<p>Former president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – N Srinivasan – has revealed how he chipped in to save MS Dhoni from getting removed as the captain of Indian team in 2011/12. Srinivasan’s latest revelations come in after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320826">Dhoni announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on August 15, 2020</a> after enjoying a trophy-laded career spanning over 16 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Dhoni has spectacularly led India to World Cup win in 2011, Team India’s performance in Test cricket left the selectors unimpressed and they decided to sack Dhoni as captain after whitewashes in Test series in England and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Srinivasan chipped in and returned from his holiday to save the swashbuckling glovesman as the skipper of Indian team. Srinivasan was left stunned to hear that the selectors were thinking of removing him as ODI captain despite India lifting the World Cup in April 2011.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-and-i-hugged-and-cried-a-lot-after-announcing-retirement-suresh-raina-321124" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni and I hugged and cried a lot after announcing retirement: Suresh Raina</a></strong></p>

<p>“This was 2011. India had won the World Cup. And (then) in Australia, we didn’t do well in the Tests. So, one of the selectors wanted to remove him (Dhoni) as the ODI captain. The point is, how do you remove him as the ODI captain? He had won the World Cup (in April 2011)," Srinivasan told Indian Express.</p>

<p>"They (selectors) had not even thought of who would be his replacement. There was a discussion and then (before the formal meeting) I said there was no way in which he would not be a player (captain).</p>

<p>"In fact, it was a holiday. I was playing golf. I came back. Sanjay Jagdale was the (BCCI) secretary at that time and he said, 'Sir, they (selectors]) are refusing to choose the captain. They will take him [Dhoni] in the team [as a player].' I came and said that MS Dhoni would be the captain. I exercised all my authority as the (BCCI) president," he added.</p>

<p>Reflecting back at the decision, Srinivasan said he was glad he stood his ground. As per old constitution of the BCCI, team selectors needed a final approval from the board president. However, after Lodha reforms, the chief selector holds the right to give the final nod in selection matters.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-retires-sachin-tendulkar-recalls-best-moment-of-his-life-while-playing-with-msd-320837" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni retires: Sachin Tendulkar recalls best moment of his life while playing with MSD</a></strong></p>

<p>“See, there was apparently some prejudice somewhere, which reflected. He (Dhoni) has won the World Cup for you. After 1983, India won it again and you say, ‘I don’t want him to be the ODI captain’! Left to them (selectors), they might have (dropped him as a player). I don’t know. I think that was the most unfair (move) and I am glad that I stood my ground,” Srinivasan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Dhoni will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings and will be seen in action from September 19.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – N Srinivasan – has revealed how he chipped in to save MS Dhoni from getting removed as the captain of Indian team in 2011/12.

Former president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – N Srinivasan – has revealed how he chipped in to save MS Dhoni from getting removed as the captain of Indian team in 2011/12. Srinivasan’s latest revelations come in after Dhoni announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on August 15, 2020 after enjoying a trophy-laded career spanning over 16 years. While Dhoni has spectacularly led India to World Cup win in 2011, Team India’s performance in Test cricket left the selectors unimpressed and they decided to sack Dhoni as captain after whitewashes in Test series in England and Australia. However, Srinivasan chipped in and returned from his holiday to save the swashbuckling glovesman as the skipper of Indian team. Srinivasan was left stunned to hear that the selectors were thinking of removing him as ODI captain despite India lifting the World Cup in April 2011. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni and I hugged and cried a lot after announcing retirement: Suresh Raina “This was 2011. India had won the World Cup. And (then) in Australia, we didn’t do well in the Tests. So, one of the selectors wanted to remove him (Dhoni) as the ODI captain. The point is, how do you remove him as the ODI captain? He had won the World Cup (in April 2011)," Srinivasan told Indian Express. "They (selectors) had not even thought of who would be his replacement. There was a discussion and then (before the formal meeting) I said there was no way in which he would not be a player (captain). "In fact, it was a holiday. I was playing golf. I came back. Sanjay Jagdale was the (BCCI) secretary at that time and he said, 'Sir, they (selectors]) are refusing to choose the captain. They will take him [Dhoni] in the team [as a player].' I came and said that MS Dhoni would be the captain. I exercised all my authority as the (BCCI) president," he added. Reflecting back at the decision, Srinivasan said he was glad he stood his ground. As per old constitution of the BCCI, team selectors needed a final approval from the board president. However, after Lodha reforms, the chief selector holds the right to give the final nod in selection matters. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni retires: Sachin Tendulkar recalls best moment of his life while playing with MSD “See, there was apparently some prejudice somewhere, which reflected. He (Dhoni) has won the World Cup for you. After 1983, India won it again and you say, ‘I don’t want him to be the ODI captain’! Left to them (selectors), they might have (dropped him as a player). I don’t know. I think that was the most unfair (move) and I am glad that I stood my ground,” Srinivasan said. Meanwhile, Dhoni will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings and will be seen in action from September 19.

How N Srinivasan stopped selectors from sacking MS Dhoni as captain

<p>Both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina on Saturday announced their retirement from all forms of international cricket – a decision that came as a massive surprise to the cricket fraternity. While it was Dhoni, who called it quits from the gentlemen’s game first, Raina – one of Dhoni’s most trusted personnel – followed the footsteps of the former Indian captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raina has now revealed what went through behind the scenes before and after the duo hanged their boots from international cricket. Interestingly, Raina and Dhoni have not shared just the Indian dressing room but has been a part of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings for long.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raina said that he knew Dhoni would announce his retirement after reaching Chennai and hence, he was ready with his call as well. The southpaw further revealed that after announcing retirement, they both hugged and cried a lot and partied in the night.</p>

<p>“I knew Dhoni would announce his retirement upon reaching Chennai, so I was ready. I, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar and Karn Sharma reached Ranchi on 14th with the chartered plane, and picked up Mahi bhai and Monu Singh,” Raina told Dainik Jagran.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/witty-classy-cool-relive-some-of-the-best-quotes-from-ms-dhoni-320847">Witty, classy, cool: Relive some of the best quotes from MS Dhoni</a></strong></p>

<p>“After announcing our retirement, we hugged and cried a lot. I, Piyush, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Karn sat together after that, talked about our careers and our relationship. We partied during the night,” Raina added.</p>

<p>The former Indian cricketer said that they both had decided to announce their retirement on August 15 as it was 73 years since India attained Independence. Notably, Dhoni’s jersey was 7 while Raina donned no. three and the duo decided it was a good occasion to call it quits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired," Dhoni posted on Instagram.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hinterland-to-centrestage-dhoni-ends-journey-with-enigma-intact-321107" hreflang="en">Hinterland to centrestage, Dhoni ends journey with enigma intact</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CD6ZQn1lGBi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2020-08-15T14:01:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT</time></p>
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<p>"It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!" tweeted Raina.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6d3QChY-V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sureshraina3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Suresh Raina</a> (@sureshraina3) on <time datetime="2020-08-15T14:36:33+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 15, 2020 at 7:36am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The duo won’t be seen in Indian jersey anymore but will continue to entertain cricket lovers in IPL.&nbsp;<br />
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Both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina on Saturday announced their retirement from all forms of international cricket – a decision that came as a massive surprise to the cricket fraternity.

Both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina on Saturday announced their retirement from all forms of international cricket – a decision that came as a massive surprise to the cricket fraternity. While it was Dhoni, who called it quits from the gentlemen’s game first, Raina – one of Dhoni’s most trusted personnel – followed the footsteps of the former Indian captain. Raina has now revealed what went through behind the scenes before and after the duo hanged their boots from international cricket. Interestingly, Raina and Dhoni have not shared just the Indian dressing room but has been a part of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings for long. Raina said that he knew Dhoni would announce his retirement after reaching Chennai and hence, he was ready with his call as well. The southpaw further revealed that after announcing retirement, they both hugged and cried a lot and partied in the night. “I knew Dhoni would announce his retirement upon reaching Chennai, so I was ready. I, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar and Karn Sharma reached Ranchi on 14th with the chartered plane, and picked up Mahi bhai and Monu Singh,” Raina told Dainik Jagran. IN PICS | Witty, classy, cool: Relive some of the best quotes from MS Dhoni “After announcing our retirement, we hugged and cried a lot. I, Piyush, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Karn sat together after that, talked about our careers and our relationship. We partied during the night,” Raina added. The former Indian cricketer said that they both had decided to announce their retirement on August 15 as it was 73 years since India attained Independence. Notably, Dhoni’s jersey was 7 while Raina donned no. three and the duo decided it was a good occasion to call it quits. "Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired," Dhoni posted on Instagram. ALSO READ: Hinterland to centrestage, Dhoni ends journey with enigma intact View this post on Instagram Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT × "It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!" tweeted Raina. View this post on Instagram It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:36am PDT × The duo won’t be seen in Indian jersey anymore but will continue to entertain cricket lovers in IPL.

MS Dhoni and I hugged and cried a lot after announcing retirement: Suresh Raina

<p>MS Dhoni on Saturday (15 August 2020) hanged his boots from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post an emotional video as he bid adieu to international cricket in what can be termed as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting the sport. A legendary character in world cricket, Dhoni is regarded as one of the finest captains and wicket-keepers to have played international cricket. Reactions started to flood in as soon as Dhoni's post on Instagram went viral in seconds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you've gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more. What you've done for the country will always remain in everyone's heart......but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you @msdhoni," Kohli tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you 👏🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1294662979095470090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni," wrote Ravichandran Ashwin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320826" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The legend retires in his own style as always, <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a></p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1294645155182645249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's true, isn't it? 💔😢<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniRetires</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> | 📸 - ICC <a href="https://t.co/rxboYxIv0I">pic.twitter.com/rxboYxIv0I</a></p>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1294646240282476545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Always Carefree...never careless. Understood the importance of ‘moments’ but never got overawed by them. Redefined wicket keeping....mastered the art of finishing. An end of an era. MSD, one of the finest the world has seen. Or will ever see. Go well 🙌🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a></p>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1294644790726819841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After 538 appearances, 17266 runs, 16 x 💯, 108 half-centuries, and 829 electric⚡dismissals from behind the stumps, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> bids goodbye to international <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cricket</a><br />
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Thank you, পুরো দেশ তোমায় ভালবাসে 🚁🇮🇳💜<br />
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We still meeting at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> though! 😎🙌🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniRetires</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/GxRKl70yez">pic.twitter.com/GxRKl70yez</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1294645847389437952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> on an incredible career. T20, ODI WC 🏆 winning captain and took India to No 1 Test team in the world. A man who grafted hard to get to the top and proceeded to keep us on the edge of our seats. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a></p>
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) <a href="https://twitter.com/isaguha/status/1294644344692113408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni, who has stayed away from media limelight,&nbsp;played his last match for Team India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and his retirement will be remembered as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting international cricket.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mahendra Singh Dhoni retires from international cricket. The story of cricket will never be complete without him. Video tribute coming up shortly. What a legend! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniRetires</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mahendrasinghdhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mahendrasinghdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/iFdFdHulRX">pic.twitter.com/iFdFdHulRX</a></p>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1294654480286392320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not an azaadi cricket lovers wanted from.<br />
Thank you for the innumerable memories together and wish you a great and equally inspiring life ahead. <a href="https://t.co/WtT0Xd3A8H">https://t.co/WtT0Xd3A8H</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1294650981699866627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our captain cool retires from International cricket today, bringing an era to an end. Undoubtedly the champion of champions and an incredible human being. You will be missed <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> bhaiya. Thank you for all the memories. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a></p>
— Rahul Chahar (@rdchahar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/rdchahar1/status/1294646709201469440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So sorry to hear that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/msdhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#msdhoni</a> retired half an hour ago. A true giant of the game, India's finest wicketkeeper-batsman &amp; a transformative captain, he left a stamp on Indian cricket that defined an era. March on, Dhoniji. There will be other peaks to climb. <a href="https://t.co/Y4r8FBCO92">https://t.co/Y4r8FBCO92</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1294646477726167041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Legend retires !!!<br />
The man who made history !!<br />
One of the best captain in world cricket !<br />
The best keeper in world !!!<br />
What an epic career and class records !!!<br />
Bow !<br />
15.08.2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/NuLoFOe86Y">pic.twitter.com/NuLoFOe86Y</a></p>
— Aju Varghese (@AjuVarghesee) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjuVarghesee/status/1294646442305507329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test cricket (90 matches) at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries but it was the shorter formats of the game where the world witnessed the best of his talent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 350 ODIs, Dhoni smashed 10,773 runs at an incredible average of 50.57 with 10 tons and 73 half-centuries to his name. In 98 T20Is, he hammered 1617 runs at a strike-rate of 126.13 in what has been a dream ride for Dhoni and Team India.</p>


MS Dhoni on Saturday (15 August 2020) hanged his boots from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post an emotional video as he bid adieu to international cricket in what can be termed as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting the sport.

MS Dhoni on Saturday (15 August 2020) hanged his boots from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post an emotional video as he bid adieu to international cricket in what can be termed as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting the sport. A legendary character in world cricket, Dhoni is regarded as one of the finest captains and wicket-keepers to have played international cricket. Reactions started to flood in as soon as Dhoni's post on Instagram went viral in seconds. "Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you've gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more. What you've done for the country will always remain in everyone's heart......but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you @msdhoni," Kohli tweeted. but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you 👏🇮🇳 @msdhoni — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020 × "The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni," wrote Ravichandran Ashwin. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 15, 2020 × It's true, isn't it? 💔😢#DhoniRetires | #MSDhoni | 📸 - ICC pic.twitter.com/rxboYxIv0I — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 15, 2020 × Always Carefree...never careless. Understood the importance of ‘moments’ but never got overawed by them. Redefined wicket keeping....mastered the art of finishing. An end of an era. MSD, one of the finest the world has seen. Or will ever see. Go well 🙌🙏 #MSDhoni — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2020 × After 538 appearances, 17266 runs, 16 x 💯, 108 half-centuries, and 829 electric⚡dismissals from behind the stumps, #MSDhoni bids goodbye to international #cricket Thank you, পুরো দেশ তোমায় ভালবাসে 🚁🇮🇳💜 We still meeting at #IPL2020 though! 😎🙌🏼#DhoniRetires #ThankYouDhoni pic.twitter.com/GxRKl70yez — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 15, 2020 × Congratulations @msdhoni on an incredible career. T20, ODI WC 🏆 winning captain and took India to No 1 Test team in the world. A man who grafted hard to get to the top and proceeded to keep us on the edge of our seats. #MSDhoni — Isa Guha (@isaguha) August 15, 2020 × Dhoni, who has stayed away from media limelight, played his last match for Team India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and his retirement will be remembered as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting international cricket. Mahendra Singh Dhoni retires from international cricket. The story of cricket will never be complete without him. Video tribute coming up shortly. What a legend! #DhoniRetires #mahendrasinghdhoni pic.twitter.com/iFdFdHulRX — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 15, 2020 × Not an azaadi cricket lovers wanted from. Thank you for the innumerable memories together and wish you a great and equally inspiring life ahead. https://t.co/WtT0Xd3A8H — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 15, 2020 × Our captain cool retires from International cricket today, bringing an era to an end. Undoubtedly the champion of champions and an incredible human being. You will be missed @msdhoni bhaiya. Thank you for all the memories. #MSDhoni — Rahul Chahar (@rdchahar1) August 15, 2020 × So sorry to hear that #msdhoni retired half an hour ago. A true giant of the game, India's finest wicketkeeper-batsman & a transformative captain, he left a stamp on Indian cricket that defined an era. March on, Dhoniji. There will be other peaks to climb. https://t.co/Y4r8FBCO92 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 15, 2020 × Legend retires !!! The man who made history !! One of the best captain in world cricket ! The best keeper in world !!! What an epic career and class records !!! Bow ! 15.08.2020 #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/NuLoFOe86Y — Aju Varghese (@AjuVarghesee) August 15, 2020 × Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test cricket (90 matches) at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries but it was the shorter formats of the game where the world witnessed the best of his talent. In 350 ODIs, Dhoni smashed 10,773 runs at an incredible average of 50.57 with 10 tons and 73 half-centuries to his name. In 98 T20Is, he hammered 1617 runs at a strike-rate of 126.13 in what has been a dream ride for Dhoni and Team India.

'Thank you MS Dhoni' - Reactions flood in as MSD announces retirement from international cricket

MS Dhoni announces retirement! Check out some of his coolest records

<p>MS Dhoni on Saturday (August 15 2020) dropped a massive surprise as ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to micro-blogging platform Instagram to call it quits from international cricket. While reactions flooded in from all corners of the world, there was a special congratulatory message from ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tendulkar, who fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup, took to Twitter as he thanked Dhoni for his immense contribution to Indian cricket while recalling that lifting the ICC World Cup 2011 was the best moment of his life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings,” Tendulkar tweeted soon after Dhoni announced his retirement on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thank-you-ms-dhoni-reactions-flood-in-as-msd-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320827" hreflang="en">'Thank you MS Dhoni' - Reactions flood in as MSD announces retirement from international cricket</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a>. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings. <a href="https://t.co/5lRYyPFXcp">pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1294649330092003329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was under Dhoni’s leadership in which India lifted the World T20 in 2007 and ICC World Cup 2011. While Tendulkar was not part of the World T20 side, the Master Blaster lifted the coveted trophy in front of his home crowd at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320828" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina announces retirement from international cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>Dhoni led his troops with uttermost composure and even promoted himself ahead of an in-form Yuvraj Singh in the final of the 2011 World Cup to negate the threat posed by Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Dhoni ended up with an unbeaten 97 in the summit clash against the Lankans while finishing the match with a mammoth six over long-on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket will forever be remembered as he is the sole captain to lift all the major ICC trophies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Indian cricketer will continue to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) and will be seen in action from September 19 in the 13th edition of the tournament.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


MS Dhoni on Saturday (August 15 2020) dropped a massive surprise as ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to micro-blogging platform Instagram to call it quits from international cricket.

MS Dhoni on Saturday (August 15 2020) dropped a massive surprise as ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to micro-blogging platform Instagram to call it quits from international cricket. While reactions flooded in from all corners of the world, there was a special congratulatory message from ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar, who fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup, took to Twitter as he thanked Dhoni for his immense contribution to Indian cricket while recalling that lifting the ICC World Cup 2011 was the best moment of his life. “Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings,” Tendulkar tweeted soon after Dhoni announced his retirement on Instagram. ALSO READ: 'Thank you MS Dhoni' - Reactions flood in as MSD announces retirement from international cricket Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020 × It was under Dhoni’s leadership in which India lifted the World T20 in 2007 and ICC World Cup 2011. While Tendulkar was not part of the World T20 side, the Master Blaster lifted the coveted trophy in front of his home crowd at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina announces retirement from international cricket Dhoni led his troops with uttermost composure and even promoted himself ahead of an in-form Yuvraj Singh in the final of the 2011 World Cup to negate the threat posed by Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Dhoni ended up with an unbeaten 97 in the summit clash against the Lankans while finishing the match with a mammoth six over long-on. Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket will forever be remembered as he is the sole captain to lift all the major ICC trophies. The former Indian cricketer will continue to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) and will be seen in action from September 19 in the 13th edition of the tournament.

MS Dhoni retires: Sachin Tendulkar recalls best moment of his life while playing with MSD

<p>Suresh Raina on Saturday (August 15 2020) announced his retirement from international cricket moments after MS Dhoni hanged his boots. Raina took to social media platform Instagram to post a message for Dhoni on his retirement as he also announced that he will be joining his Chennai Super Kings skipper in this journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!," Raina wrote on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6d3QChY-V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sureshraina3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Suresh Raina</a> (@sureshraina3) on <time datetime="2020-08-15T14:36:33+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 15, 2020 at 7:36am PDT</time></p>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320826" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>Raina has been an exemplary servant of the game for Team India as he established himself as one of the potent middle-order batsmen and one of the finest fielders to have played for the Men in Blue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 226 ODIs, Raina compiled 5616 runs at an average of 35.31 with five centuries and 36 half-centuries to his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In T20Is, the southpaw played 78 matches while scoring 1605 runs with one ton and five centuries as he remains one of the few to have notched a century in all formats of the game.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And today marks the completion of '73' years of Indian Independence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniRetires</a> 💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RainaRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RainaRetires</a> 💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> 🦁🦁</p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1294650738535067650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Raina last played for India&nbsp;on July 17, 2018 against England in the Leeds ODI. Over the course of his career, Dhoni used him as a part-time off-spinner but steadily Raina became a handy wicket-taker off-spinner for the Men in Blue. While he has tried his best to make a comeback to international cricket, national selectors seemed to have moved forward to the next generation. Injuries also didn't help his case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like Dhoni, Raina will also continue to take the field for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League and will be seen playing for the three-time IPL winners in the 13th edition of the tournament starting September 19 in the UAE.</p>

<p><b>More to follow...</b></p>


Suresh Raina on Saturday (August 15 2020) announced his retirement from international cricket moments after MS Dhoni hanged his boots. Raina took to social media platform Instagram to post a message for Dhoni on his retirement as he also announced that he will be joining his Chennai Super Kings skipper in this journey.

Suresh Raina on Saturday (August 15 2020) announced his retirement from international cricket moments after MS Dhoni hanged his boots. Raina took to social media platform Instagram to post a message for Dhoni on his retirement as he also announced that he will be joining his Chennai Super Kings skipper in this journey. "It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!," Raina wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:36am PDT × ALSO READ: MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket Raina has been an exemplary servant of the game for Team India as he established himself as one of the potent middle-order batsmen and one of the finest fielders to have played for the Men in Blue. In 226 ODIs, Raina compiled 5616 runs at an average of 35.31 with five centuries and 36 half-centuries to his name. In T20Is, the southpaw played 78 matches while scoring 1605 runs with one ton and five centuries as he remains one of the few to have notched a century in all formats of the game. And today marks the completion of '73' years of Indian Independence. #DhoniRetires 💔 #RainaRetires 💔 #WhistlePodu 🦁🦁 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 15, 2020 × Raina last played for India on July 17, 2018 against England in the Leeds ODI. Over the course of his career, Dhoni used him as a part-time off-spinner but steadily Raina became a handy wicket-taker off-spinner for the Men in Blue. While he has tried his best to make a comeback to international cricket, national selectors seemed to have moved forward to the next generation. Injuries also didn't help his case. Like Dhoni, Raina will also continue to take the field for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League and will be seen playing for the three-time IPL winners in the 13th edition of the tournament starting September 19 in the UAE. More to follow...

Suresh Raina announces retirement from international cricket

<p>Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni on Saturday, August 15 2020, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional video with photographs from his journey with the Indian team while leaving a heartfelt caption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support thorughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as retired" - Dhoni captioned the video on his Instagram handle.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CD6ZQn1lGBi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2020-08-15T14:01:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT</time></p>
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<p>It is truly an end of an era in Indian cricket as the only skipper who won all the major ICC trophies hangs his boot from international cricket. It was under Dhoni's leadership when India ended their long wait for World Cup since winning it last in 1983 and lifted the coveted trophy in 2011 at the iconic Wankhede. Under Dhoni, India also won the World T20 in 2007 where he led a young team to win the tournament against all odds.</p>

<p>Dhoni's stay with Team India will always be remembered for his calm captaincy as he earned the term 'captain cool'. While he finished uncountable matches for the Men in Blue with his incredible hitting in the death overs, his tendancy to take the game deep earned his plaudits from all corners of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test cricket (90 matches) at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries but it was the shorter formats of the game where the world witnessed the best of his talent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 350 ODIs, Dhoni smashed 10,773 runs at an incredible average of 50.57 with 10 tons and 73 half-centuries to his name. In 98 T20Is, he hammered 1617 runs at a strike-rate of 126.13 in what has been a dream ride for Dhoni and Team India.</p>

<p>Dhoni, who has stayed away from media limelight,&nbsp;played his last match for Team India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and his retirement will be remembered as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting international cricket. However, he will continue to don the yellow jersey for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni on Saturday, August 15 2020, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional video with photographs from his journey with the Indian team while leaving a heartfelt caption.

Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni on Saturday, August 15 2020, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional video with photographs from his journey with the Indian team while leaving a heartfelt caption. "Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support thorughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as retired" - Dhoni captioned the video on his Instagram handle. View this post on Instagram Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT × It is truly an end of an era in Indian cricket as the only skipper who won all the major ICC trophies hangs his boot from international cricket. It was under Dhoni's leadership when India ended their long wait for World Cup since winning it last in 1983 and lifted the coveted trophy in 2011 at the iconic Wankhede. Under Dhoni, India also won the World T20 in 2007 where he led a young team to win the tournament against all odds. Dhoni's stay with Team India will always be remembered for his calm captaincy as he earned the term 'captain cool'. While he finished uncountable matches for the Men in Blue with his incredible hitting in the death overs, his tendancy to take the game deep earned his plaudits from all corners of the world. Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test cricket (90 matches) at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries but it was the shorter formats of the game where the world witnessed the best of his talent. In 350 ODIs, Dhoni smashed 10,773 runs at an incredible average of 50.57 with 10 tons and 73 half-centuries to his name. In 98 T20Is, he hammered 1617 runs at a strike-rate of 126.13 in what has been a dream ride for Dhoni and Team India. Dhoni, who has stayed away from media limelight, played his last match for Team India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and his retirement will be remembered as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting international cricket. However, he will continue to don the yellow jersey for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League.

MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket

<p>Pakistan opener Abid Ali scored a half-century but England’s seam bowlers used the muggy conditions to their advantage to restrict the tourists to 126 for five at the close of a rain-hit opening day of the second test at the Rose Bowl on Thursday.</p>

<p>The tourists chose to bat first and were fortunate not to lose more wickets as the bounce, movement off the seam and swing through the air in hot, overcast conditions was perfectly suited to England’s experienced seam attack.</p>

<p>Babar Azam (25 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (4 not out) will resume on the second morning, seeking to rescue the innings in their bid to rebound from a three-wicket loss in the first test.</p>

<p>Abid (60) was twice dropped at second slip as he rode his luck, before finally being snatched by Rory Burns in that position off the bowling of left-arm seamer Sam Curran, who came into the England side in the place of Jofra Archer.</p>

<p>Burns also caught visiting captain Azhar Ali (20) from the bowling of James Anderson (2-35), who had earlier trapped centurion from the first test, Shan Masood (1), leg before wicket.</p>

<p>The slip-catching practice continued as Asad Shafiq (5) was well taken low down by Dom Sibley off Stuart Broad.</p>

<p>Batsman Fawad Alam (0) had waited almost 11 years since his previous test innings, but lasted only four balls before Chris Woakes made it a return to forget with another lbw decision that was given on review by the television umpire.</p>

<p>Pakistan were saved further loss of wickets with the conditions firmly in favour of the bowlers when the players left the field after more rain with only 45.4 overs bowled in the day.</p>

<p>This time it was for good as lightening lit up the gloomy evening sky.</p>

<p>England had earlier recalled batsman Zac Crawley for all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has withdrawn from the remainder of the three-match series for personal reasons.</p>


Pakistan opener Abid Ali scored a half-century but England’s seam bowlers used the muggy conditions to their advantage to restrict the tourists to 126 for five at the close of a rain-hit opening day of the second test at the Rose Bowl on Thursday.

Pakistan opener Abid Ali scored a half-century but England’s seam bowlers used the muggy conditions to their advantage to restrict the tourists to 126 for five at the close of a rain-hit opening day of the second test at the Rose Bowl on Thursday. The tourists chose to bat first and were fortunate not to lose more wickets as the bounce, movement off the seam and swing through the air in hot, overcast conditions was perfectly suited to England’s experienced seam attack. Babar Azam (25 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (4 not out) will resume on the second morning, seeking to rescue the innings in their bid to rebound from a three-wicket loss in the first test. Abid (60) was twice dropped at second slip as he rode his luck, before finally being snatched by Rory Burns in that position off the bowling of left-arm seamer Sam Curran, who came into the England side in the place of Jofra Archer. Burns also caught visiting captain Azhar Ali (20) from the bowling of James Anderson (2-35), who had earlier trapped centurion from the first test, Shan Masood (1), leg before wicket. The slip-catching practice continued as Asad Shafiq (5) was well taken low down by Dom Sibley off Stuart Broad. Batsman Fawad Alam (0) had waited almost 11 years since his previous test innings, but lasted only four balls before Chris Woakes made it a return to forget with another lbw decision that was given on review by the television umpire. Pakistan were saved further loss of wickets with the conditions firmly in favour of the bowlers when the players left the field after more rain with only 45.4 overs bowled in the day. This time it was for good as lightening lit up the gloomy evening sky. England had earlier recalled batsman Zac Crawley for all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has withdrawn from the remainder of the three-match series for personal reasons.

England on top despite Abid Ali half century for Pakistan

<p>With England and Australia confirming the schedule of the upcoming limited-overs series consisting three ODIs and as many T20Is, some of the players from the two sides are set to miss the first week of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> due to quarantine protocols set by the Board of Control from Cricket in India (BCCI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins are set to miss the initial week of IPL 2020 due to IPL’s COVID-19 testing protocols whereas the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Phillipe, Kane Richardson, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Hazlewood and Andrew Tye will also miss the first week of IPL 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whereas Australia’s senior assistant coach Andrew McDonald has been allowed to join Rajasthan Royals, where he is the head coach and will not be with the Australian team during England tour.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>The limited-overs series between England and Australia commences from September 4 and will end on September 16 just three days before IPL starts in the UAE.</p>

<p>As per IPL’s SOPs, all players have to undergo COVID-19 test at the airport and after that will need to complete a compulsory seven-day quarantine in their hotel. Following that, every player will be tested three times during the week and can start training if the results come negative.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a></strong></p>

<p>While England have not announced the squad, the likes of Eoin Morgan, Tom Banton, Jason Roy, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow are likely to be named in the squad and therefore will be the first week of IPL. Chris Woakes has already pulled out of IPL 2020.</p>

<p>The Indian Premier League (IPL) will commence from September 19 with the final scheduled to be played on November 10.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With England and Australia confirming the schedule of the upcoming limited-overs series consisting three ODIs and as many T20Is, some of the players from the two sides are set to miss the first week of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to quarantine protocols set by the Board of Control from Cricket in India (BCCI).

With England and Australia confirming the schedule of the upcoming limited-overs series consisting three ODIs and as many T20Is, some of the players from the two sides are set to miss the first week of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to quarantine protocols set by the Board of Control from Cricket in India (BCCI). The likes of Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins are set to miss the initial week of IPL 2020 due to IPL’s COVID-19 testing protocols whereas the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Phillipe, Kane Richardson, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Hazlewood and Andrew Tye will also miss the first week of IPL 2020. Whereas Australia’s senior assistant coach Andrew McDonald has been allowed to join Rajasthan Royals, where he is the head coach and will not be with the Australian team during England tour. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell The limited-overs series between England and Australia commences from September 4 and will end on September 16 just three days before IPL starts in the UAE. As per IPL’s SOPs, all players have to undergo COVID-19 test at the airport and after that will need to complete a compulsory seven-day quarantine in their hotel. Following that, every player will be tested three times during the week and can start training if the results come negative. ALSO READ:Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson While England have not announced the squad, the likes of Eoin Morgan, Tom Banton, Jason Roy, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow are likely to be named in the squad and therefore will be the first week of IPL. Chris Woakes has already pulled out of IPL 2020. The Indian Premier League (IPL) will commence from September 19 with the final scheduled to be played on November 10.

From Finch to Maxwell: List of players set to miss first week of IPL 2020

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday announced that The Ageas Bowl and&nbsp;Emirates Old Trafford will host England Men’s white-ball international matches behind closed doors later this summer against Australia.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">The Australian squad will arrive into the UK on 24 August, travelling to Derbyshire’s The Incora County Ground before transferring to The Ageas Bowl after England’s third Test match against Pakistan on 27 August.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Australia will play a 50-over intra-squad practice game and three T20 practice matches before the start of the three-match T20I&nbsp;series against England commencing on 4 September at The Ageas Bowl. The Southampton venue will host all three T20I including matches on Sunday 6 September and Tuesday 8 September.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/30th-anniversary-of-first-ton-sialkot-sowed-seeds-of-manchester-hundred-says-tendulkar-320273" hreflang="en">30th anniversary of first ton: Sialkot sowed seeds of Manchester hundred, says Tendulkar</a></strong></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">The three Royal London Internationals will take place at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday 11 September, Sunday 13 September and the final match of the tour on Wednesday 16 September. The three ODIs will form part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League.</p>

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">England vs Australia - T20I series: Schedule</strong></h2>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><em>1st T20I: Friday 4 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)</em></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><em>2nd T20I v&nbsp;</em><em>Australia</em><em>: Sunday 6 September The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm start)</em></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><em>3rd T20O v&nbsp;</em><em>Australia</em><em>: Tuesday 8 September The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)</em></p>

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><em><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">England vs Australia - ODI Series: Schedule</strong></em></h2>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><em>1st ODI: Friday 11 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)</em></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><em>2nd ODI: Sunday 13 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)</em></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><em>3rd ODI: Wednesday 16 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)</em></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)"><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said</strong><strong data-ogsc="rgb(34, 34, 34)">:</strong>&nbsp;“We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of Cricket Australia for their efforts in getting this tour underway. Their co-operation to ensure these matches are staged is crucial to cricket in this country. It will also provide much-needed financial aid at all levels of cricket in England and Wales as we work through the challenges in front of us.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">“The rivalry between England and Australia is the pinnacle of sporting competition. The Vitality IT20s and the Royal London Series will be thrilling contests and a perfect way to culminate the men’s international season in this extraordinary summer.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">“I want to congratulate my colleagues at the ECB and the various bio-secure venues working tirelessly in unprecedented circumstances, as we work to ensure that all England men’s international fixtures are fulfilled during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">“In total, 18 international fixtures including six Test matches, six IT20s and six ODIs have been organised across two bio-secure venues, Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, which is testament to our efficient planning both from an operational and medical point of view. I’m very proud of what our game has achieved, and that cricket is seen as the standard-bearers in developing bio-secure sporting events to the highest of standards.”</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Cricket Australia interim Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley, added: “We are very excited to be heading to England and to get back into the international fray. We congratulate the ECB on leading the resumption of the game in a way that places the health and safety of players and staff at its core.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">“We would also like to thank the Australian Government for granting travel exemptions for the Australian men’s team, as well as all those who have worked tirelessly to put together a plan that allows for the tour to progress in a bio-secure way.”</p>


The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday announced that The Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford will host England Men’s white-ball international matches behind closed doors later this summer against Australia.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday announced that The Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford will host England Men’s white-ball international matches behind closed doors later this summer against Australia. The Australian squad will arrive into the UK on 24 August, travelling to Derbyshire’s The Incora County Ground before transferring to The Ageas Bowl after England’s third Test match against Pakistan on 27 August. Australia will play a 50-over intra-squad practice game and three T20 practice matches before the start of the three-match T20I series against England commencing on 4 September at The Ageas Bowl. The Southampton venue will host all three T20I including matches on Sunday 6 September and Tuesday 8 September. ALSO READ: 30th anniversary of first ton: Sialkot sowed seeds of Manchester hundred, says Tendulkar The three Royal London Internationals will take place at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday 11 September, Sunday 13 September and the final match of the tour on Wednesday 16 September. The three ODIs will form part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. England vs Australia - T20I series: Schedule 1st T20I: Friday 4 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) 2nd T20I v Australia: Sunday 6 September The Ageas Bowl (2.00pm start) 3rd T20O v Australia: Tuesday 8 September The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) England vs Australia - ODI Series: Schedule 1st ODI: Friday 11 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start) 2nd ODI: Sunday 13 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start) 3rd ODI: Wednesday 16 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start) ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of Cricket Australia for their efforts in getting this tour underway. Their co-operation to ensure these matches are staged is crucial to cricket in this country. It will also provide much-needed financial aid at all levels of cricket in England and Wales as we work through the challenges in front of us. “The rivalry between England and Australia is the pinnacle of sporting competition. The Vitality IT20s and the Royal London Series will be thrilling contests and a perfect way to culminate the men’s international season in this extraordinary summer. “I want to congratulate my colleagues at the ECB and the various bio-secure venues working tirelessly in unprecedented circumstances, as we work to ensure that all England men’s international fixtures are fulfilled during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In total, 18 international fixtures including six Test matches, six IT20s and six ODIs have been organised across two bio-secure venues, Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, which is testament to our efficient planning both from an operational and medical point of view. I’m very proud of what our game has achieved, and that cricket is seen as the standard-bearers in developing bio-secure sporting events to the highest of standards.” Cricket Australia interim Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley, added: “We are very excited to be heading to England and to get back into the international fray. We congratulate the ECB on leading the resumption of the game in a way that places the health and safety of players and staff at its core. “We would also like to thank the Australian Government for granting travel exemptions for the Australian men’s team, as well as all those who have worked tirelessly to put together a plan that allows for the tour to progress in a bio-secure way.”

England confirm Australia white-ball series - check full schedule

<p>Australia’s limited-overs tour of England has been confirmed and will commence from September 4. The limited-overs series between England and Australia consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is in what promises to be a cracking contest between two top sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australian players have been handed government clearance to travel for the series as the Aussies pad up for their first internationals in nearly six months. Cricket Australia on Friday announced the squad for the limited-overs series with Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Lyon and Marcus Stoinis returning to the team while Usman Khawaja and Travis Head missed out.</p>

<p>Australia and England were originally scheduled to lock horns in July but the series was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Bio-security plans including government exemptions have been agreed, which are needed to Australians to leave the country while the team has also agreed to self-quarantine for 14 days after their return.</p>

<p>They depart from Perth on August 23 en route to Derby ahead of four practice matches -- three T20s and a one-dayer -- before three T20s and three one-day internationals in Southampton and Old Trafford, which have hotels on site.</p>

<p>"We are very excited to be heading to England and to get back into the international fray," said Cricket Australia's interim chief Nick Hockley.</p>

<p>"We congratulate the England Cricket Board on leading the resumption of the game in a way that places the health and safety of players and staff at its core."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Australia's T20 and ODI squad</strong>: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa</p>

<p>"I am delighted with how the players have returned to their states from the break back in March. The whole squad has come back fitter and stronger, which is great testament to each of them," said coach Justin Langer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have a massive assignment ahead with World Cups, Test series against India and South Africa and the Ashes next year. We can't wait to get back into it again."</p>


Australia’s limited-overs tour of England has been confirmed and will commence from September 4. The limited-overs series between England and Australia consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is in what promises to be a cracking contest between two top sides.

Australia’s limited-overs tour of England has been confirmed and will commence from September 4. The limited-overs series between England and Australia consists of three ODIs and as many T20Is in what promises to be a cracking contest between two top sides. Australian players have been handed government clearance to travel for the series as the Aussies pad up for their first internationals in nearly six months. Cricket Australia on Friday announced the squad for the limited-overs series with Glenn Maxwell, Nathan Lyon and Marcus Stoinis returning to the team while Usman Khawaja and Travis Head missed out. Australia and England were originally scheduled to lock horns in July but the series was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series Bio-security plans including government exemptions have been agreed, which are needed to Australians to leave the country while the team has also agreed to self-quarantine for 14 days after their return. They depart from Perth on August 23 en route to Derby ahead of four practice matches -- three T20s and a one-dayer -- before three T20s and three one-day internationals in Southampton and Old Trafford, which have hotels on site. "We are very excited to be heading to England and to get back into the international fray," said Cricket Australia's interim chief Nick Hockley. "We congratulate the England Cricket Board on leading the resumption of the game in a way that places the health and safety of players and staff at its core." ALSO READ: Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson Australia's T20 and ODI squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa "I am delighted with how the players have returned to their states from the break back in March. The whole squad has come back fitter and stronger, which is great testament to each of them," said coach Justin Langer. "We have a massive assignment ahead with World Cups, Test series against India and South Africa and the Ashes next year. We can't wait to get back into it again."

Australia announce squad for England tour as Khawaja, Head miss out

<p>England are set to host Pakistan in the second match of the three-match series at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton starting August 13. England were down and out in the first innings of the series opener after Pakistan took a strong lead but lackluster batting and dubious captaincy by the visitors allowed England to bounce back into the match and take a 1-0 lead after winning the match by three wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>England will be without their talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes after he left the bio-bubble due to family reasons whereas Pakistan will have plenty of thinking to do after the batting line-up failure in the opener in Manchester.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Southampton has been central to hot weather throughout the past week but rain gods are expected to play spoilsport with scattered thunderstorm forecasted during the course of five days, especially on Day 2 and 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>The pitch is expected to remain slow and dry and spinners will be feasting in the third and fourth innings of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>When will the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test begin?</strong></h2>

<p>The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will begin at 3:30 PM IST on August 13. The toss will take place at 3:00 PM IST.</p>

<p><strong>Where will the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test be played?</strong></p>

<p>The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test match will be held at Rose Bowl, Southampton.</p>

<p><strong>Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test?</strong></p>

<p>The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India</p>

<p><strong>How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 2nd Test?</strong></p>

<p>The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


England are set to host Pakistan in the second match of the three-match series at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton starting August 13. England were down and out in the first innings of the series opener after Pakistan took a strong lead but lackluster batting and dubious captaincy by the visitors allowed England to bounce back into the match and take a 1-0 lead after winning the match by three wickets.

England are set to host Pakistan in the second match of the three-match series at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton starting August 13. England were down and out in the first innings of the series opener after Pakistan took a strong lead but lackluster batting and dubious captaincy by the visitors allowed England to bounce back into the match and take a 1-0 lead after winning the match by three wickets. England will be without their talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes after he left the bio-bubble due to family reasons whereas Pakistan will have plenty of thinking to do after the batting line-up failure in the opener in Manchester. Southampton has been central to hot weather throughout the past week but rain gods are expected to play spoilsport with scattered thunderstorm forecasted during the course of five days, especially on Day 2 and 3. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell The pitch is expected to remain slow and dry and spinners will be feasting in the third and fourth innings of the match. When will the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test begin? The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will begin at 3:30 PM IST on August 13. The toss will take place at 3:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test be played? The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test match will be held at Rose Bowl, Southampton. Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 2nd Test? The England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 2nd Test? The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 2nd Test will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

England vs Pakistan, 2nd Test Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG vs PAK match?

<p>Waqar Younis believes Pakistan captain Azhar Ali can overcome a poor run of form as his side look for a series-levelling win in the second Test against England at Southampton starting Thursday.</p>

<p>Pakistan, despite not having played international cricket for six months because of the coronavirus, dominated the majority of last week's first Test at Old Trafford, with opening batsman Shan Masood hitting a Test-best 156 and leg-spinner Yasir Shah taking eight wickets.</p>

<p>Their pace trio of Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi and teenage rising star Naseem Shah all troubled England's top order.</p>

<p>Pakistan, despite a second-innings collapse, were still favourites to win when they reduced England to 117-5 in pursuit of a target of 277.</p>

<p>But a partnership of 139 between Chris Woakes (84 not out) and Jos Buttler (75) turned the tide as England won by three wickets to go 1-0 up with two to play.</p>

<p>Azhar, criticised for his tactics during Buttler and Woakes' stand, has made just one fifty in 10 innings since becoming skipper in November.</p>

<p>Pace great Waqar, himself a former Pakistan captain and now the team's bowling coach, sympathised by saying Wednesday: "Being captain and playing in the top order is not easy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When you're in bad form, or have had a bad game, everything gets scrutinised.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I've been captain myself so I know what he's going through. But he's a seasoned player...He knows how to come out of these situations and I expect him to deliver in the upcoming two Test matches."</p>

<p>Pakistan played two leg-spinners at Old Trafford, with Shadab Khan backing up Yasir, but they could now deploy a fourth seamer on what may be a less receptive Ageas Bowl surface.</p>

<p>If that's the case then Faheem Ashraf, who has played in just four Tests since making his debut against Ireland two years ago, may be in line for a recall.</p>

<p>"We haven't really decided about it but we are definitely going to gear him up and see whether he is ready to go and deliver the goods for Pakistan," said Waqar.</p>

<p>As for the 17-year-old Naseem, the latest fast bowler to come off Pakistan's production line of pacemen, an enthusiastic Waqar said: "What a talent he is.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When you talk about whether he can be a great it is very difficult to be sure about anyone. Pakistan, over the years, has produced some real quality fast bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If he keeps himself fit and strong and keeps bowling, I'm sure he has the potential to become a very good bowler."</p>

<p>It is 10 years since Pakistan lost a Test series against England and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said they "should not be mentally down" following last week's agonising loss.</p>

<h2>- Stokes blow -</h2>

<p>England star all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the last two Tests of the series after travelling to New Zealand to be with his ill father.</p>

<p>Zak Crawley, dropped for the last two Tests in favour of an extra bowler deployed by England to compensate for Stokes' quad injury, is now set to return to England's top order.</p>

<p>Meanwhile England captain Joe Root, who has won his last six Tests as skipper, said it was "likely" James Anderson would play this week.</p>

<p>That is despite England's all-time most succesful bowler having taken just six wickets in three Tests at an expensive average of over 41 apiece so far this season, including 1-67 at his Lancashire home ground last week.</p>

<p>But Anderson, just 10 shy of becoming the first paceman to take 600 Test wickets, has dismissed rumours of his retirement, with Root saying: "To question Jimmy's ability and his record -- do that at your own peril."</p>


Waqar Younis believes Pakistan captain Azhar Ali can overcome a poor run of form as his side look for a series-levelling win in the second Test against England at Southampton starting Thursday.

Waqar Younis believes Pakistan captain Azhar Ali can overcome a poor run of form as his side look for a series-levelling win in the second Test against England at Southampton starting Thursday. Pakistan, despite not having played international cricket for six months because of the coronavirus, dominated the majority of last week's first Test at Old Trafford, with opening batsman Shan Masood hitting a Test-best 156 and leg-spinner Yasir Shah taking eight wickets. Their pace trio of Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi and teenage rising star Naseem Shah all troubled England's top order. Pakistan, despite a second-innings collapse, were still favourites to win when they reduced England to 117-5 in pursuit of a target of 277. But a partnership of 139 between Chris Woakes (84 not out) and Jos Buttler (75) turned the tide as England won by three wickets to go 1-0 up with two to play. Azhar, criticised for his tactics during Buttler and Woakes' stand, has made just one fifty in 10 innings since becoming skipper in November. Pace great Waqar, himself a former Pakistan captain and now the team's bowling coach, sympathised by saying Wednesday: "Being captain and playing in the top order is not easy. "When you're in bad form, or have had a bad game, everything gets scrutinised. "I've been captain myself so I know what he's going through. But he's a seasoned player...He knows how to come out of these situations and I expect him to deliver in the upcoming two Test matches." Pakistan played two leg-spinners at Old Trafford, with Shadab Khan backing up Yasir, but they could now deploy a fourth seamer on what may be a less receptive Ageas Bowl surface. If that's the case then Faheem Ashraf, who has played in just four Tests since making his debut against Ireland two years ago, may be in line for a recall. "We haven't really decided about it but we are definitely going to gear him up and see whether he is ready to go and deliver the goods for Pakistan," said Waqar. As for the 17-year-old Naseem, the latest fast bowler to come off Pakistan's production line of pacemen, an enthusiastic Waqar said: "What a talent he is. "When you talk about whether he can be a great it is very difficult to be sure about anyone. Pakistan, over the years, has produced some real quality fast bowlers. "If he keeps himself fit and strong and keeps bowling, I'm sure he has the potential to become a very good bowler." It is 10 years since Pakistan lost a Test series against England and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said they "should not be mentally down" following last week's agonising loss. - Stokes blow - England star all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the last two Tests of the series after travelling to New Zealand to be with his ill father. Zak Crawley, dropped for the last two Tests in favour of an extra bowler deployed by England to compensate for Stokes' quad injury, is now set to return to England's top order. Meanwhile England captain Joe Root, who has won his last six Tests as skipper, said it was "likely" James Anderson would play this week. That is despite England's all-time most succesful bowler having taken just six wickets in three Tests at an expensive average of over 41 apiece so far this season, including 1-67 at his Lancashire home ground last week. But Anderson, just 10 shy of becoming the first paceman to take 600 Test wickets, has dismissed rumours of his retirement, with Root saying: "To question Jimmy's ability and his record -- do that at your own peril."

Waqar backs Pakistan captain Azhar 'to deliver' against England

<p>Mitchell Starc remains wary of injuries from bowling too fast but the Australia paceman hopes to push the 160 km per hour mark in the coming home summer after adding five kg to his frame during a long off-season.</p>

<p>The left-armer is one of only a handful of bowlers to have recorded a delivery over that mark, sending down a sizzling 160.4 kph yorker during the second test against New Zealand at the WACA in 2015.</p>

<p>Starc broke down early in the next match at Adelaide Oval, the inaugural day-night test match, with a stress fracture.</p>

<p>He also strained a pectoral muscle last year after cranking up the pace against Sri Lanka in Canberra.</p>

<p>However, feeling refreshed and stronger from the long break since COVID-19 put a halt to cricket in March, Starc hopes he might be able to return to top speed.</p>

<p>"It would be nice but at the same time the two occasions I've been up around that (160 kph) mark I've snapped my foot," he said in comments published by Cricket Australia's website.</p>

<p>“Hopefully that’s not the case but when everything is going well, that rhythm is happening and conditions suit, then I can get that speed gun up.</p>

<p>“Perhaps that extra time in the gym and extra time off I might be able to push the limits again.”</p>

<p>Starc’s next international assignment is expected to be a white-ball tour of England slated for September, with India to tour later in the year amid strict biosecurity arrangements.</p>

<p>Starc tweaked his action with the help of New South Wales assistant coach Andre Adams last year and bowled with pace and control to take 29 wickets in five tests against Pakistan and New Zealand in the last home summer.</p>

<p>“I still want to bowl fast and I’m not going to compromise that but I had to find a way that I wasn’t expensive at the same time,” he said.</p>

<p>“I think that little tweak in the action has helped that.”</p>


Mitchell Starc remains wary of injuries from bowling too fast but the Australia paceman hopes to push the 160 km per hour mark in the coming home summer after adding five kg to his frame during a long off-season.

Mitchell Starc remains wary of injuries from bowling too fast but the Australia paceman hopes to push the 160 km per hour mark in the coming home summer after adding five kg to his frame during a long off-season. The left-armer is one of only a handful of bowlers to have recorded a delivery over that mark, sending down a sizzling 160.4 kph yorker during the second test against New Zealand at the WACA in 2015. Starc broke down early in the next match at Adelaide Oval, the inaugural day-night test match, with a stress fracture. He also strained a pectoral muscle last year after cranking up the pace against Sri Lanka in Canberra. However, feeling refreshed and stronger from the long break since COVID-19 put a halt to cricket in March, Starc hopes he might be able to return to top speed. "It would be nice but at the same time the two occasions I've been up around that (160 kph) mark I've snapped my foot," he said in comments published by Cricket Australia's website. “Hopefully that’s not the case but when everything is going well, that rhythm is happening and conditions suit, then I can get that speed gun up. “Perhaps that extra time in the gym and extra time off I might be able to push the limits again.” Starc’s next international assignment is expected to be a white-ball tour of England slated for September, with India to tour later in the year amid strict biosecurity arrangements. Starc tweaked his action with the help of New South Wales assistant coach Andre Adams last year and bowled with pace and control to take 29 wickets in five tests against Pakistan and New Zealand in the last home summer. “I still want to bowl fast and I’m not going to compromise that but I had to find a way that I wasn’t expensive at the same time,” he said. “I think that little tweak in the action has helped that.”

Bulked-up Mitchell Starc hopes to test 160kph mark

<p>Test-saving hundreds have become extinct now but Sachin Tendulkar carved out one such innings exactly 30 years ago, the seeds of which were sown during one afternoon in Sialkot, eight months prior to that gloomy Manchester day.</p>

<p>It was on August 14, 1990, that Tendulkar scored the first of his 100 international centuries, a majestic 119 not out on a fifth day track to save the game for India.</p>

<p>Asked about that special first, and it seemed like yesterday.</p>

<p>"I scored that 100 on August 14 and next day was our Independence Day, so it was special. The headline was different and that hundred at least kept the series alive till next Test at the Oval," Tendulkar told PTI on the eve of the 30th anniversary of his first ton.</p>

<p>So what exactly was the feeling, apart from the pure joy of achieving the milestone?</p>

<p>"The art of saving a Test match was a new experience for me," Tendulkar said but added he knew he could save a game when he batted with a "bloodied nose" and a blood-soaked jersey after being hit by Waqar Younis.</p>

<p>"In Sialkot where I got hit and scored 57, we saved that Test match, too, from 38 for 4. Waqar's bouncer and playing through pain defined me. After those kind of hits you are either stronger or you are nowhere to be seen."</p>

<p>As scary as it may seem now, Tendulkar, in the first innings of that Manchester match, was hit on the back of the head by one of the fastest pacers in the world back then, Devon Malcolm.</p>

<p>"Devon and Waqar, during that phase, were easily the two quickest bowlers in the world bowling at 90 mph.</p>

<p>"Yes, I didn't call the phsyio as I didn't want to show them that I am in pain. My pain threshold was fairly high. Its okay to get hit. So what. You don't show your pain to the bowler," the legend said.</p>

<p>Coach Ramakant Acherkar prepared him for all sorts of pain by making him play on the same pitch for 25 days straight at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana.</p>

<p>"I was used to getting hit on my body from my days in Shivaji Park as Acherkar sir would make us play on that and it would have enormous wear and tear.</p>

<p>"The same pitch we played a match on one day and next day we were back for nets. So balls would just jump off length and hit my nose.</p>

<p>"In fact, I would just throw the ball up and take it on my body to absorb the pain."</p>

<p>Back to the match, the shots that he remembers are the exquisite backfoot cover drives off Chris Lewis deliveries that darted in.</p>

<p>"Lewis bowled sharp inswing and throughout my career, backfoot cover drive had been my favourite shot.</p>

<p>"The bowler who was the best by far in that series was Angus Fraser. He had a beautiful late outswing, high arm action, so ball would bounce and move so late that you had to play at it.</p>

<p>"It was a case of showing patience and credit to Manoj that we had a 160-run stand," he said.</p>

<p>Did he feel in the last hour that the team has been able to save the match.</p>

<p>"No way till the last over. We came together when we were six down (183/6) but me and Manoj together said 'yeh hum kar sakte hain, match bacha lenge' (we can save the match).</p>

<p>"Also England had attacking field as they could only win from that position," Tendulkar said.</p>

<p>And any special anecdote that he still remembers?</p>

<p>"Well I was 17 and the Man of The Match was presented with a bottle of champagne. Neither did I drink and also I hadn't reached the legal age for drinking. My senior teammates would tell me 'what would you do with it'," he laughed.</p>

<p>But there is another thing that Tendulkar fondly remembers to this day.</p>

<p>"Sanjay Manjrekar presented me a white shirt which was a gift for scoring a hundred. I was really touched," he concluded.</p>


Test-saving hundreds have become extinct now but Sachin Tendulkar carved out one such innings exactly 30 years ago, the seeds of which were sown during one afternoon in Sialkot, eight months prior to that gloomy Manchester day.

Test-saving hundreds have become extinct now but Sachin Tendulkar carved out one such innings exactly 30 years ago, the seeds of which were sown during one afternoon in Sialkot, eight months prior to that gloomy Manchester day. It was on August 14, 1990, that Tendulkar scored the first of his 100 international centuries, a majestic 119 not out on a fifth day track to save the game for India. Asked about that special first, and it seemed like yesterday. "I scored that 100 on August 14 and next day was our Independence Day, so it was special. The headline was different and that hundred at least kept the series alive till next Test at the Oval," Tendulkar told PTI on the eve of the 30th anniversary of his first ton. So what exactly was the feeling, apart from the pure joy of achieving the milestone? "The art of saving a Test match was a new experience for me," Tendulkar said but added he knew he could save a game when he batted with a "bloodied nose" and a blood-soaked jersey after being hit by Waqar Younis. "In Sialkot where I got hit and scored 57, we saved that Test match, too, from 38 for 4. Waqar's bouncer and playing through pain defined me. After those kind of hits you are either stronger or you are nowhere to be seen." As scary as it may seem now, Tendulkar, in the first innings of that Manchester match, was hit on the back of the head by one of the fastest pacers in the world back then, Devon Malcolm. "Devon and Waqar, during that phase, were easily the two quickest bowlers in the world bowling at 90 mph. "Yes, I didn't call the phsyio as I didn't want to show them that I am in pain. My pain threshold was fairly high. Its okay to get hit. So what. You don't show your pain to the bowler," the legend said. Coach Ramakant Acherkar prepared him for all sorts of pain by making him play on the same pitch for 25 days straight at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana. "I was used to getting hit on my body from my days in Shivaji Park as Acherkar sir would make us play on that and it would have enormous wear and tear. "The same pitch we played a match on one day and next day we were back for nets. So balls would just jump off length and hit my nose. "In fact, I would just throw the ball up and take it on my body to absorb the pain." Back to the match, the shots that he remembers are the exquisite backfoot cover drives off Chris Lewis deliveries that darted in. "Lewis bowled sharp inswing and throughout my career, backfoot cover drive had been my favourite shot. "The bowler who was the best by far in that series was Angus Fraser. He had a beautiful late outswing, high arm action, so ball would bounce and move so late that you had to play at it. "It was a case of showing patience and credit to Manoj that we had a 160-run stand," he said. Did he feel in the last hour that the team has been able to save the match. "No way till the last over. We came together when we were six down (183/6) but me and Manoj together said 'yeh hum kar sakte hain, match bacha lenge' (we can save the match). "Also England had attacking field as they could only win from that position," Tendulkar said. And any special anecdote that he still remembers? "Well I was 17 and the Man of The Match was presented with a bottle of champagne. Neither did I drink and also I hadn't reached the legal age for drinking. My senior teammates would tell me 'what would you do with it'," he laughed. But there is another thing that Tendulkar fondly remembers to this day. "Sanjay Manjrekar presented me a white shirt which was a gift for scoring a hundred. I was really touched," he concluded.

30th anniversary of first ton: Sialkot sowed seeds of Manchester hundred, says Tendulkar

<p>With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises have started to test their players for COVID-19 before flying out of India. Indian players of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be assembling in Chennai by August 15 for a mini camp before leaving for the UAE for IPL and ahead of the camp, MS Dhoni had given his sample COVID-19 test on Wednesday.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Dhoni’s COVID-19 report came in negative and the iconic CSK skipper will now head to Chennai for the camp with other players before the squad leaves for IPL 2020 in the UAE. Dhoni’s COVID-19 test report has come negative after his sample was taen by the micro praxis lab at Guru Nanak hospital from his farmhouse in Ranchi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="sv">Minsara Kanna... 😍 <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyJanmashtami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyJanmashtami</a> <a href="https://t.co/O0h4RP1BoZ">pic.twitter.com/O0h4RP1BoZ</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1293102647738736645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ipl-2020-excited-to-play-for-kings-xi-punjab-and-under-kl-rahul-ishan-porel-320231" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel</a></strong></p>

<p>Reportedly, Monu Kumar Singh’s test&nbsp;has also come negative and the duo will head to Chennai for the camp.<br />
With IPL 2020 set to kickstart from September 19, preparations for the tournament have started in full flow. All the players will be tested before jetting off to the UAE and after arriving there as per the BCCI protocols.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dhoni-raina-among-other-csk-players-to-reach-chennai-by-august-15-319774">CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan had confirmed to WION</a> that the entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>“The entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21 and all the arrangements related to it have been made,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION on Tuesday while adding that the team will put base in "Dubai".</p>

<p>“Dhoni, Raina and every other Indian player from the squad will reach Chennai by August 15 and after that we will have a small camp to get everyone on the same page,” Vishwanathan added.&nbsp;</p>


With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises have started to test their players for COVID-19 before flying out of India.

With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises have started to test their players for COVID-19 before flying out of India. Indian players of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be assembling in Chennai by August 15 for a mini camp before leaving for the UAE for IPL and ahead of the camp, MS Dhoni had given his sample COVID-19 test on Wednesday. On Thursday, Dhoni’s COVID-19 report came in negative and the iconic CSK skipper will now head to Chennai for the camp with other players before the squad leaves for IPL 2020 in the UAE. Dhoni’s COVID-19 test report has come negative after his sample was taen by the micro praxis lab at Guru Nanak hospital from his farmhouse in Ranchi. Minsara Kanna... 😍 @msdhoni #WhistlePodu #HappyJanmashtami pic.twitter.com/O0h4RP1BoZ — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 11, 2020 × ALSO READ: Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel Reportedly, Monu Kumar Singh’s test has also come negative and the duo will head to Chennai for the camp. With IPL 2020 set to kickstart from September 19, preparations for the tournament have started in full flow. All the players will be tested before jetting off to the UAE and after arriving there as per the BCCI protocols. Earlier, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan had confirmed to WION that the entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell “The entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21 and all the arrangements related to it have been made,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION on Tuesday while adding that the team will put base in "Dubai". “Dhoni, Raina and every other Indian player from the squad will reach Chennai by August 15 and after that we will have a small camp to get everyone on the same page,” Vishwanathan added.

IPL 2020: MS Dhoni tests negative for COVID-19

<p>Cricket fans get a chance to relive all the action, excitement, and emotion from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 as Beyond the Boundary, a retrospective documentary, debuts worldwide on Netflix.</p>

<p>The documentary celebrates the 17-day tournament, which saw the emergence of new heroes in the women’s game as more cricket fans than ever before switched on. It also witnessed records being set in terms of crowds, broadcast viewership and digital engagement.</p>

<p>With absorbing visuals, commentary, and interviews in the build-up to and during the event, the documentary is the first piece of ICC original content to be carried by a streaming service. It captures the progress of the teams and the emotions of players as they discuss preparing for such a big event and turning points in different matches.</p>

<p>The views of commentators and administrators, celebration of the crowds, behind-the-scenes, and dressing room footage, as well as pop star&nbsp;Katy Perry’s appearances are all featured in the film. The film is made available on the platform with subtitles in English, Thai, French, Japanese, Malay, Indonesian, Korean, Dutch, and Hindi.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>The documentary is part of the&nbsp;100% Cricket&nbsp;project launched by the International Cricket Council (ICC) hours before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, played on International Women’s Day in front of a record&nbsp;<strong>86,174</strong>&nbsp;spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.</p>

<p>ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said:&nbsp;“We are immensely proud of Beyond the Boundary and we are delighted to partner with Netflix as part of our long-term commitment to growing the visibility of the women’s game and ensuring it has a global platform.</p>

<p>“The film captures all the action and drama from the tournament, which set new benchmarks for not just women’s cricket but all women’s sport and gives fans around the world the chance to relive one of the greatest ICC events we have ever staged.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a></strong></p>

<p>Myleeta Aga, Director, Content - SEA and Australia said:&nbsp;"The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 was a landmark event not just for cricket, but for all women's sport, breaking viewing and attendance records. I'm sure that Netflix members will love the new perspective that&nbsp;Beyond the Boundary&nbsp;brings to this unforgettable tournament."&nbsp;</p>


Cricket fans get a chance to relive all the action, excitement, and emotion from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 as Beyond the Boundary, a retrospective documentary, debuts worldwide on Netflix.

Cricket fans get a chance to relive all the action, excitement, and emotion from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 as Beyond the Boundary, a retrospective documentary, debuts worldwide on Netflix. The documentary celebrates the 17-day tournament, which saw the emergence of new heroes in the women’s game as more cricket fans than ever before switched on. It also witnessed records being set in terms of crowds, broadcast viewership and digital engagement. With absorbing visuals, commentary, and interviews in the build-up to and during the event, the documentary is the first piece of ICC original content to be carried by a streaming service. It captures the progress of the teams and the emotions of players as they discuss preparing for such a big event and turning points in different matches. The views of commentators and administrators, celebration of the crowds, behind-the-scenes, and dressing room footage, as well as pop star Katy Perry’s appearances are all featured in the film. The film is made available on the platform with subtitles in English, Thai, French, Japanese, Malay, Indonesian, Korean, Dutch, and Hindi. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell The documentary is part of the 100% Cricket project launched by the International Cricket Council (ICC) hours before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, played on International Women’s Day in front of a record 86,174 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “We are immensely proud of Beyond the Boundary and we are delighted to partner with Netflix as part of our long-term commitment to growing the visibility of the women’s game and ensuring it has a global platform. “The film captures all the action and drama from the tournament, which set new benchmarks for not just women’s cricket but all women’s sport and gives fans around the world the chance to relive one of the greatest ICC events we have ever staged.” ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more Myleeta Aga, Director, Content - SEA and Australia said: "The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 was a landmark event not just for cricket, but for all women's sport, breaking viewing and attendance records. I'm sure that Netflix members will love the new perspective that Beyond the Boundary brings to this unforgettable tournament."

Beyond the boundary: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 documentary releases worldwide

<p>The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to commence from September 19 in the UAE and all the eight franchises will have their eyes on the coveted trophy. Young Bengal pacer Ishan Porel, who has also impressed for India Under-19 and India A, will be making his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) after impressing with in the domestic and development circuit.</p>

<p>Porel, who was signed up by KXIP at his base price of INR 20 lakh, will look to carry forward his blistering run of form with the ball when he takes to the field in the UAE. While his ability to extract sharp bounce and movement have been lauded by many, his variations and knack of hitting yorkers have made him one of the rising stars in Indian cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Ishan Porel talked about IPL 2020 in the UAE, Kings XI Punjab squad, skipper KL Rahul, Anil Kumble and much more.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Ishan Porel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4353f8cc-5d3a-4719-aa9c-58d56d5e689c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ishan-Porel.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Subhayan Chakraborty</strong>: Ishan, your first IPL and it will take place in the UAE. How excited are you?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: I can’t even explain how excited I am. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time now and thankfully, Kings XI Punjab showed their trust on me and my bowling. I am looking forward to live up to their trust and showcase my ability in front of the entire world. I am confident and really excited to take the field for my side KXIP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: How did the last five months go for you? In Bengal, there was not only COVID-19 scare but the state was also stuck by the deadly Amphan…</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: It was challenging. First of all, it was really strange to stay out of cricket for this long due to COVID-19 and Amphan happened. It was a tough phase for everyone in West Bengal but it taught many new learnings in how to be more adaptive as per circumstances. My patience level increased a lot. I tried training a bit as well with all the safety guidelines just to keep myself ready.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: And you did step up to help a lot of people after that storm?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: I feel it is our duty to help the needy people during these times. I tried giving back to the community as much as I could. There are still some areas where people are yet to recover from Amphan and we are still working as much as possible to help those people. It is the basic duty of people who are privileged enough.</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: So IPL is happening in the UAE. Only three stadiums. Do you think it will be challenging for pace bowlers when pitches start to up later in the tournament?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: Obviously, it will be a challenge. But as a modern bowler, you need to use your variations as per the need. We have seen in the last few IPLs that if a pacer is bowling quick then it is easier for batsmen to pick him up. But whatever I know of cricket, curators might keep grass covering in the first half of the tournament to keep the pitches alive and if we grab that advantage then it will help me or the pacers to build a momentum for the entire tournament. At least I am accustomed to bowling in slower tracks from my experience in Kolkata.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="nl">Porel in Ishan-daar form! 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RanjiTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RanjiTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/LPJA8m3Uhg">pic.twitter.com/LPJA8m3Uhg</a></p>
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip/status/1235059896208568320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: And how excited are you to share the dressing room with the likes of Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Jordan, Jimmy Neesham and others?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: I am really looking forward to learning from them. They have plenty of international experience and I feel sharing the dressing room and the ground with them will help me build a solid foundation for my future. As everyone say, IPL is a platform which improves even the best of players and I am just starting now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But on a different note, I want to spend a lot of time with our fielding coach Jonty Rhodes. Today’s international pacers are brilliant fielders as well and being a youngster I want to become better in that regard and set a benchmark for myself.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: You have a lovely story of Rahul Dravid and how he helped you during your Under-19 days. The next legend you will be working with is Anil Kumble. How eager are you to work alongside him?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: Anil Kumble sir is an inspiration. How he bowled with a broken jaw and his success with Team India is known to all. Moreover, he is extremely disciplined and thinks about cricket a lot. My main focus is to grow and learn more about the game and there is no one better than Kumble sir to help me in that regard. I am really excited and looking forward to work with him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: And what about KL Rahul? Have you interacted since the auction?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: Tremendous player and very encouraging! I mean he has that aura of calmness around him.&nbsp;The last time we spoke was during the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Bengal and Karnataka. He praised my form and encouraged me to do well in the future and for KXIP. I have a small memory with KL – he was the captain of India Under-23 and I was at NCA during my Under-16 days and I bowled to him in the nets that time. I don’t know whether he remembers this or not but I do (laughs).&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="KL Rahul" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36f17305-f3a5-4fb1-b26a-12986a34b8a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/kl-rahul-1577252587.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: So Ishan, do you think the bio-secure bubble will have a psychological impact on the players?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: It might play a role during the last part of the tournament. But to honest, this coronavirus has taught us how to remain indoors and our patience level has also increased so much. We will be able to interact with our teammates and staff so that’s a good thing. And with us being in competitive mode, I don’t think it will irk the players that much. Safety is the paramount, at the moment.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCvIIJKpn39/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Memories to cherish forever. #memories</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ishanporel/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Ishan Porel</a> (@ishanporel) on <time datetime="2020-07-17T08:23:35+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 17, 2020 at 1:23am PDT</time></p>
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<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: Any targets you have set for yourself?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: As a youngster, I want to play as many matches as possible. And yes, who doesn’t want to take the wickets of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Andre Russell and other big names. If I get an opportunity to bowl against them, I will surely try to dismiss them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: Is there any pressure of performing as it will be your first IPL?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel</strong>: Not at all! Competitive cricket is all about pressure and that is a good thing, in my opinion. Arun Lal sir used to tell us that pressure brings the best out of good players and I have kept that in my mind. I just want to give my best.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Ishan Porel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7865118-1b0c-49f5-991d-d1d2c94a7855" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/d962e-15839225406360-800.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: What will be the message for your fans or cricket fans in general ahead of IPL 2020?</p>

<p><strong>Ishan Porel:</strong> First of all, thanks to all the fans who have supported me during my good and bad times. Fans are the ones who turn cricketers into superstars. They are the heartbreak of the sport. Hopefully, they will keep their blessings on me and my cricket. &nbsp;</p>


The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to commence from September 19 in the UAE and all the eight franchises will have their eyes on the coveted trophy.

The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to commence from September 19 in the UAE and all the eight franchises will have their eyes on the coveted trophy. Young Bengal pacer Ishan Porel, who has also impressed for India Under-19 and India A, will be making his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) after impressing with in the domestic and development circuit. Porel, who was signed up by KXIP at his base price of INR 20 lakh, will look to carry forward his blistering run of form with the ball when he takes to the field in the UAE. While his ability to extract sharp bounce and movement have been lauded by many, his variations and knack of hitting yorkers have made him one of the rising stars in Indian cricket. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Ishan Porel talked about IPL 2020 in the UAE, Kings XI Punjab squad, skipper KL Rahul, Anil Kumble and much more. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell Subhayan Chakraborty: Ishan, your first IPL and it will take place in the UAE. How excited are you? Ishan Porel: I can’t even explain how excited I am. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time now and thankfully, Kings XI Punjab showed their trust on me and my bowling. I am looking forward to live up to their trust and showcase my ability in front of the entire world. I am confident and really excited to take the field for my side KXIP. Subhayan: How did the last five months go for you? In Bengal, there was not only COVID-19 scare but the state was also stuck by the deadly Amphan… Ishan Porel: It was challenging. First of all, it was really strange to stay out of cricket for this long due to COVID-19 and Amphan happened. It was a tough phase for everyone in West Bengal but it taught many new learnings in how to be more adaptive as per circumstances. My patience level increased a lot. I tried training a bit as well with all the safety guidelines just to keep myself ready. Subhayan: And you did step up to help a lot of people after that storm? Ishan Porel: I feel it is our duty to help the needy people during these times. I tried giving back to the community as much as I could. There are still some areas where people are yet to recover from Amphan and we are still working as much as possible to help those people. It is the basic duty of people who are privileged enough. Subhayan: So IPL is happening in the UAE. Only three stadiums. Do you think it will be challenging for pace bowlers when pitches start to up later in the tournament? Ishan Porel: Obviously, it will be a challenge. But as a modern bowler, you need to use your variations as per the need. We have seen in the last few IPLs that if a pacer is bowling quick then it is easier for batsmen to pick him up. But whatever I know of cricket, curators might keep grass covering in the first half of the tournament to keep the pitches alive and if we grab that advantage then it will help me or the pacers to build a momentum for the entire tournament. At least I am accustomed to bowling in slower tracks from my experience in Kolkata. Porel in Ishan-daar form! 😍#SaddaPunjab #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/LPJA8m3Uhg — Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) March 4, 2020 × Subhayan: And how excited are you to share the dressing room with the likes of Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Jordan, Jimmy Neesham and others? Ishan Porel: I am really looking forward to learning from them. They have plenty of international experience and I feel sharing the dressing room and the ground with them will help me build a solid foundation for my future. As everyone say, IPL is a platform which improves even the best of players and I am just starting now. But on a different note, I want to spend a lot of time with our fielding coach Jonty Rhodes. Today’s international pacers are brilliant fielders as well and being a youngster I want to become better in that regard and set a benchmark for myself. Subhayan: You have a lovely story of Rahul Dravid and how he helped you during your Under-19 days. The next legend you will be working with is Anil Kumble. How eager are you to work alongside him? Ishan Porel: Anil Kumble sir is an inspiration. How he bowled with a broken jaw and his success with Team India is known to all. Moreover, he is extremely disciplined and thinks about cricket a lot. My main focus is to grow and learn more about the game and there is no one better than Kumble sir to help me in that regard. I am really excited and looking forward to work with him. Subhayan: And what about KL Rahul? Have you interacted since the auction? Ishan Porel: Tremendous player and very encouraging! I mean he has that aura of calmness around him. The last time we spoke was during the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Bengal and Karnataka. He praised my form and encouraged me to do well in the future and for KXIP. I have a small memory with KL – he was the captain of India Under-23 and I was at NCA during my Under-16 days and I bowled to him in the nets that time. I don’t know whether he remembers this or not but I do (laughs). Subhayan: So Ishan, do you think the bio-secure bubble will have a psychological impact on the players? Ishan Porel: It might play a role during the last part of the tournament. But to honest, this coronavirus has taught us how to remain indoors and our patience level has also increased so much. We will be able to interact with our teammates and staff so that’s a good thing. And with us being in competitive mode, I don’t think it will irk the players that much. Safety is the paramount, at the moment. View this post on Instagram Memories to cherish forever. #memories A post shared by Ishan Porel (@ishanporel) on Jul 17, 2020 at 1:23am PDT × Subhayan: Any targets you have set for yourself? Ishan Porel: As a youngster, I want to play as many matches as possible. And yes, who doesn’t want to take the wickets of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Andre Russell and other big names. If I get an opportunity to bowl against them, I will surely try to dismiss them. Subhayan: Is there any pressure of performing as it will be your first IPL? Ishan Porel: Not at all! Competitive cricket is all about pressure and that is a good thing, in my opinion. Arun Lal sir used to tell us that pressure brings the best out of good players and I have kept that in my mind. I just want to give my best. Subhayan: What will be the message for your fans or cricket fans in general ahead of IPL 2020? Ishan Porel: First of all, thanks to all the fans who have supported me during my good and bad times. Fans are the ones who turn cricketers into superstars. They are the heartbreak of the sport. Hopefully, they will keep their blessings on me and my cricket.

Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel

<p>The much-awaited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> is set to commence from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the preparations for the cash-rich tournament have started in full flow. While the BCCI has received all the necessary clearance from Indian government, the teams are gearing up to fly to the UAE after August 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before jetting off to the UAE, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will gather at the MA Chidambaram Stadium with players set to arrive in Chennai by August 15. CSK skipper MS Dhoni got tested for COVID-19 ahead of their IPL 2020 camp as he underwent a test on Wednesday and the report is expected to be out by Thursday afternoon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, Dhoni’s sample was taken by the micro praxis lab at Guru Nanak hospital from his farmhouse in Ranchi. Apart from Dhoni, CSK player Monu Kumar Singh also gave his sample.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dhoni-raina-among-other-csk-players-to-reach-chennai-by-august-15-319774" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Dhoni, Raina among other CSK players to reach Chennai by August 15</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan had confirmed to WION that the entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21.</p>

<p>“The entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21 and all the arrangements related to it have been made,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION on Tuesday while adding that the team will put base in "Dubai".</p>

<p>“Dhoni, Raina and every other Indian player from the squad will reach Chennai by August 15 and after that we will have a small camp to get everyone on the same page,” Vishwanathan added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Dhoni will be back on the cricket field after playing his last professional match in the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Both the players will travel to Chennai for the five-day CSK camp if they get a negative res</p>


The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to commence from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the preparations for the cash-rich tournament have started in full flow.

The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to commence from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the preparations for the cash-rich tournament have started in full flow. While the BCCI has received all the necessary clearance from Indian government, the teams are gearing up to fly to the UAE after August 20. Before jetting off to the UAE, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will gather at the MA Chidambaram Stadium with players set to arrive in Chennai by August 15. CSK skipper MS Dhoni got tested for COVID-19 ahead of their IPL 2020 camp as he underwent a test on Wednesday and the report is expected to be out by Thursday afternoon. As per reports, Dhoni’s sample was taken by the micro praxis lab at Guru Nanak hospital from his farmhouse in Ranchi. Apart from Dhoni, CSK player Monu Kumar Singh also gave his sample. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Dhoni, Raina among other CSK players to reach Chennai by August 15 Earlier, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan had confirmed to WION that the entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21. “The entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21 and all the arrangements related to it have been made,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION on Tuesday while adding that the team will put base in "Dubai". “Dhoni, Raina and every other Indian player from the squad will reach Chennai by August 15 and after that we will have a small camp to get everyone on the same page,” Vishwanathan added. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell Meanwhile, Dhoni will be back on the cricket field after playing his last professional match in the ICC World Cup 2019 semi-final against New Zealand. Both the players will travel to Chennai for the five-day CSK camp if they get a negative res

IPL 2020: MS Dhoni undergoes COVID-19 test, report expected today

<p>England may have won the series opener against Pakistan but the absence of Ben Stokes leaves them with arguably the bigger selection headache going into Thursday's second Test at Southampton.</p>

<p>Pakistan were much the better side for much of last week's first Test at Old Trafford and, despite a second-innings collapse, were still favourites to win when they reduced England to 117-5 in pursuit of a target of 277.</p>

<p>But a sixth-wicket partnership of 139 between Chris Woakes (84 not out) and Jos Buttler (75) turned the tide as England went 1-0 up in a three-match series on Saturday.</p>

<p>Since England won with more than a day to spare in Manchester, it has been announced that star all-rounder Stokes will miss the rest of the series as a result of travelling to New Zealand to be with his ill father.</p>

<p>A quad injury meant that the end of England's 2-1 series win over the West Indies last month -- a campaign that marked international cricket's return from the coronavirus lockdown -- and the first Test against Pakistan saw vice-captain Stokes effectively deployed as a specialist batsman by skipper Joe Root.</p>

<p>Stokes, however, still took two important wickets on the third evening against Pakistan.</p>

<h2>- 'Confidence' -</h2>

<p>The obvious move for England would be to recall batsman Zak Crawley, who has missed out on the last two matches while an extra bowler has been deployed because of Stokes' injury problems.</p>

<p>Buttler underlined his skill in a run-chase last week but the wicketkeeper, by his own admission, had a poor match with the gloves.</p>

<p>England do have the option to recall Ben Foakes, widely regarded as a better keeper, and play Buttler as a specialist batsman.</p>

<p>But Root appeared wary of that suggestion when he praised fellow World Cup winner Buttler's innings by saying: "I think it will provide him with a huge amount of confidence in all aspects of his game and he should take that forward for the rest of the series."</p>

<p>Root himself could do with a big score having managed just one Test hundred in 18 months.</p>

<p>England are in the middle of a sequence of six Tests in seven weeks, a gruelling schedule that has seen them adopt a policy of rotating their quicks.</p>

<p>James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker bristled at talk he was considering retirement after a meagre match haul of 1-97 at his Lancashire home ground last week meant the 38-year-old has taken just six wickets at an expensive average of 41 in three Tests this season.</p>

<p>He could now make way for left-armer Sam Curran, who has won all his eight home Tests, or fast bowler Mark Wood.</p>

<h2>- 'Deal with pressure better' -</h2>

<p>Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq insisted his side could recover from an agonising loss as they try to avoid a defeat that will condemn them to a first series defeat by England in a decade.</p>

<p>"We need to improve 10 to 15 percent and deal with pressure situations a little better but we shouldn't be mentally down," he said, with Pakistan denied the usual vocal support they enjoy in England after COVID-19 turned this campaign into a behind closed doors series.</p>

<p>Pakistan captain Azhar Ali, criticised for his tactics during Buttler and Woakes' decisive stand, has made just one fifty in 10 innings since becoming skipper in November.</p>

<p>But he denied captaincy was affecting his batting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When I bat, I'm not thinking about the captaincy, whether or not I'm out of form.</p>

<p>"And when I'm captain, I don't think about my batting at all."</p>

<p>Should Pakistan have concerns about the fitness of their pace trio of Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, they could bring in another quick such as Sohail Khan.</p>

<p>Pakistan played two leg-spinners at Old Trafford, with Shadab Khan backing up Yasir Shah, but they could now deploy a fourth seamer if they feel the Ageas Bowl pitch won't take as much turn.</p>


England may have won the series opener against Pakistan but the absence of Ben Stokes leaves them with arguably the bigger selection headache going into Thursday's second Test at Southampton.

England may have won the series opener against Pakistan but the absence of Ben Stokes leaves them with arguably the bigger selection headache going into Thursday's second Test at Southampton. Pakistan were much the better side for much of last week's first Test at Old Trafford and, despite a second-innings collapse, were still favourites to win when they reduced England to 117-5 in pursuit of a target of 277. But a sixth-wicket partnership of 139 between Chris Woakes (84 not out) and Jos Buttler (75) turned the tide as England went 1-0 up in a three-match series on Saturday. Since England won with more than a day to spare in Manchester, it has been announced that star all-rounder Stokes will miss the rest of the series as a result of travelling to New Zealand to be with his ill father. A quad injury meant that the end of England's 2-1 series win over the West Indies last month -- a campaign that marked international cricket's return from the coronavirus lockdown -- and the first Test against Pakistan saw vice-captain Stokes effectively deployed as a specialist batsman by skipper Joe Root. Stokes, however, still took two important wickets on the third evening against Pakistan. - 'Confidence' - The obvious move for England would be to recall batsman Zak Crawley, who has missed out on the last two matches while an extra bowler has been deployed because of Stokes' injury problems. Buttler underlined his skill in a run-chase last week but the wicketkeeper, by his own admission, had a poor match with the gloves. England do have the option to recall Ben Foakes, widely regarded as a better keeper, and play Buttler as a specialist batsman. But Root appeared wary of that suggestion when he praised fellow World Cup winner Buttler's innings by saying: "I think it will provide him with a huge amount of confidence in all aspects of his game and he should take that forward for the rest of the series." Root himself could do with a big score having managed just one Test hundred in 18 months. England are in the middle of a sequence of six Tests in seven weeks, a gruelling schedule that has seen them adopt a policy of rotating their quicks. James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker bristled at talk he was considering retirement after a meagre match haul of 1-97 at his Lancashire home ground last week meant the 38-year-old has taken just six wickets at an expensive average of 41 in three Tests this season. He could now make way for left-armer Sam Curran, who has won all his eight home Tests, or fast bowler Mark Wood. - 'Deal with pressure better' - Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq insisted his side could recover from an agonising loss as they try to avoid a defeat that will condemn them to a first series defeat by England in a decade. "We need to improve 10 to 15 percent and deal with pressure situations a little better but we shouldn't be mentally down," he said, with Pakistan denied the usual vocal support they enjoy in England after COVID-19 turned this campaign into a behind closed doors series. Pakistan captain Azhar Ali, criticised for his tactics during Buttler and Woakes' decisive stand, has made just one fifty in 10 innings since becoming skipper in November. But he denied captaincy was affecting his batting. "When I bat, I'm not thinking about the captaincy, whether or not I'm out of form. "And when I'm captain, I don't think about my batting at all." Should Pakistan have concerns about the fitness of their pace trio of Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, they could bring in another quick such as Sohail Khan. Pakistan played two leg-spinners at Old Trafford, with Shadab Khan backing up Yasir Shah, but they could now deploy a fourth seamer if they feel the Ageas Bowl pitch won't take as much turn.

Stokes' absence leaves England with Pakistan problem

<p>England quick Stuart Broad says his father, match referee Chris Broad, is off his Christmas card list after he fined him for giving Pakistan’s Yasir Shah a send-off in the first test.</p>

<p>The bowler was fined 15% of his match fee and given a demerit point for his behaviour on Saturday as England went on to clinch the series opener in Manchester by three wickets.</p>

<p>After England’s ‘Barmy Army’ supporters group tweeted the news of his sanction on Tuesday, Broad said of his father: “He’s off the Christmas card &amp; present list.”</p>

<p>Chris Broad would not normally officiate in a match involving his son but he is overseeing all six of England’s home tests this summer because of travel restrictions imposed to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>It was the bowler’s third demerit point in the last 24 months. Another demerit point picked up in the second test, which begins in Southampton on Thursday, would trigger a one-test suspension.</p>


England quick Stuart Broad says his father, match referee Chris Broad, is off his Christmas card list after he fined him for giving Pakistan’s Yasir Shah a send-off in the first test.

England quick Stuart Broad says his father, match referee Chris Broad, is off his Christmas card list after he fined him for giving Pakistan’s Yasir Shah a send-off in the first test. The bowler was fined 15% of his match fee and given a demerit point for his behaviour on Saturday as England went on to clinch the series opener in Manchester by three wickets. After England’s ‘Barmy Army’ supporters group tweeted the news of his sanction on Tuesday, Broad said of his father: “He’s off the Christmas card & present list.” Chris Broad would not normally officiate in a match involving his son but he is overseeing all six of England’s home tests this summer because of travel restrictions imposed to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. It was the bowler’s third demerit point in the last 24 months. Another demerit point picked up in the second test, which begins in Southampton on Thursday, would trigger a one-test suspension.

Broad says dad off Christmas card list after sanction

<p>With COVID-19 situation evolving every day around the world, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been kept among the back-up venues for the 2021 T20 World Cup should India fail to curb the spread of the dreaded virus in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ICC, last week, confirmed that India will be hosting the 2021 edition of the tournament as scheduled while the postponed 2020 T20 World Cup will be hosted by Australia in 2022. While locking on back-up venues has been a standard practice for every ICC Event, the situation around the virus makes it significant this time around.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka and UAE have been kept among the back-ups for the showpiece event in 2021 in case India fails to flatten the curve by then. India is currently the third-worst hit country in the world in terms of positive cases with over 2 million cases and 45,000 deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/womens-t20i-cricket-returns-for-the-first-time-since-international-womens-day-319954" hreflang="en">Women's T20I cricket returns for the first time since International Women's Day</a></strong></p>

<p>Given the current situation, the BCCI was forced to relocate the much-talked-about Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to the UAE and have placed just tentative plans to start the domestic season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BCCI has maintained that it doesn’t want to host three big tournaments including 2023 IPL and World Cup back-to-back and came to a consensus about hosting the 2021 T20 World Cup in the ICC Board meeting. However, the recent outbreak of coronavirus in Australia played a part in Cricket Australia agreeing to host the T20 World Cup in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-rajasthan-royals-fielding-coach-dishant-yagnik-tests-positive-for-covid-19-319902" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik tests positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, IPL 2020 is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With COVID-19 situation evolving every day around the world, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been kept among the back-up venues for the 2021 T20 World Cup should India fail to curb the spread of the dreaded virus in the country.

With COVID-19 situation evolving every day around the world, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been kept among the back-up venues for the 2021 T20 World Cup should India fail to curb the spread of the dreaded virus in the country. The ICC, last week, confirmed that India will be hosting the 2021 edition of the tournament as scheduled while the postponed 2020 T20 World Cup will be hosted by Australia in 2022. While locking on back-up venues has been a standard practice for every ICC Event, the situation around the virus makes it significant this time around. As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka and UAE have been kept among the back-ups for the showpiece event in 2021 in case India fails to flatten the curve by then. India is currently the third-worst hit country in the world in terms of positive cases with over 2 million cases and 45,000 deaths. ALSO READ: Women's T20I cricket returns for the first time since International Women's Day Given the current situation, the BCCI was forced to relocate the much-talked-about Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to the UAE and have placed just tentative plans to start the domestic season. The BCCI has maintained that it doesn’t want to host three big tournaments including 2023 IPL and World Cup back-to-back and came to a consensus about hosting the 2021 T20 World Cup in the ICC Board meeting. However, the recent outbreak of coronavirus in Australia played a part in Cricket Australia agreeing to host the T20 World Cup in 2022. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik tests positive for COVID-19 Meanwhile, IPL 2020 is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10.

2021 T20 World Cup: UAE, Sri Lanka among back-up venues for tournament

<p>England National Selectors on Wednesday named a 14-strong squad for the second Test against Pakistan scheduled to start on Thursday (August 13) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.</p>

<p>Sussex pacer Ollie Robinson has been added to the squad for the first time as he replaces ace all-rounder Ben Stokes, who left the bio-secure bubble after the completion of first Test for family reasons.</p>

<p>England lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after a thunderous comeback in the second innings of the match. While England ended up trailing Pakistan in the first squad, a lackluster performance with the bat by the visitors and questionable captaincy by Azhar Ali in the second innings, helped England chase down the total.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stokes-absence-leaves-england-with-pakistan-problem-319907" hreflang="en">Stokes' absence leaves England with Pakistan problem</a></strong></p>

<p>Both Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler roared with the bat to help England seal their third consecutive Test win. &nbsp;</p>

<h2>England Test Squad for second Test vs Pakistan:</h2>

<p>Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain, James Anderson (Lancashire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Dominic Bess (Somerset), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).</p>

<h2>England vs Pakistan three-match Test Series:</h2>

<p>1st Test: England v Pakistan, 5-9 August, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (England won by three wickets)</p>

<p>2nd Test: England v Pakistan, 13-17 August, Ageas Bowl, Southampton</p>

<p>3rd Test: England v Pakistan, 21-25 August, Ageas Bowl, Southampton<br />
&nbsp;</p>


England National Selectors on Wednesday named a 14-strong squad for the second Test against Pakistan scheduled to start on Thursday (August 13) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

England National Selectors on Wednesday named a 14-strong squad for the second Test against Pakistan scheduled to start on Thursday (August 13) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Sussex pacer Ollie Robinson has been added to the squad for the first time as he replaces ace all-rounder Ben Stokes, who left the bio-secure bubble after the completion of first Test for family reasons. England lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after a thunderous comeback in the second innings of the match. While England ended up trailing Pakistan in the first squad, a lackluster performance with the bat by the visitors and questionable captaincy by Azhar Ali in the second innings, helped England chase down the total. ALSO READ: Stokes' absence leaves England with Pakistan problem Both Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler roared with the bat to help England seal their third consecutive Test win. England Test Squad for second Test vs Pakistan: Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain, James Anderson (Lancashire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Dominic Bess (Somerset), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham). England vs Pakistan three-match Test Series: 1st Test: England v Pakistan, 5-9 August, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (England won by three wickets) 2nd Test: England v Pakistan, 13-17 August, Ageas Bowl, Southampton 3rd Test: England v Pakistan, 21-25 August, Ageas Bowl, Southampton

Robinson replaces Stokes as England name squad for 2nd Test vs Pakistan

<p>Women’s T20 International cricket on Wednesday returns for the first time since the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as Austria host Germany in the first of five T20 internationals.</p>

<p>Due to the Covid-19 pandemic all women’s T20I cricket had been postponed, but today sees the return after seven months when Australia defeated India in front of 86,174 fans on 8 March.</p>

<p>Germany – known as the Golden Eagles - ranked 27<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;in the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings will be looking to gain points as they face 50<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;placed Austria in the battle to move up the rankings.</p>

<p>The Golden Eagles last played a T20I against Oman in February as part of a 4-0 series clean sweep. Austria will be playing for the first time since their quadrangular series a year ago which included France, Jersey and Norway.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dhoni-raina-among-other-csk-players-to-reach-chennai-by-august-15-319774" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Dhoni, Raina among other CSK players to reach Chennai by August 15</a></strong></p>

<p>With just under 10,000 women and girls participating in cricket in Germany in 2019 the women’s game is growing with overall female participation increasing 155% since 2016.</p>

<p>Anuradha Doddaballapur, Germany captain said: “First up I'd like to thank everyone at Austria cricket for hosting us despite the current circumstances. We are excited to take the field again after a seemingly long break. The girls have worked hard in the last few months to stay fit and to up their skills, so I am confident we will put on a good show. We look forward to some exciting games against Austria whom we haven't faced in T20 cricket in a long time.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-sheldon-cottrell-on-ipl-2020-kings-xi-punjab-and-more-319732" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Sheldon Cottrell on IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab and more</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Andrea Mae Zepeda, Austria captain said: “The team is really excited, and we are looking forward to some competitive cricket in Europe after months of lockdown due to Covid-19.&nbsp; Some teams could not take part in this tournament due to travel restrictions, but we are happy those restrictions have been eased between Austria and Germany and we are able to get some international cricket this year.”</p>

<h2><strong>The fixtures for the five match T20 International series is as follows:</strong></h2>

<p>12 August – Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 12:00CET<br />
13 August - Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 11:00CET<br />
13 August - Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 15:30CET<br />
14 August - Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 11:00CET<br />
15 August - Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 10:00CET</p>


Women’s T20 International cricket on Wednesday returns for the first time since the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as Austria host Germany in the first of five T20 internationals.

Women’s T20 International cricket on Wednesday returns for the first time since the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as Austria host Germany in the first of five T20 internationals. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic all women’s T20I cricket had been postponed, but today sees the return after seven months when Australia defeated India in front of 86,174 fans on 8 March. Germany – known as the Golden Eagles - ranked 27th in the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings will be looking to gain points as they face 50th placed Austria in the battle to move up the rankings. The Golden Eagles last played a T20I against Oman in February as part of a 4-0 series clean sweep. Austria will be playing for the first time since their quadrangular series a year ago which included France, Jersey and Norway. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Dhoni, Raina among other CSK players to reach Chennai by August 15 With just under 10,000 women and girls participating in cricket in Germany in 2019 the women’s game is growing with overall female participation increasing 155% since 2016. Anuradha Doddaballapur, Germany captain said: “First up I'd like to thank everyone at Austria cricket for hosting us despite the current circumstances. We are excited to take the field again after a seemingly long break. The girls have worked hard in the last few months to stay fit and to up their skills, so I am confident we will put on a good show. We look forward to some exciting games against Austria whom we haven't faced in T20 cricket in a long time.” ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Sheldon Cottrell on IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab and more Andrea Mae Zepeda, Austria captain said: “The team is really excited, and we are looking forward to some competitive cricket in Europe after months of lockdown due to Covid-19. Some teams could not take part in this tournament due to travel restrictions, but we are happy those restrictions have been eased between Austria and Germany and we are able to get some international cricket this year.” The fixtures for the five match T20 International series is as follows: 12 August – Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 12:00CET 13 August - Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 11:00CET 13 August - Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 15:30CET 14 August - Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 11:00CET 15 August - Austria v Germany, Seebarn Cricket Ground, Austria – 10:00CET

Women's T20I cricket returns for the first time since International Women's Day

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> on August 21, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan confirmed to WION on Tuesday. Furthermore, all the Indian CSK players including the likes of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina will assemble at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai by August 15 for a small-camp before jetting off to the UAE for the much-awaited IPL 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21 and all the arrangements related to it have been made,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION on Tuesday while adding that the team will put base in "Dubai".</p>

<p>CSK are also set to take 10 net bowlers to help prepare the team for a grueling season ahead.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>“Nothing has been confirmed yet. But yes, we are planning to take eight to 10 net bowlers to help the players get ready for the tournament. No names have been finalised yet,” the CSK top boss added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All eyes will be on the return of two stalwarts of Indian cricket and icons of Chennai Super Kings – MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. While CSK are known to have a team consisting experienced players, Dhoni and Raina always steal the show for their consistency.</p>

<p>While IPL is a platform where both will be seen taking the field again, fans can’t wait to catch the iconic CSK duo in action after a long time. While Dhoni last took the field in the ICC World Cup 2019, Raina was last seen playing in IPL 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-invites-tender-for-ipl-sponsorship-for-4-month-period-highest-bid-not-guaranteed-winner-319545" hreflang="en">BCCI invites tender for IPL sponsorship for 4-month period; highest bid not guaranteed winner</a></strong></p>

<p>“Dhoni, Raina and every other Indian player from the squad will reach Chennai by August 15 and after that we will have a small camp to get everyone on the same page,” Vishwanathan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emirates-cricket-board-receives-official-clearance-from-bcci-to-host-ipl-2020-319748">Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday confirmed that they have received an official clearance from the BCCI to conduct the IPL in the UAE</a>.</p>

<p>The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to kickstart from September 19 in the UAE with the final scheduled for November 10.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 on August 21, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan confirmed to WION on Tuesday.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 on August 21, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan confirmed to WION on Tuesday. Furthermore, all the Indian CSK players including the likes of MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina will assemble at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai by August 15 for a small-camp before jetting off to the UAE for the much-awaited IPL 2020. “The entire team will be flying to the UAE on August 21 and all the arrangements related to it have been made,” Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION on Tuesday while adding that the team will put base in "Dubai". CSK are also set to take 10 net bowlers to help prepare the team for a grueling season ahead. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell “Nothing has been confirmed yet. But yes, we are planning to take eight to 10 net bowlers to help the players get ready for the tournament. No names have been finalised yet,” the CSK top boss added. All eyes will be on the return of two stalwarts of Indian cricket and icons of Chennai Super Kings – MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina. While CSK are known to have a team consisting experienced players, Dhoni and Raina always steal the show for their consistency. While IPL is a platform where both will be seen taking the field again, fans can’t wait to catch the iconic CSK duo in action after a long time. While Dhoni last took the field in the ICC World Cup 2019, Raina was last seen playing in IPL 2019. ALSO READ: BCCI invites tender for IPL sponsorship for 4-month period; highest bid not guaranteed winner “Dhoni, Raina and every other Indian player from the squad will reach Chennai by August 15 and after that we will have a small camp to get everyone on the same page,” Vishwanathan said. Meanwhile, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday confirmed that they have received an official clearance from the BCCI to conduct the IPL in the UAE. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to kickstart from September 19 in the UAE with the final scheduled for November 10.

IPL 2020: Dhoni, Raina among other CSK players to reach Chennai by August 15

<p>The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement took the entire world by storm following the death of African-American man George Floyd, under police custody, in Minneapolis on May 25. While there were worldwide protests, superstars from the sports world took a step forward and joined the movement.</p>

<p>While the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Coco Gauff, Israel Adesanya among many others taking to the streets to voice their anguish against racism, other players and teams took a knee before the start of matches in Premier League, Bundesliga and other top leagues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In cricket world, the England-West Indies Test series, which was the first international series after the COVID-19 break, set a benchmark as players, umpires and coaching staff took a knee before the commencement of all three Test matches. Sportspersons, who are an inspiration for millions, started to take a leading role in Black Lives Matter Movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Africa, a country which has suffered from racism for long, also took a stand for Black Lives Matter Movement, as players, officials and coaching staff took a knee before the start of their 3TC event, which was held in Centurion, and sent a strong message to the entire world on how severe the issue of racism is.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a></strong></p>

<p>West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, who was also a soldier for Jamaican Defence Force for over a decade, in an exclusive interview with WION, said that if required, he will take a knee in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cottrell is set to play for St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in CPL 2020 and will make a much-awaited debut in IPL 2020 for Kings XI Punjab, who signed him up for a whopping Rs 8.5 crore in the auction.</p>

<p>While Cottrell said that he has never experienced racism before, he knows the issue is for real and is completely against any form of discrimination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have never experienced racism before. But I know it is for real and totally against it (racism) in any ways or form. We are all human beings and only thing I know to show is love. I don’t care where you are from. I don’t care what’s your skin colour. Only thing I know is loving others. I have grown to understand that some people are different but you don’t need to treat them different,” Cottrell who was the highest wicket-taker for the Windies in ICC World Cup 2019 told WION in an exclusive interview.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked whether he would take a knee in CPL 2020 or IPL 2020, the Windies pacer said if required, he will take a knee and won’t oppose to it as he is with the movement while citing examples of Colin Kaepernick and others who have done it on the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“About the knee, if required, I will, to be honest (take a knee). I won’t oppose because I am with the movement and for the movement. For once, you have the platform, where you can exercise your beliefs, there’s nothing wrong with it. I think that’s the best stage. Kaepernick did it. A lot of people after him did it. And it is something I don’t have a problem with,” Cottrell said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cottrell has been pick of the bowler for the West Indies in the limited-overs circuit as the left-arm pacer picked up 49 wickets in 35 ODIs. Whereas in T20Is, he has 36 scalps in 27 matches.&nbsp;</p>


The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement took the entire world by storm following the death of African-American man George Floyd, under police custody, in Minneapolis on May 25.

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement took the entire world by storm following the death of African-American man George Floyd, under police custody, in Minneapolis on May 25. While there were worldwide protests, superstars from the sports world took a step forward and joined the movement. While the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Coco Gauff, Israel Adesanya among many others taking to the streets to voice their anguish against racism, other players and teams took a knee before the start of matches in Premier League, Bundesliga and other top leagues. In cricket world, the England-West Indies Test series, which was the first international series after the COVID-19 break, set a benchmark as players, umpires and coaching staff took a knee before the commencement of all three Test matches. Sportspersons, who are an inspiration for millions, started to take a leading role in Black Lives Matter Movement. South Africa, a country which has suffered from racism for long, also took a stand for Black Lives Matter Movement, as players, officials and coaching staff took a knee before the start of their 3TC event, which was held in Centurion, and sent a strong message to the entire world on how severe the issue of racism is. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, who was also a soldier for Jamaican Defence Force for over a decade, in an exclusive interview with WION, said that if required, he will take a knee in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. × Cottrell is set to play for St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in CPL 2020 and will make a much-awaited debut in IPL 2020 for Kings XI Punjab, who signed him up for a whopping Rs 8.5 crore in the auction. While Cottrell said that he has never experienced racism before, he knows the issue is for real and is completely against any form of discrimination. “I have never experienced racism before. But I know it is for real and totally against it (racism) in any ways or form. We are all human beings and only thing I know to show is love. I don’t care where you are from. I don’t care what’s your skin colour. Only thing I know is loving others. I have grown to understand that some people are different but you don’t need to treat them different,” Cottrell who was the highest wicket-taker for the Windies in ICC World Cup 2019 told WION in an exclusive interview. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series When asked whether he would take a knee in CPL 2020 or IPL 2020, the Windies pacer said if required, he will take a knee and won’t oppose to it as he is with the movement while citing examples of Colin Kaepernick and others who have done it on the field. “About the knee, if required, I will, to be honest (take a knee). I won’t oppose because I am with the movement and for the movement. For once, you have the platform, where you can exercise your beliefs, there’s nothing wrong with it. I think that’s the best stage. Kaepernick did it. A lot of people after him did it. And it is something I don’t have a problem with,” Cottrell said. Cottrell has been pick of the bowler for the West Indies in the limited-overs circuit as the left-arm pacer picked up 49 wickets in 35 ODIs. Whereas in T20Is, he has 36 scalps in 27 matches.

Exclusive - Will take a knee in CPL and IPL, if required: Sheldon Cottrell

<p>Salutes are set to take the centre-stage in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 starting September 19 in the UAE with West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell set to make his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) after being signed up by the franchise for a whopping INR 8.5 crore during the auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After enjoying a splendid ICC World Cup 2019 and boasting a superb record in white-ball cricket, Cottrell attracted bids from Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab before the latter outbid everyone to bag the services of the left-arm speedster, who has also served the Jamaican Defence Force for over a decade.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Sheldon Cottrell talked about the upcoming IPL 2020, his experience of going under the gavel, Kings XI Punjab squad, how much he is looking forward to work with Anil Kumble, relationship with Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and more.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sheldon Cottrell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="533e3d12-6991-4012-8125-351dcc0bf062" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1H02OL.jpg" /></p>

<p>During the IPL 2020 auction, Kings XI Punjab looked determined to sign the pacer from Jamaica, who has been a mainstay in the West Indies limited-overs circuit. While Sheldon has impressed in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, he will be making his IPL debut in the 13th edition, set to be played in the UAE from September 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked if he watched the IPL auction, Cottrell relived the experience while narrating how Windies batsman Evin Lewis commentated the entire bidding process as he stood in the balcony trying to calm his nerves. Cottrell added his dream was accomplished as soon as the first bid came to his name while adding he has been waiting to take the field for KXIP and is ready mentally and physically for the intensity of IPL.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-will-take-a-knee-in-cpl-and-ipl-if-required-sheldon-cottrell-319431" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Will take a knee in CPL and IPL, if required: Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>“I was in a hotel room with Evin Lewis. So I watched everyone’s auction before me and I was comfortable watching it. But then when my turn came I was like ‘oh man!’. And when I was heard the first bid on me, I just went to the balcony and I was like ‘yes!’. I didn’t want to see it anymore, I wanted to see just one bid, to be honest. ‘Yes, I am going to play in the IPL!’. But then two minutes after the bidding was still going, I took a peek and Evin Lewis was more excited than I was. I was just nervous. But yes, it was a great feeling. I can never forget that feeling and moment ever in my life,” Cottrell narrated.&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sheldon Cottrell has found a home in <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lionsdenkxip</a> this season <a href="https://twitter.com/Vivo_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vivo_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> 🙂🙂 <a href="https://t.co/yeyTIPSt1o">pic.twitter.com/yeyTIPSt1o</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1207628694681862145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>“I am really looking forward to it. I have been waiting for this for all my cricketing career, to tell you the truth. But more eagerly in the past four to five months. I have been ready mentally and physically. Even with the lockdown, I have been keeping myself in shape. Ready. Just in case the call comes. So I am totally ready and can’t wait to go onto the park with the Kings XI Punjab,” the Windies pacer who picked up 11 wickets in ICC World Cup 2019 added.</p>

<p>Kings XI Punjab, under the guidance of former Indian skipper Anil Kumble, made some shrewd buys and is being regarded as one of the strongest sides ahead of IPL 2020. Cottrell hailed the balance between the youth and experience in the squad and added that if the team can gel well then they have all the ingredients to become a champion team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a></strong></p>

<p>“We have got some young players and senior players as well so it is a great mixture. I can see the team coming together and be a champion team. But as you know, cricket is played on the day. And honestly, I am looking forward to bring that energy, that passion and everything that is associated with the name Cottrell to that team and my knowledge. So yes, I am looking forward to the IPL,” Cottrell said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sheldon Cottrell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46d5071d-f919-49c6-b5ef-c9726de53b64" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1JH1LA.jpg" /></p>

<p>Cottrell, who has won millions of hearts around the globe with his iconic salute celebration, said he is eagerly waiting to work under Anil Kumble and pick his brain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Really, really looking forward to working with Anil Kumble. I love working with the former players and legends of the game. Just try and pick their brains and to know how they became such great players. There must be something he did it back then to become such a great player in this sport. In cricket, you have more bad days than good days, to tell you the truth. And to become great, you have to be exceptional. I love picking the brain of legendary players and I am going to pick his brain. Even though he is a spinner and I am fast bowler but that doesn’t matter,” Cottrell said with sheer excitement.</p>

<p><img alt="Anil Kumble KXIP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aba7fc1d-8e1d-469a-9caa-9404e0723bfe" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kumble-KXIP-IPL-Auction_570_850.jpg" /></p>

<p>Cottrell will join fellow Jamaican cricketer and a legend of the game Chris Gayle in the KXIP squad. Explaining his relationship with Mr. Universe, Cottrell said he is a wonderful guy and thankfully, he will be watching him smash the ball from the dugout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Chris Gayle is a wonderful guy! As you know, he is a cool customer. I mean a master blaster, he is a murderer of the cricket ball (laughs). And thankfully, I won’t be bowling to him (laughs) and will be in the dugout blasting it all over the park,” Cottrell said.</p>

<p>All eyes will be on KXIP skipper KL Rahul, who will try and lead the side to their first-ever IPL trophy. Explaining his relationship with Rahul, Cottrell said he met him the last time India toured the Caribbean while praising him for having a cool head over his shoulders. He added that he is looking forward to play under his leadership and learn from him.</p>

<p>“KL Rahul and I became really close when India last toured the West Indies. We talked a bit and I find him to be a really cool guy. He is a wonderful cricketer, cool customer and I am just looking forward to play under his captaincy. Even though he is a young cricketer, I am still going to learn a few things from him because he has been playing in the IPL for quite some time. There’s nothing like for a bowler to hear it from a batsman’s perspective. So I am looking forward to probably trade some information with him,” Cottrell said.</p>

<p>The West Indies paceman went on to add that KXIP has one of the best fast bowling line-ups in IPL 2020 and he cannot wait to take the field and give his all for the franchise. And yes, salutes are mandatory with each wicket.</p>

<p>“Obviously! I mean I have been eagerly waiting to salute in the IPL a lot. We have probably the best line-up in the IPL where fast bowling is concerned. I am looking forward to shine. At the end of the day, cricket is a team sport but mostly, it is about individual performances. As I said before, as long as I can give my 110-120 per cent, I will be pleased with myself,” Cottrell said.</p>

<p><img alt="Sheldon Cottrell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a58461fa-a207-4ae4-bdbe-338630b93e9a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1HW6FE.jpg" /></p>

<p>“As this is my first season in IPL, my target will be doing go there and give it my all. Do whatever the team requires. I am going to enjoy, to tell you the truth. One thing in cricket, once you have enjoyed it, most times you are going to do well. Just not feel pressured and relax and be myself,” he added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Salutes are set to take the centre-stage in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 starting September 19 in the UAE with West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell set to make his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) after being signed up by the franchise for a whopping INR 8.

Salutes are set to take the centre-stage in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 starting September 19 in the UAE with West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell set to make his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) after being signed up by the franchise for a whopping INR 8.5 crore during the auction. After enjoying a splendid ICC World Cup 2019 and boasting a superb record in white-ball cricket, Cottrell attracted bids from Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab before the latter outbid everyone to bag the services of the left-arm speedster, who has also served the Jamaican Defence Force for over a decade. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Sheldon Cottrell talked about the upcoming IPL 2020, his experience of going under the gavel, Kings XI Punjab squad, how much he is looking forward to work with Anil Kumble, relationship with Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and more. × During the IPL 2020 auction, Kings XI Punjab looked determined to sign the pacer from Jamaica, who has been a mainstay in the West Indies limited-overs circuit. While Sheldon has impressed in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, he will be making his IPL debut in the 13th edition, set to be played in the UAE from September 19. When asked if he watched the IPL auction, Cottrell relived the experience while narrating how Windies batsman Evin Lewis commentated the entire bidding process as he stood in the balcony trying to calm his nerves. Cottrell added his dream was accomplished as soon as the first bid came to his name while adding he has been waiting to take the field for KXIP and is ready mentally and physically for the intensity of IPL. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Will take a knee in CPL and IPL, if required: Sheldon Cottrell “I was in a hotel room with Evin Lewis. So I watched everyone’s auction before me and I was comfortable watching it. But then when my turn came I was like ‘oh man!’. And when I was heard the first bid on me, I just went to the balcony and I was like ‘yes!’. I didn’t want to see it anymore, I wanted to see just one bid, to be honest. ‘Yes, I am going to play in the IPL!’. But then two minutes after the bidding was still going, I took a peek and Evin Lewis was more excited than I was. I was just nervous. But yes, it was a great feeling. I can never forget that feeling and moment ever in my life,” Cottrell narrated. Sheldon Cottrell has found a home in @lionsdenkxip this season @Vivo_India #IPLAuction 🙂🙂 pic.twitter.com/yeyTIPSt1o — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 19, 2019 × “I am really looking forward to it. I have been waiting for this for all my cricketing career, to tell you the truth. But more eagerly in the past four to five months. I have been ready mentally and physically. Even with the lockdown, I have been keeping myself in shape. Ready. Just in case the call comes. So I am totally ready and can’t wait to go onto the park with the Kings XI Punjab,” the Windies pacer who picked up 11 wickets in ICC World Cup 2019 added. Kings XI Punjab, under the guidance of former Indian skipper Anil Kumble, made some shrewd buys and is being regarded as one of the strongest sides ahead of IPL 2020. Cottrell hailed the balance between the youth and experience in the squad and added that if the team can gel well then they have all the ingredients to become a champion team. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series “We have got some young players and senior players as well so it is a great mixture. I can see the team coming together and be a champion team. But as you know, cricket is played on the day. And honestly, I am looking forward to bring that energy, that passion and everything that is associated with the name Cottrell to that team and my knowledge. So yes, I am looking forward to the IPL,” Cottrell said. Cottrell, who has won millions of hearts around the globe with his iconic salute celebration, said he is eagerly waiting to work under Anil Kumble and pick his brain. “Really, really looking forward to working with Anil Kumble. I love working with the former players and legends of the game. Just try and pick their brains and to know how they became such great players. There must be something he did it back then to become such a great player in this sport. In cricket, you have more bad days than good days, to tell you the truth. And to become great, you have to be exceptional. I love picking the brain of legendary players and I am going to pick his brain. Even though he is a spinner and I am fast bowler but that doesn’t matter,” Cottrell said with sheer excitement. Cottrell will join fellow Jamaican cricketer and a legend of the game Chris Gayle in the KXIP squad. Explaining his relationship with Mr. Universe, Cottrell said he is a wonderful guy and thankfully, he will be watching him smash the ball from the dugout. “Chris Gayle is a wonderful guy! As you know, he is a cool customer. I mean a master blaster, he is a murderer of the cricket ball (laughs). And thankfully, I won’t be bowling to him (laughs) and will be in the dugout blasting it all over the park,” Cottrell said. All eyes will be on KXIP skipper KL Rahul, who will try and lead the side to their first-ever IPL trophy. Explaining his relationship with Rahul, Cottrell said he met him the last time India toured the Caribbean while praising him for having a cool head over his shoulders. He added that he is looking forward to play under his leadership and learn from him. “KL Rahul and I became really close when India last toured the West Indies. We talked a bit and I find him to be a really cool guy. He is a wonderful cricketer, cool customer and I am just looking forward to play under his captaincy. Even though he is a young cricketer, I am still going to learn a few things from him because he has been playing in the IPL for quite some time. There’s nothing like for a bowler to hear it from a batsman’s perspective. So I am looking forward to probably trade some information with him,” Cottrell said. The West Indies paceman went on to add that KXIP has one of the best fast bowling line-ups in IPL 2020 and he cannot wait to take the field and give his all for the franchise. And yes, salutes are mandatory with each wicket. “Obviously! I mean I have been eagerly waiting to salute in the IPL a lot. We have probably the best line-up in the IPL where fast bowling is concerned. I am looking forward to shine. At the end of the day, cricket is a team sport but mostly, it is about individual performances. As I said before, as long as I can give my 110-120 per cent, I will be pleased with myself,” Cottrell said. “As this is my first season in IPL, my target will be doing go there and give it my all. Do whatever the team requires. I am going to enjoy, to tell you the truth. One thing in cricket, once you have enjoyed it, most times you are going to do well. Just not feel pressured and relax and be myself,” he added.

EXCLUSIVE - Kings XI Punjab can be a champion team in IPL 2020: Sheldon Cottrell

<p>Kings XI Punjab will have Caribbean blast in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with the West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell joining the side after going for a whopping INR 8.5 crore in the auction. KXIP outbid the likes of Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals to bag the services of Cottrell, who has been the pick of the bowler for the West Indies in limited-overs cricket in the past few years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KXIP would be taking to the field in IPL 2020 to break their title drought and all eyes will be on Cottrell, who is eager to bring his iconic salute to the best T20 tournament in the world. Cottrell, who will next be seen for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 before making his IPL debut for KXIP has won millions of hearts with his salutes while his devastating spells with the ball has been nothing short of a nightmare for batsmen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Sheldon Cottrell talked about his time with the Jamaican Defence Force, time in lockdown, T20 cricket behind closed doors, CPL, IPL auction, Kings XI Punjab’s title ambitions, relationship with KL Rahul, working with Anil Kumble and more. &nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan Chakraborty</strong>: Welcome to WION, Sheldon. How has been life in the past five months? A welcome break, perhaps?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Thanks for having me. Life in past five months have been a bit up and down. As you know, in the pandemic, I haven’t gotten the training that I would have liked to get. But then I welcomed the rest and time spent with the family. It’s devastating to see what is going around the world. My heart goes out to all the COVID-19 patients and all the lives it has the affected. But on the other hand, it is really good to have home time. Your mental strength is really important when you are playing a high pressure sport such as cricket. So it is good when you can just relax and kick your field up.</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: Before I move to cricket, tell us something about your experience with Jamaican Defence Force. You served JDF for more than a decade…did that experience help you in becoming the person or professional you are right now?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Yes, absolutely! Being in the Jamaican Defense Force, it instills discipline and I have been there when I was like 17 going on to 18. So I was basically a youngster. It instills discipline, teach about life. It made me focus on what I wanted in life. When I joined the Army, one of my instructors told me to use the Army as a stepping stone. I didn’t understand the meaning then but when I became a senior member in the Army then I understood what he meant – use the Army to learn discipline, courage and whatever else you gain in the Army and transfer it to life in general.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan:</strong> So how did cricket happen? Was it an instant success or did you toil hard to polish up your skills?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: I was actually a all-rounder sportsperson. I was a genuine athlete, to tell you the truth. I started playing before JDF happened. But with the JDF, I used the physical training to be fit for cricket. So cricket was always there for me but Army came first for me always.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was far from instant success, to tell you the truth (laughs). I don’t think many people know this but I never played any form of youth cricket growing up. And I have been playing cricket when I was 12-13. I went to the Under-19 trials for two years, that is the Jamaica Under-19 trials and didn’t make it. The first time I got picked in the reserves and I was super happy. And the second time, I was like I am surely going to make into the team and I didn’t make the cut there. I remember my mum was also excited and she was positive about it. I remember going home and she was waiting for me and she was like ‘did you make it to the team?’ and I broke down crying and that was the first time I cried like that. It wasn’t that easy for me, especially in Jamaica where you have a lot of talent. But getting to understand my game, getting to believe more in myself because I never believed in myself. People kept on telling me ‘hey, you can play for the West Indies, you are a great player’. But at the time, I was playing merely for fun, without even thinking about it. But with the time, I have become better.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: You have had great success in white-ball cricket but have played just two Tests for the West Indies. Do you feel you should have played more Test cricket for the team?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Honestly, no. Because I know the team that went to India was the best team in the Caribbean at that time. And I haven’t played first-class cricket that much, I want to play the white-ball version. I wasn’t irked but then if I had played the regional four-day and had done well, then that was a different case. I think the team that went to England was the best team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sheldon Cottrell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e40365e-ed53-4a30-902a-cebe0baa364f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1H368M.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: And did you ever think that you could have done better than what the West Indies bowler did against England?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: I wouldn’t have said that. Obviously, I can say that as I watched the matches! But I have been out of the format for so long. I wish I was there, to tell you the truth (laughs). But no, I would never say that I would have done better than the guys who were there. But I would have loved to be there.</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: And what’s your take in T20 tournaments being played in limited stadiums. CPL will be played in just two stadiums, IPL in just three…Do you think fast bowlers will struggle as the pitches tire out later in the tournament?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: I don’t think the bowlers are going to struggle overall. My take is that batters are going to struggle a bit. After watching most of cricket that is going on, we can say the bowlers have done pretty well, to be honest. As pitches get slower, there is a lot of variety a bowler can use. So if a bowler can keep working on his craft then there will be no problem in adapting to pitches.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have seen so many last moment changes. Fabian Allen missed out, Dennis Bulli and head coach Simon Helmot have unfortunately tested positive for the coronavirus and even the assistant coach is unavailable. Do you feel it will affect the team in the tournament?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell:</strong> Somewhat…because after the draft, you lock a certain team and staff for the tournament and if some guys pull out then it can affect the team and planning. But as a professional cricketer, I think it shouldn’t affect that much. When you go to the field and give your 110 per cent, it shouldn’t be a problem. And once you are off the field knowing that you gave it your all then it shouldn’t be affect you much irrespective of the result.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: Dennis Bulli, you senior in the Jamaican Defence Force, was all set to share the field with you for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. How do you rate him as a cricketer?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell:</strong> He is a wonderful cricketer. I can vouch for him. I have seen him grow over the years, physically and mentally. I know where he is coming from to where he is at now. I respect him for showing the fight that he has shown over the years to come this far. I was really looking forward to play with him but unfortunately, he is back home. But I am sure he will here next year and we will play together whether for the West Indies, CPL or even IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sheldon Cottrell and Dennis Bulli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7949314a-9b73-4653-a30e-d4ce7c474d74" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EchMvDmU8AAFdoH.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: And what’s your take on tournaments like CPL and IPL being played in front of empty stands?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: I can speak for myself. In the Caribbean, in domestic cricket, we play in front of empty stands, honestly speaking. So I don’t think it will be a problem for me. Just knowing that the fans would be at home, watching from the television. And I know the Patriots fans would be behind the team and that’s all I need. So I am going to keep on saluting. I am more worried about taking wickets more than the empty stands.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: Have you set any targets for yourself in CPL?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Not really. But one thing I always say to myself. I always try and better the previous season. So last year I took 12 wickets and I am going to try and get more than that. Once I have surpassed it, that will be mission accomplished for me. Anything more will be bonus. But knowing myself, if I get 12 in say four games, then I will keep pushing myself. So I always want to set the benchmark higher and higher. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sheldon Cottrell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10f0c1ee-b1b5-4b66-bfb5-581cc96b72ce" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/11683-15768202533592-500.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: Another important thing for which the cricket world has stood up in unity is the Black Lives Matter Movement. Be it the England-West Indies series or South Africa’s 3TC, players and officials have joined hands to come together in this battle against racism. Are you willing to take a knee in CPL and IPL to show your stand against racism?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell:</strong> I have never experienced racism before. But I know it is for real and totally against it (racism) in any ways or form. We are all human beings and only thing I know to show is love. I don’t care where you are from. I don’t care what’s your skin colour. Only thing I know is loving others. I have grown to understand that some people are different but you don’t need to treat them different. About the knee, if required, I will, to be honest. I won’t oppose because I am with the movement and for the movement. For once, you have the platform, where you can exercise your beliefs, there’s nothing wrong with it. I think that’s the best stage. Kaepernick did it. A lot of people after him did it. And it is something I don’t have a problem with.&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Proud of my team. Important to recognise the things that transcend sport but are so at the heart of our team and our proud legacy in West Indies cricket. Beyond a hashtag or a logo let’s see my children and yours in a world of justice 👊🏾 <a href="https://t.co/LILnKtCjdD">https://t.co/LILnKtCjdD</a></p>
— Sheldon Cotterell (@SaluteCotterell) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaluteCotterell/status/1277943826536001539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: Coming to IPL, did you watch the auction?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Somewhat! I was in a hotel room with Evin Lewis. So I watched everyone’s auction before me and I was comfortable watching it. But then when my turn came I was like ‘oh man!’. And when I was heard the first bid on me, I just went to the balcony and I was like ‘yes!’. I didn’t want to see it anymore, I wanted to see just one bid, to be honest. ‘Yes, I am going to play in the IPL!’. But then two minutes after the bidding was still going, I took a peek and Evin Lewis was more excited than I was. I was just nervous. But yes, it was a great feeling. I can never forget that feeling and moment ever in my life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: And how much are you looking forward to play in the IPL?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: I am really looking forward to it. I have been waiting for this for all my cricketing career, to tell you the truth. But more eagerly in the past four to five months. I have been ready mentally and physically. Even with the lockdown, I have been keeping myself in shape. Ready. Just in case the call comes. So I am totally ready and can’t wait to go onto the park with the Kings XI Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Sheldon Cottrell KXIP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dc2c1217-d811-4adb-8831-d518913ec7a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/917806-sheldon-cottrell-kxip.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: How do you assess the squad? Can Kings XI Punjab end the title drought this time?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Most definitely! We have got some young players and senior players as well so it is a great mixture. I can see the team coming together and be a champion team. But as you know, cricket is played on the day. And honestly, I am looking forward to bring that energy, that passion and everything that is associated with the name Cottrell to that team and my knowledge. So yes, I am looking forward to the IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: You will join your fellow Jamaican player and a legend of the game, Chris Gayle in the squad…</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Chris Gayle is a wonderful guy. As you know, he is a cool customer. I mean a master blaster, he is a murderer of the cricket ball. And thankfully, I won’t be bowling to him (laughs) and will be in the dugout blasting it all over the park.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: And how much are you looking to work under Anil Kumble?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Really, really looking forward to working with Anil Kumble. I love working with the former players and legends of the game. Just try and pick their brains and to know how they became such great players. There must be something he did it back then to become such a great player in this sport. In cricket, you have more bad days than good days, to tell you the truth. And to become great, you have to be exceptional. I love picking the brain of legendary players and I am going to pick his brain. Even though he is a spinner and I am fast bowler but that doesn’t matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: What are your thoughts on KL Rahul? Another tremendous player…</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: KL Rahul and I became really close when India last toured the West Indies. We talked a bit and I find him to be a really cool guy. He is a wonderful cricketer, cool customer and I am just looking forward to play under his captaincy. Even though he is a young cricketer, I am still going to learn a few things from him because he has been playing in the IPL for quite some time. There’s nothing like for a bowler to hear it from a batsman’s perspective. So I am looking forward to probably trade some information with him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: So Sheldon, all set to bring your salutes to the IPL?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: Absolutely! I mean I have been eagerly waiting to salute in the IPL a lot. We have probably the best line-up in the IPL where fast bowling is concerned. I am looking forward to shine. At the end of the day, cricket is a team sport but mostly, it is about individual performances. As I said before, as long as I can give my 110-120 per cent, I will be pleased with myself.</p>

<p><img alt="Sheldon Cottrell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a907c40b-a248-46de-83da-4b4b9b853385" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1H02OL_0.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: Any targets for you before IPL starts?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: As this is my first season in IPL, my target will be to go there and give my all. Do whatever the team requires. I am going to enjoy, to tell you the truth, one thing in cricket, once you have enjoyed it, most times you are going to do well. Just not feel pressured and relax and be myself.</p>

<p><strong>Subhayan</strong>: What will be your message to the fans who will watching CPL or IPL from their home?</p>

<p><strong>Sheldon Cottrell</strong>: I know you all will be supporting us back from your home. One thing, I want to say, just stay safe and enjoy the cricket. And look forward to the salutes because I am hungry for wickets. I have been out for the past four months, I am hungry right now. So wait for lots of salutes.&nbsp;</p>


Kings XI Punjab will have Caribbean blast in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with the West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell joining the side after going for a whopping INR 8.

Kings XI Punjab will have Caribbean blast in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with the West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell joining the side after going for a whopping INR 8.5 crore in the auction. KXIP outbid the likes of Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals to bag the services of Cottrell, who has been the pick of the bowler for the West Indies in limited-overs cricket in the past few years. KXIP would be taking to the field in IPL 2020 to break their title drought and all eyes will be on Cottrell, who is eager to bring his iconic salute to the best T20 tournament in the world. Cottrell, who will next be seen for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 before making his IPL debut for KXIP has won millions of hearts with his salutes while his devastating spells with the ball has been nothing short of a nightmare for batsmen. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Sheldon Cottrell talked about his time with the Jamaican Defence Force, time in lockdown, T20 cricket behind closed doors, CPL, IPL auction, Kings XI Punjab’s title ambitions, relationship with KL Rahul, working with Anil Kumble and more. × Subhayan Chakraborty: Welcome to WION, Sheldon. How has been life in the past five months? A welcome break, perhaps? Sheldon Cottrell: Thanks for having me. Life in past five months have been a bit up and down. As you know, in the pandemic, I haven’t gotten the training that I would have liked to get. But then I welcomed the rest and time spent with the family. It’s devastating to see what is going around the world. My heart goes out to all the COVID-19 patients and all the lives it has the affected. But on the other hand, it is really good to have home time. Your mental strength is really important when you are playing a high pressure sport such as cricket. So it is good when you can just relax and kick your field up. Subhayan: Before I move to cricket, tell us something about your experience with Jamaican Defence Force. You served JDF for more than a decade…did that experience help you in becoming the person or professional you are right now? Sheldon Cottrell: Yes, absolutely! Being in the Jamaican Defense Force, it instills discipline and I have been there when I was like 17 going on to 18. So I was basically a youngster. It instills discipline, teach about life. It made me focus on what I wanted in life. When I joined the Army, one of my instructors told me to use the Army as a stepping stone. I didn’t understand the meaning then but when I became a senior member in the Army then I understood what he meant – use the Army to learn discipline, courage and whatever else you gain in the Army and transfer it to life in general. Subhayan: So how did cricket happen? Was it an instant success or did you toil hard to polish up your skills? Sheldon Cottrell: I was actually a all-rounder sportsperson. I was a genuine athlete, to tell you the truth. I started playing before JDF happened. But with the JDF, I used the physical training to be fit for cricket. So cricket was always there for me but Army came first for me always. It was far from instant success, to tell you the truth (laughs). I don’t think many people know this but I never played any form of youth cricket growing up. And I have been playing cricket when I was 12-13. I went to the Under-19 trials for two years, that is the Jamaica Under-19 trials and didn’t make it. The first time I got picked in the reserves and I was super happy. And the second time, I was like I am surely going to make into the team and I didn’t make the cut there. I remember my mum was also excited and she was positive about it. I remember going home and she was waiting for me and she was like ‘did you make it to the team?’ and I broke down crying and that was the first time I cried like that. It wasn’t that easy for me, especially in Jamaica where you have a lot of talent. But getting to understand my game, getting to believe more in myself because I never believed in myself. People kept on telling me ‘hey, you can play for the West Indies, you are a great player’. But at the time, I was playing merely for fun, without even thinking about it. But with the time, I have become better. Subhayan: You have had great success in white-ball cricket but have played just two Tests for the West Indies. Do you feel you should have played more Test cricket for the team? Sheldon Cottrell: Honestly, no. Because I know the team that went to India was the best team in the Caribbean at that time. And I haven’t played first-class cricket that much, I want to play the white-ball version. I wasn’t irked but then if I had played the regional four-day and had done well, then that was a different case. I think the team that went to England was the best team. Subhayan: And did you ever think that you could have done better than what the West Indies bowler did against England? Sheldon Cottrell: I wouldn’t have said that. Obviously, I can say that as I watched the matches! But I have been out of the format for so long. I wish I was there, to tell you the truth (laughs). But no, I would never say that I would have done better than the guys who were there. But I would have loved to be there. Subhayan: And what’s your take in T20 tournaments being played in limited stadiums. CPL will be played in just two stadiums, IPL in just three…Do you think fast bowlers will struggle as the pitches tire out later in the tournament? Sheldon Cottrell: I don’t think the bowlers are going to struggle overall. My take is that batters are going to struggle a bit. After watching most of cricket that is going on, we can say the bowlers have done pretty well, to be honest. As pitches get slower, there is a lot of variety a bowler can use. So if a bowler can keep working on his craft then there will be no problem in adapting to pitches. Subhayan: St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have seen so many last moment changes. Fabian Allen missed out, Dennis Bulli and head coach Simon Helmot have unfortunately tested positive for the coronavirus and even the assistant coach is unavailable. Do you feel it will affect the team in the tournament? Sheldon Cottrell: Somewhat…because after the draft, you lock a certain team and staff for the tournament and if some guys pull out then it can affect the team and planning. But as a professional cricketer, I think it shouldn’t affect that much. When you go to the field and give your 110 per cent, it shouldn’t be a problem. And once you are off the field knowing that you gave it your all then it shouldn’t be affect you much irrespective of the result. Subhayan: Dennis Bulli, you senior in the Jamaican Defence Force, was all set to share the field with you for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. How do you rate him as a cricketer? Sheldon Cottrell: He is a wonderful cricketer. I can vouch for him. I have seen him grow over the years, physically and mentally. I know where he is coming from to where he is at now. I respect him for showing the fight that he has shown over the years to come this far. I was really looking forward to play with him but unfortunately, he is back home. But I am sure he will here next year and we will play together whether for the West Indies, CPL or even IPL. Subhayan: And what’s your take on tournaments like CPL and IPL being played in front of empty stands? Sheldon Cottrell: I can speak for myself. In the Caribbean, in domestic cricket, we play in front of empty stands, honestly speaking. So I don’t think it will be a problem for me. Just knowing that the fans would be at home, watching from the television. And I know the Patriots fans would be behind the team and that’s all I need. So I am going to keep on saluting. I am more worried about taking wickets more than the empty stands. Subhayan: Have you set any targets for yourself in CPL? Sheldon Cottrell: Not really. But one thing I always say to myself. I always try and better the previous season. So last year I took 12 wickets and I am going to try and get more than that. Once I have surpassed it, that will be mission accomplished for me. Anything more will be bonus. But knowing myself, if I get 12 in say four games, then I will keep pushing myself. So I always want to set the benchmark higher and higher. Subhayan: Another important thing for which the cricket world has stood up in unity is the Black Lives Matter Movement. Be it the England-West Indies series or South Africa’s 3TC, players and officials have joined hands to come together in this battle against racism. Are you willing to take a knee in CPL and IPL to show your stand against racism? Sheldon Cottrell: I have never experienced racism before. But I know it is for real and totally against it (racism) in any ways or form. We are all human beings and only thing I know to show is love. I don’t care where you are from. I don’t care what’s your skin colour. Only thing I know is loving others. I have grown to understand that some people are different but you don’t need to treat them different. About the knee, if required, I will, to be honest. I won’t oppose because I am with the movement and for the movement. For once, you have the platform, where you can exercise your beliefs, there’s nothing wrong with it. I think that’s the best stage. Kaepernick did it. A lot of people after him did it. And it is something I don’t have a problem with. Proud of my team. Important to recognise the things that transcend sport but are so at the heart of our team and our proud legacy in West Indies cricket. Beyond a hashtag or a logo let’s see my children and yours in a world of justice 👊🏾 https://t.co/LILnKtCjdD — Sheldon Cotterell (@SaluteCotterell) June 30, 2020 × Subhayan: Coming to IPL, did you watch the auction? Sheldon Cottrell: Somewhat! I was in a hotel room with Evin Lewis. So I watched everyone’s auction before me and I was comfortable watching it. But then when my turn came I was like ‘oh man!’. And when I was heard the first bid on me, I just went to the balcony and I was like ‘yes!’. I didn’t want to see it anymore, I wanted to see just one bid, to be honest. ‘Yes, I am going to play in the IPL!’. But then two minutes after the bidding was still going, I took a peek and Evin Lewis was more excited than I was. I was just nervous. But yes, it was a great feeling. I can never forget that feeling and moment ever in my life. Subhayan: And how much are you looking forward to play in the IPL? Sheldon Cottrell: I am really looking forward to it. I have been waiting for this for all my cricketing career, to tell you the truth. But more eagerly in the past four to five months. I have been ready mentally and physically. Even with the lockdown, I have been keeping myself in shape. Ready. Just in case the call comes. So I am totally ready and can’t wait to go onto the park with the Kings XI Punjab. Subhayan: How do you assess the squad? Can Kings XI Punjab end the title drought this time? Sheldon Cottrell: Most definitely! We have got some young players and senior players as well so it is a great mixture. I can see the team coming together and be a champion team. But as you know, cricket is played on the day. And honestly, I am looking forward to bring that energy, that passion and everything that is associated with the name Cottrell to that team and my knowledge. So yes, I am looking forward to the IPL. Subhayan: You will join your fellow Jamaican player and a legend of the game, Chris Gayle in the squad… Sheldon Cottrell: Chris Gayle is a wonderful guy. As you know, he is a cool customer. I mean a master blaster, he is a murderer of the cricket ball. And thankfully, I won’t be bowling to him (laughs) and will be in the dugout blasting it all over the park. Subhayan: And how much are you looking to work under Anil Kumble? Sheldon Cottrell: Really, really looking forward to working with Anil Kumble. I love working with the former players and legends of the game. Just try and pick their brains and to know how they became such great players. There must be something he did it back then to become such a great player in this sport. In cricket, you have more bad days than good days, to tell you the truth. And to become great, you have to be exceptional. I love picking the brain of legendary players and I am going to pick his brain. Even though he is a spinner and I am fast bowler but that doesn’t matter. Subhayan: What are your thoughts on KL Rahul? Another tremendous player… Sheldon Cottrell: KL Rahul and I became really close when India last toured the West Indies. We talked a bit and I find him to be a really cool guy. He is a wonderful cricketer, cool customer and I am just looking forward to play under his captaincy. Even though he is a young cricketer, I am still going to learn a few things from him because he has been playing in the IPL for quite some time. There’s nothing like for a bowler to hear it from a batsman’s perspective. So I am looking forward to probably trade some information with him. Subhayan: So Sheldon, all set to bring your salutes to the IPL? Sheldon Cottrell: Absolutely! I mean I have been eagerly waiting to salute in the IPL a lot. We have probably the best line-up in the IPL where fast bowling is concerned. I am looking forward to shine. At the end of the day, cricket is a team sport but mostly, it is about individual performances. As I said before, as long as I can give my 110-120 per cent, I will be pleased with myself. Subhayan: Any targets for you before IPL starts? Sheldon Cottrell: As this is my first season in IPL, my target will be to go there and give my all. Do whatever the team requires. I am going to enjoy, to tell you the truth, one thing in cricket, once you have enjoyed it, most times you are going to do well. Just not feel pressured and relax and be myself. Subhayan: What will be your message to the fans who will watching CPL or IPL from their home? Sheldon Cottrell: I know you all will be supporting us back from your home. One thing, I want to say, just stay safe and enjoy the cricket. And look forward to the salutes because I am hungry for wickets. I have been out for the past four months, I am hungry right now. So wait for lots of salutes.

Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell

<p>Emirates Cricket Board on Tuesday confirmed they have received the official clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the 13th edition of the highly-popular Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>Earlier, IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel had confirmed that the Indian cricket board has received all the necessary clearance to conduct IPL 2020 in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IPL franchises have started preparing for the cash-rich tournament and are expected to leave for the UAE after August 20. The BCCI has issued the Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) to all franchises.</p>

<p>While there’s a bit of a roadblock in relation to the title sponsor of the tournament after Vivo and the BCCI decided to pause the contract for the 13th edition of the tournament. However, a new sponsor is expected to be finalized within the next 10 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>The final schedule of IPL 2020 is also yet to be released by the BCCI.</p>

<p>Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board said; “We feel extremely privileged to host what could be considered the pinnacle-event of our favourite sport. The magnitude of being in a position to bring the IPL to the vast cricket-loving global community, during current events which have greatly impacted our daily lives, is one we take with extreme importance.</p>

<p>"This is undoubtedly the highest-profile cricketing-event to be held in the UAE and our team will continue to support all facets (of the tournament) and work toward delivering a successful event for the enjoyment of all sports-fans; here in the UAE, in India and across the world.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-kkr-dc-to-carry-exclusive-net-bowlers-for-ipl-2020-in-uae-319728" hreflang="en">CSK, KKR, DC to carry 'exclusive' net bowlers for IPL 2020 in UAE</a></strong></p>

<p>“The UAE is well-versed in delivering successful events – sporting and lifestyle – and we remain in very close contact with the BCCI, IPL committees, the UAE Government and Ministries, our Health Authority, as well as many other entities, who are all experts in their respective fields and it is our collective intent that the tournament be played in a safe, enjoyable environment. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring the ‘IPL 2020’ to the UAE.” added Al Nahayan.</p>

<p>Scheduled to be played from September 19th through to November 10th (2020) the IPL will be played across the UAE; Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.</p>


Emirates Cricket Board on Tuesday confirmed they have received the official clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the 13th edition of the highly-popular Indian Premier League (IPL).

Emirates Cricket Board on Tuesday confirmed they have received the official clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the 13th edition of the highly-popular Indian Premier League (IPL). Earlier, IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel had confirmed that the Indian cricket board has received all the necessary clearance to conduct IPL 2020 in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. IPL franchises have started preparing for the cash-rich tournament and are expected to leave for the UAE after August 20. The BCCI has issued the Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) to all franchises. While there’s a bit of a roadblock in relation to the title sponsor of the tournament after Vivo and the BCCI decided to pause the contract for the 13th edition of the tournament. However, a new sponsor is expected to be finalized within the next 10 days. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell The final schedule of IPL 2020 is also yet to be released by the BCCI. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board said; “We feel extremely privileged to host what could be considered the pinnacle-event of our favourite sport. The magnitude of being in a position to bring the IPL to the vast cricket-loving global community, during current events which have greatly impacted our daily lives, is one we take with extreme importance. "This is undoubtedly the highest-profile cricketing-event to be held in the UAE and our team will continue to support all facets (of the tournament) and work toward delivering a successful event for the enjoyment of all sports-fans; here in the UAE, in India and across the world. ALSO READ: CSK, KKR, DC to carry 'exclusive' net bowlers for IPL 2020 in UAE “The UAE is well-versed in delivering successful events – sporting and lifestyle – and we remain in very close contact with the BCCI, IPL committees, the UAE Government and Ministries, our Health Authority, as well as many other entities, who are all experts in their respective fields and it is our collective intent that the tournament be played in a safe, enjoyable environment. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring the ‘IPL 2020’ to the UAE.” added Al Nahayan. Scheduled to be played from September 19th through to November 10th (2020) the IPL will be played across the UAE; Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Emirates Cricket Board receives official clearance from BCCI to host IPL 2020

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> being moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may prove to be a big chance for at least 50 young talents, who are set to travel with the eight franchises as ‘exclusive’ net bowlers. Three franchises – Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals – have confirmed that they are on course to make a roster of net bowlers.</p>

<p>Select cricketers will have the opportunity to bowl to the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shreyas Iyer among others for close to a month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, local bowlers are used at nets apart from junior fringe players, however, with strict implementation of ‘bio-security’ measures for the T20 tournament, the franchises are arranging quality bowlers for net practice sessions.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the BCCI has limited the squad strength to 24 players.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-invites-tender-for-ipl-sponsorship-for-4-month-period-highest-bid-not-guaranteed-winner-319545" hreflang="en">BCCI invites tender for IPL sponsorship for 4-month period; highest bid not guaranteed winner</a></strong></p>

<p>"If all goes well, we are planning to take around 10 bowlers exclusively to UAE for the practice sessions. They will be accompanying the team and will remain till the tournament starts," Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Vishwanathan told PTI on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The Kolkata Knight Riders have also confirmed that they will take 10 net bowlers, expected to be chosen by their academy coach Abhishek Nayar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It will be a blend of players of who have played Ranji Trophy while some of have played U-23 and U-19 national level tournaments," someone who is privy to developments in the KKR camp informed PTI.</p>

<p>The Delhi Capitals are also taking around six net bowlers who will be a part of the team's "bio bubble". "They will be staying with the squad and will travel with the team for the net sessions," a franchise source said. The Rajasthan Royals are also on course to finalise the number of net bowlers they will carry. Royals, as well as Royal Challengers Bangalore, can fly out bowlers from their own respective academies.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>"Someone like former India U-19 Aditya Thackeray could gain a lot if RCB decides to take him for net sessions where he can bowl to a Virat Kohli. Aditya is a part of RCB developmental squad," a senior talent scout of a franchise said. It is expected that there will be a healthy number of spinners in overall net bowlers' list.</p>

<p>"On slow Dubai tracks, it will be important that teams stack up their line-up with more spinners, especially for humid conditions. You will see a lot of left-arm spinners and wrist spinners who have played a decent level cricket being included apart from the pacers," the talent scout said.</p>

<p><em>(With PTI inputs)</em></p>


The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 being moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may prove to be a big chance for at least 50 young talents, who are set to travel with the eight franchises as ‘exclusive’ net bowlers.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 being moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may prove to be a big chance for at least 50 young talents, who are set to travel with the eight franchises as ‘exclusive’ net bowlers. Three franchises – Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals – have confirmed that they are on course to make a roster of net bowlers. Select cricketers will have the opportunity to bowl to the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shreyas Iyer among others for close to a month. Usually, local bowlers are used at nets apart from junior fringe players, however, with strict implementation of ‘bio-security’ measures for the T20 tournament, the franchises are arranging quality bowlers for net practice sessions. Meanwhile, the BCCI has limited the squad strength to 24 players. ALSO READ: BCCI invites tender for IPL sponsorship for 4-month period; highest bid not guaranteed winner "If all goes well, we are planning to take around 10 bowlers exclusively to UAE for the practice sessions. They will be accompanying the team and will remain till the tournament starts," Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Vishwanathan told PTI on Tuesday. The Kolkata Knight Riders have also confirmed that they will take 10 net bowlers, expected to be chosen by their academy coach Abhishek Nayar. "It will be a blend of players of who have played Ranji Trophy while some of have played U-23 and U-19 national level tournaments," someone who is privy to developments in the KKR camp informed PTI. The Delhi Capitals are also taking around six net bowlers who will be a part of the team's "bio bubble". "They will be staying with the squad and will travel with the team for the net sessions," a franchise source said. The Rajasthan Royals are also on course to finalise the number of net bowlers they will carry. Royals, as well as Royal Challengers Bangalore, can fly out bowlers from their own respective academies. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell "Someone like former India U-19 Aditya Thackeray could gain a lot if RCB decides to take him for net sessions where he can bowl to a Virat Kohli. Aditya is a part of RCB developmental squad," a senior talent scout of a franchise said. It is expected that there will be a healthy number of spinners in overall net bowlers' list. "On slow Dubai tracks, it will be important that teams stack up their line-up with more spinners, especially for humid conditions. You will see a lot of left-arm spinners and wrist spinners who have played a decent level cricket being included apart from the pacers," the talent scout said. (With PTI inputs)

CSK, KKR, DC to carry 'exclusive' net bowlers for IPL 2020 in UAE

<p>New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday announced that Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and the West Indies will tour New Zealand for their home season, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. David White, Chief Executive of NZC, confirmed the upcoming tours while adding that isolation arrangements are currently being worked out for the visiting teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are making tremendous progress. I was just on the phone to the West Indies, they're confirmed, Pakistan is confirmed, Australia and Bangladesh... so 37 days of international cricket," White told reporters in Auckland.</p>

<p>"The White Ferns will tour Australia in September and then the Australia Women's team will tour New Zealand in February. We are just working through the content but probably five ODIs and three T20Is.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>Even though White didn’t confirm the schedules of the mentioned tours but announced that they would follow the bio-secure bubble model deployed in England.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We'll just be held up for a week or two while we work with the government agencies on the managed isolation but they've been extremely supportive."</p>

<p>Whereas the White Ferns will tour Australia in September, with a return tour to New Zealand in February.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-pak-wasim-akram-disappointed-with-alis-captaincy-in-manchester-319387" hreflang="en">ENG vs PAK: Wasim Akram disappointed with Ali's captaincy in Manchester</a></strong></p>

<p>While international cricket resumed back in July with England hosting the West Indies for a three-match Test series, New Zealand are yet to play an international match since their ODI series in Australia, that was called off in March in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.</p>

<p>New Zealand are scheduled to host West Indies and Pakistan for Test and T20I series and Bangladesh for ODIs and T20Is, and Australia for a short series as per the current FTP.</p>


New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday announced that Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and the West Indies will tour New Zealand for their home season, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Tuesday announced that Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and the West Indies will tour New Zealand for their home season, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. David White, Chief Executive of NZC, confirmed the upcoming tours while adding that isolation arrangements are currently being worked out for the visiting teams. "We are making tremendous progress. I was just on the phone to the West Indies, they're confirmed, Pakistan is confirmed, Australia and Bangladesh... so 37 days of international cricket," White told reporters in Auckland. "The White Ferns will tour Australia in September and then the Australia Women's team will tour New Zealand in February. We are just working through the content but probably five ODIs and three T20Is. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell Even though White didn’t confirm the schedules of the mentioned tours but announced that they would follow the bio-secure bubble model deployed in England. "We'll just be held up for a week or two while we work with the government agencies on the managed isolation but they've been extremely supportive." Whereas the White Ferns will tour Australia in September, with a return tour to New Zealand in February. ALSO READ: ENG vs PAK: Wasim Akram disappointed with Ali's captaincy in Manchester While international cricket resumed back in July with England hosting the West Indies for a three-match Test series, New Zealand are yet to play an international match since their ODI series in Australia, that was called off in March in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak. New Zealand are scheduled to host West Indies and Pakistan for Test and T20I series and Bangladesh for ODIs and T20Is, and Australia for a short series as per the current FTP.

New Zealand to host Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and West Indies this season

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