Author: Kashish Chadha

India retained their numero uno spot in the annual update to the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings, followed by New Zealand on the second position. With an aggregate of 121 rating points, India maintained their top position in the Test rankings holding a one-point lead over the Black Caps. The two teams are set to face each other in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship, beginning June 18 in Southampton. After facing the Kiwis in the marquee final, Virat Kohli and company will also take on England in a challenging five-match Test series, starting August 4 with matches…

Even though the T20 World Cup’s 2021 edition in India and 2022 version in Australia are set to feature 16 teams only, ESPNcricinfo has reported “there are plans to increase that number from the 2024 edition. Current thinking suggests that version of the event will feature four groups of five teams in its opening phase.” “The ICC has long seen the T20 format as a vehicle for the game’s expansion and there has been previous talk of such an expansion. The ICC have already confirmed their plans to increase the number of teams in their women’s competitions.” The expansion of the…

Ajax won the 2020/21 Eredivisie title by beating Feyenoord 3-0 in the latest round of matches. As if their fans weren’t already in a jubilant mood, the Dutch giants have decided to melt down their trophy to share a star with each of their season ticket holders. The Dutch giants have always cherished their connection to their fans, often going the extra mile for them. However, their latest endeavour to reward fans for their continued support is unlike anything ever seen before in football. Ajax won the Dutch Eredivisie title last weekend by beating Feyenoord 3-0. The trophy that they…

The Marylebone Cricket Club, cricket’s law-making body, has turned down the idea of bats being made out of bamboo instead of willow, clearing that it would be illegal under current laws. According to the adopted laws of the game, cricket bats used at the senior level must be made of wood only and can’t have any of the blade laminated. Law 5.3.2 states much the same, saying that the bats’ blade must be made from wood only. And thus, it will require a change of laws for the use of bamboo in bat-making. “Any potential amendments to the Law would…

Going through a tough phase in his career, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav revealed how his agony reached its peak during the recently suspended Indian Premier League where he warmed the benches for Kolkata Knight Riders. Kuldeep played not a single of KKR’s seven matches in the IPL 2021 before the tournament was called off prematurely due to COVID-19 cases inside different team’s bubbles. Already feeling the heat from his prolonged absence at the international stage, Kuldeep’s pain and frustration only piled on as he saw other KKR spinners get the nod ahead of him. Even at Chepauk, the most spin-friendly venue…

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said the Black Caps could leave for their forthcoming Test tour of the United Kingdom from the Maldives over this weekend. New Zealand players reached the Maldives after the premature end of IPL 2021 due to multiple COVID-19 positive cases in different teams’ bubbles and are currently undergoing quarantine. The Black Caps are scheduled to play a two-Test series versus England and the final of the inaugural World Test Championship against India on their tour of the UK, beginning June 2. Stead mentioned it isn’t yet clear whether the Kiwis will have to go…

New Zealand’s experienced wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling has announced he will retire from all forms of the game after the forthcoming Test tour of the UK. Depending on form and fitness, Watling will bid adieu to the game after Black Caps’ two-Test series versus England and the World Test Championship final against India. In a media release by New Zealand Cricket, Watling, who recently became a father for the second time, said the time is ripe for him to hang up his boots. “It’s the right time,” he said. “It’s been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear…

Mumbai Indians fielding coach James Pamment revealed an interesting insight on the recently IPL 2021, saying some of the Indian players didn’t like being told what to do or be restricted. Despite his comment on Indian players, however, Pamment said at no point did he feel that there was a breach of the health safety regulations within MI’s camp. Pamment has reached home in New Zealand after the IPL 2021 was called off last week due to multiple COVID-19 positive cases and bio-bubble breaches. Pamment travelled back with fellow Kiwi men Trent Boult, Matt Henry, James Neesham, and MI bowling…

Former India captain Rahul Dravid spoke on the exclusion of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion from the Test squad for the long tour of the UK and felt form issues and inability to bat went against the youngster. Kuldeep wasn’t included when the senior India selection panel confirmed the squad last week for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand and also the five-Test series versus England. Kuldeep’s sacking followed a prolonged absence from the playing XI in the last two years, with Dravid saying “he’s fallen over” in the last couple of seasons across formats. Dravid said he agreed with the…

Harshal Patel, the Royal Challengers Bangalore paceman, recalled an incident that hurt him badly and spurred him on to perform exceedingly well in the recently suspended IPL 2021. Harshal was one of the brightest performers of the 14th edition of the IPL, which was recently put on an indefinite pause due to a surge of COVID-19 positive cases and multiple bio-bubble breaches. Harshal made his IPL debut back in 2012, but it wasn’t until this summer that he really made heads turn among the wider Indian fanbase and experts. The right-arm quick from Haryana started the tournament in stellar fashion,…