Australia batsman Steve Smith says a training breakthrough during a stint in isolation has helped him find his hands again and he is confident his Indian Premier League struggles are behind him as he prepares to face India on Friday.

Smith had a relatively quiet IPL in the United Arab Emirates, scoring 311 runs at 25.91 in 14 matches. He averaged 41.40 in the previous three years of the tournament.

The 31-year-old said he had hardly picked up a bat during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and then struggled on Australia’s limited overs tour of England, where he scored 31 runs in three Twenty20 innings.

Smith’s batting woes were a major concern for Australia, who are set to face India in six limited overs matches before the mouth-watering test series.

But back in isolation in Sydney after returning from the UAE, Smith said he felt like he had found his rhythm and was striking the ball better and able to place it where he wanted.

“The past few days I have found something ... I have found my hands which I am extremely excited about,” Smith told reporters on Tuesday.

“It’s just getting that feel of the bat behind my toe the right way, the way my hands come up the bat.

“But it just hasn’t quite been right until two days ago. I found a little something and everything just clicked in.

“I had a big smile on my face after training the other day.”

The smile will no doubt spread to the faces of Australian fans if Smith has indeed rediscovered his form.

He averages 84.05 against India in tests and 60.46 in one-day internationals. The last time Smith said he had “found his hands” was ahead of the 2017/18 Ashes test series, where he tore apart England’s attack for 687 runs at 137.40.

“In big series I try and stand up and get the best out of myself,” Smith said.

“Whether there is something more inside me that comes out, I’m not sure.”

Australia batsman Steve Smith says a training breakthrough during a stint in isolation has helped him find his hands again and he is confident his Indian Premier League struggles are behind him as he prepares to face India on Friday.

Australia batsman Steve Smith says a training breakthrough during a stint in isolation has helped him find his hands again and he is confident his Indian Premier League struggles are behind him as he prepares to face India on Friday. Smith had a relatively quiet IPL in the United Arab Emirates, scoring 311 runs at 25.91 in 14 matches. He averaged 41.40 in the previous three years of the tournament. The 31-year-old said he had hardly picked up a bat during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and then struggled on Australia’s limited overs tour of England, where he scored 31 runs in three Twenty20 innings. Smith’s batting woes were a major concern for Australia, who are set to face India in six limited overs matches before the mouth-watering test series. But back in isolation in Sydney after returning from the UAE, Smith said he felt like he had found his rhythm and was striking the ball better and able to place it where he wanted. “The past few days I have found something ... I have found my hands which I am extremely excited about,” Smith told reporters on Tuesday. “It’s just getting that feel of the bat behind my toe the right way, the way my hands come up the bat. “But it just hasn’t quite been right until two days ago. I found a little something and everything just clicked in. “I had a big smile on my face after training the other day.” The smile will no doubt spread to the faces of Australian fans if Smith has indeed rediscovered his form. He averages 84.05 against India in tests and 60.46 in one-day internationals. The last time Smith said he had “found his hands” was ahead of the 2017/18 Ashes test series, where he tore apart England’s attack for 687 runs at 137.40. “In big series I try and stand up and get the best out of myself,” Smith said. “Whether there is something more inside me that comes out, I’m not sure.”

With India series looming, Smith relieved to find his hands

India’s Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been nominated for the coveted ICC Men’s Player of the Decade Award with Indian captain Kohli featuring in all five men’s categories of ICC Awards of the Decade&nbsp;for his breathtaking run on the field in the last decade.

Kohli and veteran spinner Ashwin are the two Indian players alongside seven overseas players nominated for the most prestigious award by the ICC.

Along with Kohl and Ashwin, Joe Root (England), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Steve Smith (Australia), AB de Villiers (South Africa), and Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) are the other players nominated in the ICC Men’s Player of the Decade award.

In the Men’s ODI Player of the Decade Award, former Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Kohli, Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Mitchell Starc (Australia), de Villiers and Sangakkara have been nominated.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-shikhar-dhawan-gives-sneak-peek-into-team-indias-new-jersey-345079" hreflang="en">Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey</a>

Kohli and Rohit were also named in the Men’s T20I Player of the Decade category which consists the likes of Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Imran Tahir (South Africa), Aaron Finch (Australia), Malinga and Chris Gayle (West Indies).

Furthermore, Kohli has also been nominated in the Men’s Test Player of the Decade and ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade categories.&nbsp;

Kohli has already scored 70 international centuries and is just one behind Ricky Ponting (71) And Sachin Tendulkar (100). He is also behind the iconic duo of Ponting and Tendulkar in the list of leading run-scorers of all-time with 21,444 runs under his belt.&nbsp;

In the last decade, Kohli scored over 7000 runs in Test cricket whereas, in ODIs, he amassed more than 11000 runs and over 2600 in T20s.

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Soon... 👀 <a href="https://t.co/9zO6mmw9o8">pic.twitter.com/9zO6mmw9o8</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1331137264727027712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-australia-will-smoke-india-4-0-in-tests-predicts-michael-clarke-345073" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS: Australia will smoke India 4-0 in Tests, predicts Michael Clarke</a>

<h2>ICC Awards of the Decade: List of nominations</h2>

Men’s Player of the decade: Virat Kohli (India) Ravichandran Ashwin (India), Joe Root (England), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Steve Smith (Australia), AB de Villiers (South Africa), and Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka).

Women’s ODI Player of the Decade: Meg Lanning (Australia), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Mithali Raj (India), Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) and Jhulan Goswami (India).

Women’s Player of the Decade: Ellyse Perry (Australia), Meg Lanning (Australia), Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Stafanie Taylor (West Indies), Mithali Raj (India), Sarah Taylor (England).

Men’s ODI Player of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Mitchell Starc (Australia), AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma (India), MS Dhoni (India), and Kumara Sangakkara (Sri Lanka).

Men’s Test Player of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Smith, James Anderson (England), Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka), and Yasir Shah (Pakistan).

Men’s T20I Player of the Decade: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Virat Kohli (India), Imran Tahir (South Africa), Aaron Finch (Australia), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Chris Gayle (West Indies), and Rohit Sharma (India).

ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Brendon McCullum (New Zealand), Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan), MS Dhoni (India), Anya Shrubsole (England), Katherine Brunt (England), Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka), and Daniel Vettori (New Zealand).

(From PTI Inputs)

India’s Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been nominated for the coveted ICC Men’s Player of the Decade Award with Indian captain Kohli featuring in all five men’s categories of ICC Awards of the Decade for his breathtaking run on the field in the last decade.

India’s Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been nominated for the coveted ICC Men’s Player of the Decade Award with Indian captain Kohli featuring in all five men’s categories of ICC Awards of the Decade for his breathtaking run on the field in the last decade. Kohli and veteran spinner Ashwin are the two Indian players alongside seven overseas players nominated for the most prestigious award by the ICC. Along with Kohl and Ashwin, Joe Root (England), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Steve Smith (Australia), AB de Villiers (South Africa), and Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) are the other players nominated in the ICC Men’s Player of the Decade award. In the Men’s ODI Player of the Decade Award, former Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Kohli, Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Mitchell Starc (Australia), de Villiers and Sangakkara have been nominated. ALSO READ: Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey Kohli and Rohit were also named in the Men’s T20I Player of the Decade category which consists the likes of Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Imran Tahir (South Africa), Aaron Finch (Australia), Malinga and Chris Gayle (West Indies). Furthermore, Kohli has also been nominated in the Men’s Test Player of the Decade and ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade categories. Kohli has already scored 70 international centuries and is just one behind Ricky Ponting (71) And Sachin Tendulkar (100). He is also behind the iconic duo of Ponting and Tendulkar in the list of leading run-scorers of all-time with 21,444 runs under his belt. In the last decade, Kohli scored over 7000 runs in Test cricket whereas, in ODIs, he amassed more than 11000 runs and over 2600 in T20s. Soon... 👀 pic.twitter.com/9zO6mmw9o8 — ICC (@ICC) November 24, 2020 × ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Australia will smoke India 4-0 in Tests, predicts Michael Clarke ICC Awards of the Decade: List of nominations Men’s Player of the decade: Virat Kohli (India) Ravichandran Ashwin (India), Joe Root (England), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Steve Smith (Australia), AB de Villiers (South Africa), and Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka). Women’s ODI Player of the Decade: Meg Lanning (Australia), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Mithali Raj (India), Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) and Jhulan Goswami (India). Women’s Player of the Decade: Ellyse Perry (Australia), Meg Lanning (Australia), Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Stafanie Taylor (West Indies), Mithali Raj (India), Sarah Taylor (England). Men’s ODI Player of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Mitchell Starc (Australia), AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma (India), MS Dhoni (India), and Kumara Sangakkara (Sri Lanka). Men’s Test Player of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Smith, James Anderson (England), Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka), and Yasir Shah (Pakistan). Men’s T20I Player of the Decade: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Virat Kohli (India), Imran Tahir (South Africa), Aaron Finch (Australia), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Chris Gayle (West Indies), and Rohit Sharma (India). ICC Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade: Virat Kohli (India), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Brendon McCullum (New Zealand), Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan), MS Dhoni (India), Anya Shrubsole (England), Katherine Brunt (England), Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka), and Daniel Vettori (New Zealand). (From PTI Inputs)

Virat Kohli in hunt for ICC Player of the Decade Award - Check full nominations list

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli showed some breathtaking catching skills, thanks to an indoor intra-squad cricket match as he used his footballing skills to deflected a powerfully stuck shot to convert it into a sensational catch. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> midfielder took to social media platform to post the video where Tottenham Hotspur players, including the likes of Gareth Bale and Joe Hart, were seen playing cricket.

In the video, the batsman hits the ball straight at Alli, who used his foot to deflect it straight up and completed the catch to leave everyone present awestruck. The video soon went viral on social media with International Cricket Council also posting it on Twitter.

"I think @joehartofficial was impressed with this one," wrote Dele Alli in the caption.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-shikhar-dhawan-gives-sneak-peek-into-team-indias-new-jersey-345079" hreflang="en">Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey</a>

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🏏⚽️😜 <a href="https://t.co/Ngy3LXQLak">pic.twitter.com/Ngy3LXQLak</a>
— Dele (@dele_official) <a href="https://twitter.com/dele_official/status/1330902300550950912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Fellow Englishman and Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling was in disagreement. "Nah," he wrote. However, Hart appreciated Alli’s skills as he wrote: "Changing the game Del Boy @dele genius," wrote.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/completely-unacceptable-arsenal-leeds-condemn-online-abuse-of-pepe-alioski-344949" hreflang="en">'Completely unacceptable': Arsenal, Leeds condemn online abuse of Pepe, Alioski</a>

ICC saw the humorous side of the video and advised Alli not to try the same with a real cricket ball as they were playing with a tennis ball. “An outrageous catch by England footballer @dele_official while playing cricket with his @SpursOfficial team-mates. &nbsp;We wouldn't advise trying that with a real cricket ball though,” ICC tweeted.

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👀 An outrageous catch by England footballer <a href="https://twitter.com/dele_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dele_official</a> while playing cricket with his <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpursOfficial</a> team-mates 🔥🔥🔥 
 
We wouldn't advise trying that with a real cricket ball though 😂 <a href="https://t.co/HTsp4pNiQH">pic.twitter.com/HTsp4pNiQH</a>
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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur moved atop the Premier League 2020-21 points table on Sunday after defeating Manchester City 2-0. Spurs are eyeing their first top-flight English title in 60 years.

Liverpool are a close second with Chelsea at the third spot.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli showed some breathtaking catching skills, thanks to an indoor intra-squad cricket match as he used his footballing skills to deflected a powerfully stuck shot to convert it into a sensational catch.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli showed some breathtaking catching skills, thanks to an indoor intra-squad cricket match as he used his footballing skills to deflected a powerfully stuck shot to convert it into a sensational catch. The Premier League midfielder took to social media platform to post the video where Tottenham Hotspur players, including the likes of Gareth Bale and Joe Hart, were seen playing cricket. In the video, the batsman hits the ball straight at Alli, who used his foot to deflect it straight up and completed the catch to leave everyone present awestruck. The video soon went viral on social media with International Cricket Council also posting it on Twitter. "I think @joehartofficial was impressed with this one," wrote Dele Alli in the caption. ALSO READ: Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey 🏏⚽️😜 pic.twitter.com/Ngy3LXQLak — Dele (@dele_official) November 23, 2020 × Fellow Englishman and Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling was in disagreement. "Nah," he wrote. However, Hart appreciated Alli’s skills as he wrote: "Changing the game Del Boy @dele genius," wrote. ALSO READ: 'Completely unacceptable': Arsenal, Leeds condemn online abuse of Pepe, Alioski ICC saw the humorous side of the video and advised Alli not to try the same with a real cricket ball as they were playing with a tennis ball. “An outrageous catch by England footballer @dele_official while playing cricket with his @SpursOfficial team-mates. We wouldn't advise trying that with a real cricket ball though,” ICC tweeted. 👀 An outrageous catch by England footballer @dele_official while playing cricket with his @SpursOfficial team-mates 🔥🔥🔥 We wouldn't advise trying that with a real cricket ball though 😂 pic.twitter.com/HTsp4pNiQH — ICC (@ICC) November 23, 2020 × Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur moved atop the Premier League 2020-21 points table on Sunday after defeating Manchester City 2-0. Spurs are eyeing their first top-flight English title in 60 years. Liverpool are a close second with Chelsea at the third spot.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli flaunts jaw-dropping cricket skills - Watch

Shikhar Dhawan on Tuesday gave a sneak peek to Team India’s new jersey for the limited-overs series against Australia. The vibes from the 1992 World Cup are back as Dhawan took to social media platform Twitter to unveil India’s latest jersey that is inspired by the 1992 World Cup. India are touring Australia for three T20Is, as many ODIs and four Tests.&nbsp;

<h2>Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey</h2>

“New jersey, renewed motivation. Ready to go,” tweeted Dhawan with an Indian flag emoticon as the flamboyant opener was seen donning the navy blue jersey with the logo new sponsors MPL and BYJU’s in front of the jersey. The shoulder colour stripes gave away the vibes from the 1992 World Cup.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-australia-will-smoke-india-4-0-in-tests-predicts-michael-clarke-345073" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS: Australia will smoke India 4-0 in Tests, predicts Michael Clarke</a>

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New jersey, renewed motivation. Ready to go. 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/gKG9gS78th">pic.twitter.com/gKG9gS78th</a>
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/1331163041392574464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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India will don the brand new jersey when they take to the field for the three-match ODI series starting on Friday in Sydney. After the ODI series, both India and Australia will engage in a three-match T20I series before gearing up for the much-awaited four-Test Border-Gavaskar trophy.&nbsp;

However, India will have to wary of the full-strength Australian squad who would be hungry to take back the trophy after the Kohli-led India won the series 2-1 in 2018-19 on Australian side and became the first Asian side to defeat Australia in Australia.&nbsp;

Team India had made customized the PPE kits, in which the Men in Blue travelled to Australia, in similar colour tone with shoulder stripes visible there as well.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-rohit-ishant-sharma-out-of-first-2-tests-vs-australia-345054" hreflang="en">India's Rohit, Ishant Sharma out of first 2 Tests vs Australia</a>

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Customised PPE Kits✔️ 
Customised Mask☑️ 
 
How cool is this new look! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/jnfuG1veWX">pic.twitter.com/jnfuG1veWX</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1326568312117997569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>India’s tour of Australia (ODI, T20I and Tests) – Schedule:&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Australia vs India 1st ODI: November 27 at Sydney Cricket Ground</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 2nd ODI: November 29 at Sydney Cricket Ground</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 3rd ODI: December 1 at Manuka Oval</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 1st T20I: December 4 at Manuka Oval</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 2nd T20I: December 6 at Sydney Cricket Ground</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 3rd T20I: December 8 at Sydney Cricket Ground</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 1st Test (Day and Night): December 17-21 at Adelaide Oval</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 2nd Test (Boxing Day): December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground/Adelaide Oval</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 3rd Test: January 7-11 at Sydney Cricket Ground</li>
	<li>Australia vs India 4th Test: January 15-19 at Brisbane 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Shikhar Dhawan on Tuesday gave a sneak peek to Team India’s new jersey for the limited-overs series against Australia. The vibes from the 1992 World Cup are back as Dhawan took to social media platform Twitter to unveil India’s latest jersey that is inspired by the 1992 World Cup.

Shikhar Dhawan on Tuesday gave a sneak peek to Team India’s new jersey for the limited-overs series against Australia. The vibes from the 1992 World Cup are back as Dhawan took to social media platform Twitter to unveil India’s latest jersey that is inspired by the 1992 World Cup. India are touring Australia for three T20Is, as many ODIs and four Tests. Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey “New jersey, renewed motivation. Ready to go,” tweeted Dhawan with an Indian flag emoticon as the flamboyant opener was seen donning the navy blue jersey with the logo new sponsors MPL and BYJU’s in front of the jersey. The shoulder colour stripes gave away the vibes from the 1992 World Cup. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Australia will smoke India 4-0 in Tests, predicts Michael Clarke New jersey, renewed motivation. Ready to go. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gKG9gS78th — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 24, 2020 × India will don the brand new jersey when they take to the field for the three-match ODI series starting on Friday in Sydney. After the ODI series, both India and Australia will engage in a three-match T20I series before gearing up for the much-awaited four-Test Border-Gavaskar trophy. However, India will have to wary of the full-strength Australian squad who would be hungry to take back the trophy after the Kohli-led India won the series 2-1 in 2018-19 on Australian side and became the first Asian side to defeat Australia in Australia. Team India had made customized the PPE kits, in which the Men in Blue travelled to Australia, in similar colour tone with shoulder stripes visible there as well. ALSO READ: India's Rohit, Ishant Sharma out of first 2 Tests vs Australia Customised PPE Kits✔️ Customised Mask☑️ How cool is this new look! #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/jnfuG1veWX — BCCI (@BCCI) November 11, 2020 × India’s tour of Australia (ODI, T20I and Tests) – Schedule: Australia vs India 1st ODI: November 27 at Sydney Cricket Ground Australia vs India 2nd ODI: November 29 at Sydney Cricket Ground Australia vs India 3rd ODI: December 1 at Manuka Oval Australia vs India 1st T20I: December 4 at Manuka Oval Australia vs India 2nd T20I: December 6 at Sydney Cricket Ground Australia vs India 3rd T20I: December 8 at Sydney Cricket Ground Australia vs India 1st Test (Day and Night): December 17-21 at Adelaide Oval Australia vs India 2nd Test (Boxing Day): December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground/Adelaide Oval Australia vs India 3rd Test: January 7-11 at Sydney Cricket Ground Australia vs India 4th Test: January 15-19 at Brisbane

Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey

Indian cricket team are all set to give some vintage vibes to their fans as the Men in Blue will don a new jersey in the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia. The Virat Kohli-led Team India are touring Australia for three T20Is, as many ODIs and four Tests and the visitors will be seen donning a new jersey, inspired by the 1992 World Cup.&nbsp;

The much-awaited India’s tour of Australia will kickstart with a three-match ODI series with the first two ODIs scheduled on November 27 and 29 respectively in Sydney. The third ODI and first T20I are scheduled to take place in Manuka Oval before both the teams return to Sydney for the remaining two ODIs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shikhar-dhawan-gives-sneak-peek-into-team-indias-new-jersey-345079" hreflang="en">Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey</a>

However, the Indian team will be seen wearing the new ‘retro-themed’ jersey when they take the field against Australia for the T20Is and ODIs. As per a report in Outlook, the retro-themed jersey has been inspired by the Seventies with Navy Blue shade – a switch from the traditional sky blue colour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-from-most-valuable-player-to-emerging-player-of-the-year-check-out-all-awards-from-ipl-342383" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: From Most Valuable Player to Emerging Player of the Year, check out all awards from IPL</a>

The new shirts will also have the name of BCCI’s new kit sponsors, MPL Sports. In October, the BCCI signed a three-year deal to the tune of Rs 120 crore with MPL as they replaced Nike as India’s new kit sponsors.

Moreover, the BCCI has customized the PPE kit used by the Indian team on their tour of Australia. The players, before their departure to Down Under, were seen wearing the customized kits with the same shade on navy blue colour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bubbles-and-the-boss-five-things-we-learned-from-the-ipl-342385" hreflang="en">Bubbles and the boss: five things we learned from the IPL</a>

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Customised PPE Kits✔️ 
Customised Mask☑️ 
 
How cool is this new look! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/jnfuG1veWX">pic.twitter.com/jnfuG1veWX</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1326568312117997569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> is BACK! 
 
Let's embrace the new normal 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/csrQ3aVv21">pic.twitter.com/csrQ3aVv21</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1326547699131273222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The players and staff were also handed customized mask as teams continue to follow all the protocols laid out by the health officials and government amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Indian cricket team are all set to give some vintage vibes to their fans as the Men in Blue will don a new jersey in the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia.

Indian cricket team are all set to give some vintage vibes to their fans as the Men in Blue will don a new jersey in the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia. The Virat Kohli-led Team India are touring Australia for three T20Is, as many ODIs and four Tests and the visitors will be seen donning a new jersey, inspired by the 1992 World Cup. The much-awaited India’s tour of Australia will kickstart with a three-match ODI series with the first two ODIs scheduled on November 27 and 29 respectively in Sydney. The third ODI and first T20I are scheduled to take place in Manuka Oval before both the teams return to Sydney for the remaining two ODIs. ALSO READ: Shikhar Dhawan gives sneak peek into Team India's new jersey However, the Indian team will be seen wearing the new ‘retro-themed’ jersey when they take the field against Australia for the T20Is and ODIs. As per a report in Outlook, the retro-themed jersey has been inspired by the Seventies with Navy Blue shade – a switch from the traditional sky blue colour. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: From Most Valuable Player to Emerging Player of the Year, check out all awards from IPL The new shirts will also have the name of BCCI’s new kit sponsors, MPL Sports. In October, the BCCI signed a three-year deal to the tune of Rs 120 crore with MPL as they replaced Nike as India’s new kit sponsors. Moreover, the BCCI has customized the PPE kit used by the Indian team on their tour of Australia. The players, before their departure to Down Under, were seen wearing the customized kits with the same shade on navy blue colour. ALSO READ: Bubbles and the boss: five things we learned from the IPL Customised PPE Kits✔️ Customised Mask☑️ How cool is this new look! #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/jnfuG1veWX — BCCI (@BCCI) November 11, 2020 × #TeamIndia is BACK! Let's embrace the new normal 💪#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/csrQ3aVv21 — BCCI (@BCCI) November 11, 2020 × The players and staff were also handed customized mask as teams continue to follow all the protocols laid out by the health officials and government amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

'Retro' jersey and customised PPE kits - 'New look' Team India all set for Australia tour

India are set to take on Australia in three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Test matches in what promises to be a blockbuster series. With the first ODI taking place in Sydney on Friday, the anticipation and hype around the series are unparalleled. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke feels Australia will defeat India 4-0 in the Test series if the Men in Blue fail in the white-ball series.

According to Clarke, Indian captain Virat Kohli has to set the momentum in the ODIs and T20Is or else India will fail to win even a single Test Down Under.&nbsp;

“These one-dayers and these Twenty20s is where Virat Kohli can really stand up and lead from the front. I think the tone he sets with this team will play a big role when he leaves, after the first Test match,” Clarke said on ‘Sky Sports Radio’ on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-rohit-ishant-sharma-out-of-first-2-tests-vs-australia-345054" hreflang="en">India's Rohit, Ishant Sharma out of first 2 Tests vs Australia</a>

“If India don‘t have success in the one-dayers and the T20s, they are in deep trouble in the Test matches and they’ll get smoked 4-0, in my opinion,” he added.

Clarke further said that Indian pacers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, will need to be aggressive against the Australian batsmen while using the short deliveries consistently.&nbsp;

“He‘s quick, he’s got a really different action, so I think he needs to set the tone and be really aggressive to the Australian batters. Even to someone like Steve Smith, he’s got to use that short ball consistently and regularly, as Jofra Archer did to Steve Smith in the Ashes,” Clarke further said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-india-series-looming-smith-relieved-to-find-his-hands-345045" hreflang="en">With India series looming, Smith relieved to find his hands</a>

“They’ve got to take the Aussies on and those two players are India’s best two players to be aggressive to the Australians,” he signed off.

With Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma likely to be out of the first two Tests and Virat Kohli leaving after the opening Test in Adelaide, it would be interesting to see how Team India faces the might of Australia on their home soil.

India are set to take on Australia in three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Test matches in what promises to be a blockbuster series. With the first ODI taking place in Sydney on Friday, the anticipation and hype around the series are unparalleled.

India are set to take on Australia in three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Test matches in what promises to be a blockbuster series. With the first ODI taking place in Sydney on Friday, the anticipation and hype around the series are unparalleled. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke feels Australia will defeat India 4-0 in the Test series if the Men in Blue fail in the white-ball series. According to Clarke, Indian captain Virat Kohli has to set the momentum in the ODIs and T20Is or else India will fail to win even a single Test Down Under. “These one-dayers and these Twenty20s is where Virat Kohli can really stand up and lead from the front. I think the tone he sets with this team will play a big role when he leaves, after the first Test match,” Clarke said on ‘Sky Sports Radio’ on Tuesday. ALSO READ: India's Rohit, Ishant Sharma out of first 2 Tests vs Australia “If India don‘t have success in the one-dayers and the T20s, they are in deep trouble in the Test matches and they’ll get smoked 4-0, in my opinion,” he added. Clarke further said that Indian pacers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, will need to be aggressive against the Australian batsmen while using the short deliveries consistently. “He‘s quick, he’s got a really different action, so I think he needs to set the tone and be really aggressive to the Australian batters. Even to someone like Steve Smith, he’s got to use that short ball consistently and regularly, as Jofra Archer did to Steve Smith in the Ashes,” Clarke further said. ALSO READ: With India series looming, Smith relieved to find his hands “They’ve got to take the Aussies on and those two players are India’s best two players to be aggressive to the Australians,” he signed off. With Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma likely to be out of the first two Tests and Virat Kohli leaving after the opening Test in Adelaide, it would be interesting to see how Team India faces the might of Australia on their home soil.

IND vs AUS: Australia will smoke India 4-0 in Tests, predicts Michael Clarke

Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma have been ruled out of the first two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will have to make quick calls if they want Rohit and Ishant to be available for the last two Tests of the series, which will start on December 16 in Adelaide.

According to ESPNCricinfo, Ishant has regained bowling fitness but still needs another four weeks of workload to be up for the Tests and will have to board immediately to be in contention for the third Test.

The strict quarantine phase of 14 days in Australia allows them to train only after four weeks and then another four weeks of preparatory training can only make Ishant ready for the third Test, which will be played on January 7 in Sydney.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/with-india-series-looming-smith-relieved-to-find-his-hands-345045" hreflang="en">With India series looming, Smith relieved to find his hands</a>

"If there is a T20 game and he needs to just bowl four overs, Ishant is good to go immediately, but for him to get back to Test-match fitness, he needs four weeks of proper bowling still," a BCCI source said.

Whereas, Rohit Sharma can be cleared to travel by the NCA on December 8 – at the earliest. Another 14 days in quarantine will keep him out of training until December 22.

Rohit had suffered a hamstring tear during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and will take another two weeks of rehabilitation to be “70 or 80% readiness”, as per a BCCI functionary. The official feels Rohit might have been ready for the Tests had he flown directly to Australia from the UAE.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-indias-mohammed-siraj-opens-up-on-the-loss-of-his-father-says-want-to-do-is-fulfil-his-dream-344927" hreflang="en">India's Mohammed Siraj opens up on the loss of his father, says 'want to fulfil his dream'</a>

If Rohit is out then Shreyas Iyer is likely to be included in the Test squad as reserve batsman.&nbsp;

India have the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj in the Test squad, as far as fast bowling is concerned, along with the Kartik Tyagi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Ishan Porel in the reserve bench.

Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma have been ruled out of the first two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will have to make quick calls if they want Rohit and Ishant to be available for the last two Tests of the series, which will start on December 16 in Adelaide.

Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma have been ruled out of the first two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will have to make quick calls if they want Rohit and Ishant to be available for the last two Tests of the series, which will start on December 16 in Adelaide. According to ESPNCricinfo, Ishant has regained bowling fitness but still needs another four weeks of workload to be up for the Tests and will have to board immediately to be in contention for the third Test. The strict quarantine phase of 14 days in Australia allows them to train only after four weeks and then another four weeks of preparatory training can only make Ishant ready for the third Test, which will be played on January 7 in Sydney. ALSO READ: With India series looming, Smith relieved to find his hands "If there is a T20 game and he needs to just bowl four overs, Ishant is good to go immediately, but for him to get back to Test-match fitness, he needs four weeks of proper bowling still," a BCCI source said. Whereas, Rohit Sharma can be cleared to travel by the NCA on December 8 – at the earliest. Another 14 days in quarantine will keep him out of training until December 22. Rohit had suffered a hamstring tear during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and will take another two weeks of rehabilitation to be “70 or 80% readiness”, as per a BCCI functionary. The official feels Rohit might have been ready for the Tests had he flown directly to Australia from the UAE. ALSO READ: India's Mohammed Siraj opens up on the loss of his father, says 'want to fulfil his dream' If Rohit is out then Shreyas Iyer is likely to be included in the Test squad as reserve batsman. India have the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj in the Test squad, as far as fast bowling is concerned, along with the Kartik Tyagi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Ishan Porel in the reserve bench.

India's Rohit, Ishant Sharma out of first 2 Tests vs Australia

Team India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is completely focused on fulfilling his late father’s wish to represent the country and win matches for India. Siraj is in the Indian squad for the four-match Test series against Australia in what is his maiden Test call-up to the Indian team. However, before he could wear the India whites, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-sirajs-father-passes-away-indian-pacer-unable-to-travel-to-india-344375">Siraj lost his ‘biggest supporter’ – father Mohammed Ghouse – on Friday</a>.

Ghouse, aged 53, was admitted to a hospital when Siraj was playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, after the demise of his father on Friday, the BCCI gave a chance to Siraj to return home to be with his bereaved family. But the Indian pacer decided to stay with the team and perform his national duties in a bid to make his late father proud.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-tv-viewership-reached-3157-million-average-impressions-star-india-344359" hreflang="en">IPL TV viewership reached 31.57 million average impressions: Star India</a>

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Want to fulfill my father's dream: Siraj 
 
The fast bowler speaks about overcoming personal loss and why he decided to continue performing national duties in Australia. Interview by <a href="https://twitter.com/Moulinparikh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Moulinparikh</a> 
 
Full interview 👉<a href="https://t.co/xv8ohMYneK">https://t.co/xv8ohMYneK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/UAOVgivbx1">pic.twitter.com/UAOVgivbx1</a>
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Speaking on bcci.tv, Mohammed Siraj, on Monday, termed his father his ‘biggest supporter’ and said that his death is a big loss for him. Siraj also revealed his mother’s message for him ahead of the Test series against Australia.&nbsp;

“It is a very big loss for me because he was my biggest supporter. My father’s wish was to see me play for India and make the nation proud. Now, all I want to do is fulfil my father’s dream,” Mohammed Siraj told bcci.tv on Monday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-positive-covid-19-test-nearly-led-to-ipl-2020-cancellation-344851" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's positive COVID-19 test nearly led to IPL 2020 cancellation</a>

“Even though my father is no more in this world, he is still with me in my heart. I talked to my mother who reminded me of my father’s dream and encouraged me to perform well for Team India,” he added. 
Siraj further said how the Indian teammates have supported him in these tough times while revealing skipper Virat Kohli’s message to him.&nbsp;

“My team members have supported me like a family in this situation. Virat [Kohli] bhai encouraged me and told me to stay strong and fulfil my father’s dream,” the 26-year-old said.

After three ODIs and as many T20Is, India and Australia will lock horns in the four-Test Border-Gavaskar series starting from December 17. 
&nbsp;

Team India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is completely focused on fulfilling his late father’s wish to represent the country and win matches for India. Siraj is in the Indian squad for the four-match Test series against Australia in what is his maiden Test call-up to the Indian team.

Team India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is completely focused on fulfilling his late father’s wish to represent the country and win matches for India. Siraj is in the Indian squad for the four-match Test series against Australia in what is his maiden Test call-up to the Indian team. However, before he could wear the India whites, Siraj lost his ‘biggest supporter’ – father Mohammed Ghouse – on Friday. Ghouse, aged 53, was admitted to a hospital when Siraj was playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, after the demise of his father on Friday, the BCCI gave a chance to Siraj to return home to be with his bereaved family. But the Indian pacer decided to stay with the team and perform his national duties in a bid to make his late father proud. ALSO READ: IPL TV viewership reached 31.57 million average impressions: Star India Want to fulfill my father's dream: Siraj The fast bowler speaks about overcoming personal loss and why he decided to continue performing national duties in Australia. Interview by @Moulinparikh Full interview 👉https://t.co/xv8ohMYneK #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/UAOVgivbx1 — BCCI (@BCCI) November 23, 2020 × Speaking on bcci.tv, Mohammed Siraj, on Monday, termed his father his ‘biggest supporter’ and said that his death is a big loss for him. Siraj also revealed his mother’s message for him ahead of the Test series against Australia. “It is a very big loss for me because he was my biggest supporter. My father’s wish was to see me play for India and make the nation proud. Now, all I want to do is fulfil my father’s dream,” Mohammed Siraj told bcci.tv on Monday. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's positive COVID-19 test nearly led to IPL 2020 cancellation “Even though my father is no more in this world, he is still with me in my heart. I talked to my mother who reminded me of my father’s dream and encouraged me to perform well for Team India,” he added. Siraj further said how the Indian teammates have supported him in these tough times while revealing skipper Virat Kohli’s message to him. “My team members have supported me like a family in this situation. Virat [Kohli] bhai encouraged me and told me to stay strong and fulfil my father’s dream,” the 26-year-old said. After three ODIs and as many T20Is, India and Australia will lock horns in the four-Test Border-Gavaskar series starting from December 17.

India's Mohammed Siraj opens up on the loss of his father, says 'want to fulfil his dream'

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada on Monday said that it was a team decision to not take the knee in their upcoming white-ball series against England.

Last week, Proteas coach Mark Boucher had revealed that the team would not be kneeling to show support towards the Black Lives Matter movement rather they would be extending support to the issues that the country`s president Cyril Ramaphosa has raised.

"Black Lives Matter is one-hundred percent something I will always stand for and I speak for myself. It was a team decision not to kneel and to look at gender-based violence and devote ourselves to another cause," ESPNCricinfo quoted Rabada as saying.

"However, Black Lives Matter will always be relevant and something I will always believe in and I speak for myself there. But, Mark has stated that the team will not be kneeling and that`s how it`s going to be," he added.

However, Boucher also said that the Proteas players will consider wearing a black armband to show solidarity with the fight against gender-based violence and in memory of the victims of COVID-19, in line with a call made by Ramaphosa to declare November 25-29 national days of mourning.

During the 3TC game in July, players and all support staff including the director of cricket Graeme Smith wore black arm-bands and took a knee before the match to extend support to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

Earlier this year, 31 former and current Proteas cricketers had signed a letter showcasing their support towards the Black Lives Matter campaign and pacer Lungi Ngidi.

Following this, Cricket South Africa (CSA), its board of directors and executive committee had reaffirmed their support towards the BLM movement, and its relevance in South Africa.

"We note the claims of discrimination and racism that have been made by current and former players and coaches, and we acknowledge that these are a part of the sport`s past, and sadly, its present. We have to face the reality, as management and custodians of the game, that we need to come up with creative, tangible, and meaningful ways to address this -- even more, than we have done already -- to make sure that they are not part of our future," the CSA had said in an official statement in July.

South Africa and England are slated to lock horns against each other in three T20Is and three ODIs, starting November 27 in Cape Town.

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada on Monday said that it was a team decision to not take the knee in their upcoming white-ball series against England. Last week, Proteas coach Mark Boucher had revealed that the team would not be kneeling to show support towards the Black Lives Matter movement rather they would be extending support to the issues that the country`s president Cyril Ramaphosa has raised.

South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada on Monday said that it was a team decision to not take the knee in their upcoming white-ball series against England. Last week, Proteas coach Mark Boucher had revealed that the team would not be kneeling to show support towards the Black Lives Matter movement rather they would be extending support to the issues that the country`s president Cyril Ramaphosa has raised. "Black Lives Matter is one-hundred percent something I will always stand for and I speak for myself. It was a team decision not to kneel and to look at gender-based violence and devote ourselves to another cause," ESPNCricinfo quoted Rabada as saying. "However, Black Lives Matter will always be relevant and something I will always believe in and I speak for myself there. But, Mark has stated that the team will not be kneeling and that`s how it`s going to be," he added. However, Boucher also said that the Proteas players will consider wearing a black armband to show solidarity with the fight against gender-based violence and in memory of the victims of COVID-19, in line with a call made by Ramaphosa to declare November 25-29 national days of mourning. During the 3TC game in July, players and all support staff including the director of cricket Graeme Smith wore black arm-bands and took a knee before the match to extend support to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Earlier this year, 31 former and current Proteas cricketers had signed a letter showcasing their support towards the Black Lives Matter campaign and pacer Lungi Ngidi. Following this, Cricket South Africa (CSA), its board of directors and executive committee had reaffirmed their support towards the BLM movement, and its relevance in South Africa. "We note the claims of discrimination and racism that have been made by current and former players and coaches, and we acknowledge that these are a part of the sport`s past, and sadly, its present. We have to face the reality, as management and custodians of the game, that we need to come up with creative, tangible, and meaningful ways to address this -- even more, than we have done already -- to make sure that they are not part of our future," the CSA had said in an official statement in July. South Africa and England are slated to lock horns against each other in three T20Is and three ODIs, starting November 27 in Cape Town.

SA vs Eng: Team decision to not take the knee, says Rabada

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully conducted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> in the UAE despite postponement in March 2020. In April 2020, IPL was further postponed indefinitely as doubts surfaced whether it would be possible to organise the T20 tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, BCCI went ahead with their plans and shifted the IPL 2020 in the UAE, which was played behind closed doors, and earned a staggering INR 4,000 crore.&nbsp;

BCCI was staring at a massive financial loss had the IPL 2020 been cancelled but led by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, the Indian board managed to successfully host the tournament.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovics-positive-covid-19-test-nearly-led-to-ipl-2020-cancellation-344851" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's positive COVID-19 test nearly led to IPL 2020 cancellation</a>

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal praised the Indian board for cutting nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to previous IPL while adding that TV viewership saw a 25 per cent surge and that the board earned a whopping INR 4,000 crore.&nbsp;

“The Board managed to cut nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to the last IPL. We earned Rs 4,000 crore during the pandemic time. Our TV viewership went about 25 per cent higher, we got the highest-ever opening game (Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings) viewership. Those who doubted us came and thanked us for hosting the IPL. Had this IPL not happened, cricketers would have lost one year,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told The Indian Express.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-witnessed-record-breaking-surge-in-viewership-342978" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 witnessed record-breaking surge in viewership</a>

Dhumal also revealed that the BCCI conducted over 30,000 tests with over 1,5000 people involved with the tournament. Reportedly, the BCCI paid INR 100 crore to the Emirates Cricket Board for helping them host IPL 2020. 
&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully conducted the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE despite postponement in March 2020. In April 2020, IPL was further postponed indefinitely as doubts surfaced whether it would be possible to organise the T20 tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully conducted the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE despite postponement in March 2020. In April 2020, IPL was further postponed indefinitely as doubts surfaced whether it would be possible to organise the T20 tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, BCCI went ahead with their plans and shifted the IPL 2020 in the UAE, which was played behind closed doors, and earned a staggering INR 4,000 crore. BCCI was staring at a massive financial loss had the IPL 2020 been cancelled but led by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, the Indian board managed to successfully host the tournament. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's positive COVID-19 test nearly led to IPL 2020 cancellation BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal praised the Indian board for cutting nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to previous IPL while adding that TV viewership saw a 25 per cent surge and that the board earned a whopping INR 4,000 crore. “The Board managed to cut nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to the last IPL. We earned Rs 4,000 crore during the pandemic time. Our TV viewership went about 25 per cent higher, we got the highest-ever opening game (Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings) viewership. Those who doubted us came and thanked us for hosting the IPL. Had this IPL not happened, cricketers would have lost one year,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told The Indian Express. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 witnessed record-breaking surge in viewership Dhumal also revealed that the BCCI conducted over 30,000 tests with over 1,5000 people involved with the tournament. Reportedly, the BCCI paid INR 100 crore to the Emirates Cricket Board for helping them host IPL 2020.

BCCI earns a whopping INR 4000 crore by conducting IPL 2020

The 13th edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> was successfully hosted in the UAE this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) received a lot of plaudits for safely conducting the tournament even after moving it overseas. IPL 2020 was played behind closed doors with franchises staying in bio-secure bubbles.&nbsp;

However, there was a time when tennis world number one Novak Djokovic’s positive COVID-19 test put the entire IPL 2020 in jeopardy. The BCCI hierarchy discussed the fate of the tournament after Djokovic tested positive for the dreaded virus after participating in his charity events in Croatia and Serbia. But the Indian board went ahead with the plans and went on to successfully organise the event in the UAE – and reaped rich rewards for organising a full-fledged IPL.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chennai-super-kings-become-the-most-tweeted-about-team-during-cricket-season-343849" hreflang="en">Chennai Super Kings become the most Tweeted about team during cricket season</a>

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has now revealed how IPL 2020 could have been nearly cancelled after Djokovic tested positive for the coronavirus.

"After that report (about Djokovic testing positive) came in, we were in two minds. Many people told us to not go ahead with it (IPL). What if something happens to a player? The IPL would go on for almost three months. However, Jay said we should go ahead, he was more confident than all of us," Dhumal was quoted as saying by Indian Express, as he recalled his conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bubbles-and-the-boss-five-things-we-learned-from-the-ipl-342385" hreflang="en">Bubbles and the boss: five things we learned from the IPL</a>

BCCI, combined with the Emirates Cricket Board, hosted the multi-team T20 tournament successfully in the UAE after the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020. Reportedly, the BCCI earned a whopping INR 4,000 crore from IPL 2020 as viewership records were broken.&nbsp;

Notably, as many as 30,000 COVID-19 tests were conducted by the BCCI during the course of the tournament with 60 matches played in the UAE. None of the games was affected by the virus. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was successfully hosted in the UAE this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) received a lot of plaudits for safely conducting the tournament even after moving it overseas.

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was successfully hosted in the UAE this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) received a lot of plaudits for safely conducting the tournament even after moving it overseas. IPL 2020 was played behind closed doors with franchises staying in bio-secure bubbles. However, there was a time when tennis world number one Novak Djokovic’s positive COVID-19 test put the entire IPL 2020 in jeopardy. The BCCI hierarchy discussed the fate of the tournament after Djokovic tested positive for the dreaded virus after participating in his charity events in Croatia and Serbia. But the Indian board went ahead with the plans and went on to successfully organise the event in the UAE – and reaped rich rewards for organising a full-fledged IPL. ALSO READ: Chennai Super Kings become the most Tweeted about team during cricket season BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has now revealed how IPL 2020 could have been nearly cancelled after Djokovic tested positive for the coronavirus. "After that report (about Djokovic testing positive) came in, we were in two minds. Many people told us to not go ahead with it (IPL). What if something happens to a player? The IPL would go on for almost three months. However, Jay said we should go ahead, he was more confident than all of us," Dhumal was quoted as saying by Indian Express, as he recalled his conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah. ALSO READ: Bubbles and the boss: five things we learned from the IPL BCCI, combined with the Emirates Cricket Board, hosted the multi-team T20 tournament successfully in the UAE after the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020. Reportedly, the BCCI earned a whopping INR 4,000 crore from IPL 2020 as viewership records were broken. Notably, as many as 30,000 COVID-19 tests were conducted by the BCCI during the course of the tournament with 60 matches played in the UAE. None of the games was affected by the virus.

Novak Djokovic's positive COVID-19 test nearly led to IPL 2020 cancellation

Australian opener David Warner on Monday vowed to keep his temper in check and rather let his bat do the talking in the upcoming series against India while adding Virat Kohli’s Men in Blue will try to unnerve him with verbal taunts.

Warner, who was once known to keep heart in the sleeves during on-field confrontations, said he has toned down himself as he matured.

The flamboyant opener expects to have some words thrown his way during the upcoming series, which starts with a three-match ODI series on Friday.&nbsp;

"The last time we toured in India they really engaged us like that," Warner told a conference call.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-prepared-for-indias-bouncer-barrage-says-australia-assistant-coach-344709" hreflang="en">Steve Smith prepared for India's bouncer barrage, says Australia assistant coach</a>

"We're learning over time, especially myself, that if you look not to engage in that you're almost reversing the effect by ignoring it, trying to take it in, and using your bat."

Warner further wants to use war of words as motivation as he looks to maintain a positive attitude.&nbsp;

"You don't know the effect (losing your temper) will have on your teammates, so you have to be a bit more humble and be more respectful to the opposition," he said.

"You have to be patient, not get too aggressive, not get angry when the kids aren't listening," he said.

"So I'm getting tested on and off the field."

Warner also supported out-of-form Test opening partner Joe Burns for a spot in the playing XI against India. Burns faces a tough challenge from in-form youngster Will Pucovski.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pujara-should-be-allowed-to-play-the-game-he-knows-best-in-australia-urges-sunil-gavaskar-344544" hreflang="en">'Pujara should be allowed to play the game he knows best in Australia', urges Sunil Gavaskar</a>

"I've spent a lot of time with Joe Burns in the middle, I know exactly what we're about when we're out there," he said.

"Obviously, we won a lot of games last year. So for me, you don't break something that's actually working."

Warner acknowledged Pucovski's claims but said Burns, 31, "did not to anything wrong" to warrant dropping him for the first Test in Adelaide next month.

"Will is an exceptional talent and [will be] a great player for years to come," he said.

Australia and India will lock horns in three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Tests in the two-month-long tour. 
&nbsp;

Australian opener David Warner on Monday vowed to keep his temper in check and rather let his bat do the talking in the upcoming series against India while adding Virat Kohli’s Men in Blue will try to unnerve him with verbal taunts.

Australian opener David Warner on Monday vowed to keep his temper in check and rather let his bat do the talking in the upcoming series against India while adding Virat Kohli’s Men in Blue will try to unnerve him with verbal taunts. Warner, who was once known to keep heart in the sleeves during on-field confrontations, said he has toned down himself as he matured. The flamboyant opener expects to have some words thrown his way during the upcoming series, which starts with a three-match ODI series on Friday. "The last time we toured in India they really engaged us like that," Warner told a conference call. ALSO READ: Steve Smith prepared for India's bouncer barrage, says Australia assistant coach "We're learning over time, especially myself, that if you look not to engage in that you're almost reversing the effect by ignoring it, trying to take it in, and using your bat." Warner further wants to use war of words as motivation as he looks to maintain a positive attitude. "You don't know the effect (losing your temper) will have on your teammates, so you have to be a bit more humble and be more respectful to the opposition," he said. "You have to be patient, not get too aggressive, not get angry when the kids aren't listening," he said. "So I'm getting tested on and off the field." Warner also supported out-of-form Test opening partner Joe Burns for a spot in the playing XI against India. Burns faces a tough challenge from in-form youngster Will Pucovski. ALSO READ: 'Pujara should be allowed to play the game he knows best in Australia', urges Sunil Gavaskar "I've spent a lot of time with Joe Burns in the middle, I know exactly what we're about when we're out there," he said. "Obviously, we won a lot of games last year. So for me, you don't break something that's actually working." Warner acknowledged Pucovski's claims but said Burns, 31, "did not to anything wrong" to warrant dropping him for the first Test in Adelaide next month. "Will is an exceptional talent and [will be] a great player for years to come," he said. Australia and India will lock horns in three ODIs, as many T20Is and four Tests in the two-month-long tour.

AUS vs IND: David Warner won't respond to India taunts, wants his bat do the talking

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to include players with 10 T20I matches in its Central Contracts. The move comes with T20 cricket getting more and more popular with each tournament and series across the world.&nbsp;

As per a report in The Indian Express, the BCCI has introduced a change in the regulations as far as the Central Contract system is concerned. Earlier, the proposal to consider players with T20I caps was made during the tenure of Committee of Administrator’s tenure before it was turned down.&nbsp;

Thus far, only players with a minimum of three Tests or seven ODIs in a year were eligible for Central Contracts.&nbsp;

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“The board has decided to change the old clause and add a new one where a player who’s played a minimum of ten T20 games in a year can be given a central contract. In the new contract signed by players, this clause was included. If there’s any specialist T20 player, he should not be deprived of a central contract because his speciality is the shortest format,” a source told The Indian Express.

In 2019, Washington Sundar was awarded a Central Contract despite him playing only T20I cricket for India so far in his career. However, this year many more players could be rewarded.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-australia-2nd-test-mcgs-drop-in-pitch-may-not-up-to-mark-344161" hreflang="en">India-Australia 2nd Test: MCG's drop-in pitch may not up to mark</a>

The Central Contract system of the BCCI has four categories. A+ gets 7 crores, A gets 5 crores, B gets 3 crores and C gets 1 crore. The ace players playing all the formats are the ones who get A+ category.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to include players with 10 T20I matches in its Central Contracts. The move comes with T20 cricket getting more and more popular with each tournament and series across the world.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to include players with 10 T20I matches in its Central Contracts. The move comes with T20 cricket getting more and more popular with each tournament and series across the world. As per a report in The Indian Express, the BCCI has introduced a change in the regulations as far as the Central Contract system is concerned. Earlier, the proposal to consider players with T20I caps was made during the tenure of Committee of Administrator’s tenure before it was turned down. Thus far, only players with a minimum of three Tests or seven ODIs in a year were eligible for Central Contracts. ALSO READ: World Test Championship finalists to be decided by percentage of points earned: report “The board has decided to change the old clause and add a new one where a player who’s played a minimum of ten T20 games in a year can be given a central contract. In the new contract signed by players, this clause was included. If there’s any specialist T20 player, he should not be deprived of a central contract because his speciality is the shortest format,” a source told The Indian Express. In 2019, Washington Sundar was awarded a Central Contract despite him playing only T20I cricket for India so far in his career. However, this year many more players could be rewarded. ALSO READ: India-Australia 2nd Test: MCG's drop-in pitch may not up to mark The Central Contract system of the BCCI has four categories. A+ gets 7 crores, A gets 5 crores, B gets 3 crores and C gets 1 crore. The ace players playing all the formats are the ones who get A+ category.

Players with 10 T20I caps now eligible for BCCI Central Contract: Report

The father of Indian cricket team’s pacer Mohammed Siraj – Mohammed Ghous – breathed his last on Friday due to lung ailment in Hyderabad. Siraj, who is part of the Indian squad for the Australia tour, won’t be able to attend the last rites of his father due to the stringent quarantine rules set by the Australian government.&nbsp;

Siraj was informed about the tragedy after returning from the practice session. He is currently training with the national team in Sydney.&nbsp;

“My dad's wish was always this - mera beta, desh ka naam roshan karna (my son, you should make my country proud). And, I will do that for sure,” Siraj, who lost his elder brother when he was just seven, was quoted as saying by Sportstar.&nbsp;

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“I know what kind of hardship my dad faced in my early days driving an auto rickshaw to let me pursue my passion for the game,” said Siraj, who climbed up through the ranks from the bylanes of Toli Chowki.

Siraj has been picking wickets in Ranji Trophy consistently and picked up 41 wickets in the 2016-17 season. He was then picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad before moving to Royal Challengers Bangalore where he was among wickets in recently concluded IPL 2020

In IPL 2020, when Mohammed Siraj bowled the dream spell against KKR, where he ended up with 4-2-8-3, his father was admitted to the hospital a night before. Despite being a worried, Siraj ended up winning the match for his team RCB and won the Man of the Match.

<h2>I lost the biggest support of my life: Mohammed Siraj on his father's demise</h2>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahane-doesnt-need-to-change-his-game-or-personality-warns-harbhajan-singh-344324" hreflang="en">'Rahane doesn't need to change his game or personality', warns Harbhajan Singh</a>

“It is shocking. I lost the biggest support of my life. It was his dream to see me play for the country and I am glad that way I could realise that and bring joy for him,” a distraught Siraj informed.

“The coach Shastri Sir and captain Virat Kohli were informed about the news. They just told me to be bold and are lending all the support,” Siraj said.

However, the strict quarantine rules won’t allow Siraj to travel to India for his father’s last rites. 
&nbsp;

The father of Indian cricket team’s pacer Mohammed Siraj – Mohammed Ghous – breathed his last on Friday due to lung ailment in Hyderabad. Siraj, who is part of the Indian squad for the Australia tour, won’t be able to attend the last rites of his father due to the stringent quarantine rules set by the Australian government.

The father of Indian cricket team’s pacer Mohammed Siraj – Mohammed Ghous – breathed his last on Friday due to lung ailment in Hyderabad. Siraj, who is part of the Indian squad for the Australia tour, won’t be able to attend the last rites of his father due to the stringent quarantine rules set by the Australian government. Siraj was informed about the tragedy after returning from the practice session. He is currently training with the national team in Sydney. “My dad's wish was always this - mera beta, desh ka naam roshan karna (my son, you should make my country proud). And, I will do that for sure,” Siraj, who lost his elder brother when he was just seven, was quoted as saying by Sportstar. ALSO READ: IPL TV viewership reached 31.57 million average impressions: Star India “I know what kind of hardship my dad faced in my early days driving an auto rickshaw to let me pursue my passion for the game,” said Siraj, who climbed up through the ranks from the bylanes of Toli Chowki. Siraj has been picking wickets in Ranji Trophy consistently and picked up 41 wickets in the 2016-17 season. He was then picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad before moving to Royal Challengers Bangalore where he was among wickets in recently concluded IPL 2020 In IPL 2020, when Mohammed Siraj bowled the dream spell against KKR, where he ended up with 4-2-8-3, his father was admitted to the hospital a night before. Despite being a worried, Siraj ended up winning the match for his team RCB and won the Man of the Match. I lost the biggest support of my life: Mohammed Siraj on his father's demise ALSO READ: 'Rahane doesn't need to change his game or personality', warns Harbhajan Singh “It is shocking. I lost the biggest support of my life. It was his dream to see me play for the country and I am glad that way I could realise that and bring joy for him,” a distraught Siraj informed. “The coach Shastri Sir and captain Virat Kohli were informed about the news. They just told me to be bold and are lending all the support,” Siraj said. However, the strict quarantine rules won’t allow Siraj to travel to India for his father’s last rites.

Mohammed Siraj's father passes away, Indian pacer unable to travel to India

Pacer Josh Hazlewood has said that ‘tiring out’ Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial to Australia in the upcoming four-match Test series on their home soil against India. When India visited Down Under in 2018-19, the became the first team to win a Test series on Australian soil wherein Bumrah scalped a whopping 21 wickets at an average of 17 and ended up being the leading wicket-taker in the series.

"Bumrah is probably the standout. He is unique with his action," Hazlewood told Hindustan Times. "He maintains pace very well throughout the day and the whole series. He is probably the key. He can take wickets up front or with the old ball. I guess it's about getting a lot of overs into him, try to tire him out in the first couple of games. That will be the key."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-tickets-sold-out-for-3-t20is-and-2-odis-on-first-day-of-booking-344279" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Tickets sold out for 3 T20Is and 2 ODIs on first day of booking</a>

In the previous series, the troika of Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami aggregated 48 wickets in comparison to Australian trio of Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins who picked up 40 wickets.

Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma is yet to join the Indian contingent in Australia and is currently training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru after suffering an abdominal muscle tear during IPL 2020. However, he is expected to be fit in time for the Test series.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pat-cummins-names-big-wicket-in-india-vs-australia-series-344274" hreflang="en">Pat Cummins names 'big wicket' in India vs Australia series</a>

"They outbowled us the last time they came. That went a long way for them in winning the series," Hazlewood said. "They have most bases covered with their quicks. If Ishant Sharma gets here at some point it will add to their strength. They are all a little bit different. For the last 10-15 years, Indian pacers have kept improving. Our batters will have to be on their toes to counter that."

India will commence the Australian tour with a three-match ODI series starting November 27. 
&nbsp;

Pacer Josh Hazlewood has said that ‘tiring out’ Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial to Australia in the upcoming four-match Test series on their home soil against India.

Pacer Josh Hazlewood has said that ‘tiring out’ Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial to Australia in the upcoming four-match Test series on their home soil against India. When India visited Down Under in 2018-19, the became the first team to win a Test series on Australian soil wherein Bumrah scalped a whopping 21 wickets at an average of 17 and ended up being the leading wicket-taker in the series. "Bumrah is probably the standout. He is unique with his action," Hazlewood told Hindustan Times. "He maintains pace very well throughout the day and the whole series. He is probably the key. He can take wickets up front or with the old ball. I guess it's about getting a lot of overs into him, try to tire him out in the first couple of games. That will be the key." ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Tickets sold out for 3 T20Is and 2 ODIs on first day of booking In the previous series, the troika of Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami aggregated 48 wickets in comparison to Australian trio of Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins who picked up 40 wickets. Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma is yet to join the Indian contingent in Australia and is currently training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru after suffering an abdominal muscle tear during IPL 2020. However, he is expected to be fit in time for the Test series. ALSO READ: Pat Cummins names 'big wicket' in India vs Australia series "They outbowled us the last time they came. That went a long way for them in winning the series," Hazlewood said. "They have most bases covered with their quicks. If Ishant Sharma gets here at some point it will add to their strength. They are all a little bit different. For the last 10-15 years, Indian pacers have kept improving. Our batters will have to be on their toes to counter that." India will commence the Australian tour with a three-match ODI series starting November 27.

'Tiring out' Jasprit Bumrah will be crucial for Australia: Josh Hazlewood

Cricket Australia on Friday announced that the tickets for three T20Is and two ODIs between India and Australia have been sold out after it went on sale on Friday morning.&nbsp;

Both Sydney Cricket Ground and Manuka Oval are set to welcome fans at a 50 per cent capacity for series. Only 1,900 public seats are left for the first ODI on November 27 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

"The second and third ODIs at the SCG and Manuka Oval respectively have been exhausted while the Manuka Oval T20I and two SCG T20Is are sold out," CA said in a release.

"Limited tickets to the first ODI on November 27 at the SCG remain, with approximately 1,900 public seats left. Both the SCG and Manuka Oval will be at 50 per cent capacity for series, with fans voting with their feet after ticket prices were frozen from the last time India came to Australia in 2018/19," it added.

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Anthony Everard, Cricket Australia`s Executive General Manager of Fan Engagement, said that it showed the excitement for cricket as Australia home calendar commences.

"The rivalry between the Australian and Indian men`s cricket teams is one of the greatest in international sport and this series is shaping up as an epic," Everard said.

"It`s been fantastic to see so much interest in the ODI and T20I Series, with the high demand starting from yesterday with our pre-sale period offered to the Australian Cricket Family. It didn`t take long today for things to move quickly, with now just a couple of thousand tickets remaining for the first ODI on November 27 at the SCG," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-test-championship-finalists-to-be-decided-by-percentage-of-points-earned-report-344180" hreflang="en">World Test Championship finalists to be decided by percentage of points earned: report</a>

Cricket ACT CEO James Allsopp said that ahead of two T20Is in Canberra, real excitement is building.

"It is fantastic to have such high-quality international cricket coming to the ACT this summer and I am not surprised that fans have acted so quickly to ensure they have a seat," he said.

"Both games at Manuka are going to be fierce contests, and we look forward to welcoming the Australian and Indian teams to Canberra. With such high demand, it`s inevitable that some fans may have missed out, but there is plenty of other cricket to come with BBL matches in Canberra," Allsopp added.

India’s tour of Australia kickstarts with three ODIs on November 27, 29 and December 2. The first T20I is due to be hosted by Canberra on December 4 with the remaining two on December 6 and 8 at the SCG.

Following the limited-overs series, India and Australia will play four Test as a part of the World Test Championship with the final scheduled in June 2021. 
&nbsp;

Cricket Australia on Friday announced that the tickets for three T20Is and two ODIs between India and Australia have been sold out after it went on sale on Friday morning.

Cricket Australia on Friday announced that the tickets for three T20Is and two ODIs between India and Australia have been sold out after it went on sale on Friday morning. Both Sydney Cricket Ground and Manuka Oval are set to welcome fans at a 50 per cent capacity for series. Only 1,900 public seats are left for the first ODI on November 27 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. "The second and third ODIs at the SCG and Manuka Oval respectively have been exhausted while the Manuka Oval T20I and two SCG T20Is are sold out," CA said in a release. "Limited tickets to the first ODI on November 27 at the SCG remain, with approximately 1,900 public seats left. Both the SCG and Manuka Oval will be at 50 per cent capacity for series, with fans voting with their feet after ticket prices were frozen from the last time India came to Australia in 2018/19," it added. ALSO READ: Pat Cummins names 'big wicket' in India vs Australia series Anthony Everard, Cricket Australia`s Executive General Manager of Fan Engagement, said that it showed the excitement for cricket as Australia home calendar commences. "The rivalry between the Australian and Indian men`s cricket teams is one of the greatest in international sport and this series is shaping up as an epic," Everard said. "It`s been fantastic to see so much interest in the ODI and T20I Series, with the high demand starting from yesterday with our pre-sale period offered to the Australian Cricket Family. It didn`t take long today for things to move quickly, with now just a couple of thousand tickets remaining for the first ODI on November 27 at the SCG," he added. ALSO READ: World Test Championship finalists to be decided by percentage of points earned: report Cricket ACT CEO James Allsopp said that ahead of two T20Is in Canberra, real excitement is building. "It is fantastic to have such high-quality international cricket coming to the ACT this summer and I am not surprised that fans have acted so quickly to ensure they have a seat," he said. "Both games at Manuka are going to be fierce contests, and we look forward to welcoming the Australian and Indian teams to Canberra. With such high demand, it`s inevitable that some fans may have missed out, but there is plenty of other cricket to come with BBL matches in Canberra," Allsopp added. India’s tour of Australia kickstarts with three ODIs on November 27, 29 and December 2. The first T20I is due to be hosted by Canberra on December 4 with the remaining two on December 6 and 8 at the SCG. Following the limited-overs series, India and Australia will play four Test as a part of the World Test Championship with the final scheduled in June 2021.

AUS vs IND: Tickets sold out for 3 T20Is and 2 ODIs on first day of booking

With the two-month-long series between India and Australia commencing in a week’s time, Australian speedster Pat Cummins considers Virat Kohli as the ‘big wicket’ he would target. Cummins said that commentators talk about Kohli non-stop while hoping to keep him quiet in the limited-overs series and one Test in which the Indian skipper would be a part of.

The three-match ODI series is set to start from November 27 followed by three T20Is and four-match Test series.&nbsp;

"I think every side has that one or two batters and they are the big wickets. Most teams have their captain -- Joe Root for England, Kane Williamson for New Zealand. You feel like if you get their wickets that goes a long way in winning the game," Cummins told 'Fox Cricket'.

"He (Kohli) is always a big one. You commentators talk about him non-stop, so hopefully, we can keep him quiet," he added.

Cummins, who has been named the vice-captain of both white and red-ball squads, is currently quarantining after arriving from the UE where he played in the Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-with-10-t20i-caps-now-eligible-for-bcci-central-contract-report-344270" hreflang="en">Players with 10 T20I caps now eligible for BCCI Central Contract: Report</a>

The quarantine period wherein there are 11 Australian players currently will end on the eve of the ODI opener against India in Sydney.

"It's good to be back here in Sydney. Obviously, we are locked down but we are let out for couple of hours a day.

"We've been in the middle of it (cricket in bio-secure bubbles) for three or four months now so we're starting to get used to it," he said.

"But it will be weird we get out Thursday night and then we will go and join the boys at a hotel but there's a good chance we won't see them until we literally turn up to the SCG on Friday."

Cummins said Australia is well prepared to give India a tough fight in the series. "It's going to be huge. Obviously, we're back here on home soil. other than spending a lot of times in hotels and bubbles I feel like our preparation has actually been really good.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-test-championship-finalists-to-be-decided-by-percentage-of-points-earned-report-344180" hreflang="en">World Test Championship finalists to be decided by percentage of points earned: report</a>

"We went over to the UK and had a good tour there. Most of the boys here have been playing 14 T20 matches in the last few weeks and the other guys coming in will be playing shrewd cricket. So, it feels like we are all firing up and got a lot of stuff behind us," he said.

On his development as a bowler over the last couple of years, "I was probably a bit quicker a few years ago but I feel like in the last couple of years I got better, learning different tempos within the game and also when I am bowling. I feel I got a bit more control on swing and seam," Cummins said.

"Whatever conditions we come up with, I have got a couple of tools I can go to."

With the two-month-long series between India and Australia commencing in a week’s time, Australian speedster Pat Cummins considers Virat Kohli as the ‘big wicket’ he would target.

With the two-month-long series between India and Australia commencing in a week’s time, Australian speedster Pat Cummins considers Virat Kohli as the ‘big wicket’ he would target. Cummins said that commentators talk about Kohli non-stop while hoping to keep him quiet in the limited-overs series and one Test in which the Indian skipper would be a part of. The three-match ODI series is set to start from November 27 followed by three T20Is and four-match Test series. "I think every side has that one or two batters and they are the big wickets. Most teams have their captain -- Joe Root for England, Kane Williamson for New Zealand. You feel like if you get their wickets that goes a long way in winning the game," Cummins told 'Fox Cricket'. "He (Kohli) is always a big one. You commentators talk about him non-stop, so hopefully, we can keep him quiet," he added. Cummins, who has been named the vice-captain of both white and red-ball squads, is currently quarantining after arriving from the UE where he played in the Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders. ALSO READ: Players with 10 T20I caps now eligible for BCCI Central Contract: Report The quarantine period wherein there are 11 Australian players currently will end on the eve of the ODI opener against India in Sydney. "It's good to be back here in Sydney. Obviously, we are locked down but we are let out for couple of hours a day. "We've been in the middle of it (cricket in bio-secure bubbles) for three or four months now so we're starting to get used to it," he said. "But it will be weird we get out Thursday night and then we will go and join the boys at a hotel but there's a good chance we won't see them until we literally turn up to the SCG on Friday." Cummins said Australia is well prepared to give India a tough fight in the series. "It's going to be huge. Obviously, we're back here on home soil. other than spending a lot of times in hotels and bubbles I feel like our preparation has actually been really good. ALSO READ: World Test Championship finalists to be decided by percentage of points earned: report "We went over to the UK and had a good tour there. Most of the boys here have been playing 14 T20 matches in the last few weeks and the other guys coming in will be playing shrewd cricket. So, it feels like we are all firing up and got a lot of stuff behind us," he said. On his development as a bowler over the last couple of years, "I was probably a bit quicker a few years ago but I feel like in the last couple of years I got better, learning different tempos within the game and also when I am bowling. I feel I got a bit more control on swing and seam," Cummins said. "Whatever conditions we come up with, I have got a couple of tools I can go to."

Pat Cummins names 'big wicket' in India vs Australia series

Former Sri Lanka player and bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa has been found guilty of three offences under the ICC anti-corruption code by an independent tribunal. Zoysa is already serving the suspension on match-fixing charges.

In November 2018, Zoysa was charged under the ICC anti-corruption code and has been found guilty on all charges after exercising the right to a hearing before an independent anti-corruption tribunal.

The former Sri Lankan cricketer remains suspended and sanctions will be announced in due course, the International Cricket Council said.

In 2019, Zoysa was provisionally suspended in the month of May on charges of getting involved in corruption during a T20 league in the UAE.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-eng-triple-blow-for-south-africa-as-3-players-go-in-isolation-after-1-tested-positive-for-covid-19-344084" hreflang="en">SA vs ENG: Triple blow for South Africa as 3 players go in isolation after 1 tested positive for COVID-19</a>

<h2>ICC said Zoysa has been found guilty of:</h2>

Article 2.1.1 - for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect (s) of a match.

Article 2.1.4 - Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1.

Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code.

"Zoysa has also been charged by the ICC on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) with breaching four counts of the ECB anti-corruption code for participants for the T10 League and these proceedings are ongoing," the ICC said in the release.

Zoysa, who has 30 Tests and 95 ODI caps for Sri Lanka, was appointed the bowling coach of the national team in September 2015 and worked at Sri Lanka’s high-performance centre which gave him access to current international players.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-jasprit-bumrah-and-mohammed-shami-likely-to-be-rotated-in-white-ball-series-344056" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami likely to be rotated in white-ball series</a>

This only adds to Sri Lanka's recent struggles with corruption in the sport.

According to former Sri Lankan sports minister Harin Fernando, in December 2018, the country was rated as the most corrupt cricket-playing nation by the International Cricket Council.

(With PTI inputs)

Former Sri Lanka player and bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa has been found guilty of three offences under the ICC anti-corruption code by an independent tribunal. Zoysa is already serving the suspension on match-fixing charges.

Former Sri Lanka player and bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa has been found guilty of three offences under the ICC anti-corruption code by an independent tribunal. Zoysa is already serving the suspension on match-fixing charges. In November 2018, Zoysa was charged under the ICC anti-corruption code and has been found guilty on all charges after exercising the right to a hearing before an independent anti-corruption tribunal. The former Sri Lankan cricketer remains suspended and sanctions will be announced in due course, the International Cricket Council said. In 2019, Zoysa was provisionally suspended in the month of May on charges of getting involved in corruption during a T20 league in the UAE. ALSO READ: SA vs ENG: Triple blow for South Africa as 3 players go in isolation after 1 tested positive for COVID-19 ICC said Zoysa has been found guilty of: Article 2.1.1 - for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect (s) of a match. Article 2.1.4 - Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1. Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code. "Zoysa has also been charged by the ICC on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) with breaching four counts of the ECB anti-corruption code for participants for the T10 League and these proceedings are ongoing," the ICC said in the release. Zoysa, who has 30 Tests and 95 ODI caps for Sri Lanka, was appointed the bowling coach of the national team in September 2015 and worked at Sri Lanka’s high-performance centre which gave him access to current international players. ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami likely to be rotated in white-ball series This only adds to Sri Lanka's recent struggles with corruption in the sport. According to former Sri Lankan sports minister Harin Fernando, in December 2018, the country was rated as the most corrupt cricket-playing nation by the International Cricket Council. (With PTI inputs)

Sri Lanka's Nuwan Zoysa found guilty of 3 offences under ICC's Anti-Corruption Code

The drop-in pitches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) may not be as well-prepared for next month`s second Test between India and Australia due to a lack of trial on the pitch, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) chief executive Stuart Fox has said. 
 
"It is a concern for me because I would like to give them every opportunity to trial the pitches but we [were to have had] a test event the other day and Cricket Victoria were supporting us, we were meant to have players and a two-day game and we had the pitch ready to go but the game got cancelled the night before and that was really, ultimately, the result of the situation in South Australia," Fox was quoted as saying by the Age and Sydney Morning Herald. 
 
Plans for a two-day trial match at the MCG this week to test the drop-in pitches were abandoned. "I think it demonstrates how vulnerable we still are day by day. Ideally, we would love to have a game and we are still working on that but, ultimately, it may not happen," he said. 
 
The traditional Boxing Day Test begins on December 26. 
 
The report added that the MCG could also not host the opening rounds of Sheffield Shield and the first four rounds were held in Adelaide, which has now got severely hit by coronavirus outbreak. 
 
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The drop-in pitches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) may not be as well-prepared for next month`s second Test between India and Australia due to a lack of trial on the pitch, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) chief executive Stuart Fox has said.

The drop-in pitches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) may not be as well-prepared for next month`s second Test between India and Australia due to a lack of trial on the pitch, Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) chief executive Stuart Fox has said. "It is a concern for me because I would like to give them every opportunity to trial the pitches but we [were to have had] a test event the other day and Cricket Victoria were supporting us, we were meant to have players and a two-day game and we had the pitch ready to go but the game got cancelled the night before and that was really, ultimately, the result of the situation in South Australia," Fox was quoted as saying by the Age and Sydney Morning Herald. Plans for a two-day trial match at the MCG this week to test the drop-in pitches were abandoned. "I think it demonstrates how vulnerable we still are day by day. Ideally, we would love to have a game and we are still working on that but, ultimately, it may not happen," he said. The traditional Boxing Day Test begins on December 26. The report added that the MCG could also not host the opening rounds of Sheffield Shield and the first four rounds were held in Adelaide, which has now got severely hit by coronavirus outbreak.

India-Australia 2nd Test: MCG's drop-in pitch may not up to mark

The South African cricketers have been put into self-isolation in Cape Town after one of them tested positive for COVID-19. South Africa are scheduled to host England for a three T20Is and three ODIs from November 27 in Cape Town.

Cricket South Africa didn’t reveal the name of the three players neither confirmed whether they would miss any of the matches from the T20I series against England.

"One player has returned a positive test result and two players were considered close contacts based on the risk assessment undertaken by the medical team," Cricket South Africa (CSA) said in a statement on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shakib-al-hasan-death-threat-case-cricketer-gets-armed-bodyguard-as-bangladesh-home-minister-promises-strong-action-344046" hreflang="en">Shakib Al Hasan death threat case: Cricketer gets armed bodyguard as Bangladesh Home Minister promises strong action</a>

"All three players have been placed in immediate isolation in Cape Town as part of the COVID-19 protocols. While all players are asymptomatic, CSA's medical team will monitor them to ensure their health and well-being."

No replacement has been named by the South African side but two new players will join the group for the inter-squad practice matches on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-to-host-india-for-five-tests-in-2021-check-tentative-schedule-343941" hreflang="en">England to host India for five Tests in 2021; check tentative schedule</a>

Players from both England and South Africa landed in Cape Town after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the United Arab Emirates. Over 50 tests for the coronavirus were held after the arrival of players and support staff before they entered the bio-secure bubble in Cape Town.

Cape Town is set to host the first and third T20Is on November 27 and December 1 respectively. It will also host the first and third ODIs on December 4 and 9 respectively. The remaining matches are set to be hosted by Paarl. The matches between South Africa and England will be played behind closed doors. 
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The South African cricketers have been put into self-isolation in Cape Town after one of them tested positive for COVID-19. South Africa are scheduled to host England for a three T20Is and three ODIs from November 27 in Cape Town.

The South African cricketers have been put into self-isolation in Cape Town after one of them tested positive for COVID-19. South Africa are scheduled to host England for a three T20Is and three ODIs from November 27 in Cape Town. Cricket South Africa didn’t reveal the name of the three players neither confirmed whether they would miss any of the matches from the T20I series against England. "One player has returned a positive test result and two players were considered close contacts based on the risk assessment undertaken by the medical team," Cricket South Africa (CSA) said in a statement on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Shakib Al Hasan death threat case: Cricketer gets armed bodyguard as Bangladesh Home Minister promises strong action "All three players have been placed in immediate isolation in Cape Town as part of the COVID-19 protocols. While all players are asymptomatic, CSA's medical team will monitor them to ensure their health and well-being." No replacement has been named by the South African side but two new players will join the group for the inter-squad practice matches on Saturday. ALSO READ: England to host India for five Tests in 2021; check tentative schedule Players from both England and South Africa landed in Cape Town after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the United Arab Emirates. Over 50 tests for the coronavirus were held after the arrival of players and support staff before they entered the bio-secure bubble in Cape Town. Cape Town is set to host the first and third T20Is on November 27 and December 1 respectively. It will also host the first and third ODIs on December 4 and 9 respectively. The remaining matches are set to be hosted by Paarl. The matches between South Africa and England will be played behind closed doors.

SA vs ENG: Triple blow for South Africa as 3 players go in isolation after 1 tested positive for COVID-19

Team India’s premier strike bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are unlikely to take part in all six white-ball matches against Australia, keeping the four-match Test series starting in December 17 in view. India will take on Australia in three ODIs and as many T20Is – to be played between November 27 to December 8 – before the red-ball series kickstarts.&nbsp;

With workload management being the prime focus after a busy Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 both Shami and Bumrah, head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun will want to keep their ace bowling pair fit and fresh especially when Ishant Sharma’s availability for the first Test is in the dark cloud.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shakib-al-hasan-death-threat-case-cricketer-gets-armed-bodyguard-as-bangladesh-home-minister-promises-strong-action-344046" hreflang="en">Shakib Al Hasan death threat case: Cricketer gets armed bodyguard as Bangladesh Home Minister promises strong action</a>

The first red ball warm-match at Drummoyne Oval is set to be played on December 6. However, India’s second and third T20I will be played at the same time, coinciding with the schedule of the first warm-up match. The Indian team management might not risk Shami and Bumrah play six back to back matches in 12 days.&nbsp;

"If both (Bumrah and Shami) play the T20 Internationals (on Dec 4, 6 and 8), then they will have one warm-up matchless which I don't think the team management will fancy at this moment," a source said. So, there is a chance that Shami and Bumrah will be rotated during the white-ball series. Shami has been seen primarily bowling with pink and red balls during net sessions, which is an indicator of where his and team's priorities lie.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-ishant-bowls-at-chinnaswamy-stadium-with-eyes-on-adelaide-test-343948" hreflang="en">IND vs AUS: Ishant bowls at Chinnaswamy Stadium with eyes on Adelaide Test</a>

It is likely that both Bumrah and Shami will play ODIs before switching to Test mode and play the warm-up games to get in the groove of Test cricket before the Day-Night match at Adelaide Oval.

The Indian T20I first XI could feature the likes of Deepak Chahar, Thangarasu 'Yorker' Natarajan and Navdeep Saini as the pace trio with Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the spin attack. 
&nbsp;

Team India’s premier strike bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are unlikely to take part in all six white-ball matches against Australia, keeping the four-match Test series starting in December 17 in view.

Team India’s premier strike bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are unlikely to take part in all six white-ball matches against Australia, keeping the four-match Test series starting in December 17 in view. India will take on Australia in three ODIs and as many T20Is – to be played between November 27 to December 8 – before the red-ball series kickstarts. With workload management being the prime focus after a busy Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 both Shami and Bumrah, head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun will want to keep their ace bowling pair fit and fresh especially when Ishant Sharma’s availability for the first Test is in the dark cloud. ALSO READ: Shakib Al Hasan death threat case: Cricketer gets armed bodyguard as Bangladesh Home Minister promises strong action The first red ball warm-match at Drummoyne Oval is set to be played on December 6. However, India’s second and third T20I will be played at the same time, coinciding with the schedule of the first warm-up match. The Indian team management might not risk Shami and Bumrah play six back to back matches in 12 days. "If both (Bumrah and Shami) play the T20 Internationals (on Dec 4, 6 and 8), then they will have one warm-up matchless which I don't think the team management will fancy at this moment," a source said. So, there is a chance that Shami and Bumrah will be rotated during the white-ball series. Shami has been seen primarily bowling with pink and red balls during net sessions, which is an indicator of where his and team's priorities lie. ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Ishant bowls at Chinnaswamy Stadium with eyes on Adelaide Test It is likely that both Bumrah and Shami will play ODIs before switching to Test mode and play the warm-up games to get in the groove of Test cricket before the Day-Night match at Adelaide Oval. The Indian T20I first XI could feature the likes of Deepak Chahar, Thangarasu 'Yorker' Natarajan and Navdeep Saini as the pace trio with Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the spin attack.

AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami likely to be rotated in white-ball series

Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been provided armed bodyguards by security agencies, a day after Bangladesh Police arrested a man for allegedly issuing Islamist threats to Shakib for taking part attending a Hindu festival in India. Shakib was present in a Kali Puja pandal in Kolkata, India after which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-receiving-islamist-threats-bangladeshs-shakib-al-hasan-apologises-for-attending-hindu-ceremony-in-india-343654">he received a death threat in an online forum</a>.

The Bangladesh all-rounder had issued an apology for hurting sentiments following his visit to West Bengal for the inaugural ceremony of a Kali Puja pandal. A joint team of elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police reportedly arrested Mohsin Talukdar for allegedly issuing an online death threat to Shakib after he attended the Hindu ceremony.&nbsp;

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-receiving-islamist-threats-bangladeshs-shakib-al-hasan-apologises-for-attending-hindu-ceremony-in-india-343654">After receiving Islamist threats, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan apologises for attending Hindu ceremony in India</a>

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury has opined that the death threat is of a real concern while adding the nation’s apex board has opted to take immediate action. He further said that the BCB has also informed security agencies about the incident.&nbsp;

As per a report, Shakib was accompanied by the armed bodyguard during a training session in Dhaka.&nbsp;

Speaking to News18, the Bangladesh Home Minister asserted that threatening Shakib or anyone else is not a part of the nation's culture. “Expression of opinion is fine but not by threatening someone like this. I personally believe that anyone has the freedom to speak his heart. Anyone has the freedom to express his views but that does not mean someone will go against the law and treat someone like this," he said.&nbsp;

"We all have the liberty to express our opinion but not the way the man (accused) has expressed it. I felt that it is an attack on someone’s freedom of speech and expression and we have a law to deal with it,” the minister added 
&nbsp;

Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been provided armed bodyguards by security agencies, a day after Bangladesh Police arrested a man for allegedly issuing Islamist threats to Shakib for taking part attending a Hindu festival in India.

Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been provided armed bodyguards by security agencies, a day after Bangladesh Police arrested a man for allegedly issuing Islamist threats to Shakib for taking part attending a Hindu festival in India. Shakib was present in a Kali Puja pandal in Kolkata, India after which he received a death threat in an online forum. The Bangladesh all-rounder had issued an apology for hurting sentiments following his visit to West Bengal for the inaugural ceremony of a Kali Puja pandal. A joint team of elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police reportedly arrested Mohsin Talukdar for allegedly issuing an online death threat to Shakib after he attended the Hindu ceremony. ALSO READ: After receiving Islamist threats, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan apologises for attending Hindu ceremony in India Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury has opined that the death threat is of a real concern while adding the nation’s apex board has opted to take immediate action. He further said that the BCB has also informed security agencies about the incident. As per a report, Shakib was accompanied by the armed bodyguard during a training session in Dhaka. Speaking to News18, the Bangladesh Home Minister asserted that threatening Shakib or anyone else is not a part of the nation's culture. “Expression of opinion is fine but not by threatening someone like this. I personally believe that anyone has the freedom to speak his heart. Anyone has the freedom to express his views but that does not mean someone will go against the law and treat someone like this," he said. "We all have the liberty to express our opinion but not the way the man (accused) has expressed it. I felt that it is an attack on someone’s freedom of speech and expression and we have a law to deal with it,” the minister added

Shakib Al Hasan death threat case: Cricketer gets armed bodyguard as Bangladesh Home Minister promises strong action

One of the world's leading batsman, Babar Azam knocked a commanding half century to help the Karachi Kings win their first Pakistan Super League title with a five-wicket win over the Lahore Qalandars Tuesday.

Azam smashed seven boundaries in his 49-ball 63, but it was skipper Imad Wasim who hit the winning boundary to help the Kings overhaul a modest 135-run target in 18.4 overs.

The final -- one of the most anticipated in the PSL's short history, given the rivalry between Pakistan's two biggest cities -- failed to live up to the hype as Lahore managed just 134-7 after winning the toss and batting on a flat National Stadium pitch.

With Azam, the world number two batsman in Twenty20 international rankings, on Karachi's side it proved an easy chase, despite losing three wickets from 110-2 to 124-5.

The Kings will take home a glittering trophy plus a $500,000 purse, while Lahore received $200,000.

The fifth edition of Pakistan's inaugural Twenty20 league started on February 20, but was abandoned after 30 of its 34 matches after England player Alex Hales, playing for Kings, reported symptoms of Covid-19.

It resumed on Saturday behind closed doors, with the Kings beating the Multan Sultans in the qualifier while Lahore downed Peshawar Zalmi and the Sultans in two eliminators to book a place in the final.

Lahore lost their way after a confident 68-run start in ten overs, provided by Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal (35) and Fakhar Zaman (27).

They lost both of them and Mohammad Hafeez in the space of seven deliveries with the addition of just two runs, spoiling a solid start.&nbsp;

Iqbal struck four boundaries and a six off 38 balls while Zaman had four boundaries in his 24-ball stay.

Karachi pace trio Umaid Asif (2-18), Waqas Maqsood (2-18) and Arshad Iqbal (2-26) bowled nagging line and length to keep the flow of runs down as well as taking wickets.

One of the world's leading batsman, Babar Azam knocked a commanding half century to help the Karachi Kings win their first Pakistan Super League title with a five-wicket win over the Lahore Qalandars Tuesday.

One of the world's leading batsman, Babar Azam knocked a commanding half century to help the Karachi Kings win their first Pakistan Super League title with a five-wicket win over the Lahore Qalandars Tuesday. Azam smashed seven boundaries in his 49-ball 63, but it was skipper Imad Wasim who hit the winning boundary to help the Kings overhaul a modest 135-run target in 18.4 overs. The final -- one of the most anticipated in the PSL's short history, given the rivalry between Pakistan's two biggest cities -- failed to live up to the hype as Lahore managed just 134-7 after winning the toss and batting on a flat National Stadium pitch. With Azam, the world number two batsman in Twenty20 international rankings, on Karachi's side it proved an easy chase, despite losing three wickets from 110-2 to 124-5. The Kings will take home a glittering trophy plus a $500,000 purse, while Lahore received $200,000. The fifth edition of Pakistan's inaugural Twenty20 league started on February 20, but was abandoned after 30 of its 34 matches after England player Alex Hales, playing for Kings, reported symptoms of Covid-19. It resumed on Saturday behind closed doors, with the Kings beating the Multan Sultans in the qualifier while Lahore downed Peshawar Zalmi and the Sultans in two eliminators to book a place in the final. Lahore lost their way after a confident 68-run start in ten overs, provided by Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal (35) and Fakhar Zaman (27). They lost both of them and Mohammad Hafeez in the space of seven deliveries with the addition of just two runs, spoiling a solid start. Iqbal struck four boundaries and a six off 38 balls while Zaman had four boundaries in his 24-ball stay. Karachi pace trio Umaid Asif (2-18), Waqas Maqsood (2-18) and Arshad Iqbal (2-26) bowled nagging line and length to keep the flow of runs down as well as taking wickets.

Karachi Kings win Covid-hit Pakistan Super League

Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been forced to make a public apology after he received Islamist threats for attending a Hindu ceremony in neighbouring India.&nbsp;

The leading all-rounder is the latest victim of increasingly vocal Islamists, who also staged massive anti-France rallies in recent weeks over the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

Shakib ignited a storm of social media protests in the Muslim majority country – Bangladesh – after attending a ceremony in Kolkata dedicated to a Hindu goddess.

Islamic preachers in Bangladesh say that people shouldn’t attend ceremonies and events of other faiths.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-virus-cluster-raises-question-marks-over-india-cricket-tour-343553" hreflang="en">Australia virus cluster raises question marks over India cricket tour</a>

"I was on the stage for barely two minutes. People are talking about this and thought I inaugurated it," Shakib told an online forum late Monday.

"I did not do this and being a conscious Muslim I would not do this. But, maybe, I should not have gone there. I am sorry for this and apologise," he said.

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"As a practising Muslim, I always try to follow religious customs. Please forgive me if I have done anything wrong," he added.

Shakib spoke hours after man-made personal threats against him on a Facebook live forum for "hurting religious sentiment". The man later apologised and went into hiding.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-rightfully-deserved-to-rule-the-game-during-his-era-former-pak-speedster-aaqib-javed-343532" hreflang="en">'Sachin rightfully deserved to rule the game during his era: Former Pak speedster Aaqib Javed</a>

Police state that they are trying to nab the man and were searching for a knife that was shown during the forum. 
Shakib is currently the number one all-rounder in ICC ODI Rankings. In October 2019, he was found to have breached the ICC anti-corruption code and was banned for two years with one year suspended.

In 2015, Shakib became the first cricketer ever to hold the ICC top all-rounder spot in all three formats of the game.

Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been forced to make a public apology after he received Islamist threats for attending a Hindu ceremony in neighbouring India.

Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been forced to make a public apology after he received Islamist threats for attending a Hindu ceremony in neighbouring India. The leading all-rounder is the latest victim of increasingly vocal Islamists, who also staged massive anti-France rallies in recent weeks over the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed. Shakib ignited a storm of social media protests in the Muslim majority country – Bangladesh – after attending a ceremony in Kolkata dedicated to a Hindu goddess. Islamic preachers in Bangladesh say that people shouldn’t attend ceremonies and events of other faiths. ALSO READ: Australia virus cluster raises question marks over India cricket tour "I was on the stage for barely two minutes. People are talking about this and thought I inaugurated it," Shakib told an online forum late Monday. "I did not do this and being a conscious Muslim I would not do this. But, maybe, I should not have gone there. I am sorry for this and apologise," he said. × "As a practising Muslim, I always try to follow religious customs. Please forgive me if I have done anything wrong," he added. Shakib spoke hours after man-made personal threats against him on a Facebook live forum for "hurting religious sentiment". The man later apologised and went into hiding. ALSO READ: 'Sachin rightfully deserved to rule the game during his era: Former Pak speedster Aaqib Javed Police state that they are trying to nab the man and were searching for a knife that was shown during the forum. Shakib is currently the number one all-rounder in ICC ODI Rankings. In October 2019, he was found to have breached the ICC anti-corruption code and was banned for two years with one year suspended. In 2015, Shakib became the first cricketer ever to hold the ICC top all-rounder spot in all three formats of the game.

After receiving Islamist threats, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan apologises for attending Hindu ceremony in India

Pacer Ishant Sharma is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that he is fit in time for the Test series against Australia that gets underway with the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval on December 17. Having worked under the watchful eyes of Paras Mhambrey ever since hitting the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the fast bowler underwent a fitness test on Wednesday.

ESPN Cricinfo tweeted a video of Ishant in which the fast bowler can be seen going through the passes. "Ishant Sharma bowls at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru as he looks to prove his fitness for India`s Test series against Australia," ESPN Cricinfo wrote.

With India skipper Virat Kohli available only for the first of the four-Test matches against Australia, there is no doubt that the bowlers will have to take up the extra responsibility of giving India the best chances of winning the series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on November 9 said that Ishant, who is out with a left internal oblique muscle tear, is undergoing his rehab and he will be added to India`s Test squad once he "fully recovers and gains sufficient match fitness".

On Monday, ANI reported that NCA head Rahul Dravid has taken charge to ensure that Ishant works closely with Mhambrey -- the head coach of the U-19 national team and also a pace bowler during his playing days."

As NCA head, Dravid has informed the board that Ishant is working with Mhambrey to be fit in time for the Test matches. Ishant will definitely have a big role to play and his presence will not just give India another strike bowler, but also his experience will bring a lot to the table in Kohli`s absence," a source in the know of developments had said.

Unfortunately, Ishant`s stint at the NCA last time round didn`t go as per plan. The pacer suffered a Grade 3 tear on his right ankle while playing for Delhi in their Ranji Trophy encounter against Vidarbha at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in January 2020. While it was believed he was out of the New Zealand tour as he was prescribed rest for six weeks by the Delhi physio, he hit the NCA and was passed by the fitness team in Bengaluru to join the Indian squad for the two-Test series, starting February 21.

While Ishant did play the first Test, the ankle injury resurfaced and he had to skip the second Test of the series. The coronavirus-induced lockdown ensured that he had time to work on his body and get back strong for the 13th edition of the IPL for Delhi Capitals. But he again injured himself and had to fly back. '

With Dravid keeping an eye on developments, one would believe that a repeat of the February episode won`t take place as India need Ishant to play the full series.

The Indian squad has already arrived in Australia post the IPL and have started training for the limited-overs series which starts with the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on November 27. The two teams will also play a T20I series after the completion of the three-match ODI series.

Pacer Ishant Sharma is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that he is fit in time for the Test series against Australia that gets underway with the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval on December 17.

Pacer Ishant Sharma is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that he is fit in time for the Test series against Australia that gets underway with the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval on December 17. Having worked under the watchful eyes of Paras Mhambrey ever since hitting the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the fast bowler underwent a fitness test on Wednesday. ESPN Cricinfo tweeted a video of Ishant in which the fast bowler can be seen going through the passes. "Ishant Sharma bowls at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru as he looks to prove his fitness for India`s Test series against Australia," ESPN Cricinfo wrote. With India skipper Virat Kohli available only for the first of the four-Test matches against Australia, there is no doubt that the bowlers will have to take up the extra responsibility of giving India the best chances of winning the series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on November 9 said that Ishant, who is out with a left internal oblique muscle tear, is undergoing his rehab and he will be added to India`s Test squad once he "fully recovers and gains sufficient match fitness". On Monday, ANI reported that NCA head Rahul Dravid has taken charge to ensure that Ishant works closely with Mhambrey -- the head coach of the U-19 national team and also a pace bowler during his playing days." As NCA head, Dravid has informed the board that Ishant is working with Mhambrey to be fit in time for the Test matches. Ishant will definitely have a big role to play and his presence will not just give India another strike bowler, but also his experience will bring a lot to the table in Kohli`s absence," a source in the know of developments had said. Unfortunately, Ishant`s stint at the NCA last time round didn`t go as per plan. The pacer suffered a Grade 3 tear on his right ankle while playing for Delhi in their Ranji Trophy encounter against Vidarbha at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in January 2020. While it was believed he was out of the New Zealand tour as he was prescribed rest for six weeks by the Delhi physio, he hit the NCA and was passed by the fitness team in Bengaluru to join the Indian squad for the two-Test series, starting February 21. While Ishant did play the first Test, the ankle injury resurfaced and he had to skip the second Test of the series. The coronavirus-induced lockdown ensured that he had time to work on his body and get back strong for the 13th edition of the IPL for Delhi Capitals. But he again injured himself and had to fly back. ' With Dravid keeping an eye on developments, one would believe that a repeat of the February episode won`t take place as India need Ishant to play the full series. The Indian squad has already arrived in Australia post the IPL and have started training for the limited-overs series which starts with the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on November 27. The two teams will also play a T20I series after the completion of the three-match ODI series.

IND vs AUS: Ishant bowls at Chinnaswamy Stadium with eyes on Adelaide Test

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday announced a provisional home schedule for the 2021 season with a five-match Test series against India set to headline the English summer.

Besides India, England will also host Sri Lanka and Pakistan for limited-overs matches between June and July before the first Test against India on August 4-8 at the iconic Trent Bridge. The final Test between England and India is scheduled to be held in Manchester from September 10 to September 14.

Earlier in 2020, England became the first side to invite teams after the COVID-19-enforced break and hosted matches in bio-secure bubbles inside closed doors. However, the ECB hopes to host spectators in the stadiums with general sale tickets set to be made available in January.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-like-ganguly-has-taken-india-australia-rivalry-to-next-level-john-buchanan-343907" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli, like Ganguly, has taken India-Australia rivalry to next level: John Buchanan</a>

“Next year we’ve got another big international programme to look forward to, with the thrill of a five-test series against India as the centrepiece,” ECB CEO Tom Harrison said in a statement.

“While COVID means there’s still a great deal of uncertainty, we really hope to be able to welcome fans back into the grounds safely next year to bring that unique atmosphere to stadia across the country.”

Furthermore, the England women’s team has plans of hosting South Africa and New Zealand while the visually impaired team lock horns with Australia in a limited-overs series in August.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-in-commonwealth-games-icc-announces-qualification-process-343893" hreflang="en">Cricket in Commonwealth Games: ICC announces qualification process</a>

<h2>Provisional England men’s schedule for 2021 home summer:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>&nbsp;England v Sri Lanka: Three one-day internationals (ODIs) from June 29</li>
	<li>&nbsp;England v Pakistan: Three ODIs and three Twenty20 matches from July 8</li>
	<li>&nbsp;England v India: Five test matches from Aug. 4</li>
</ul>

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday announced a provisional home schedule for the 2021 season with a five-match Test series against India set to headline the English summer.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday announced a provisional home schedule for the 2021 season with a five-match Test series against India set to headline the English summer. Besides India, England will also host Sri Lanka and Pakistan for limited-overs matches between June and July before the first Test against India on August 4-8 at the iconic Trent Bridge. The final Test between England and India is scheduled to be held in Manchester from September 10 to September 14. Earlier in 2020, England became the first side to invite teams after the COVID-19-enforced break and hosted matches in bio-secure bubbles inside closed doors. However, the ECB hopes to host spectators in the stadiums with general sale tickets set to be made available in January. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli, like Ganguly, has taken India-Australia rivalry to next level: John Buchanan “Next year we’ve got another big international programme to look forward to, with the thrill of a five-test series against India as the centrepiece,” ECB CEO Tom Harrison said in a statement. “While COVID means there’s still a great deal of uncertainty, we really hope to be able to welcome fans back into the grounds safely next year to bring that unique atmosphere to stadia across the country.” Furthermore, the England women’s team has plans of hosting South Africa and New Zealand while the visually impaired team lock horns with Australia in a limited-overs series in August. ALSO READ: Cricket in Commonwealth Games: ICC announces qualification process Provisional England men’s schedule for 2021 home summer: England v Sri Lanka: Three one-day internationals (ODIs) from June 29 England v Pakistan: Three ODIs and three Twenty20 matches from July 8 England v India: Five test matches from Aug. 4

England to host India for five Tests in 2021; check tentative schedule

Australia’s World Cup-winning coach John Buchanan has recalled former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly as the leader who took the heated rivalry between India and Australia to a different level. Buchanan explained that the rivalry between India and Australia was only ‘developing’ when Ganguly was named the captain of the Indian team but turned his players into passionate bunch who could see that feared Aussie side eye-to-eye.

Buchanan also worked with Ganguly in the Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders. The former Australian coach said that he finds shades of Ganguly in current skipper Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

“Once Sourav took over, he instilled a different way of not only playing but also a different way of just conducting themselves against strong oppositions like Australia. It was a developing rivalry for sure, but Sourav was able to take it to another level. Like Ganguly, Kohli has done the same thing for the Indian team,” Buchanan told Sportstar.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chennai-super-kings-become-the-most-tweeted-about-team-during-cricket-season-343849" hreflang="en">Chennai Super Kings become the most Tweeted about team during cricket season</a>

India are set to take on Australia in a four-match Test series to conclude the two-month-long tour. Last time in 2018-19 tour, India, under the leadership of Kohli, defeated Australia for the first time.&nbsp;

“He (Kohli) has done an incredibly good job - irrespective of whether he is scoring runs or not. If we go back to 2019, [Cheteshwar] Pujara was the star of the series and Kohli made some contributions, so did [Ajinkya] Rahane... But Kohli’s real contribution is his leadership and captaincy and the way he instils greatness - not only to win games but also in finding a way to beat teams,” Buchanan added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-in-commonwealth-games-icc-announces-qualification-process-343893" hreflang="en">Cricket in Commonwealth Games: ICC announces qualification process</a>

However, Buchanan feels that Kohli’s absence in the final three Tests will play a major role in determining the result of the much-awaited series.&nbsp;

“I think his absence in the final three Tests is going to play a pivotal part in the way the series plays out,” Buchanan opined. 
&nbsp;

Australia’s World Cup-winning coach John Buchanan has recalled former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly as the leader who took the heated rivalry between India and Australia to a different level.

Australia’s World Cup-winning coach John Buchanan has recalled former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly as the leader who took the heated rivalry between India and Australia to a different level. Buchanan explained that the rivalry between India and Australia was only ‘developing’ when Ganguly was named the captain of the Indian team but turned his players into passionate bunch who could see that feared Aussie side eye-to-eye. Buchanan also worked with Ganguly in the Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders. The former Australian coach said that he finds shades of Ganguly in current skipper Virat Kohli. “Once Sourav took over, he instilled a different way of not only playing but also a different way of just conducting themselves against strong oppositions like Australia. It was a developing rivalry for sure, but Sourav was able to take it to another level. Like Ganguly, Kohli has done the same thing for the Indian team,” Buchanan told Sportstar. ALSO READ: Chennai Super Kings become the most Tweeted about team during cricket season India are set to take on Australia in a four-match Test series to conclude the two-month-long tour. Last time in 2018-19 tour, India, under the leadership of Kohli, defeated Australia for the first time. “He (Kohli) has done an incredibly good job - irrespective of whether he is scoring runs or not. If we go back to 2019, [Cheteshwar] Pujara was the star of the series and Kohli made some contributions, so did [Ajinkya] Rahane... But Kohli’s real contribution is his leadership and captaincy and the way he instils greatness - not only to win games but also in finding a way to beat teams,” Buchanan added. ALSO READ: Cricket in Commonwealth Games: ICC announces qualification process However, Buchanan feels that Kohli’s absence in the final three Tests will play a major role in determining the result of the much-awaited series. “I think his absence in the final three Tests is going to play a pivotal part in the way the series plays out,” Buchanan opined.

Virat Kohli, like Ganguly, has taken India-Australia rivalry to next level: John Buchanan

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the qualification process for cricket, which makes a historic appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from 28 July to 8 August.

In what is seen as a huge opportunity to turbo-charge the growth of the game, and take it to new fans, women’s cricket will be a part of the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever, and it will only be the second time that cricket will feature in it after a men’s competition was part of the Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

The qualification process announced on Wednesday grants hosts England one spot while six other highest-ranked ICC Members in the&nbsp;CC Women’s T20I Team Rankings&nbsp;as of 1 April 2021 also qualify directly for the eight-team tournament, which will be held in a city that has an iconic cricket venue in Edgbaston.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-time-in-16-years-england-confirm-pakistan-tour-in-2021-343871" hreflang="en">First time in 16 years! England confirm Pakistan tour in 2021</a>

The remaining place will be allocated to the winner of a Commonwealth Games Qualifier, the format and details of which will be announced in due course. The deadline for the Qualifier is 31 January 2022.

Since athletes from the Caribbean will be representing their countries and not the West Indies (as they are affiliated with the ICC), the winner of a designated qualifying tournament will decide which country gets to compete if the West Indies get a slot.

CGF President Dame Louise Martin and ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney emphasized on the potential of cricket in the Commonwealth Games while captains of leading teams said they were thrilled at the prospect of women’s cricket featuring in the Games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-new-official-kit-sponsor-for-indian-cricket-team-343735" hreflang="en">BCCI announces new official kit sponsor for Indian cricket team</a>

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney:&nbsp;"Cricket at the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to grow the women’s game globally. We are committed to accelerating this growth and maintaining the momentum we have created over the past few years, which most recently saw 86,174 fans packed into the MCG for the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020.

"I thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their support and for making this possible. We share with them the vision of greater equality, fairness and opportunity in sport and I am sure Birmingham 2022 will go a long way towards us achieving our common objectives."

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin:&nbsp;"We are absolutely delighted to have women’s T20 cricket debut at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

"Cricket has always been one of the Commonwealth’s most popular sports and it is so special to have it back at our Games for the first time since the men’s competition at Kuala Lumpur 1998, where true greats of the game including Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Sachin Tendulkar were on show. Now is the turn of the women and I can’t wait to see the next generation of stars like Heather Knight, Harmanpreet Kaur and Meg Lanning take centre stage.

"Birmingham 2022 will be a fantastic showcase for the women’s game and the unveiling of the qualification criteria today is an exciting and important milestone as we head towards what will be a spectacular competition at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium."

ICC Women’s Cricket Manager Holly Colvin:&nbsp;"We have worked closely with the CGF and ICC Members over the last year to confirm the qualification process. It’s fantastic that we are supporting opportunities for a Caribbean island and Commonwealth countries ranked outside the top seven to have the chance to qualify for this momentous event. 
&nbsp; 
"It is a watershed moment for our sport as women’s cricket takes centre stage for the first time at the Commonwealth Games. It is a huge opportunity to show the skills, strength and talent of these female athletes to sports fans across the Commonwealth and attract a new audience to continue to break boundaries for a bright future. 
&nbsp; 
"It is hugely exciting for cricket to be a central part of the sports programme where more medals are awarded to female athletes.&nbsp;Cricket will be staged in the heart of Birmingham, which is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong passion for cricket. We expect nothing less from the crowd supporting the women’s teams at Edgbaston."

England captain Heather Knight:&nbsp;"It’s incredibly exciting that we’re going to be taking part in the Commonwealth Games on home soil. It’s an event I’ve often watched and I never really imagined I’d be taking part so it feels really special. 
&nbsp; 
"It’s another fantastic opportunity for the game of cricket, with coverage live on the BBC, and the chance to reach the thousands of fans who like attending multi-discipline events. 
&nbsp; 
"We can’t wait to be in Birmingham amongst all the other athletes, and we’re counting down towards 2022 – it’s going to be a huge year for us and for women’s cricket in general."

Australia captain Meg Lanning:&nbsp;"The women’s game has gone to another level over the past few years and its inclusion at the Commonwealth Games is a huge opportunity to take it further.

"The announcement of the schedule and qualifying process is an exciting milestone and one that will no doubt create plenty of excitement among players across the globe.

"Winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in front of a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was absolutely incredible but we’re now looking to the future with some amazing events and challenges on the horizon including the Birmingham 2022&nbsp;Commonwealth Games."

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur:&nbsp;"The inclusion of cricket at the Commonwealth Games is huge for all players and the game in general.

"Representing your country in a multi-discipline event is a different challenge and with it comes the responsibility of being emissaries of the game since it can get us new followers and fans. 
&nbsp; 
"I hope to be there at the games and wish that it is a great success with some engrossing matches and high quality of cricket."

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the qualification process for cricket, which makes a historic appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from 28 July to 8 August.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the qualification process for cricket, which makes a historic appearance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from 28 July to 8 August. In what is seen as a huge opportunity to turbo-charge the growth of the game, and take it to new fans, women’s cricket will be a part of the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever, and it will only be the second time that cricket will feature in it after a men’s competition was part of the Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. The qualification process announced on Wednesday grants hosts England one spot while six other highest-ranked ICC Members in the CC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of 1 April 2021 also qualify directly for the eight-team tournament, which will be held in a city that has an iconic cricket venue in Edgbaston. ALSO READ: First time in 16 years! England confirm Pakistan tour in 2021 The remaining place will be allocated to the winner of a Commonwealth Games Qualifier, the format and details of which will be announced in due course. The deadline for the Qualifier is 31 January 2022. Since athletes from the Caribbean will be representing their countries and not the West Indies (as they are affiliated with the ICC), the winner of a designated qualifying tournament will decide which country gets to compete if the West Indies get a slot. CGF President Dame Louise Martin and ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney emphasized on the potential of cricket in the Commonwealth Games while captains of leading teams said they were thrilled at the prospect of women’s cricket featuring in the Games. ALSO READ: BCCI announces new official kit sponsor for Indian cricket team ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: "Cricket at the Commonwealth Games is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue to grow the women’s game globally. We are committed to accelerating this growth and maintaining the momentum we have created over the past few years, which most recently saw 86,174 fans packed into the MCG for the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. "I thank the Commonwealth Games Federation for their support and for making this possible. We share with them the vision of greater equality, fairness and opportunity in sport and I am sure Birmingham 2022 will go a long way towards us achieving our common objectives." Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin: "We are absolutely delighted to have women’s T20 cricket debut at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. "Cricket has always been one of the Commonwealth’s most popular sports and it is so special to have it back at our Games for the first time since the men’s competition at Kuala Lumpur 1998, where true greats of the game including Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Sachin Tendulkar were on show. Now is the turn of the women and I can’t wait to see the next generation of stars like Heather Knight, Harmanpreet Kaur and Meg Lanning take centre stage. "Birmingham 2022 will be a fantastic showcase for the women’s game and the unveiling of the qualification criteria today is an exciting and important milestone as we head towards what will be a spectacular competition at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium." ICC Women’s Cricket Manager Holly Colvin: "We have worked closely with the CGF and ICC Members over the last year to confirm the qualification process. It’s fantastic that we are supporting opportunities for a Caribbean island and Commonwealth countries ranked outside the top seven to have the chance to qualify for this momentous event. "It is a watershed moment for our sport as women’s cricket takes centre stage for the first time at the Commonwealth Games. It is a huge opportunity to show the skills, strength and talent of these female athletes to sports fans across the Commonwealth and attract a new audience to continue to break boundaries for a bright future. "It is hugely exciting for cricket to be a central part of the sports programme where more medals are awarded to female athletes. Cricket will be staged in the heart of Birmingham, which is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong passion for cricket. We expect nothing less from the crowd supporting the women’s teams at Edgbaston." England captain Heather Knight: "It’s incredibly exciting that we’re going to be taking part in the Commonwealth Games on home soil. It’s an event I’ve often watched and I never really imagined I’d be taking part so it feels really special. "It’s another fantastic opportunity for the game of cricket, with coverage live on the BBC, and the chance to reach the thousands of fans who like attending multi-discipline events. "We can’t wait to be in Birmingham amongst all the other athletes, and we’re counting down towards 2022 – it’s going to be a huge year for us and for women’s cricket in general." Australia captain Meg Lanning: "The women’s game has gone to another level over the past few years and its inclusion at the Commonwealth Games is a huge opportunity to take it further. "The announcement of the schedule and qualifying process is an exciting milestone and one that will no doubt create plenty of excitement among players across the globe. "Winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in front of a record crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was absolutely incredible but we’re now looking to the future with some amazing events and challenges on the horizon including the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games." India captain Harmanpreet Kaur: "The inclusion of cricket at the Commonwealth Games is huge for all players and the game in general. "Representing your country in a multi-discipline event is a different challenge and with it comes the responsibility of being emissaries of the game since it can get us new followers and fans. "I hope to be there at the games and wish that it is a great success with some engrossing matches and high quality of cricket."

Cricket in Commonwealth Games: ICC announces qualification process

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed that England will make their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years to play two T20Is in Karachi on 14 and 15 October.&nbsp;England's&nbsp;tour to Pakistan next October will be for the first time since a 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus.

England will arrive in Karachi on 12 October, and both the sides will depart for India on 16 October for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the end of the series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the tour on Tuesday evening following last month’s invite by the PCB for a short tour in January 2021.

Due to the non-availability of its top stars during that period as they will be busy in international cricket, the ECB proposed the short tour in October in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which was welcomed by the PCB.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chennai-super-kings-become-the-most-tweeted-about-team-during-cricket-season-343849" hreflang="en">Chennai Super Kings become the most Tweeted about team during cricket season</a>

England last toured Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five One-Day Internationals. The subsequent series between the two sides in 2012 and 2015 were played in the United Arab Emirates.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are heading to Pakistan! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇵🇰🏏
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1328986338230759424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/0LYjE5qLQ8">pic.twitter.com/0LYjE5qLQ8</a>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1328986449769869313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-ind-tim-paine-marnus-labuschagne-and-others-airlifted-from-adelaide-to-sydney-after-covid-19-spike-343763" hreflang="en">AUS vs IND: Tim Paine, Marnus Labuschagne and others airlifted from Adelaide to Sydney after COVID-19 spike</a>

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “I am delighted to confirm that England will be touring Pakistan to play two T20Is in October 2021. This will be their first visit to Pakistan for 16 years and will open the door for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season.

“The full-strength England squad will arrive at the backend of our home series against New Zealand. We also expect Australia to visit Pakistan for their FTP commitment in the 2021-22 season, with England returning for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season.

“The October 2021 T20Is will allow the leading England cricketers to access and examine the world-class arrangements we will put together, which will give them further encouragement and confidence to not only return in 2022-23 but also express their interest in the Pakistan Super League, which has grown to become one of the top leagues in the world.

“England’s visit to Pakistan for the 14 and 15 October 2021 T20Is will provide further lift to our passionate fans, both in Pakistan and across the globe. The nation has waited patiently for cricket to return sustainably to Pakistan and the 2021 tours by South Africa, New Zealand and England will only ensure international cricket is played uninterruptedly.

“The enhanced progress made over the last two years has been down to nurturing relationships with various cricket boards and international players, as well as building trust and confidence.

“The ECB’s confirmation further endorses Pakistan as safe and secure. Importantly, this announcement speaks volumes for the relationship that we have with the ECB and I would like to thank the ECB for their strong will and desire to make this short tour a reality.

“England’s visit in 2021 is an outcome of the PCB’s efforts and hard work to ensure Pakistan cricket continues to move in the right direction.”

ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison: “It’s a real pleasure to announce that the England men’s T20I squad will be playing in Pakistan in October 2021. This will be first time since 2005 that an England team has toured Pakistan and, as such, it represents a significant moment for both nations.

“As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with the PCB, and the ECB is delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful nation of passionate cricket fans. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount. We are working closely with the PCB to ensure all the necessary plans are in place, especially concerning the anticipated levels of security around the team, the proposed travel protocols and of course the situation regarding the fast-moving and ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

“The two-match series will serve as ideal preparation for the England team leading into an ICC T20 World Cup taking place in India during October and November 2021.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed that England will make their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years to play two T20Is in Karachi on 14 and 15 October.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday confirmed that England will make their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years to play two T20Is in Karachi on 14 and 15 October. England's tour to Pakistan next October will be for the first time since a 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. England will arrive in Karachi on 12 October, and both the sides will depart for India on 16 October for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the end of the series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the tour on Tuesday evening following last month’s invite by the PCB for a short tour in January 2021. Due to the non-availability of its top stars during that period as they will be busy in international cricket, the ECB proposed the short tour in October in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which was welcomed by the PCB. ALSO READ: Chennai Super Kings become the most Tweeted about team during cricket season England last toured Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five One-Day Internationals. The subsequent series between the two sides in 2012 and 2015 were played in the United Arab Emirates. We are heading to Pakistan! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇵🇰🏏 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 18, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/0LYjE5qLQ8 — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 18, 2020 × ALSO READ: AUS vs IND: Tim Paine, Marnus Labuschagne and others airlifted from Adelaide to Sydney after COVID-19 spike PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “I am delighted to confirm that England will be touring Pakistan to play two T20Is in October 2021. This will be their first visit to Pakistan for 16 years and will open the door for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season. “The full-strength England squad will arrive at the backend of our home series against New Zealand. We also expect Australia to visit Pakistan for their FTP commitment in the 2021-22 season, with England returning for both Test and white-ball tours in the 2022-23 season. “The October 2021 T20Is will allow the leading England cricketers to access and examine the world-class arrangements we will put together, which will give them further encouragement and confidence to not only return in 2022-23 but also express their interest in the Pakistan Super League, which has grown to become one of the top leagues in the world. “England’s visit to Pakistan for the 14 and 15 October 2021 T20Is will provide further lift to our passionate fans, both in Pakistan and across the globe. The nation has waited patiently for cricket to return sustainably to Pakistan and the 2021 tours by South Africa, New Zealand and England will only ensure international cricket is played uninterruptedly. “The enhanced progress made over the last two years has been down to nurturing relationships with various cricket boards and international players, as well as building trust and confidence. “The ECB’s confirmation further endorses Pakistan as safe and secure. Importantly, this announcement speaks volumes for the relationship that we have with the ECB and I would like to thank the ECB for their strong will and desire to make this short tour a reality. “England’s visit in 2021 is an outcome of the PCB’s efforts and hard work to ensure Pakistan cricket continues to move in the right direction.” ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison: “It’s a real pleasure to announce that the England men’s T20I squad will be playing in Pakistan in October 2021. This will be first time since 2005 that an England team has toured Pakistan and, as such, it represents a significant moment for both nations. “As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with the PCB, and the ECB is delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful nation of passionate cricket fans. “As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount. We are working closely with the PCB to ensure all the necessary plans are in place, especially concerning the anticipated levels of security around the team, the proposed travel protocols and of course the situation regarding the fast-moving and ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic. “The two-match series will serve as ideal preparation for the England team leading into an ICC T20 World Cup taking place in India during October and November 2021.”

First time in 16 years! England confirm Pakistan tour in 2021

After 60 matches, packed with thrilling on-field action, played over two months between eight teams, Mumbai Indians emerged as the winners. The team beat Delhi Capitals&nbsp;in the final to win their fifth title. While the table-toppers won the title on-field, Chennai Super Kings were seemingly on everyone’s minds on Twitter as it was&nbsp;the most Tweeted team&nbsp;during the tournament.&nbsp;

While cricket fans couldn’t be in the stadium or even the same room as their friends to watch the matches this year, the roar of cricket enthusiasts was just as resounding on Twitter. The service is the home of cricket conversations in India, and fans turn to it for real-time highlights, to enhance their viewing experience and to feel connected to the game through conversations with other fans.

After a long hiatus because of the pandemic, Indian cricketers got back to the field with the opening game of this league, unsurprisingly making the opening match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings&nbsp;the most Tweeted about match&nbsp;of the season. This was followed by: #MIvSRH&nbsp;(on 4th October) and&nbsp;&nbsp;#MIvDC&nbsp;(the double super over match - played on 18th October).&nbsp;

<img alt="IPL 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="69b8c1c2-7478-44b4-a731-d9b90d3729cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download%20%281%29.png" />

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<h2>The top five Twitter Moments from the season were:&nbsp;</h2>

1.&nbsp;Sep 27, 2020: Nicolas Pooran's gravity-defying catch thrills fans

2.&nbsp;Oct 15, 2020: The Universe Boss is back&nbsp;

3. Sep 24, 2020: KL Rahul registers the highest IPL score by an Indian with his 132*

4.&nbsp;Oct 21, 2020: Mohammed Siraj records two maidens and three wickets&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;Oct 16, 2020: Dinesh Karthik steps down as KKR's skipper and hands the captaincy over to Eoin Morgan

While Virat Kohli was&nbsp;the most Tweeted about player&nbsp;in the league, Chennai Super Kings dominated the Twitter charts by becoming&nbsp;the most Tweeted about the team.&nbsp;

<img alt="IPL 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ec96553-e18f-4173-a7a8-d26d17938a73" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download_0.png" />

<h2>Here are&nbsp;the most Tweeted about teams:</h2>

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets)

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan)

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunrisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers)

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kolkata Knight Riders (@KKRiders)

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals)

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip)

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals)

The Golden Tweet&nbsp;of the season was the Tweet from the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar&nbsp;praising the fielding effort by Kings XI Punjab cricketer Nicholas Pooran during the&nbsp;#RRvKXIP&nbsp;match. The Tweet received over 23K Retweets. Here are&nbsp;the top three most Retweeted Tweets&nbsp;-

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This is the best save I have seen in my life. Simply incredible!! 👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvKXIP</a> <a href="https://t.co/2r7cNZmUaw">pic.twitter.com/2r7cNZmUaw</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1310258625584271361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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How many RTs for Kishan's 99?
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1310638462194786304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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💔 <a href="https://t.co/XD7bi7R36X">pic.twitter.com/XD7bi7R36X</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1312092767854555137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2>The top 10&nbsp;most Tweeted hashtags&nbsp;during the tournament were:</h2>

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#IPL2020

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#Whistlepodu

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#CSK

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#yellove

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#Playbold

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#WhistleFromHome

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#MI

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#MumbaiIndians

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;#onefamily

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;#orangearmy

For cricket lovers, the live-action isn’t over yet. India's tour of Australia is soon coming up, so fans across the globe can follow and join the conversation around the entire tour on Twitter.

After 60 matches, packed with thrilling on-field action, played over two months between eight teams, Mumbai Indians emerged as the winners. The team beat Delhi Capitals in the final to win their fifth title.

After 60 matches, packed with thrilling on-field action, played over two months between eight teams, Mumbai Indians emerged as the winners. The team beat Delhi Capitals in the final to win their fifth title. While the table-toppers won the title on-field, Chennai Super Kings were seemingly on everyone’s minds on Twitter as it was the most Tweeted team during the tournament. While cricket fans couldn’t be in the stadium or even the same room as their friends to watch the matches this year, the roar of cricket enthusiasts was just as resounding on Twitter. The service is the home of cricket conversations in India, and fans turn to it for real-time highlights, to enhance their viewing experience and to feel connected to the game through conversations with other fans. After a long hiatus because of the pandemic, Indian cricketers got back to the field with the opening game of this league, unsurprisingly making the opening match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings the most Tweeted about match of the season. This was followed by: #MIvSRH (on 4th October) and #MIvDC (the double super over match - played on 18th October). TRENDING: In pics: KXIP's short run to Raina: Here are top 5 controversies of IPL 2020 The top five Twitter Moments from the season were: 1. Sep 27, 2020: Nicolas Pooran's gravity-defying catch thrills fans 2. Oct 15, 2020: The Universe Boss is back 3. Sep 24, 2020: KL Rahul registers the highest IPL score by an Indian with his 132* 4. Oct 21, 2020: Mohammed Siraj records two maidens and three wickets 5. Oct 16, 2020: Dinesh Karthik steps down as KKR's skipper and hands the captaincy over to Eoin Morgan While Virat Kohli was the most Tweeted about player in the league, Chennai Super Kings dominated the Twitter charts by becoming the most Tweeted about the team. Here are the most Tweeted about teams: 1. Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 2. Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) 3. Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) 4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) 5. Kolkata Knight Riders (@KKRiders) 6. Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) 7. Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) 8. Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) The Golden Tweet of the season was the Tweet from the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar praising the fielding effort by Kings XI Punjab cricketer Nicholas Pooran during the #RRvKXIP match. The Tweet received over 23K Retweets. Here are the top three most Retweeted Tweets - This is the best save I have seen in my life. Simply incredible!! 👍#IPL2020 #RRvKXIP pic.twitter.com/2r7cNZmUaw — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 27, 2020 × How many RTs for Kishan's 99? — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) September 28, 2020 × 💔 pic.twitter.com/XD7bi7R36X — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 2, 2020 × The top 10 most Tweeted hashtags during the tournament were: 1. #IPL2020 2. #Whistlepodu 3. #CSK 4. #yellove 5. #Playbold 6. #WhistleFromHome 7. #MI 8. #MumbaiIndians 9. #onefamily 10. #orangearmy For cricket lovers, the live-action isn’t over yet. India's tour of Australia is soon coming up, so fans across the globe can follow and join the conversation around the entire tour on Twitter.

Chennai Super Kings become the most Tweeted about team during cricket season

The crisis engulfing South African cricket was seemingly averted on Monday as the interim board of the country's governing body looked set to be appointed hours before England were due to fly to Cape Town for a limited overs tour.

Judge Zak Yacoob, chairman of the interim board of Cricket South Africa (CSA), said in a message sent to reporters that the body's members' council had made the decision to recognise the board after a weekend of uncertainty.

Yacoob said that the decision had been made on Monday afternoon and that there would be a meeting between the members' council –- representing the presidents of South Africa's provincial unions –- and the interim board on Monday evening.

Contacted by AFP, there was no immediate confirmation from CSA.

Yacoob's remarks followed a weekend of uncertainty during which the members' council reportedly initially refused to bow to pressure from sports minister Nathi Mthethwa, who has the power to withdraw government recognition of CSA as the controlling body of cricket in South Africa.

Mthethwa threatened to intervene directly unless the council reversed a decision, announced last Thursday, not to recognise the interim board.

Government interference would jeopardise South Africa's standing in the International Cricket Council, potentially putting international tours at risk, although it was reported locally that the England and Wales Cricket Board had been assured that the crisis would not affect the England tour.

The England team were due to fly to Cape Town on Monday evening for three Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals, starting on November 27.

The interim board was appointed last month after all the elected board members, including some who remain on the members’ council, resigned.&nbsp;

Their resignations brought to a climax a year of turmoil in the administration of South African cricket.

The crisis engulfing South African cricket was seemingly averted on Monday as the interim board of the country's governing body looked set to be appointed hours before England were due to fly to Cape Town for a limited overs tour.

The crisis engulfing South African cricket was seemingly averted on Monday as the interim board of the country's governing body looked set to be appointed hours before England were due to fly to Cape Town for a limited overs tour. Judge Zak Yacoob, chairman of the interim board of Cricket South Africa (CSA), said in a message sent to reporters that the body's members' council had made the decision to recognise the board after a weekend of uncertainty. Yacoob said that the decision had been made on Monday afternoon and that there would be a meeting between the members' council –- representing the presidents of South Africa's provincial unions –- and the interim board on Monday evening. Contacted by AFP, there was no immediate confirmation from CSA. Yacoob's remarks followed a weekend of uncertainty during which the members' council reportedly initially refused to bow to pressure from sports minister Nathi Mthethwa, who has the power to withdraw government recognition of CSA as the controlling body of cricket in South Africa. Mthethwa threatened to intervene directly unless the council reversed a decision, announced last Thursday, not to recognise the interim board. Government interference would jeopardise South Africa's standing in the International Cricket Council, potentially putting international tours at risk, although it was reported locally that the England and Wales Cricket Board had been assured that the crisis would not affect the England tour. The England team were due to fly to Cape Town on Monday evening for three Twenty20 internationals and three one-day internationals, starting on November 27. The interim board was appointed last month after all the elected board members, including some who remain on the members’ council, resigned. Their resignations brought to a climax a year of turmoil in the administration of South African cricket.

South African cricket crisis nears end as board set to be appointed

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