Sri Lankan limited overs captain Lasith Malinga will retire from international cricket after next year's Twenty20 World Cup, he revealed on Friday.

Malinga said that he would quit one-day internationals after the World Cup in England and Wales this summer before calling time on his career following the Twenty20 tournament, being played in Australia over October-November 2020.

"After the World Cup, my cricketing career is ending," the 35-year-old said after his side were beaten by 16 runs by South Africa in the second Twenty20 international at SuperSport Park.

"I want to play in the T20 World Cup and then end my career."

Malinga dismissed South African top-scorer Reeza Hendricks for 65 on Friday, his 97th T20 international wicket. He is one short of the world record of 98 held by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi.

Sri Lankan limited overs captain Lasith Malinga will retire from international cricket after next year's Twenty20 World Cup, he revealed on Friday. Malinga said that he would quit one-day internationals after the World Cup in England and Wales this summer before calling time on his career following the Twenty20 tournament, being played in Australia over October-November 2020.

Sri Lankan limited overs captain Lasith Malinga will retire from international cricket after next year's Twenty20 World Cup, he revealed on Friday. Malinga said that he would quit one-day internationals after the World Cup in England and Wales this summer before calling time on his career following the Twenty20 tournament, being played in Australia over October-November 2020. "After the World Cup, my cricketing career is ending," the 35-year-old said after his side were beaten by 16 runs by South Africa in the second Twenty20 international at SuperSport Park. "I want to play in the T20 World Cup and then end my career." Malinga dismissed South African top-scorer Reeza Hendricks for 65 on Friday, his 97th T20 international wicket. He is one short of the world record of 98 held by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi.

Sri Lanka's Malinga to retire after Twenty20 World Cup

The Indian Premier League has released a full schedule of the round robin league matches of the twelfth edition of the tournament starting from March 23 till May 5.&nbsp;

As usual, there will be a total of 56 matches that will be played during the six-week tourney.&nbsp;

The defending champions Chennai will kick off the season against Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team.&nbsp;

Among the round robin matches, there are 12 afternoon starts (4 pm matches) on the weekends.&nbsp;

The IPL operations team has ensured that no team plays their home matches at the alternate venues as the general elections will be held in seven phases from April 12 to May 19.

Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will play all their IPL home matches at the Eden Gardens despite West Bengal going into polls during all seven phases of general elections.&nbsp;

Even Kings XI Punjab, who had played a few of their home matches in Indore during earlier editions, will play all their matches in Mohali.&nbsp;

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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2019-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-185821">IPL 2019: All teams and their squad list</a>

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Here is the schedule:&nbsp;

All timings in&nbsp;IST (Indian Standard Time)

Saturday 23rd March 
Match 1 | 8:00 pm | Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai&nbsp;

Sunday 24th March 
Match 2 | 4:00 pm | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Eden Gardens, Kolkata&nbsp;

Match 3 | 8:00 pm | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Monday 25th March 
Match 4 | 8:00 pm | Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Tuesday 26th March 
Match 5 | 8:00 pm | Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Wednesday 27th March 
Match 6 | 8:00 pm | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Thursday 28th March 
Match 7 | 8:00 pm | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians | M&nbsp;Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Friday 29th March 
Match 8 | 8:00 pm | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals | Rajiv Gandhi Intl Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

Saturday 30th March 
Match 9 | 4:00 pm | Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians | IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Match 10 | 8:00 pm | Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Sunday 31st March 
Match 11 | 4:00 pm | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | Rajiv Gandhi Intl&nbsp;Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

Match 12 | 8:00 pm | Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Monday 1st April 
Match 13 | 8:00 pm | Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Capitals | IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Tuesday 2nd April 
Match 14 | 8:00 pm | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Wednesday 3rd April 
Match 15 | 8:00 pm | Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Thursday 4th April 
Match 16 | 8:00 pm | Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Friday 5th April 
Match 17 | 8:00 pm | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders | M&nbsp;Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Saturday 6th April 
Match 18 | 4:00 pm | &nbsp;Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Match 19 | 8:00 pm | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians | Rajiv Gandhi Intl&nbsp;Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

Sunday 7th April 
Match 20 | 4:00 pm | &nbsp;Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Capitals | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Match 21 | 8:00 pm | Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Monday, April 8 
Match 22 | 8:00 pm | Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Tuesday, April 9&nbsp; 
Match 23 | 8:00 pm | Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | MA&nbsp;Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Wednesday, April 10 
Match 24 | 8:00 pm | Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Thursday, April 11 
Match 25 | 8:00 pm | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Friday, April 12 
Match 26 | 8:00 pm | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Saturday, April 13 
Match 27 | 4:00 pm | Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Match 28 | 8:00 pm | Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Sunday, April 14 
Match 29 | 4:00 pm | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Match 30 | 8:00 pm | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals | Rajiv Gandhi Intl&nbsp;Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

Monday, April 15&nbsp; 
Match 31 | 8:00 pm | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Tuesday, April 16&nbsp; 
Match 32 | 8:00 pm | Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals | IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Wednesday, April 17&nbsp; 
Match 33 | 8:00 pm | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings | Rajiv Gandhi Intl&nbsp;Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

Thursday, April 18&nbsp; 
Match 34 | 8:00 pm | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Friday, April 19&nbsp; 
Match 35 | 8:00 pm | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Saturday, April 20&nbsp; 
Match 36 | 4:00 pm | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Match 37 | 8:00 pm | Delhi Capitals vs Kings XI Punjab | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Sunday, April 21&nbsp; 
Match 38 | 4:00 pm | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Rajiv Gandhi Intl&nbsp;Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

Match 39 | 8:00 pm | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Monday, 22nd April&nbsp; 
Match 40 | 8:00 pm | Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Tuesday, April 23&nbsp; 
Match 41 | 8:00 pm | Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | MA&nbsp;Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Wednesday, April 24&nbsp; 
Match 42 | 8:00 pm | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab | M&nbsp;Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Thursday, April 25&nbsp; 
Match 43 | 8:00 pm | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Friday, April 26&nbsp; 
Match 44 | 8:00 pm | Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians | MA&nbsp;Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Saturday, April 27&nbsp; 
Match 45 | 4:00 pm | Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Sunday, April 28&nbsp; 
Match 46 | 4:00 pm | Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Match 47 | 8:00 pm | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians | Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Monday, April 29&nbsp; 
Match 48 | 8:00 pm | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kings XI Punjab | Rajiv Gandhi Intl&nbsp;Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad

Tuesday, April 30&nbsp; 
Match 49 | 8:00 pm | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals | M&nbsp;Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Wednesday, May 1&nbsp; 
Match 50 | 8:00 pm | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | MA&nbsp;Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Thursday, May 2&nbsp; 
Match 51 | 8:00 pm | Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Friday, May 3&nbsp; 
Match 52 | 8:00 pm | Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders | IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Saturday, May 4&nbsp; 
Match 53 | 4:00 pm | Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals | Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi

Match 54 | 8:00 pm | Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | M&nbsp;Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Sunday, May 5&nbsp; 
Match 55 | 4:00 pm | Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings | IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Match 56 | 8:00 pm | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League has released a full schedule of the round robin league matches of the twelfth edition of the tournament starting from March 23 till May 5.

Indian Premier League 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue

The Pakistan Cricket Board has paid the BCCI approximately $1.6 million as compensation after losing the case it filed against the Indian Board for allegedly not honouring a bilateral agreement, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani claimed on Monday.&nbsp;

The PCB had filed a compensation case against the BCCI last year before the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee, demanding around $70 million.

The ICC dismissed it and asked the PCB to compensate the legal cost to the BCCI.&nbsp;

"We incurred cost of around $2.2 million on the compensation case which we lost," Mani said.

"The ICC committee did accept that Pakistan had a case and that is why the damages/cost we had to pay to the Indian board was around $1.6 million," Mani said.&nbsp;

Mani insisted that besides the amount paid to India to cover the legal cost, the other expenses were related to legal fees and travel.

According to the PCB, the agreement with India, which it claimed was a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensured Pakistan six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023.

Pakistan said the BCCI reneged on the commitment, causing it losses running into millions of dollars.

The Indian Cricket Board, however, maintained that the discussion with PCB was a proposal and never a legally binding MoU.&nbsp;

Ultimately, the BCCI's assertion was accepted by the ICC's dispute resolution committee.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Cricket Board has paid the BCCI approximately $1.6 million as compensation after losing the case it filed against the Indian Board for allegedly not honouring a bilateral agreement, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani claimed on Monday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has paid the BCCI approximately $1.6 million as compensation after losing the case it filed against the Indian Board for allegedly not honouring a bilateral agreement, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani claimed on Monday. The PCB had filed a compensation case against the BCCI last year before the ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee, demanding around $70 million. The ICC dismissed it and asked the PCB to compensate the legal cost to the BCCI. "We incurred cost of around $2.2 million on the compensation case which we lost," Mani said. "The ICC committee did accept that Pakistan had a case and that is why the damages/cost we had to pay to the Indian board was around $1.6 million," Mani said. Mani insisted that besides the amount paid to India to cover the legal cost, the other expenses were related to legal fees and travel. According to the PCB, the agreement with India, which it claimed was a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensured Pakistan six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023. Pakistan said the BCCI reneged on the commitment, causing it losses running into millions of dollars. The Indian Cricket Board, however, maintained that the discussion with PCB was a proposal and never a legally binding MoU. Ultimately, the BCCI's assertion was accepted by the ICC's dispute resolution committee.

PCB pays compensation to BCCI after losing case in ICC's Dispute Resolution Committee

Cricket is set to make a return at the Asian Games following Olympic Council of Asia’s decision to include the gentlemen’s game in the sports programme for the 2022 Asian Games, which is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China.&nbsp;

Cricket was included in the OCA sports programme in the General Assembly, which took place in Bangkok on Sunday as confirmed by the OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh.

Cricket was left out from the 2018 Asian Games, which was held in Indonesia. The last time cricket featured in the Asian Games was in the 2010 and 2014 edition but Team India opted out of the event on both the occasions citing hectic schedule. &nbsp;

"Yes, cricket has been included in the sports programme for the 2022 Hangzhou Games," OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh told PTI.The twenty-20 format is likely to be played at the Asian Games same like the 2010 and 2014 edition in Guangzhou and Incheon respectively. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still have a few years on their hands to think about India’s participation in the quadrennial event.

"There is a lot of time to go for 2022 Asian Games. In due time, we will discuss and decide," a BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI.

Bangladesh and Pakistan were the gold winners in the men’s and women’s event in 2010 Asian Games while Sri Lanka and Pakistan bagged the top laurels in 2014.

The gentlemen’s game has also been played once at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 when India and Pakistan sent their teams to Kuala Lumpur, but it was the South African side under the leadership of Shaun Pollock, which won the gold, whereas the Steve Waugh-led Australian team bagged the silver.

Now, it would be interesting to see whether the BCCI decides to send the Indian team for the 2022 edition of the Asian Games, given the already hectic schedule of the Men and Women in Blue.

&nbsp;

Cricket is set to make a return at the Asian Games following Olympic Council of Asia’s decision to include the gentlemen’s game in the sports programme for the 2022 Asian Games, which is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China.

Cricket is set to make a return at the Asian Games following Olympic Council of Asia’s decision to include the gentlemen’s game in the sports programme for the 2022 Asian Games, which is scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China. Cricket was included in the OCA sports programme in the General Assembly, which took place in Bangkok on Sunday as confirmed by the OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh. Cricket was left out from the 2018 Asian Games, which was held in Indonesia. The last time cricket featured in the Asian Games was in the 2010 and 2014 edition but Team India opted out of the event on both the occasions citing hectic schedule. "Yes, cricket has been included in the sports programme for the 2022 Hangzhou Games," OCA honorary vice-president Randhir Singh told PTI.The twenty-20 format is likely to be played at the Asian Games same like the 2010 and 2014 edition in Guangzhou and Incheon respectively. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still have a few years on their hands to think about India’s participation in the quadrennial event. "There is a lot of time to go for 2022 Asian Games. In due time, we will discuss and decide," a BCCI official was quoted as saying by PTI. Bangladesh and Pakistan were the gold winners in the men’s and women’s event in 2010 Asian Games while Sri Lanka and Pakistan bagged the top laurels in 2014. The gentlemen’s game has also been played once at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 when India and Pakistan sent their teams to Kuala Lumpur, but it was the South African side under the leadership of Shaun Pollock, which won the gold, whereas the Steve Waugh-led Australian team bagged the silver. Now, it would be interesting to see whether the BCCI decides to send the Indian team for the 2022 edition of the Asian Games, given the already hectic schedule of the Men and Women in Blue.

Cricket all set to make Asian Games return in 2022 edition

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.&nbsp;

There had been calls to boycott India's June 16 World Cup group league game against Pakistan in Old Trafford in the wake of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=pulwama">Pulwama terror attack</a> in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed.&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-writes-letter-to-icc-to-express-concerns-over-security-of-indian-players-heading-into-world-cup-199011">BCCI has already written a letter</a> to the ICC urging "all nations to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates".&nbsp;

But the former CAG wants to look at the bigger picture rather than just one match as there is a possibility that India may have to play them again in semi-final or final.&nbsp;

"We would be shooting in the foot if we don't play Pakistan in the World Cup. Our aim should be to ostracise Pakistan as a cricketing nation," Rai told PTI.&nbsp;

"As I have said earlier, all cricketing nations should sever ties with them," Rai said.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983">Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash</a>

He cited the example of South Africa, which was banned for 21 years from 1970 till 1991 due to the apartheid when black South Africans were racially discriminated.&nbsp;

"I believe something similar needs to be done with Pakistan. They should be banned from all sporting activities just like it happened with South Africa," Rai said.&nbsp;

The CoA chief also said that the matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet during the quarterly conference in Dubai.&nbsp;

The issue wasn't a part of the agenda but now that BCCI has officially written a letter, and the matter will be up for discussion.&nbsp;

"The matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet and Indian board will express its concern," he said.&nbsp;

When asked whether a consensus can be built in order to isolate Pakistan in the sporting world, the veteran bureaucrat said that it is done at the political level.&nbsp; 
"It is done at the government level where you talk to other nations in order to build consensus," he said.&nbsp;

Opinions have been divided on the calls for boycott with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wanting the June 16 match to be called off.&nbsp;

However, they haven't clarified what happens if Pakistan make it to the semifinals or the final.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the two of the biggest names in Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, want India to beat Pakistan as a walk over will mean giving two points on a platter to the arch-rivals.&nbsp;

Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have maintained that they will "abide by whatever decision government takes."

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid. There had been calls to boycott India's June 16 World Cup group league game against Pakistan in Old Trafford in the wake of Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The BCCI has already written a letter to the ICC urging "all nations to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates". But the former CAG wants to look at the bigger picture rather than just one match as there is a possibility that India may have to play them again in semi-final or final. "We would be shooting in the foot if we don't play Pakistan in the World Cup. Our aim should be to ostracise Pakistan as a cricketing nation," Rai told PTI. "As I have said earlier, all cricketing nations should sever ties with them," Rai said. Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash He cited the example of South Africa, which was banned for 21 years from 1970 till 1991 due to the apartheid when black South Africans were racially discriminated. "I believe something similar needs to be done with Pakistan. They should be banned from all sporting activities just like it happened with South Africa," Rai said. The CoA chief also said that the matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet during the quarterly conference in Dubai. The issue wasn't a part of the agenda but now that BCCI has officially written a letter, and the matter will be up for discussion. "The matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet and Indian board will express its concern," he said. When asked whether a consensus can be built in order to isolate Pakistan in the sporting world, the veteran bureaucrat said that it is done at the political level. "It is done at the government level where you talk to other nations in order to build consensus," he said. Opinions have been divided on the calls for boycott with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wanting the June 16 match to be called off. However, they haven't clarified what happens if Pakistan make it to the semifinals or the final. On the other hand, the two of the biggest names in Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, want India to beat Pakistan as a walk over will mean giving two points on a platter to the arch-rivals. Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have maintained that they will "abide by whatever decision government takes."

Pakistan should be isolated like it happened with South Africa during apartheid: Vinod Rai

Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya has been cleared to resume bowling by the International Cricket Council following remedial work after the global governing body suspended him for an illegal action.

The ICC, in a statement issued from its Dubai headquarters on Monday, said Dananjaya’s remodelled bowling action was assessed in Chennai on February 2, where it was found the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the allowed 15-degree level of tolerance.

Match official are, however, still free to report Dananjaya if they believe he is bowling with a suspect action and not reproducing the legal delivery seen during the assessment.&nbsp;

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Following remedial work and reassessment, Akila Dananjaya may resume bowling in international cricket. 
 
FULL STORY ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/jdxP1qLHRp">https://t.co/jdxP1qLHRp</a> <a href="https://t.co/8HDivUlq8E">pic.twitter.com/8HDivUlq8E</a>
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In order to assist umpires and match officials, the ICC said they would be provided with images and video footage of Danajaya's remodelled action.

Dananjaya was reported over a suspect bowling action during the first Test of the England series in Sri Lanka in November, which the tourists won by 211 runs on their way to a 3-0 whitewash.

He was subsequently banned after an independent assessment of his bowling action in Brisbane on November 23 which revealed his deliveries exceeded the 15-degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.

The 25-year-old Dananjaya has played five Tests since making his debut against Bangladesh in February last year.

Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya has been cleared to resume bowling by the International Cricket Council following remedial work after the global governing body suspended him for an illegal action.

Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya has been cleared to resume bowling by the International Cricket Council following remedial work after the global governing body suspended him for an illegal action. The ICC, in a statement issued from its Dubai headquarters on Monday, said Dananjaya’s remodelled bowling action was assessed in Chennai on February 2, where it was found the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the allowed 15-degree level of tolerance. Match official are, however, still free to report Dananjaya if they believe he is bowling with a suspect action and not reproducing the legal delivery seen during the assessment. Following remedial work and reassessment, Akila Dananjaya may resume bowling in international cricket. FULL STORY ⬇️https://t.co/jdxP1qLHRp pic.twitter.com/8HDivUlq8E — ICC (@ICC) February 18, 2019 × In order to assist umpires and match officials, the ICC said they would be provided with images and video footage of Danajaya's remodelled action. Dananjaya was reported over a suspect bowling action during the first Test of the England series in Sri Lanka in November, which the tourists won by 211 runs on their way to a 3-0 whitewash. He was subsequently banned after an independent assessment of his bowling action in Brisbane on November 23 which revealed his deliveries exceeded the 15-degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations. The 25-year-old Dananjaya has played five Tests since making his debut against Bangladesh in February last year.

ICC clear Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya to resume bowling

With 100 days until the 2019 World Cup gets underway, might it be the year that England lift the global game's premier limited-overs trophy at long last?&nbsp;

England - the pioneers of one-day cricket as a professional sport - have taken part in every World Cup since staging the inaugural men's event in 1975.&nbsp;

But all they have to show for their efforts are runners-up medals from the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals.&nbsp;

Test cricket has long been the priority for everyone in English cricket, be they players, fans or administrators.&nbsp;

That changed, however, after another World Cup group-stage exit at the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand was sealed with a woeful loss to Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Then England and Wales Cricket Board supremo Andrew Strauss decreed that white-ball cricket would no longer be the "poor relation", with the former England captain sacking head coach Peter Moores and bringing in Australian Trevor Bayliss specifically to turn round the team's limited-overs form.&nbsp;

The transformation has been remarkable with a newly-liberated England twice setting new records for the highest ODI totals -- their 444 for three against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2016 a prelude to last year's colossal 481 for six at the same ground.&nbsp;

England, captained in 50-over cricket by former Ireland batsman Eoin Morgan, with the side featuring Test skipper Joe Root and the hard-hitting talents of Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler, now sit atop the ODI world rankings heading into their upcoming five-match series away to the West Indies.&nbsp;

'Now is the time'

"We can say we were the best ODI side to play for England... But without a trophy, it will be difficult to say that," said all-rounder Moeen Ali, looking to help England's men win just their second major global event following the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.&nbsp;

"We have come close and we feel now is the time."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We don't feel we have to win it, it's more 'this is the time to win it'. We are an amazing side but we know this year is massive for us," added Moeen, with England, as was the case in 1975, playing host to a World Cup and an Ashes series in the same season.&nbsp;

But unlike that first eight-team edition 43 years ago, which featured two then non-Test sides in East Africa and the long since elevated Sri Lanka, this year's event will be a 10-team affair contested solely by Test nations.&nbsp;

Ever since India and Pakistan were both knocked out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, thereby putting a huge dent in broadcast audiences, attendance figures and commercial revenues for the rest of the tournament, International Cricket Council chiefs have been determined no such 'nightmare scenario' will ever befall both Asian giants again.&nbsp;

The result has been a decrease in the number of non-Test nations involved to the point none will take part this year.&nbsp;

That has seen the ICC criticised for making the World Cup too narrow at a time when other sports are expanding rather than cutting the number of teams involve in their global showpiece events.&nbsp;

But ICC officials point to the creation of a qualifying tournament -- from which two-time champions West Indies only narrowly emerged -- as proof the non-Test world still has a shot at the World Cup.&nbsp;

Rather than have pool stages this year, the ICC have opted for an all-play-all group format -- a move that many believe has more to do with ensuring India, cricket's financial powerhouse, are guaranteed a minimum of nine matches than sporting fairness for all the teams taking part.&nbsp;

Such a lengthy group phase ahead of the semi-finals does reduce the chances of any team going through to the July 14 final at Lord's unbeaten.&nbsp;

Reigning champions Australia, set to be boosted by the return of star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner following their lengthy ball-tampering bans, will be bidding for a sixth title.&nbsp;

India, with Virat Kohli at the helm, are a major force in all formats while Pakistan defied expectations to win the 2017 Champions Trophy in England.&nbsp;

New Zealand will be keen to go one better after losing in 2015 final, while South Africa will arrive hoping to end years of World Cup heartbreak.&nbsp;

West Indies, the 1975 and 1979 champions, will have an extra incentive this year after Sunday's announcement that star batsman Chris Gayle will retire from ODIs following this year's World Cup.&nbsp;

With 100 days until the 2019 World Cup gets underway, might it be the year that England lift the global game's premier limited-overs trophy at long last? England - the pioneers of one-day cricket as a professional sport - have taken part in every World Cup since staging the inaugural men's event in 1975.

With 100 days until the 2019 World Cup gets underway, might it be the year that England lift the global game's premier limited-overs trophy at long last? England - the pioneers of one-day cricket as a professional sport - have taken part in every World Cup since staging the inaugural men's event in 1975. But all they have to show for their efforts are runners-up medals from the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals. Test cricket has long been the priority for everyone in English cricket, be they players, fans or administrators. That changed, however, after another World Cup group-stage exit at the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand was sealed with a woeful loss to Bangladesh. Then England and Wales Cricket Board supremo Andrew Strauss decreed that white-ball cricket would no longer be the "poor relation", with the former England captain sacking head coach Peter Moores and bringing in Australian Trevor Bayliss specifically to turn round the team's limited-overs form. The transformation has been remarkable with a newly-liberated England twice setting new records for the highest ODI totals -- their 444 for three against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2016 a prelude to last year's colossal 481 for six at the same ground. England, captained in 50-over cricket by former Ireland batsman Eoin Morgan, with the side featuring Test skipper Joe Root and the hard-hitting talents of Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler, now sit atop the ODI world rankings heading into their upcoming five-match series away to the West Indies. 'Now is the time' "We can say we were the best ODI side to play for England... But without a trophy, it will be difficult to say that," said all-rounder Moeen Ali, looking to help England's men win just their second major global event following the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean. "We have come close and we feel now is the time." "We don't feel we have to win it, it's more 'this is the time to win it'. We are an amazing side but we know this year is massive for us," added Moeen, with England, as was the case in 1975, playing host to a World Cup and an Ashes series in the same season. But unlike that first eight-team edition 43 years ago, which featured two then non-Test sides in East Africa and the long since elevated Sri Lanka, this year's event will be a 10-team affair contested solely by Test nations. Ever since India and Pakistan were both knocked out in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, thereby putting a huge dent in broadcast audiences, attendance figures and commercial revenues for the rest of the tournament, International Cricket Council chiefs have been determined no such 'nightmare scenario' will ever befall both Asian giants again. The result has been a decrease in the number of non-Test nations involved to the point none will take part this year. That has seen the ICC criticised for making the World Cup too narrow at a time when other sports are expanding rather than cutting the number of teams involve in their global showpiece events. But ICC officials point to the creation of a qualifying tournament -- from which two-time champions West Indies only narrowly emerged -- as proof the non-Test world still has a shot at the World Cup. Rather than have pool stages this year, the ICC have opted for an all-play-all group format -- a move that many believe has more to do with ensuring India, cricket's financial powerhouse, are guaranteed a minimum of nine matches than sporting fairness for all the teams taking part. Such a lengthy group phase ahead of the semi-finals does reduce the chances of any team going through to the July 14 final at Lord's unbeaten. Reigning champions Australia, set to be boosted by the return of star batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner following their lengthy ball-tampering bans, will be bidding for a sixth title. India, with Virat Kohli at the helm, are a major force in all formats while Pakistan defied expectations to win the 2017 Champions Trophy in England. New Zealand will be keen to go one better after losing in 2015 final, while South Africa will arrive hoping to end years of World Cup heartbreak. West Indies, the 1975 and 1979 champions, will have an extra incentive this year after Sunday's announcement that star batsman Chris Gayle will retire from ODIs following this year's World Cup.

100 days to go: England expects as World Cup looms into view

A rejuvenated Martin Guptill wound back the clock with his second century in as many games as a clinical New Zealand clinched their one-day series against Bangladesh in Christchurch on Saturday.

The long-serving opener, who had a disappointing recent series against India, rated his 118 as a more satisfying knock than the unbeaten 117 when he returned to form in the first match against Bangladesh.

"There was a lot of flow and rhythm in that one," he said after New Zealand comfortably knocked off their 227-run target for the loss of two wickets and with 13.5 overs to spare.

"It felt like I got back to where I was a couple of years ago."&nbsp;

Guptill cut, drove and pulled the Bangladesh attack apart as New Zealand cruised to victory and went 2-0 up in the three-match series.

With the World Cup looming, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was pleased to see his side had taken lessons from the 4-1 drubbing inflicted by India.

"It was what we were wanting," he said.

"That was a really tough series and (the) guys got taught some harsh lessons and it's important you learn from those.

"Today and in the last game there were a couple of nice performances obviously led by Martin Guptill."

Against India's tight bowling, Guptill was restricted to a top score of 15.

But against a less confining Bangladesh attack, he scored freely, with 14 fours and four sixes from the 88 deliveries he faced.

After rolling Bangladesh for 226, Guptill made a flying start in New Zealand's reply as they passed through 10 overs at 59 for one while Bangladesh were 32 for two at the same stage.

Mustafizur Rahman claimed the early wicket of Henry Nicholls for 14, leaving Kane Williamson to partner Guptill in a 143-run stand for the second wicket.

When Guptill went in similar fashion to Nicholls, caught on the boundary by Liton Das off Mustafizur Rahman in the 29th over, New Zealand were 188 for two.

Williamson and Ross Taylor then guided the home side to the finish with Williamson not out 65 and Taylor on 21.

Slopping fielding

After Williamson won the toss and opted to bowl under cloudy skies, the Bangladesh top order again failed to fire.&nbsp;

They were in trouble at 93 for five after 21 overs before Mohammad Mithun and Sabbir Rahman provided some backbone for the innings, putting on 75 for the sixth wicket.

Mithun again played the anchor role, as he did with his hard-fought 62 in the first match.

In game two, he scored 57 off 69 deliveries before he was bowled by Todd Astle, while Sabbir contributed 43 off 65.&nbsp;

New Zealand assisted the Bangladesh cause with 23 extras and some sloppy fielding while Rahman had fortune on his side when an edge off a Todd Astle delivery nicked the stumps but the bails stayed on.&nbsp;

Colin de Grandhomme had an eventful first over that lasted 11 deliveries, included five wides and also produced the wicket of Soumya Sarkar who was caught by Ross Taylor for 22.

But Taylor dropped two catches in the following overs.

Ferguson finished as the most successful New Zealand bowler with three for 43.

The third and final ODI is in Dunedin next Wednesday, followed by three Test matches.

A rejuvenated Martin Guptill wound back the clock with his second century in as many games as a clinical New Zealand clinched their one-day series against Bangladesh in Christchurch on Saturday.

A rejuvenated Martin Guptill wound back the clock with his second century in as many games as a clinical New Zealand clinched their one-day series against Bangladesh in Christchurch on Saturday. The long-serving opener, who had a disappointing recent series against India, rated his 118 as a more satisfying knock than the unbeaten 117 when he returned to form in the first match against Bangladesh. "There was a lot of flow and rhythm in that one," he said after New Zealand comfortably knocked off their 227-run target for the loss of two wickets and with 13.5 overs to spare. "It felt like I got back to where I was a couple of years ago." Guptill cut, drove and pulled the Bangladesh attack apart as New Zealand cruised to victory and went 2-0 up in the three-match series. With the World Cup looming, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was pleased to see his side had taken lessons from the 4-1 drubbing inflicted by India. "It was what we were wanting," he said. "That was a really tough series and (the) guys got taught some harsh lessons and it's important you learn from those. "Today and in the last game there were a couple of nice performances obviously led by Martin Guptill." Against India's tight bowling, Guptill was restricted to a top score of 15. But against a less confining Bangladesh attack, he scored freely, with 14 fours and four sixes from the 88 deliveries he faced. After rolling Bangladesh for 226, Guptill made a flying start in New Zealand's reply as they passed through 10 overs at 59 for one while Bangladesh were 32 for two at the same stage. Mustafizur Rahman claimed the early wicket of Henry Nicholls for 14, leaving Kane Williamson to partner Guptill in a 143-run stand for the second wicket. When Guptill went in similar fashion to Nicholls, caught on the boundary by Liton Das off Mustafizur Rahman in the 29th over, New Zealand were 188 for two. Williamson and Ross Taylor then guided the home side to the finish with Williamson not out 65 and Taylor on 21. Slopping fielding After Williamson won the toss and opted to bowl under cloudy skies, the Bangladesh top order again failed to fire. They were in trouble at 93 for five after 21 overs before Mohammad Mithun and Sabbir Rahman provided some backbone for the innings, putting on 75 for the sixth wicket. Mithun again played the anchor role, as he did with his hard-fought 62 in the first match. In game two, he scored 57 off 69 deliveries before he was bowled by Todd Astle, while Sabbir contributed 43 off 65. New Zealand assisted the Bangladesh cause with 23 extras and some sloppy fielding while Rahman had fortune on his side when an edge off a Todd Astle delivery nicked the stumps but the bails stayed on. Colin de Grandhomme had an eventful first over that lasted 11 deliveries, included five wides and also produced the wicket of Soumya Sarkar who was caught by Ross Taylor for 22. But Taylor dropped two catches in the following overs. Ferguson finished as the most successful New Zealand bowler with three for 43. The third and final ODI is in Dunedin next Wednesday, followed by three Test matches.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets to win series

Former India pacer Amit Bhandari, who is chairman of the DDCA senior selection committee, was on Monday assaulted by a group of unidentified men, led by a disgruntled Under-23 player, during the Delhi senior team's practice game at the St Stephen's ground.

The senior team is gearing up for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (National Twenty20 tournament), starting February 21.

Anuj Dedha, who was not selected in the state team, attacked Bhandari, who sustained head and ear injuries and was taken to Sant Paramanand Hospital at Civil Lines by his colleague Sukhvinder Singh.&nbsp;

The goons along with the player in question fled before the cops could reach the spot but was later arrested.

"At around 1.15 pm today at St Stephen ground where trials were going on, one person Anuj Dedha, who was not selected, came and asked about his rejection and slapped Bhandari. Some 10-15 more boys came and hit him," Nupur Prasad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) said.

"Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and the accused and his brother Naresh were arrested," the DCP said.&nbsp;

Dedha's name featured in the initial 79-member list, released by the DDCA in November for the U-23 trials. As per the probables list accessed by PTI, his date of birth is November 22, 1995.

Delhi &amp; Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rajat Sharma told PTI that guilty will not be spared.

"I have personally spoken to the Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik. The guilty will not go unpunished. We will register an FIR," Sharma said.

Sharma, who went to meet Bhandari at the hospital said, "He is very shaken and it is natural. The doctors have advised that he should be kept under observation for 24 hours as a precautionary measure."

"The goons were pressurising him to select a player, who had failed to get into the U-23 team on merit. Bhandari claimed that the one man also threatened him with a revolver. This is shameful that an honest selector was being prevented from performing his duties. I have been told that one person has been detained for questioning," Sharma, who is also a well-known journalist, informed.

Former India batsman Virender Sehwag demanded strict action.

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The attack on Delhi selector Amit Bhandari for not picking a player is a new low and I am hopeful that stringent action will be taken against the culprit and adequate measures will be taken to avoid such incidents.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1094939615771922433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The attack on Delhi selector Amit Bhandari for not picking a player is a new low and I am hopeful that stringent action will be taken against the culprit and adequate measures will be taken to avoid such incidents,' Sehwag tweeted.&nbsp;

Former India opener and Delhi legend Gautam Gambhir said a life ban should be handed to the guilty.

"Disgusted to see this happen right in heart of the capital. This can't slip under the carpet and I will personally ensure it does not," he tweeted.

"To begin with I am calling for a life ban for the player who&nbsp;orchestrated this attack post his non-selection."&nbsp;

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Disgusted to see this happen right in the heart of the Capital. This can’t slip under the carpet and I will personally ensure it doesn’t. To begin with I am calling for a life ban from all cricket for the player who orchestrated this attack post his non-selection. <a href="https://t.co/RpS6fzTcNl">https://t.co/RpS6fzTcNl</a>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1094931213796732933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Delhi's senior team manager Shankar Saini narrated the incident.

"I was having my meal along with a colleague inside the tent and Bhandari along with other selectors and senior team coach Mithun Manhas was watching the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy probables play a trial game.

"A couple of men first came and went up to Bhandari. There was a heated exchange between Bhandari and the two men. They left and before we could gather our thoughts, suddenly some 15 men armed with hockey sticks, rods and cycle chains came charging," Saini said.

"When the other senior team players attending the trials along with us rushed to save Bhandari, they started threatening us and one of them said, "Don't get into this or else we will shoot you."&nbsp;

"They attacked Bhandari with hockey sticks and rods as he tried to run away and he sustained head injury," the former Delhi seamer added.

According to an eye witness, Dedha and his accomplices chased Bhandari in front of the senior team players as the former India pacer ran for his life.&nbsp;

When asked who could be behind the attack, Saini said, "I was not there when these two guys came and spoke with Bhandari. He is obviously rattled and once he gives his statement to the police, we will get to know more."

Delhi cricket has always been mired in corruption charges and allegations of dubious selections at the various age-group levels have also surfaced time and again.

Former India pacer Amit Bhandari, who is chairman of the DDCA senior selection committee, was on Monday assaulted by a group of unidentified men, led by a disgruntled Under-23 player, during the Delhi senior team's practice game at the St Stephen's ground.

Former India pacer Amit Bhandari, who is chairman of the DDCA senior selection committee, was on Monday assaulted by a group of unidentified men, led by a disgruntled Under-23 player, during the Delhi senior team's practice game at the St Stephen's ground. The senior team is gearing up for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (National Twenty20 tournament), starting February 21. Anuj Dedha, who was not selected in the state team, attacked Bhandari, who sustained head and ear injuries and was taken to Sant Paramanand Hospital at Civil Lines by his colleague Sukhvinder Singh. The goons along with the player in question fled before the cops could reach the spot but was later arrested. "At around 1.15 pm today at St Stephen ground where trials were going on, one person Anuj Dedha, who was not selected, came and asked about his rejection and slapped Bhandari. Some 10-15 more boys came and hit him," Nupur Prasad, Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) said. "Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and the accused and his brother Naresh were arrested," the DCP said. Dedha's name featured in the initial 79-member list, released by the DDCA in November for the U-23 trials. As per the probables list accessed by PTI, his date of birth is November 22, 1995. Delhi & Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rajat Sharma told PTI that guilty will not be spared. "I have personally spoken to the Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik. The guilty will not go unpunished. We will register an FIR," Sharma said. Sharma, who went to meet Bhandari at the hospital said, "He is very shaken and it is natural. The doctors have advised that he should be kept under observation for 24 hours as a precautionary measure." "The goons were pressurising him to select a player, who had failed to get into the U-23 team on merit. Bhandari claimed that the one man also threatened him with a revolver. This is shameful that an honest selector was being prevented from performing his duties. I have been told that one person has been detained for questioning," Sharma, who is also a well-known journalist, informed. Former India batsman Virender Sehwag demanded strict action. The attack on Delhi selector Amit Bhandari for not picking a player is a new low and I am hopeful that stringent action will be taken against the culprit and adequate measures will be taken to avoid such incidents. — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 11, 2019 × "The attack on Delhi selector Amit Bhandari for not picking a player is a new low and I am hopeful that stringent action will be taken against the culprit and adequate measures will be taken to avoid such incidents,' Sehwag tweeted. Former India opener and Delhi legend Gautam Gambhir said a life ban should be handed to the guilty. "Disgusted to see this happen right in heart of the capital. This can't slip under the carpet and I will personally ensure it does not," he tweeted. "To begin with I am calling for a life ban for the player who orchestrated this attack post his non-selection." Disgusted to see this happen right in the heart of the Capital. This can’t slip under the carpet and I will personally ensure it doesn’t. To begin with I am calling for a life ban from all cricket for the player who orchestrated this attack post his non-selection. https://t.co/RpS6fzTcNl — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) February 11, 2019 × Delhi's senior team manager Shankar Saini narrated the incident. "I was having my meal along with a colleague inside the tent and Bhandari along with other selectors and senior team coach Mithun Manhas was watching the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy probables play a trial game. "A couple of men first came and went up to Bhandari. There was a heated exchange between Bhandari and the two men. They left and before we could gather our thoughts, suddenly some 15 men armed with hockey sticks, rods and cycle chains came charging," Saini said. "When the other senior team players attending the trials along with us rushed to save Bhandari, they started threatening us and one of them said, "Don't get into this or else we will shoot you." "They attacked Bhandari with hockey sticks and rods as he tried to run away and he sustained head injury," the former Delhi seamer added. According to an eye witness, Dedha and his accomplices chased Bhandari in front of the senior team players as the former India pacer ran for his life. When asked who could be behind the attack, Saini said, "I was not there when these two guys came and spoke with Bhandari. He is obviously rattled and once he gives his statement to the police, we will get to know more." Delhi cricket has always been mired in corruption charges and allegations of dubious selections at the various age-group levels have also surfaced time and again.

DDCA selector Amit Bhandari assaulted by Under-23 player; Sehwag, Gambhir demand strict action

Indian batswomen Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday jumped four places to be second and sixth in the ICC T20 rankings despite their team's 0-3 loss in New Zealand.&nbsp;

Rodrigues's 132 runs in the three-match series against New Zealand have lifted her to the second position while Mandhana, who grabbed the top spot in ODIs last week, has gained four spots after finishing as the leading run-getter in the New Zealand series with an aggregate of 180.

The stylish left-hander smashed two half-centuries including a fluent 86 in the last match in Hamilton that India lost by two runs.

Spinners Radha Yadav, up 18 places to 10th after taking four wickets in the series, and Deepti Sharma, up five places to 14th, are the India players to move up among bowlers.

For New Zealand, Sophie Devine has moved from 11th to eighth position among batters after scoring 153 runs in the series including a match-winning 72 in the last match, while captain Amy Satterthwaite's 87 runs have lifted her from 23rd to 17th position. Among bowlers, Lea Tahuhu has moved up five slots to 11th position.

Windies' Deandra Dottin has grabbed the top spot among all-rounders.

Dottin has been the standout performer in a 2-1 series win in Pakistan. Dottin has moved up two places to third among batters after scoring 158 runs in the series while her three wickets have lifted her two slots to 29th among bowlers.&nbsp;

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof has gained three slots to tie with compatriot Javeria Khan in 15th position among batters while Sana Mir, who is top ranked in the ODI format, has moved up six places to take 28th position among T20 bowlers after taking three wickets in the series.

In the team rankings, New Zealand have overtaken England to take second place. Australia continue to lead the table while the Windies and India are fourth and fifth respectively.

Indian batswomen Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday jumped four places to be second and sixth in the ICC T20 rankings despite their team's 0-3 loss in New Zealand.

Indian batswomen Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana on Tuesday jumped four places to be second and sixth in the ICC T20 rankings despite their team's 0-3 loss in New Zealand. Rodrigues's 132 runs in the three-match series against New Zealand have lifted her to the second position while Mandhana, who grabbed the top spot in ODIs last week, has gained four spots after finishing as the leading run-getter in the New Zealand series with an aggregate of 180. The stylish left-hander smashed two half-centuries including a fluent 86 in the last match in Hamilton that India lost by two runs. Spinners Radha Yadav, up 18 places to 10th after taking four wickets in the series, and Deepti Sharma, up five places to 14th, are the India players to move up among bowlers. For New Zealand, Sophie Devine has moved from 11th to eighth position among batters after scoring 153 runs in the series including a match-winning 72 in the last match, while captain Amy Satterthwaite's 87 runs have lifted her from 23rd to 17th position. Among bowlers, Lea Tahuhu has moved up five slots to 11th position. Windies' Deandra Dottin has grabbed the top spot among all-rounders. Dottin has been the standout performer in a 2-1 series win in Pakistan. Dottin has moved up two places to third among batters after scoring 158 runs in the series while her three wickets have lifted her two slots to 29th among bowlers. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof has gained three slots to tie with compatriot Javeria Khan in 15th position among batters while Sana Mir, who is top ranked in the ODI format, has moved up six places to take 28th position among T20 bowlers after taking three wickets in the series. In the team rankings, New Zealand have overtaken England to take second place. Australia continue to lead the table while the Windies and India are fourth and fifth respectively.

Rodrigues, Mandhana move up to second and sixth in ICC rankings

Test Story

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place."&nbsp;

After a torrid 12 months marred by the ball-tampering row and poor form without their top stars, Australia ended their summer on a high by emphatically winning two Tests against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

They claimed the first in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs and the second in Canberra by 366 runs, following a tough home series defeat to top-ranked India.&nbsp;

Smith and Warner's bans for their role in trying to alter the ball in South Africa expire late next month and they are widely expected to quickly return to the national set-up.&nbsp;

"I think everyone to a degree has to earn their stripes. I think those two have got plenty of runs in the bank if you like," Paine said when asked if they could slot straight back in.&nbsp;

"Look, I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series. That's how I see how important they are to this team.&nbsp;

"We know how good they are and hopefully once their bans are up they'll be welcomed back and they will win Test matches like they did before."&nbsp;

Without the experienced pair, Australia struggled. But at least they broke a century drought stretching back to October in Canberra, with Joe Burns, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson and Usman Khawaja all cashing in.&nbsp;

Their knocks put them in prime position for the Ashes against an England side reeling from an embarrassing capitulation in the West Indies.&nbsp;

Following a 381-run defeat by the hosts in the first Test in Barbados last month, England suffered a 10-wicket thrashing in Antigua on Saturday to lose the three-match series 2-0. 
 
Won back respect 

With the imminent return of Warner and Smith, there are now question marks over Marcus Harris and number four Marnus Labuschagne. 
Harris struggled in Canberra on a batting-friendly wicket as fellow opener Burns hit 180, while Labuschagne managed just six and four in his two innings.&nbsp;

Khawaja's snapping of a run drought is widely seen as being enough for him to remain at first drop, with Head's 161 and 59 not out sealing his place at number five.&nbsp;

Paine said he has a "fair idea" of what the Ashes team might look like.&nbsp;

"What we have seen over this summer is we are starting to build a squad with plenty of depth. There's probably anywhere between 16 and 25 players we think are now in the mix, which is a really good place to be," he added.&nbsp;

For Paine, heading to England, and as skipper, is something that has been on his mind for months.&nbsp;

"I've been dreaming about it actually," he said.&nbsp;

"I'm happy now that we've got this (Sri Lanka series) out of the way and I can put everything into it because every Australian cricketer can't wait to go and play an Ashes series, particularly in England."&nbsp;

The ball-tampering scandal, which led to year-long bans for Smith and Warner and nine months in exile for Cameron Bancroft, led to Australia changing its cricketing culture and toning down its aggressive sledging.

Paine said he was "really proud of the way we have gone about it".&nbsp;

"We spoke at the start of the summer that our main priority was to win back the respect of our Australian public and cricket fans. Sitting here now, I think we've gone a long way to doing that," he said.

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place.

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place." After a torrid 12 months marred by the ball-tampering row and poor form without their top stars, Australia ended their summer on a high by emphatically winning two Tests against Sri Lanka. They claimed the first in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs and the second in Canberra by 366 runs, following a tough home series defeat to top-ranked India. Smith and Warner's bans for their role in trying to alter the ball in South Africa expire late next month and they are widely expected to quickly return to the national set-up. "I think everyone to a degree has to earn their stripes. I think those two have got plenty of runs in the bank if you like," Paine said when asked if they could slot straight back in. "Look, I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series. That's how I see how important they are to this team. "We know how good they are and hopefully once their bans are up they'll be welcomed back and they will win Test matches like they did before." Without the experienced pair, Australia struggled. But at least they broke a century drought stretching back to October in Canberra, with Joe Burns, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson and Usman Khawaja all cashing in. Their knocks put them in prime position for the Ashes against an England side reeling from an embarrassing capitulation in the West Indies. Following a 381-run defeat by the hosts in the first Test in Barbados last month, England suffered a 10-wicket thrashing in Antigua on Saturday to lose the three-match series 2-0. Won back respect With the imminent return of Warner and Smith, there are now question marks over Marcus Harris and number four Marnus Labuschagne. Harris struggled in Canberra on a batting-friendly wicket as fellow opener Burns hit 180, while Labuschagne managed just six and four in his two innings. Khawaja's snapping of a run drought is widely seen as being enough for him to remain at first drop, with Head's 161 and 59 not out sealing his place at number five. Paine said he has a "fair idea" of what the Ashes team might look like. "What we have seen over this summer is we are starting to build a squad with plenty of depth. There's probably anywhere between 16 and 25 players we think are now in the mix, which is a really good place to be," he added. For Paine, heading to England, and as skipper, is something that has been on his mind for months. "I've been dreaming about it actually," he said. "I'm happy now that we've got this (Sri Lanka series) out of the way and I can put everything into it because every Australian cricketer can't wait to go and play an Ashes series, particularly in England." The ball-tampering scandal, which led to year-long bans for Smith and Warner and nine months in exile for Cameron Bancroft, led to Australia changing its cricketing culture and toning down its aggressive sledging. Paine said he was "really proud of the way we have gone about it". "We spoke at the start of the summer that our main priority was to win back the respect of our Australian public and cricket fans. Sitting here now, I think we've gone a long way to doing that," he said.

Steve Smith and David Warner to play 'huge' part in Ashes series: Tim Paine

Babar Azam hit a majestic 90 but Pakistan's long streak of series wins came to an end in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

South Africa took a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a dramatic seven-run win. Pakistan had not lost a T20 series since they were eliminated from the World T20 in India in March 2016.

Pakistan were on track to overhaul South Africa's 188 for three until Azam was out off the first ball of the 17th over. It started a collapse in which six wickets fell for 34 runs in four overs.

The contrast between the two innings was stark. South Africa started slowly but stand-in captain David Miller plundered an unbeaten 65 off 29 balls as the hosts scored 127 runs off the last ten overs, including 29 off the final over bowled by Usman Shinwari.

Pakistan scored rapidly at the start of their innings, with Azam hitting the first three balls off Beuran Hendricks for four. It was 70 for one at the end of the six-over power play –- 26 runs ahead of South Africa's total at the same stage.

Azam and Hussain Talat (59) put on 102 off 75 balls for the second wicket.

"We had the game but we couldn't finish it," said Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik.

The tempo of the game changed when Azam pulled a slower ball from Beuran Hendricks to deep midwicket after hitting 13 fours and a six in a 58-ball innings.

"We didn't start too well with the ball," said Miller, who was named man of the match. "We were too short and too wide but the bowlers pulled it back."

Although neither took a wicket, Miller praised left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and new fast bowler Lutho Sipamla for economical bowling in the middle overs before the late-innings collapse.

Miller, captaining South Africa for the first time because Faf du Plessis was rested for the last two matches of the series, hit five sixes and four fours in an explosive innings, which followed a similarly aggressive 45 off 27 balls by Rassie van der Dussen, who hit four sixes.

South Africa made a relatively sedate start on an unusually slow, dry Wanderers pitch. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim, who opened the bowling, took one for nine in four overs. He bowled a maiden to new opening batsman Janneman Malan, who had an otherwise promising innings of 33 off 31 balls.

Left-arm fast bowler Shinwari conceded 63 runs off his four overs.

Babar Azam hit a majestic 90 but Pakistan's long streak of series wins came to an end in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

Babar Azam hit a majestic 90 but Pakistan's long streak of series wins came to an end in the second Twenty20 international against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday. South Africa took a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a dramatic seven-run win. Pakistan had not lost a T20 series since they were eliminated from the World T20 in India in March 2016. Pakistan were on track to overhaul South Africa's 188 for three until Azam was out off the first ball of the 17th over. It started a collapse in which six wickets fell for 34 runs in four overs. The contrast between the two innings was stark. South Africa started slowly but stand-in captain David Miller plundered an unbeaten 65 off 29 balls as the hosts scored 127 runs off the last ten overs, including 29 off the final over bowled by Usman Shinwari. Pakistan scored rapidly at the start of their innings, with Azam hitting the first three balls off Beuran Hendricks for four. It was 70 for one at the end of the six-over power play –- 26 runs ahead of South Africa's total at the same stage. Azam and Hussain Talat (59) put on 102 off 75 balls for the second wicket. "We had the game but we couldn't finish it," said Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik. The tempo of the game changed when Azam pulled a slower ball from Beuran Hendricks to deep midwicket after hitting 13 fours and a six in a 58-ball innings. "We didn't start too well with the ball," said Miller, who was named man of the match. "We were too short and too wide but the bowlers pulled it back." Although neither took a wicket, Miller praised left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and new fast bowler Lutho Sipamla for economical bowling in the middle overs before the late-innings collapse. Miller, captaining South Africa for the first time because Faf du Plessis was rested for the last two matches of the series, hit five sixes and four fours in an explosive innings, which followed a similarly aggressive 45 off 27 balls by Rassie van der Dussen, who hit four sixes. South Africa made a relatively sedate start on an unusually slow, dry Wanderers pitch. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim, who opened the bowling, took one for nine in four overs. He bowled a maiden to new opening batsman Janneman Malan, who had an otherwise promising innings of 33 off 31 balls. Left-arm fast bowler Shinwari conceded 63 runs off his four overs.

South Africa beat Pakistan by seven runs, win T20 series

INDvsNZ: India claim their biggest ODI series win on New Zealand soil

Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday.

After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.&nbsp;

Mandhana, who has been in exemplary form in the one-day format, has scored two centuries and eight half-centuries in 15 games since the beginning of 2018.&nbsp;

Completing the top five, New Zealand skipper Amy Satterhwaite, who smashed consecutive half-centuries in the series against India, flew up ten places to take the number four position, while Indian skipper Mithali Raj moved down a spot.&nbsp;

Former New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates rose up one place to number six following her half-century in Hamilton, which propelled her side to victory in the third ODI against India.&nbsp;

Lizelle Lee of South Africa, Tammy Beaumont of England, Stafanie Taylor of West Indies and Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka completed the top 10 list.&nbsp;

Indian young player Jemimah Rodrigues, who blazed an unbeaten 81 in the first ODI against New Zealand, made a massive jump of 64 places to take number 61 spot in the rankings. The 18-year-old has played just seven ODIs since making her debut in March last year.&nbsp;

Among the bowlers, Indian spinners Poonam Yadav and Deepti Sharma jumped five places each and now sit at number eight and nine respectively.&nbsp;

Poonam took six wickets in the series against New Zealand, while Deepti picked up four. Ekta Bisht jumped up nine places to number 13 after claiming five wickets in the series.&nbsp;

Celebrated pacer Jhulan Goswami, whose 3/23 in the second game set up the series win against Kiwi-women, raised one place to take number four and is the highest-ranked Indian in the top five. Sana Mir of Pakistan, Megan Schutt of Australia and Marizanne Kapp of South Africa are above Jhulan.&nbsp;

In the all-rounders’ rankings, Ellyse Perry has retained the top spot. New Zealand’s Sophie Devine have moved up one place to take number nine, thereby pushed down West Indies’ Deandra Dottin to number 10.

Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday. After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning.

Smriti Mandhana has moved up three spots to attain the number one rank in the updated ICC ODI batting rankings, released on Saturday. After scoring her fourth ODI century and an unbeaten 90 in the three-match series against New Zealand, Mandhana now sits above the Australians Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning. Mandhana, who has been in exemplary form in the one-day format, has scored two centuries and eight half-centuries in 15 games since the beginning of 2018. Completing the top five, New Zealand skipper Amy Satterhwaite, who smashed consecutive half-centuries in the series against India, flew up ten places to take the number four position, while Indian skipper Mithali Raj moved down a spot. Former New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates rose up one place to number six following her half-century in Hamilton, which propelled her side to victory in the third ODI against India. Lizelle Lee of South Africa, Tammy Beaumont of England, Stafanie Taylor of West Indies and Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka completed the top 10 list. Indian young player Jemimah Rodrigues, who blazed an unbeaten 81 in the first ODI against New Zealand, made a massive jump of 64 places to take number 61 spot in the rankings. The 18-year-old has played just seven ODIs since making her debut in March last year. Among the bowlers, Indian spinners Poonam Yadav and Deepti Sharma jumped five places each and now sit at number eight and nine respectively. Poonam took six wickets in the series against New Zealand, while Deepti picked up four. Ekta Bisht jumped up nine places to number 13 after claiming five wickets in the series. Celebrated pacer Jhulan Goswami, whose 3/23 in the second game set up the series win against Kiwi-women, raised one place to take number four and is the highest-ranked Indian in the top five. Sana Mir of Pakistan, Megan Schutt of Australia and Marizanne Kapp of South Africa are above Jhulan. In the all-rounders’ rankings, Ellyse Perry has retained the top spot. New Zealand’s Sophie Devine have moved up one place to take number nine, thereby pushed down West Indies’ Deandra Dottin to number 10.

India's Smriti Mandhana becomes No. 1 ODI batswoman

Australia's Pat Cummins breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Dimuth Karunaratne was not in any danger after one of his vicious bouncers struck the Sri Lanka batsman on the back of the neck and left him crumpled in a heap at Manuka Oval on Saturday.

The 30-year-old opener slumped onto his back after being struck, prompting a hush to descend on the picturesque ground, which only moments before had been buzzing with horn-blowing, dancing Sri Lankan supporters.

The incident brought back painful memories of the fatal blow that struck Australian Phillip Hughes in 2014 and the concern among both sets of players was palpable.

Cummins was left to look on anxiously as the Australian side assembled near the pitch to watch the medical team attend to Karunaratne, who was stretchered off the ground and taken to hospital in a neck brace.

"It's never a nice feeling seeing someone go down like that," Cummins told the host broadcaster after the end of the day's play. "The good thing was he looked like he was moving his hands and the physio said he seemed all right when he left.

"I wish him all the best and hopefully he's doing all right. You never like seeing that. It's just one of those things that happens in cricket. Whether its your teammate, another teammate, you just hope they're OK."

Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha later had good news about the batsman's condition, saying he had never lost consciousness and that he was in good spirits while he was being assessed at the hospital.

Kurtis Patterson, Australia's centurion from Saturday, hoped Karunaratne would be back at the batting crease on the third day of the test on Sunday.

"All of us were in a little bit of shock but I think everyone's okay which is good. Hoping he's okay to bat again tomorrow," Patterson added.

The crowd gave a standing ovation to Karunaratne, who was forced to retire hurt on 46, and continued clapping until he was driven off the field in a buggy.

The incident appeared to rattle Sri Lanka, who went from 90 without loss to 120-3.

"Not quite sure but we lost couple of wickets so definitely it was bit of a distraction at that moment," Hathurusingha told reporters. "We were going well at 90 for no wicket and they were batting well."

The tourists trail Australia by 411 runs and must win the match to draw the two-test series after the hosts won the opener at Brisbane.

Australia's Pat Cummins breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Dimuth Karunaratne was not in any danger after one of his vicious bouncers struck the Sri Lanka batsman on the back of the neck and left him crumpled in a heap at Manuka Oval on Saturday.

Australia's Pat Cummins breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Dimuth Karunaratne was not in any danger after one of his vicious bouncers struck the Sri Lanka batsman on the back of the neck and left him crumpled in a heap at Manuka Oval on Saturday. The 30-year-old opener slumped onto his back after being struck, prompting a hush to descend on the picturesque ground, which only moments before had been buzzing with horn-blowing, dancing Sri Lankan supporters. The incident brought back painful memories of the fatal blow that struck Australian Phillip Hughes in 2014 and the concern among both sets of players was palpable. Cummins was left to look on anxiously as the Australian side assembled near the pitch to watch the medical team attend to Karunaratne, who was stretchered off the ground and taken to hospital in a neck brace. "It's never a nice feeling seeing someone go down like that," Cummins told the host broadcaster after the end of the day's play. "The good thing was he looked like he was moving his hands and the physio said he seemed all right when he left. "I wish him all the best and hopefully he's doing all right. You never like seeing that. It's just one of those things that happens in cricket. Whether its your teammate, another teammate, you just hope they're OK." Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha later had good news about the batsman's condition, saying he had never lost consciousness and that he was in good spirits while he was being assessed at the hospital. Kurtis Patterson, Australia's centurion from Saturday, hoped Karunaratne would be back at the batting crease on the third day of the test on Sunday. "All of us were in a little bit of shock but I think everyone's okay which is good. Hoping he's okay to bat again tomorrow," Patterson added. The crowd gave a standing ovation to Karunaratne, who was forced to retire hurt on 46, and continued clapping until he was driven off the field in a buggy. The incident appeared to rattle Sri Lanka, who went from 90 without loss to 120-3. "Not quite sure but we lost couple of wickets so definitely it was bit of a distraction at that moment," Hathurusingha told reporters. "We were going well at 90 for no wicket and they were batting well." The tourists trail Australia by 411 runs and must win the match to draw the two-test series after the hosts won the opener at Brisbane.

Pat Cummins relieved as Sri Lanka's Karunaratne 'in no danger' after bouncer hit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Mithali+Raj">Mithali Raj</a>, captain of Indian women's cricket team has added another record to an already glittering career as she became the female cricketer to&nbsp;play 200 One-Day Internationals when she led her team out for the third ODI against New Zealand February 1.

Indian women's team have played 263 ODIs in their history. Raj has now featured in 200 of them.&nbsp;

Since her ODI debut in 1999, the team have played 213 matches in the format. She has been a part of all but 13 of them.

Raj is also the&nbsp;highest run-getter in ODIs with 6622 runs at an average of 51.33, including seven centuries.&nbsp;

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🙌 200 ODIS FOR MITHALI RAJ 🙌 
 
The India legend has added another feather to her cap during the third <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> ODI at Seddon Park. 
 
We take a look back through her landmark innings 👇<a href="https://t.co/PPLzYhxwCx">https://t.co/PPLzYhxwCx</a> <a href="https://t.co/2BayMT5wZh">pic.twitter.com/2BayMT5wZh</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1091165322151845893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mithali could not make a big impact in her 200th game, scoring nine off 28 balls as India were bowled out for 149 in the third and final ODI against New Zealand.&nbsp;

She had hit an unbeaten 63 in the second ODI, helping India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.&nbsp;

She has also played 10 Tests and 85 T20s.&nbsp;

Mithali Raj, captain of Indian women's cricket team has added another record to an already glittering career as she became the female cricketer to play 200 One-Day Internationals when she led her team out for the third ODI against New Zealand February 1.

Mithali Raj, captain of Indian women's cricket team has added another record to an already glittering career as she became the female cricketer to play 200 One-Day Internationals when she led her team out for the third ODI against New Zealand February 1. Indian women's team have played 263 ODIs in their history. Raj has now featured in 200 of them. Since her ODI debut in 1999, the team have played 213 matches in the format. She has been a part of all but 13 of them. Raj is also the highest run-getter in ODIs with 6622 runs at an average of 51.33, including seven centuries. 🙌 200 ODIS FOR MITHALI RAJ 🙌 The India legend has added another feather to her cap during the third #NZvIND ODI at Seddon Park. We take a look back through her landmark innings 👇https://t.co/PPLzYhxwCx pic.twitter.com/2BayMT5wZh — ICC (@ICC) February 1, 2019 × Mithali could not make a big impact in her 200th game, scoring nine off 28 balls as India were bowled out for 149 in the third and final ODI against New Zealand. She had hit an unbeaten 63 in the second ODI, helping India take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. She has also played 10 Tests and 85 T20s.

Mithali Raj becomes first female to play 200 ODIs

India captain Virat Kohli, known for his fitness and strict training, dropped an easy catch of a New Zealand player Ish Sodhi in the third One-Day International on Monday.&nbsp;

In the 47th over, when the hosts were struggling after losing quick wickets, Sodhi was trying hard to push the run rate.&nbsp;

While trying to hit a big shot, Sodhi edged the ball high up&nbsp;on&nbsp;Mohammed Shami's delivery&nbsp;but&nbsp;Virat, the fielder&nbsp;under the ball,&nbsp;missed to grab the opportunity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Virat immediately put his hands up and apologised.&nbsp;

He, however, took a catch of the same batsman in the same over without making any mistake at the long-on.&nbsp;

See some Twitter reactions on Virat's fumble:

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Virat Kohli taking that catch be like 😯😋 
Unbelievable he's dropped a catch<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/mwjUvQRCDh">pic.twitter.com/mwjUvQRCDh</a>
— Ganesh Prabhu 🇮🇳 (@thegmania) <a href="https://twitter.com/thegmania/status/1089760305293479936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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OUT! Virat makes on mistake this time. Sets himself, moving into position so quickly to take a comfortable and reassuring catch to make up for his previous error. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/score?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#score</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kohli</a>
— Gautam Kapoor (@gautamkapoor54) <a href="https://twitter.com/gautamkapoor54/status/1089764327869968384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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*Virat Kohli drops a catch* 
 
Me : <a href="https://t.co/8wMxKP2ikw">https://t.co/8wMxKP2ikw</a>
— ` (@ughwhatever) <a href="https://twitter.com/ughwhatever/status/1089475317754986497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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When You get one chance to Criticise but after That Virat covers with Run out n Catch😂🤭👀🐐👑 <a href="https://t.co/Y0UKDMZZJ7">https://t.co/Y0UKDMZZJ7</a>
— Cricket Freak ❤️ (@naveensurana06) <a href="https://twitter.com/naveensurana06/status/1089761197270974464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On the other hand, all-rounder Hardik Pandya took a stunning two-handed catch to dismiss New Zealand's skipper Kane Williamson.&nbsp;

Pandya seemed unfazed by the tribulations of the past few weeks when he jumped to the left of the mid-wicket to take the catch diving across.&nbsp;

India captain Virat Kohli, known for his fitness and strict training, dropped an easy catch of a New Zealand player Ish Sodhi in the third One-Day International on Monday.

India captain Virat Kohli, known for his fitness and strict training, dropped an easy catch of a New Zealand player Ish Sodhi in the third One-Day International on Monday. In the 47th over, when the hosts were struggling after losing quick wickets, Sodhi was trying hard to push the run rate. While trying to hit a big shot, Sodhi edged the ball high up on Mohammed Shami's delivery but Virat, the fielder under the ball, missed to grab the opportunity. Virat immediately put his hands up and apologised. He, however, took a catch of the same batsman in the same over without making any mistake at the long-on. See some Twitter reactions on Virat's fumble: Virat Kohli taking that catch be like 😯😋 Unbelievable he's dropped a catch#INDvsNZ #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/mwjUvQRCDh — Ganesh Prabhu 🇮🇳 (@thegmania) January 28, 2019 × OUT! Virat makes on mistake this time. Sets himself, moving into position so quickly to take a comfortable and reassuring catch to make up for his previous error. #NZvIND #NZvsIND #INDvsNZ #INDvNZ #india #cricket #score #kohli — Gautam Kapoor (@gautamkapoor54) January 28, 2019 × *Virat Kohli drops a catch* Me : https://t.co/8wMxKP2ikw — ` (@ughwhatever) January 27, 2019 × When You get one chance to Criticise but after That Virat covers with Run out n Catch😂🤭👀🐐👑 https://t.co/Y0UKDMZZJ7 — Cricket Freak ❤️ (@naveensurana06) January 28, 2019 × On the other hand, all-rounder Hardik Pandya took a stunning two-handed catch to dismiss New Zealand's skipper Kane Williamson. Pandya seemed unfazed by the tribulations of the past few weeks when he jumped to the left of the mid-wicket to take the catch diving across.

Even Virat Kohli drops catch, Twitterati can't believe it

Virat Kohli tries to find joy in the simplest of things in life when he is not focussed on winning matches for India.&nbsp;

And nothing can beat a romantic getaway with wife Anushka by his side on a full moon night.&nbsp;

The insane fan following that both Kohli and his wife, a leading actress in Hindi films enjoy in India, it becomes difficult to enjoy their own little time away from public glare.&nbsp;

However, on tour in a scenic country like New Zealand, the Indian captain enjoys those long walks with his lady love and not being identified.&nbsp;

"Look me and my wife like to do normal things. We just like to go out for walks," Kohli told Sky Sports in an interview, which has also been uploaded by bcci.Tv.&nbsp;

"If we are in a place like Napier, it's beautiful. (One of the nights), We were at the Marine parade, enjoying full moon sitting on the bench and just talking.&nbsp;

"It's actually the simplest thing that gives us joy purely because we are always in the public eye and we are always doing things in-front of people. To get away and not known by anyone is something that we both like," the Indian captain said.&nbsp;

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No filters needed&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewZealand?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewZealand</a>&nbsp;🥰 <a href="https://t.co/uVwt9sLL6c">pic.twitter.com/uVwt9sLL6c</a>
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma/status/1087249889422118912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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♥️ <a href="https://t.co/uLa7UwLvMX">pic.twitter.com/uLa7UwLvMX</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1084435848240590848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Happy New Year to everyone back home and all over the world, all the way from Australia. Have a wonderful year ahead God bless everyone. 🙏😇❤❤❤ <a href="https://t.co/ETr48NWbS5">pic.twitter.com/ETr48NWbS5</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1079730957073100803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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With 64 international hundreds, Kohli is expected to break all international records but he admits that he never thought 10 years back that he will come this far.&nbsp;

"When I started, if someone had told me that 10 years down the line, I would be here in my career, I would have never believed them. I play the game because of the joy that I have and purely for the love of the game and the passion that I have for playing for my country," he said.&nbsp;

"If I get attached to stats that means my graph is going down and there is something wrong in my head. Personally, I can't play in that sort of mindset. I can't stand on the field thinking that I have to do something for myself."

Virat Kohli tries to find joy in the simplest of things in life when he is not focussed on winning matches for India. And nothing can beat a romantic getaway with wife Anushka by his side on a full moon night.

Virat Kohli tries to find joy in the simplest of things in life when he is not focussed on winning matches for India. And nothing can beat a romantic getaway with wife Anushka by his side on a full moon night. The insane fan following that both Kohli and his wife, a leading actress in Hindi films enjoy in India, it becomes difficult to enjoy their own little time away from public glare. However, on tour in a scenic country like New Zealand, the Indian captain enjoys those long walks with his lady love and not being identified. "Look me and my wife like to do normal things. We just like to go out for walks," Kohli told Sky Sports in an interview, which has also been uploaded by bcci.Tv. "If we are in a place like Napier, it's beautiful. (One of the nights), We were at the Marine parade, enjoying full moon sitting on the bench and just talking. "It's actually the simplest thing that gives us joy purely because we are always in the public eye and we are always doing things in-front of people. To get away and not known by anyone is something that we both like," the Indian captain said. No filters needed #NewZealand 🥰 pic.twitter.com/uVwt9sLL6c — Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) January 21, 2019 × ♥️ pic.twitter.com/uLa7UwLvMX — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 13, 2019 × Happy New Year to everyone back home and all over the world, all the way from Australia. Have a wonderful year ahead God bless everyone. 🙏😇❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/ETr48NWbS5 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 31, 2018 × With 64 international hundreds, Kohli is expected to break all international records but he admits that he never thought 10 years back that he will come this far. "When I started, if someone had told me that 10 years down the line, I would be here in my career, I would have never believed them. I play the game because of the joy that I have and purely for the love of the game and the passion that I have for playing for my country," he said. "If I get attached to stats that means my graph is going down and there is something wrong in my head. Personally, I can't play in that sort of mindset. I can't stand on the field thinking that I have to do something for myself."

In leisure time, Virat prefers to sit on a bench with wife on full moon night

England's fast bowler Stuart Broad was forced to change his room the night before first Test match of a three-match series between England and West Indies kicked off at Kensington Oval.&nbsp;

Not only that, BBC's cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew claimed that a few of English players slept on mattresses in the corridor of their team hotel.&nbsp;

Broad, who was left out of the side for the first Test, revealed&nbsp;the real reason for the unwanted disruptions.&nbsp;

The pacer was forced to move rooms after an attack of bed-bugs in the team hotel.&nbsp;

"I was getting eaten alive, managed to move rooms, no more bites. No disruptions, Nothing more to the story, not that this is a worthwhile story..." Broad responded to ESPNcricinfo on Twitter.&nbsp;

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I was getting eaten alive, managed to move rooms, no more bites. No disruptions. Nothing more to the story, not that this is a worthwhile story...
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😂😂. A change of room has done the trick! Bite free this morning! 🙌🏻
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Denying Agnew's claims, an ECB statement said, "It is correct that Stuart has moved rooms at the hotel."

"But it is nonsense to suggest that some players have been sleeping on mattresses outside their rooms. This is not true," the statement further added.&nbsp;

England picked up four late wickets with the second new ball to turn the first Test against West Indies in their favour, leaving the hosts reeling at 264 for eight at stumps on the first day in Barbados on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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James Anderson's three late wickets - and one for Stokes - have brought England roaring back into the contest, and West Indies have slipped from 240/4 to 264/8 at stumps. 
 
Hetmyer is 56 not out. Can he drag West Indies to 300 tomorrow?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvENG</a> SCORE ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/wcA4kPouAm">https://t.co/wcA4kPouAm</a> <a href="https://t.co/k8bEmli0UG">pic.twitter.com/k8bEmli0UG</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1088184989139853319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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England seek to get their campaign for a first Test series triumph in the Caribbean since 2004 off to a winning start.&nbsp;

England's fast bowler Stuart Broad was forced to change his room the night before first Test match of a three-match series between England and West Indies kicked off at Kensington Oval.

England's fast bowler Stuart Broad was forced to change his room the night before first Test match of a three-match series between England and West Indies kicked off at Kensington Oval. Not only that, BBC's cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew claimed that a few of English players slept on mattresses in the corridor of their team hotel. Broad, who was left out of the side for the first Test, revealed the real reason for the unwanted disruptions. The pacer was forced to move rooms after an attack of bed-bugs in the team hotel. "I was getting eaten alive, managed to move rooms, no more bites. No disruptions, Nothing more to the story, not that this is a worthwhile story..." Broad responded to ESPNcricinfo on Twitter. I was getting eaten alive, managed to move rooms, no more bites. No disruptions. Nothing more to the story, not that this is a worthwhile story... — Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) January 23, 2019 × 😂😂. A change of room has done the trick! Bite free this morning! 🙌🏻 — Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) January 23, 2019 × Denying Agnew's claims, an ECB statement said, "It is correct that Stuart has moved rooms at the hotel." "But it is nonsense to suggest that some players have been sleeping on mattresses outside their rooms. This is not true," the statement further added. England picked up four late wickets with the second new ball to turn the first Test against West Indies in their favour, leaving the hosts reeling at 264 for eight at stumps on the first day in Barbados on Wednesday. James Anderson's three late wickets - and one for Stokes - have brought England roaring back into the contest, and West Indies have slipped from 240/4 to 264/8 at stumps. Hetmyer is 56 not out. Can he drag West Indies to 300 tomorrow?#WIvENG SCORE ➡️ https://t.co/wcA4kPouAm pic.twitter.com/k8bEmli0UG — ICC (@ICC) January 23, 2019 × England seek to get their campaign for a first Test series triumph in the Caribbean since 2004 off to a winning start.

'Was getting eaten alive': Stuart Broad forced to change room ahead of 1st Test

The day MS Dhoni retires we will remember him hitting "that six" which won India the World Cup against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede in 2011. However, Dhoni's retirement day is still sometime in the future as the last over victory at Adelaide in the last over is anything any proof - the first ball six in the final over was vintage Dhoni.

Amazingly, both Dhoni and Swiss tennis star Roger Federer were born within thirty days of each other in 1981(Dhoni on July 7, Federer on August 8). The similarities between the two greats are also strikingly similar - both men display ice-cool composure under pressure.

Dhoni's latest sixer to win the match for India in the last over is nothing new for the former India captain, just like Federer who is now enjoying his second coming in tennis as a "veteran", Dhoni too at 37 is in the twilight of his career - and playing the role of "mentor-cum-finisher".

Both Kohli and coach Shastri have backed Dhoni to the hilt as "experts" kept harping that Indian wicketkeeper-batsman had lost form and confidence, unruffled the Jharkhand batsman hit two powerful half-centuries in the first two matches against Australia and topped it with another one at Melbourne.

Critics who say Dhoni must quit have to just look at his contribution to Team India, the "gentleman" as Gavaskar called him, stands behind the wicket for full 50 overs in the Australian heat which is at its peak this summer and then comes out to play match-winning innings - India cannot ask more from one man, fans ask for the moon and Dhoni often in his inimitable style delivers.

Federer had recently said he understands his physical condition best, on some days his coaching staff allows him to train hard and on others days he takes it easy allowing him to bring out his best game in crunch matches. Dhoni is quite similar. The Indian ODI wicketkeeper is still keeping the 21-year-old Rishabh Pant at home while he fights exhaustion and pressure to deliver for India.

The records too speak for itself, the ex-India captain has played 334 ODIs so far scoring 10 centuries at a stupendous strike rate of 87. Interestingly, it is not the strike rate or the runs but consistency - averaging 50.4 per innings sets Dhoni apart from any middle or top order batsman in a long span of 14 years of pressure cooker cricket.

As Gavaskar said "please leave the gentleman alone", it is time Indian fans and critics followed his advise. Dhoni must be allowed to go on his terms because once he retires "captain cool" will be hard to replace.

Dhoni's value to Team India is incalculable. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The day MS Dhoni retires we will remember him hitting "that six" which won India the World Cup against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede in 2011. However, Dhoni's retirement day is still sometime in the future as the last over victory at Adelaide in the last over is anything any proof - the first ball six in the final over was vintage Dhoni.

The day MS Dhoni retires we will remember him hitting "that six" which won India the World Cup against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede in 2011. However, Dhoni's retirement day is still sometime in the future as the last over victory at Adelaide in the last over is anything any proof - the first ball six in the final over was vintage Dhoni. Amazingly, both Dhoni and Swiss tennis star Roger Federer were born within thirty days of each other in 1981(Dhoni on July 7, Federer on August 8). The similarities between the two greats are also strikingly similar - both men display ice-cool composure under pressure. Dhoni's latest sixer to win the match for India in the last over is nothing new for the former India captain, just like Federer who is now enjoying his second coming in tennis as a "veteran", Dhoni too at 37 is in the twilight of his career - and playing the role of "mentor-cum-finisher". Both Kohli and coach Shastri have backed Dhoni to the hilt as "experts" kept harping that Indian wicketkeeper-batsman had lost form and confidence, unruffled the Jharkhand batsman hit two powerful half-centuries in the first two matches against Australia and topped it with another one at Melbourne. Critics who say Dhoni must quit have to just look at his contribution to Team India, the "gentleman" as Gavaskar called him, stands behind the wicket for full 50 overs in the Australian heat which is at its peak this summer and then comes out to play match-winning innings - India cannot ask more from one man, fans ask for the moon and Dhoni often in his inimitable style delivers. Federer had recently said he understands his physical condition best, on some days his coaching staff allows him to train hard and on others days he takes it easy allowing him to bring out his best game in crunch matches. Dhoni is quite similar. The Indian ODI wicketkeeper is still keeping the 21-year-old Rishabh Pant at home while he fights exhaustion and pressure to deliver for India. The records too speak for itself, the ex-India captain has played 334 ODIs so far scoring 10 centuries at a stupendous strike rate of 87. Interestingly, it is not the strike rate or the runs but consistency - averaging 50.4 per innings sets Dhoni apart from any middle or top order batsman in a long span of 14 years of pressure cooker cricket. As Gavaskar said "please leave the gentleman alone", it is time Indian fans and critics followed his advise. Dhoni must be allowed to go on his terms because once he retires "captain cool" will be hard to replace. Dhoni's value to Team India is incalculable. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why MS Dhoni is the Roger Federer of cricket

Australian opener David Warner, who is working towards a return to international cricket after serving a ball-tampering ban, has picked up an elbow injury during his ongoing stint with the Bangladesh Premier League.&nbsp;

Warner will leave the tournament early to have his injury assessed, joining his former skipper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-steve-smith-to-have-surgery-on-elbow-injury-189813">Steve Smith in the injured list</a>.

"While the extent of the injury remains unknown, Warner will continue to play for the Sylhet Sixers before he departs, meaning he will feature in matches on the 18th and 19th," Cricket Australia's official website 'cricket.Com.Au' said in its report.

Smith, who is also serving a 12-month ban for his role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year, has already undergone a surgery on his right elbow after returning home and is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks.&nbsp;

Warner will be returning to Australia next Monday to have his injury assessed.&nbsp;

Both Smith and Warner's 12-month bans end on March 28 and the duo was expected to feature in Australia's last two matches of the five ODIs against Pakistan in the UAE.

Warner looked close to his best in the BPL, scoring two half-centuries in five innings, including a whirlwind unbeaten 61 on Wednesday night.

Australian opener David Warner, who is working towards a return to international cricket after serving a ball-tampering ban, has picked up an elbow injury during his ongoing stint with the Bangladesh Premier League.

Australian opener David Warner, who is working towards a return to international cricket after serving a ball-tampering ban, has picked up an elbow injury during his ongoing stint with the Bangladesh Premier League. Warner will leave the tournament early to have his injury assessed, joining his former skipper Steve Smith in the injured list. "While the extent of the injury remains unknown, Warner will continue to play for the Sylhet Sixers before he departs, meaning he will feature in matches on the 18th and 19th," Cricket Australia's official website 'cricket.Com.Au' said in its report. Smith, who is also serving a 12-month ban for his role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year, has already undergone a surgery on his right elbow after returning home and is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. Warner will be returning to Australia next Monday to have his injury assessed. Both Smith and Warner's 12-month bans end on March 28 and the duo was expected to feature in Australia's last two matches of the five ODIs against Pakistan in the UAE. Warner looked close to his best in the BPL, scoring two half-centuries in five innings, including a whirlwind unbeaten 61 on Wednesday night.

David Warner to return home midway from BPL after elbow injury

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Manu Sawhney has been <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/manu-sawhney-named-new-icc-chief-executive-190510">appointed as the new chief</a> executive officer of the sport's governing body.&nbsp;

Sawhney has previously served as the managing director of ESPN Star Sports for 17 years and was responsible for leading the global broadcast partnership deal with the ICC that ran from 2007-2015.&nbsp;

He was also the CEO of Singapore Sports Hub.&nbsp;

Sawhney's&nbsp;is also a non-executive director and member of the audit committee at English Premier League (EPL) football club Manchester United.&nbsp;

Indian-born Sawhney was the unanimous choice following a global recruitment process led by ICC chairman Shashank Manohar and the nominations committee.&nbsp;

"He brings 22 years of outstanding commercial experience to the ICC and will lead the delivery of our new global growth strategy for the game," Manohar said in a statement.&nbsp;

Manohar also added, " He is a strategic thinker and understands the cricket landscape and its complexities."&nbsp;

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Manu Sawhney has been appointed ICC Chief Executive <a href="https://t.co/ja4Qh4VDF4">pic.twitter.com/ja4Qh4VDF4</a>
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICCMediaComms/status/1085124253089968128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sawhney has completed his schooling from a Delhi-based school and pursued science for higher education.&nbsp;

He earned his bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science and did masters in business administration from the&nbsp;Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.&nbsp;

The ICC has confirmed that David Richardson will step down as chief executive as his contract is set to expire in the summer after the cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

Sawhney will join the ICC in mid-February and will work alongside Richardson to ensure a smooth transition of leadership before assuming control in July.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Manu Sawhney has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of the sport's governing body. Sawhney has previously served as the managing director of ESPN Star Sports for 17 years and was responsible for leading the global broadcast partnership deal with the ICC that ran from 2007-2015.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Manu Sawhney has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of the sport's governing body. Sawhney has previously served as the managing director of ESPN Star Sports for 17 years and was responsible for leading the global broadcast partnership deal with the ICC that ran from 2007-2015. He was also the CEO of Singapore Sports Hub. Sawhney's is also a non-executive director and member of the audit committee at English Premier League (EPL) football club Manchester United. Indian-born Sawhney was the unanimous choice following a global recruitment process led by ICC chairman Shashank Manohar and the nominations committee. "He brings 22 years of outstanding commercial experience to the ICC and will lead the delivery of our new global growth strategy for the game," Manohar said in a statement. Manohar also added, " He is a strategic thinker and understands the cricket landscape and its complexities." Manu Sawhney has been appointed ICC Chief Executive pic.twitter.com/ja4Qh4VDF4 — ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) January 15, 2019 × Sawhney has completed his schooling from a Delhi-based school and pursued science for higher education. He earned his bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science and did masters in business administration from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. The ICC has confirmed that David Richardson will step down as chief executive as his contract is set to expire in the summer after the cricket World Cup. Sawhney will join the ICC in mid-February and will work alongside Richardson to ensure a smooth transition of leadership before assuming control in July.

All you need to know to about Manu Sawhney, the new ICC chief

Manu Sawhney has been appointed as International Cricket Council's (ICC) new chief executive, the sport's governing body announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The ICC has confirmed that David Richardson will step down as chief executive as&nbsp;his contract is set to expire in the summer after the cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

Sawhney will join the ICC in mid-February and will work alongside Richardson to ensure a smooth transition of leadership before assuming control in July.&nbsp;

Sawhney, the former managing director of ESPN Star Sports, the unanimous choice following a global recruitment process led by ICC chairman Shashank Manohar and the nominations committee.&nbsp;

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Manu Sawhney has been appointed ICC Chief Executive <a href="https://t.co/ja4Qh4VDF4">pic.twitter.com/ja4Qh4VDF4</a>
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICCMediaComms/status/1085124253089968128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"He brings 22 years of outstanding commercial experience to the ICC and will lead the delivery of our new global growth strategy for the game," Manohar said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Our search produced a host of excellent candidates from around the world, but Manu stood out as the man to work with our Members and take cricket forward.

"He has proven success in a number of leadership roles in both sport and broadcasting. He is a strategic thinker and understands the cricket landscape and its complexities."&nbsp;

Manu Sawhney has been appointed as International Cricket Council's (ICC) new chief executive, the sport's governing body announced on Tuesday. The ICC has confirmed that David Richardson will step down as chief executive as his contract is set to expire in the summer after the cricket World Cup.

Manu Sawhney has been appointed as International Cricket Council's (ICC) new chief executive, the sport's governing body announced on Tuesday. The ICC has confirmed that David Richardson will step down as chief executive as his contract is set to expire in the summer after the cricket World Cup. Sawhney will join the ICC in mid-February and will work alongside Richardson to ensure a smooth transition of leadership before assuming control in July. Sawhney, the former managing director of ESPN Star Sports, the unanimous choice following a global recruitment process led by ICC chairman Shashank Manohar and the nominations committee. Manu Sawhney has been appointed ICC Chief Executive pic.twitter.com/ja4Qh4VDF4 — ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) January 15, 2019 × "He brings 22 years of outstanding commercial experience to the ICC and will lead the delivery of our new global growth strategy for the game," Manohar said in a statement. "Our search produced a host of excellent candidates from around the world, but Manu stood out as the man to work with our Members and take cricket forward. "He has proven success in a number of leadership roles in both sport and broadcasting. He is a strategic thinker and understands the cricket landscape and its complexities."

Manu Sawhney named new ICC chief executive

Retired cricketers plying their trade in T20 leagues might be a global trend right now but India captain <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/search?q=virat+kohli">Virat Kohli</a> says he wouldn't even be "seen around the scene" the day he is "totally spent" to pick up the bat again.&nbsp;

Responding to a query on whether he would consider playing in the Australian Big Bash league after retiring or if the BCCI lifts the bar on its players, Kohli said he would certainly not be around for such a stint after retirement.&nbsp;

"Look I don't know whether that stance is going to change in the future. As far as I am concerned, playing more cricket when I am done, I don't think I am in that zone to be honest," the 30-year-old said ahead of the opening ODI against Australia on Saturday.&nbsp;

Retired cricketers such as AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum are regularly seen playing in T20 leagues such as the IPL and Big Bash but Kohli says he isn't interested in joining the bandwagon.&nbsp;

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What's India Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>'s retirement plans? 😁😁😁 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/xGxBOxMSdE">pic.twitter.com/xGxBOxMSdE</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1083633960930861056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I have played enough cricket in the last five years and I cannot comment on even the first thing I do when I retire because I don't feel like I am going to pick up the bat again," he said.&nbsp;

"I will be spent, the day I finish I will be totally spent and that's the reason I am going to stop playing cricket. So I don't see myself coming back and playing again. Once I am done, I will be done, and I won't be seen around the scene," Kohli said.&nbsp;

The skipper was all praise for his team's batting line-up and said the line-up looks strong heading into the ODI World Cup starting May 30 in England.&nbsp;

"In the last 12 months, our ODI batting has been very strong and openers are a very big factor in that. There was a phase in the middle when we addressed the issue of middle overs and from 25-40 overs we tried to change our batting style," he said.&nbsp;

"Where our batting is at the moment, the team management and I are very comfortable because we have results in ODI cricket and performances have been very good as well."

In fact, Kohli felt the Indian team is perfectly balanced in every aspect.

"The bowling has been balanced too. In one-day cricket, any team can beat you on any given day. But as a team you have to give your best and take your strongest eleven. And we feel as a one-day team we are on the right track, and are on our full strength," he said.&nbsp;

Retired cricketers plying their trade in T20 leagues might be a global trend right now but India captain Virat Kohli says he wouldn't even be "seen around the scene" the day he is "totally spent" to pick up the bat again.

Retired cricketers plying their trade in T20 leagues might be a global trend right now but India captain Virat Kohli says he wouldn't even be "seen around the scene" the day he is "totally spent" to pick up the bat again. Responding to a query on whether he would consider playing in the Australian Big Bash league after retiring or if the BCCI lifts the bar on its players, Kohli said he would certainly not be around for such a stint after retirement. "Look I don't know whether that stance is going to change in the future. As far as I am concerned, playing more cricket when I am done, I don't think I am in that zone to be honest," the 30-year-old said ahead of the opening ODI against Australia on Saturday. Retired cricketers such as AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum are regularly seen playing in T20 leagues such as the IPL and Big Bash but Kohli says he isn't interested in joining the bandwagon. What's India Captain @imVkohli's retirement plans? 😁😁😁 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/xGxBOxMSdE — BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2019 × "I have played enough cricket in the last five years and I cannot comment on even the first thing I do when I retire because I don't feel like I am going to pick up the bat again," he said. "I will be spent, the day I finish I will be totally spent and that's the reason I am going to stop playing cricket. So I don't see myself coming back and playing again. Once I am done, I will be done, and I won't be seen around the scene," Kohli said. The skipper was all praise for his team's batting line-up and said the line-up looks strong heading into the ODI World Cup starting May 30 in England. "In the last 12 months, our ODI batting has been very strong and openers are a very big factor in that. There was a phase in the middle when we addressed the issue of middle overs and from 25-40 overs we tried to change our batting style," he said. "Where our batting is at the moment, the team management and I are very comfortable because we have results in ODI cricket and performances have been very good as well." In fact, Kohli felt the Indian team is perfectly balanced in every aspect. "The bowling has been balanced too. In one-day cricket, any team can beat you on any given day. But as a team you have to give your best and take your strongest eleven. And we feel as a one-day team we are on the right track, and are on our full strength," he said.

Won't pick up bat again after retirement: Virat Kohli

The BCCI on Tuesday announced cash awards of Rs 15 lakhs per match for each of the playing eleven that featured in India's maiden Test series win on Australian soil.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli and Co. defeated Australia 2-1 in the four-match Test series Down Under, ending India's 71-year-old wait for the rare achievement.

Congratulated the team, the BCCI also announced cash awards for all the reserve players, as well as the members of the support staff.

"The bonuses will be equivalent to the actual match-fee payable: which is INR 15 Lakhs per match for Playing XI and INR 7.5 Lakhs per match for the reserve players," the BCCI said in a release.

The coaches will be awarded with Rs 25 lakh each, while the non-coaching support staff will receive bonuses which will be equivalent to the pro-rata salary/professional fee.&nbsp;

India had won the first and third Test in Adelaide and Melbourne respectively, while the hosts emerged victorious in the second match in Perth. The fourth and final Test in Sydney ended in a draw due to inclement weather.&nbsp;

The BCCI on Tuesday announced cash awards of Rs 15 lakhs per match for each of the playing eleven that featured in India's maiden Test series win on Australian soil.

The BCCI on Tuesday announced cash awards of Rs 15 lakhs per match for each of the playing eleven that featured in India's maiden Test series win on Australian soil. Virat Kohli and Co. defeated Australia 2-1 in the four-match Test series Down Under, ending India's 71-year-old wait for the rare achievement. Congratulated the team, the BCCI also announced cash awards for all the reserve players, as well as the members of the support staff. "The bonuses will be equivalent to the actual match-fee payable: which is INR 15 Lakhs per match for Playing XI and INR 7.5 Lakhs per match for the reserve players," the BCCI said in a release. The coaches will be awarded with Rs 25 lakh each, while the non-coaching support staff will receive bonuses which will be equivalent to the pro-rata salary/professional fee. India had won the first and third Test in Adelaide and Melbourne respectively, while the hosts emerged victorious in the second match in Perth. The fourth and final Test in Sydney ended in a draw due to inclement weather.

BCCI announces cash awards for triumphant Team India members

WION Sports: Team India win historic Test series in Australia

In pictures: Virat's India breaks 71-year Test series jinx in Australia

Yuvraj Singh may be past his prime but the veteran all-rounder Sunday said he would give his "best shot" to get into the reckoning for the upcoming World Cup.&nbsp;

"Cricket has given me everything. When I leave the game, I want to be at my best. I do not want to go with any regret," said Yuvraj Singh.

The 37-year-old, who was picked by Mumbai for his base price of Rs 1 crore at the IPL auctions, has set his sights on the T20 extravaganza to make a bid for a comeback.&nbsp;

"I'm trying my best. This is our final league Ranji Trophy match and let's see if we can qualify. After this, we have the national T20 tournament and then we have the IPL. I will give my best shot and hope for the best," Yuvraj said.&nbsp;

Yuvraj hailed the Virat Kohli-led India's fine show in the Test series in Australia.&nbsp;

"Obviously their experience in batting is not that much what it used to be. But it's fantastic effort from the guys. Especially, (Cheteshwar) Pujara, (Virat) Kohli, (Jasprit) Bumrah. It's great to see Rishab (Pant) going down the order and scoring big runs. It's great sign for Indian cricket for the future.&nbsp;

"Every time we toured Australia, it's been a very tough tour. We had the opportunity to win the series, it was a draw. Then next time Australia won 2-1," he said, recalling the 2003-04 and 2007-08 tours.&nbsp;

Yuvraj lavished praise on Pant who scored a Test hundred each in England and Australia within months from his debut.&nbsp;

"He came last year, he got picked for India. Everybody said he plays too many shots, he's rash, he doesn't have the mind. But after one year of being in and out, having a good IPL, the guy scored two hundreds overseas," Yuvraj said.&nbsp;

In the same vein, Yuvraj reckoned that his 19-year-old state teammate, Shubman Gill, is an exciting prospect and should play for India post the 2019 World Cup.&nbsp;

"Definitely he's someone who can represent India for a long time. He's a very special talent. After a long time I have seen a young guy whose batting I would like to watch. After 2019 World Cup, he should make it to the side."&nbsp;

Shubman's performance has been top-notch this season, amassing 629 runs in just seven innings at an average of 125.80.&nbsp;

Stressing on the need to look after the youngsters, Yuvraj said: "It all depends how well we look after our youngsters. You have to give them the confidence to excel. The prime example is Rishabh Pant."&nbsp;

Yuvraj said he is sharing his experience with the team as much as he can.&nbsp;

"I really enjoy playing with Punjab team. Especially last three-four seasons, I've played a lot of domestic cricket. Whatever I've gained through, I try and give it to the younger guys.&nbsp;

"We have a very talented side. But I feel there is a lack of exposure in terms of playing outside. The more cricket you play outside in terms of playing in Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi Hyderabad, your cricket will get better," Yuvraj concluded.&nbsp;

Yuvraj Singh may be past his prime but the veteran all-rounder Sunday said he would give his "best shot" to get into the reckoning for the upcoming World Cup. "Cricket has given me everything.

Yuvraj Singh may be past his prime but the veteran all-rounder Sunday said he would give his "best shot" to get into the reckoning for the upcoming World Cup. "Cricket has given me everything. When I leave the game, I want to be at my best. I do not want to go with any regret," said Yuvraj Singh. The 37-year-old, who was picked by Mumbai for his base price of Rs 1 crore at the IPL auctions, has set his sights on the T20 extravaganza to make a bid for a comeback. "I'm trying my best. This is our final league Ranji Trophy match and let's see if we can qualify. After this, we have the national T20 tournament and then we have the IPL. I will give my best shot and hope for the best," Yuvraj said. Yuvraj hailed the Virat Kohli-led India's fine show in the Test series in Australia. "Obviously their experience in batting is not that much what it used to be. But it's fantastic effort from the guys. Especially, (Cheteshwar) Pujara, (Virat) Kohli, (Jasprit) Bumrah. It's great to see Rishab (Pant) going down the order and scoring big runs. It's great sign for Indian cricket for the future. "Every time we toured Australia, it's been a very tough tour. We had the opportunity to win the series, it was a draw. Then next time Australia won 2-1," he said, recalling the 2003-04 and 2007-08 tours. Yuvraj lavished praise on Pant who scored a Test hundred each in England and Australia within months from his debut. "He came last year, he got picked for India. Everybody said he plays too many shots, he's rash, he doesn't have the mind. But after one year of being in and out, having a good IPL, the guy scored two hundreds overseas," Yuvraj said. In the same vein, Yuvraj reckoned that his 19-year-old state teammate, Shubman Gill, is an exciting prospect and should play for India post the 2019 World Cup. "Definitely he's someone who can represent India for a long time. He's a very special talent. After a long time I have seen a young guy whose batting I would like to watch. After 2019 World Cup, he should make it to the side." Shubman's performance has been top-notch this season, amassing 629 runs in just seven innings at an average of 125.80. Stressing on the need to look after the youngsters, Yuvraj said: "It all depends how well we look after our youngsters. You have to give them the confidence to excel. The prime example is Rishabh Pant." Yuvraj said he is sharing his experience with the team as much as he can. "I really enjoy playing with Punjab team. Especially last three-four seasons, I've played a lot of domestic cricket. Whatever I've gained through, I try and give it to the younger guys. "We have a very talented side. But I feel there is a lack of exposure in terms of playing outside. The more cricket you play outside in terms of playing in Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi Hyderabad, your cricket will get better," Yuvraj concluded.

Yuvraj Singh still harbours World Cup selection hopes

South Africa beat Pakistan by nine wickets on the fourth day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan claimed a wicket and forced Hashim Amla to retire hurt before South Africa passed their meagre target after less than an hour's play at Newlands.

Set 41 to win, South Africa reached 43 for the loss of one wicket from 9.5 overs.

The result ensured a seventh successive home series win for South Africa, who won the first Test in Centurion by six wickets. The third and final Test starts in Johannesburg on Friday.

Regular South African opening batsman Aiden Markram did not bat after suffering a severely bruised right thigh when he fell heavily on the boundary rope while fielding on Saturday.

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South Africa chase down the easy target of 41 runs in just 9.5 overs as they beat Pakistan by nine wickets and seal the three-Test series 2-0. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvPAK</a> SCORECARD ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/sT3TAzOBtB">https://t.co/sT3TAzOBtB</a> <a href="https://t.co/fVbuwAQ3sI">pic.twitter.com/fVbuwAQ3sI</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1081843861268221952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Theunis de Bruyn, opening in place of Markram, clipped Mohammad Abbas to the midwicket boundary but did not add to his score before being caught off his glove by wicketkeeper and captain Sarfraz Ahmed while attempting to pull a bouncer from Abbas.

Mohammad Amir effectively conceded 10 runs in extras off two successive deliveries, with a wide and a no-ball which both flew over Sarfraz's head.

Hashim Amla was forced to retire hurt on two after being hit on the right upper arm by a ball from Amir which lifted sharply off a good length.

Dean Elgar, who made 24 not out, ended the match by hitting two fours off part-time bowler Azhar Ali.

South Africa beat Pakistan by nine wickets on the fourth day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday. Pakistan claimed a wicket and forced Hashim Amla to retire hurt before South Africa passed their meagre target after less than an hour's play at Newlands.

South Africa beat Pakistan by nine wickets on the fourth day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday. Pakistan claimed a wicket and forced Hashim Amla to retire hurt before South Africa passed their meagre target after less than an hour's play at Newlands. Set 41 to win, South Africa reached 43 for the loss of one wicket from 9.5 overs. The result ensured a seventh successive home series win for South Africa, who won the first Test in Centurion by six wickets. The third and final Test starts in Johannesburg on Friday. Regular South African opening batsman Aiden Markram did not bat after suffering a severely bruised right thigh when he fell heavily on the boundary rope while fielding on Saturday. South Africa chase down the easy target of 41 runs in just 9.5 overs as they beat Pakistan by nine wickets and seal the three-Test series 2-0. #SAvPAK SCORECARD ⬇️https://t.co/sT3TAzOBtB pic.twitter.com/fVbuwAQ3sI — ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2019 × Theunis de Bruyn, opening in place of Markram, clipped Mohammad Abbas to the midwicket boundary but did not add to his score before being caught off his glove by wicketkeeper and captain Sarfraz Ahmed while attempting to pull a bouncer from Abbas. Mohammad Amir effectively conceded 10 runs in extras off two successive deliveries, with a wide and a no-ball which both flew over Sarfraz's head. Hashim Amla was forced to retire hurt on two after being hit on the right upper arm by a ball from Amir which lifted sharply off a good length. Dean Elgar, who made 24 not out, ended the match by hitting two fours off part-time bowler Azhar Ali.

South Africa beat Pakistan by nine wickets to clinch series

For every Sachin Tendulkar, there is an Achrekar coaxing him to greater glory as every sportsman will testify. Team India in the past 15 years have had some good coaches who have helped India attain the No-1 status.

Saina Nehwal and P V Sindhu have had coach Pullela Gopichand pulling their game in the right direction, India's hockey coach Harendra Singh helped the team take on superior opposition in the recently concluded World Cup in Odisha as India's ancient game takes on new wings.

Every player needs a coach but when a player with world-class talent like Tendulkar gets an Achrekar, the result is a blockbuster. A good coach is like a finishing school for a young, inexperienced sportsman.

The impact of a "world class" coach can be seen in the fortunes of the Indian cricket from the turn of the century. After the 90s saw a string of Indian coaches from Ajit Wadekar, Bishen Singh Bedi, Madan Lal and former all-rounder Kapil Dev, the BCCI gave a chance to former Kiwi batsman John Wright to coach Saurav Ganguly's fledgeling Team India.

And what a result John achieved with Sourav in toe - victory against Australia in the historic 2001 series, 2002 Natwest Cup win against England at Lord's, runners-up in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and Test and ODI series win in Pakistan, a first for any Indian team.

Wright was followed by the dogged coach former South African opener Gary Kirsten who helped Dhoni clinch the World Cup in 2011 at the Wankhede as India recognised the value of a coach even with big stars in its line-up.

The contribution of Pullela Gopichand and Prakash Padukone in the revival of Indian badminton has been similar. India had begun to slip in world badminton with the Chinese and Malaysian holding sway but the former India players brought the country back on the badminton map. Now, with Saina, Sindhu, Srikanth Kidambi&nbsp;regularly winning titles abroad, Indian badminton is in safe hands.

India's lack of world-class coach in other sports, especially in Olympics has been the major reason why the Indian flag has not reached the medal's podium. Hockey throughout the 80s suffered because the coaches and federation failed to address the changes in the game as a result the team suffered and before long Europe held sway on an Indian sport.

India recognises the contribution of a coach with the Dronacharya award, each sports federation should, in fact, look to equally nurture a great coach as it tries&nbsp;to bring up a sportsman because the coach is the engine behind the machine.

The country can perhaps take the example of Nick Bollettieri who founded a world-class tennis academy which&nbsp;was widely responsible for coaching the erratic Andre Aggasi as he grew to become a world champion.

A coach has an equal share in a medal tally or a World Cup victory as does a player, the difference is a coach always stays in the background and the ward does the talking...er winning.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

For every Sachin Tendulkar, there is an Achrekar coaxing him to greater glory as every sportsman will testify. Team India in the past 15 years have had some good coaches who have helped India attain the No-1 status.

For every Sachin Tendulkar, there is an Achrekar coaxing him to greater glory as every sportsman will testify. Team India in the past 15 years have had some good coaches who have helped India attain the No-1 status. Saina Nehwal and P V Sindhu have had coach Pullela Gopichand pulling their game in the right direction, India's hockey coach Harendra Singh helped the team take on superior opposition in the recently concluded World Cup in Odisha as India's ancient game takes on new wings. Every player needs a coach but when a player with world-class talent like Tendulkar gets an Achrekar, the result is a blockbuster. A good coach is like a finishing school for a young, inexperienced sportsman. The impact of a "world class" coach can be seen in the fortunes of the Indian cricket from the turn of the century. After the 90s saw a string of Indian coaches from Ajit Wadekar, Bishen Singh Bedi, Madan Lal and former all-rounder Kapil Dev, the BCCI gave a chance to former Kiwi batsman John Wright to coach Saurav Ganguly's fledgeling Team India. And what a result John achieved with Sourav in toe - victory against Australia in the historic 2001 series, 2002 Natwest Cup win against England at Lord's, runners-up in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and Test and ODI series win in Pakistan, a first for any Indian team. Wright was followed by the dogged coach former South African opener Gary Kirsten who helped Dhoni clinch the World Cup in 2011 at the Wankhede as India recognised the value of a coach even with big stars in its line-up. The contribution of Pullela Gopichand and Prakash Padukone in the revival of Indian badminton has been similar. India had begun to slip in world badminton with the Chinese and Malaysian holding sway but the former India players brought the country back on the badminton map. Now, with Saina, Sindhu, Srikanth Kidambi regularly winning titles abroad, Indian badminton is in safe hands. India's lack of world-class coach in other sports, especially in Olympics has been the major reason why the Indian flag has not reached the medal's podium. Hockey throughout the 80s suffered because the coaches and federation failed to address the changes in the game as a result the team suffered and before long Europe held sway on an Indian sport. India recognises the contribution of a coach with the Dronacharya award, each sports federation should, in fact, look to equally nurture a great coach as it tries to bring up a sportsman because the coach is the engine behind the machine. The country can perhaps take the example of Nick Bollettieri who founded a world-class tennis academy which was widely responsible for coaching the erratic Andre Aggasi as he grew to become a world champion. A coach has an equal share in a medal tally or a World Cup victory as does a player, the difference is a coach always stays in the background and the ward does the talking...er winning. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why every sport in India needs a Ramakant Achrekar

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