

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:10:00 +0000

The loss in the first one-day was an eye opener for Pakistan. It was only because of the humiliating defeat that Pakistani team spent their time in ground instead of taking rest.

[caption id="attachment_2442" align="alignright" width="293"] Unbelievable defeat proved nightmarish for Pakistan (Photo: Cricnama)[/caption]

The second one-day will be played on Nov 1 in Dubai, and cricket experts, fans and the team itself are finding it difficult to digest the drama of the first ODI. This has compelled the boys to have some practice.

After the disappointing draw in the Test series, the team managed to restrict South Africa to 184 runs in the first ODI, but the way the match ended was a nightmare. Pakistan lost six wickets within the space of just 17 runs and the Proteas won unbelievably by one run.

During the today’s practice session, players had to do tough exercises on the directions of team manager and coach Dav Whatmore. It seems Moin Khan would be the next coach as chances are bleak for Whatmore to continue his job in the wake of back-to-back defeats.

Pakistani batsmen specially focused on spin bowling during the practice session to counter South Africa’s Imran Tahir, who has played a vital role in Pakistan’s defeats in Sharjah Test and Dubai ODI.

PCB elections: Abdul Qadir willing to contest chairmanship

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 16:55:00 +0000

As the Islamabad High Court directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hold elections, former spin bowler Abdul Qadir says he is willing to contest for the post of board’s chairman.

Talking to newsmen in Lahore, Qadir said it’s the first time the PCB wais going to hold elections and things are going in the right direction after the court’s order.

The IHC has barred Najam Sethi from working as PCB chairman and also suspended the Interim Management Committee (IMC), formed by the prime minister.

The court has set up an election committee headed by retired Justice Munir A. Sheikh that will hold the board’s elections by the third week of next month. Until then, board’s secretary will look after the PCB’s affairs.

Qadir said he would work for the betterment of the PCB and would do everything necessary to restore the image of Pakistan cricket within the country and abroad. He said he had his say across the world as a cricketer and he would try his best for the return of international cricket in Pakistan.

The former spinner has worked for the PCB, including his job as chairman selectors. He was also one of the candidates when Pakistan was looking for team’s head coach before Dav Whatmore’s appointment.

ICC announces World T20 schedule; Pakistan, India in same group

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 18:47:00 +0000

The International Cricket Council has announced the scheduled for World T20, to be held next year in Bangladesh. Pakistan and India are in the same group and will face each other on March 21.

[caption id="attachment_2425" align="alignright" width="300"] West Indies will defend their title. (Photo: Getty Images)[/caption]

According to an ICC press release, the tournament will take place from March 16 to April 6. The equivalent tournament for women will also be held during the same period. West Indies will defend men’s title, whereas Australia will defend women’s.

In men’s tournament, the number of teams has been increased to 16 from 12, and a few changes have been made in the format. The tournament has been divided into two stages. In first, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and World T20 qualifiers will play against each other. Teams in this format have been divided into two groups, and winner of each pool will qualify for the ‘Super 10’ round to join top eight T20 international teams.

In the first stage, the group A will be comprised of the hosts Bangladesh and three other teams, which will have reached to the WT20 after having through W20 qualifiers to be held Nov 15 to 30 in the United Arab Emirates. Zimbabwe and three other qualifiers will be in Group B. The fate of six teams, other than Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, will be decided by Nov 30 when the qualifiers end.

The first phase of the World T20 will be played from March 16 to 21. The next phase, Super 10, will start from the clash between Pakistan and India on March 21.

West Indies will start defending their title on March 23 when they face India. Pakistan will play their second match of the event against Australia the same day.

If Bangladesh succeed in reaching Super 10, they will play all their matches in Dhaka: March 25, against West Indies; March 28, against India; March 30, against Pakistan; and April 1, against Australia.

A total of $3 million has been allocated for the men’s tournament, from which $1.1 million will be given to the winners and $550,000 will be awarded to the runner-ups.

Super 10 will be divided into two following groups:

ICC World T20 2014: Group 1 for Super 10 round

Sri Lanka
England
South Africa
New Zealand
Group B qualifier

ICC World T20 2014: Group 2 for Super 10 round

West Indies
India
Pakistan
Australia
Group A qualifier

Pakistan vs South Africa: Can history repeat itself in Dubai?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 16:51:00 +0000

Pakistan have been bowled out on just 99 runs against South Africa in the first innings of the second Test. It’s the same score Pakistan made one and a half year ago on the same ground against England. But back then, Pakistan defeated England, clinching a historic 3-0 victory in the series. Can Pakistan repeat the history in the ongoing Test against the Proteas?

[caption id="attachment_2418" align="alignright" width="223"] England batting line-up imploded against Pakistan. (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

Pakistan’s start was quite disappointing as they opted to bat after winning the toss. From the dismissal of Khurram Manzoor in the first over, the team lost back-to-back wickets, and most batsmen became victims of their poor shot selection.

Pakistan were 52/2 when Imran Tahir came to turn Pakistan batting line-up upside down. He first dismissed Shan Madood and then claimed key wickets of Misbahul Haq and Asad Shafiq. The 23-run partnership in the last wicket between Zulfiqar Babar and Junaid Khan helped Pakistan reach 99.

Tahir did the best bowling of his career, taking 5 wickets off 32 runs.

In February 2012, Pakistan started their third Test against England on the same ground with a 2-0 lead. Pakistan won the toss and made 99 runs in the first innings. After such a bad start, Pakistan rose from the ashes and stunned England with their bowling and batting heroics. England could only make 141 runs, thanks to Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman who didn’t let the opponents take a big lead. The centuries by Azhar Ali and Younis Khan in the second innings guided Pakistan to a respectable total of 365. Chasing a 324-run target, English batting line-up succumbed after making 252 runs. Pakistan had whitewashed the then world’s best Test team 3-0. It was first time in the past 100 years that a team won a match after being dismissed below 100 in the first innings.

Will history repeat itself? Maybe. Or maybe not.

Sania Mirza still remembers Sachin Tendulkar’s gift

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 17:16:00 +0000

Wife of Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik and India’s renowned tennis player Sania Mirza has revealed that Sachin Tendulkar had gifted her a car with his signature on winning Wimbledon junior title.

[caption id="attachment_2405" align="alignright" width="300"] Sania Mirza says she did not know who Tendulkar was when he gifted her a car (Photo: OutlookInida.com)[/caption]

According to Indian newspaper India Today, Mirza said she was 15 at the time and did not even know who Tendulkar was. However, she said she was very delighted at the present.

India’s No. 1 tennis player said Tendulkar was not only a legendary cricketer but was also excellent at tennis, and she knew it only when Tendulkar came to Kolkata to play an exhibition game where Mirza was match referee.

She said nobody wants Tendulkar to leave cricket, but every player has to call it a day at some point. Therefore, his decision should be respected, she said.

Referring to Virat Kohli, she said there was no dearth of talented players in Indian team. However, no one could replace the Little Master, she added.