<p>Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey feels that it would be difficult to play T20 World Cup in India this year due to the raging COVID-19 crisis that is wreaking havoc across the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/root-will-be-enjoying-this-michael-vaughan-on-cameron-bancrofts-statement-over-sandpaper-gate-386099" hreflang="en">'Root will be enjoying this': Michael Vaughan on Cameron Bancroft's statement over Sandpaper gate</a></p>

<p>"I think it's going to be very difficult in my view to play T20 World Cup in India. We're talking about eight teams in the IPL. I think there are probably a similar number, maybe more teams coming in from overseas for the T20 World Cup, there'd be more venues. As I said earlier, if they're playing in different cities, that is when the risk goes up," Hussey told Fox Cricket.</p>

<p>"I think they'll have to look some pretty big contingency plans, perhaps looking at the UAE or somewhere like that that could host the World T20. I think there will be a lot of cricket boards around the world that'd be pretty nervous about going back to India for a cricket tournament," he added.</p>

<p>Mike Hussey was part of the Indian Premier League 2021, which later was suspended due to a surge in cases inside the bio-secure bubble. The CSK batting coach himself tested positive for the virus, however, he has recovered and has returned to Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has called for a Special General Meeting (SGM) that will be conducted virtually on May 29 ahead of the meeting with ICC (that is on June 1).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The ICC will have the meeting on June 1 and before that, we will have our own meeting on May 29 to discuss the COVID-19 situation and what all measures need to be taken with an eye on the T20 World Cup which is slated to be held in India in October-November," the source told ANI.&nbsp;</p>


Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey feels that it would be difficult to play T20 World Cup in India this year due to the raging COVID-19 crisis that is wreaking havoc across the nation.

Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey feels that it would be difficult to play T20 World Cup in India this year due to the raging COVID-19 crisis that is wreaking havoc across the nation. ALSO READ: 'Root will be enjoying this': Michael Vaughan on Cameron Bancroft's statement over Sandpaper gate "I think it's going to be very difficult in my view to play T20 World Cup in India. We're talking about eight teams in the IPL. I think there are probably a similar number, maybe more teams coming in from overseas for the T20 World Cup, there'd be more venues. As I said earlier, if they're playing in different cities, that is when the risk goes up," Hussey told Fox Cricket. "I think they'll have to look some pretty big contingency plans, perhaps looking at the UAE or somewhere like that that could host the World T20. I think there will be a lot of cricket boards around the world that'd be pretty nervous about going back to India for a cricket tournament," he added. Mike Hussey was part of the Indian Premier League 2021, which later was suspended due to a surge in cases inside the bio-secure bubble. The CSK batting coach himself tested positive for the virus, however, he has recovered and has returned to Australia. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has called for a Special General Meeting (SGM) that will be conducted virtually on May 29 ahead of the meeting with ICC (that is on June 1). "The ICC will have the meeting on June 1 and before that, we will have our own meeting on May 29 to discuss the COVID-19 situation and what all measures need to be taken with an eye on the T20 World Cup which is slated to be held in India in October-November," the source told ANI.

'Going to be very difficult': Mike Hussey on India hosting T20 World Cup

<p>International Cricket Council (ICC) celebrated the achievements of former Indian captain Anil Kumble as he was&nbsp;in the ICC Hall of Fame month.</p>

<p>The international cricket body took to Instagram and posted: "Next on #ICCHallOfFame we have one of the greatest bowlers of all time, India spinner Anil Kumble. The third-leading wicket-taker in Test cricket."</p>

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<p>In a video posted on their (ICC) website, former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara recalled some moments playing against the legendary Indian leg-spinner. He said, "Kumble has given me a few sleepless nights".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-in-talks-with-ecb-to-tweak-india-england-tests-find-window-for-ipl-2021-report-386210" hreflang="en">BCCI in talks with ECB to tweak India-England Tests, find window for IPL 2021: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>"He was not your orthodox leg-spinner. This big, tall gangly bowler running in and bowling with a very high arm action. It was not at all easy to get him away for runs," Sangakkara added.</p>

<p>Anil Kumble featured in 132 Tests for India and scalping 619 wickets that include 35 five-wicket hauls. The spin stalwart also played in 271 ODIs for Team India with 337 wickets to his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anil Kumble is third in the all-time top wicket-takers in Test matches. He is behind Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan and Australian icon Shane Warne.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-abu-dhabi-to-host-remainder-of-pakistan-super-league-386217" hreflang="en">Cricket: Abu Dhabi to host remainder of Pakistan Super League</a></strong></p>

<p>The International Cricket Council has launched ICC Hall of Fame month on Instagram to celebrate some of the finest cricketers who have been absolute legends in the sport. They kicked off the celebrations by recalling former New Zealand skipper Martin Crowe's achievements in the sport earlier this month.</p>


International Cricket Council (ICC) celebrated the achievements of former Indian captain Anil Kumble as he was in the ICC Hall of Fame month. The international cricket body took to Instagram and posted: "Next on #ICCHallOfFame we have one of the greatest bowlers of all time, India spinner Anil Kumble.

International Cricket Council (ICC) celebrated the achievements of former Indian captain Anil Kumble as he was in the ICC Hall of Fame month. The international cricket body took to Instagram and posted: "Next on #ICCHallOfFame we have one of the greatest bowlers of all time, India spinner Anil Kumble. The third-leading wicket-taker in Test cricket." View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × In a video posted on their (ICC) website, former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara recalled some moments playing against the legendary Indian leg-spinner. He said, "Kumble has given me a few sleepless nights". ALSO READ: BCCI in talks with ECB to tweak India-England Tests, find window for IPL 2021: Report "He was not your orthodox leg-spinner. This big, tall gangly bowler running in and bowling with a very high arm action. It was not at all easy to get him away for runs," Sangakkara added. Anil Kumble featured in 132 Tests for India and scalping 619 wickets that include 35 five-wicket hauls. The spin stalwart also played in 271 ODIs for Team India with 337 wickets to his name. Anil Kumble is third in the all-time top wicket-takers in Test matches. He is behind Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan and Australian icon Shane Warne. ALSO READ: Cricket: Abu Dhabi to host remainder of Pakistan Super League The International Cricket Council has launched ICC Hall of Fame month on Instagram to celebrate some of the finest cricketers who have been absolute legends in the sport. They kicked off the celebrations by recalling former New Zealand skipper Martin Crowe's achievements in the sport earlier this month.

ICC celebrates Indian legend Anil Kumble's achievements in Hall of Fame month

<p>The ICC has concluded its investigation into the documentary programme ‘Cricket’s Match Fixers’ broadcast by Al Jazeera on May 27, 2018. No charges will be bought under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code against any of the five Participants to the Code who featured in the programme due to insufficient credible and reliable evidence.</p>

<p>The comprehensive investigation focused on three main areas: the claims made by the programme, the suspects who were part of it and how the programme gathered evidence.</p>

<p>The programme alleged that two matches were fixed: India v England in Chennai in 2016 and India v Australia in Ranchi in 2017.</p>

<p>To assess whether the passages of play highlighted in the programme were unusual in any way, the ICC engaged four independent betting and cricketing specialists to analyse the claims. All four concluded that the passages of play identified in the programme as being allegedly fixed were entirely predictable, and therefore implausible as a fix.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-confidence-energy-rub-off-on-others-abhimanyu-easwaran-to-wion-385643" hreflang="en">'Virat Kohli's confidence, energy rub off on others': Abhimanyu Easwaran to WION</a></strong></p>

<p>All five Participants to the Code who featured in the programme have been interviewed by the ICC Integrity Unit and there is insufficient evidence based on the normal thresholds applied through the Code to lay any charges.</p>

<p>Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity said: “We welcome the reporting of alleged corrupt activity within cricket as there is no place for such conduct in our sport, but we also need to be satisfied there is sufficient evidence to sustain charges against Participants. In the case of the claims aired in this programme, there are fundamental weaknesses in each of the areas we have investigated that make the claims unlikely and lacking in credibility, a viewpoint that has been corroborated by four independent experts.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-tests-are-not-warm-ups-for-the-world-test-championship-final-says-neil-wagner-385631" hreflang="en">England Tests are not warm-ups for the World Test Championship final, says Neil Wagner</a></strong></p>

<p>“On the basis of the programme, the Participants to the Code who were filmed appear to have behaved in a questionable manner, however, we have been unable to assess the full context of the conversations that took place beyond what was seen on screen versus what the Participants claim actually happened. This combined with the absence of any other credible evidence means there are insufficient grounds to bring charges under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code</p>

<p>“Should any new substantial evidence come to light I will re-examine the case. But at present, I am comfortable with the conclusion of the investigation and the thoroughness with which it was undertaken.”</p>


The ICC has concluded its investigation into the documentary programme ‘Cricket’s Match Fixers’ broadcast by Al Jazeera on May 27, 2018. No charges will be bought under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code against any of the five Participants to the Code who featured in the programme due to insufficient credible and reliable evidence.

The ICC has concluded its investigation into the documentary programme ‘Cricket’s Match Fixers’ broadcast by Al Jazeera on May 27, 2018. No charges will be bought under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code against any of the five Participants to the Code who featured in the programme due to insufficient credible and reliable evidence. The comprehensive investigation focused on three main areas: the claims made by the programme, the suspects who were part of it and how the programme gathered evidence. The programme alleged that two matches were fixed: India v England in Chennai in 2016 and India v Australia in Ranchi in 2017. To assess whether the passages of play highlighted in the programme were unusual in any way, the ICC engaged four independent betting and cricketing specialists to analyse the claims. All four concluded that the passages of play identified in the programme as being allegedly fixed were entirely predictable, and therefore implausible as a fix. ALSO READ: 'Virat Kohli's confidence, energy rub off on others': Abhimanyu Easwaran to WION All five Participants to the Code who featured in the programme have been interviewed by the ICC Integrity Unit and there is insufficient evidence based on the normal thresholds applied through the Code to lay any charges. Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity said: “We welcome the reporting of alleged corrupt activity within cricket as there is no place for such conduct in our sport, but we also need to be satisfied there is sufficient evidence to sustain charges against Participants. In the case of the claims aired in this programme, there are fundamental weaknesses in each of the areas we have investigated that make the claims unlikely and lacking in credibility, a viewpoint that has been corroborated by four independent experts. ALSO READ: England Tests are not warm-ups for the World Test Championship final, says Neil Wagner “On the basis of the programme, the Participants to the Code who were filmed appear to have behaved in a questionable manner, however, we have been unable to assess the full context of the conversations that took place beyond what was seen on screen versus what the Participants claim actually happened. This combined with the absence of any other credible evidence means there are insufficient grounds to bring charges under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code “Should any new substantial evidence come to light I will re-examine the case. But at present, I am comfortable with the conclusion of the investigation and the thoroughness with which it was undertaken.”

Cricket: ICC says 'insufficient evidence' in match-fixing claims by a documentary

<p>In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes.</p>

<p>"I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute," which founded the ICC, Fatou Bensouda said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Israeli army and Palestinian militants have been exchanging deadly fire since last week's violence around Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that is regarded as a holy place by Jews as well as Muslims</p>

<p>ICC Chief Prosecutor Bensouda announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court, unlike the Palestinian Authority.</p>

<p>That probe will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza War but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards.</p>

<p>After a five-year preliminary probe, she had said there was "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli authorities, and by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups.</p>

<p>Bensouda said Wednesday that the ICC investigations "will cover all sides and all the facts and evidence relevant to an assessment of whether there is individual criminal responsibility under the Statute."</p>

<p>"My Office will continue to monitor developments on the ground and will factor any matter that falls within its jurisdiction."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes.

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes. "I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute," which founded the ICC, Fatou Bensouda said on Twitter. Israeli army and Palestinian militants have been exchanging deadly fire since last week's violence around Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that is regarded as a holy place by Jews as well as Muslims ICC Chief Prosecutor Bensouda announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court, unlike the Palestinian Authority. That probe will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza War but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards. After a five-year preliminary probe, she had said there was "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli authorities, and by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups. Bensouda said Wednesday that the ICC investigations "will cover all sides and all the facts and evidence relevant to an assessment of whether there is individual criminal responsibility under the Statute." "My Office will continue to monitor developments on the ground and will factor any matter that falls within its jurisdiction." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine violence: International Criminal Court warns against war crimes

<p>Michael Vaughan, known for not mincing his words, has given his take on comparisons between Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. Vaughan said that if Williamson was Indian, he would be the greatest player in the world.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trump-card-for-englands-chances-in-australia-steve-waugh-lauds-jofra-archer-384942" hreflang="en">'Trump card for England’s chances in Australia': Steve Waugh lauds Jofra Archer</a></p>

<p>Both players (Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson) are known to be as one of the most consistent batsmen in the world of cricket. Former England skipper weighed in his opinion talking about the two great batsmen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If Kane Williamson was Indian, he would be the greatest player in the world. But he’s not because you’re not allowed to say that Virat Kohli is not the greatest, because you’d get an absolute pelting on social media. So, you all say Virat is the best purely to get few more clicks and likes, few more numbers following here. Kane Williamson, across formats, is equally the best. I think the way he plays, the calm demeanour, his humbleness, the fact that he is silent about what he does,” Vaughan told Spark Sport.</p>

<p>“Kane Williamson has mostly had success. I’m not just saying it because I’m speaking to you guys in New Zealand but I think Kane Williamson is right up there with the great players across the three formats and certainly matches Virat Kohli. It’s just that he doesn’t have the 100 million followers on Instagram and doesn’t earn the $30-40 million or whatever Virat gets every year for his commercial endorsements.”</p>


Michael Vaughan, known for not mincing his words, has given his take on comparisons between Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. Vaughan said that if Williamson was Indian, he would be the greatest player in the world.

Michael Vaughan, known for not mincing his words, has given his take on comparisons between Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. Vaughan said that if Williamson was Indian, he would be the greatest player in the world. ALSO READ: 'Trump card for England’s chances in Australia': Steve Waugh lauds Jofra Archer Both players (Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson) are known to be as one of the most consistent batsmen in the world of cricket. Former England skipper weighed in his opinion talking about the two great batsmen. “If Kane Williamson was Indian, he would be the greatest player in the world. But he’s not because you’re not allowed to say that Virat Kohli is not the greatest, because you’d get an absolute pelting on social media. So, you all say Virat is the best purely to get few more clicks and likes, few more numbers following here. Kane Williamson, across formats, is equally the best. I think the way he plays, the calm demeanour, his humbleness, the fact that he is silent about what he does,” Vaughan told Spark Sport. “Kane Williamson has mostly had success. I’m not just saying it because I’m speaking to you guys in New Zealand but I think Kane Williamson is right up there with the great players across the three formats and certainly matches Virat Kohli. It’s just that he doesn’t have the 100 million followers on Instagram and doesn’t earn the $30-40 million or whatever Virat gets every year for his commercial endorsements.”

If Kane Williamson was Indian, he would be greatest player: Michael Vaughan

<p>The&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;foreign minister and prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have met in The Hague to discuss the ICC's war crimes investigation in&nbsp;Afghanistan, both sides said in a joint statement on Sunday.</p>

<p>The ICC is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in&nbsp;Afghanistan since 2003 by all sides in the conflict, including by government forces, the Taliban, other armed groups, and US-led forces.</p>

<p>Shortly after the ICC announced its investigation in March 2020, the&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;government said it is conducting its own probe into some of the same alleged crimes and asked the international court to defer its investigation.</p>

<p>"We have made encouraging progress in charting the way forward to ensure that no crime goes unpunished," said&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar in a joint statement with the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor.</p>

<p>Atmar met prosecutors in The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC is based.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-us-sends-reinforcements-to-exiting-troops-as-taliban-captures-second-biggest-dam-383430">Afghanistan: US sends reinforcements to exiting troops as Taliban captures second-biggest dam</a></strong></p>

<p>Under ICC rules, the court only has the power to prosecute crimes committed on the territory of member states when they are unwilling or unable to do so themselves.</p>

<p>In the joint statement on Sunday, Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she would continue to work with the government of&nbsp;Afghanistan on "how justice may best be served through joint collaborative efforts" while still fulfilling her own duties under the tribunal's rules.</p>

<p>Afghanistan's Attorney General Zabihullah Karimullah, who also attended, said that prosecutors had discussed information-sharing and cooperation.</p>

<p>Bensouda is still assessing&nbsp;Afghanistan's deferral request. In September 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on Bensouda for investigating whether American forces committed war crimes in&nbsp;Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Conflict is still raging in&nbsp;Afghanistan, with security forces locked in daily combat with the Taliban who have waged war to overthrow the foreign-backed government since they were ousted from power in Kabul in 2001.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-carried-out-141-attacks-in-24-hours-across-afghanistan-says-report-382712">Taliban carried out 141 attacks in 24 hours across Afghanistan, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>Although the United States did not meet the May 1 withdrawal deadline agreed in talks with the Taliban last year, its pull-out has begun, with President Joe Biden announcing all troops will be out by Sept. 11. Critics of the decision say the Islamist militants will try to return to power.</p>


The Afghan foreign minister and prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have met in The Hague to discuss the ICC's war crimes investigation in Afghanistan, both sides said in a joint statement on Sunday.

The Afghan foreign minister and prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have met in The Hague to discuss the ICC's war crimes investigation in Afghanistan, both sides said in a joint statement on Sunday. The ICC is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan since 2003 by all sides in the conflict, including by government forces, the Taliban, other armed groups, and US-led forces. Shortly after the ICC announced its investigation in March 2020, the Afghan government said it is conducting its own probe into some of the same alleged crimes and asked the international court to defer its investigation. "We have made encouraging progress in charting the way forward to ensure that no crime goes unpunished," said Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar in a joint statement with the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor. Atmar met prosecutors in The Hague, Netherlands, where the ICC is based. Also read | Afghanistan: US sends reinforcements to exiting troops as Taliban captures second-biggest dam Under ICC rules, the court only has the power to prosecute crimes committed on the territory of member states when they are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. In the joint statement on Sunday, Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she would continue to work with the government of Afghanistan on "how justice may best be served through joint collaborative efforts" while still fulfilling her own duties under the tribunal's rules. Afghanistan's Attorney General Zabihullah Karimullah, who also attended, said that prosecutors had discussed information-sharing and cooperation. Bensouda is still assessing Afghanistan's deferral request. In September 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on Bensouda for investigating whether American forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. Conflict is still raging in Afghanistan, with security forces locked in daily combat with the Taliban who have waged war to overthrow the foreign-backed government since they were ousted from power in Kabul in 2001. Also read | Taliban carried out 141 attacks in 24 hours across Afghanistan, says report Although the United States did not meet the May 1 withdrawal deadline agreed in talks with the Taliban last year, its pull-out has begun, with President Joe Biden announcing all troops will be out by Sept. 11. Critics of the decision say the Islamist militants will try to return to power.

Afghan foreign minister meets ICC prosecutors to discuss war crimes investigation

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) Wednesday announced the nominees for April’s ICC Player of the Month Awards to recognise the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket.</p>

<p><strong>ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for April: </strong>Babar Azam (Pakistan), Khushal Bhurtel (Nepal), Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)</p>

<p><strong>ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for April:</strong> Alyssa Healy (Australia), Leigh Kasperek (New Zealand), Megan Schutt (Australia)</p>

<h2>About the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for April:&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In the month of April, Pakistan captain Babar Azam became the No.1 ranked batsman in the&nbsp;ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, ending India captain Virat Kohli's long reign at the top of the charts.</p>

<p>Babar's match-winning 82-ball 94 in the third ODI against South Africa helped him gain 13 rating points to reach a career-best 865 points. He also contributed 122 from 59 balls in Pakistan’s successful chase in the third match of a T20I series against the same opposition.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-two-bookies-arrested-after-illegally-entering-stadium-during-rr-vs-srh-clash-382928" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Two bookies arrested after illegally entering stadium during RR vs SRH clash</a></strong></p>

<p>His compatriot Fakhar Zaman also produced a stellar showing during the month, scoring two centuries in the ODI series victory over South Africa, including a magnificent 193 in the second match in Johannesburg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Completing the men’s shortlist, Nepal’s Khushal Bhurtel was the leading run-scorer as his team won a tri-series also featuring the Netherlands and Malaysia. His significant contribution with the bat totalled 278 runs, including four half-centuries in five matches.</p>

<h2>About the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for April:&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Australia’s Alyssa Healy played three ODIs versus New Zealand, scoring 155 runs at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 98.72. Her efforts saw her finish as the leading run-scorer in Australia’s series victory over New Zealand that extended their record-winning streak to 24 ODIs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-finals-kiwi-all-rounder-colin-de-grandhomme-reveals-toughest-thing-for-team-india-382905" hreflang="en">WTC finals: Kiwi all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme reveals 'toughest thing' for Team India</a></strong></p>

<p>Her teammate Megan Schutt became Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the same series, taking seven wickets at an average of 13.14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Zealand’s Leigh Kasperek played two ODIs against Australia, achieving career-best figures of six for 46 in the second match of the series, and followed this up with three more wickets in the final match, finishing with nine wickets at an average of 7.77.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>The ICC Player of the Month voting process:&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on on-field performances and overall achievements during that month (the first to the last day of each calendar month).&nbsp;</p>

<p>This shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, broadcasters, and some members of the ICC Hall of Fame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Voting Academy will submit their votes by email and retain a 90 per cent share of the vote. Additionally, fans registered with the ICC will be able to vote via the ICC website once the shortlisted players are announced and will have a 10 per cent share of the vote.&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC) Wednesday announced the nominees for April’s ICC Player of the Month Awards to recognise the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Wednesday announced the nominees for April’s ICC Player of the Month Awards to recognise the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket. ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for April: Babar Azam (Pakistan), Khushal Bhurtel (Nepal), Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for April: Alyssa Healy (Australia), Leigh Kasperek (New Zealand), Megan Schutt (Australia) About the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for April: In the month of April, Pakistan captain Babar Azam became the No.1 ranked batsman in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, ending India captain Virat Kohli's long reign at the top of the charts. Babar's match-winning 82-ball 94 in the third ODI against South Africa helped him gain 13 rating points to reach a career-best 865 points. He also contributed 122 from 59 balls in Pakistan’s successful chase in the third match of a T20I series against the same opposition. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Two bookies arrested after illegally entering stadium during RR vs SRH clash His compatriot Fakhar Zaman also produced a stellar showing during the month, scoring two centuries in the ODI series victory over South Africa, including a magnificent 193 in the second match in Johannesburg. Completing the men’s shortlist, Nepal’s Khushal Bhurtel was the leading run-scorer as his team won a tri-series also featuring the Netherlands and Malaysia. His significant contribution with the bat totalled 278 runs, including four half-centuries in five matches. About the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for April: Australia’s Alyssa Healy played three ODIs versus New Zealand, scoring 155 runs at an average of 51.66 and a strike rate of 98.72. Her efforts saw her finish as the leading run-scorer in Australia’s series victory over New Zealand that extended their record-winning streak to 24 ODIs. ALSO READ: WTC finals: Kiwi all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme reveals 'toughest thing' for Team India Her teammate Megan Schutt became Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the same series, taking seven wickets at an average of 13.14. New Zealand’s Leigh Kasperek played two ODIs against Australia, achieving career-best figures of six for 46 in the second match of the series, and followed this up with three more wickets in the final match, finishing with nine wickets at an average of 7.77. The ICC Player of the Month voting process: The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on on-field performances and overall achievements during that month (the first to the last day of each calendar month). This shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, broadcasters, and some members of the ICC Hall of Fame. The Voting Academy will submit their votes by email and retain a 90 per cent share of the vote. Additionally, fans registered with the ICC will be able to vote via the ICC website once the shortlisted players are announced and will have a 10 per cent share of the vote.

ICC Player of the Month nominations for April announced; Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman to battle it out

Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman AB de Villiers talked about the win against Kolkata Knight Riders, plans of coming out of retirement for South Africa, batting at number five for RCB, Glenn Maxwell's form and more.

AB de Villiers talks about coming out of retirement for South Africa

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum talks about the defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Varun Chakaravarthy's spell and more.

AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell took the game away: KKR's Brendon McCullum

<p>Israel on Thursday said it has formally decided not to cooperate with an International Criminal Court war crimes investigation into the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.</p>

<p>The ICC's chief prosecutor announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court.</p>

<p>The ICC sent a deferral notice on March 9, giving Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) a month to inform judges whether they are investigating crimes similar to those being probed by the ICC.</p>

<p>Had Israel informed the court that it was carrying out its probe into alleged war crimes perpetrators, it could have asked for a deferral.</p>

<p>Ahead of the deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying the government had agreed "to not cooperate" with the ICC.</p>

<p>Israel would instead send a letter to the court "completely rejecting the claim that Israel commits war crimes", it said.</p>

<p>The letter would also "reiterate Israel's unequivocal position that The Hague tribunal has no authority to open an investigation against it".</p>

<p>"The state of Israel is committed to the rule of law... and expects the court to refrain from violating its sovereignty and authority," the statement reads.</p>

<p><strong>'Hypocrisy'</strong></p>

<p>The PA, based in the occupied West Bank, has been a state party to the ICC since 2015.</p>

<p>The Palestinians have welcomed the investigation and said they will not seek any deferral.</p>

<p>The world's only permanent war crimes tribunal, the ICC was set up in 2002 to try humanity's worst crimes where local courts are unwilling or unable to step in.</p>

<p>ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has said her probe will cover the situation since 2014 in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.</p>

<p>It will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza war but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards.</p>

<p>After a five-year preliminary probe, Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli military, Hamas Islamists who have controlled Gaza since 2007 and Palestinian armed groups.</p>

<p>Hamas has welcomed the ICC probe and argued that its attacks on Israel were justified acts of "resistance".</p>

<p>Netanyahu, a vocal critic of the ICC, on Thursday, accused the court of "hypocrisy" of targeting Israeli troops who "fight with high moral conduct against terrorists".</p>

<p>The long-serving premier has previously lambasted the decision to open the probe as the "essence of anti-Semitism" and declared Israel was "under attack".</p>

<p>Thursday's statement marked the first time that Netanyahu had made it clear Israel would not directly engage with the ICC.</p>

<p>The United States has also criticised the ICC investigation and voiced support for its ally Israel.</p>

<p>The ICC last week welcomed US President Joe Biden's lifting of sanctions imposed by Donald Trump on Bensouda, saying it signalled a new era of cooperation with Washington.</p>

<p>The Trump administration imposed financial sanctions and a visa ban on Bensouda last year after she launched an investigation into alleged war crimes by US military personnel in Afghanistan.</p>


Israel on Thursday said it has formally decided not to cooperate with an International Criminal Court war crimes investigation into the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel on Thursday said it has formally decided not to cooperate with an International Criminal Court war crimes investigation into the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The ICC's chief prosecutor announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court. The ICC sent a deferral notice on March 9, giving Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) a month to inform judges whether they are investigating crimes similar to those being probed by the ICC. Had Israel informed the court that it was carrying out its probe into alleged war crimes perpetrators, it could have asked for a deferral. Ahead of the deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying the government had agreed "to not cooperate" with the ICC. Israel would instead send a letter to the court "completely rejecting the claim that Israel commits war crimes", it said. The letter would also "reiterate Israel's unequivocal position that The Hague tribunal has no authority to open an investigation against it". "The state of Israel is committed to the rule of law... and expects the court to refrain from violating its sovereignty and authority," the statement reads. 'Hypocrisy' The PA, based in the occupied West Bank, has been a state party to the ICC since 2015. The Palestinians have welcomed the investigation and said they will not seek any deferral. The world's only permanent war crimes tribunal, the ICC was set up in 2002 to try humanity's worst crimes where local courts are unwilling or unable to step in. ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has said her probe will cover the situation since 2014 in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. It will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza war but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards. After a five-year preliminary probe, Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli military, Hamas Islamists who have controlled Gaza since 2007 and Palestinian armed groups. Hamas has welcomed the ICC probe and argued that its attacks on Israel were justified acts of "resistance". Netanyahu, a vocal critic of the ICC, on Thursday, accused the court of "hypocrisy" of targeting Israeli troops who "fight with high moral conduct against terrorists". The long-serving premier has previously lambasted the decision to open the probe as the "essence of anti-Semitism" and declared Israel was "under attack". Thursday's statement marked the first time that Netanyahu had made it clear Israel would not directly engage with the ICC. The United States has also criticised the ICC investigation and voiced support for its ally Israel. The ICC last week welcomed US President Joe Biden's lifting of sanctions imposed by Donald Trump on Bensouda, saying it signalled a new era of cooperation with Washington. The Trump administration imposed financial sanctions and a visa ban on Bensouda last year after she launched an investigation into alleged war crimes by US military personnel in Afghanistan.

Israel refuses to work with ICC on war crimes probe, says 'no authority'

<p>The ICC on Tuesday celebrated the power of cricket on communities across the world this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace in announcing the regional winners of the ICC Development Awards 2020 in what has been an incredibly challenging year for the members.</p>

<p>Across four categories, 20 regional winners from 17 countries whose inspiring stories represent how cricket continued to be a driving force for change and a sport for all – even in an unprecedented year. From Peru to Malaysia, Namibia to Italy, Kuwait to Nepal, ICC Associate Members continued their work to grow the game: empowering individuals and reaching out to new communities through innovation, determination and with great passion. There are numerous incredible examples of how cricket assisted the COVID-19 relief effort in countries across the world.</p>

<p>The regional winners identified below will be put forward as the ICC Development Awards global nominees, with four winners to be announced via the ICC channels on 20 April.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/residents-near-wankhede-stadium-appeal-maharashtra-cm-to-shift-ipl-2021-venue-375675" hreflang="en">Residents near Wankhede Stadium appeal Maharashtra CM to shift IPL 2021 venue</a></strong></p>

<h2>ICC Development Initiative of the Year</h2>

<p>Namibia, Argentina, Nepal, Vanuatu and Italy are the regional winners in the Development Initiative of the Year category, showcasing how cricket is becoming accessible to more people than ever before. Watch the video here.</p>

<p>During lockdown, Cricket Namibia created professional development opportunities for its workforce, players, and coaches to foster excellence. Seven admin staff completed 27 academic courses, including in project management, marketing, risk management and leadership. Coach education programmes were also a high priority, with 281 coaches completing courses at various levels.</p>

<p>Cricket Argentina designed 17 free courses in Spanish to develop 257 more coaches, umpires and scorers in 2020. Coaches who were a part of the programme went on to establish three new clubs. The course material was made available to the rest of the region, and seven other Spanish-speaking countries benefitted from the initiative to help engage people in their local language.</p>

<p>With COVID-19 restrictions lifted and cricket returning to Nepal, around 2000 women and 1900 men featured in local tournaments in the country, providing the opportunity to engage new sponsors and broadcasters during the national events.</p>

<p>Vanuatu Cricket livestreamed the Women’s T20 Grand Finals for the first time ever amassing 350,000 views. The exposure led the national team to visit COVID-19 impacted development programmes to engage and attract more women to participate with the set-up of four brand new teams.</p>

<p>The CricketMania campaign delivered by Cricket Italy to promote the sport has become a game-changer for the sport in the country, bringing cricket to a much wider range of 11-18 year olds through schools, clubs and sport body networks than before. The recognition created by the campaign resulted in cricket being included in the National School Games list, enabling Cricket Italy to reach 8797 secondary schools and 8868 high schools.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-2-key-foreign-players-to-miss-delhi-capitals-opening-match-vs-chennai-super-kings-375665" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: 2 key foreign players to miss Delhi Capitals' opening match vs Chennai Super Kings</a></strong></p>

<h2>100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year</h2>

<p>The 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative regional winners recognise five engaging programmes for girls and women, with an emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment. Watch the video here.</p>

<p>Cricket Brazil awarded 14 professional central contracts to the women’s national team, becoming the first Associate Member to fully contract the women’s team before the men’s, raising the status of the game in Brazil and benefitting 2000 girls who play regularly.</p>

<p>The Danish Cricket Federation identified that if they wanted to bring more young women into cricket, they had to speak to them in their language, and listen to what they wanted. They therefore partnered with young female micro-influencers on Instagram to connect with new audiences. The energy and passion they brought into the social media campaign was carried over into online digital coaching sessions for new recruits and revitalised the ecosystem where 50 women attended the first kick-off cricket session.</p>

<p>In Nigeria, the Girls Aspire initiative uses cricket as a tool for girls’ empowerment and socio-cultural change. Ijeoma Okigbo, a journalist, took what she had learnt from an ‘introduction to cricket’ course to a school in Gauraka, Niger State, and coached junior girls from underprivileged backgrounds. The 50 girls, who have gained confidence and respect, have become part of a cricket community.</p>

<p>Samoa International Cricket Association’s Healthy Nanas programme is an initiative delivered in partnership with the Australian Government as part of the Team Up project. It offers women and girls a platform to participate in sport and ensure a healthy lifestyle, while also serving as a safe space to network and discuss issues in their personal lives and community – be it domestic violence, finance or health.</p>

<p>In Malaysia, players were ambassadors for #GirlsForGoals and #Cricket4WomensAid, where they supported online fundraising for survivors of domestic abuse and spoke of how sports had transformed their lives. The Cricket Adiwira entry-level programme provided the opportunity for women and girls to play, setting themselves the target of 128 students playing in each of the 269 participating schools, with at least half of them female.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ipl-2021-fascinating-stats-from-tournament-history-375646" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Fascinating stats from tournament history</a></strong></p>

<h2>Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year</h2>

<p>Bhutan, Uganda, Indonesia, Italy and Peru have been recognized for their outstanding work in using cricket as a vehicle for social change or development within communities from all corners of the world. Watch the video here.</p>

<p>In 15 of Bhutan’s cricket communities, players, coordinators, coaches, and office staff volunteered at hospitals, quarantine facilities and call centers preparing meals, delivering food and patrolling to ensure people followed protocols to assist with the COVID-19 response effort.</p>

<p>The Uganda Cricket Association helped those within their network most impacted by COVID-19 including 100 school teachers to provide them food and financial assistance whilst they were unable to work due to the ongoing lockdown.</p>

<p>Cricket Indonesia’s goal was to promote the healthy messages set out by the Government and ensure that cricket was positioned as a leader in Indonesian society. This was delivered through a webinar series, social media engagement, videos of how to play cricket at home and the distribution of free masks in the office’s local community.</p>

<p>Cricket Italy partnered with Treedom to help offset 11,000kg CO2 emissions produced by the Member’s operations by formally planting 200 trees in Cameroon.</p>

<p>Peru aimed to inspire movement and connection, whilst promoting the well-being of young people during lockdown. What began as a WhatsApp group for children aged 4-14 to exercise at home, expanded to Zoom classes and an online summer academy for older students, as well as a teacher training course.</p>

<h2>ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year</h2>

<p>Promotion of cricket activities in emerging nations and engaging fans is incredibly important to grow the sport and five worthy regional winners are being celebrated for their innovative work in 2020. Watch the video here.</p>

<p>Vanuatu Cricket, with a following of only 12,000 on their Facebook Page utilized their digital platforms to reach over 16 million people through livestreaming of the Vanuatu T10 Blast and The Women’s T20 Grand Final. The results of this initiative meant more people were able to engage with Associate cricket, capitalising on the opportunity presented by COVID-19’s impact on the availability of live sport.</p>

<p>The fun and engaging #TrainAtHome digital campaign focused on the best of the United States’ national team players and support staff bringing simple, effective cricket skills-based drills to the homes of fans to encourage them to keep active whilst staying safe during lockdown, resulting in 1.2 million Twitter impressions.</p>

<p>The Fairway Super Series aimed at providing competition for promising junior cricketers ahead of national squad selection, replicated a modern T20 franchise event with Jersey Cricket Board delivering an online draft and match highlights to help the promotion of the event. Highlights of the four-team event reached a wide audience and raised the visibility of the teams’ charitable partners.</p>

<p>Cricket Namibia delivered a two-month campaign in celebration of being crowned an ICC Development Award winner in 2019, consisting of social media posts and radio messages. It reached over 300,000 people, grew fan engagement for the men’s national team and Cricket Namibia‘s brand.</p>

<p>Finally, Kuwait engaged one of the Middle East’s top digital media companies via a sponsorship programme where Kuwait Cricket’s social media channels are professionally managed with a comprehensive engagement programme of daily posts and updates to help create heroes within the cricket community.</p>

<p>ICC General Manager – Development, William Glenwright said: “The ICC Development Awards are a recognition of the work that provides people and communities the opportunity to engage with our incredible sport, with 20 brilliant programmes in 2020 celebrated.</p>

<p>“During a year where so many lives and communities were impacted in different ways - and on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace - it is inspiring to share, the stories of the regional winners that helped people to feel connected with and participate in physical activity during a time where traditional cricket activity was so heavily restricted.</p>

<p>“We are extremely proud of what the Members achieved in 2020.Their innovative approach to delivering cricket and their unrelenting commitment to growing a sport for all, focusing on inspiring more women and girls in particular to get involved at all levels is something they should all be proud of. I look forward to seeing which four entries will be crowned global winners on 20 April.”</p>


The ICC on Tuesday celebrated the power of cricket on communities across the world this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace in announcing the regional winners of the ICC Development Awards 2020 in what has been an incredibly challenging year for the members.

The ICC on Tuesday celebrated the power of cricket on communities across the world this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace in announcing the regional winners of the ICC Development Awards 2020 in what has been an incredibly challenging year for the members. Across four categories, 20 regional winners from 17 countries whose inspiring stories represent how cricket continued to be a driving force for change and a sport for all – even in an unprecedented year. From Peru to Malaysia, Namibia to Italy, Kuwait to Nepal, ICC Associate Members continued their work to grow the game: empowering individuals and reaching out to new communities through innovation, determination and with great passion. There are numerous incredible examples of how cricket assisted the COVID-19 relief effort in countries across the world. The regional winners identified below will be put forward as the ICC Development Awards global nominees, with four winners to be announced via the ICC channels on 20 April. ALSO READ: Residents near Wankhede Stadium appeal Maharashtra CM to shift IPL 2021 venue ICC Development Initiative of the Year Namibia, Argentina, Nepal, Vanuatu and Italy are the regional winners in the Development Initiative of the Year category, showcasing how cricket is becoming accessible to more people than ever before. Watch the video here. During lockdown, Cricket Namibia created professional development opportunities for its workforce, players, and coaches to foster excellence. Seven admin staff completed 27 academic courses, including in project management, marketing, risk management and leadership. Coach education programmes were also a high priority, with 281 coaches completing courses at various levels. Cricket Argentina designed 17 free courses in Spanish to develop 257 more coaches, umpires and scorers in 2020. Coaches who were a part of the programme went on to establish three new clubs. The course material was made available to the rest of the region, and seven other Spanish-speaking countries benefitted from the initiative to help engage people in their local language. With COVID-19 restrictions lifted and cricket returning to Nepal, around 2000 women and 1900 men featured in local tournaments in the country, providing the opportunity to engage new sponsors and broadcasters during the national events. Vanuatu Cricket livestreamed the Women’s T20 Grand Finals for the first time ever amassing 350,000 views. The exposure led the national team to visit COVID-19 impacted development programmes to engage and attract more women to participate with the set-up of four brand new teams. The CricketMania campaign delivered by Cricket Italy to promote the sport has become a game-changer for the sport in the country, bringing cricket to a much wider range of 11-18 year olds through schools, clubs and sport body networks than before. The recognition created by the campaign resulted in cricket being included in the National School Games list, enabling Cricket Italy to reach 8797 secondary schools and 8868 high schools. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: 2 key foreign players to miss Delhi Capitals' opening match vs Chennai Super Kings 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative of the Year The 100% Cricket Female Cricket Initiative regional winners recognise five engaging programmes for girls and women, with an emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment. Watch the video here. Cricket Brazil awarded 14 professional central contracts to the women’s national team, becoming the first Associate Member to fully contract the women’s team before the men’s, raising the status of the game in Brazil and benefitting 2000 girls who play regularly. The Danish Cricket Federation identified that if they wanted to bring more young women into cricket, they had to speak to them in their language, and listen to what they wanted. They therefore partnered with young female micro-influencers on Instagram to connect with new audiences. The energy and passion they brought into the social media campaign was carried over into online digital coaching sessions for new recruits and revitalised the ecosystem where 50 women attended the first kick-off cricket session. In Nigeria, the Girls Aspire initiative uses cricket as a tool for girls’ empowerment and socio-cultural change. Ijeoma Okigbo, a journalist, took what she had learnt from an ‘introduction to cricket’ course to a school in Gauraka, Niger State, and coached junior girls from underprivileged backgrounds. The 50 girls, who have gained confidence and respect, have become part of a cricket community. Samoa International Cricket Association’s Healthy Nanas programme is an initiative delivered in partnership with the Australian Government as part of the Team Up project. It offers women and girls a platform to participate in sport and ensure a healthy lifestyle, while also serving as a safe space to network and discuss issues in their personal lives and community – be it domestic violence, finance or health. In Malaysia, players were ambassadors for #GirlsForGoals and #Cricket4WomensAid, where they supported online fundraising for survivors of domestic abuse and spoke of how sports had transformed their lives. The Cricket Adiwira entry-level programme provided the opportunity for women and girls to play, setting themselves the target of 128 students playing in each of the 269 participating schools, with at least half of them female. WATCH: IPL 2021: Fascinating stats from tournament history Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year Bhutan, Uganda, Indonesia, Italy and Peru have been recognized for their outstanding work in using cricket as a vehicle for social change or development within communities from all corners of the world. Watch the video here. In 15 of Bhutan’s cricket communities, players, coordinators, coaches, and office staff volunteered at hospitals, quarantine facilities and call centers preparing meals, delivering food and patrolling to ensure people followed protocols to assist with the COVID-19 response effort. The Uganda Cricket Association helped those within their network most impacted by COVID-19 including 100 school teachers to provide them food and financial assistance whilst they were unable to work due to the ongoing lockdown. Cricket Indonesia’s goal was to promote the healthy messages set out by the Government and ensure that cricket was positioned as a leader in Indonesian society. This was delivered through a webinar series, social media engagement, videos of how to play cricket at home and the distribution of free masks in the office’s local community. Cricket Italy partnered with Treedom to help offset 11,000kg CO2 emissions produced by the Member’s operations by formally planting 200 trees in Cameroon. Peru aimed to inspire movement and connection, whilst promoting the well-being of young people during lockdown. What began as a WhatsApp group for children aged 4-14 to exercise at home, expanded to Zoom classes and an online summer academy for older students, as well as a teacher training course. ICC Digital Fan Engagement of the Year Promotion of cricket activities in emerging nations and engaging fans is incredibly important to grow the sport and five worthy regional winners are being celebrated for their innovative work in 2020. Watch the video here. Vanuatu Cricket, with a following of only 12,000 on their Facebook Page utilized their digital platforms to reach over 16 million people through livestreaming of the Vanuatu T10 Blast and The Women’s T20 Grand Final. The results of this initiative meant more people were able to engage with Associate cricket, capitalising on the opportunity presented by COVID-19’s impact on the availability of live sport. The fun and engaging #TrainAtHome digital campaign focused on the best of the United States’ national team players and support staff bringing simple, effective cricket skills-based drills to the homes of fans to encourage them to keep active whilst staying safe during lockdown, resulting in 1.2 million Twitter impressions. The Fairway Super Series aimed at providing competition for promising junior cricketers ahead of national squad selection, replicated a modern T20 franchise event with Jersey Cricket Board delivering an online draft and match highlights to help the promotion of the event. Highlights of the four-team event reached a wide audience and raised the visibility of the teams’ charitable partners. Cricket Namibia delivered a two-month campaign in celebration of being crowned an ICC Development Award winner in 2019, consisting of social media posts and radio messages. It reached over 300,000 people, grew fan engagement for the men’s national team and Cricket Namibia‘s brand. Finally, Kuwait engaged one of the Middle East’s top digital media companies via a sponsorship programme where Kuwait Cricket’s social media channels are professionally managed with a comprehensive engagement programme of daily posts and updates to help create heroes within the cricket community. ICC General Manager – Development, William Glenwright said: “The ICC Development Awards are a recognition of the work that provides people and communities the opportunity to engage with our incredible sport, with 20 brilliant programmes in 2020 celebrated. “During a year where so many lives and communities were impacted in different ways - and on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace - it is inspiring to share, the stories of the regional winners that helped people to feel connected with and participate in physical activity during a time where traditional cricket activity was so heavily restricted. “We are extremely proud of what the Members achieved in 2020.Their innovative approach to delivering cricket and their unrelenting commitment to growing a sport for all, focusing on inspiring more women and girls in particular to get involved at all levels is something they should all be proud of. I look forward to seeing which four entries will be crowned global winners on 20 April.”

ICC celebrates the positive impact of cricket on communities during an unprecedented 2020

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{022cd918-1034-47fa-90c6-0b959c2c3f0f}{94}" paraid="299054925" >The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as&nbsp;"average" despite the match lasting only two days.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f44cc486-b9aa-4eda-9b82-fe864884690a}{18}" paraid="1639972674" >Cricket stadiums can be suspended for a year if they pick five demerit points and for two years if they pick 10. Notably, a “below average" rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee brings a point, a "poor”&nbsp;rating deducts three points while the lowest rating of "unfit" comes with five.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8c4e9271-f351-4e4b-95b3-ddf874bc665c}{233}" paraid="469067671" >Interestingly, demerit points remain active for a rolling five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fec7c4ad-3276-4d8a-8edd-ac95a5c4ab51}{174}" paraid="1398027266" >The Virat Kohli-led India won the third Test inside two days after 30 wickets were taken in five sessions on a 'turning' track at the Narendra Modi Stadium – which is the world's largest cricket venue with a whopping 132,000 seating capacity.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fec7c4ad-3276-4d8a-8edd-ac95a5c4ab51}{174}" paraid="1398027266" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{48b22e00-b93b-44c2-97ee-5b47e5196268}{55}" paraid="701715599" >Former India fast bowler&nbsp;Javagal&nbsp;Srinath was the match referee for the four-match series, which the hosts won 3-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{5}" paraid="356100075" >England were bundled out for 81 in their second innings with both sides failing to reach 150 runs in what was the shortest Test match (completed) since 1935.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{32}" paraid="1944364780" >Several former England players and pundits questioned the suitability of the pitch while their Indian counterparts said the poor batting was due to the pink ball, which replaces the traditional red balls for day-night test matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{32}" paraid="1944364780" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-problem-in-that-first-game-michael-atherton-explains-what-helped-virat-kohli-roar-back-to-form-370577" hreflang="en">'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{50}" paraid="1722523466" >The pitch for the second test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, which assisted spinners from the first session and ended on the fourth day when India sealed a 317-run win, also earned an “average” rating.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f7a35568-77d5-4a1e-a760-b2546e3b53ad}{68}" paraid="1045412067" >Chennai’s pitch for the opening test, which saw an England victory, was rated “very good” while the playing surface for the fourth and final match in Ahmedabad was marked “good”.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{56f6737e-dbc8-4746-a783-2ea85164d2e2}{17}" paraid="922882262" >(With Reuters inputs)&nbsp;</p>


The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as "average" despite the match lasting only two days.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has just avoided being hit with demerit points after the pitch for the pink-ball Test, which was also the first international match in the refurbished stadium, was rated as "average" despite the match lasting only two days. Cricket stadiums can be suspended for a year if they pick five demerit points and for two years if they pick 10. Notably, a “below average" rating by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee brings a point, a "poor” rating deducts three points while the lowest rating of "unfit" comes with five. Interestingly, demerit points remain active for a rolling five years. The Virat Kohli-led India won the third Test inside two days after 30 wickets were taken in five sessions on a 'turning' track at the Narendra Modi Stadium – which is the world's largest cricket venue with a whopping 132,000 seating capacity. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath was the match referee for the four-match series, which the hosts won 3-1. England were bundled out for 81 in their second innings with both sides failing to reach 150 runs in what was the shortest Test match (completed) since 1935. Several former England players and pundits questioned the suitability of the pitch while their Indian counterparts said the poor batting was due to the pink ball, which replaces the traditional red balls for day-night test matches. ALSO READ: 'The problem in that first game...': Michael Atherton explains what helped Virat Kohli roar back to form The pitch for the second test at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, which assisted spinners from the first session and ended on the fourth day when India sealed a 317-run win, also earned an “average” rating. Chennai’s pitch for the opening test, which saw an England victory, was rated “very good” while the playing surface for the fourth and final match in Ahmedabad was marked “good”. (With Reuters inputs)

ICC rates Ahmedabad pitch for two-day test match 'average'

<p>The International Cricket Council`s (ICC) Chief Executive Manu Sawhney has not been having the best of times lately. After his much-favoured idea of asking boards to bid for hosting rights of world events was met with a dead bat by the likes of BCCI, ECB, and CA, it has now come to the fore that his conduct has come under the scanner and he has been sent on `leave`.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI, an official in the know of developments in the ICC said his conduct came under the scanner as audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers was conducting an internal investigation and the best way forward was to keep him away.</p>

<p>"Yes, he has been asked to go on leave as there have been allegations that his behaviour hasn`t been that great over the last 12 months and is in conflict with the way the international body likes to function. ICC staff have also testified and it is a situation that warranted him being asked to go on leave," the official said.</p>

<p>While Sawhney has had difference of opinion with some of the board members in the past as well, especially when it came to the election process last year, the ICC`s keenness to introduce the new bidding process for world events seemed like it made things even more difficult.</p>

<p>Not to forget the problem which surfaced with the ICC looking to have at least one flagship event every year in the next cycle from 2023-2031. In fact, new Chairman Greg Barclay had to explain that the ICC would look at an inclusive approach and take every board member into confidence while trying to create a balance between ICC events and bilateral ties.</p>

<p>"I see bilateral cricket and world events as being very complimentary and needs each other. Bilateral cricket is the lifeline of cricket. Each country has to have both the ability and the obligation to play bilateral cricket. Countries will only get better and continue to be competitive if they get the opportunity to play against other countries, lesser countries to play against better countries. Better countries have the obligation to help those who perhaps don`t have the experience or exposure," said Barclay.</p>

<p>"The ICC events are without a doubt a showcase of cricket and I think ICC runs very good at events and all countries do get an opportunity to enter the events. From the ICC`s point of view as well as showcasing events, they obviously generate a reasonable amount of most country`s income. So, there is a careful complementary balancing act that is needed. I am a fan of ensuring ICC events continue to be world-class as they are and maintaining the abilities of all countries to continue to play bilateral cricket," he explained.&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council`s (ICC) Chief Executive Manu Sawhney has not been having the best of times lately. After his much-favoured idea of asking boards to bid for hosting rights of world events was met with a dead bat by the likes of BCCI, ECB, and CA, it has now come to the fore that his conduct has come under the scanner and he has been sent on `leave`.

The International Cricket Council`s (ICC) Chief Executive Manu Sawhney has not been having the best of times lately. After his much-favoured idea of asking boards to bid for hosting rights of world events was met with a dead bat by the likes of BCCI, ECB, and CA, it has now come to the fore that his conduct has come under the scanner and he has been sent on `leave`. Speaking to ANI, an official in the know of developments in the ICC said his conduct came under the scanner as audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers was conducting an internal investigation and the best way forward was to keep him away. "Yes, he has been asked to go on leave as there have been allegations that his behaviour hasn`t been that great over the last 12 months and is in conflict with the way the international body likes to function. ICC staff have also testified and it is a situation that warranted him being asked to go on leave," the official said. While Sawhney has had difference of opinion with some of the board members in the past as well, especially when it came to the election process last year, the ICC`s keenness to introduce the new bidding process for world events seemed like it made things even more difficult. Not to forget the problem which surfaced with the ICC looking to have at least one flagship event every year in the next cycle from 2023-2031. In fact, new Chairman Greg Barclay had to explain that the ICC would look at an inclusive approach and take every board member into confidence while trying to create a balance between ICC events and bilateral ties. "I see bilateral cricket and world events as being very complimentary and needs each other. Bilateral cricket is the lifeline of cricket. Each country has to have both the ability and the obligation to play bilateral cricket. Countries will only get better and continue to be competitive if they get the opportunity to play against other countries, lesser countries to play against better countries. Better countries have the obligation to help those who perhaps don`t have the experience or exposure," said Barclay. "The ICC events are without a doubt a showcase of cricket and I think ICC runs very good at events and all countries do get an opportunity to enter the events. From the ICC`s point of view as well as showcasing events, they obviously generate a reasonable amount of most country`s income. So, there is a careful complementary balancing act that is needed. I am a fan of ensuring ICC events continue to be world-class as they are and maintaining the abilities of all countries to continue to play bilateral cricket," he explained.

ICC CEO Manu Sawhney sent on ''leave'' after preliminary investigation shows misconduct

<p>Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The judges said Ntaganda did not have the resources to pay the compensation himself. Instead, they asked the tribunal's own Trust Fund to help set up and finance vocational and other programmes to support victims of his crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ntaganda was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2019 for murder, rape and other atrocities committed when he was military chief of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hundreds of civilians were killed and many thousands forced to flee during the fighting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The chamber hereby unanimously issues an order for reparations against mister Ntaganda (and) assesses mister Ntaganda's liability for these reparations at 30 million US dollars," judge Chang-ho Chung said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Ntaganda could not pay, "the Chamber encourages the Trust Fund for Victims to complement the reparation awards to the extent possible and engage in additional fundraising efforts as necessary to complement the totality of the award," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020 the fund, which relies on voluntary contributions, had around 18 million euros in reserves and much of that was already pledged in other cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Victims eligible for the reparations programme include victims of attacks led by Ntaganda, child soldiers under his command, rape victims and children born out of rape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The judges awarded collective reparations, meaning there will be no individual pay outs. Any money will instead go to charities or funds set up to help victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ntaganda is appealing against his conviction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>


Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order.

Child soldiers and other victims of convicted Congolese militia leader Bosco Ntaganda should get a total of $30 million compensation, International Criminal Court judges ruled on Monday, in their highest ever reparation order. The judges said Ntaganda did not have the resources to pay the compensation himself. Instead, they asked the tribunal's own Trust Fund to help set up and finance vocational and other programmes to support victims of his crimes. Ntaganda was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2019 for murder, rape and other atrocities committed when he was military chief of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-2003. Hundreds of civilians were killed and many thousands forced to flee during the fighting. "The chamber hereby unanimously issues an order for reparations against mister Ntaganda (and) assesses mister Ntaganda's liability for these reparations at 30 million US dollars," judge Chang-ho Chung said. As Ntaganda could not pay, "the Chamber encourages the Trust Fund for Victims to complement the reparation awards to the extent possible and engage in additional fundraising efforts as necessary to complement the totality of the award," he added. In 2020 the fund, which relies on voluntary contributions, had around 18 million euros in reserves and much of that was already pledged in other cases. Victims eligible for the reparations programme include victims of attacks led by Ntaganda, child soldiers under his command, rape victims and children born out of rape. The judges awarded collective reparations, meaning there will be no individual pay outs. Any money will instead go to charities or funds set up to help victims. Ntaganda is appealing against his conviction. (With inputs from agencies)

ICC orders record $30 million compensation for Congo victims 

<p>Israel estimates that hundreds of its citizens might be subject to war crimes probes by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction it rejects, and is working on how to protect them, the Defence Minister said on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Including himself among Israelis, who could be threatened with arrest, Benny Gantz said, "I was never afraid to go across enemy lines, I will continue to stand wherever I have to."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hague-based tribunal ruled last month that it has jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The ruling could lead to criminal investigations of Israel and of Palestinian militant groups including Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, a position backed by its close ally the United States. Palestinians have welcomed the ruling as a chance for justice for victims of Israeli attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview on Israel's fortified border with Gaza, Gantz, who also holds Israel's justice portfolio, called the ruling a 'negative development', and added, "We have our own teams working in different (places) to try (and) influence (the ICC)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gantz was the military's chief of staff during a 2014 war between Israel and militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The ICC has pointed to that conflict as a potential issue to be probed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked how many Israelis, including himself, might expect to be subject to arrest should the probe lead to criminal investigations, Gantz said, "I guess several hundred, but we will take care of everybody."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gantz called that 'an estimate', declining to say if Israel had drawn up a list of officials. Israel will provide legal assistance to any implicated Israelis and will give them legal warnings regarding travel if necessary, Gantz said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked if he himself might change his travel plans in light of the ICC probe, Gantz said, "So far, no."&nbsp;</p>


Israel estimates that hundreds of its citizens might be subject to war crimes probes by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction it rejects, and is working on how to protect them, the Defence Minister said on Tuesday.

Israel estimates that hundreds of its citizens might be subject to war crimes probes by the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction it rejects, and is working on how to protect them, the Defence Minister said on Tuesday. Including himself among Israelis, who could be threatened with arrest, Benny Gantz said, "I was never afraid to go across enemy lines, I will continue to stand wherever I have to." The Hague-based tribunal ruled last month that it has jurisdiction over the occupied West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The ruling could lead to criminal investigations of Israel and of Palestinian militant groups including Hamas. Israel is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, a position backed by its close ally the United States. Palestinians have welcomed the ruling as a chance for justice for victims of Israeli attacks. In an interview on Israel's fortified border with Gaza, Gantz, who also holds Israel's justice portfolio, called the ruling a 'negative development', and added, "We have our own teams working in different (places) to try (and) influence (the ICC)." Gantz was the military's chief of staff during a 2014 war between Israel and militants in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The ICC has pointed to that conflict as a potential issue to be probed. Asked how many Israelis, including himself, might expect to be subject to arrest should the probe lead to criminal investigations, Gantz said, "I guess several hundred, but we will take care of everybody." Gantz called that 'an estimate', declining to say if Israel had drawn up a list of officials. Israel will provide legal assistance to any implicated Israelis and will give them legal warnings regarding travel if necessary, Gantz said. Asked if he himself might change his travel plans in light of the ICC probe, Gantz said, "So far, no."

Israel to protect hundreds of personnel against ICC probe 

Local boy Axar Patel was the standout bowler for Team India in the first innings of the pink-ball Test against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as he scalped six wickets to help India restrict England for a paltry 112. He talks about the major difference between pink and red ball and bowling at his local ground.

Axar Patel, 6-for hero, talks about bowling with pink-ball at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad

<p>Several international law experts are seeking to approve a new crime, "ecocide", which will allow authorities to take action against environmental destruction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These experts plan to submit a draft report of their law to the International Criminal Court's governing body, reports ABC News.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-lockdowns-positive-impact-on-environment-348993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>If approved, environmental crimes will become ICC's fifth jurisdictional responsibility, some of the others being, genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression crimes and war&nbsp;crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/restoring-environmental-rules-rolled-back-by-trump-could-take-years-358684">Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years</a></strong></p>

<p>The group says that climate change has no border and damage to local ecosystems can have massive global consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In this day and age, it's no longer possible to say that one is destroying large swathes of nature without realising what one is doing," Jojo Mehta, a member of this group, says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She and an expert panel assembled by her, want governments, companies and individuals should be held accountable for the damage to the environment done under their nose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg has supported the implementation of the law and French President Emmanuel Macron have also hinted at incorporating ecocide into&nbsp;the domestic law of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling the environmental damages "sins of ecology", Pope Francis has said that his understanding of ecocide is the "massive contamination of air, land and water resources, the&nbsp;large-scale destruction of flora and fauna, and any action capable of producing an ecological disaster or destroying an ecosystem."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Several international law experts are seeking to approve a new crime, "ecocide", which will allow authorities to take action against environmental destruction. These experts plan to submit a draft report of their law to the International Criminal Court's governing body, reports ABC News.

Several international law experts are seeking to approve a new crime, "ecocide", which will allow authorities to take action against environmental destruction. These experts plan to submit a draft report of their law to the International Criminal Court's governing body, reports ABC News. Watch | If approved, environmental crimes will become ICC's fifth jurisdictional responsibility, some of the others being, genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression crimes and war crimes. Also read | Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years The group says that climate change has no border and damage to local ecosystems can have massive global consequences. "In this day and age, it's no longer possible to say that one is destroying large swathes of nature without realising what one is doing," Jojo Mehta, a member of this group, says. She and an expert panel assembled by her, want governments, companies and individuals should be held accountable for the damage to the environment done under their nose. Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg has supported the implementation of the law and French President Emmanuel Macron have also hinted at incorporating ecocide into the domestic law of the country. Calling the environmental damages "sins of ecology", Pope Francis has said that his understanding of ecocide is the "massive contamination of air, land and water resources, the large-scale destruction of flora and fauna, and any action capable of producing an ecological disaster or destroying an ecosystem."

International lawyers propose 'ecocide' to criminalise environmental destruction

<p>Cricket South Africa have written to International Cricket Council (ICC) to talk about Australia's decision to with withdraw from a three-test tour of the country next month and the financial consequences for the Proteas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-drop-to-4th-after-chennai-test-heres-updated-standings-362403" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings</a></p>

<p>Earlier this month, Cricket Australia announced that their tour of South Africa was postponement amid fears of the second wave and new variant of the coronavirus. While Cricket Australia also expressed their disappointment over the postponement of the much-awaited series in the Rainbow nation, Cricket South Africa's statement clearly shows that the latter has been left disappointed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, CSA was left disappointed as they had accepted every safety demand of the visitors, and that they were not consulted by the visitors before the unilateral decision was made not to tour.</p>

<p>"There's got to be some understanding of how we manage the impact to less-wealthy nations," Stavros Nicolaou, the chairman of CSA's interim board told ESPNcricinfo.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-first-test-england-go-1-0-up-in-the-series-as-they-beat-india-by-227-runs-362394" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs</a></p>

<p>"Unilateral decisions of this nature are punitive to less-wealthy cricket-playing nations and there has to be some discussion around redress."</p>

<p>CA chief executive Nick Hickley last week defended the decision to postpone the South Africa trip, saying the "weight of medical advice and our duty of care to players and staff meant we were really left with no alternative".</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Cricket South Africa have written to International Cricket Council (ICC) to talk about Australia's decision to with withdraw from a three-test tour of the country next month and the financial consequences for the Proteas.

Cricket South Africa have written to International Cricket Council (ICC) to talk about Australia's decision to with withdraw from a three-test tour of the country next month and the financial consequences for the Proteas. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India drop to 4th after Chennai Test; Here's updated standings Earlier this month, Cricket Australia announced that their tour of South Africa was postponement amid fears of the second wave and new variant of the coronavirus. While Cricket Australia also expressed their disappointment over the postponement of the much-awaited series in the Rainbow nation, Cricket South Africa's statement clearly shows that the latter has been left disappointed. However, CSA was left disappointed as they had accepted every safety demand of the visitors, and that they were not consulted by the visitors before the unilateral decision was made not to tour. "There's got to be some understanding of how we manage the impact to less-wealthy nations," Stavros Nicolaou, the chairman of CSA's interim board told ESPNcricinfo. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, First Test: England go 1-0 up in the series as they beat India by 227 runs "Unilateral decisions of this nature are punitive to less-wealthy cricket-playing nations and there has to be some discussion around redress." CA chief executive Nick Hickley last week defended the decision to postpone the South Africa trip, saying the "weight of medical advice and our duty of care to players and staff meant we were really left with no alternative". (Inputs from Reuters)

Cricket South Africa writes to ICC regarding Cricket Australia's withdrawal

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli helping out English counterpart Joe Root with cramps during the first Test won hearts on social media with netizens lauding the sportsmanship.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-englands-bess-scalps-four-as-india-struggles-to-avoid-follow-on-361968" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: England's Bess scalps four as India struggles to avoid the follow-on</a></p>

<p>International Cricket Council (ICC) too praised the gesture by Indian captain and called it a "heartwarming gesture".&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In an Instagram post by the ICC, they captioned it: “When England captain Joe Root was struck by cramps, Virat Kohli was the first to his aid. A heart-warming Spirit of Cricket gesture.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO SEE:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-smith-to-mooney-cricket-australia-announces-its-player-of-year-awards-361820" hreflang="en">From Smith to Mooney: Cricket Australia announces its player of year awards!</a></p>

<p>England paceman Stuart Broad was not pleased with ICC's post and took a dig at the international cricket board. “I ran a drink out too, spirit of cricket award?” replied Broad on ICC’s post.</p>

<p><img alt="ss" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85291314-128f-4667-96c5-a7dfd6f34e31" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_46.JPG" /></p>

<p>Broad was not included in the playing XI for the first Test against India. England were bowled out for 578 in their first innings against India. Bumrah and Ashwin picked up three wickets each. In reply, India scored 257 runs by the end of Day 3 after losing six wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit, Virat, Rahane fell cheap as India will be on the back foot for the remaining two days. Pant and Pujara tried to revive the innings, however, Cheteshwar's unlucky dismissal put the pressure back on the hosts.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli helping out English counterpart Joe Root with cramps during the first Test won hearts on social media with netizens lauding the sportsmanship.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli helping out English counterpart Joe Root with cramps during the first Test won hearts on social media with netizens lauding the sportsmanship. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: England's Bess scalps four as India struggles to avoid the follow-on International Cricket Council (ICC) too praised the gesture by Indian captain and called it a "heartwarming gesture". View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × In an Instagram post by the ICC, they captioned it: “When England captain Joe Root was struck by cramps, Virat Kohli was the first to his aid. A heart-warming Spirit of Cricket gesture.” ALSO SEE: From Smith to Mooney: Cricket Australia announces its player of year awards! England paceman Stuart Broad was not pleased with ICC's post and took a dig at the international cricket board. “I ran a drink out too, spirit of cricket award?” replied Broad on ICC’s post. Broad was not included in the playing XI for the first Test against India. England were bowled out for 578 in their first innings against India. Bumrah and Ashwin picked up three wickets each. In reply, India scored 257 runs by the end of Day 3 after losing six wickets. Rohit, Virat, Rahane fell cheap as India will be on the back foot for the remaining two days. Pant and Pujara tried to revive the innings, however, Cheteshwar's unlucky dismissal put the pressure back on the hosts.

'Spirit of cricket?': Stuart Broad's cheeky comment on ICC's post on Virat Kohli's gesture towards Joe Root

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Saturday a decision by the International Criminal Court investigation as "pure anti-semitism", hours after judges at the ICC found the court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, paving the way for a possible criminal investigation, despite Israeli objections.

'Pure anti-semitism': Israel's Netanyahu slams ICC decision and says will fight it

<p>International Cricket Council (ICC) took to Twitter and shared a collage of Pakistan cricketer Hasan Ali's dismissal on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-undergoes-successful-angioplasty-two-more-stents-implanted-359907" hreflang="en">BCCI President Sourav Ganguly undergoes successful angioplasty; two more stents implanted</a></p>

<p>The image on the left was a zoomed version where the rattled stumps behind Ali were not visible and the one on the right was the actual photo which showed the uprooted middle stump. ICC captioned it: “Your profile picture vs the full picture.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Your profile picture vs the full picture 😄<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/jMw1niI0co">pic.twitter.com/jMw1niI0co</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1354724056457596932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Twitteratis could not keep calm and erupted with mixed reactions. While most of them enjoyed the humour the post had to offer, few netizens were not pleased with the cricket board's decision to troll a cricketer.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hasan Ali after see this tweet:- <a href="https://t.co/Fw3Bg6FwLh">pic.twitter.com/Fw3Bg6FwLh</a></p>
— ABDULLAH NEAZ (@abdullah_neaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdullah_neaz/status/1354741004885057541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shame on <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a><br />
Such a sluggish mindset and thoughts 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎</p>
— Jaam Shahid 🇵🇰 (@JaamShahid11) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaamShahid11/status/1354766042745233408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hasan Ali after see this trolling tweet from ICC:- <a href="https://t.co/4bsMNqmum7">pic.twitter.com/4bsMNqmum7</a></p>
— ABDULLAH NEAZ (@abdullah_neaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdullah_neaz/status/1354729700673765377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lame Joke of the decade</p>
— Shazziya Mehmood (@shaziyaaM) <a href="https://twitter.com/shaziyaaM/status/1354724714904776705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Your profile picture vs the full picture 😄<a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/vCgGu8szhM">pic.twitter.com/vCgGu8szhM</a></p>
— 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰 (@love_pakistan9) <a href="https://twitter.com/love_pakistan9/status/1354745508493979648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Day 3 ended well for Pakistan as Pakistan's spinners Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali grabbed three wickets in the span of ten runs to halt South Africa's fightback in the first Test in Karachi on Thursday.</p>

<p>Despite Markram and van der Dussen's 158-run stand, Yasir and Nauman reduced South Africa to 187-4 at the close, which means the visitors are effectively 29-4 with two days to play.</p>

<p>Earlier, Pakistan was bowled out for 378 in the morning, Shah leading the tailenders with an unbeaten 38 valuable runs.</p>


International Cricket Council (ICC) took to Twitter and shared a collage of Pakistan cricketer Hasan Ali's dismissal on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa.

International Cricket Council (ICC) took to Twitter and shared a collage of Pakistan cricketer Hasan Ali's dismissal on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa. ALSO READ: BCCI President Sourav Ganguly undergoes successful angioplasty; two more stents implanted The image on the left was a zoomed version where the rattled stumps behind Ali were not visible and the one on the right was the actual photo which showed the uprooted middle stump. ICC captioned it: “Your profile picture vs the full picture.” Your profile picture vs the full picture 😄#PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/jMw1niI0co — ICC (@ICC) January 28, 2021 × The Twitteratis could not keep calm and erupted with mixed reactions. While most of them enjoyed the humour the post had to offer, few netizens were not pleased with the cricket board's decision to troll a cricketer. Hasan Ali after see this tweet:- pic.twitter.com/Fw3Bg6FwLh — ABDULLAH NEAZ (@abdullah_neaz) January 28, 2021 × Shame on @ICC Such a sluggish mindset and thoughts 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎 — Jaam Shahid 🇵🇰 (@JaamShahid11) January 28, 2021 × Hasan Ali after see this trolling tweet from ICC:- pic.twitter.com/4bsMNqmum7 — ABDULLAH NEAZ (@abdullah_neaz) January 28, 2021 × Lame Joke of the decade — Shazziya Mehmood (@shaziyaaM) January 28, 2021 × Your profile picture vs the full picture 😄@ICC #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/vCgGu8szhM — 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰 (@love_pakistan9) January 28, 2021 × The Day 3 ended well for Pakistan as Pakistan's spinners Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali grabbed three wickets in the span of ten runs to halt South Africa's fightback in the first Test in Karachi on Thursday. Despite Markram and van der Dussen's 158-run stand, Yasir and Nauman reduced South Africa to 187-4 at the close, which means the visitors are effectively 29-4 with two days to play. Earlier, Pakistan was bowled out for 378 in the morning, Shah leading the tailenders with an unbeaten 38 valuable runs.

'Your profile picture vs the full picture': ICC trolls Pakistan cricketer Hasan Ali

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced the introduction of the ICC Player of the Month awards which will recognise and celebrate the best performances of both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.</p>

<p>An independent ICC Voting Academy comprising former players, broadcasters, and journalists from around the world, will team up with fans to vote for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month and ICC Women’s Player of the Month.</p>

<p>Fans have been treated to some sensational cricketing performances during the month of January making the inaugural player of the month awards a highly competitive affair. From performances from youngsters such as Mohammed Siraj (IND), Washington Sundar (IND), T. Natarajan (IND), Rishabh Pant (IND), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) to established players such as Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Joe Root (ENG), Steve Smith (AUS), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Nadine de Klerk (SA), Nida Dar (PAK), there will be no shortage of candidates for the month of January.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-confirms-indian-players-racially-abused-at-the-scg-359597" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia confirms Indian players racially abused at the SCG</a></strong></p>

<p>Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager – Cricket&nbsp;said: “The ICC Player of the Month is a great way to connect with fans of the sport and celebrate performances of their favourite players through the year. It gives us all an opportunity to acknowledge world-class performances on the field by male and female cricketers and they have been in abundance throughout January.”</p>

<h2><strong>The nomination and voting process:</strong></h2>

<p>The three nominees for each of the categories will be determined by the ICC Awards Nominations Committee based on on-field performances and overall achievements during the period of that month (the first to the last day of each calendar month.)</p>

<p>This shortlist is then voted for by the independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprising prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, and broadcasters.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-announces-decade-awards-from-kohli-smith-to-perry-heres-complete-list-of-winners-352996" hreflang="en">ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners</a></strong></p>

<p>The Voting Academy will submit their votes by email and will retain a 90% share of the vote. Subsequently, on the 1st day of each month, fans registered with the ICC will be able to submit votes via the ICC website and will have a 10% share of the vote. Winners will be announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced the introduction of the ICC Player of the Month awards which will recognise and celebrate the best performances of both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday announced the introduction of the ICC Player of the Month awards which will recognise and celebrate the best performances of both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year. An independent ICC Voting Academy comprising former players, broadcasters, and journalists from around the world, will team up with fans to vote for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month and ICC Women’s Player of the Month. Fans have been treated to some sensational cricketing performances during the month of January making the inaugural player of the month awards a highly competitive affair. From performances from youngsters such as Mohammed Siraj (IND), Washington Sundar (IND), T. Natarajan (IND), Rishabh Pant (IND), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) to established players such as Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Joe Root (ENG), Steve Smith (AUS), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Nadine de Klerk (SA), Nida Dar (PAK), there will be no shortage of candidates for the month of January. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia confirms Indian players racially abused at the SCG Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager – Cricket said: “The ICC Player of the Month is a great way to connect with fans of the sport and celebrate performances of their favourite players through the year. It gives us all an opportunity to acknowledge world-class performances on the field by male and female cricketers and they have been in abundance throughout January.” The nomination and voting process: The three nominees for each of the categories will be determined by the ICC Awards Nominations Committee based on on-field performances and overall achievements during the period of that month (the first to the last day of each calendar month.) This shortlist is then voted for by the independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprising prominent members of the cricket family including senior journalists, former players, and broadcasters. ALSO READ: ICC announces Decade Awards: From Kohli, Smith to Perry - Here's complete list of winners The Voting Academy will submit their votes by email and will retain a 90% share of the vote. Subsequently, on the 1st day of each month, fans registered with the ICC will be able to submit votes via the ICC website and will have a 10% share of the vote. Winners will be announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.

ICC introduces Player of the Month awards; Siraj, Ashwin, Root in contention among others

<p>England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes was named in the ICC's Team of the Decade, however, he had a hilarious reaction on receiving the Test team of the decade cap.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Englishman took to Instagram to share his feelings on receiving the cap. He said that the cap, given by the ICC, “just doesn’t seem right” because it looks too similar to the Australian Test cap. He thanked the ICC and say that he is proud to get the caps for both the teams.</p>

<p>“Very proud of both these cap’s,one of them just doesn’t seem right,it’s a bit BAGGY and GREEN thanks @icc,” he wrote on Instagram, along with pictures of him sporting both the caps.</p>

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<p>ICC replied and tweeted: “Sorry @BenStokes38!”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stokes featured in the Test Team of the Decade for his prolific form in the longest format. In 67 Tests, Stokes has scored 4428 runs at an average of 37.84, while picking 158 wickets as well. In ODIs, he has 2682 runs and 70 wickets in 95 matches.</p>


England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes was named in the ICC's Team of the Decade, however, he had a hilarious reaction on receiving the Test team of the decade cap.

England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes was named in the ICC's Team of the Decade, however, he had a hilarious reaction on receiving the Test team of the decade cap. The Englishman took to Instagram to share his feelings on receiving the cap. He said that the cap, given by the ICC, “just doesn’t seem right” because it looks too similar to the Australian Test cap. He thanked the ICC and say that he is proud to get the caps for both the teams. “Very proud of both these cap’s,one of them just doesn’t seem right,it’s a bit BAGGY and GREEN thanks @icc,” he wrote on Instagram, along with pictures of him sporting both the caps. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ben Stokes (@stokesy) × ICC replied and tweeted: “Sorry @BenStokes38!” Stokes featured in the Test Team of the Decade for his prolific form in the longest format. In 67 Tests, Stokes has scored 4428 runs at an average of 37.84, while picking 158 wickets as well. In ODIs, he has 2682 runs and 70 wickets in 95 matches.

'It's a bit BAGGY and GREEN': Ben Stokes' hilarious reaction on receiving Team of the Decade cap; ICC responds

<p>The International Cricket Council on Sunday announced the Team of the Decade for all three formats and on Monday, ICC revealed the winners of all individual awards. Irked by the ICC Team of the Decade, which features none of the Pakistan players, former speedster Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at ICC for ignoring Pakistani players from its list while saying they announced “IPL Team of the Decade”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akhtar, in his YouTube channel, said that he thinks ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a cricket-playing member while arguing that Babar Azam should have been in ICC’s T20I Team of the Decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a member of ICC and they also play T20I cricket. They did not pick Babar Azam, who is currently the number one batsman in the ICC T20I rankings.</p>

<p><strong>TRENDING |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-spirit-of-the-decade-award-when-ms-dhoni-recalled-ian-bell-during-nottingham-test-in-2011-watch-352933" hreflang="en">ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>“There is no big player than Babar Azam in T20I. He is a top-scorer for Pakistan and his averages show what he has done for the country, even in comparison with Virat Kohli. It is so embarrassing and I’m sure after this video they will think that they have to announce the World Team of the Decade, not the IPL team,” Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.</p>

<h2>WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar slams ICC for not including Pakistan cricketers in Team of the Decade</h2>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-named-icc-male-cricketer-of-the-decade-odi-player-of-the-decade-check-full-list-352886" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list</a></strong></p>

<p>Akhtar further accused ICC of announcing an IPL team instead of World XI team.</p>

<p>“They did not pick a single player from Pakistan in the team. We don’t need your (ICC) T20I Team of the Decade because you announced the IPL team, not a world cricket team,” Akhtar said.</p>

<p>The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ went on to slam ICC for commercialising cricket while accusing them of thinking only about money, sponsorship and TV rights.&nbsp;<br />
“ICC only thinks about money, sponsorships and TV rights. They introduced two new balls and three powerplays (in the ODI cricket). Where is Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, big five of West Indies, Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis)?</p>

<p>“Where are the world’s fastest bowlers and leg-spinners? They went away because ICC commercialised and materialised cricket so much and allowed ten leagues to earn more revenue,” Akhtar said.</p>


The International Cricket Council on Sunday announced the Team of the Decade for all three formats and on Monday, ICC revealed the winners of all individual awards.

The International Cricket Council on Sunday announced the Team of the Decade for all three formats and on Monday, ICC revealed the winners of all individual awards. Irked by the ICC Team of the Decade, which features none of the Pakistan players, former speedster Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at ICC for ignoring Pakistani players from its list while saying they announced “IPL Team of the Decade”. Akhtar, in his YouTube channel, said that he thinks ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a cricket-playing member while arguing that Babar Azam should have been in ICC’s T20I Team of the Decade. “I think ICC forgot that Pakistan is also a member of ICC and they also play T20I cricket. They did not pick Babar Azam, who is currently the number one batsman in the ICC T20I rankings. TRENDING | ICC Spirit of the Decade Award: When MS Dhoni recalled Ian Bell during Nottingham Test in 2011- Watch “There is no big player than Babar Azam in T20I. He is a top-scorer for Pakistan and his averages show what he has done for the country, even in comparison with Virat Kohli. It is so embarrassing and I’m sure after this video they will think that they have to announce the World Team of the Decade, not the IPL team,” Shoaib Akhtar said on his YouTube channel. WATCH: Shoaib Akhtar slams ICC for not including Pakistan cricketers in Team of the Decade × ALSO READ: Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list Akhtar further accused ICC of announcing an IPL team instead of World XI team. “They did not pick a single player from Pakistan in the team. We don’t need your (ICC) T20I Team of the Decade because you announced the IPL team, not a world cricket team,” Akhtar said. The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ went on to slam ICC for commercialising cricket while accusing them of thinking only about money, sponsorship and TV rights. “ICC only thinks about money, sponsorships and TV rights. They introduced two new balls and three powerplays (in the ODI cricket). Where is Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, big five of West Indies, Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis)? “Where are the world’s fastest bowlers and leg-spinners? They went away because ICC commercialised and materialised cricket so much and allowed ten leagues to earn more revenue,” Akhtar said.

'Named an IPL team" - Shoaib Akhtar cries foul as ICC doesn't include Pakistan players in Team of the Decade - Watch

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