The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday appointed interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Geoff Allardice on a permanent basis. Allardice had been in the role on an interim basis for more than eight months. 
 
Allardice, a former first-class cricketer representing Victoria in 14 matches in Australian domestic cricket from 1991 to 1994, replaces Manu Sawhney, who was relieved from the position in July with immediate effect after being on suspension for four months.

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Before being ICC CEO, Allardice also served as the ICC General Manager (Cricket) for eight years, having previously held a similar role at Cricket Australia (CA). 
 
Commenting on his permanent appointment, Allardice said in a statement, "It's a great privilege to be appointed as the CEO of the ICC and I would like to thank Greg and the ICC Board for the opportunity to lead the sport as we enter an exciting new phase of growth. My continued focus will be on doing the right thing for our sport and working closely with members to deliver long-term success and sustainability. 
 
"I would also like to thank the ICC staff for their commitment and support over the last eight months and I'm looking forward to continuing to serve cricket with such a talented team."

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"I am delighted that Geoff has agreed to take the role of ICC CEO on a permanent basis. He has shown tremendous leadership during an extremely challenging period culminating in the successful delivery of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021. Geoff has unrivalled knowledge of the global cricket landscape and its stakeholders and has consistently demonstrated he is the right person to work in partnership with our members to shape the sport for the next decade as we embark on delivering a new strategy and our next commercial rights cycle," said ICC chairman Greg Barclay.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday appointed interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Geoff Allardice on a permanent basis. Allardice had been in the role on an interim basis for more than eight months.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday appointed interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Geoff Allardice on a permanent basis. Allardice had been in the role on an interim basis for more than eight months. Allardice, a former first-class cricketer representing Victoria in 14 matches in Australian domestic cricket from 1991 to 1994, replaces Manu Sawhney, who was relieved from the position in July with immediate effect after being on suspension for four months. ALSO READ: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly appointed as the chairman of ICC's Cricket Committee, replaces Anil Kumble Before being ICC CEO, Allardice also served as the ICC General Manager (Cricket) for eight years, having previously held a similar role at Cricket Australia (CA). Commenting on his permanent appointment, Allardice said in a statement, "It's a great privilege to be appointed as the CEO of the ICC and I would like to thank Greg and the ICC Board for the opportunity to lead the sport as we enter an exciting new phase of growth. My continued focus will be on doing the right thing for our sport and working closely with members to deliver long-term success and sustainability. "I would also like to thank the ICC staff for their commitment and support over the last eight months and I'm looking forward to continuing to serve cricket with such a talented team." ALSO READ: Tim Paine opens up on sexting scandal: Never thought it would become an issue "I am delighted that Geoff has agreed to take the role of ICC CEO on a permanent basis. He has shown tremendous leadership during an extremely challenging period culminating in the successful delivery of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021. Geoff has unrivalled knowledge of the global cricket landscape and its stakeholders and has consistently demonstrated he is the right person to work in partnership with our members to shape the sport for the next decade as we embark on delivering a new strategy and our next commercial rights cycle," said ICC chairman Greg Barclay.

International Cricket Council appoints Geoff Allardice as CEO

Sourav Ganguly, who is the president of the Indian cricket board, has been appointed as the Chairman of the ICC men's Cricket Committee, the global cricket governing body announced on Wednesday (November 17).&nbsp;Former captain of the Indian cricket team Ganguly will replace Anil Kumble, who stepped down after serving a maximum of three, three-year terms as he was appointed in 2012.&nbsp;

"I am delighted to welcome Sourav to the position of Chair of the ICC Men's Cricket Committee. His experience as one of the world's best players and latterly as an administrator will help us shape our cricketing decisions moving forward," ICC Chair Greg Barclay said in a release.&nbsp;

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Sourav Ganguly was appointed as the president Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in October 2019.&nbsp;

Barclay also extended his greeting to Kumble for an "outstanding leadership" over the last nine years for improving the international game through more "regular and consistent application of DRS" and a "robust process for addressing suspect bowling actions".&nbsp;

In a series of announcements after making key decisions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) also approved that first-class status and list A classification will be applied to women's cricket to align with the men's game and applied retrospectively.&nbsp;

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Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies has been appointed to the ICC Women's Cricket Committee. ICC Women's Committee will be known as the ICC Women's Cricket Committee and will assume all decision making responsibilities for women's cricket reporting directly to the CEC.&nbsp;

One of the announcements that can be proved vital for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/international-cricket-council-forms-working-group-to-determine-crickets-afghan-future-429974">future of Afghanistan cricket</a> under Taliban government as the board has set up a working group to determine the future of the game in the region.&nbsp;

Sourav Ganguly, who is the president of the Indian cricket board, has been appointed as the Chairman of the ICC men's Cricket Committee, the global cricket governing body announced on Wednesday (November 17).

Sourav Ganguly, who is the president of the Indian cricket board, has been appointed as the Chairman of the ICC men's Cricket Committee, the global cricket governing body announced on Wednesday (November 17). Former captain of the Indian cricket team Ganguly will replace Anil Kumble, who stepped down after serving a maximum of three, three-year terms as he was appointed in 2012. "I am delighted to welcome Sourav to the position of Chair of the ICC Men's Cricket Committee. His experience as one of the world's best players and latterly as an administrator will help us shape our cricketing decisions moving forward," ICC Chair Greg Barclay said in a release. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ: When and where to watch India vs New Zealand 1st T20I live on TV and online streaming Sourav Ganguly was appointed as the president Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in October 2019. Barclay also extended his greeting to Kumble for an "outstanding leadership" over the last nine years for improving the international game through more "regular and consistent application of DRS" and a "robust process for addressing suspect bowling actions". In a series of announcements after making key decisions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) also approved that first-class status and list A classification will be applied to women's cricket to align with the men's game and applied retrospectively. ALSO READ | Azeem Rafiq reveals former England cricketer Gary Ballance used word 'Kevin' in racist context Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies has been appointed to the ICC Women's Cricket Committee. ICC Women's Committee will be known as the ICC Women's Cricket Committee and will assume all decision making responsibilities for women's cricket reporting directly to the CEC. One of the announcements that can be proved vital for the future of Afghanistan cricket under Taliban government as the board has set up a working group to determine the future of the game in the region.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly appointed as the chairman of ICC's Cricket Committee, replaces Anil Kumble

The International Cricket Council has set up a working group to determine the future of the game in Afghanistan under its Taliban government, the world governing body said on Wednesday.

Afghanistan's remarkable rise in cricket in recent years has been the sport's biggest fairytale story but the strife-torn nation risks international isolation following the country's Taliban takeover in August.

Cricket Australia has postponed a one-off men's Test against Afghanistan in Hobart - which was scheduled for later this month - if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport.

"The ICC Board is committed to continuing to support Afghanistan Cricket to develop both men's and women's cricket moving forward," ICC chairman Greg Barclay said in a statement.

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"We believe the most effective way for this to happen will be to support our member in its efforts to achieve this through its relationship with the new government."

Taliban officials have said they will not repeat the harsh rule of the previous Taliban government, which banned most girls' education and forbade women from going out in public without a male guardian.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

ICC had taken a wait-and-see approach on whether Afghanistan can continue as a full member - allowing it to play Test matches - and the issue came up during its board meeting in Dubai at the conclusion of the Twenty20 World Cup last week.

"Cricket is fortunate to be in the position to influence positive change in Afghanistan with the national men's team a source of great pride and unity in a country with a young population that has experienced more upheaval and change than most," Barclay added.

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"We should protect that status and continue to try to influence change through the ACB but will continue to closely monitor the situation and take any decisions accordingly."

Among other decisions, the ICC also named former India captain and current board chief Sourav Ganguly as the chairman of its Cricket Committee, replacing spin bowling great Anil Kumble whose maximum nine-year term ended this month.

The International Cricket Council has set up a working group to determine the future of the game in Afghanistan under its Taliban government, the world governing body said on Wednesday.

The International Cricket Council has set up a working group to determine the future of the game in Afghanistan under its Taliban government, the world governing body said on Wednesday. Afghanistan's remarkable rise in cricket in recent years has been the sport's biggest fairytale story but the strife-torn nation risks international isolation following the country's Taliban takeover in August. Cricket Australia has postponed a one-off men's Test against Afghanistan in Hobart - which was scheduled for later this month - if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport. "The ICC Board is committed to continuing to support Afghanistan Cricket to develop both men's and women's cricket moving forward," ICC chairman Greg Barclay said in a statement. ALSO READ: 'Can we talk about cricket': Md. Nabi tells reporter on being asked if Taliban will question Afghanistan team "We believe the most effective way for this to happen will be to support our member in its efforts to achieve this through its relationship with the new government." Taliban officials have said they will not repeat the harsh rule of the previous Taliban government, which banned most girls' education and forbade women from going out in public without a male guardian. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. ICC had taken a wait-and-see approach on whether Afghanistan can continue as a full member - allowing it to play Test matches - and the issue came up during its board meeting in Dubai at the conclusion of the Twenty20 World Cup last week. "Cricket is fortunate to be in the position to influence positive change in Afghanistan with the national men's team a source of great pride and unity in a country with a young population that has experienced more upheaval and change than most," Barclay added. ALSO READ: As Australia-Afghanistan Test gets postponed, ANOC's spokesperson sheds light on women athletes' future "We should protect that status and continue to try to influence change through the ACB but will continue to closely monitor the situation and take any decisions accordingly." Among other decisions, the ICC also named former India captain and current board chief Sourav Ganguly as the chairman of its Cricket Committee, replacing spin bowling great Anil Kumble whose maximum nine-year term ended this month.

International Cricket Council forms working group to determine cricket's Afghan future

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday confirmed the host nations for all major men's tournaments in white-ball cricket for the 2024 to 2031 cycle. India have been awarded the hosting rights of three major tournaments including the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2031 ODI World Cup.

Pakistan have been awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy as the country is set to host a major ICC event for the first time since 1996 when it hosted the men's ODI World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. A total of eleven full members and three associate members of the ICC will be hosting a total of eight major tournaments between 2024 to 2031.

USA will be hosting a major ICC event for the first time as the country has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2024 T20 World Cup alongside West Indies. The move from ICC will help in promoting cricket in the country. While USA has never hosted an ICC event, West Indies staged the T20 World Cup in 2010.

Host nations of major ICC tournaments from 2024 to 2031:
<img alt="ICC tournament hosts from 2024 to 2031. | Courtsey - ICC |" data-caption="ICC tournament hosts from 2024 to 2031. | Courtesy - ICC |" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d66d8f67-d918-4754-a225-ab97d1374189" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20tournament%20hosts.png" />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;| Photo Courtesy - ICC |

T20 World Cup 2024 - USA and West Indies

Champions Trophy 2025- Pakistan

T20 World Cup 2026 - India and Sri Lanka

World Cup 2027 - South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia

T20 World Cup 2028 - Australia and New Zealand

Champions Trophy 2029 - India

T20 World Cup 2030 - England, Ireland and Scotland

World Cup 2031 - India and Bangladesh

USA and West Indies will host the first major tournament of the 2024-2031 cycle in the form of the T20 World Cup in 2024. Pakistan will then stage the Champions Trophy as a major international event&nbsp;will return to the country after over two decades. Pakistan has not hosted a lot of intentional matches in the country post the terrorist attack on the bus of the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009.

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India will then host the T20 World Cup in 2026 along with Sri Lanka while the ODI World Cup in 2027 will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia combined. Australia and New Zealand will host the T20 World Cup in 2028 while the Champions Trophy in 2029 will be hosted by India alone.

England, Ireland and Scotland have been awarded the hosting rights of the T20 World Cup in 2031 while India and Bangladesh will jointly host the ODI World Cup in 2031.

&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday confirmed the host nations for all major men's tournaments in white-ball cricket for the 2024 to 2031 cycle. India have been awarded the hosting rights of three major tournaments including the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2031 ODI World Cup.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday confirmed the host nations for all major men's tournaments in white-ball cricket for the 2024 to 2031 cycle. India have been awarded the hosting rights of three major tournaments including the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2031 ODI World Cup. Pakistan have been awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy as the country is set to host a major ICC event for the first time since 1996 when it hosted the men's ODI World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. A total of eleven full members and three associate members of the ICC will be hosting a total of eight major tournaments between 2024 to 2031. USA will be hosting a major ICC event for the first time as the country has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2024 T20 World Cup alongside West Indies. The move from ICC will help in promoting cricket in the country. While USA has never hosted an ICC event, West Indies staged the T20 World Cup in 2010. Host nations of major ICC tournaments from 2024 to 2031: | Photo Courtesy - ICC | T20 World Cup 2024 - USA and West Indies Champions Trophy 2025- Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 - India and Sri Lanka World Cup 2027 - South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia T20 World Cup 2028 - Australia and New Zealand Champions Trophy 2029 - India T20 World Cup 2030 - England, Ireland and Scotland World Cup 2031 - India and Bangladesh USA and West Indies will host the first major tournament of the 2024-2031 cycle in the form of the T20 World Cup in 2024. Pakistan will then stage the Champions Trophy as a major international event will return to the country after over two decades. Pakistan has not hosted a lot of intentional matches in the country post the terrorist attack on the bus of the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009. Also Read: Was called 'bomber', 'curry muncher': Ex-Essex cricketer Zoheb Sharif makes racism allegations against club India will then host the T20 World Cup in 2026 along with Sri Lanka while the ODI World Cup in 2027 will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia combined. Australia and New Zealand will host the T20 World Cup in 2028 while the Champions Trophy in 2029 will be hosted by India alone. England, Ireland and Scotland have been awarded the hosting rights of the T20 World Cup in 2031 while India and Bangladesh will jointly host the ODI World Cup in 2031.

Pakistan to host Champions Trophy 2025, India to stage three ICC tournaments till 2031

The International Cricket Council says Afghanistan has communicated its intent to keep up the women's game in the country but the world body still awaits more action.

Afghanistan's participation in the ongoing men's Twenty20 World Cup was under threat after reports emerged of the new Taliban regime not allowing women to play cricket.

The team led by Mohammad Nabi impressed in the Super 12 stage before losing out in the race for the semi-finals following their loss to New Zealand.

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Geoff Allardice, chief executive of the ICC, said they will back cricket from the war-torn region to thrive on the global stage.

"Our goal is to see men and women playing cricket in Afghanistan. We've supported them and the team has performed at this event. You've seen their players in a number of events now," Allardice told reporters in Dubai.

"In terms of how our board will consider the situation in Afghanistan at its meeting next week, they will get a report on how things are travelling."

Allardice said, "They have said to us that women's cricket is continuing. They certainly haven't given us an indication that it has stopped.

"Time will tell, in terms of how that plays out. Yes, we have been in regular communication with them from the time things changed in their country."

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Meanwhile, according to reports, cricket in the United States could be awarded a major ICC event in the next cycle starting 2024.

Allardice said the ICC remains committed to expand the game globally and hold events in countries where the sport is gaining ground.

"Taking an ICC event or a World Cup of any description to a developing cricket country has a huge impact whether it's on facilities or awareness of the game particularly when the local team is involved," said Allardice.

"It's a great opportunity to develop the game."

Cricket's dream of making it to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles had got a boost early this year when the Board of Control for Cricket India put aside their reluctance to join the push.

"Over the last decade, we have had various member countries expressing interest in being part of the Olympic games," said Allardice.

"This time we have got all our members on board and are unanimous in wanting to be part of the games. I don't pretend it will be easy to campaign and be successful with the Los Angeles organising committee and beyond that Brisbane as well.

"There are going to be a lot of other attractive sports that are going to be interested. We are looking forward to putting our best foot forward."

The International Cricket Council says Afghanistan has communicated its intent to keep up the women's game in the country but the world body still awaits more action.

The International Cricket Council says Afghanistan has communicated its intent to keep up the women's game in the country but the world body still awaits more action. Afghanistan's participation in the ongoing men's Twenty20 World Cup was under threat after reports emerged of the new Taliban regime not allowing women to play cricket. The team led by Mohammad Nabi impressed in the Super 12 stage before losing out in the race for the semi-finals following their loss to New Zealand. ALSO READ | Pakistan PM Imran Khan sends message to Babar Azam & Co. after T20 WC exit, praises team's 'humility' Geoff Allardice, chief executive of the ICC, said they will back cricket from the war-torn region to thrive on the global stage. "Our goal is to see men and women playing cricket in Afghanistan. We've supported them and the team has performed at this event. You've seen their players in a number of events now," Allardice told reporters in Dubai. "In terms of how our board will consider the situation in Afghanistan at its meeting next week, they will get a report on how things are travelling." Allardice said, "They have said to us that women's cricket is continuing. They certainly haven't given us an indication that it has stopped. "Time will tell, in terms of how that plays out. Yes, we have been in regular communication with them from the time things changed in their country." ALSO READ | Shahid Afridi says Pakistan can win T20 World Cup next year, urges fans to back the players Meanwhile, according to reports, cricket in the United States could be awarded a major ICC event in the next cycle starting 2024. Allardice said the ICC remains committed to expand the game globally and hold events in countries where the sport is gaining ground. "Taking an ICC event or a World Cup of any description to a developing cricket country has a huge impact whether it's on facilities or awareness of the game particularly when the local team is involved," said Allardice. "It's a great opportunity to develop the game." Cricket's dream of making it to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles had got a boost early this year when the Board of Control for Cricket India put aside their reluctance to join the push. "Over the last decade, we have had various member countries expressing interest in being part of the Olympic games," said Allardice. "This time we have got all our members on board and are unanimous in wanting to be part of the games. I don't pretend it will be easy to campaign and be successful with the Los Angeles organising committee and beyond that Brisbane as well. "There are going to be a lot of other attractive sports that are going to be interested. We are looking forward to putting our best foot forward."

'We have been in regular communication': ICC waits on Afghanistan promises over women's cricket

The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is unparalleled, fans in the South Asian nations go above and beyond to support their teams. The buzz around Indo-Pak matches is just crazy and frenzy spreads like a fever.&nbsp;

Although, the neighbouring countries now square off only in the multi-nation ICC tournaments as the bilateral series between the two has been suspended due to political reasons.&nbsp;

The two teams last met in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and Oman, when India lost the match by 10 wickets. India last hosted Pakistan in a bilateral series in 2013.&nbsp;

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Commenting on the possibility of bilateral series between India and Pakistan in the future, Geoff Allardice, chief executive of the International Cricket Council replied on would the ICC get involved in Indo-Pak bilateral situation.&nbsp;

"Not in bilateral cricket. We obviously enjoy when they play each other in our events. But the relationship between the two countries and the boards is something the ICC isn’t able to influence," Allardice was quoted as saying by News18.&nbsp;

"Like any bilateral cricket, if the two boards agree they play, if they don't, then they don’t. I suppose we’re not seeing much of a change on the horizon," he added.&nbsp;

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During the media interaction in Dubai, he was further asked about the World Test Championship. Allardice said, "It's just a pragmatic approach to keep them apart and let the competition function. If they both make it to the final of an ICC tournament, then playing each other at a neutral venue."

On prospects of keeping both the teams in the same group in limited-overs ICC events, Allardice said, "It depends a bit on where they are ranked at the cut off dates. Initially they were not in the same group for this event. But so much time had passed and they did end up in the same group at the revised group. I’m not sure how they are placed for Australia next year."

The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is unparalleled, fans in the South Asian nations go above and beyond to support their teams. The buzz around Indo-Pak matches is just crazy and frenzy spreads like a fever.

The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is unparalleled, fans in the South Asian nations go above and beyond to support their teams. The buzz around Indo-Pak matches is just crazy and frenzy spreads like a fever. Although, the neighbouring countries now square off only in the multi-nation ICC tournaments as the bilateral series between the two has been suspended due to political reasons. The two teams last met in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and Oman, when India lost the match by 10 wickets. India last hosted Pakistan in a bilateral series in 2013. ALSO READ | Indian doctor, who treated Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan, was astonished by player's recovery; shares details Commenting on the possibility of bilateral series between India and Pakistan in the future, Geoff Allardice, chief executive of the International Cricket Council replied on would the ICC get involved in Indo-Pak bilateral situation. "Not in bilateral cricket. We obviously enjoy when they play each other in our events. But the relationship between the two countries and the boards is something the ICC isn’t able to influence," Allardice was quoted as saying by News18. "Like any bilateral cricket, if the two boards agree they play, if they don't, then they don’t. I suppose we’re not seeing much of a change on the horizon," he added. ALSO READ | T20 WC: 'Shaheen should have used his head': Ex-Pakistani cricketer opines on pacer's spell against Australia During the media interaction in Dubai, he was further asked about the World Test Championship. Allardice said, "It's just a pragmatic approach to keep them apart and let the competition function. If they both make it to the final of an ICC tournament, then playing each other at a neutral venue." On prospects of keeping both the teams in the same group in limited-overs ICC events, Allardice said, "It depends a bit on where they are ranked at the cut off dates. Initially they were not in the same group for this event. But so much time had passed and they did end up in the same group at the revised group. I’m not sure how they are placed for Australia next year."

Chief executive of ICC reacts to the prospects of India vs Pakistan bilateral series in future

The International Criminal Court will investigate whether crimes against humanity were committed during&nbsp;Venezuela's clampdown on anti-government protests in 2017, President Nicolas Maduro and ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said Wednesday.

More than 100 people died as the security forces cracked down on the demonstrations sparked by the arrests of several opposition leaders and the supreme court's decision to dissolve the opposition-dominated National Assembly.

After a preliminary evaluation, Khan "has decided to move on to the next phase to seek the truth," said Maduro. "As a state, we respect his decision, although we do not share it."&nbsp;

"I ask everyone, as we enter this new phase, to give my office space to do its work," added Khan.

The move was hailed by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has claimed since 2019 to be&nbsp;Venezuela's interim president, backed by around 60 countries.

Guaido said on Twitter that this move would enable the victims and their families to "claim the right to obtain justice that has been denied in&nbsp;Venezuela."

When the ICC opened the preliminary investigation in 2018, Khan's predecessor Fatou Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe the government had committed crimes against humanity.

Maduro complained that the Venezuelan state was not given access to the documents and information evaluated during that phase.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-once-again-at-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-426681">Also read |&nbsp;Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

"We were blind in that stage," said the president.

During Khan's three-day visit, which began on Sunday, small groups of family members of the victims of the alleged rights abuses held street protests demanding an audience with Khan.

On Wednesday there was also a small protest outside the intelligence services headquarters in Caracas, where opposition figures are being held.

"I'm fully aware of the flaws that exist in&nbsp;Venezuela, the political division. We (the ICC) are not political, we are guided by the principles of legality and the rule of law," said Khan.

Khan and Maduro signed an agreement to collaborate on the next step of the investigation.

The ICC prosecutor praised the "constructive dialogue" he had following meetings with Maduro, Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, Attorney General Tarek William Saab and representatives of the Supreme Court.

Since 2017, some 150 members of the police and military have been charged or sentenced for human rights violations, according to the public ministry.

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The opposition claims those actions were taken merely to try to avoid an ICC investigation.

Rafael Uzcategui, a leader of the Provea human rights NGO, said the opening of an investigation showed that "there were crimes against humanity and ... they have so far not been properly investigated."

The ICC is also at the preliminary stage of another case involving&nbsp;Venezuela, brought by the government accusing the United States of crimes against humanity over its sanctions against the South American country's leaders.

The International Criminal Court will investigate whether crimes against humanity were committed during Venezuela's clampdown on anti-government protests in 2017, President Nicolas Maduro and ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said Wednesday.

The International Criminal Court will investigate whether crimes against humanity were committed during Venezuela's clampdown on anti-government protests in 2017, President Nicolas Maduro and ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said Wednesday. More than 100 people died as the security forces cracked down on the demonstrations sparked by the arrests of several opposition leaders and the supreme court's decision to dissolve the opposition-dominated National Assembly. After a preliminary evaluation, Khan "has decided to move on to the next phase to seek the truth," said Maduro. "As a state, we respect his decision, although we do not share it." "I ask everyone, as we enter this new phase, to give my office space to do its work," added Khan. The move was hailed by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has claimed since 2019 to be Venezuela's interim president, backed by around 60 countries. Guaido said on Twitter that this move would enable the victims and their families to "claim the right to obtain justice that has been denied in Venezuela." When the ICC opened the preliminary investigation in 2018, Khan's predecessor Fatou Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe the government had committed crimes against humanity. Maduro complained that the Venezuelan state was not given access to the documents and information evaluated during that phase. Also read | Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO "We were blind in that stage," said the president. During Khan's three-day visit, which began on Sunday, small groups of family members of the victims of the alleged rights abuses held street protests demanding an audience with Khan. On Wednesday there was also a small protest outside the intelligence services headquarters in Caracas, where opposition figures are being held. "I'm fully aware of the flaws that exist in Venezuela, the political division. We (the ICC) are not political, we are guided by the principles of legality and the rule of law," said Khan. Khan and Maduro signed an agreement to collaborate on the next step of the investigation. The ICC prosecutor praised the "constructive dialogue" he had following meetings with Maduro, Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez, Attorney General Tarek William Saab and representatives of the Supreme Court. Since 2017, some 150 members of the police and military have been charged or sentenced for human rights violations, according to the public ministry. Also read | Australia: 36-year-old man charged for abduction of Cleo Smith The opposition claims those actions were taken merely to try to avoid an ICC investigation. Rafael Uzcategui, a leader of the Provea human rights NGO, said the opening of an investigation showed that "there were crimes against humanity and ... they have so far not been properly investigated." The ICC is also at the preliminary stage of another case involving Venezuela, brought by the government accusing the United States of crimes against humanity over its sanctions against the South American country's leaders.

ICC to probe possible Venezuela rights violations

The ICC is opening an investigation into possible crimes against humanity in Venezuela. The crimes were allegedly committed under president Maduro's rule.

ICC to probe crimes against humanity in Venezuela, Maduro's government under scanner

The global cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Emirates Cricket Board to probe the crowd's behaviour during the T20 World Cup game between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (October 29).&nbsp;

Pakistan vs Afghanistan clash was one of the highly anticipated matches, in the cricket showpiece event as more than 16,000 tickets had been issued so that fans can enjoy the live action at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.&nbsp;

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However, thousands of ticketless fans travelled to the venue and then attempted to force entry into the stadium, which led to massive chaos. The ICC apologised to ticket holders who could not enter the stadium where the final will also be staged on November 14.&nbsp;

"Dubai Police and security staff secured the stadium to ensure the safety of everyone inside and brought in significant additional resources to disperse the crowd and calm the situation," the ICC said in its official statement.&nbsp;

"At approximately 7 pm, Dubai Police directed that all gates should remain closed and no further entry was permitted to maintain a safe and controlled environment inside the venue," the statement added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-slams-spineless-people-for-abusing-shami-calls-it-lowest-level-of-human-form-425291">T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form'</a>

The ICC has asked the ECB to undertake a thorough investigation into events to learn any lessons and will work closely with authorities to ensure there is no repeat of this situation in the future.&nbsp;

Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi also pleaded with fans to buy tickets to watch the team's remaining matches in the tournament. "For the Afghan fans, please buy a ticket and come to the stadium. Don't repeat this again. This is not good," said Nabi after his team had lost by five wickets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The global cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Emirates Cricket Board to probe the crowd's behaviour during the T20 World Cup game between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (October 29).

The global cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked the Emirates Cricket Board to probe the crowd's behaviour during the T20 World Cup game between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday (October 29). Pakistan vs Afghanistan clash was one of the highly anticipated matches, in the cricket showpiece event as more than 16,000 tickets had been issued so that fans can enjoy the live action at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: New Zealand's Trent Boult plotting to 'mirror' Shaheen Afridi's spell against India However, thousands of ticketless fans travelled to the venue and then attempted to force entry into the stadium, which led to massive chaos. The ICC apologised to ticket holders who could not enter the stadium where the final will also be staged on November 14. "Dubai Police and security staff secured the stadium to ensure the safety of everyone inside and brought in significant additional resources to disperse the crowd and calm the situation," the ICC said in its official statement. "At approximately 7 pm, Dubai Police directed that all gates should remain closed and no further entry was permitted to maintain a safe and controlled environment inside the venue," the statement added. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form' The ICC has asked the ECB to undertake a thorough investigation into events to learn any lessons and will work closely with authorities to ensure there is no repeat of this situation in the future. Afghanistan skipper Mohammad Nabi also pleaded with fans to buy tickets to watch the team's remaining matches in the tournament. "For the Afghan fans, please buy a ticket and come to the stadium. Don't repeat this again. This is not good," said Nabi after his team had lost by five wickets. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan vs Afghanistan: ICC asks Emirates Cricket Board to probe on crowd behaviour

The acting chief executive Geoff Allardice of the International Cricket Council (ICC) is hoping for a smooth T20 World Cup, which begins on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman amid coronavirus concerns.

The acting chief executive Geoff Allardice of the International Cricket Council (ICC) is hoping for a smooth T20 World Cup, which begins on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman amid coronavirus concerns. Last month, India had pulled out just two hours before the toss of the fifth Manchester Test due to Covid fears in their camp and left England, now, during a virtual press conference said that such last-minute decisions will be taken by that committee. "We have a committee set up to look at any cases that arise during the event and they will look at identifying close contacts and taking decisions around future events," Allardice told a virtual news conference. "Any decisions around matches will be taken by that committee and it's not going to be something that's going to be dealt with by the members as it may do in bilateral cricket." ALSO READ | DRS to make debut in upcoming ICC men's T20 World Cup 2021 Previously, ICC revealed what will happen if a positive case does arise and the ICC expects that could happen given the evidence of major events around the world in other sports, a process is in place to address it. A positive test recipient will go into 10 days isolation and close contacts six days isolation, but all cases will be referred to BSAG for their consideration. Biosafety Scientific Advisory Group (BSAG) will oversee all issues relating to biosafety through the tournament. Preparations to keep the tournament safe: ICC had earlier informed that players will go into six days of isolation on arrival to the tournament during which they will have three COVID-19 tests to ensure no one entering the next stage of the process is infected. After those six days, players are moved into a managed event environment for the duration of the tournament, undergoing periodic testing. ALSO READ | ICC announce USD 1.6 million prize money for winner of T20 World Cup 2021 Everybody taking part in the event has been fully vaccinated. In order to maintain the managed event environment, participants will be kept away from the public. With the tournament taking place across four locations and two countries, the ICC has planned thoroughly to ensure travel does not compromise safety.

COVID-19 committee to decide fate of matches if cases arise in T20 World Cup 2021: ICC

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.&nbsp;

With a spotlight on the war-torn nation due to the recent takeover of the Taliban, Allardice said, "When the change of regime took place in Afghanistan in August, we have been in regular touch with the Afghanistan Cricket Board."&nbsp;

"Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board. We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country.&nbsp;

"The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like the end of the T20 World Cup," he added.&nbsp;

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Afghanistan, on the other hand, have announced a revised 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Mohammad Nabi as captain.&nbsp;

In the revised 15-man squad, the likes of Sharafuddin Ashraf and Dawlat Zadran, who were in the initially announced squad, have now been named travel reserves alongside Samiullah Shinwari and Fazal Haq Farooqi. Farid Ahmad Malik has been promoted to the top 15 from reserves.&nbsp;

Afghanistan is slotted in Group 2 of the Super 12s, along with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. the team will kick-start their T20 World Cup campaign against a qualifier from Group B on October 25 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Acting chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, opened up on Afghanistan's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will get underway on October 17 in the United Arab Emirates and Oman. With a spotlight on the war-torn nation due to the recent takeover of the Taliban, Allardice said, "When the change of regime took place in Afghanistan in August, we have been in regular touch with the Afghanistan Cricket Board." "Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board. We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country. "The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like the end of the T20 World Cup," he added. ALSO READ | COVID-19 committee to decide fate of matches if cases arise in T20 Word Cup 2021: ICC Afghanistan, on the other hand, have announced a revised 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Mohammad Nabi as captain. In the revised 15-man squad, the likes of Sharafuddin Ashraf and Dawlat Zadran, who were in the initially announced squad, have now been named travel reserves alongside Samiullah Shinwari and Fazal Haq Farooqi. Farid Ahmad Malik has been promoted to the top 15 from reserves. Afghanistan is slotted in Group 2 of the Super 12s, along with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. the team will kick-start their T20 World Cup campaign against a qualifier from Group B on October 25 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

T20 World Cup: 'We are in regular touch with Afghanistan Cricket Board,' says ICC acting chief executive

As we head towards the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, the countdown for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 has also begun. The T20 World Cup was originally scheduled to be played in India last year but had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The seventh edition of the showpiece event is all set to get underway from October 17 in UAE and Oman.

The T20 World Cup will mark its return after a gap of five years as the last edition of the tournament was played in 2016 with West Indies clinching the elusive title. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made some fresh changes in the playing conditions for the semi-final and the final of the T20 World Cup this year. The international body has introduced&nbsp;new&nbsp;Duckworth–Lewis–Stern&nbsp;(DLS)&nbsp;rules&nbsp;for the upcoming edition.

ICC released the playing conditions for T20 World Cup earlier this week and as per a report in ESPN Cricinfo, the international body has decided to increase the minimum number of overs for DLS usage in the semi-final and final of the T20 World Cup 2021.

As per the existing rules related to the DLS method, in case of a delay or a rain-affected game, each team needs to bat for a minimum of five overs for the result to be decided in a T20I game. However, in the semi-final and the final of the T20 World Cup 2021, each team will have to bat for a minimum of ten overs for the result to be calculated via the DLS method.

The change has been brought into effect, in line with the norm at the Women's T20 World Cup in Australia last year where England were eliminated after their semi-final against India was washed out due to rain and there was no reserve day.

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Apart from the change in the DLS rules, ICC is also set to introduce Decision Review System (DRS) for the first time in the men's T20 World Cup. The Decision Review System was not in existence when the last edition of the T20 World Cup was played in 2016 which is the reason behind the delay in the introduction of the technology in the showpiece events.

Each team will be awarded two reviews per innings, as per the existing rules of the ICC. The T20 World Cup 2021 will get underway from October 17, just a couple of days after the conclusion of IPL 2021 in the UAE. ICC on Sunday (October 10) also announced USD 1.6 million prize money for the winner of the tournament.

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As we head towards the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, the countdown for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 has also begun. The T20 World Cup was originally scheduled to be played in India last year but had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

As we head towards the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, the countdown for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 has also begun. The T20 World Cup was originally scheduled to be played in India last year but had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The seventh edition of the showpiece event is all set to get underway from October 17 in UAE and Oman. The T20 World Cup will mark its return after a gap of five years as the last edition of the tournament was played in 2016 with West Indies clinching the elusive title. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made some fresh changes in the playing conditions for the semi-final and the final of the T20 World Cup this year. The international body has introduced new Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) rules for the upcoming edition. ICC released the playing conditions for T20 World Cup earlier this week and as per a report in ESPN Cricinfo, the international body has decided to increase the minimum number of overs for DLS usage in the semi-final and final of the T20 World Cup 2021. As per the existing rules related to the DLS method, in case of a delay or a rain-affected game, each team needs to bat for a minimum of five overs for the result to be decided in a T20I game. However, in the semi-final and the final of the T20 World Cup 2021, each team will have to bat for a minimum of ten overs for the result to be calculated via the DLS method. The change has been brought into effect, in line with the norm at the Women's T20 World Cup in Australia last year where England were eliminated after their semi-final against India was washed out due to rain and there was no reserve day. Also Read: ICC announce USD 1.6 million prize money for winner of T20 World Cup 2021 Apart from the change in the DLS rules, ICC is also set to introduce Decision Review System (DRS) for the first time in the men's T20 World Cup. The Decision Review System was not in existence when the last edition of the T20 World Cup was played in 2016 which is the reason behind the delay in the introduction of the technology in the showpiece events. Each team will be awarded two reviews per innings, as per the existing rules of the ICC. The T20 World Cup 2021 will get underway from October 17, just a couple of days after the conclusion of IPL 2021 in the UAE. ICC on Sunday (October 10) also announced USD 1.6 million prize money for the winner of the tournament.

Fresh DLS rules: ICC makes changes in playing conditions for T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final & final

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday.

Afghanistan risk isolation since the country's Taliban takeover in August, with Cricket Australia threatening not to host them for a one-off test in Hobart next month if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has said it is committed to women's cricket but was awaiting instructions from the government on its future.

"Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board," Allardice told a virtual news conference ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup which begins on Oct. 17.

"We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country."

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"The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like at the end of the T20 World Cup."

Afghanistan are currently training in Qatar and will begin their Twenty20 World campaign against a qualifier in Sharjah on Oct. 25.

When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education.

Australia test captain Tim Paine said teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup, but Allardice said there was no doubt over their participation in the showpiece event.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tom-moodys-desire-to-become-indias-next-head-coach-reason-behind-david-warners-fall-from-grace-at-srh-419434">Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind&nbsp;Warner's fall from grace at SRH?</a>

"They are full member of the ICC and the team is preparing for the event at the moment and will be playing in Group B," he said.

"As far as their participation in the event, it`s proceeding as normal."

The ICC official also confirmed that the 20-overs World Cup, last staged in 2016, will embrace the Decision Review System (DRS) with each team having a maximum of two reviews per innings.

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday.

The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan but will discuss the game's fate in the country in a board meeting next month, ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said on Sunday. Afghanistan risk isolation since the country's Taliban takeover in August, with Cricket Australia threatening not to host them for a one-off test in Hobart next month if the new government in Kabul did not allow women to play the sport. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has said it is committed to women's cricket but was awaiting instructions from the government on its future. "Our primary function is to support the development of cricket in that country through the member board," Allardice told a virtual news conference ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup which begins on Oct. 17. "We have said all along that we are waiting to see how things unfold under the different regime in that country." Also Read: No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction "The ICC board will consider it when they next meet which is looking like at the end of the T20 World Cup." Afghanistan are currently training in Qatar and will begin their Twenty20 World campaign against a qualifier in Sharjah on Oct. 25. When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. Australia test captain Tim Paine said teams might refuse to play Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup, but Allardice said there was no doubt over their participation in the showpiece event. Also Read: Tom Moody's desire to become India's next head coach reason behind Warner's fall from grace at SRH? "They are full member of the ICC and the team is preparing for the event at the moment and will be playing in Group B," he said. "As far as their participation in the event, it`s proceeding as normal." The ICC official also confirmed that the 20-overs World Cup, last staged in 2016, will embrace the Decision Review System (DRS) with each team having a maximum of two reviews per innings.

ICC adopts wait-and-watch approach on Afghanistan

The winners of the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup 2021 will take home a winners` cheque of USD 1.6 million while the runners-up will get half that amount, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Sunday.

All 16 competing teams will receive part of the USD 5.6 million allocated as prize money for the tournament, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

"The two losing semi-finalists will receive USD 400,000 each from the games taking place on November 10 and 11," the ICC said in its official release. As in 2016, there will be a bonus amount for every match that teams win in the Super 12 stage. The victors in each of the 30 games in that phase will this time win USD 40,000, a total pot of USD 1,200,000.

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The teams confirmed to be competing in the Super 12 stage are Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and the West Indies.

The eight teams whose ICC Men`s T20 World Cup campaigns end at that stage will automatically receive USD 70,000 each, a totally of USD 560,000.

The same structure is in place for the first-round victories - with USD 40,000 available to those who win each of the 12 games, amounting to USD 480,000.

The four teams knocked out in the first round will take USD 40,000 each from an overall USD 160,000.

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Teams whose campaigns begin in the first round are Bangladesh, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, there will be two scheduled Drinks Intervals in each ICC Men`s T20 World Cup game. They will last for 2 minutes, 30 seconds and will be taken at the midpoint of each inning.

The winners of the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup 2021 will take home a winners` cheque of USD 1.6 million while the runners-up will get half that amount, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Sunday.

The winners of the ICC Men`s T20 World Cup 2021 will take home a winners` cheque of USD 1.6 million while the runners-up will get half that amount, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Sunday. All 16 competing teams will receive part of the USD 5.6 million allocated as prize money for the tournament, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17 to November 14. "The two losing semi-finalists will receive USD 400,000 each from the games taking place on November 10 and 11," the ICC said in its official release. As in 2016, there will be a bonus amount for every match that teams win in the Super 12 stage. The victors in each of the 30 games in that phase will this time win USD 40,000, a total pot of USD 1,200,000. ALSO READ: T20 format is casting a dark shadow over Test cricket, feels Ian Chappell The teams confirmed to be competing in the Super 12 stage are Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and the West Indies. The eight teams whose ICC Men`s T20 World Cup campaigns end at that stage will automatically receive USD 70,000 each, a totally of USD 560,000. The same structure is in place for the first-round victories - with USD 40,000 available to those who win each of the 12 games, amounting to USD 480,000. The four teams knocked out in the first round will take USD 40,000 each from an overall USD 160,000. Also Read: No Hardik Pandya! Virender Sehwag names 3 players Mumbai Indians should retain ahead of IPL mega auction Teams whose campaigns begin in the first round are Bangladesh, Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, there will be two scheduled Drinks Intervals in each ICC Men`s T20 World Cup game. They will last for 2 minutes, 30 seconds and will be taken at the midpoint of each inning.

ICC announce USD 1.6 million prize money for winner of T20 World Cup 2021

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja said on Wednesday that Pakistan Cricket Board would collapse if Indian government wanted, pointing to sizeable revenue International Cricket Council (ICC) gets from Indian markets.

Raja pointed out that PCB received 50 per cent of its funding from the ICC and the ICC raises 90 per cent of its money from Indian markets. In a way, Raja said that Indian businesses were keeping Pakistan cricket going. If Indian prime minister decided to stop funding, he said, Pakistan cricket would collapse.

"ICC funding means that the body conducts tournaments and distributes the money among member boards," he said as quoted by Pakistani news outlet Dawn.

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Ramiz Raja was speaking in front of Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination.

During his briefing to the committe, Raja informed that New Zealand cricket board was rescheduling tour due to pressure from Pakistan.

New Zealand cricket team had come to Pakistan last month after a gap of 18 years to play three ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals. However, minutes before the first ODI was to be played, New Zealand team opted out of the tour. They said that a 'security threat' was behind the decision but did not give more details.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja said on Wednesday that Pakistan Cricket Board would collapse if Indian government wanted, pointing to sizeable revenue International Cricket Council (ICC) gets from Indian markets.

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja said on Wednesday that Pakistan Cricket Board would collapse if Indian government wanted, pointing to sizeable revenue International Cricket Council (ICC) gets from Indian markets. Raja pointed out that PCB received 50 per cent of its funding from the ICC and the ICC raises 90 per cent of its money from Indian markets. In a way, Raja said that Indian businesses were keeping Pakistan cricket going. If Indian prime minister decided to stop funding, he said, Pakistan cricket would collapse. "ICC funding means that the body conducts tournaments and distributes the money among member boards," he said as quoted by Pakistani news outlet Dawn. Also Read | If Pakistan beat India in T20 World Cup, PCB to get blank cheque: Ramiz Raja reveals investor's BIG claim Ramiz Raja was speaking in front of Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination. During his briefing to the committe, Raja informed that New Zealand cricket board was rescheduling tour due to pressure from Pakistan. New Zealand cricket team had come to Pakistan last month after a gap of 18 years to play three ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals. However, minutes before the first ODI was to be played, New Zealand team opted out of the tour. They said that a 'security threat' was behind the decision but did not give more details.

Pakistan Cricket Board can collapse if Indian government wants: Chairman Ramiz Raja

The International Cricket Council on Thursday decided to replace 'batsman' with gender-neutral term 'batter' in all its playing conditions starting with this month's men's T20 World Cup, describing the move as a "natural and overdue evolution" in the sport.

Last month, the Marylebone Cricket Club announced it would be replacing the word 'batsman' with 'batter' in the Laws of Cricket. That change will now be reflected across all ICC playing conditions going forward.

The ICC said over the past four years it has been moving away from the word 'batsman', with 'batter' implemented regularly in commentary and across the organisation's channels.

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The body's acting CEO Geoff Allardice said the MCC's decision to move to 'batter' in the laws of the game was one they 'welcomed'.

"The ICC has been utilising the term batter for some time now across our channels and in commentary and we welcome the MCC's decision to implement it into the Laws of cricket and will follow suit with our playing conditions that are derived from the Laws," Allardice said in a statement.

"This is a natural and perhaps overdue evolution of our sport and now our batters are gender-neutral in the same way as bowlers, fielders and wicket keepers."

He said it's a small change but one that will have significant impact on cricket being viewed as a more inclusive sport.

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"Of course language changes alone will not grow the sport, we must ensure that girls and boys who are inspired to play cricket have a fantastic, fun first experience and are both able to progress as cricketers without barriers."

For ICC Hall of Famer and former Australia star Lisa Sthalekar, the move to 'batter' is a simple but important one.

Unaware cricket was a sport played by women as a child, Sthalekar went on to become one of the finest from Australia before making the step into commentary.

Having grown up using the term 'batter' as a player, she stuck to the word when she stepped behind the microphone and remembers being told by a co-commentator in one of her earliest gigs that batter was for fish?

"We don't say 'hey look at that fieldsman', we say 'look at the fielder'. We don't say 'bowlsman', we say 'bowler'," she said following the MCC decision.

"So if there is a similar term to describe someone with a piece of wood in their hands, why wouldn't we follow suit?"

The ICC said it's worth noting that up until this century, the phrase 'fieldsman' was an accepted term before the MCC stepped in back in 2000.

Sthalekar is well aware even with the ICC and MCC both moving permanently to 'batter' that 'batsman' will still be heard on occasion in the media.

"It's like a habit, it takes forever to get rid of it."

But the more 'batter' is used, the more it will become the norm and with that cricket will better engage with the next generation, she said.

Allardice described the move as a "common-sense change".

"Why not take a small step to ensuring we're a sport that doesn't exclude 50 per cent of the world's population with outdated language choices.

"Whilst some may have made lots of noise against this common-sense change, the majority of people within the game have welcomed the move."

The International Cricket Council on Thursday decided to replace 'batsman' with gender-neutral term 'batter' in all its playing conditions starting with this month's men's T20 World Cup, describing the move as a "natural and overdue evolution" in the sport.

The International Cricket Council on Thursday decided to replace 'batsman' with gender-neutral term 'batter' in all its playing conditions starting with this month's men's T20 World Cup, describing the move as a "natural and overdue evolution" in the sport. Last month, the Marylebone Cricket Club announced it would be replacing the word 'batsman' with 'batter' in the Laws of Cricket. That change will now be reflected across all ICC playing conditions going forward. The ICC said over the past four years it has been moving away from the word 'batsman', with 'batter' implemented regularly in commentary and across the organisation's channels. ALSO READ | Ian Botham questions England desire for 'ultimate' Ashes Test The body's acting CEO Geoff Allardice said the MCC's decision to move to 'batter' in the laws of the game was one they 'welcomed'. "The ICC has been utilising the term batter for some time now across our channels and in commentary and we welcome the MCC's decision to implement it into the Laws of cricket and will follow suit with our playing conditions that are derived from the Laws," Allardice said in a statement. "This is a natural and perhaps overdue evolution of our sport and now our batters are gender-neutral in the same way as bowlers, fielders and wicket keepers." He said it's a small change but one that will have significant impact on cricket being viewed as a more inclusive sport. ALSO READ | 'The reason why he is more successful': Gautam Gambhir opens up on Virat Kohli's playing style "Of course language changes alone will not grow the sport, we must ensure that girls and boys who are inspired to play cricket have a fantastic, fun first experience and are both able to progress as cricketers without barriers." For ICC Hall of Famer and former Australia star Lisa Sthalekar, the move to 'batter' is a simple but important one. Unaware cricket was a sport played by women as a child, Sthalekar went on to become one of the finest from Australia before making the step into commentary. Having grown up using the term 'batter' as a player, she stuck to the word when she stepped behind the microphone and remembers being told by a co-commentator in one of her earliest gigs that batter was for fish? "We don't say 'hey look at that fieldsman', we say 'look at the fielder'. We don't say 'bowlsman', we say 'bowler'," she said following the MCC decision. "So if there is a similar term to describe someone with a piece of wood in their hands, why wouldn't we follow suit?" The ICC said it's worth noting that up until this century, the phrase 'fieldsman' was an accepted term before the MCC stepped in back in 2000. Sthalekar is well aware even with the ICC and MCC both moving permanently to 'batter' that 'batsman' will still be heard on occasion in the media. "It's like a habit, it takes forever to get rid of it." But the more 'batter' is used, the more it will become the norm and with that cricket will better engage with the next generation, she said. Allardice described the move as a "common-sense change". "Why not take a small step to ensuring we're a sport that doesn't exclude 50 per cent of the world's population with outdated language choices. "Whilst some may have made lots of noise against this common-sense change, the majority of people within the game have welcomed the move."

ICC to replace 'batsman' with 'batter' from T20 WC onwards

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate.

ICC judges authorised in September a full-blown investigation into Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people, saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians.

"I will prepare for my defence in the ICC," Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech released Monday, in his first public comments on the probe.

"Just stick to the facts because there are records of it. I am not threatening you -- just don't cheat me on the evidence," Duterte said in the speech, which came two days after he declared he would retire from politics.

Duterte has repeatedly attacked the world's only permanent war crimes court and insisted it has no jurisdiction in the Philippines.

The authoritarian firebrand pulled Manila out of the ICC after it launched a preliminary probe, but the Hague-based court says it has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member.

Duterte has repeatedly said there is no official campaign to illegally kill addicts and dealers, but his speeches have included incitements to violence and he previously told police to kill drug suspects if their lives were in danger.

- 'It's on me' -

Duterte said in the Monday speech he would protect officers carrying out the war on drugs "as long as you obey the law".

"It's on me, not on you," Duterte said.

"I will answer for it and if someone should go to prison, I will be the one to go to prison."

Three Philippine policemen were sentenced in 2018 to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first and only conviction so far against officers carrying out Duterte's war on drugs.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday a review of 52 anti-drug operations carried out by police had identified around 154 officers for "possible criminal liability".

The cases will be further investigated and criminal charges filed "if warranted by the evidence", Guevarra said.

Carlos Conde, Human Rights Watch senior researcher for the Philippines, said Duterte sounded like "a really scared man".

"He knows he will be held accountable and the ICC presents the best opportunity for that to happen," Conde told AFP.

"He's scared of an ICC conviction and, perhaps worse, losing... face (with) police officers who followed his murderous orders but are now realising that they, too, are accountable."

- Upcoming election -

Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term as president, declared in August he would run for the vice-presidency.

But in a surprise announcement Saturday, he said he would retire -- which was met with deep scepticism among analysts.

Duterte made a similar announcement in September 2015, saying he "will retire from public life for good", only to declare his presidential bid two months later.

Duterte has not named a successor, but indicated his daughter Sara would run alongside his longtime aide Senator Christopher Go.

Analysts say she would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and ICC prosecutors.

So far, she has denied plans to run for president.

Surveys have shown Sara Duterte, boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso are the front runners, along with the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will prepare his defence against an International Criminal Court probe into his deadly drug war, after previously insisting he would not cooperate. ICC judges authorised in September a full-blown investigation into Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people, saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians. "I will prepare for my defence in the ICC," Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech released Monday, in his first public comments on the probe. "Just stick to the facts because there are records of it. I am not threatening you -- just don't cheat me on the evidence," Duterte said in the speech, which came two days after he declared he would retire from politics. Duterte has repeatedly attacked the world's only permanent war crimes court and insisted it has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. The authoritarian firebrand pulled Manila out of the ICC after it launched a preliminary probe, but the Hague-based court says it has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member. Duterte has repeatedly said there is no official campaign to illegally kill addicts and dealers, but his speeches have included incitements to violence and he previously told police to kill drug suspects if their lives were in danger. - 'It's on me' - Duterte said in the Monday speech he would protect officers carrying out the war on drugs "as long as you obey the law". "It's on me, not on you," Duterte said. "I will answer for it and if someone should go to prison, I will be the one to go to prison." Three Philippine policemen were sentenced in 2018 to decades in prison for murdering a teenager during an anti-narcotics sweep, the first and only conviction so far against officers carrying out Duterte's war on drugs. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Sunday a review of 52 anti-drug operations carried out by police had identified around 154 officers for "possible criminal liability". The cases will be further investigated and criminal charges filed "if warranted by the evidence", Guevarra said. Carlos Conde, Human Rights Watch senior researcher for the Philippines, said Duterte sounded like "a really scared man". "He knows he will be held accountable and the ICC presents the best opportunity for that to happen," Conde told AFP. "He's scared of an ICC conviction and, perhaps worse, losing... face (with) police officers who followed his murderous orders but are now realising that they, too, are accountable." - Upcoming election - Duterte, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term as president, declared in August he would run for the vice-presidency. But in a surprise announcement Saturday, he said he would retire -- which was met with deep scepticism among analysts. Duterte made a similar announcement in September 2015, saying he "will retire from public life for good", only to declare his presidential bid two months later. Duterte has not named a successor, but indicated his daughter Sara would run alongside his longtime aide Senator Christopher Go. Analysts say she would likely protect Duterte from criminal charges in the Philippines, and ICC prosecutors. So far, she has denied plans to run for president. Surveys have shown Sara Duterte, boxing great Manny Pacquiao and celebrity mayor Francisco Domagoso are the front runners, along with the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Philippines' Duterte to prepare defence against ICC probe

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been left miffed after New Zealand and England's decision to pull out of their respective tours of the country. The New Zealand team was in Pakistan for a limited-overs tour but abandoned the series after a 'security threat'. Days after New Zealand's decision to not play in Pakistan, England confirmed that they will not be touring the country.

As per a report in PTI, PCB chief Ramiz Raza has been on a 'warpath' since New Zealand and England's decision to pull out from their respective commitments. The PCB is now planning to take legal action against the two cricket boards ahead of the next ICC meeting.

PCB chief Raza is reportedly busy exploring legal options to take action against the England Cricket Board, and the New Zealand Cricket Board after speaking to PCB's patron-in-chief and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"Pakistan is studying all legal resources it can take to demand compensation from the two boards," a source was quoted as saying by PTI.

Meanwhile, England cricket's player's body has claimed the England Cricket Board did not seek the suggestions from the players before making the decision to call off the tour of Pakistan. A spokesperson of the&nbsp;Team England Player Partnership (TEPP) denied players' involvement in the decision to not tour Pakistan.

"At no stage has the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) ever asked Team England Player Partnership or the teams, men and women, whether the tour should go ahead or whether players were prepared to tour Pakistan," a TEPP spokesperson was quoted as saying by British media.

Pakistan will now focus on preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup after both New Zealand and England pulled out of their respective tours. The Babar Azam-led side will open their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India on October 24.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been left miffed after New Zealand and England's decision to pull out of their respective tours of the country. The New Zealand team was in Pakistan for a limited-overs tour but abandoned the series after a 'security threat'.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been left miffed after New Zealand and England's decision to pull out of their respective tours of the country. The New Zealand team was in Pakistan for a limited-overs tour but abandoned the series after a 'security threat'. Days after New Zealand's decision to not play in Pakistan, England confirmed that they will not be touring the country. As per a report in PTI, PCB chief Ramiz Raza has been on a 'warpath' since New Zealand and England's decision to pull out from their respective commitments. The PCB is now planning to take legal action against the two cricket boards ahead of the next ICC meeting. PCB chief Raza is reportedly busy exploring legal options to take action against the England Cricket Board, and the New Zealand Cricket Board after speaking to PCB's patron-in-chief and Prime Minister Imran Khan. "Pakistan is studying all legal resources it can take to demand compensation from the two boards," a source was quoted as saying by PTI. Meanwhile, England cricket's player's body has claimed the England Cricket Board did not seek the suggestions from the players before making the decision to call off the tour of Pakistan. A spokesperson of the Team England Player Partnership (TEPP) denied players' involvement in the decision to not tour Pakistan. "At no stage has the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) ever asked Team England Player Partnership or the teams, men and women, whether the tour should go ahead or whether players were prepared to tour Pakistan," a TEPP spokesperson was quoted as saying by British media. Pakistan will now focus on preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup after both New Zealand and England pulled out of their respective tours. The Babar Azam-led side will open their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India on October 24.

Pakistan Cricket Board planning legal action ahead of next ICC meet after England, NZ cancel tours - Report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have released the anthem song for the upcoming T20 World Cup on Thursday (September 23). The ICC launched the 1.5-minute long video on its official Twitter handle, which has gone viral in a flash. For the unversed, the video features the animated versions of Team India skipper Virat Kohli, West Indies captain Kieron Pollard, Australia's Glenn Maxwell and Afghanistan's Rashid Khan.

ICC shared the video and captioned the post, "Let the world know, 
This is your show Musical note

Come #LiveTheGame and groove to the &nbsp;#T20WorldCup anthem"

Here's the video, which has been accepted well by the viewers and has gone viral -

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Let the world know, 
This is your show 
 
Come <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveTheGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveTheGame</a> and groove to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> anthem <a href="https://t.co/KKQTkxd3qw">pic.twitter.com/KKQTkxd3qw</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1440957203792515077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Composed by popular Bollywood music director Amit Trivedi, the animated film stars many young fans from all over the world engaged in T20I cricket and includes some of the sport’s biggest superstars -- spearheaded by Kohli, Pollard, Maxwell, etc. Thus, the out-of-the-box presentation of the anthem has surely struck the right chord with the ardent cricket fans worldwide.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ms-dhonis-inclusion-as-mentor-is-huge-boost-to-virat-kohli-and-finishers-in-t20-world-cup-squad-manoj-tiwary-412018">EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary</a>

A total of 16 countries will participate in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which was set to be held in Australia last year but got postponed in the wake of Covid-19 crisis. The qualifying round will commence from October 17 whereas the main draw of the showpiece event will kick off from October 23.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have released the anthem song for the upcoming T20 World Cup on Thursday (September 23). The ICC launched the 1.5-minute long video on its official Twitter handle, which has gone viral in a flash.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have released the anthem song for the upcoming T20 World Cup on Thursday (September 23). The ICC launched the 1.5-minute long video on its official Twitter handle, which has gone viral in a flash. For the unversed, the video features the animated versions of Team India skipper Virat Kohli, West Indies captain Kieron Pollard, Australia's Glenn Maxwell and Afghanistan's Rashid Khan. ICC shared the video and captioned the post, "Let the world know, This is your show Musical note Come #LiveTheGame and groove to the #T20WorldCup anthem" Here's the video, which has been accepted well by the viewers and has gone viral - Let the world know, This is your show Come #LiveTheGame and groove to the #T20WorldCup anthem pic.twitter.com/KKQTkxd3qw — ICC (@ICC) September 23, 2021 × Composed by popular Bollywood music director Amit Trivedi, the animated film stars many young fans from all over the world engaged in T20I cricket and includes some of the sport’s biggest superstars -- spearheaded by Kohli, Pollard, Maxwell, etc. Thus, the out-of-the-box presentation of the anthem has surely struck the right chord with the ardent cricket fans worldwide. ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary A total of 16 countries will participate in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which was set to be held in Australia last year but got postponed in the wake of Covid-19 crisis. The qualifying round will commence from October 17 whereas the main draw of the showpiece event will kick off from October 23.

Watch: T20 World Cup anthem released by ICC as excitement builds up for marquee event

The Marylebone Cricket Club on Wednesday announced amendments that were made to the Laws of Cricket to use the gender-neutral terms "batter" and "batters", rather than "batsman" or "batsmen", with an aim to stress the importance of the women's game.

The Marylebone Cricket Club on Wednesday announced amendments that were made to the Laws of Cricket to use the gender-neutral terms "batter" and "batters", rather than "batsman" or "batsmen", with an aim to stress the importance of the women's game. MCC is encouraging everyone to adopt the updated terminology following the change to the laws. On its official site, MCC informed that the changes have been approved by the MCC Committee, following initial discussion by the club's specialist laws sub-committee. Part of the statement read: "MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all. The amendments are a natural evolution from work already undertaken in this area as well as an essential part of MCC's global responsibility to the sport." It is worth mentioning that women's cricket will feature at the Commonwealth Games for the first time at the 2022 Games in Birmingham, England. IN PICS | IPL 2021 UAE leg: All teams and their revised squad list Jamie Cox, Assistant Secretary (Cricket and Operations) at MCC said as quoted by the MCC's site, "MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognises the changing landscape of the game in modern times." "Use of the term “batter” is a natural evolution in our shared cricketing language and the terminology has already been adopted by many of those involved in the sport. It is the right time for this adjustment to be recognised formally and we are delighted, as the Guardians of the Laws, to announce these changes today," he added. MCC has today announced amendments to the Laws of Cricket to use the gender-neutral terms “batter” and “batters”, rather than “batsman” or “batsmen”. — Marylebone Cricket Club (@MCCOfficial) September 22, 2021 × Women's cricket in recent times has seen tremendous growth in terms of popularity. One can remember the 2017 World Cup final, which took place in front of a capacity crowd at Lord's when England defeated India while the women's World Twenty20 final between Australia and India last year attracted more than 80,000 to the Melbourne Cricket Ground The MCC, the most esteemed club in the sport, welcomed its first female full member in 2018, 20 years after a vote to allow women to join. Former England captain Clare Connor, the England and Wales Cricket Board's managing director of women's cricket, will become the first female president in the club's history next month when she takes over from Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara. (With inputs from agencies)

'Gender-neutral terminology': MCC changes 'batsman' to 'batter' in Laws of Cricket

Afghanistan has been under severe stress in the past few months, ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. However, the Taliban group had made it clear that they will allow the senior men's cricket team to function without any interference from their end. Thus, the Afghanistan's men's cricket team is set to take part in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17 in the UAE. However,&nbsp;things could still go downhill for the Asian side if they play under the Taliban flag.&nbsp;

In case, Afghanistan goes ahead and decides to take part under the Taliban flag, the repercussions could be huge for them as the International Cricket Council (ICC) can ban the team from participating in the marquee event and suspend them as well.

After the removal of executive director Hamid Shinwari by Taliban rulers, the talks doing the rounds are that the men’s cricket team might play under the Taliban flag in the seventh edition of the T20 WC. For the unversed, all 16 participating countries are required to submit the flags under which they will be playing in the coming few days. Hence, all eyes are on Afghanistan. The ICC might set up a meeting soon if the Rashid Khan-starrer&nbsp;participate under the Taliban flag; where a board meeting could then vote to suspend the team.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridi-makes-glaring-remark-says-taliban-outfit-have-entered-afghanistan-with-positive-mindset-409575">Shahid Afridi makes glaring remark, says Taliban outfit have entered Afghanistan with 'positive mindset'</a>

At present, some of the Afghanistan players are busy involved in the second and final leg of the IPL 2021 edition, being held in the UAE which will be followed by the T20 WC. Thus, it remains to be seen what action will the ICC take if Afghanistan turn up under the Taliban flag for the showpiece event.

Afghanistan has been under severe stress in the past few months, ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. However, the Taliban group had made it clear that they will allow the senior men's cricket team to function without any interference from their end.

Afghanistan has been under severe stress in the past few months, ever since the Taliban outfit took over from the government. However, the Taliban group had made it clear that they will allow the senior men's cricket team to function without any interference from their end. Thus, the Afghanistan's men's cricket team is set to take part in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will commence from October 17 in the UAE. However, things could still go downhill for the Asian side if they play under the Taliban flag. In case, Afghanistan goes ahead and decides to take part under the Taliban flag, the repercussions could be huge for them as the International Cricket Council (ICC) can ban the team from participating in the marquee event and suspend them as well. After the removal of executive director Hamid Shinwari by Taliban rulers, the talks doing the rounds are that the men’s cricket team might play under the Taliban flag in the seventh edition of the T20 WC. For the unversed, all 16 participating countries are required to submit the flags under which they will be playing in the coming few days. Hence, all eyes are on Afghanistan. The ICC might set up a meeting soon if the Rashid Khan-starrer participate under the Taliban flag; where a board meeting could then vote to suspend the team. ALSO READ | Shahid Afridi makes glaring remark, says Taliban outfit have entered Afghanistan with 'positive mindset' At present, some of the Afghanistan players are busy involved in the second and final leg of the IPL 2021 edition, being held in the UAE which will be followed by the T20 WC. Thus, it remains to be seen what action will the ICC take if Afghanistan turn up under the Taliban flag for the showpiece event.

T20 World Cup: Afghanistan faces potential ICC ban if they play mega event under Taliban flag: Reports

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), has charged former West Indies player Marlon Samuels with breaching four counts of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code for Participants of the T10 League (the `Code`). ICC on Wednesday informed that Samuels has been charged with the following offences under the Code: A breach of Article 2.4.2 -- Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

A breach of Article 2.4.3 -- Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more. Breaches of Article 2.4.6 -- Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official`s investigation. Breaches of Article 2.4.7 -- Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official`s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation."Mr Samuels has 14 days from 21 September to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage," ICC in an official statement said.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), has charged former West Indies player Marlon Samuels with breaching four counts of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code for Participants of the T10 League (the `Code`).

The International Cricket Council (ICC), on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), has charged former West Indies player Marlon Samuels with breaching four counts of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code for Participants of the T10 League (the `Code`). ICC on Wednesday informed that Samuels has been charged with the following offences under the Code: A breach of Article 2.4.2 -- Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute. A breach of Article 2.4.3 -- Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more. Breaches of Article 2.4.6 -- Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official`s investigation. Breaches of Article 2.4.7 -- Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official`s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation."Mr Samuels has 14 days from 21 September to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage," ICC in an official statement said.

Marlon Samuels charged under ICC Anti-Corruption Code

The Taliban have banned women's cricket, calling it a violation of Islamic principles. Will the all-powerful ICC suspend Taliban-ruled Afghanistan? What can be done to evacuate women cricketers? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: ICC silent as Taliban ban women's cricket

New Zealand's cricket squad arrived in Pakistan Saturday for their first tour in 18 years, with batting coach Thilan Samaraweera returning to the country where he was shot in 2009.

Samaraweera was part of the Sri Lankan team that was attacked by militants near the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore in 2009.

Samaraweera was shot in the left thigh and took three months after surgery to get back on the field. He has been working with the New Zealand team since 2019.

Those attacks led international teams to refuse to tour in Pakistan, forcing them to play in neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/afghanistan-cricket-board-chief-hints-women-can-still-play-reports-412308">Afghanistan Cricket Board chief hints women can still play: Reports</a>

New Zealand also had to cut short a tour of Pakistan in 2002, after a bomb blast outside their team hotel in Karachi.

They returned to play five one-day internationals in 2003 -- their last tour of Pakistan.

On Saturday, the New Zealand team was taken to their hotel in a bullet-proof bus.

Stand-in skipper Tom Latham said he and his players were happy to be in Pakistan.

"It's obviously very pleasing for Pakistan as a nation," Latham said.&nbsp;

In the last six years Pakistan have hosted Zimbabwe, South Africa, Bangladesh, the West Indies and Sri Lanka as has security improved in the country.

New Zealand will play three one-day internationals (September 17, 19, 21) in Rawalpindi, and five Twenty20 internationals (September 25, 26,&nbsp;29, October 1 and 3) in Lahore.

The current New Zealand squad is weakened by the absence of eight of their top players, including skipper Kane Williamson who will be playing in the rescheduled Indian Premier League in the UAE from next week.

"For us, it's just about going there and trying to adapt to conditions," Latham added.

"So, another opportunity for the group and they're all looking forward to it," he added.

Five members of the T20 squad -- Todd Astle, Mark Chapman, Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell and Ish Sodhi -- are expected to arrive later on Sunday.

As part of Covid-19 precautions, the series will be played before 25 percent full crowds, all of whom must be vaccinated to attend.

NZ ODI squad: Tom Latham (captain), Finn Allen, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell, Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Cole McConchie, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

New Zealand's cricket squad arrived in Pakistan Saturday for their first tour in 18 years, with batting coach Thilan Samaraweera returning to the country where he was shot in 2009.

New Zealand's cricket squad arrived in Pakistan Saturday for their first tour in 18 years, with batting coach Thilan Samaraweera returning to the country where he was shot in 2009. Samaraweera was part of the Sri Lankan team that was attacked by militants near the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore in 2009. Samaraweera was shot in the left thigh and took three months after surgery to get back on the field. He has been working with the New Zealand team since 2019. Those attacks led international teams to refuse to tour in Pakistan, forcing them to play in neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ALSO READ | Afghanistan Cricket Board chief hints women can still play: Reports New Zealand also had to cut short a tour of Pakistan in 2002, after a bomb blast outside their team hotel in Karachi. They returned to play five one-day internationals in 2003 -- their last tour of Pakistan. On Saturday, the New Zealand team was taken to their hotel in a bullet-proof bus. Stand-in skipper Tom Latham said he and his players were happy to be in Pakistan. "It's obviously very pleasing for Pakistan as a nation," Latham said. In the last six years Pakistan have hosted Zimbabwe, South Africa, Bangladesh, the West Indies and Sri Lanka as has security improved in the country. New Zealand will play three one-day internationals (September 17, 19, 21) in Rawalpindi, and five Twenty20 internationals (September 25, 26, 29, October 1 and 3) in Lahore. The current New Zealand squad is weakened by the absence of eight of their top players, including skipper Kane Williamson who will be playing in the rescheduled Indian Premier League in the UAE from next week. "For us, it's just about going there and trying to adapt to conditions," Latham added. "So, another opportunity for the group and they're all looking forward to it," he added. Five members of the T20 squad -- Todd Astle, Mark Chapman, Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell and Ish Sodhi -- are expected to arrive later on Sunday. As part of Covid-19 precautions, the series will be played before 25 percent full crowds, all of whom must be vaccinated to attend. NZ ODI squad: Tom Latham (captain), Finn Allen, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell, Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Cole McConchie, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

New Zealand cricket team in Pakistan for first tour in 18 years

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport.&nbsp;

Recently, a Taliban official said it was "not necessary" for women to play any sport as it would be against Islam if women players faced a situation where their face and body might be "uncovered".&nbsp;

Responding to the same, Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday said it would cancel the historic maiden Test between the two countries, which was&nbsp;scheduled to take place in November.&nbsp;

As per ICC rules, all Test playing nations must have a women's team as well.&nbsp;

Now, the Afghan board's CEO Hamid Shinwari released a lengthy statement as he expressed "shock and immense disappointment" at the potential cancellation of the Australia-Afghanistan Test. He said it is "sudden and unexpected" and called it a "knee-jerk reaction".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-is-a-huge-financial-issue-hanging-over-the-game-nasser-hussain-on-fifth-test-being-called-off-412154">'IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game': Nasser Hussain on fifth Test being called off</a>

"The ACB is powerless to change the culture and religious environment of Afghanistan," Shinwari said in a statement. "Do not isolate us and avoid penalising us," he added.&nbsp;

"We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment," Shinwari said.&nbsp;

"We accept that CA sees cricket as 'a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level'. We understand, too, why 'if recent media reports that women's cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated', CA might believe they have 'no alternative' but to refuse to host the scheduled test match," he said.

IN PICS | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-and-afghan-flags-side-by-side-as-fans-enjoy-a-game-of-cricket-at-kabul-international-stadium-410681">Taliban and Afghan flags side by side as fans enjoy a game of cricket at Kabul International Stadium</a>

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We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment. 
 
Press release: <a href="https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI">https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI</a>
— Hamid Shinwari (@hamidshinwari03) <a href="https://twitter.com/hamidshinwari03/status/1436293777065496581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Shinwari said it fears that if other countries follow CA, then Afghanistan will be alienated from the cricket world and the game may cease to exist in the country.

"If the CA decides to cancel the test match and isolate the Afghan men's national team, it will have no impact upon those cultural and religious values as they stand. The spokesman for the government has unequivocally stated this," he said.

It said the Taliban's diktat regarding women's participation in cricket was not substantially different to the ACB's cultural and religious environment during the earlier governments.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-releases-statement-over-cancellation-of-fifth-test-between-india-and-england-412114" hreflang="en">BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England</a>

"ICC has been aware of our cultural and religious environment and it has taken a balanced, diplomatic, sensitive and considerate approach as we have worked to develop every aspect of the game of cricket in our country despite the situations we have faced."

"We believe that the ICC has had the forethought to recognise and accept that we have been doing all we can to grow cricket in the traditional cultural, religious and changing political environments of our country."

"The alternative to cancellation of the test match would be for CA to take the same approach as the ICC. A considered, balanced, 'cricket diplomacy' would be far more productive for Afghanistan and for cricket than a sudden 'knee jerk' reaction," he added.&nbsp;

ACB chairman Azizullah Fazli, however, told AFP he had spoken with Cricket Australia on Friday.&nbsp;

"I asked them to keep cricket out of politics," he said. "Talks are ongoing and I am hopeful that, God willing, the Test match will be played on time."

Read the statement here:

<img alt="Hamid Shinwari" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="726c8b91-9c67-4e29-bb98-2f44b4097d04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hamid.PNG" />

Recently, Australia Test captain Tim Paine said it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country.&nbsp;

Paine backed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) which all but confirmed on Thursday that the men team's season-opening Test against Afghanistan, slated to start on November 27, will be scrapped due to the Taliban's order.&nbsp;

"I don't think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population," Paine was quoted as saying on SEN radio.&nbsp;

"I'd imagine it's impossible (for Afghanistan to take part) if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores.&nbsp;

"How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has urged the Australian cricket board to not penalise the men's cricket team over Taliban rulers' suggestion that they might ban women from the sport. Recently, a Taliban official said it was "not necessary" for women to play any sport as it would be against Islam if women players faced a situation where their face and body might be "uncovered". Responding to the same, Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday said it would cancel the historic maiden Test between the two countries, which was scheduled to take place in November. As per ICC rules, all Test playing nations must have a women's team as well. Now, the Afghan board's CEO Hamid Shinwari released a lengthy statement as he expressed "shock and immense disappointment" at the potential cancellation of the Australia-Afghanistan Test. He said it is "sudden and unexpected" and called it a "knee-jerk reaction". ALSO READ | 'IPL is a huge financial issue hanging over the game': Nasser Hussain on fifth Test being called off "The ACB is powerless to change the culture and religious environment of Afghanistan," Shinwari said in a statement. "Do not isolate us and avoid penalising us," he added. "We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment," Shinwari said. "We accept that CA sees cricket as 'a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level'. We understand, too, why 'if recent media reports that women's cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are substantiated', CA might believe they have 'no alternative' but to refuse to host the scheduled test match," he said. IN PICS | Taliban and Afghan flags side by side as fans enjoy a game of cricket at Kabul International Stadium 2/2 We ask Cricket Australia and the whole cricketing world to keep the door open for us, walk with us, do not isolate us and avoid penalising us for our cultural and religious environment. Press release: https://t.co/4zgYdzbWzI — Hamid Shinwari (@hamidshinwari03) September 10, 2021 × Shinwari said it fears that if other countries follow CA, then Afghanistan will be alienated from the cricket world and the game may cease to exist in the country. "If the CA decides to cancel the test match and isolate the Afghan men's national team, it will have no impact upon those cultural and religious values as they stand. The spokesman for the government has unequivocally stated this," he said. It said the Taliban's diktat regarding women's participation in cricket was not substantially different to the ACB's cultural and religious environment during the earlier governments. ALSO READ: BCCI releases statement over cancellation of fifth Test between India and England "ICC has been aware of our cultural and religious environment and it has taken a balanced, diplomatic, sensitive and considerate approach as we have worked to develop every aspect of the game of cricket in our country despite the situations we have faced." "We believe that the ICC has had the forethought to recognise and accept that we have been doing all we can to grow cricket in the traditional cultural, religious and changing political environments of our country." "The alternative to cancellation of the test match would be for CA to take the same approach as the ICC. A considered, balanced, 'cricket diplomacy' would be far more productive for Afghanistan and for cricket than a sudden 'knee jerk' reaction," he added. ACB chairman Azizullah Fazli, however, told AFP he had spoken with Cricket Australia on Friday. "I asked them to keep cricket out of politics," he said. "Talks are ongoing and I am hopeful that, God willing, the Test match will be played on time." Read the statement here: Recently, Australia Test captain Tim Paine said it would be "impossible" for Afghanistan to compete in next month's T20 World Cup as other countries might refuse to play against them following Taliban's ban on women's cricket in the war-ravaged country. Paine backed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) which all but confirmed on Thursday that the men team's season-opening Test against Afghanistan, slated to start on November 27, will be scrapped due to the Taliban's order. "I don't think we want to be associated with countries that are taking opportunities or things off literally half their population," Paine was quoted as saying on SEN radio. "I'd imagine it's impossible (for Afghanistan to take part) if teams are pulling out of playing against them and governments are not letting them travel to our shores. "How a team like that can be allowed to play in an ICC-sanctioned event is going to be very, very hard to see," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Do not isolate us': Afghanistan cricket board urges to keep game 'out of politics'

England batter Ollie Pope and India all-rounder Shardul Thakur have made notable gains in the ICC Men`s Test Player Rankings after fine performances in the fourth Test of their ICC World Test Championship series played at The Oval.

Pope`s first innings knock of 82 has helped him advance nine slots to 49th position among batters while Thakur`s two half-centuries have lifted him a good 59 places to 79th position. Thakur has also moved up seven places to 49th in the bowlers` list after finishing with four wickets in the match.

India opener Rohit Sharma remains fifth but his match-winning 127 in the second innings sees him increase the lead over captain Virat Kohli from seven to 30 rating points while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is up from 10th to ninth after finishing with two wickets in each innings of the match.

England all-rounder Chris Woakes is another one to progress in the latest weekly update, gaining seven places to reach 87th among batters and three places to 23rd among bowlers after finishing with seven wickets at The Oval. Ollie Robinson`s five wickets have lifted him three places to 33rd.

In the ICC Men`s ODI Player Rankings, South Africa opener Janneman Malan has moved up 31 places to 34th after scoring 162 runs in the three-match ICC Men`s Cricket World Cup Super League series that Sri Lanka won 2-1.

Aiden Markram (up six places to 69th) and Heinrich Klaasen (up seven places to 70th) are the others from the team to progress among batters. Left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who is the top-ranked bowler in T20Is, has moved up nine places to 28th among bowlers.

Sri Lanka`s Avishka Fernando is up 11 places to 41st while Kariyawasa Asalanka`s series topping 196 runs see him shoot up 122 places to 66th position. Wanindu Hasaranga is up three places to 32nd among bowlers.

In the ICC Men`s T20I Player Rankings, Paul Stirling has gained nine slots to reach 14th place after scoring 234 runs in the five-match series against Zimbabwe, which they won at home. Craig Ervine is another batter to move up the batting rankings, from 128th to 85th.

For Bangladesh, spin bowlers Shakib Al Hassan and Mehedi Hasan, who have four wickets each in the first three matches of their ongoing five-match home series against New Zealand, have also progressed. Shakib has gone up from 12th to ninth and Mehedi from 91st to 24th.&nbsp;

England batter Ollie Pope and India all-rounder Shardul Thakur have made notable gains in the ICC Men`s Test Player Rankings after fine performances in the fourth Test of their ICC World Test Championship series played at The Oval.

England batter Ollie Pope and India all-rounder Shardul Thakur have made notable gains in the ICC Men`s Test Player Rankings after fine performances in the fourth Test of their ICC World Test Championship series played at The Oval. Pope`s first innings knock of 82 has helped him advance nine slots to 49th position among batters while Thakur`s two half-centuries have lifted him a good 59 places to 79th position. Thakur has also moved up seven places to 49th in the bowlers` list after finishing with four wickets in the match. India opener Rohit Sharma remains fifth but his match-winning 127 in the second innings sees him increase the lead over captain Virat Kohli from seven to 30 rating points while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is up from 10th to ninth after finishing with two wickets in each innings of the match. England all-rounder Chris Woakes is another one to progress in the latest weekly update, gaining seven places to reach 87th among batters and three places to 23rd among bowlers after finishing with seven wickets at The Oval. Ollie Robinson`s five wickets have lifted him three places to 33rd. In the ICC Men`s ODI Player Rankings, South Africa opener Janneman Malan has moved up 31 places to 34th after scoring 162 runs in the three-match ICC Men`s Cricket World Cup Super League series that Sri Lanka won 2-1. Aiden Markram (up six places to 69th) and Heinrich Klaasen (up seven places to 70th) are the others from the team to progress among batters. Left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who is the top-ranked bowler in T20Is, has moved up nine places to 28th among bowlers. Sri Lanka`s Avishka Fernando is up 11 places to 41st while Kariyawasa Asalanka`s series topping 196 runs see him shoot up 122 places to 66th position. Wanindu Hasaranga is up three places to 32nd among bowlers. In the ICC Men`s T20I Player Rankings, Paul Stirling has gained nine slots to reach 14th place after scoring 234 runs in the five-match series against Zimbabwe, which they won at home. Craig Ervine is another batter to move up the batting rankings, from 128th to 85th. For Bangladesh, spin bowlers Shakib Al Hassan and Mehedi Hasan, who have four wickets each in the first three matches of their ongoing five-match home series against New Zealand, have also progressed. Shakib has gone up from 12th to ninth and Mehedi from 91st to 24th.

ICC Test Rankings: Rohit retains fifth place, Bumrah moves to 9th

Indian batsman KL Rahul has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching the ICC's code of conduct during the fourth Test of the five-match series between India and England.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday (September 5) informed that Rahul has been penalised for protesting against the umpire's decision after his dismissal on day three of the fourth Test at The Oval.&nbsp;

Besides deduction in match fee, one demerit point will also be added to Rahul's disciplinary record as it was his first offence in a 24-month period.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravi-shastri-tests-covid-19-positive-indian-support-staff-members-in-isolation-410866">Ravi Shastri tests COVID-19 positive, Indian support staff members in isolation</a>

During England pacer James Anderson's over, Rahul was dismissed at the score of 46. Initially, it was given not out by the on-field umpire but after England reviews it, the replays showed an edge off the bat and then the decision was overturned.&nbsp;

KL Rahul made his displeasure clear after the review adjudged him out and was found guilty of breaching the ICC's code of conduct relating to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match", the world cricket governing body said in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-says-when-he-was-asked-to-open-in-2019-he-knew-it-was-his-last-chance-in-tests-410839">Rohit Sharma says when he was asked to open in 2019, he knew it was his 'last chance' in Tests</a>

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YESSS <a href="https://twitter.com/jimmy9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jimmy9</a> gets the first wicket! 
 
Scorecard/Clips: <a href="https://t.co/Kh5KyTSOMS">https://t.co/Kh5KyTSOMS</a> 
 
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvIND</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/oty3Zlu2CG">pic.twitter.com/oty3Zlu2CG</a>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1434117531493490690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The decision was made by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Richard Illingworth, third umpire Michael Gough, and match referee Chris Broad.

The ICC said there was no need for a formal hearing as Rahul accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Chris Broad.

Indian batsman KL Rahul has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching the ICC's code of conduct during the fourth Test of the five-match series between India and England.

Indian batsman KL Rahul has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching the ICC's code of conduct during the fourth Test of the five-match series between India and England. The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday (September 5) informed that Rahul has been penalised for protesting against the umpire's decision after his dismissal on day three of the fourth Test at The Oval. Besides deduction in match fee, one demerit point will also be added to Rahul's disciplinary record as it was his first offence in a 24-month period. ALSO READ | Ravi Shastri tests COVID-19 positive, Indian support staff members in isolation During England pacer James Anderson's over, Rahul was dismissed at the score of 46. Initially, it was given not out by the on-field umpire but after England reviews it, the replays showed an edge off the bat and then the decision was overturned. KL Rahul made his displeasure clear after the review adjudged him out and was found guilty of breaching the ICC's code of conduct relating to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match", the world cricket governing body said in a statement. ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma says when he was asked to open in 2019, he knew it was his 'last chance' in Tests YESSS @jimmy9 gets the first wicket! Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/Kh5KyTSOMS 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/oty3Zlu2CG — England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 4, 2021 × The decision was made by on-field umpires Alex Wharf and Richard Illingworth, third umpire Michael Gough, and match referee Chris Broad. The ICC said there was no need for a formal hearing as Rahul accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Chris Broad.

India vs England: KL Rahul fined for breaching the ICC's code of conduct

Afghanistan woman cricketer Roya&nbsp;Samim flew to Canada along with her two sisters in the wake of the unrest back home post Taliban's entry. Ever since the Taliban terror group took over the city of Kabul, Afghanistan has been going through a severe unrest and there is a feeling of helplessness among the citizens.

While Roya left her country two days before Taliban entered Kabul, she vented out her frustration and disappointment in leaving her homeland and settling elsewhere. Speaking to The Guardian, she said, "Leaving Afghanistan, it was a sad day for me. I just cried. I really love everything that I had: my job, my cricket, my teammates, my home town, my relatives. Everything that I have, I leave behind. Even now when I remember this day I will cry. The Taliban are against girls studying, so how do they want a girl’s cricket team?"

To her knowledge, Roya feels only her sisters and she has managed to leave the troubled country in the right time. Thus, Roya remains extremely concerned about her teammates and told, "My other teammates who stay in Afghanistan are afraid, they stay in their houses. They are sad, they ask people to please help us. Emotionally and physically, they are not good."

What hurt Roya was no response that she got from the International Cricket Council (ICC). In this regard, she pointed out, "We all emailed the ICC but got no response from them,” says Samim. “Why do they not respond to us, why do they not consider us, even treat us that we don’t exist in the world? After the Taliban came into Kabul, we requested that [the ICC] please save all the girls, we are worried for our teammates. The Afghan Cricket Board [ACB] also said nothing, they said just: ‘Wait.’"

Given the grim situation in Afghanistan, many are living in uncertain times in their own country.

For the unversed, Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, however, made heads turn with his recent remark supporting the Taliban terror group, saying they've entered Taliban with a 'positive intent'.&nbsp;Afridi's&nbsp;statement comes at a time after a suicide bombing at Kabul airport killed at least 170 people, including 13 US security personnel. Hence, he received criticism from several quarters for his glaring statement.

Afghanistan woman cricketer Roya Samim flew to Canada along with her two sisters in the wake of the unrest back home post Taliban's entry. Ever since the Taliban terror group took over the city of Kabul, Afghanistan has been going through a severe unrest and there is a feeling of helplessness among the citizens.

Afghanistan woman cricketer Roya Samim flew to Canada along with her two sisters in the wake of the unrest back home post Taliban's entry. Ever since the Taliban terror group took over the city of Kabul, Afghanistan has been going through a severe unrest and there is a feeling of helplessness among the citizens. While Roya left her country two days before Taliban entered Kabul, she vented out her frustration and disappointment in leaving her homeland and settling elsewhere. Speaking to The Guardian, she said, "Leaving Afghanistan, it was a sad day for me. I just cried. I really love everything that I had: my job, my cricket, my teammates, my home town, my relatives. Everything that I have, I leave behind. Even now when I remember this day I will cry. The Taliban are against girls studying, so how do they want a girl’s cricket team?" To her knowledge, Roya feels only her sisters and she has managed to leave the troubled country in the right time. Thus, Roya remains extremely concerned about her teammates and told, "My other teammates who stay in Afghanistan are afraid, they stay in their houses. They are sad, they ask people to please help us. Emotionally and physically, they are not good." What hurt Roya was no response that she got from the International Cricket Council (ICC). In this regard, she pointed out, "We all emailed the ICC but got no response from them,” says Samim. “Why do they not respond to us, why do they not consider us, even treat us that we don’t exist in the world? After the Taliban came into Kabul, we requested that [the ICC] please save all the girls, we are worried for our teammates. The Afghan Cricket Board [ACB] also said nothing, they said just: ‘Wait.’" Given the grim situation in Afghanistan, many are living in uncertain times in their own country. For the unversed, Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, however, made heads turn with his recent remark supporting the Taliban terror group, saying they've entered Taliban with a 'positive intent'. Afridi's statement comes at a time after a suicide bombing at Kabul airport killed at least 170 people, including 13 US security personnel. Hence, he received criticism from several quarters for his glaring statement.

We emailed ICC but got no response, reveals Afghanistan woman cricketer who left Kabul post Taliban's entry

With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation has become a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-is-the-most-foul-mouthed-individual-tweets-former-england-cricketer-later-deletes-it-406827" hreflang="en">'Virat Kohli is the most foul mouthed individual', tweets former England cricketer; later deletes it</a>

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is also taking a close look at the situation in Afghanistan and tracking the potential changes in Afghanistan’s women’s cricket.&nbsp;

According to a report in CricBuzz, the ICC HQ in Abu Dhabi are in contact with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in Kabul to try and “fully understand the impact of changes” in the country.&nbsp;

“That was a massive development. We don’t know what now,” a source in ICC women’s cricket told Cricbuzz.

The Sharia law could dismantle the women's cricket team of Afghanistan and affecting the full membership status with ICC.&nbsp;

The ICC has a policy that a full member of the board should have a men's and women's team and not having a women's team could cost Afghanistan the full membership that they attained in 2017.&nbsp;

However, Afghanistan Cricket Board's Shafiqullah Stanikzai is optimistic about the growth of cricket.&nbsp;

“Cricket in Afghanistan began from refugee camps and we have come a long way. With very limited resources, we climbed our way up to full membership. I hope and pray that cricket in Afghanistan continues to grow. For us, it is beyond a sport, a game. Cricket has given us an identity making the image of Afghans around the world optimistic. Through cricket, we convinced the global community to invest in our talent and in Afghan youth. I hope this continues,” Stanikzai told Cricbuzz.

With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation has become a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country.

With the Taliban seizing power in Afghanistan, the fate of women in the nation has become a major concern. Taliban rule is based on Sharia Laws, which would have a negative influence on women's rights in the country. ALSO READ: 'Virat Kohli is the most foul mouthed individual', tweets former England cricketer; later deletes it The International Cricket Council (ICC) is also taking a close look at the situation in Afghanistan and tracking the potential changes in Afghanistan’s women’s cricket. According to a report in CricBuzz, the ICC HQ in Abu Dhabi are in contact with Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in Kabul to try and “fully understand the impact of changes” in the country. “That was a massive development. We don’t know what now,” a source in ICC women’s cricket told Cricbuzz. The Sharia law could dismantle the women's cricket team of Afghanistan and affecting the full membership status with ICC. The ICC has a policy that a full member of the board should have a men's and women's team and not having a women's team could cost Afghanistan the full membership that they attained in 2017. However, Afghanistan Cricket Board's Shafiqullah Stanikzai is optimistic about the growth of cricket. “Cricket in Afghanistan began from refugee camps and we have come a long way. With very limited resources, we climbed our way up to full membership. I hope and pray that cricket in Afghanistan continues to grow. For us, it is beyond a sport, a game. Cricket has given us an identity making the image of Afghans around the world optimistic. Through cricket, we convinced the global community to invest in our talent and in Afghan youth. I hope this continues,” Stanikzai told Cricbuzz.

After Taliban takeover, can Afghan Cricket Board lose ICC's full membership?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (August 17) announced the schedule of the Men's T20 World Cup 2021 as the high-octane event will get underway from 17 October. The final clash will be in Dubai on November 14 and a reserve day is also kept aside on November 15.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-coach-grumpy-justin-langers-leadership-under-spotlight-406529" hreflang="en">Cricket - 'Coach Grumpy': Justin Langer's leadership under spotlight</a>

Cricket Australia has now announced its squad and all their first-choice players who missed the recent tours of West Indies and Bangladesh will be returning for the coveted tournament.&nbsp;

The team will be led by Aaron Finch, who is currrently recovering after knee surgery. Aussie wicketkeeper Josh Inglis also earned his maiden call-up.&nbsp;

Inglis performed prolifically in the Vitality Blast. "Josh has been on our radar for some time with his performances in white ball cricket and more recently in the Vitality Blast where he topped the run charts," chairman of selectors George Bailey said. "He offers the squad flexibility in the batting order with his adaptability, counterattacking ability and power striking. He is a player we are excited about for the future."

Inglis scored 531 runs at an average of 48.27 in the Vitality Blast for Leicestershire. He scored two centuries in the tournament.

Cricketing stars like Steve Smith, David Warner will also be a part of the team.&nbsp;

<h2>Squad</h2>

Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Josh Inglis 
Travelling reserves: Dan Christian, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (August 17) announced the schedule of the Men's T20 World Cup 2021 as the high-octane event will get underway from 17 October.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (August 17) announced the schedule of the Men's T20 World Cup 2021 as the high-octane event will get underway from 17 October. The final clash will be in Dubai on November 14 and a reserve day is also kept aside on November 15. ALSO READ: Cricket - 'Coach Grumpy': Justin Langer's leadership under spotlight Cricket Australia has now announced its squad and all their first-choice players who missed the recent tours of West Indies and Bangladesh will be returning for the coveted tournament. The team will be led by Aaron Finch, who is currrently recovering after knee surgery. Aussie wicketkeeper Josh Inglis also earned his maiden call-up. Inglis performed prolifically in the Vitality Blast. "Josh has been on our radar for some time with his performances in white ball cricket and more recently in the Vitality Blast where he topped the run charts," chairman of selectors George Bailey said. "He offers the squad flexibility in the batting order with his adaptability, counterattacking ability and power striking. He is a player we are excited about for the future." Inglis scored 531 runs at an average of 48.27 in the Vitality Blast for Leicestershire. He scored two centuries in the tournament. Cricketing stars like Steve Smith, David Warner will also be a part of the team. Squad Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Josh Inglis Travelling reserves: Dan Christian, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Sams

Cricket - Cricket Australia announce their squad for ICC T20 World Cup

Given the COVID-19 situation across the globe, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the number of players and officials that the participating countries will be allowed to bring in for the upcoming T20 World Cup in UAE.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-rohit-sharmas-epic-gesture-to-a-journalist-during-press-conference-goes-viral-watch-405231" hreflang="en">Cricket: Rohit Sharma's epic gesture to a journalist during press conference goes viral - WATCH</a>

As per an official at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC has set September 10 as the deadline for all countries taking part in the T20 World Cup to give the final list of 15 players and 8 officials.&nbsp;

"The ICC has also allowed all participating nations to bring additional players with their squads because of the COVID-19 situation and bio-secure bubble but the concerned boards will have to bear the costs of these additional players," he told PTI.

"The ICC bears the expenses of only 15 players and eight officials.'

The tournament will be held in Oman and UAE. It will be played between October 17 to November 14.&nbsp;

"It is now up to the boards to decide how many additional players they want to have with their main squads given the COVID-19 situation because if any player tests positive or they are injury issues, the teams can take replacements from their additional players."

According to the ICC, the countries can make last-minute changes in their squads until five days before the quarantine period for teams begins.

"But the boards have to send their squads by 10th September."

(Inputs from agency)

Given the COVID-19 situation across the globe, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the number of players and officials that the participating countries will be allowed to bring in for the upcoming T20 World Cup in UAE.

Given the COVID-19 situation across the globe, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the number of players and officials that the participating countries will be allowed to bring in for the upcoming T20 World Cup in UAE. ALSO READ: Cricket: Rohit Sharma's epic gesture to a journalist during press conference goes viral - WATCH As per an official at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC has set September 10 as the deadline for all countries taking part in the T20 World Cup to give the final list of 15 players and 8 officials. "The ICC has also allowed all participating nations to bring additional players with their squads because of the COVID-19 situation and bio-secure bubble but the concerned boards will have to bear the costs of these additional players," he told PTI. "The ICC bears the expenses of only 15 players and eight officials.' The tournament will be held in Oman and UAE. It will be played between October 17 to November 14. "It is now up to the boards to decide how many additional players they want to have with their main squads given the COVID-19 situation because if any player tests positive or they are injury issues, the teams can take replacements from their additional players." According to the ICC, the countries can make last-minute changes in their squads until five days before the quarantine period for teams begins. "But the boards have to send their squads by 10th September." (Inputs from agency)

ICC allows participating nations to bring 15 players, 8 officials for T20 World Cup

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