The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the July nominees for the ICC Player of the Month awards, instituted in January this year to recognize the best international performances across formats for male and female cricketers.

<h2>ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July:</h2>

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Experienced star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh contributed to all three formats of the game as Bangladesh won the series against Zimbabwe last month. Shakib Al Hasan scored 96 unbeaten runs as Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe by three wickets in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club. In the T20Is with the ball, Hasan took three wickets at an economy rate of seven leading his country to a series win against Zimbabwe.

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Mitchell Marsh (Australia)

Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh played three ODIs and five T20Is against West Indies last month. In the T20Is, Marsh scored 219 runs with a strike rate of 152.08 and took 8 wickets with an economy rate of 6.76, making him the lead run-scorer and wicket-taker for Australia in the series.

Hayden Walsh Jr (West Indies)

Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr played three ODIs against Australia last month, where he took seven wickets with an economy rate of 4.14. Walsh Jr was also the most impressive bowler in the T20I series against Australia where he picked up twelve wickets in five games at an average of 11.66, making him the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies in both the ODI and T20I series against Australia.

<h2>ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July:</h2>

Hayley Matthews (West Indies)

West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews scored her second ODI hundred and took two wickets with the ball as West Indies cruised to a dominant series-clinching eight-wicket win over Pakistan last month. Matthews was also named Player of the Series against Pakistan.

Fatima Sana (Pakistan)

Fatima Sana was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the ODI series against the West Indies, and also a joint-leader for her side in the T20I series between the sides. A maiden five-wicket haul from Fatima Sana helped Pakistan defeat West Indies by 22 runs via the DLS method in the fifth ODI of the series. In the same game, with four overs remaining in a shortened innings due to a delayed start, Sana scored an unbeaten 28 off 19 balls which included four boundaries. She was also named the player of the match for her stellar performance.

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Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)

Captain Stafanie Taylor contributed with both bat and ball as the West Indies won both their ODI and T20I series against Pakistan in July. In the four ODIs against Pakistan, Stafanie scored 175 runs with a strike rate of 79.18 and took three wickets with an economy rate of 3.72. Stafanie was also on top of the rankings for batters and all-rounders in the MRF ICC Women’s ODI Rankings earlier in July.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the July nominees for the ICC Player of the Month awards, instituted in January this year to recognize the best international performances across formats for male and female cricketers.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the July nominees for the ICC Player of the Month awards, instituted in January this year to recognize the best international performances across formats for male and female cricketers. ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July: Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) Experienced star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh contributed to all three formats of the game as Bangladesh won the series against Zimbabwe last month. Shakib Al Hasan scored 96 unbeaten runs as Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe by three wickets in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club. In the T20Is with the ball, Hasan took three wickets at an economy rate of seven leading his country to a series win against Zimbabwe. ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: Clowns and propaganda - best quotes of the Tokyo Games Mitchell Marsh (Australia) Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh played three ODIs and five T20Is against West Indies last month. In the T20Is, Marsh scored 219 runs with a strike rate of 152.08 and took 8 wickets with an economy rate of 6.76, making him the lead run-scorer and wicket-taker for Australia in the series. Hayden Walsh Jr (West Indies) Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr played three ODIs against Australia last month, where he took seven wickets with an economy rate of 4.14. Walsh Jr was also the most impressive bowler in the T20I series against Australia where he picked up twelve wickets in five games at an average of 11.66, making him the leading wicket-taker for the West Indies in both the ODI and T20I series against Australia. ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July: Hayley Matthews (West Indies) West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews scored her second ODI hundred and took two wickets with the ball as West Indies cruised to a dominant series-clinching eight-wicket win over Pakistan last month. Matthews was also named Player of the Series against Pakistan. Fatima Sana (Pakistan) Fatima Sana was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the ODI series against the West Indies, and also a joint-leader for her side in the T20I series between the sides. A maiden five-wicket haul from Fatima Sana helped Pakistan defeat West Indies by 22 runs via the DLS method in the fifth ODI of the series. In the same game, with four overs remaining in a shortened innings due to a delayed start, Sana scored an unbeaten 28 off 19 balls which included four boundaries. She was also named the player of the match for her stellar performance. ALSO READ: Cricket - 'Grown as a person': English pacer Ollie Robinson opens about his old racist tweets Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) Captain Stafanie Taylor contributed with both bat and ball as the West Indies won both their ODI and T20I series against Pakistan in July. In the four ODIs against Pakistan, Stafanie scored 175 runs with a strike rate of 79.18 and took three wickets with an economy rate of 3.72. Stafanie was also on top of the rankings for batters and all-rounders in the MRF ICC Women’s ODI Rankings earlier in July.

Cricket: ICC Player of the Month nominations for July announced

Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has moved up one slot to a career-best second place in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after grabbing two wickets in the first match of their series against India being played in Colombo.

India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Player of the Match in that match for his haul of four for 22, has moved up four slots to 16th in the latest weekly update to the men’s rankings, which also includes performances in the three-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and the last two matches of the Ireland versus South Africa T20I series.

India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (up 10 places to 21st), Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani (up 37 places to 31st), and Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera (up to five places to 37th) are among the others to move up the rankings for bowlers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-test-championship-final-between-india-new-zealand-most-watched-across-all-series-401092" hreflang="en">Cricket: World Test Championship final between India-New Zealand most watched across all series</a>

India captain Shikhar Dhawan has gained five slots after contributing a 36-ball 46 in the 38-run victory and is now joint-29th along with South Africa opener Reeza Hendricks, who moved up three places scoring 69 runs in the last match of the series, won 3-0 by them.

Others to advance in the batsmen’s list include South Africa’s David Miller (up to nine places to 33rd), India’s Suryakumar Yadav (up 25 places to 42nd), and Zimbabwe’s Wesley Madhevere (up 59 places to 70th).

In the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, which includes the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series between West Indies-Australia series and the final match of the Sri Lanka-India series, Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is up to five places to second after finishing with five wickets in the series while Mitchell Starc is up 10 places to eighth with a Player of the Series performance that saw him finish with 11 scalps including a five-wicket haul in the first match.

In the batting list, Australia’s Alex Carey is up three places to 22nd and Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando has climbed 10 spots to 52nd.

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar is up 18 places to 65th among bowlers after being named Player of the Match for grabbing two wickets and scoring an unbeaten 19 in the final match of the series.

Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has moved up one slot to a career-best second place in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after grabbing two wickets in the first match of their series against India being played in Colombo.

Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has moved up one slot to a career-best second place in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after grabbing two wickets in the first match of their series against India being played in Colombo. India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Player of the Match in that match for his haul of four for 22, has moved up four slots to 16th in the latest weekly update to the men’s rankings, which also includes performances in the three-match T20I series between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and the last two matches of the Ireland versus South Africa T20I series. India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (up 10 places to 21st), Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani (up 37 places to 31st), and Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera (up to five places to 37th) are among the others to move up the rankings for bowlers. ALSO READ: Cricket: World Test Championship final between India-New Zealand most watched across all series India captain Shikhar Dhawan has gained five slots after contributing a 36-ball 46 in the 38-run victory and is now joint-29th along with South Africa opener Reeza Hendricks, who moved up three places scoring 69 runs in the last match of the series, won 3-0 by them. Others to advance in the batsmen’s list include South Africa’s David Miller (up to nine places to 33rd), India’s Suryakumar Yadav (up 25 places to 42nd), and Zimbabwe’s Wesley Madhevere (up 59 places to 70th). In the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, which includes the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series between West Indies-Australia series and the final match of the Sri Lanka-India series, Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is up to five places to second after finishing with five wickets in the series while Mitchell Starc is up 10 places to eighth with a Player of the Series performance that saw him finish with 11 scalps including a five-wicket haul in the first match. In the batting list, Australia’s Alex Carey is up three places to 22nd and Sri Lanka’s Avishka Fernando has climbed 10 spots to 52nd. Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar is up 18 places to 65th among bowlers after being named Player of the Match for grabbing two wickets and scoring an unbeaten 19 in the final match of the series.

Cricket: Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga attains career-best second place in ICC T20I rankings

Former Pakistani captain Salman Butt has weighed in on the much-debated topic in the cricketing arena these days regarding the Indian cricket team. Ever since the Virat Kohli-led team lost the ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC) against New Zealand besides the absence of major ICC trophy since eight years, a gourp of fans have dubbed the Men In Blue as the "new chokers", a tag that has been associated with South Africa team as they have failed to reach finals of major ICC tournaments since their re-admission to cricket in 1992.&nbsp;

Although, India have reputation of giving exemplary performances at the ICC tournaments, but some of the critics have been raising concerns over performances in past few years. Butt, in his YouTube video, straightaway defended the Indian team and said that they dont have a "long history" of not winning an ICC event.&nbsp;

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The 36-year-old mentioned the trophies India won when MS Dhoni was leading the team. He&nbsp;said, "Under previous captain MS Dhoni, India won the Champions Trophy (2013), the World T20 (2007), and the 50-over World Cup (2011). Recently, India played the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the 2019 World Cup semi-final. They have been almost there among the world’s Top 2 teams. So, the frequency of India’s losses is not that much to term them as chokers." India last won an ICC event under the leadership of MS Dhoni in 2013. Since then,&nbsp;they have entered the last four of every ICC tournament and also played the finals on three occasions, but failed to win.&nbsp;

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“Look at the number of semi-finals New Zealand have played in the World Cup. They have played two finals as well (2015 and 2019). Nobody called them chokers. South Africa were termed chokers because they frequently lost big matches. They went down in a lot of finals and crunch games. That isn’t the case with India as yet,” he added.

Meanwhile, team India is all set to play the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 14 this year in the UAE. India and Pakistan are slated to play in the group stage as they are in the same pool. Recently, former Pakistan's fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar predicted the winner. He said that the India and pakistan will play the final clash also and not just that, Pakistan will end up defeating India.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shoaib-akhtar-predicts-winner-of-t20-world-cup-says-india-will-lose-to-pakistan-400357">Shoaib Akhtar predicts winner of T20 World Cup, says 'India will lose to Pakistan'</a>

Click <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports">here</a> for sports-related update!

Former Pakistani captain Salman Butt has weighed in on the much-debated topic in the cricketing arena these days regarding the Indian cricket team. Ever since the Virat Kohli-led team lost the ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC) against New Zealand besides the absence of major ICC trophy since eight years, a gourp of fans have dubbed the Men In Blue as the "new chokers", a tag that has been associated with South Africa team as they have failed to reach finals of major ICC tournaments since their re-admission to cricket in 1992.

Former Pakistani captain Salman Butt has weighed in on the much-debated topic in the cricketing arena these days regarding the Indian cricket team. Ever since the Virat Kohli-led team lost the ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC) against New Zealand besides the absence of major ICC trophy since eight years, a gourp of fans have dubbed the Men In Blue as the "new chokers", a tag that has been associated with South Africa team as they have failed to reach finals of major ICC tournaments since their re-admission to cricket in 1992. Although, India have reputation of giving exemplary performances at the ICC tournaments, but some of the critics have been raising concerns over performances in past few years. Butt, in his YouTube video, straightaway defended the Indian team and said that they dont have a "long history" of not winning an ICC event. ALSO READ | Condoms and sex at Olympics: Awareness creation, restrictions and pushback The 36-year-old mentioned the trophies India won when MS Dhoni was leading the team. He said, "Under previous captain MS Dhoni, India won the Champions Trophy (2013), the World T20 (2007), and the 50-over World Cup (2011). Recently, India played the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the 2019 World Cup semi-final. They have been almost there among the world’s Top 2 teams. So, the frequency of India’s losses is not that much to term them as chokers." India last won an ICC event under the leadership of MS Dhoni in 2013. Since then, they have entered the last four of every ICC tournament and also played the finals on three occasions, but failed to win. ALSO READ: Cricket: BCCI announces schedule for the remainder of IPL 2021 - check out “Look at the number of semi-finals New Zealand have played in the World Cup. They have played two finals as well (2015 and 2019). Nobody called them chokers. South Africa were termed chokers because they frequently lost big matches. They went down in a lot of finals and crunch games. That isn’t the case with India as yet,” he added. Meanwhile, team India is all set to play the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from October 17 to November 14 this year in the UAE. India and Pakistan are slated to play in the group stage as they are in the same pool. Recently, former Pakistan's fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar predicted the winner. He said that the India and pakistan will play the final clash also and not just that, Pakistan will end up defeating India. Also Read: Shoaib Akhtar predicts winner of T20 World Cup, says 'India will lose to Pakistan' Click here for sports-related update!

Don't call team India 'chokers', they don't lose often at ICC events: Salman Butt

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the point system of the upcoming World Test Championship (2021-23 cycle) and also the bilateral series that will kick off next month.&nbsp;

Matches in the latest edition of WTC will earn the same number of points that is 12 for a win, four for a draw and six for a tie. It is different from the previous edition, where the same number of points were allocated to each series.

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🔸 12 points available every match, irrespective of series length 
🔸 Teams to be ranked on percentage of points won 
 
The new points system for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> is revealed 🔢 <a href="https://t.co/9IglLPKRa1">pic.twitter.com/9IglLPKRa1</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1415190009322348544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to ICC Acting chief Executive Geoff Allardice, the changes had been made to simplify the points system while adding the inputs from the disruption last year. He said: “We received feedback that the previous points system needed to be simplified. The Cricket Committee took this into consideration when proposing a new, standardized points system for each match. It maintained the principle of ensuring that all matches in a WTC series count towards a team’s standing while accommodating series varying in length between two Tests and five Tests.

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Some cracking fixtures to look out for in the next edition of the ICC World Test Championship 🔥 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> schedule 👇 <a href="https://t.co/YXzu5lS0t1">pic.twitter.com/YXzu5lS0t1</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1415193109152112641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“During the pandemic we had to change to ranking teams on the points table using the percentage of available points won by each team, since all series could not be completed. This helped us determine the finalists and we were able to complete the championship within the scheduled time frame. This method also allowed us to compare the relative performance of teams at any time, regardless of how many matches they had played.”

All nine teams will play six series each (three home and three away) with the cut-off date being 31 March 2023.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the point system of the upcoming World Test Championship (2021-23 cycle) and also the bilateral series that will kick off next month.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the point system of the upcoming World Test Championship (2021-23 cycle) and also the bilateral series that will kick off next month. Matches in the latest edition of WTC will earn the same number of points that is 12 for a win, four for a draw and six for a tie. It is different from the previous edition, where the same number of points were allocated to each series. 🔸 12 points available every match, irrespective of series length 🔸 Teams to be ranked on percentage of points won The new points system for #WTC23 is revealed 🔢 pic.twitter.com/9IglLPKRa1 — ICC (@ICC) July 14, 2021 × According to ICC Acting chief Executive Geoff Allardice, the changes had been made to simplify the points system while adding the inputs from the disruption last year. He said: “We received feedback that the previous points system needed to be simplified. The Cricket Committee took this into consideration when proposing a new, standardized points system for each match. It maintained the principle of ensuring that all matches in a WTC series count towards a team’s standing while accommodating series varying in length between two Tests and five Tests. Some cracking fixtures to look out for in the next edition of the ICC World Test Championship 🔥 The #WTC23 schedule 👇 pic.twitter.com/YXzu5lS0t1 — ICC (@ICC) July 14, 2021 × “During the pandemic we had to change to ranking teams on the points table using the percentage of available points won by each team, since all series could not be completed. This helped us determine the finalists and we were able to complete the championship within the scheduled time frame. This method also allowed us to compare the relative performance of teams at any time, regardless of how many matches they had played.” All nine teams will play six series each (three home and three away) with the cut-off date being 31 March 2023.

Cricket: ICC unveils fixtures and points system for upcoming World Test Championship

Former Sri Lanka Cricket performance analyst Sanath Jayasundara has been found guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and has been banned from all cricket for seven years.

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His ban is backdated to May 11, 2019, when he was suspended. According to the order, Jayasunndhra was found guilty for breaching the following articles:

Article 2.1.3 -- offering a bribe or other Reward to the Sri Lankan Sports Minister to contrive in any way or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of an International Match.

Article 2.4.7 -- obstructing or delaying an ACU investigation into possible corrupt conduct under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager - Integrity Unit, in an official release said: "Jayasundara's attempt to bribe a Minister is a grave transgression while the efforts to cover up his tracks and the lack of remorse are hugely disappointing.

"We won't tolerate corrupt conduct in our sport and my team will be relentless in preventing such behaviour. This ban should serve as a deterrent for anyone who may be tempted along the wrong path," he added.

Former Sri Lanka Cricket performance analyst Sanath Jayasundara has been found guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and has been banned from all cricket for seven years.

Former Sri Lanka Cricket performance analyst Sanath Jayasundara has been found guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and has been banned from all cricket for seven years. ALSO READ: SLC sets July 8 as the deadline to resolve contracts controversy ahead of India series: Report His ban is backdated to May 11, 2019, when he was suspended. According to the order, Jayasunndhra was found guilty for breaching the following articles: Article 2.1.3 -- offering a bribe or other Reward to the Sri Lankan Sports Minister to contrive in any way or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of an International Match. Article 2.4.7 -- obstructing or delaying an ACU investigation into possible corrupt conduct under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager - Integrity Unit, in an official release said: "Jayasundara's attempt to bribe a Minister is a grave transgression while the efforts to cover up his tracks and the lack of remorse are hugely disappointing. "We won't tolerate corrupt conduct in our sport and my team will be relentless in preventing such behaviour. This ban should serve as a deterrent for anyone who may be tempted along the wrong path," he added.

Former SLC performance analyst Sanath Jayasundara banned for 7 years for breaching ICC Anti-Corruption Code

Following the expansion to its event programme in the next cycle, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has commenced the process to identify the hosts for men’s white-ball events to be held post-2023. The hosting of the ICC World Test Championship Final, the ICC women's and under-19 events in the new cycle will be determined in a separate process that will get underway later this year.

Eight men’s ODI and T20 events, comprising two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, and two ICC Champions Trophies, will be staged from 2024-2031 and ICC Members were invited to submit a preliminary technical proposal as a potential host. This included individual country submissions as well as joint proposals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mitchell-starc-unperturbed-by-quarantine-hurdle-amidst-australias-tight-scheduled-395874" hreflang="en">Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled</a>

Initial submissions have been received from Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, UAE, USA, and Zimbabwe.

ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted with the response from our Members to hosting ICC men’s white-ball events post 2023. This process gives us an opportunity to extend our range of hosts and grow interest in cricket worldwide reaching more fans whilst creating a long-term legacy for the sport.

“Cricket has more than a billion fans around the world and ICC events have a proven track record of bringing significant economic and social benefits for host counties. These events provide hosts with a wonderful opportunity to work closely with local communities to grow the game whilst supporting economic and social development public policy goals.

“We will now move forward to the second phase of the process where Members will provide a more detailed proposal before the ICC Board takes decisions on our future hosts later this year.”

Following the expansion to its event programme in the next cycle, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has commenced the process to identify the hosts for men’s white-ball events to be held post-2023.

Following the expansion to its event programme in the next cycle, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has commenced the process to identify the hosts for men’s white-ball events to be held post-2023. The hosting of the ICC World Test Championship Final, the ICC women's and under-19 events in the new cycle will be determined in a separate process that will get underway later this year. Eight men’s ODI and T20 events, comprising two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, and two ICC Champions Trophies, will be staged from 2024-2031 and ICC Members were invited to submit a preliminary technical proposal as a potential host. This included individual country submissions as well as joint proposals. ALSO READ: Cricket: Mitchell Starc unperturbed by quarantine hurdle amidst Australia’s tight scheduled Initial submissions have been received from Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Namibia, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, UAE, USA, and Zimbabwe. ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted with the response from our Members to hosting ICC men’s white-ball events post 2023. This process gives us an opportunity to extend our range of hosts and grow interest in cricket worldwide reaching more fans whilst creating a long-term legacy for the sport. “Cricket has more than a billion fans around the world and ICC events have a proven track record of bringing significant economic and social benefits for host counties. These events provide hosts with a wonderful opportunity to work closely with local communities to grow the game whilst supporting economic and social development public policy goals. “We will now move forward to the second phase of the process where Members will provide a more detailed proposal before the ICC Board takes decisions on our future hosts later this year.”

Cricket: India, England, Australia, among 17 countries to signal interest for future ICC events

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has reclaimed the No.1 position in the&nbsp;ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after leading his side to the World Test Championship title in Southampton last week.

The 30-year-old’s knocks of 49 and 52 not out in the low-scoring final against India have helped him move above the 900-point mark and he now enjoys a 10-point lead over Steve Smith (891 rating points). Kane Williamson, who conceded the top spot to Smith two weeks ago, is back in the position he had first grabbed in November 2015 during a series against Australia.

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🇳🇿 <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BLACKCAPS</a> captain Kane Williamson is back to the No.1 spot in the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Men's Test Player Rankings for batting. 
 
Full list: <a href="https://t.co/OMjjVx5Mgf">https://t.co/OMjjVx5Mgf</a> <a href="https://t.co/1DWGBonmF2">pic.twitter.com/1DWGBonmF2</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1410150604626743297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ross Taylor, who scored an unbeaten 47 and partnered in an unbroken 96-run stand with Williamson, has advanced three places to 14th position while left-hander Devon Conway has gained 18 slots to reach 42nd place after top-scoring with 52 in the first innings.

New Zealand’s fast bowlers to have gained after thriving in the seaming conditions, player of the match Kyle Jamieson continuing the stupendous start to his Test career. His figures of five for 31 and two for 30 have pushed him up to a career-best 13th position, not surprising since no bowler has taken more Test wickets at a better average than him since 1900.

Left-arm Trent Boult’s figures of two for 48 and three for 39 have lifted him two places to 11th position while for India, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane’s progress of three places to 13th position after scores of 49 and 15, was the only notable gain.

Ravindra Jadeja has slipped behind West Indian Jason Holder to the second position after a week at the top of the rankings for all-rounders.

In the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, West Indies’ left-handed opener Evin Lewis has moved from 13th to 10th position after a player of the match effort of 71 off 35 balls in the first of the two matches of their ongoing five-match series that counted for this week’s rankings. Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen has progressed 23 places to 20th position.

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (up one place to 22nd), Reeza Hendricks (up to three places to 24th), and Temba Bavuma (up 24 places to 64th) are among the others to move up.

England’s 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka, which should come as a morale booster for the 50-over World champions ahead of this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, sees several of their players move up too.

Chris Jordan (up five places to 11th), Mark Wood (up 11 places to 14th), Sam Curran (up 62 places to 39th), and David Willey (up 23 places to 51st) have progressed in the bowlers’ list while for Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga has moved up five places to fifth and Dushmantha Chameera 41 places to 43rd.

The latest weekly update, which includes performances in the Sofia four-team tournament won by Romania, and which also featured Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece, saw Romania’s Ramesh Satheesan enter the top 100. He has moved up 101 slots to 95th position after topping the series aggregate with 197 runs.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has reclaimed the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after leading his side to the World Test Championship title in Southampton last week.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has reclaimed the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after leading his side to the World Test Championship title in Southampton last week. The 30-year-old’s knocks of 49 and 52 not out in the low-scoring final against India have helped him move above the 900-point mark and he now enjoys a 10-point lead over Steve Smith (891 rating points). Kane Williamson, who conceded the top spot to Smith two weeks ago, is back in the position he had first grabbed in November 2015 during a series against Australia. ALSO READ: Cricket- 'I actually tried to at times to go to the bathroom', reveals Kyle Jamieson 🇳🇿 @BLACKCAPS captain Kane Williamson is back to the No.1 spot in the latest @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's Test Player Rankings for batting. Full list: https://t.co/OMjjVx5Mgf pic.twitter.com/1DWGBonmF2 — ICC (@ICC) June 30, 2021 × Ross Taylor, who scored an unbeaten 47 and partnered in an unbroken 96-run stand with Williamson, has advanced three places to 14th position while left-hander Devon Conway has gained 18 slots to reach 42nd place after top-scoring with 52 in the first innings. New Zealand’s fast bowlers to have gained after thriving in the seaming conditions, player of the match Kyle Jamieson continuing the stupendous start to his Test career. His figures of five for 31 and two for 30 have pushed him up to a career-best 13th position, not surprising since no bowler has taken more Test wickets at a better average than him since 1900. Left-arm Trent Boult’s figures of two for 48 and three for 39 have lifted him two places to 11th position while for India, vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane’s progress of three places to 13th position after scores of 49 and 15, was the only notable gain. Ravindra Jadeja has slipped behind West Indian Jason Holder to the second position after a week at the top of the rankings for all-rounders. In the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, West Indies’ left-handed opener Evin Lewis has moved from 13th to 10th position after a player of the match effort of 71 off 35 balls in the first of the two matches of their ongoing five-match series that counted for this week’s rankings. Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen has progressed 23 places to 20th position. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock (up one place to 22nd), Reeza Hendricks (up to three places to 24th), and Temba Bavuma (up 24 places to 64th) are among the others to move up. England’s 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka, which should come as a morale booster for the 50-over World champions ahead of this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, sees several of their players move up too. Chris Jordan (up five places to 11th), Mark Wood (up 11 places to 14th), Sam Curran (up 62 places to 39th), and David Willey (up 23 places to 51st) have progressed in the bowlers’ list while for Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga has moved up five places to fifth and Dushmantha Chameera 41 places to 43rd. The latest weekly update, which includes performances in the Sofia four-team tournament won by Romania, and which also featured Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece, saw Romania’s Ramesh Satheesan enter the top 100. He has moved up 101 slots to 95th position after topping the series aggregate with 197 runs.

Cricket: Kane Williamson reclaims the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s Test rankings

Subsequent to overpowering endorsement for the World Test Championship as an idea notwithstanding a pandemic-defaced debut version and a downpour hit last, the 2021-23 cycle will start with India's five-Test series in England beginning August 4. The dates and venue for the 2023 WTC final are yet to be declared.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council has made a striking change to every Test, and not the series, which will mean WTC points. Cricket board of the nine participating teams however boards are allowed to organize Tests outside the WTC cycle.

The ICC team rankings will proceed as an estimating device to pick the teams for the WTC cycle.&nbsp;

<h2>Top Three to play most Tests&nbsp;</h2>

The current framework doesn't assist with measuring home and away successes independently, or address unequal dissemination of Tests. As indicated by Future Tours Program subtleties accessible, England, India, and Australia will again play the most Tests, almost 50% of them among themselves. Aside from the series in England, India will play three Tests in South Africa and two in Bangladesh while their facilitating Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are affirmed.

<h2>Points System</h2>

An aggregate of 120 points were distributed to every series in the debut WTC cycle, 60 points per Test for a two-match series and 24 points for success in a five-Test series. Presently, every Test win, paying little heed to the length of the series, will get 12 points. Teams will get six points each for a tie and four points each for a draw.&nbsp;

On a basic level, the change accepts the percentage of points won method, a change in the framework that produced results from last November after numerous series were dropped because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

“We are going to stick with the percentage-of-points-won method to rank teams,” ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice was quoted as saying on ICC’s website. “If we are using the percentage, we can put a standardized number of points per Test. So, it doesn’t matter if it is a two-Test series or a five-Test series, the same number of points will be available for each match&nbsp;every team would be judged on the percentage of those points it wins, not on the total.”

"Instead of each series being worth the same number of points, 120, irrespective of whether the series is played over two Tests or five Tests, the next cycle will see each match being worth the same number of points - a maximum of 12 per match. Teams will be ranked on the percentage of available points they won from the matches they have played. The aim was to try and simplify the points system and to allow teams to be meaningfully compared on the table at any point, though they may have played differing numbers of matches and series."

Last year, a late move to embrace the percentage of points framework pushed table clinchers India to No. 2, in spite of having the most successes, and they needed to scramble to book a compartment in the final, which they lost to New Zealand.&nbsp;

New Zealand were better positioned and dominated the two-match home series against West Indies and Pakistan to enter the final. Australia pulled out of their South Africa visit referring to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Subsequent to overpowering endorsement for the World Test Championship as an idea notwithstanding a pandemic-defaced debut version and a downpour hit last, the 2021-23 cycle will start with India's five-Test series in England beginning August 4.

Subsequent to overpowering endorsement for the World Test Championship as an idea notwithstanding a pandemic-defaced debut version and a downpour hit last, the 2021-23 cycle will start with India's five-Test series in England beginning August 4. The dates and venue for the 2023 WTC final are yet to be declared. The International Cricket Council has made a striking change to every Test, and not the series, which will mean WTC points. Cricket board of the nine participating teams however boards are allowed to organize Tests outside the WTC cycle. The ICC team rankings will proceed as an estimating device to pick the teams for the WTC cycle. Top Three to play most Tests The current framework doesn't assist with measuring home and away successes independently, or address unequal dissemination of Tests. As indicated by Future Tours Program subtleties accessible, England, India, and Australia will again play the most Tests, almost 50% of them among themselves. Aside from the series in England, India will play three Tests in South Africa and two in Bangladesh while their facilitating Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are affirmed. Points System An aggregate of 120 points were distributed to every series in the debut WTC cycle, 60 points per Test for a two-match series and 24 points for success in a five-Test series. Presently, every Test win, paying little heed to the length of the series, will get 12 points. Teams will get six points each for a tie and four points each for a draw. On a basic level, the change accepts the percentage of points won method, a change in the framework that produced results from last November after numerous series were dropped because of the pandemic. “We are going to stick with the percentage-of-points-won method to rank teams,” ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice was quoted as saying on ICC’s website. “If we are using the percentage, we can put a standardized number of points per Test. So, it doesn’t matter if it is a two-Test series or a five-Test series, the same number of points will be available for each match every team would be judged on the percentage of those points it wins, not on the total.” "Instead of each series being worth the same number of points, 120, irrespective of whether the series is played over two Tests or five Tests, the next cycle will see each match being worth the same number of points - a maximum of 12 per match. Teams will be ranked on the percentage of available points they won from the matches they have played. The aim was to try and simplify the points system and to allow teams to be meaningfully compared on the table at any point, though they may have played differing numbers of matches and series." Last year, a late move to embrace the percentage of points framework pushed table clinchers India to No. 2, in spite of having the most successes, and they needed to scramble to book a compartment in the final, which they lost to New Zealand. New Zealand were better positioned and dominated the two-match home series against West Indies and Pakistan to enter the final. Australia pulled out of their South Africa visit referring to the pandemic.

Cricket: England vs India to kick off the second WTC cycle, with tweaked points system

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson revealed his feeling after lifting the ICC Test mace for the very first time after beating India in the World Test Championship final.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-if-i-perform-i-know-ill-definitely-be-back-kuldeep-yadav-ahead-of-sri-lanka-tour-394704" hreflang="en">Cricket- 'If I perform, I know I’ll definitely be back': Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Sri Lanka tour</a>

On being asked about the moment, Williamson revealed that the mace is heavier than people would assume it to be.

“I mean we’ve never been able to hold it before so it was a different feeling. It is heavier than you think. We didn’t know it was real till we got our hands on it," he said in a video uploaded on New Zealand Cricket's official Twitter page.

Williamson also talked about his team's performance and said that he was proud that Kiwi stalwarts like Ross Taylor and BJ Watling will WTC final win as one of the greatest moments of their careers.

“There’s a real mixture in the side of newer players and experienced players. You got guys like Ross (Taylor) who is clearly our most experienced. He has been there for so many years and achieving it like this after all the hard work from everybody, the likes of your Ross Taylors and BJ Watling.

"These guys have given so much to our game. It is pretty satisfying that they will reflect on this as perhaps one of the greatest moments in their career,” Williamson signed off.&nbsp;

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson revealed his feeling after lifting the ICC Test mace for the very first time after beating India in the World Test Championship final.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson revealed his feeling after lifting the ICC Test mace for the very first time after beating India in the World Test Championship final. ALSO READ: Cricket- 'If I perform, I know I’ll definitely be back': Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Sri Lanka tour On being asked about the moment, Williamson revealed that the mace is heavier than people would assume it to be. “I mean we’ve never been able to hold it before so it was a different feeling. It is heavier than you think. We didn’t know it was real till we got our hands on it," he said in a video uploaded on New Zealand Cricket's official Twitter page. Williamson also talked about his team's performance and said that he was proud that Kiwi stalwarts like Ross Taylor and BJ Watling will WTC final win as one of the greatest moments of their careers. “There’s a real mixture in the side of newer players and experienced players. You got guys like Ross (Taylor) who is clearly our most experienced. He has been there for so many years and achieving it like this after all the hard work from everybody, the likes of your Ross Taylors and BJ Watling. "These guys have given so much to our game. It is pretty satisfying that they will reflect on this as perhaps one of the greatest moments in their career,” Williamson signed off.

Cricket: 'It was a different feeling': Kane Williamson on lifting the Test mace

India captain Mithali Raj has returned to the top five of the&nbsp;ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after top-scoring for India with 72 in the opening match of their three-match series against England in Bristol.

The 38-year-old, who has completed 22 years in international cricket, rescued her side from a precarious 27 for two but India’s total of 201 for eight was not challenging enough for England, who will be defending their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in New Zealand next year.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings for batting: 
 
↗️ <a href="https://twitter.com/M_Raj03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@M_Raj03</a> enters top five 
↗️ <a href="https://twitter.com/natsciver?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@natsciver</a> moves up one spot 
 
Full list: <a href="https://t.co/KjDYT8qgqn">https://t.co/KjDYT8qgqn</a> <a href="https://t.co/szonwdMmn9">pic.twitter.com/szonwdMmn9</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1409788064944201732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Mithali, who had led India to the final of the last World Cup played at Lord’s in 2017, has gained three slots to reach the fifth position after the Bristol knock. The formerly top-ranked batter returns to the top five for the first time since October 2019.

There was not much else to write home about for the India side in terms of rankings, with all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar re-entering in 97th place among batters and 88th among bowlers. Hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma, the top-ranked T20I batter, has entered the ODI rankings in 120th place after scoring a 14-ball 15 on debut.

England opener Tammy Beaumont has consolidated her top position after her player of the match effort, gaining 26 rating points to reach 791 after her unbeaten 87 while Natalie Sciver’s 74 not out sees her inch up from ninth to the eighth position&nbsp;in the latest women’s ranking update, which is carried out on Tuesdays.

In the bowlers’ list, fast bowler Anya Shrubsole has progressed three places to eighth after grabbing two wickets in the match while left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, top-ranked in T20Is, has gained four slots to reach 10th position with a haul of three for 40 that included the scalps of Mithali and Harmanpreet Kaur. Kate Cross has moved up three places to 25th.

India captain Mithali Raj has returned to the top five of the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after top-scoring for India with 72 in the opening match of their three-match series against England in Bristol.

India captain Mithali Raj has returned to the top five of the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after top-scoring for India with 72 in the opening match of their three-match series against England in Bristol. The 38-year-old, who has completed 22 years in international cricket, rescued her side from a precarious 27 for two but India’s total of 201 for eight was not challenging enough for England, who will be defending their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in New Zealand next year. In the latest @MRFWorldwide ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings for batting: ↗️ @M_Raj03 enters top five ↗️ @natsciver moves up one spot Full list: https://t.co/KjDYT8qgqn pic.twitter.com/szonwdMmn9 — ICC (@ICC) June 29, 2021 × Mithali, who had led India to the final of the last World Cup played at Lord’s in 2017, has gained three slots to reach the fifth position after the Bristol knock. The formerly top-ranked batter returns to the top five for the first time since October 2019. There was not much else to write home about for the India side in terms of rankings, with all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar re-entering in 97th place among batters and 88th among bowlers. Hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma, the top-ranked T20I batter, has entered the ODI rankings in 120th place after scoring a 14-ball 15 on debut. England opener Tammy Beaumont has consolidated her top position after her player of the match effort, gaining 26 rating points to reach 791 after her unbeaten 87 while Natalie Sciver’s 74 not out sees her inch up from ninth to the eighth position in the latest women’s ranking update, which is carried out on Tuesdays. In the bowlers’ list, fast bowler Anya Shrubsole has progressed three places to eighth after grabbing two wickets in the match while left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, top-ranked in T20Is, has gained four slots to reach 10th position with a haul of three for 40 that included the scalps of Mithali and Harmanpreet Kaur. Kate Cross has moved up three places to 25th.

Cricket: Mithali Raj back in top 5 ICC Women's ODI player rankings

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced that they will be shifting the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, the ICC tournament was slated to take place in India, however, the COVID-19 situation has forced the Indian cricket board to relocate the tournament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-t20-world-cup-to-be-shifted-to-uae-confirms-bcci-secretary-jay-shah-394468" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC T20 World Cup to be shifted to UAE, confirms BCCI secretary Jay Shah</a>

Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has written a letter to the members of the Indian cricket board explaining the reason behind the decision.&nbsp;

"We wanted to apprise you that we have discussed this issue with ICC and have had several rounds of discussions internally," Ganguly wrote, as per ANI.

"After much deliberation, it has been decided that safety of players and other stakeholders is of paramount importance and keeping that in mind, it is best that we shift the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-shikhar-dhawan-and-co-arrive-in-sri-lanka-ahead-of-limited-overs-series-394524" hreflang="en">Cricket: Shikhar Dhawan and co. arrive in Sri Lanka ahead of limited-overs series</a>

"It was not an easy decision and we mulled over it for months, constantly keeping an eye on the COVID situation all along. However, with the second wave causing such devastation, the decision ultimately boiled down to the safety and well-being of the players and organizers.

"Although, vaccination in the country is going at breakneck speed, there are reports of a third wave and different variants, which we just cannot ignore. There is nothing more that we could have wanted than to host this prestigious tournament in India, but it was not to be," he added.

"On the brighter side, the BCCI remains the host for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and with its prior experience in hosting IPL in UAE, we can say with certainty that it will be hosted smoothly, and the BCCI will leave no stone unturned to make it an unprecedented success.

"We thank you for your continued support and we hope that you will give your unflinching support on this issue as well, as you have done in the past," Ganguly further said.

Speaking to news agency ANI, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said, "We will inform the International Cricket Council today that we are shifting T20 World Cup to UAE. Dates will be decided by the ICC."

The T20 World Cup will take place after the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played.&nbsp;

The hosting rights of the T20 World Cup stay with the BCCI. The first round of the T20 World Cup will see 12 matches, containing the eight groups – Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. Four of them will advance to the Super 12s, where they will join the other eight groups. The counterparts for Round one will not be played at the significant venues.&nbsp;

The T20 World Cup's Super 12-leg will involve 30 matches. This leg of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 24. The groups will be parted into two groups, with two from each making it to the semi-finals, trailed by the finals.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced that they will be shifting the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, the ICC tournament was slated to take place in India, however, the COVID-19 situation has forced the Indian cricket board to relocate the tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced that they will be shifting the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, the ICC tournament was slated to take place in India, however, the COVID-19 situation has forced the Indian cricket board to relocate the tournament. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC T20 World Cup to be shifted to UAE, confirms BCCI secretary Jay Shah Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has written a letter to the members of the Indian cricket board explaining the reason behind the decision. "We wanted to apprise you that we have discussed this issue with ICC and have had several rounds of discussions internally," Ganguly wrote, as per ANI. "After much deliberation, it has been decided that safety of players and other stakeholders is of paramount importance and keeping that in mind, it is best that we shift the ICC Men's T20 World Cup to the United Arab Emirates and Oman. ALSO READ: Cricket: Shikhar Dhawan and co. arrive in Sri Lanka ahead of limited-overs series "It was not an easy decision and we mulled over it for months, constantly keeping an eye on the COVID situation all along. However, with the second wave causing such devastation, the decision ultimately boiled down to the safety and well-being of the players and organizers. "Although, vaccination in the country is going at breakneck speed, there are reports of a third wave and different variants, which we just cannot ignore. There is nothing more that we could have wanted than to host this prestigious tournament in India, but it was not to be," he added. "On the brighter side, the BCCI remains the host for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and with its prior experience in hosting IPL in UAE, we can say with certainty that it will be hosted smoothly, and the BCCI will leave no stone unturned to make it an unprecedented success. "We thank you for your continued support and we hope that you will give your unflinching support on this issue as well, as you have done in the past," Ganguly further said. Speaking to news agency ANI, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said, "We will inform the International Cricket Council today that we are shifting T20 World Cup to UAE. Dates will be decided by the ICC." The T20 World Cup will take place after the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played. The hosting rights of the T20 World Cup stay with the BCCI. The first round of the T20 World Cup will see 12 matches, containing the eight groups – Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. Four of them will advance to the Super 12s, where they will join the other eight groups. The counterparts for Round one will not be played at the significant venues. The T20 World Cup's Super 12-leg will involve 30 matches. This leg of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 24. The groups will be parted into two groups, with two from each making it to the semi-finals, trailed by the finals.

Cricket- 'It was not an easy decision': Sourav Ganguly on shifting T20 World Cup to UAE

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that they will be shifting the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, the ICC tournament was slated to take place in India, however, the COVID-19 situation has forced the Indian cricket board to relocate the tournament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-to-ask-ecb-to-arrange-couple-of-warm-up-games-for-team-india-reports-393976" hreflang="en">BCCI to ask ECB to arrange couple of warm-up games for Team India: Reports</a>

Speaking to news agency ANI, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said, "We will inform the International Cricket Council today that we are shifting T20 World Cup to UAE. Dates will be decided by the ICC."

The T20 World Cup will take place after the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played.&nbsp;

As per ESPNCricinfo, the 16-group competition will begin after the Indian Premier League 2021 final, which is relied upon to be held on October 15.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-kusal-mendis-and-niroshan-dickwella-under-investigation-for-alleged-bio-bubble-breach-394455" hreflang="en">Cricket: Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella under investigation for alleged bio-bubble breach</a>

The hosting rights of the T20 World Cup stay with the BCCI. The first round of the T20 World Cup will see 12 matches, containing the eight groups – Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. Four of them will advance to the Super 12s, where they will join the other eight groups. The counterparts for Round one will not be played at the significant venues.&nbsp;

The T20 World Cup's Super 12-leg will involve 30 matches.&nbsp;This leg of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 24. The groups will be parted into two groups, with two from each making it to the semi-finals, trailed by the finals.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that they will be shifting the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, the ICC tournament was slated to take place in India, however, the COVID-19 situation has forced the Indian cricket board to relocate the tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that they will be shifting the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, the ICC tournament was slated to take place in India, however, the COVID-19 situation has forced the Indian cricket board to relocate the tournament. ALSO READ: BCCI to ask ECB to arrange couple of warm-up games for Team India: Reports Speaking to news agency ANI, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said, "We will inform the International Cricket Council today that we are shifting T20 World Cup to UAE. Dates will be decided by the ICC." The T20 World Cup will take place after the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played. As per ESPNCricinfo, the 16-group competition will begin after the Indian Premier League 2021 final, which is relied upon to be held on October 15. ALSO READ: Cricket: Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella under investigation for alleged bio-bubble breach The hosting rights of the T20 World Cup stay with the BCCI. The first round of the T20 World Cup will see 12 matches, containing the eight groups – Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. Four of them will advance to the Super 12s, where they will join the other eight groups. The counterparts for Round one will not be played at the significant venues. The T20 World Cup's Super 12-leg will involve 30 matches. This leg of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 24. The groups will be parted into two groups, with two from each making it to the semi-finals, trailed by the finals.

Cricket: ICC T20 World Cup to be shifted to UAE, confirms BCCI secretary Jay Shah

The 2021 T20 World Cup will be facilitated in the UAE from October 17, with the final planned on November 14. As per ESPNCricinfo, the 16-group competition will begin after the Indian Premier League 2021 final, which is relied upon to be held on October 15.&nbsp;

Prior, the ICC after the board meeting had affirmed that the BCCI would hold hosting privileges of the T20 World Cup regardless of whether the tournament is moved out of India: "The Board also confirmed that the BCCI will remain the hosts of the event regardless of where the event is played," the ICC said in an official release.

The hosting rights of the T20 World Cup stay with the BCCI. Albeit the Indian cricket board hasn't authoritatively affirmed the turn of events or kept in touch with the ICC, it's accepted the tournament will be played in the middle east with UAE and Oman as hosts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-to-ask-ecb-to-arrange-couple-of-warm-up-games-for-team-india-reports-393976" hreflang="en">BCCI to ask ECB to arrange couple of warm up games for Team India: Reports</a>

The BCCI had been allowed time till June end to tell ICC where they would have the T20 World Cup. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the 2020 release of the T20 World Cup that should be held in Australia being delayed to 2022.&nbsp;

Exactly when things appeared to be marginally better in India, the IPL 2021 initiated yet was suspended unexpectedly halfway as the second influx of the pandemic unleashed ruin in the country. With the danger of a potential third wave posing a potential threat, the BCCI isn't ready to face additional challenges.&nbsp;

The first round of the T20 World Cup will see 12 matches, containing the eight groups – Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. Four of them will advance to the Super 12s, where they will join the other eight groups. The counterparts for Round one will not be played at the significant venues.&nbsp;

The T20 World Cup's Super 12-leg will involve 30 matches and will be played at the three major UAE venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. This leg of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 24. The groups will be parted into two groups, with two from each making it to the semi-finals, trailed by the finals.&nbsp;

With the first round being facilitated in quite a while in the UAE and Oman, the BCCI will guarantee that post-IPL, the grounds of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah will have sufficient opportunity to have new pitches for the Super 12s.

The 2021 T20 World Cup will be facilitated in the UAE from October 17, with the final planned on November 14. As per ESPNCricinfo, the 16-group competition will begin after the Indian Premier League 2021 final, which is relied upon to be held on October 15.

The 2021 T20 World Cup will be facilitated in the UAE from October 17, with the final planned on November 14. As per ESPNCricinfo, the 16-group competition will begin after the Indian Premier League 2021 final, which is relied upon to be held on October 15. Prior, the ICC after the board meeting had affirmed that the BCCI would hold hosting privileges of the T20 World Cup regardless of whether the tournament is moved out of India: "The Board also confirmed that the BCCI will remain the hosts of the event regardless of where the event is played," the ICC said in an official release. The hosting rights of the T20 World Cup stay with the BCCI. Albeit the Indian cricket board hasn't authoritatively affirmed the turn of events or kept in touch with the ICC, it's accepted the tournament will be played in the middle east with UAE and Oman as hosts. ALSO READ: BCCI to ask ECB to arrange couple of warm up games for Team India: Reports The BCCI had been allowed time till June end to tell ICC where they would have the T20 World Cup. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the 2020 release of the T20 World Cup that should be held in Australia being delayed to 2022. Exactly when things appeared to be marginally better in India, the IPL 2021 initiated yet was suspended unexpectedly halfway as the second influx of the pandemic unleashed ruin in the country. With the danger of a potential third wave posing a potential threat, the BCCI isn't ready to face additional challenges. The first round of the T20 World Cup will see 12 matches, containing the eight groups – Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Papua New Guinea. Four of them will advance to the Super 12s, where they will join the other eight groups. The counterparts for Round one will not be played at the significant venues. The T20 World Cup's Super 12-leg will involve 30 matches and will be played at the three major UAE venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. This leg of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on October 24. The groups will be parted into two groups, with two from each making it to the semi-finals, trailed by the finals. With the first round being facilitated in quite a while in the UAE and Oman, the BCCI will guarantee that post-IPL, the grounds of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah will have sufficient opportunity to have new pitches for the Super 12s.

Cricket: ICC T20 World Cup set to begin on October 17 in the UAE: Reports

The International Cricket Council congratulated the Black Caps on winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, beating India in a riveting final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. It is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly tight game saw New Zealand bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory. &nbsp;

&nbsp;It is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly tight game saw New Zealand bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-team-indias-schedule-for-2021-23-world-test-championship-cycle-393816" hreflang="en">Cricket: Team India's schedule for 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle</a>

Geoff Allardice, ICC Acting CEO said, “I would like to congratulate the first-ever World Test Champions, the Black Caps who displayed the skill and temperament required to be the best Test team in the world. I would also like to congratulate the Indian team, who performed so consistently to qualify for the Final and came so close to winning it. Both teams showed their quality and it was a simply outstanding game of Test cricket that will live long in the memories of cricket fans around the world, also played in a great spirit that highlighted the mutual respect between the teams.

“Throughout the two-year World Test Championship both Kane and Virat made no secret of their desire to win the Test Mace and that was clearly evident over the last six days. The quality of the play was befitting of the two best Test teams in the world and it was an enthralling game.

“The conclusion of the first edition of the World Test Championship is a special moment for our sport as this is an event that has been so long in the making. But the last two years have clearly demonstrated the importance of context in Test cricket and I’m already looking forward to the second edition starting with England v India in a little over a month.”

“I would also like to thank everyone involved in staging this pinnacle event in the making for years, including the ground staff at the Hampshire Bowl, the staff at the ECB, BCCI, and NZC, our commentators and media experts, and the passionate fans who attended the match, without whom, such a befitting tribute to Test cricket would not have been possible.”

The International Cricket Council congratulated the Black Caps on winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, beating India in a riveting final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.

The International Cricket Council congratulated the Black Caps on winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, beating India in a riveting final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. It is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly tight game saw New Zealand bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory. It is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly tight game saw New Zealand bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory. ALSO READ: Cricket: Team India's schedule for 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle Geoff Allardice, ICC Acting CEO said, “I would like to congratulate the first-ever World Test Champions, the Black Caps who displayed the skill and temperament required to be the best Test team in the world. I would also like to congratulate the Indian team, who performed so consistently to qualify for the Final and came so close to winning it. Both teams showed their quality and it was a simply outstanding game of Test cricket that will live long in the memories of cricket fans around the world, also played in a great spirit that highlighted the mutual respect between the teams. “Throughout the two-year World Test Championship both Kane and Virat made no secret of their desire to win the Test Mace and that was clearly evident over the last six days. The quality of the play was befitting of the two best Test teams in the world and it was an enthralling game. “The conclusion of the first edition of the World Test Championship is a special moment for our sport as this is an event that has been so long in the making. But the last two years have clearly demonstrated the importance of context in Test cricket and I’m already looking forward to the second edition starting with England v India in a little over a month.” “I would also like to thank everyone involved in staging this pinnacle event in the making for years, including the ground staff at the Hampshire Bowl, the staff at the ECB, BCCI, and NZC, our commentators and media experts, and the passionate fans who attended the match, without whom, such a befitting tribute to Test cricket would not have been possible.”

Cricket: ICC congratulates New Zealand for winning the inaugural World Test Championship

Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has become the top-ranked all-rounder in Test cricket as ICC rankings. The Gujarat-based player dethroned West Indies' player Jason Holder to hold the top spot, whereas, England all-rounder Ben Stokes comes in at third.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-totally-unacceptable-vaughan-pietersen-fume-at-ashes-rule-393461" hreflang="en">Cricket- 'Totally unacceptable': Vaughan, Pietersen fume at Ashes rule</a>

Ravichandran Ashwin, another Indian cricketer, comes in at fourth and Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan is fifth.&nbsp;

Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin remained at the second spot in the bowlers' rankings on 850 points, below Pat Cummins (908) of Australia. Tim Southee (830) of New Zealand is third.

In terms of batsmen in Test cricket, Steve Smith holds the top spot with 891 points, followed by Kane Williamson (886) of New Zealand and Marnus Labuschagne (878) of Australia and Virat Kohli at fourth with 814 points.&nbsp;

England captain Joe Root (797) is at number five, followed by the Indian pair of Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma at joint at sixth on 747 points.

Earlier, Earlier, Tim Southee went past Ricky Ponting in the elite list of sixes-hitters in Test cricket.&nbsp;

The pacer smashed two sixes and scored a crucial 46-ball 30 runs. With these maximums, Tim Southee has 75 sixes in 79 Test matches and is now on the 15th spot on the overall list. He overtook former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting and just three sixes away from going past MS Dhoni.&nbsp;

Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has become the top-ranked all-rounder in Test cricket as ICC rankings. The Gujarat-based player dethroned West Indies' player Jason Holder to hold the top spot, whereas, England all-rounder Ben Stokes comes in at third.

Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja has become the top-ranked all-rounder in Test cricket as ICC rankings. The Gujarat-based player dethroned West Indies' player Jason Holder to hold the top spot, whereas, England all-rounder Ben Stokes comes in at third. ALSO READ: Cricket- 'Totally unacceptable': Vaughan, Pietersen fume at Ashes rule Ravichandran Ashwin, another Indian cricketer, comes in at fourth and Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan is fifth. Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin remained at the second spot in the bowlers' rankings on 850 points, below Pat Cummins (908) of Australia. Tim Southee (830) of New Zealand is third. In terms of batsmen in Test cricket, Steve Smith holds the top spot with 891 points, followed by Kane Williamson (886) of New Zealand and Marnus Labuschagne (878) of Australia and Virat Kohli at fourth with 814 points. England captain Joe Root (797) is at number five, followed by the Indian pair of Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma at joint at sixth on 747 points. Earlier, Earlier, Tim Southee went past Ricky Ponting in the elite list of sixes-hitters in Test cricket. The pacer smashed two sixes and scored a crucial 46-ball 30 runs. With these maximums, Tim Southee has 75 sixes in 79 Test matches and is now on the 15th spot on the overall list. He overtook former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting and just three sixes away from going past MS Dhoni.

Cricket: Ravindra Jadeja becomes number one all-rounder of the ICC Test rankings

Sunil Gavaskar trusts that the inaugural World Test Championship Final will end in a draw after the downpour played spoilsport by and by toward the beginning of Day 4. He believes India and New Zealand will share the trophy.&nbsp;

The first two sessions of Day 4 have&nbsp;effectively been cleaned out because of rain. Things are probably not going to improve, with the climate gauge foreseeing unending precipitation for the duration of the day.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wtc-final-jamieson-stars-with-the-ball-as-new-zealand-dominate-392910" hreflang="en">Cricket: WTC Final - Jamieson stars with the ball as New Zealand dominate</a>

Gavaskar, in Aaj Tak, said the WTC Final is probably going to end in a draw with only two days of cricketing activity left. He said:

“It looks like the World Test Championship Final will end in a draw and the trophy would be shared. It would be the first time that a trophy has been shared in the final. There are penalty shootouts in football or other criteria to decide a winner. In tennis, there are five sets and then a tiebreaker to get a winner. In Tests, we can only have a draw in such instances, and there is a high probability of a draw here as well.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wtc-final-more-pressure-on-new-zealand-than-india-after-day-3-reckons-aakash-chopra-392925" hreflang="en">Cricket: WTC Final - More pressure on New Zealand than India after Day 3, reckons Aakash Chopra</a>

Despite the fact that Day 4 hasn't been totally cleaned out, it is expected that it will end up in a washout. With a downpour proceeding to fall at Southampton, Sunil Gavaskar offered a hopeless climate update from Southampton.&nbsp;

“Everyone around here is saying that there is no chance of play today. It means only two days are left. To complete three innings in two days would be really difficult. Yes, if both teams bat really badly, the three innings could be completed.”

With three innings yet to be finished, a draw looks like the most probable outcome in Southampton. The rules mean the trophy will be shared by India and New Zealand in that occurrence, yet&nbsp;Sunil Gavaskar feels the ICC ought to have finalized criteria to decide a sole victor before the tournament got in progress.&nbsp;

“There should have been some way to decide a winner. In the 2019 World Cup, we saw the team that hit the most boundaries lift the trophy. Due to the pandemic, the table was decided based on percentage points rather than outright points. The goalpost kept shifting throughout the World Test Championship, which wasn’t fair for any team. They should have considered all things and developed criteria to decide a winner” - he signed off

Sunil Gavaskar trusts that the inaugural World Test Championship Final will end in a draw after the downpour played spoilsport by and by toward the beginning of Day 4.

Sunil Gavaskar trusts that the inaugural World Test Championship Final will end in a draw after the downpour played spoilsport by and by toward the beginning of Day 4. He believes India and New Zealand will share the trophy. The first two sessions of Day 4 have effectively been cleaned out because of rain. Things are probably not going to improve, with the climate gauge foreseeing unending precipitation for the duration of the day. ALSO READ: Cricket: WTC Final - Jamieson stars with the ball as New Zealand dominate Gavaskar, in Aaj Tak, said the WTC Final is probably going to end in a draw with only two days of cricketing activity left. He said: “It looks like the World Test Championship Final will end in a draw and the trophy would be shared. It would be the first time that a trophy has been shared in the final. There are penalty shootouts in football or other criteria to decide a winner. In tennis, there are five sets and then a tiebreaker to get a winner. In Tests, we can only have a draw in such instances, and there is a high probability of a draw here as well.” ALSO READ: Cricket: WTC Final - More pressure on New Zealand than India after Day 3, reckons Aakash Chopra Despite the fact that Day 4 hasn't been totally cleaned out, it is expected that it will end up in a washout. With a downpour proceeding to fall at Southampton, Sunil Gavaskar offered a hopeless climate update from Southampton. “Everyone around here is saying that there is no chance of play today. It means only two days are left. To complete three innings in two days would be really difficult. Yes, if both teams bat really badly, the three innings could be completed.” With three innings yet to be finished, a draw looks like the most probable outcome in Southampton. The rules mean the trophy will be shared by India and New Zealand in that occurrence, yet Sunil Gavaskar feels the ICC ought to have finalized criteria to decide a sole victor before the tournament got in progress. “There should have been some way to decide a winner. In the 2019 World Cup, we saw the team that hit the most boundaries lift the trophy. Due to the pandemic, the table was decided based on percentage points rather than outright points. The goalpost kept shifting throughout the World Test Championship, which wasn’t fair for any team. They should have considered all things and developed criteria to decide a winner” - he signed off

WTC Final: ICC should have developed a criteria to decide a winner, says Sunil Gavaskar

Day 1 of the World Test Championship final was wiped out because of heavy rain. Around two additional long stretches of play were lost in the following two days, which means the reserve day kicked in. However, the rain resumed on Day 4&nbsp;without a ball being bowled till Tea. There is a high possibility for another washout.&nbsp;

In the event that the match ends in a draw or a tie, the World Test Championship Mace will be shared between India and New Zealand.&nbsp;

Former India and New Zealand cricketers expressed their disappointment over ICC's choice to keep just one reserve day as opposed to permitting the game to continue for full 450 overs if necessary regardless of how long it requires for the World Test Championship final to finish at the Rose Bowl.

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman and former New Zealand player Shane Bond responded after a downpour undermined another likely washout on Day 4.&nbsp;

Just 141.1 overs of play so far has been played out of the 450 overs. Even after the additional half-hour tomorrow and the full save day, it will not be feasible to try and draw near to the 450-over imprint to get an outcome if play is wiped out today.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-despite-collapse-on-day-3-india-not-out-of-the-game-says-deep-dasgupta-392929" hreflang="en">WTC Final: Despite collapse on Day 3, 'India not out of the game', says Deep Dasgupta</a>

Laxman said ICC didn't get the guidelines directly as both the teams would need to win lay their hands on the debut WTC trophy. In a conversation on Star Sports, he said: “It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion. With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish if the rain continues.”

Shane Bond said the odds of a draw or a New Zealand win are more a direct result of the downpour delays. He said: “Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-wtc-final-more-pressure-on-new-zealand-than-india-after-day-3-reckons-aakash-chopra-392925" hreflang="en">Cricket: WTC Final - More pressure on New Zealand than India after Day 3, reckons Aakash Chopra</a>

New Zealand will continue on 101-2, having bowled out India for 217 to take the advantage. Skipper Kane Williamson, batting on 12, and Ross Taylor, who is yet to score, will be seeking push for a huge first-innings lead when play begins.

Day 1 of the World Test Championship final was wiped out because of heavy rain. Around two additional long stretches of play were lost in the following two days, which means the reserve day kicked in.

Day 1 of the World Test Championship final was wiped out because of heavy rain. Around two additional long stretches of play were lost in the following two days, which means the reserve day kicked in. However, the rain resumed on Day 4 without a ball being bowled till Tea. There is a high possibility for another washout. In the event that the match ends in a draw or a tie, the World Test Championship Mace will be shared between India and New Zealand. Former India and New Zealand cricketers expressed their disappointment over ICC's choice to keep just one reserve day as opposed to permitting the game to continue for full 450 overs if necessary regardless of how long it requires for the World Test Championship final to finish at the Rose Bowl. Former India cricketer VVS Laxman and former New Zealand player Shane Bond responded after a downpour undermined another likely washout on Day 4. Just 141.1 overs of play so far has been played out of the 450 overs. Even after the additional half-hour tomorrow and the full save day, it will not be feasible to try and draw near to the 450-over imprint to get an outcome if play is wiped out today. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Despite collapse on Day 3, 'India not out of the game', says Deep Dasgupta Laxman said ICC didn't get the guidelines directly as both the teams would need to win lay their hands on the debut WTC trophy. In a conversation on Star Sports, he said: “It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion. With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish if the rain continues.” Shane Bond said the odds of a draw or a New Zealand win are more a direct result of the downpour delays. He said: “Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top." ALSO READ: Cricket: WTC Final - More pressure on New Zealand than India after Day 3, reckons Aakash Chopra New Zealand will continue on 101-2, having bowled out India for 217 to take the advantage. Skipper Kane Williamson, batting on 12, and Ross Taylor, who is yet to score, will be seeking push for a huge first-innings lead when play begins.

WTC Final: VVS Laxman and Shane Bond slam ICC for keeping only one reserve day

Virat Kohli has by and large enlisted his resistance to the ICC's abrupt changes&nbsp;in rules for the debut World Test Championship points table. The Indian captain said his team had viewed itself as qualified before the framework came into force, and the change just made them more resolved to perform.&nbsp;

To relieve the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the cricketing schedules, the ICC had moved to a percentage-based focuses framework in October last year. The amended guidelines implied India lost their top position and staggered to the third position.

Ahead of the WTC final, Kohli&nbsp;spoke of how his team assumed its part obediently by partaking in all the series introduced to it.

"It wasn't supposed to be a topsy-turvy ride, to be honest. When you are sitting at home and the rules change suddenly you get confused as to what happened. Without anyone's control, we did not miss or choose to miss any series through the course of the World Test Championship apart from the scheduling that wasn't done at all. We pretty much played everything that was presented to us," said the Indian skipper.

"And yeah, in our minds, we had qualified way before things got complicated anyway. That just gave us more determination and more clarity as to where we want to go and what we want to achieve," he said.

Kohli additionally took a gander at the positive side of the issues, declaring that the difference in rules kept the group from getting careless and made them much more eager to win.

"So, looking back now, it was probably a good thing that happened. There was no room for complacency. If we had qualified earlier maybe we would have relaxed a little bit but the situation allowed us to be more hungry and more determined and know exactly what was going at that moment and use that as a fueling factor and a motivation to keep moving forward regardless of whatever was going on the outside," he added.

Kohli suggested changes to the WTC rules, including some guidelines against the groups who didn't take an interest in the scheduled arrangement. He added that the general idea of the WTC is a positive step and pervades Test cricket with context and a more anima.&nbsp;

"Firstly, not for the rules to change overnight. That'll be helpful if there's more clarity around what's happening and which direction we are heading into and you know also for the teams who haven't played series for some reasons to have some kind of ruling there as to what happens after," he said.

"For me, it's been a very positive step in the right direction because you understand that in every series you are playing and competing for something and there's no room for complacency, or for playing out an easy draw. If you can afford to go for a few points, you'll go for them. I think it's a step in the right direction for Test cricket," he added.

&nbsp;

Virat Kohli has by and large enlisted his resistance to the ICC's abrupt changes in rules for the debut World Test Championship points table. The Indian captain said his team had viewed itself as qualified before the framework came into force, and the change just made them more resolved to perform.

Virat Kohli has by and large enlisted his resistance to the ICC's abrupt changes in rules for the debut World Test Championship points table. The Indian captain said his team had viewed itself as qualified before the framework came into force, and the change just made them more resolved to perform. To relieve the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the cricketing schedules, the ICC had moved to a percentage-based focuses framework in October last year. The amended guidelines implied India lost their top position and staggered to the third position. Ahead of the WTC final, Kohli spoke of how his team assumed its part obediently by partaking in all the series introduced to it. "It wasn't supposed to be a topsy-turvy ride, to be honest. When you are sitting at home and the rules change suddenly you get confused as to what happened. Without anyone's control, we did not miss or choose to miss any series through the course of the World Test Championship apart from the scheduling that wasn't done at all. We pretty much played everything that was presented to us," said the Indian skipper. "And yeah, in our minds, we had qualified way before things got complicated anyway. That just gave us more determination and more clarity as to where we want to go and what we want to achieve," he said. Kohli additionally took a gander at the positive side of the issues, declaring that the difference in rules kept the group from getting careless and made them much more eager to win. "So, looking back now, it was probably a good thing that happened. There was no room for complacency. If we had qualified earlier maybe we would have relaxed a little bit but the situation allowed us to be more hungry and more determined and know exactly what was going at that moment and use that as a fueling factor and a motivation to keep moving forward regardless of whatever was going on the outside," he added. Kohli suggested changes to the WTC rules, including some guidelines against the groups who didn't take an interest in the scheduled arrangement. He added that the general idea of the WTC is a positive step and pervades Test cricket with context and a more anima. "Firstly, not for the rules to change overnight. That'll be helpful if there's more clarity around what's happening and which direction we are heading into and you know also for the teams who haven't played series for some reasons to have some kind of ruling there as to what happens after," he said. "For me, it's been a very positive step in the right direction because you understand that in every series you are playing and competing for something and there's no room for complacency, or for playing out an easy draw. If you can afford to go for a few points, you'll go for them. I think it's a step in the right direction for Test cricket," he added.

World Test Championship a very positive step in the right direction, says Virat Kohli

India and New Zealand face off in the first-ever ICC World Test Championship final from Friday. The one-off match at Southampton's Rose Bowl is the culmination of a two-year cycle that also saw a new points format introduced to cater to the COVID-19 disruptions. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar sets up the clash in a conversation with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Exclusive: Sachin Tendulkar previews India-New Zealand ICC World Test Championship final

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not cooperate with an investigation of the Southeast Asian nation's drug war killings planned by the International Criminal Court (ICC), his spokesperson said on Tuesday. 
 
Rights groups and critics of the drug killings have welcomed the step by the ICC, saying a full-scale investigation will bring justice closer for the thousands of people killed in Duterte's bloody war on drugs. 
 
"We will not cooperate because we are no longer a member," Harry Roque told a news conference. Duterte canceled the Philippines' membership of the ICC's founding treaty in March 2018. 
 
"We do not need foreigners to investigate killings in the drug war because the legal system is working in the Philippines," Roque said, adding he believed launching a formal probe was 'legally erroneous and politically motivated'. 
 
An ICC prosecutor sought authorisation on Monday to open a full investigation into the killings, saying crimes against humanity could have been committed. 
 
"The long arm of the law will soon catch up with Duterte and his accomplices," former opposition senator Antonio Trillanes said in a statement. 
 
Since Duterte took office in 2016 until the end of April this year, police have killed more than 6,100 suspected drug dealers in sting operations, government data show. 
 
Rights group say police were summarily executing suspects, but authorities say they were killed after violently resisting arrest.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not cooperate with an investigation of the Southeast Asian nation's drug war killings planned by the International Criminal Court (ICC), his spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not cooperate with an investigation of the Southeast Asian nation's drug war killings planned by the International Criminal Court (ICC), his spokesperson said on Tuesday. Rights groups and critics of the drug killings have welcomed the step by the ICC, saying a full-scale investigation will bring justice closer for the thousands of people killed in Duterte's bloody war on drugs. "We will not cooperate because we are no longer a member," Harry Roque told a news conference. Duterte canceled the Philippines' membership of the ICC's founding treaty in March 2018. "We do not need foreigners to investigate killings in the drug war because the legal system is working in the Philippines," Roque said, adding he believed launching a formal probe was 'legally erroneous and politically motivated'. An ICC prosecutor sought authorisation on Monday to open a full investigation into the killings, saying crimes against humanity could have been committed. "The long arm of the law will soon catch up with Duterte and his accomplices," former opposition senator Antonio Trillanes said in a statement. Since Duterte took office in 2016 until the end of April this year, police have killed more than 6,100 suspected drug dealers in sting operations, government data show. Rights group say police were summarily executing suspects, but authorities say they were killed after violently resisting arrest.

Philippine President will not cooperate with ICC probe into killings

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for May 2021 which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.<o:p></o:p>

All-rounder Kathryn Bryce from Scotland was deservingly voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2021. She is the first player from Scotland, male, or female, to make it to the top 10 of the batting or bowling lists in the ICC Player Rankings released recently. Kathryn played four T20Is against Ireland where she scored 96 runs and took 5 wickets with an economy rate of 4.76 in the month of May.<o:p></o:p>

Commenting on Kathryn’s performance in May, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Kathryn’s all-round game came through in a series that her team lost. She batted with flair and bowled well too and deserved to be the player of the month for May.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-cook-fears-england-batsmen-cant-handle-test-cricket-after-new-zealand-loss-391219" hreflang="en">Cricket: Cook fears England batsmen 'can't handle Test cricket' after New Zealand loss</a><o:p></o:p>

From the Bangladesh camp, Mushfiqur Rahim was deservingly named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May 2021. Mushfiqur played one Test and three ODIs against Sri Lanka in the month of May where he helped Bangladesh win their first ODI series against Sri Lanka by scoring 125 in the second ODI.<o:p></o:p>

Commenting on Rahim’s performance in May, VVS Laxman representing the ICC Voting Academy added: “Even after 15 years at the highest level, Mushfiqur has not lost his appetite for run-making. He was at his imperious best in the one-day series at home against Sri Lanka, a picture of consistency with the highlight being 125 in the second match which helped his side secure a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series. What made his feat even more notable was that it was Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI series triumph against the 1996 World Cup champions. To shore up the middle order and don the wicket-keeping gloves speaks volumes of his fitness and skills.”<o:p></o:p>

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for May 2021 which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for May 2021 which recognise and celebrate the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year. All-rounder Kathryn Bryce from Scotland was deservingly voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2021. She is the first player from Scotland, male, or female, to make it to the top 10 of the batting or bowling lists in the ICC Player Rankings released recently. Kathryn played four T20Is against Ireland where she scored 96 runs and took 5 wickets with an economy rate of 4.76 in the month of May. Commenting on Kathryn’s performance in May, Ramiz Raja representing the ICC Voting Academy said: “Kathryn’s all-round game came through in a series that her team lost. She batted with flair and bowled well too and deserved to be the player of the month for May.” ALSO READ: Cricket: Cook fears England batsmen 'can't handle Test cricket' after New Zealand loss From the Bangladesh camp, Mushfiqur Rahim was deservingly named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May 2021. Mushfiqur played one Test and three ODIs against Sri Lanka in the month of May where he helped Bangladesh win their first ODI series against Sri Lanka by scoring 125 in the second ODI. Commenting on Rahim’s performance in May, VVS Laxman representing the ICC Voting Academy added: “Even after 15 years at the highest level, Mushfiqur has not lost his appetite for run-making. He was at his imperious best in the one-day series at home against Sri Lanka, a picture of consistency with the highlight being 125 in the second match which helped his side secure a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series. What made his feat even more notable was that it was Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI series triumph against the 1996 World Cup champions. To shore up the middle order and don the wicket-keeping gloves speaks volumes of his fitness and skills.”

Cricket: Kathryn Bryce, Mushfiqur Rahim voted ICC players of the month for May 2021

Just days after the Indian cricket board announced that it will be holding the remainder of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-remainder-of-ipl-2021-shifted-to-uae-call-on-t20-world-cup-to-be-taken-later-388203">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> in the UAE in September, International Cricket Council(ICC) said it may shift T20 World Cup 2021 to the UAE with India reeling under the pandemic.

"The ICC board has requested management focus its planning efforts for the ICC men's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-jofra-archer-eyes-t20-world-cup-and-ashes-says-wont-rush-comeback-387756">T20 World Cup</a> 2021 on the event being staged in the UAE with the possibility of including another venue in the Middle East," the ICC said in a statement.

The Indian Premier League was earlier suspended on May 4 after the country was hit by the second wave of the virus as some players tested positive.

The ICC is set to decide on the host country for the October-November event later this month even as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly asked the cricket's governing body for more time to make a decision.

Reports say the ICC is likely to keep Oman's Muscat as the back-up venue for the preliminary round games of the T20 World Cup.

The governing body further said that the ICC men’s cricket World Cup will become a 14-team, 54 match event in 2027 and 2031 with the T20 men's World Cup to be expanded to 20 teams in 2024, 2026, 2028 and 2030

The ICC added that the Champions Trophy consisting of eight teams will take place in 2025 and 2029.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Just days after the Indian cricket board announced that it will be holding the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE in September, International Cricket Council(ICC) said it may shift T20 World Cup 2021 to the UAE with India reeling under the pandemic.

Just days after the Indian cricket board announced that it will be holding the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE in September, International Cricket Council(ICC) said it may shift T20 World Cup 2021 to the UAE with India reeling under the pandemic. "The ICC board has requested management focus its planning efforts for the ICC men's T20 World Cup 2021 on the event being staged in the UAE with the possibility of including another venue in the Middle East," the ICC said in a statement. The Indian Premier League was earlier suspended on May 4 after the country was hit by the second wave of the virus as some players tested positive. The ICC is set to decide on the host country for the October-November event later this month even as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly asked the cricket's governing body for more time to make a decision. Reports say the ICC is likely to keep Oman's Muscat as the back-up venue for the preliminary round games of the T20 World Cup. The governing body further said that the ICC men’s cricket World Cup will become a 14-team, 54 match event in 2027 and 2031 with the T20 men's World Cup to be expanded to 20 teams in 2024, 2026, 2028 and 2030 The ICC added that the Champions Trophy consisting of eight teams will take place in 2025 and 2029. (With inputs from Agencies)

Cricket: Amid virus surge in India, ICC may move T20 World Cup from India to UAE

The final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-secure environment at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton from 18-22 June 2021.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explainer-what-will-happen-if-world-test-championship-finals-ends-in-a-draw-or-tie-387975" hreflang="en">Explainer | What will happen if World Test Championship finals ends in a draw or tie</a>

The event has now been granted an exemption by the UK government as outlined in The Health Protection (Corona Virus, International Travel, and Operator Liability) Regulations 2021, released on 17 May 2021.

As per the bio-safety protocols established for the event, in line with UK government and Public Health England requirements, the Indian Men’s team will arrive in the UK on 3 June 2021 via a charter flight and carrying evidence of a negative PCR Test. Prior to traveling, the party will have spent 14 days in a bio-secure environment in India during which regular testing will have taken place. Upon landing, they will proceed directly to the on-site hotel at the Hampshire Bowl where they will be tested again before commencing a period of managed isolation.&nbsp;

Regular tests will be conducted during the period of isolation. Players’ activity will be allowed in a gradually increasing manner after each round of negative testing, moving from exercise in isolation to small group and then larger squad activity, whilst always remaining within the bio-secure venue.

The New Zealand team is already in the UK ahead of their bilateral series against England and the team will transition from the ECB bio-secure environment into the World Test Championship Final bubble on 15 June and will be subject to regular testing prior to and post-arrival in Southampton.&nbsp;

The final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-secure environment at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton from 18-22 June 2021.

The final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-secure environment at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton from 18-22 June 2021. ALSO READ: Explainer | What will happen if World Test Championship finals ends in a draw or tie The event has now been granted an exemption by the UK government as outlined in The Health Protection (Corona Virus, International Travel, and Operator Liability) Regulations 2021, released on 17 May 2021. As per the bio-safety protocols established for the event, in line with UK government and Public Health England requirements, the Indian Men’s team will arrive in the UK on 3 June 2021 via a charter flight and carrying evidence of a negative PCR Test. Prior to traveling, the party will have spent 14 days in a bio-secure environment in India during which regular testing will have taken place. Upon landing, they will proceed directly to the on-site hotel at the Hampshire Bowl where they will be tested again before commencing a period of managed isolation. Regular tests will be conducted during the period of isolation. Players’ activity will be allowed in a gradually increasing manner after each round of negative testing, moving from exercise in isolation to small group and then larger squad activity, whilst always remaining within the bio-secure venue. The New Zealand team is already in the UK ahead of their bilateral series against England and the team will transition from the ECB bio-secure environment into the World Test Championship Final bubble on 15 June and will be subject to regular testing prior to and post-arrival in Southampton.

Cricket: All you need to know about World Test Championship final exceptions and bio-safety measures

With less than a month away from the juggernaut clash between New Zealand and India, several players and cricketing experts have predicted which team will win the inaugural World Test Championship. However, what if the exciting clash ends in a draw or a tie? What if five days are not enough to decide who will be declared champions in the longest format? What if rain interrupts the play and the teams lose valuable time?

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-isnt-the-highest-paid-captain-in-international-cricket-check-full-list-of-skippers-and-salaries-in-2021-386865" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021</a>

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has answered such queries. According to the ICC, if the match ends in a draw or a tie, both teams (India and New Zealand) will be declared joint winners of the coveted championship. ICC also added that a reserve day will be chosen to make up for any lost time during the regular days of the highly-anticipated Finals.&nbsp;

"The playing conditions confirm that a draw or a tie will see both teams crowned as joint winners as well as the allocation of a Reserve Day to make up for any lost time during the regular days of the Final -- scheduled to be played from 18 to 22 June, with 23 June set aside as the Reserve Day. Both of these decisions were made in June 2018, prior to the commencement of the ICC World Test Championship," said a statement from ICC.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-can-see-him-pushing-600-test-wickets-at-least-brad-hogg-lauds-ravi-ashwin-387857" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Can see him pushing 600 Test wickets at least': Brad Hogg lauds Ravi Ashwin</a>

"The Reserve Day has been scheduled to ensure five full days of play, and it will only be used if lost playing time cannot be recovered through the normal provisions of making up lost time each day. There will be no additional day's play if a positive result is not achieved after five full days of play and the match will be declared a draw in such a scenario," the statement added.

The mega clash between Virat and Co and the BlackCaps will be played between June 18 and 22 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Both teams have duelled with each other, where New Zealand came out as winners. However, Team India, who fought all odds to book their place in the finals, will be looking to redeem themselves from these losses and settle the score.&nbsp;

With less than a month away from the juggernaut clash between New Zealand and India, several players and cricketing experts have predicted which team will win the inaugural World Test Championship.

With less than a month away from the juggernaut clash between New Zealand and India, several players and cricketing experts have predicted which team will win the inaugural World Test Championship. However, what if the exciting clash ends in a draw or a tie? What if five days are not enough to decide who will be declared champions in the longest format? What if rain interrupts the play and the teams lose valuable time? ALSO READ: Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021 The International Cricket Council (ICC) has answered such queries. According to the ICC, if the match ends in a draw or a tie, both teams (India and New Zealand) will be declared joint winners of the coveted championship. ICC also added that a reserve day will be chosen to make up for any lost time during the regular days of the highly-anticipated Finals. "The playing conditions confirm that a draw or a tie will see both teams crowned as joint winners as well as the allocation of a Reserve Day to make up for any lost time during the regular days of the Final -- scheduled to be played from 18 to 22 June, with 23 June set aside as the Reserve Day. Both of these decisions were made in June 2018, prior to the commencement of the ICC World Test Championship," said a statement from ICC. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Can see him pushing 600 Test wickets at least': Brad Hogg lauds Ravi Ashwin "The Reserve Day has been scheduled to ensure five full days of play, and it will only be used if lost playing time cannot be recovered through the normal provisions of making up lost time each day. There will be no additional day's play if a positive result is not achieved after five full days of play and the match will be declared a draw in such a scenario," the statement added. The mega clash between Virat and Co and the BlackCaps will be played between June 18 and 22 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Both teams have duelled with each other, where New Zealand came out as winners. However, Team India, who fought all odds to book their place in the finals, will be looking to redeem themselves from these losses and settle the score.

Explainer | What will happen if World Test Championship finals ends in a draw or tie

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