Category: Sports

  • Aussie Legends Respond to Gavaskar’s Claims of Team Discord

    Aussie Legends Respond to Gavaskar’s Claims of Team Discord

    Former Australian cricketers Aaron Finch, Ryan Harris, and Lisa Sthalekar disagreed with Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar’s recent remarks. Gavaskar suggested there might be a rift in the Australian team after Josh Hazlewood, a fast bowler, made comments during the press conference after the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Hazlewood said the batters should take responsibility for the team’s loss, not the bowlers, raising rumors of a divide within the team, especially after he was ruled out of the second Test in Adelaide due to a side injury.

    Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, joked about Hazlewood’s injury, saying it was strange because nobody noticed anything wrong during the press interview. He compared the situation to past Indian cricket teams that faced similar issues.

    In response, Aaron Finch pointed out that Gavaskar didn’t make such comments during the first Test but became critical after India took a 1-0 lead in the series. “Sunny is throwing haymakers now,” Finch stated, suggesting Gavaskar’s comments were exaggerated.

    Lisa Sthalekar added that Gavaskar was just being cheeky and stirring things up. Meanwhile, Ryan Harris was more direct, calling Gavaskar’s comments “garbage.” He stressed that there are no factions within the Australian team and criticized the media for making a big deal about Hazlewood’s comments.

    Harris explained that the Australian players understand the media’s nature and that it’s acceptable to lose to a strong team like India. He recognized Gavaskar as a cricket legend but felt he was just looking to create drama.

  • Jay Shah’s ICC Role Opens BCCI Secretary Spot: Who’s Next?

    Jay Shah’s ICC Role Opens BCCI Secretary Spot: Who’s Next?

    Jay Shah has become the youngest chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), starting his job on December 1. This means the position of secretary in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now open. People are curious about who will replace him. After a rule change in 2022, the secretary now holds a lot of power in the BCCI, overseeing both cricket and business matters, with the CEO reporting to him.

    Shah was elected to the ICC role without competition in August, but many are still talking about how the BCCI will handle this change. Potential candidates to take over Shah’s position are Anil Patel from Gujarat and the current joint secretary, Devjit Saikia. There’s also some talk about Rohan Jaitley, the president of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), but that’s just gossip for now.

    A BCCI administrator said that it’s likely Saikia will serve as the interim secretary for now. He explained that there are daily issues to resolve, and whoever steps in needs to understand how the BCCI works. When an elected officer resigns, the BCCI has 45 days to hold a special meeting and choose a new one. From when Shah started at ICC, that gives the board until mid-January to make a decision.

    The BCCI must also hire an electoral officer at least four weeks before the election. A senior official from a state unit said there’s plenty of time to make this change. They also added that this process should have started already since the new secretary needs to sign most documents. This issue should have been discussed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September, but nobody really talked about it. Another person mentioned that there’s a lack of leadership at the BCCI right now.

    The current officers’ three-year term ends in September next year, meaning the new secretary will only be in charge for about a year. Lastly, it remains unclear who will represent the BCCI on the ICC board, a post that Shah also held. Roger Binny, the BCCI president, is among the alternate directors, while Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman, represents India on the ICC’s Chief Executives’ Committee.

  • KL Rahul Gears Up for First Day-Night Test Against Australia

    KL Rahul Gears Up for First Day-Night Test Against Australia

    KL Rahul is excited about his role in the upcoming day-night Test match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. He knows where he will bat, but the team management has asked him to keep it a secret. This is pretty common in cricket, especially since there has been a lot of talk about his batting position now that captain Rohit Sharma is back.

    Rahul didn’t play in the last two Tests against New Zealand because Sarfaraz Khan was performing really well. When he got to play in Perth, he did a fantastic job, scoring 77 runs and helping set a record with his opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal. But with Rohit back, he might have to bat lower down the order again, which seems unfair after his great performance.

    Rahul said he had been told early on that he would open the innings when Rohit was on paternity leave. He felt prepared after practicing for it and playing in some practice games. Despite the changing roles in his career, Rahul just wants to play and contribute to the team’s success.

    He understands that batting in different positions can be tough, especially at the start of an innings. However, after playing cricket around the world, he feels more comfortable now. The upcoming match will also be Rahul’s first test with the pink ball, and while it’s different, he believes that with more practice, he will adjust well.

  • Kevin Pietersen Urges Prithvi Shaw to Get Fit and Stay Off Social Media

    Kevin Pietersen Urges Prithvi Shaw to Get Fit and Stay Off Social Media

    Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen shared some important advice for Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw on social media. Pietersen believes Shaw should focus on getting super fit and cut off his social media use if he wants to enjoy success in cricket again. Shaw was once seen as a rising star in Indian cricket after leading his team to win the 2018 U-19 World Cup and making a great debut in Test matches six years ago.

    However, during the recent IPL 2025 auction, no teams showed interest in Shaw, even though he had a starting price of Rs 75 lakh. Experienced cricket legends like Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid were there, but none chose to bid on the 25-year-old player.

    Many, including former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, think that Shaw’s off-field actions might be affecting his game. He hasn’t been performing well lately, especially after he was dropped from the Mumbai Ranji team for not being fit.

    Pietersen wrote on ‘X’, “Some of the best sports stories are about comebacks. If Prithvi Shaw has good people around him, they should tell him to avoid social media and work hard to get fit again. He has a lot of talent, and it would be a shame for him to waste it.” Recently, Shaw returned for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, but so far, he hasn’t made a big impact.

  • Prithvi Shaw’s IPL Snub: Time for a Comeback?

    Prithvi Shaw’s IPL Snub: Time for a Comeback?

    Prithvi Shaw: A Talented Cricketer in Trouble

    Prithvi Shaw, a young cricketer from India, has been facing tough times lately. He’s known for his great skills on the field, but he has struggled with discipline, fitness, and his performance. Recently, during the IPL 2025 mega auction, he didn’t get picked by any team, which is a big deal because this is the first time in six years that he has no IPL team.

    Many important figures in cricket, like Ricky Ponting and Pravin Amre, have criticized him for his performance and behavior. However, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has given Shaw some encouraging words. Harbhajan believes that Shaw has the potential to bounce back, but he has to take charge of his own career.

    About ten years ago, Shaw was compared to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, which put a lot of pressure on him. Harbhajan pointed out that these early comparisons can really affect players. He reminded Shaw that he needs to focus on improving his fitness, which seems to have been neglected lately.

    Despite the setbacks, Shaw has shown he can perform well—last year, he scored an incredible 379 runs in a Ranji Trophy match and made a fantastic debut in the One-Day Cup with 244 runs. However, his poor performance in this year’s IPL and indiscipline has cost him a spot in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad.

    Harbhajan hopes that being unsold in the IPL will motivate Shaw to work hard and make smart choices. He believes that Shaw has all the talent he needs but just needs to get his mindset right to succeed.

  • Boosting India’s Economy Through Sports: Insights from a New Report

    Boosting India’s Economy Through Sports: Insights from a New Report

    The government should find ways to use sports to help the economy grow, according to a new report. This report, called the “Future of Sports in India,” suggests that the government should create policies that encourage more investment in sports facilities, events, and related products.

    It also recommends that the government offer incentives to companies to support sports programs as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. This CSR funding could help set up high-performance training centers, equipped with experienced coaches, nutritionists, and both mental and physical trainers.

    The report states that the government should create policies to support training programs for coaches, sports managers, and jobs related to sports, especially in smaller towns and rural regions. Although the sports industry in India has made great progress, there are still some challenges, like financial struggles for athletes, unused facilities, and a need for more inclusivity. Solutions could include expanding financial aid, creating better career transition paths for athletes, and promoting an inclusive culture.

    Furthermore, the report highlights the importance of bidding for and hosting international sporting events and diversifying sports options across different states to also boost sports tourism. It notes that the Indian sports industry is growing rapidly and is expected to expand from $27 billion in 2020 to $100 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by the popularity of sports leagues, advancements in technology, and increasing interest in various sports. Areas like sports gear, clothing, and media rights are particularly contributing to this rise, with the sports media market projected to jump from $1 billion in 2020 to $13.4 billion by 2027. Finally, exciting performances by Indian athletes at the 2023 Asian Games and the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics show that India is becoming more competitive in the world of sports.

  • UAE Offers to Host India-Pakistan Cricket Match for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

    UAE Offers to Host India-Pakistan Cricket Match for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

    UAE’s Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, announced that the UAE is ready to host the exciting cricket match between India and Pakistan. This comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said they would not go to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants to host the entire tournament in Pakistan.

    Recently, sources revealed a new plan: India will play all their ICC matches that are supposed to be in Pakistan, in Dubai. Likewise, Pakistan will play their matches in Dubai that are scheduled for India. This plan will be in effect for three years, starting with the Champions Trophy 2025.

    While discussions are ongoing on how to hold the tournament, Abdulnasser Alshaali mentioned that the UAE is eager to host the India-Pakistan match. He said, “Why wouldn’t we? We have always hosted such games and we are open for sports.”

    Just last week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had a meeting to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy, which is set to take place in Pakistan. However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi rejected the idea of a “hybrid model,” implying that decisions should be fair to everyone involved. He stated, “We will do what’s best for cricket, and if a new formula is proposed, it must be equal.”

    Due to ongoing political issues, India has not played a cricket match in Pakistan since 2008 when they participated in the Asia Cup. Their most recent complete series was in 2012-13 in India. Since then, India and Pakistan have mostly played against each other in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.

    India’s Ministry of External Affairs has also mentioned security concerns, making it unlikely for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan.

  • India’s Cricket Success in 2023: Ready for an Exciting 2024!

    India’s Cricket Success in 2023: Ready for an Exciting 2024!

    As we look back at 2023, India has shown great strength in cricket. The Indian cricket team had an amazing year, winning important matches and bringing home trophies.

    They not only played exciting games but also maintained control over their positions in international rankings. The team worked hard, showing teamwork and determination. With a mix of experienced players and new talents, they have become a strong force in the cricket world.

    Fans are proud. Indian spectators filled the stadiums, cheering for their favorite players. The atmosphere was electric, with joy and excitement at every game.

    Looking forward to 2024, there are more challenges ahead. The players aim to maintain this high standard and bring even more glory to the nation. With preparation and dedication, they plan to keep their winning streak and dominate international matches.

    As the cricket season ends, one thing is clear: India is ready to shine and make its mark in the future.

  • India Prepares for Adelaide Test: Rohit Returns and Strong Bowling Attack

    India Prepares for Adelaide Test: Rohit Returns and Strong Bowling Attack

    India is heading into the Adelaide Test with a big boost of confidence after beating Australia in Perth to kick off the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with an impressive win. The return of captain Rohit Sharma is a great news but also a puzzle for the team management, as they will need to adjust the batting order to fit him back in.

    Even though the batting order will likely change, Cheteshwar Pujara believes the bowling lineup should stay the same. If it means leaving out star bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, then that’s okay with him.

    In the first match of the series, India took a surprising decision not to play either Ashwin or Jadeja, despite their combined 855 Test wickets, and instead gave the only spinning role to Washington Sundar. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj led the pace attack while newcomers Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy provided solid support.

    Bumrah, who stepped up as captain while Rohit was out, took eight wickets in the match. Siraj grabbed five wickets, and Rana impressed by taking four wickets in his debut. Reddy bowled just seven overs but also took one wicket. Sundar had a quiet start, bowling only two overs in the first innings but picked up two wickets in the second innings after bowling 15 overs.

    Pujara strongly believes that India should keep the same bowling group for the next Test starting on December 6. He praised the bowlers for their efforts, saying, “This bowling attack has worked well for us. Bumrah looked excellent, and Siraj performed really well, supported by Harshit, who did great for his first match.”

    Pujara appreciated Rana for staying calm and focused, despite the extra bounce on the pitches in Australia. He emphasized the need for bowlers to hit the right spots. Pujara also thinks they should stick with Sundar because he adds strength to the batting lineup. He mentioned that if India loses wickets, Washington can help lower down the order as a batter.

    “I think Washington didn’t start too well with his bowling but eventually got a couple of wickets by changing his pace. The reason for picking him in the squad was his batting ability. If we lose a few early wickets, he can step up,” said Pujara

  • Australia Under Pressure: Can Labuschagne Regain Form in Second Test?

    Australia Under Pressure: Can Labuschagne Regain Form in Second Test?

    Australia is feeling the heat as they prepare to play India in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after losing badly in the first Test last month. One of Australia’s biggest worries is the poor performance of Marnus Labuschagne, their No. 3 batsman. He has only scored 123 runs in his last 10 innings of Test cricket.

    In the first Test in Perth, where India won by 295 runs, Labuschagne only scored a total of five runs in both innings. Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson thinks Labuschagne should be dropped from the team and play in domestic matches to regain his form.

    Rising star Sam Konstas, just 19 years old, scored an impressive century in a practice match against India, adding to the calls for him to replace Labuschagne. This would allow Nathan McSweeney, who debuted as an opener in the Perth Test, to bat at his usual No. 3 position.

    Despite the pressure to make changes, former England captain Michael Vaughan warns against it. He believes that changing the batting order so soon can create confusion. “I’d go with Labuschagne again. It’s important to stick with a team for a few games unless there’s an injury,” Vaughan said.

    He also mentioned that while Labuschagne is not at his best right now, the Day-Night Test in Adelaide might allow him to relax and play better. “He needs to be more positive, and I think we could see that in Adelaide,” Vaughan added.