Gloves Row: ICC Says Individual Messages Are Not Permitted

Gravitas:  ICC Vs BCCI: Row Over Dhoni's Gloves

MS Dhoni is a part of Para Special Forces Regiment. 'Balidan insignia' was an effort to pay homage to the Army. ICC asked Dhoni to not use insignia. BCCI replied and said that insignia is not commercial or religious. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: MS Dhoni's 'Balidan' Rejected By ICC

#DhoniKeepTheGlove: Support pouring in from all and sundry

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-record-breaking-mitchell-starc-becomes-fastest-to-150-odi-wickets-225244">Australian </a>leg-spinner Adam Zampa has received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s code of conduct during the World Cup match against West Indies.

Zampa was charged by the ICC for using an "audible obscenity" at the end of the 29th over of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umpiring-decisions-sent-ripples-through-the-dressing-room-brathwaite-after-australia-defeat-225114">West Indies</a> innings at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

"Zampa admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said.

Four demerit points within a two-year period incur a ban from one-test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.

Zampa finished with a spell of 1-58 in 10 overs to help<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-west-indies-by-15-runs-in-world-cup-225096"> Australia beat West Indies</a> by 15 runs for their second consecutive victory at the World Cup.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s code of conduct during the World Cup match against West Indies.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the International Cricket Council (ICC)'s code of conduct during the World Cup match against West Indies. Zampa was charged by the ICC for using an "audible obscenity" at the end of the 29th over of the West Indies innings at Trent Bridge on Thursday. "Zampa admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing," the ICC said. Four demerit points within a two-year period incur a ban from one-test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player. Zampa finished with a spell of 1-58 in 10 overs to help Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs for their second consecutive victory at the World Cup.

World Cup: Australia's Adam Zampa reprimanded by ICC for abusive language

Mahendra Singh Dhoni sporting an Army insignia on his glove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-indias-win-over-south-africa-in-world-cup-2019-224790">during the India-South Africa clash</a> was well appreciated by his fans but the International Cricket Council on Thursday requested the BCCI to have the badge removed, saying it is against its regulations.

Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager - Strategic Communications, told PTI that the apex body has requested the Indian cricket board to have the sign removed. India's next game is against Australia on Sunday.

"It is against the regulations and we have requested it is removed," Furlong told PTI.&nbsp;

When asked if Dhoni, who is an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army, could be penalised for the breach of an ICC regulation, she added,&nbsp;"For first breach no, just a request to remove".

Dhoni's love for the Indian Army is well known. During the opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday, Dhoni's gloves attracted special attention when the TV cameras zoomed in.

The regimental dagger insignia of the para forces was embossed on his green wicket-keeping gloves.&nbsp;

While there is a possibility that Dhoni may have worn these gloves with the dagger insignia earlier also, it did get a lot of traction on social media with fans loving his unique way of paying tribute to the armed forces.&nbsp;

Mahendra Singh Dhoni sporting an Army insignia on his glove during the India-South Africa clash was well appreciated by his fans but the International Cricket Council on Thursday requested the BCCI to have the badge removed, saying it is against its regulations.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni sporting an Army insignia on his glove during the India-South Africa clash was well appreciated by his fans but the International Cricket Council on Thursday requested the BCCI to have the badge removed, saying it is against its regulations. Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager - Strategic Communications, told PTI that the apex body has requested the Indian cricket board to have the sign removed. India's next game is against Australia on Sunday. "It is against the regulations and we have requested it is removed," Furlong told PTI. When asked if Dhoni, who is an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army, could be penalised for the breach of an ICC regulation, she added, "For first breach no, just a request to remove". Dhoni's love for the Indian Army is well known. During the opening World Cup fixture against South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday, Dhoni's gloves attracted special attention when the TV cameras zoomed in. The regimental dagger insignia of the para forces was embossed on his green wicket-keeping gloves. While there is a possibility that Dhoni may have worn these gloves with the dagger insignia earlier also, it did get a lot of traction on social media with fans loving his unique way of paying tribute to the armed forces.

'Against regulations': ICC wants Indian Army insignia removed from MS Dhoni's gloves

Sachin Tendulkar believes the quality of India's batting is sufficient to make up for the deficiency of left-handed batsmen in the lineup, the cricketing great told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a>.

A left-right batting competition is of significant value in modern one-day internationals but two-time champions India&nbsp;have only one frontline southpaw in opener Shikhar Dhawan.

Spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could make that two if he is picked in the playing side, but Tendulkar is confident the team have enough firepower to overcome the shortage of left-handed batsmen.

"Ideally left-right combination is something which disturbs the bowler's line and length and also the captain has to readjust his fielding," Tendulkar, 46, said in an interview ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England on Thursday.

"But if you have good quality batters, which we do, then it really doesn't matter whether it is a left-hand right-hand combination. We have some solid batters who can deliver the punch."

With the experienced partnership of Rohit Sharma and Dhawan locked in as openers and captain Virat Kohli coming in at first drop, the 1983 and 2011 champions have a top order the rival of any in the game.

But they will go into this year's World Cup with a soft underbelly having failed to settle on a number four, with KL Rahul the favourite to fill the position after his century in Tuesday's practice match against Bangladesh.

Following next in the batting order will be veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose 341 ODI appearances makes him the most experienced player at this year's World Cup.

India's 2011 World Cup winning captain is considered the best finisher in contemporary cricket and his inputs from behind the stumps would be as important, said Tendulkar.

"It's important that someone who's standing behind the wickets has played for such a long time and has also led India and is in the best possible position to figure out what's happening off the surface," Tendulkar said.

"Whether the ball is stopping, bouncing, or skidding, whatever it is, he knows exactly how the ball is coming and he knows where the gaps are and how to close those gaps. His contribution and inputs are always going to be important.

"Other keepers also try and do the same thing but MS's experience is going to count a lot."

India boast of world's top-ranked ODI bowler in quick Jasprit Bumrah while wristspinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal also feature in the top 10.

Tendulkar, who remains the only cricketer to score 100 centuries across formats, played six consecutive World Cups from 1992 and holds the records for most runs and centuries in the tournament's history.

He is confident India have a "complete" bowling attack to win their third 50-over title.

"We have someone like Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) who swings the ball, (Mohammed) Shami who is skiddy off the pitch, Bumrah who is the number one bowler in the world in this format," said Tendulkar, a member of India's 2011 World Cup triumph at home.

"We have someone like Chahal and Kuldeep who are wristspinners. So there is variety also in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja can keep things tight.

"And we have supporting bowlers in Hardik (Pandya), Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav. So all in all a well-balanced bowling attack I would say."

2019 Edition

The World Cup returns to the 10-team format to maintain quality of the competition after featuring 14 in each of the last two editions.

The decision was criticised by former players and associate nations, who are upset at being denied the chance to rub shoulders with the top sides of the world.

"Ideally if it's called the World Cup then the world should be participating. We need to find ways to engage more teams yet keep that standard of playing high," Tendulkar said.

"It's not going to happen overnight. We need to find ways to do that. I will love to see more than 10 teams participating but also at the same time not compromise on the standard of playing.

"It's going to be a lengthy process. Lesser teams should get more exposure to get ready for big tournaments."

India suffered the ignominy of being eliminated in the opening round of the tournament in 2007 while 2019 hosts England met the same fate last time the showpiece event was held in Australia and New Zealand four years back.

But this year's format -- which will see all teams playing each other with the top four advancing to the semi-finals -- will ensure teams have a shot at redemption, according to Tendulkar.

"This format still gives you a chance to come back. You are not out even before you wake up," Tendulkar said.

Here is the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:
<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd483eb7-56fe-42b5-9175-3d50880474cd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_6.jpg" />
"Sometimes it can be harsh. Since this is the World Cup, one would want to get another chance. If it's a bad day then you have time to recover and this format allows you to recover."

Sachin Tendulkar believes the quality of India's batting is sufficient to make up for the deficiency of left-handed batsmen in the lineup, the cricketing great told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview ahead of the World Cup.

Sachin Tendulkar believes the quality of India's batting is sufficient to make up for the deficiency of left-handed batsmen in the lineup, the cricketing great told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview ahead of the World Cup. A left-right batting competition is of significant value in modern one-day internationals but two-time champions India have only one frontline southpaw in opener Shikhar Dhawan. Spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could make that two if he is picked in the playing side, but Tendulkar is confident the team have enough firepower to overcome the shortage of left-handed batsmen. "Ideally left-right combination is something which disturbs the bowler's line and length and also the captain has to readjust his fielding," Tendulkar, 46, said in an interview ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England on Thursday. "But if you have good quality batters, which we do, then it really doesn't matter whether it is a left-hand right-hand combination. We have some solid batters who can deliver the punch." With the experienced partnership of Rohit Sharma and Dhawan locked in as openers and captain Virat Kohli coming in at first drop, the 1983 and 2011 champions have a top order the rival of any in the game. But they will go into this year's World Cup with a soft underbelly having failed to settle on a number four, with KL Rahul the favourite to fill the position after his century in Tuesday's practice match against Bangladesh. Following next in the batting order will be veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose 341 ODI appearances makes him the most experienced player at this year's World Cup. India's 2011 World Cup winning captain is considered the best finisher in contemporary cricket and his inputs from behind the stumps would be as important, said Tendulkar. "It's important that someone who's standing behind the wickets has played for such a long time and has also led India and is in the best possible position to figure out what's happening off the surface," Tendulkar said. "Whether the ball is stopping, bouncing, or skidding, whatever it is, he knows exactly how the ball is coming and he knows where the gaps are and how to close those gaps. His contribution and inputs are always going to be important. "Other keepers also try and do the same thing but MS's experience is going to count a lot." India boast of world's top-ranked ODI bowler in quick Jasprit Bumrah while wristspinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal also feature in the top 10. Tendulkar, who remains the only cricketer to score 100 centuries across formats, played six consecutive World Cups from 1992 and holds the records for most runs and centuries in the tournament's history. He is confident India have a "complete" bowling attack to win their third 50-over title. "We have someone like Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) who swings the ball, (Mohammed) Shami who is skiddy off the pitch, Bumrah who is the number one bowler in the world in this format," said Tendulkar, a member of India's 2011 World Cup triumph at home. "We have someone like Chahal and Kuldeep who are wristspinners. So there is variety also in the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja can keep things tight. "And we have supporting bowlers in Hardik (Pandya), Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav. So all in all a well-balanced bowling attack I would say." 2019 Edition The World Cup returns to the 10-team format to maintain quality of the competition after featuring 14 in each of the last two editions. The decision was criticised by former players and associate nations, who are upset at being denied the chance to rub shoulders with the top sides of the world. "Ideally if it's called the World Cup then the world should be participating. We need to find ways to engage more teams yet keep that standard of playing high," Tendulkar said. "It's not going to happen overnight. We need to find ways to do that. I will love to see more than 10 teams participating but also at the same time not compromise on the standard of playing. "It's going to be a lengthy process. Lesser teams should get more exposure to get ready for big tournaments." India suffered the ignominy of being eliminated in the opening round of the tournament in 2007 while 2019 hosts England met the same fate last time the showpiece event was held in Australia and New Zealand four years back. But this year's format -- which will see all teams playing each other with the top four advancing to the semi-finals -- will ensure teams have a shot at redemption, according to Tendulkar. "This format still gives you a chance to come back. You are not out even before you wake up," Tendulkar said. Here is the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: "Sometimes it can be harsh. Since this is the World Cup, one would want to get another chance. If it's a bad day then you have time to recover and this format allows you to recover."

Southpaw shortage not a concern for India's batting: Sachin Tendulkar

Fans have gathered, the hosts are ready and the stage is set for the twelfth edition of Cricket World Cup, which will begin with the opening match between England and South Africa on May 30.&nbsp;

The warm-up matches are over and teams have done all necessary preparations for the big event, the participating countries will look to play a better game of cricket to win the tournament, clinching one of the most coveted trophies of the sporting world.&nbsp;

The format of the World Cup 2019 will be round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages.

England, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and West Indies are the participating countries.&nbsp;

This is the fifth World Cup that will be held in England and Wales. The previous ones were in 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999.&nbsp;

England launch the World Cup&nbsp;as favourites to bludgeon their way to victory for the first time but will fear a Virat Kohli-inspired India and a hungry Australia.

The host nation have never won the tournament, with the last of their three losing appearances in the final coming in 1992, but there is a growing sense their current crop of players can end 45 years of pain.

Boasting a plethora of big-hitting white-ball specialists, England are the top-ranked team in the 50-over game, while Kohli's India are also packed with superstars who have honed their skills in the Indian Premier League.

Reigning champions Australia, who won their fifth title in 2015, are boosted by the returns of star batsmen Smith and David Warner after both served bans for their role in a ball-tampering scandal.

New Zealand and South Africa will also harbour hopes of World Cup glory in the 10-team tournament, in which each side will play all the others to decide the semi-finalists.

Former winners Pakistan can never be ruled out and West Indies, featuring self-styled "Universe Boss" Chris Gayle for possibly the final time in ODIs, will fancy their chances of a first World Cup triumph since 1979.

In an age in which astonishing run-scoring feats have become commonplace, it may be the hard-pressed bowlers who determine the destiny of this year's title, depending on the conditions for the event, which runs from May 30 until July 14.

Here is the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:
<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="199002da-69ec-4129-9162-f2166a372c8c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_5.jpg" />
And the all-play-all format guarantees nine pay-days each for the world's leading cricket nations.&nbsp;

Fans have gathered, the hosts are ready and the stage is set for the twelfth edition of Cricket World Cup, which will begin with the opening match between England and South Africa on May 30.

Fans have gathered, the hosts are ready and the stage is set for the twelfth edition of Cricket World Cup, which will begin with the opening match between England and South Africa on May 30. The warm-up matches are over and teams have done all necessary preparations for the big event, the participating countries will look to play a better game of cricket to win the tournament, clinching one of the most coveted trophies of the sporting world. The format of the World Cup 2019 will be round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages. England, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and West Indies are the participating countries. This is the fifth World Cup that will be held in England and Wales. The previous ones were in 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999. England launch the World Cup as favourites to bludgeon their way to victory for the first time but will fear a Virat Kohli-inspired India and a hungry Australia. The host nation have never won the tournament, with the last of their three losing appearances in the final coming in 1992, but there is a growing sense their current crop of players can end 45 years of pain. Boasting a plethora of big-hitting white-ball specialists, England are the top-ranked team in the 50-over game, while Kohli's India are also packed with superstars who have honed their skills in the Indian Premier League. Reigning champions Australia, who won their fifth title in 2015, are boosted by the returns of star batsmen Smith and David Warner after both served bans for their role in a ball-tampering scandal. New Zealand and South Africa will also harbour hopes of World Cup glory in the 10-team tournament, in which each side will play all the others to decide the semi-finalists. Former winners Pakistan can never be ruled out and West Indies, featuring self-styled "Universe Boss" Chris Gayle for possibly the final time in ODIs, will fancy their chances of a first World Cup triumph since 1979. In an age in which astonishing run-scoring feats have become commonplace, it may be the hard-pressed bowlers who determine the destiny of this year's title, depending on the conditions for the event, which runs from May 30 until July 14. Here is the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: And the all-play-all format guarantees nine pay-days each for the world's leading cricket nations.

One day to go before Cricket World Cup frenzy begins

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed a century in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-kl-rahul-hit-tons-as-india-beat-bangladesh-in-world-cup-warm-up-222416">World Cup warm-up match</a> against Bangladesh at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Dhoni reached his century off 73 balls and went on to score 113 before losing his wicket to left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan in the final over.

But it was not his century that grabbed the attention of spectators as he is making headlines when he changed the fielder's position of the opposition team.&nbsp;

While batting in the 40th over of the Indian innings, Dhoni stopped Bangladesh leg-spinner Sabbir Rahman on his tracks and asked him to move the square-leg fielder towards his left.&nbsp;

The fun part, Sabbir Rahman moved the fielder as advised by Dhoni without even asking his captain Masrafe Mortaza.

Watch the video:

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RT abhymurarka: In yesterday's warm-up match, Dhoni stopped bowler Sabbir Rahman and advised him to move his fielder from wid-wicket to square leg in the 40th over. The bowler agreed. 
That's the level of involvement he brings to his game.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Captain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Captain</a> <a href="https://t.co/qfIrWns6OK">pic.twitter.com/qfIrWns6OK</a>
— 💰Equity Tracker💹 (@moneyzs786) <a href="https://twitter.com/moneyzs786/status/1133597365850583040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Seems like Dhoni can make the opposition play in favor of him <a href="https://t.co/ZDFjvznTux">https://t.co/ZDFjvznTux</a>
— saratkasyapa (@Saratkasyapa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saratkasyapa/status/1133601601329999877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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MSD <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> gets involved in cricket so much that he sets field for other teams as well <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCWorldCup2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCWorldCup2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCBtigers</a> <a href="https://t.co/lzUIuSa4HF">https://t.co/lzUIuSa4HF</a>
— Narendra Nerla (@nerlanr) <a href="https://twitter.com/nerlanr/status/1133655782845583360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Despite quitting ODI and T20 captaincy in 2017, three years after he retired from Test cricket, Dhoni still remains the cricketing brain behind the Indian team, something even skipper Virat Kohli has acknowledged.&nbsp;

In the match,&nbsp;India eased to a 95-run victory over Bangladesh after centuries from Lokesh Rahul and Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped them post a mammoth total of 359.
<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b16eb0bb-2144-4820-b02e-9c6ff2b92828" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_2.jpg" />
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first but, despite removing openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma cheaply, they failed to take advantage of bowler-friendly conditions in the morning session in Cardiff.&nbsp;

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed a century in the World Cup warm-up match against Bangladesh at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens on Tuesday. Dhoni reached his century off 73 balls and went on to score 113 before losing his wicket to left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan in the final over.

Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed a century in the World Cup warm-up match against Bangladesh at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens on Tuesday. Dhoni reached his century off 73 balls and went on to score 113 before losing his wicket to left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan in the final over. But it was not his century that grabbed the attention of spectators as he is making headlines when he changed the fielder's position of the opposition team. While batting in the 40th over of the Indian innings, Dhoni stopped Bangladesh leg-spinner Sabbir Rahman on his tracks and asked him to move the square-leg fielder towards his left. The fun part, Sabbir Rahman moved the fielder as advised by Dhoni without even asking his captain Masrafe Mortaza. Watch the video: RT abhymurarka: In yesterday's warm-up match, Dhoni stopped bowler Sabbir Rahman and advised him to move his fielder from wid-wicket to square leg in the 40th over. The bowler agreed. That's the level of involvement he brings to his game.#Captain pic.twitter.com/qfIrWns6OK — 💰Equity Tracker💹 (@moneyzs786) May 29, 2019 × ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Seems like Dhoni can make the opposition play in favor of him https://t.co/ZDFjvznTux — saratkasyapa (@Saratkasyapa) May 29, 2019 × MSD @msdhoni gets involved in cricket so much that he sets field for other teams as well #ICCWorldCup2019 #INDvBAN @BCCI @BCBtigers https://t.co/lzUIuSa4HF — Narendra Nerla (@nerlanr) May 29, 2019 × Despite quitting ODI and T20 captaincy in 2017, three years after he retired from Test cricket, Dhoni still remains the cricketing brain behind the Indian team, something even skipper Virat Kohli has acknowledged. In the match, India eased to a 95-run victory over Bangladesh after centuries from Lokesh Rahul and Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped them post a mammoth total of 359. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first but, despite removing openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma cheaply, they failed to take advantage of bowler-friendly conditions in the morning session in Cardiff.

Watch: MS Dhoni sets field for Bangladesh while batting in World Cup warm-up match

Bangladesh young pacer Mohammad Saifuddin bowled brilliantly to take the wicket of Indian skipper Virat Kohli in the warm-up match on Tuesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the help of an inch-perfect yorker, Saifuddin dismissed Kohli, who was playing at the score 47.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli failed to judge the yorker and lost his wicket when the ball crashed the leg stump after touching his pad.&nbsp;

After taking Virat's wicket, Saifuddin performed an army-salute-like gesture in celebration.&nbsp;

Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl against India in their second World Cup warm-up match at&nbsp;Cardiff's&nbsp;Sophia Gardens.&nbsp;

Bangladesh will&nbsp;start their campaign against South Africa at the Oval in London on June 2.&nbsp;

While India will also start their tournament&nbsp;against South Africa&nbsp;on June 5.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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Virat Kohli bowled by Young Saif. A big and dream wicket for this young fast bowler from Bangladesh 🇧🇩.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> <a href="https://t.co/CqTuMJEQQP">pic.twitter.com/CqTuMJEQQP</a>
— Ahmer Najeeb (@AhmerNajeeb) <a href="https://twitter.com/AhmerNajeeb/status/1133339570127409152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kedar Jadhav is still recovering from the shoulder injury but Vijay Shankar is back in the Indian team.&nbsp;

The six-wicket defeat against New Zealand, however, won't be a big worry for Virat Kohli as he has some bigger issues to take care of.

India's primary objective during the practice games is to fix their middle-order problems but the two protagonists, who are likely to fill in the important Nos 4 and 6 in the tournament proper, have not fully recovered from their respective injuries.

While Kedar injured his left shoulder during the IPL, Shankar was hit in the nets by a Khaleel Ahmed short ball.

Bangladesh young pacer Mohammad Saifuddin bowled brilliantly to take the wicket of Indian skipper Virat Kohli in the warm-up match on Tuesday. With the help of an inch-perfect yorker, Saifuddin dismissed Kohli, who was playing at the score 47.

Bangladesh young pacer Mohammad Saifuddin bowled brilliantly to take the wicket of Indian skipper Virat Kohli in the warm-up match on Tuesday. With the help of an inch-perfect yorker, Saifuddin dismissed Kohli, who was playing at the score 47. Virat Kohli failed to judge the yorker and lost his wicket when the ball crashed the leg stump after touching his pad. After taking Virat's wicket, Saifuddin performed an army-salute-like gesture in celebration. Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl against India in their second World Cup warm-up match at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens. Bangladesh will start their campaign against South Africa at the Oval in London on June 2. While India will also start their tournament against South Africa on June 5. Watch the video here: Virat Kohli bowled by Young Saif. A big and dream wicket for this young fast bowler from Bangladesh 🇧🇩.#INDvsBAN #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/CqTuMJEQQP — Ahmer Najeeb (@AhmerNajeeb) May 28, 2019 × Kedar Jadhav is still recovering from the shoulder injury but Vijay Shankar is back in the Indian team. The six-wicket defeat against New Zealand, however, won't be a big worry for Virat Kohli as he has some bigger issues to take care of. India's primary objective during the practice games is to fix their middle-order problems but the two protagonists, who are likely to fill in the important Nos 4 and 6 in the tournament proper, have not fully recovered from their respective injuries. While Kedar injured his left shoulder during the IPL, Shankar was hit in the nets by a Khaleel Ahmed short ball.

Watch: Mohammad Saifuddin dismisses Virat Kohli with a stunning yorker in warm-up match

Cricket, a game of bat-and-ball played between two teams of eleven players on a field with plenty of guidelines and rules, requires sheer hard work. In spite of that, luck plays an important role.&nbsp;

Australia have been the most successful team in World Cup history after winning it five times but there have been teams which were down on their luck.&nbsp;

Pakistan, South Africa and England have been unlucky in their World Cup outings but in the upcoming tournament, all three will be looking to somehow beat the jinx associated with them.&nbsp;

Pakistan's jinx in Indo-Pak rivalry...

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most celebrated rivalries in cricket and the fans go beyond all the boundaries to support their respective teams and when it comes to the bigger stage, the World Cup, the madness increases.&nbsp;

Since 1992, India and Pakistan have locked horns for a total of six times in Cricket World Cup but Pakistan have never defeated India.&nbsp;

However, Pakistan veteran Moin Khan believes this is going to end at this World Cup.&nbsp;

"This present team is very capable of recording a first win over India in a World Cup because there is talent, there are depth and variety and Sarfaraz Ahmed has now gelled the squad well," Moin said.&nbsp;

"I say this because our boys beat them (India) in the Champions Trophy two years back and I just feel that in English conditions in June we have better bowlers," Moin added.

In the upcoming World Cup, India and Pakistan will play again on June 16 at the Old Trafford.&nbsp;

South Africa and the World Cup pressure!

When it comes to the South African team's run at mega tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup, history has proven how inconsistent they have been when it comes to handling the pressure.&nbsp;

The last time the Proteas had managed to win any big tournament was way back in 1998 when South Africa lifted the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy.&nbsp;

However, the South African paceman Dale Steyn is confident that his side can end their Cricket World Cup jinx and get to the final in this edition. 
&nbsp; 
"If you're not going to the World Cup expecting to win, then you probably shouldn't go. But I'm not going to lie, we have some fantastic players. We just need to go there and hope (for) a bit of luck - weather, a missed no-ball - goes your way, and you could win the tournament", &nbsp;said Steyn.

Will England lift the World Cup trophy?

England, boasting a plethora of big-hitting white-ball specialists, are the top-ranked team in the 50-over game and will undoubtedly start the tournament as favourites.&nbsp;

England have never won a men's World Cup, with the last of their three losing appearances in the final coming in 1992.

A limp first-round departure at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was the catalyst for a transformation in England's white-ball game based on aggressive batting, as exemplified by the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler.

England are now even threatening to smash the 500-run barrier for the first time in an ODI innings, having set a new record total of 481 for six against Australia in Nottingham last year.&nbsp;

England have hosted the World Cup four times previously, and this will be the fifth Cup to be hosted by them.&nbsp;

Their best performances were in 1979, 1987 and 1992 when they ended up being the runner-ups. &nbsp;

Former captain Alastair Cook believes England have an "outstanding chance" to lift the World Cup on home soil.&nbsp;

"There are match winners throughout the squad, there are batsmen that can win games on their own, and over the last six or eight months the bowling has really come on. I think they are going to win it", Cook said.

Cricket, a game of bat-and-ball played between two teams of eleven players on a field with plenty of guidelines and rules, requires sheer hard work. In spite of that, luck plays an important role.

Cricket, a game of bat-and-ball played between two teams of eleven players on a field with plenty of guidelines and rules, requires sheer hard work. In spite of that, luck plays an important role. Australia have been the most successful team in World Cup history after winning it five times but there have been teams which were down on their luck. Pakistan, South Africa and England have been unlucky in their World Cup outings but in the upcoming tournament, all three will be looking to somehow beat the jinx associated with them. Pakistan's jinx in Indo-Pak rivalry... The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most celebrated rivalries in cricket and the fans go beyond all the boundaries to support their respective teams and when it comes to the bigger stage, the World Cup, the madness increases. Since 1992, India and Pakistan have locked horns for a total of six times in Cricket World Cup but Pakistan have never defeated India. However, Pakistan veteran Moin Khan believes this is going to end at this World Cup. "This present team is very capable of recording a first win over India in a World Cup because there is talent, there are depth and variety and Sarfaraz Ahmed has now gelled the squad well," Moin said. "I say this because our boys beat them (India) in the Champions Trophy two years back and I just feel that in English conditions in June we have better bowlers," Moin added. In the upcoming World Cup, India and Pakistan will play again on June 16 at the Old Trafford. South Africa and the World Cup pressure! When it comes to the South African team's run at mega tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup, history has proven how inconsistent they have been when it comes to handling the pressure. The last time the Proteas had managed to win any big tournament was way back in 1998 when South Africa lifted the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy. However, the South African paceman Dale Steyn is confident that his side can end their Cricket World Cup jinx and get to the final in this edition. "If you're not going to the World Cup expecting to win, then you probably shouldn't go. But I'm not going to lie, we have some fantastic players. We just need to go there and hope (for) a bit of luck - weather, a missed no-ball - goes your way, and you could win the tournament", said Steyn. Will England lift the World Cup trophy? England, boasting a plethora of big-hitting white-ball specialists, are the top-ranked team in the 50-over game and will undoubtedly start the tournament as favourites. England have never won a men's World Cup, with the last of their three losing appearances in the final coming in 1992. A limp first-round departure at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was the catalyst for a transformation in England's white-ball game based on aggressive batting, as exemplified by the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler. England are now even threatening to smash the 500-run barrier for the first time in an ODI innings, having set a new record total of 481 for six against Australia in Nottingham last year. England have hosted the World Cup four times previously, and this will be the fifth Cup to be hosted by them. Their best performances were in 1979, 1987 and 1992 when they ended up being the runner-ups. Former captain Alastair Cook believes England have an "outstanding chance" to lift the World Cup on home soil. "There are match winners throughout the squad, there are batsmen that can win games on their own, and over the last six or eight months the bowling has really come on. I think they are going to win it", Cook said.

Pakistan's World Cup jinx against India & England, South Africa's horror history

India and England managed to retain top spots in the Test and ODI team rankings respectively, following the annual update of the ICC rankings on Thursday.&nbsp;

The rankings were updated after series results from 2015-16 were removed, and outcomes from 2016-17 and 2017-18 are weighted at 50 per cent, an ICC statement read.

England are the number one ranked ODI team with less than a month to go for the 2019 World Cup, but India have managed to narrow the gap to just two points.

India's lead over second-placed New Zealand in the Test rankings has narrowed from eight to two points.&nbsp;

India were on 116 points and New Zealand on 108 before the update but Virat Kohli-led side's 3-0 win over South Africa and a 2-1 win in

Sri Lanka being purged as part of the 2015-16 season sees them losing three points while New Zealand's two 2-0 defeats to Australia being removed sees them gain three points.

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India and England continue their reign atop the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Men's Team Rankings in Tests and ODIs after the annual update!<a href="https://t.co/t7TEpvzIhR">https://t.co/t7TEpvzIhR</a>
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In the only change of positions on the table, England have overtaken Australia to the fourth position and are on 105 points. Australia are on 98 points after dropping six points as they had won four of the five series in 2015-16, no more part of the calculations.&nbsp;

In another significant movement, the gap between seventh-placed Pakistan and eighth-placed West Indies has trimmed from 11 to two points.

In the ODI rankings, England have retained the top spot, but to go into the World Cup as the top-ranked side, they will need to beat Ireland in an upcoming one-off ODI and then beat Pakistan 3-2 or better in a home series, or lose to Ireland but then beat Pakistan 4-1 or better.

South Africa have overtaken New Zealand into the third position while another change in positions sees the West Indies moving ahead of Sri Lanka to seventh place.&nbsp;

No team has dropped out of the top 10, thus ensuring that the World Cup will see the 10 top-ranked sides in action.

Three of the four teams awarded ODI status at the end of the World Cricket League Division 2 will join the rankings once they have played the requisite eight qualifying matches.&nbsp;

However, Papua New Guinea has joined the rankings immediately having played several ODIs prior to April 2018.&nbsp;

The Netherlands, who already had ODI status, will need to play two more ODIs to achieve a ranking.

India and England managed to retain top spots in the Test and ODI team rankings respectively, following the annual update of the ICC rankings on Thursday. The rankings were updated after series results from 2015-16 were removed, and outcomes from 2016-17 and 2017-18 are weighted at 50 per cent, an ICC statement read.

India and England managed to retain top spots in the Test and ODI team rankings respectively, following the annual update of the ICC rankings on Thursday. The rankings were updated after series results from 2015-16 were removed, and outcomes from 2016-17 and 2017-18 are weighted at 50 per cent, an ICC statement read. England are the number one ranked ODI team with less than a month to go for the 2019 World Cup, but India have managed to narrow the gap to just two points. India's lead over second-placed New Zealand in the Test rankings has narrowed from eight to two points. India were on 116 points and New Zealand on 108 before the update but Virat Kohli-led side's 3-0 win over South Africa and a 2-1 win in Sri Lanka being purged as part of the 2015-16 season sees them losing three points while New Zealand's two 2-0 defeats to Australia being removed sees them gain three points. India and England continue their reign atop the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's Team Rankings in Tests and ODIs after the annual update!https://t.co/t7TEpvzIhR — ICC (@ICC) May 2, 2019 × In the only change of positions on the table, England have overtaken Australia to the fourth position and are on 105 points. Australia are on 98 points after dropping six points as they had won four of the five series in 2015-16, no more part of the calculations. In another significant movement, the gap between seventh-placed Pakistan and eighth-placed West Indies has trimmed from 11 to two points. In the ODI rankings, England have retained the top spot, but to go into the World Cup as the top-ranked side, they will need to beat Ireland in an upcoming one-off ODI and then beat Pakistan 3-2 or better in a home series, or lose to Ireland but then beat Pakistan 4-1 or better. South Africa have overtaken New Zealand into the third position while another change in positions sees the West Indies moving ahead of Sri Lanka to seventh place. No team has dropped out of the top 10, thus ensuring that the World Cup will see the 10 top-ranked sides in action. Three of the four teams awarded ODI status at the end of the World Cricket League Division 2 will join the rankings once they have played the requisite eight qualifying matches. However, Papua New Guinea has joined the rankings immediately having played several ODIs prior to April 2018. The Netherlands, who already had ODI status, will need to play two more ODIs to achieve a ranking.

India, England top Test and ODI rankings after annual update

In a first, all the 10 participating teams of the upcoming ODI World Cup will have a dedicated anti-corruption officer attached with it to deliver a corruption-free tournament, according to a report.&nbsp;

The report in the 'Daily Telegraph' said the ICC will attach an anti-corruption official with each team starting from warm-up matches till the end of the tournament.&nbsp;

"Previously, the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit had personnel deployed at each venue, meaning that teams would deal with a number of officials over the course of a tournament," the report said.&nbsp;

"Now, the same official will be assigned to a team from the warm-up matches to the end of the competition, staying in the same hotel as the players and travelling with them to training and matches."&nbsp;

It said the move was part of ICC Anti-Corruption Unit's effort to deliver a fixing and corruption-free World Cup and also an effort to build better relations between players and the ACU. &nbsp;

"By being with teams throughout the competition, it is also thought that anti-corruption officials will be better placed to spot any potential corruptors who lurk near players or back-room staff and so identify any behaviour that may be suspicious," the report further stated.

In a first, all the 10 participating teams of the upcoming ODI World Cup will have a dedicated anti-corruption officer attached with it to deliver a corruption-free tournament, according to a report.

In a first, all the 10 participating teams of the upcoming ODI World Cup will have a dedicated anti-corruption officer attached with it to deliver a corruption-free tournament, according to a report. The report in the 'Daily Telegraph' said the ICC will attach an anti-corruption official with each team starting from warm-up matches till the end of the tournament. "Previously, the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit had personnel deployed at each venue, meaning that teams would deal with a number of officials over the course of a tournament," the report said. "Now, the same official will be assigned to a team from the warm-up matches to the end of the competition, staying in the same hotel as the players and travelling with them to training and matches." It said the move was part of ICC Anti-Corruption Unit's effort to deliver a fixing and corruption-free World Cup and also an effort to build better relations between players and the ACU. "By being with teams throughout the competition, it is also thought that anti-corruption officials will be better placed to spot any potential corruptors who lurk near players or back-room staff and so identify any behaviour that may be suspicious," the report further stated.

Every team to have dedicated anti-corruption officer during World Cup?

Former India women cricketer GS Lakshmi on Tuesday became the first female to be appointed to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-england-top-test-and-odi-rankings-after-annual-update-215324&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3jvGW6priAhUIwI8KHYXKD0Y4ChAWMAh6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0IXY23VpZIaMecW8IwXCZQ">ICC </a>International Panel of Match Referees.

The 51-year-old, who first officiated as a match referee in domestic women's cricket in 2008-09, has overseen three women's ODI matches and as many women's T20I games.

"To be selected in the international panel by the ICC is a huge honour for me as it opens up new avenues. I have had a long career as a cricketer in India and also as a Match Referee. I hope to put my experience both as a player and as a match official to good use on the international circuit," Lakshmi said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ICC, officials at the BCCI, my seniors in the cricketing circuit, my family and colleagues who have supported me over the years. I hope to live up to their expectations by doing my job to the best of my ability," she added.

Following close on the heels of Claire Polosak, who earlier this month became the first ever woman umpire to stand in a men's ODI, Lakshmi will be eligible to referee international games with immediate effect.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-first-woman-umpire-to-stand-in-mens-odi-213896&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7yMvT6priAhXJM48KHcsWDFMQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0g7teBXWV2VJexSloQWhwK">Australia's Eloise Sheridan</a> has joined compatriot Polosak on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires, taking the number of women on that panel to an unprecedented eight.

Sheridan was the reserve umpire for two matches in the Men's Big Bash League 2018-19 and umpired four matches in the Women's Big Bash League the same year.

In October 2018, she became the first woman in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/humble-aussies-head-to-gallipoli-for-world-cup-inspiration-217745&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwizvey36priAhVU6nMBHeaPCSQQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2rgbDdWu96Zc4qjCdvB_6W">Australia </a>to umpire a men's first-grade Premier Cricket final.

"As a player, cricket allowed me to travel, meet wonderful people and share a mutual love for the game. It is great now to be able to continue my involvement in cricket in a different role and give something back to the game that has been such a big part of my life. I couldn`t take up opportunities like this without the continued support of the South Australian Cricket Association and Cricket Australia, as well as my very understanding partner," Sheridan said.

Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Shivani Mishra, Sue Redfern, Mary Waldron, and Jacqueline Williams are the other women officials on the panel.

The first woman on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires was Kathy Cross, who retired last year.

Meanwhile, Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager - Umpires and Referees said, "We welcome Lakshmi and Eloise to our panels, which is an important step forward in our commitment to encouraging women officials. It is heartening to see their progress and I am sure many more women will be inspired to follow their example. I wish them all the best for a long and enjoyable career."

"We are committed to ensuring greater gender parity among our officials, but all appointments are made purely on merit. The elevation is as a result of a thorough evaluation process that identifies the most talented match officials breaking through to an international level. It is pleasing that through consistently high performance we are able to add more women to our panels," Griffith added.

Former India women cricketer GS Lakshmi on Tuesday became the first female to be appointed to the ICC International Panel of Match Referees. The 51-year-old, who first officiated as a match referee in domestic women's cricket in 2008-09, has overseen three women's ODI matches and as many women's T20I games.

Former India women cricketer GS Lakshmi on Tuesday became the first female to be appointed to the ICC International Panel of Match Referees. The 51-year-old, who first officiated as a match referee in domestic women's cricket in 2008-09, has overseen three women's ODI matches and as many women's T20I games. "To be selected in the international panel by the ICC is a huge honour for me as it opens up new avenues. I have had a long career as a cricketer in India and also as a Match Referee. I hope to put my experience both as a player and as a match official to good use on the international circuit," Lakshmi said. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ICC, officials at the BCCI, my seniors in the cricketing circuit, my family and colleagues who have supported me over the years. I hope to live up to their expectations by doing my job to the best of my ability," she added. Following close on the heels of Claire Polosak, who earlier this month became the first ever woman umpire to stand in a men's ODI, Lakshmi will be eligible to referee international games with immediate effect. Australia's Eloise Sheridan has joined compatriot Polosak on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires, taking the number of women on that panel to an unprecedented eight. Sheridan was the reserve umpire for two matches in the Men's Big Bash League 2018-19 and umpired four matches in the Women's Big Bash League the same year. In October 2018, she became the first woman in Australia to umpire a men's first-grade Premier Cricket final. "As a player, cricket allowed me to travel, meet wonderful people and share a mutual love for the game. It is great now to be able to continue my involvement in cricket in a different role and give something back to the game that has been such a big part of my life. I couldn`t take up opportunities like this without the continued support of the South Australian Cricket Association and Cricket Australia, as well as my very understanding partner," Sheridan said. Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Shivani Mishra, Sue Redfern, Mary Waldron, and Jacqueline Williams are the other women officials on the panel. The first woman on the ICC Development Panel of Umpires was Kathy Cross, who retired last year. Meanwhile, Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager - Umpires and Referees said, "We welcome Lakshmi and Eloise to our panels, which is an important step forward in our commitment to encouraging women officials. It is heartening to see their progress and I am sure many more women will be inspired to follow their example. I wish them all the best for a long and enjoyable career." "We are committed to ensuring greater gender parity among our officials, but all appointments are made purely on merit. The elevation is as a result of a thorough evaluation process that identifies the most talented match officials breaking through to an international level. It is pleasing that through consistently high performance we are able to add more women to our panels," Griffith added.

Ex-Indian cricketer GS Lakshmi becomes first female ICC match referee

England left out rising star Jofra Archer as they made changes for the second one-day international against Pakistan at Southampton on Saturday. &nbsp;

Although, England just did enough to beat Pakistan by 12 runs in the match and took a 1-0 in the five-match series. World Cup hosts England, top of the ODI rankings, made 373 for three with Jos Buttler hitting 110 not out.

But ahead of the World Cup, the English side have to make tough decisions related to the squad selection.&nbsp;

England have 17 members in their squad for the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan, of which only 15 will make the cut for the World Cup.&nbsp;

Jofra Archer wasn't named in the original CWC squad, which leaves England with some tough calls to make.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, a couple of guys from this 17 will miss out, and it's going to be a tough decision, regardless of how they perform in the rest of this series because of what they've contributed over a long period of time," England captain Eoin Morgan said.&nbsp;

In the match against Pakistan, left-arm quick David Willey came in for Archer, fit-again opener Jason Roy returned in place of James Vince, left out on his Hampshire home ground, and Moeen Ali was recalled in place of fellow spinner Joe Denly for this day game.&nbsp;

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Jofra Archer❓ 
Liam Plunkett❓ 
Chris Woakes❓ 
Chris Jordan❓ 
Tom Curran❓ 
David Willey❓ 
 
Who will make 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿's final <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> squad? Skipper <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> has his say ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/W09vAwhuKT">https://t.co/W09vAwhuKT</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1127476000139423744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Willey will now essentially be competing for World Cup spots with Archer, Liam Plunkett, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan and Tom Curran.&nbsp;

Willey, Plunkett and Woakes are the more experienced of the lot, while Jordan and Curran are yet to play a game in the series.&nbsp;

After the departure of Alex Hales, it will be interesting to see who will eventually make it to the World Cup squad which has to be finalised before May 23.&nbsp;

England left out rising star Jofra Archer as they made changes for the second one-day international against Pakistan at Southampton on Saturday. Although, England just did enough to beat Pakistan by 12 runs in the match and took a 1-0 in the five-match series.

England left out rising star Jofra Archer as they made changes for the second one-day international against Pakistan at Southampton on Saturday. Although, England just did enough to beat Pakistan by 12 runs in the match and took a 1-0 in the five-match series. World Cup hosts England, top of the ODI rankings, made 373 for three with Jos Buttler hitting 110 not out. But ahead of the World Cup, the English side have to make tough decisions related to the squad selection. England have 17 members in their squad for the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan, of which only 15 will make the cut for the World Cup. Jofra Archer wasn't named in the original CWC squad, which leaves England with some tough calls to make. "Unfortunately, a couple of guys from this 17 will miss out, and it's going to be a tough decision, regardless of how they perform in the rest of this series because of what they've contributed over a long period of time," England captain Eoin Morgan said. In the match against Pakistan, left-arm quick David Willey came in for Archer, fit-again opener Jason Roy returned in place of James Vince, left out on his Hampshire home ground, and Moeen Ali was recalled in place of fellow spinner Joe Denly for this day game. Jofra Archer❓ Liam Plunkett❓ Chris Woakes❓ Chris Jordan❓ Tom Curran❓ David Willey❓ Who will make 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿's final #CWC19 squad? Skipper @Eoin16 has his say ⬇️https://t.co/W09vAwhuKT — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 12, 2019 × Willey will now essentially be competing for World Cup spots with Archer, Liam Plunkett, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan and Tom Curran. Willey, Plunkett and Woakes are the more experienced of the lot, while Jordan and Curran are yet to play a game in the series. After the departure of Alex Hales, it will be interesting to see who will eventually make it to the World Cup squad which has to be finalised before May 23.

How England's final World Cup squad will shape up?

Former Sri Lankan Test players Nuwan Zoysa and Avishka Gunawardene have been charged with match-fixing and given two weeks to respond, the International Cricket Council announced Friday.

The charges against the two cricketers relate to a T10 league played in the United Arab Emirates in December, the ICC said.

Zoysa was charged under four counts, including for "being a party to an agreement to influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of a match".

The ICC slapped two charges against Gunawardene, one for soliciting a match-fixing breach and the other for failing to inform the Anti-Corruption Unit of the ICC.

The charges are the latest in a spate of match-fixing controversies to hit former world champions Sri Lanka in recent months.

Three months ago, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sanath-jayasuriya-guilty-of-breaching-anti-corruption-code-banned-for-2-years-by-icc-199876&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDvLbgtpDiAhX1_XMBHVktDZEQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2R-3BCJaB34a_dY_vTCgZv">ICC banned Sri Lanka's former skipper and ex-chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya</a> from all forms of the game for two years for failing to cooperate with an anti-corruption investigation.

Last month, ex-Sri Lanka fast bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was suspended over three match corruption accusations.

And last year, a match-fixing controversy blew up after a sting operation for a TV documentary.

In December, Sri Lanka's Sports minister Harin Fernando announced that the country has been rated as the most corrupt cricket nation by the ICC, the world governing body of the sport.

Former Sri Lankan Test players Nuwan Zoysa and Avishka Gunawardene have been charged with match-fixing and given two weeks to respond, the International Cricket Council announced Friday.

Former Sri Lankan Test players Nuwan Zoysa and Avishka Gunawardene have been charged with match-fixing and given two weeks to respond, the International Cricket Council announced Friday. The charges against the two cricketers relate to a T10 league played in the United Arab Emirates in December, the ICC said. Zoysa was charged under four counts, including for "being a party to an agreement to influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of a match". The ICC slapped two charges against Gunawardene, one for soliciting a match-fixing breach and the other for failing to inform the Anti-Corruption Unit of the ICC. The charges are the latest in a spate of match-fixing controversies to hit former world champions Sri Lanka in recent months. Three months ago, the ICC banned Sri Lanka's former skipper and ex-chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya from all forms of the game for two years for failing to cooperate with an anti-corruption investigation. Last month, ex-Sri Lanka fast bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was suspended over three match corruption accusations. And last year, a match-fixing controversy blew up after a sting operation for a TV documentary. In December, Sri Lanka's Sports minister Harin Fernando announced that the country has been rated as the most corrupt cricket nation by the ICC, the world governing body of the sport.

Ex-Sri Lanka Test players charged with match-fixing

ICC World Cup 2019: All teams and their squad list

Just 24 days to go!

ICC Cricket World Cup is arriving soon and the teams are preparing to display their best performance to clinch the coveted trophy. Squads have been announced for the cricket war but before it begins, let's analyse how the teams have been stacked up. &nbsp;

Oldest squad 
In the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, Sri Lankan contingent is the oldest with an average age of 29.9. Jeevan Mendis, who has not played a single One-Day-International match since 2015, is included along with Lasith Malinga, 35, and Suranga Lakmal, 32.&nbsp;

Batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and all-rounders Milinda Siriwardana got places.&nbsp;

Opening batsman Avishka Fernando and paceman Nuwan Pradeep were also included in the squad for the tournament.&nbsp;

South Africa posses the tournament's oldest player, the leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who is 40-year-old.&nbsp;

Besides Sri Lanka, South Africa and England also have a mix of veteran and young guns, with average squad ages of 29.5.&nbsp;

The 1996 champions kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Cardiff on June 1.

Sri Lanka's complete squad: 
Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Isuru Udana, Milinda Siriwardana, Avishka Fernando, Jeevan Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal.&nbsp;

Youngest squad 
On the other hand, with an average of 27.3, Pakistan's squad is the youngest squad at this summer's Cricket World Cup. It is followed very closely by Afghanistan (27.4).&nbsp;

Pakistan will enter the tournament with 19-year-old pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain.&nbsp;

While Afghanistan's 18-year-old Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the youngest player at the tournament.&nbsp;

Mohammad Hafeez was included in the World Cup squad subject to fully recovering from a fractured thumb he sustained during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February this year.&nbsp;

Pakistan selectors&nbsp;left out pacer spearhead Mohammad Amir from the preliminary 15-man squad but he is included in the 17-man squad,&nbsp;as one of two additions to the 15-man Cup squad, for the five-match one-day series against England from May 5-19 and can regain a place for the World Cup if he performs well.

There was a surprise World Cup call-up for 19-year-old rookie fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain who bowled at 150kph in the PSL earlier this year.&nbsp;

Pakistan's complete squad: 
Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Hassan Ali, Abid Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Sohail.&nbsp;

Just 24 days to go! ICC Cricket World Cup is arriving soon and the teams are preparing to display their best performance to clinch the coveted trophy. Squads have been announced for the cricket war but before it begins, let's analyse how the teams have been stacked up.

Just 24 days to go! ICC Cricket World Cup is arriving soon and the teams are preparing to display their best performance to clinch the coveted trophy. Squads have been announced for the cricket war but before it begins, let's analyse how the teams have been stacked up. Oldest squad In the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, Sri Lankan contingent is the oldest with an average age of 29.9. Jeevan Mendis, who has not played a single One-Day-International match since 2015, is included along with Lasith Malinga, 35, and Suranga Lakmal, 32. Batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and all-rounders Milinda Siriwardana got places. Opening batsman Avishka Fernando and paceman Nuwan Pradeep were also included in the squad for the tournament. South Africa posses the tournament's oldest player, the leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who is 40-year-old. Besides Sri Lanka, South Africa and England also have a mix of veteran and young guns, with average squad ages of 29.5. The 1996 champions kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Cardiff on June 1. Sri Lanka's complete squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Isuru Udana, Milinda Siriwardana, Avishka Fernando, Jeevan Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal. Youngest squad On the other hand, with an average of 27.3, Pakistan's squad is the youngest squad at this summer's Cricket World Cup. It is followed very closely by Afghanistan (27.4). Pakistan will enter the tournament with 19-year-old pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain. While Afghanistan's 18-year-old Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the youngest player at the tournament. Mohammad Hafeez was included in the World Cup squad subject to fully recovering from a fractured thumb he sustained during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in February this year. Pakistan selectors left out pacer spearhead Mohammad Amir from the preliminary 15-man squad but he is included in the 17-man squad, as one of two additions to the 15-man Cup squad, for the five-match one-day series against England from May 5-19 and can regain a place for the World Cup if he performs well. There was a surprise World Cup call-up for 19-year-old rookie fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain who bowled at 150kph in the PSL earlier this year. Pakistan's complete squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-Ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Shoaib Malik, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Hassan Ali, Abid Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Sohail.

Old or young? How squads stack up in Cricket World Cup 2019

The countdown has begun...

With just 30 days away from the cricket's mega event, ICC World Cup 2019, the buzz can be easily sensed as the players are sweating it out for the main event. The cricket fanatics are ready for their daily dose of entertainment and the tournament will definitely serve them well with enough topics for their 9 pm dinner table discussions.&nbsp;

The upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted by England and Wales from May 30 to July 14, is the 12th cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

This is the fifth World Cup that will be held in England and Wales. The previous ones were in 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999.&nbsp;

On tough and challenging English pitches which tend to swing more than usual, the participating countries will look to play a better game of cricket to win the tournament.&nbsp;

A total of 10 countries will participate, having one dream in common, clinching one of the most coveted trophies of the sporting world.&nbsp;

England, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and West Indies are the participating countries.&nbsp;

The format of the World Cup 2019 will be round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages.&nbsp;

In the group stage, a total of 45 matches will be played and each team will play a total of nine matches.&nbsp;

This World Cup is also the first to be contested without all of the Test playing nations as Ireland and Zimbabwe did not qualify.&nbsp;

The opening match, which is between the hosts England and South Africa will be played at The Oval and the final will be played at the "Home of Cricket" Lord's Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

Before the main tournament, ten non-One Day International warm-up matches will be played from May 24 to May 28.&nbsp;

The countdown has begun... With just 30 days away from the cricket's mega event, ICC World Cup 2019, the buzz can be easily sensed as the players are sweating it out for the main event.

The countdown has begun... With just 30 days away from the cricket's mega event, ICC World Cup 2019, the buzz can be easily sensed as the players are sweating it out for the main event. The cricket fanatics are ready for their daily dose of entertainment and the tournament will definitely serve them well with enough topics for their 9 pm dinner table discussions. The upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted by England and Wales from May 30 to July 14, is the 12th cricket World Cup. This is the fifth World Cup that will be held in England and Wales. The previous ones were in 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999. On tough and challenging English pitches which tend to swing more than usual, the participating countries will look to play a better game of cricket to win the tournament. A total of 10 countries will participate, having one dream in common, clinching one of the most coveted trophies of the sporting world. England, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and West Indies are the participating countries. The format of the World Cup 2019 will be round-robin, which means, all countries will play each other once and the top four will enter the knockout stages. In the group stage, a total of 45 matches will be played and each team will play a total of nine matches. This World Cup is also the first to be contested without all of the Test playing nations as Ireland and Zimbabwe did not qualify. The opening match, which is between the hosts England and South Africa will be played at The Oval and the final will be played at the "Home of Cricket" Lord's Cricket Ground. Before the main tournament, ten non-One Day International warm-up matches will be played from May 24 to May 28.

All you need to know about ICC World Cup 2019

Australia's Claire Polosak will create history as the first woman umpire ever to stand in a men's One-Day International when she takes the field in the final of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 Saturday.&nbsp;

The 31-year-old, who is breaking new ground for women cricket officials has previously stood in 15 women's ODIs, the first one in November 2016 between Australia and South Africa. &nbsp;

She has also performed well in ICC events, standing in the semifinal of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2018 between England and India and four matches at the ICC Women's World Cup 2017, reflecting her rapid rise to success.&nbsp;

Polosak has been championing female officiating and has been a path breaker before too. She was the first woman to stand in a men's domestic fixture in Australia in her first List A match in Australia in 2017. &nbsp;

In December last year, she and her South Australian counterpart Eloise Sheridan became the first female umpires to officiate on-field together during a professional match in Australia when the Adelaide Strikers hosted the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL. &nbsp;

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The historic moment when Claire Polosak took to the field for the World Cricket League Division Two final between Oman and Namibia to become the first female umpire to stand in a men's ODI. 
 
Congratulations! 👏👏 <a href="https://t.co/DR012QqqZp">pic.twitter.com/DR012QqqZp</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1122077982275846144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Polosak was exuberant at the impending milestone: "I am thrilled to be the first woman to stand in a men's ODI and how far I have come as an umpire.&nbsp;

"It really is important to promote women umpires and there's no reason why females can't umpire in cricket. It's about breaking down barriers, creating awareness so more females can come into the role."

Australia's Claire Polosak will create history as the first woman umpire ever to stand in a men's One-Day International when she takes the field in the final of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 Saturday.

Australia's Claire Polosak will create history as the first woman umpire ever to stand in a men's One-Day International when she takes the field in the final of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 Saturday. The 31-year-old, who is breaking new ground for women cricket officials has previously stood in 15 women's ODIs, the first one in November 2016 between Australia and South Africa. She has also performed well in ICC events, standing in the semifinal of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2018 between England and India and four matches at the ICC Women's World Cup 2017, reflecting her rapid rise to success. Polosak has been championing female officiating and has been a path breaker before too. She was the first woman to stand in a men's domestic fixture in Australia in her first List A match in Australia in 2017. In December last year, she and her South Australian counterpart Eloise Sheridan became the first female umpires to officiate on-field together during a professional match in Australia when the Adelaide Strikers hosted the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL. The historic moment when Claire Polosak took to the field for the World Cricket League Division Two final between Oman and Namibia to become the first female umpire to stand in a men's ODI. Congratulations! 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/DR012QqqZp — ICC (@ICC) April 27, 2019 × Polosak was exuberant at the impending milestone: "I am thrilled to be the first woman to stand in a men's ODI and how far I have come as an umpire. "It really is important to promote women umpires and there's no reason why females can't umpire in cricket. It's about breaking down barriers, creating awareness so more females can come into the role."

Meet first woman umpire to stand in men's ODI

Judges at the International Criminal Court Friday turned down a request to open a war crimes probe in Afghanistan, a week after Washington revoked the court's chief prosecutor's visa over the case.

"The judges decided that an investigation into the situation in Afghanistan at this stage would not serve the interests of justice," the Hague-based court said in a statement.

Fatou Bensouda's US visa was revoked over a possible probe involving American soldiers' actions since 2003 in the bloody Afghan conflict.

Bensouda in late 2017 asked judges to give her permission to probe alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan committed by the Taliban, Afghan government forces and international forces including US troops.

The US has never joined the ICC and does not recognise its authority over American citizens, saying it poses a threat to national sovereignty.&nbsp;

Washington also argues that it has its own robust procedures in place to deal with US troops who engage in misconduct.

Judges said Friday that "notwithstanding the fact that all the relevant requirements are met as regards both jurisdiction and admissibility... the current circumstances in Afghanistan... make the prospect of a successful investigation and prosecution extremely limited."

The time elapsed since the opening of a preliminary probe in 2006, Afghanistan's changing political scene and the "lack of political cooperation the prosecutor has received" was likely to grow scarcer should an investigation proceed, the judges said.

The court, which operates on a limited budget, also needed to prioritise its resources on "activities that would have a better chance to succeed," the judges said.

Judges at the International Criminal Court Friday turned down a request to open a war crimes probe in Afghanistan, a week after Washington revoked the court's chief prosecutor's visa over the case.

Judges at the International Criminal Court Friday turned down a request to open a war crimes probe in Afghanistan, a week after Washington revoked the court's chief prosecutor's visa over the case. "The judges decided that an investigation into the situation in Afghanistan at this stage would not serve the interests of justice," the Hague-based court said in a statement. Fatou Bensouda's US visa was revoked over a possible probe involving American soldiers' actions since 2003 in the bloody Afghan conflict. Bensouda in late 2017 asked judges to give her permission to probe alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan committed by the Taliban, Afghan government forces and international forces including US troops. The US has never joined the ICC and does not recognise its authority over American citizens, saying it poses a threat to national sovereignty. Washington also argues that it has its own robust procedures in place to deal with US troops who engage in misconduct. Judges said Friday that "notwithstanding the fact that all the relevant requirements are met as regards both jurisdiction and admissibility... the current circumstances in Afghanistan... make the prospect of a successful investigation and prosecution extremely limited." The time elapsed since the opening of a preliminary probe in 2006, Afghanistan's changing political scene and the "lack of political cooperation the prosecutor has received" was likely to grow scarcer should an investigation proceed, the judges said. The court, which operates on a limited budget, also needed to prioritise its resources on "activities that would have a better chance to succeed," the judges said.

ICC judges turn down request for Afghanistan war crimes probe

India captain Virat Kohli does not want performance at the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> to determine team composition for this year's World Cup but selectors have little choice after a series of candidates failed to nail down the number four slot.

Twice 50-over champions India have an otherwise settled batting line-up with a formidable top order consisting of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli himself.

The selectors, however, continue to fret over who should walk out to bat after the fall of the second wicket during the May 30-July 14 showpiece tournament in England and Wales.

Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Lokesh Rahul, Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu have all been trialled for the number four spot and found wanting.

With the ongoing IPL the only form of cricket left before Kohli's team embarks on their World Cup campaign, the selectors maybe forced to consider the form of the players in the T20 tournament before picking the squad ahead of the April 23 deadline.

"They have maintained that they won't look at IPL but it's going to be very hard," former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar told Reuters in a recent interview.

"There are some borderline cases, like if they are looking at Dinesh Karthik, Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar or a Manish Pandey or an Ajinkya Rahane. So all these people are there and thereabout."

"And if somebody has a great IPL season, it will be hard to ignore him, but they (selectors) should not actually get too carried away with what happens in the IPL."

Rayudu, 33, emerged as the most likely choice to fill the void but scores of 13, 18 and two in the first three matches of the recent home series against world champions Australia hurt his cause.

Pressure is only mounting on the selectors with Rayudu, who plays for IPL champions Chennai, scoring 28, five, one and zero in the first four matches of the tournament.

Manjrekar felt India were back to square one with no more ODIs scheduled before the World Cup in England and Wales, where the team will be looking to add to their 1983 and 2011 triumphs.

India's limited-overs vice-captain, Rohit, believes inputs from Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri should determine the selection of the final 15.

"With their inputs, the selectors will keep an eye on what is happening with those guys during the IPL," Rohit, who leads the Mumbai&nbsp;side in the IPL, told reporters at the launch of cricket.com website on Thursday.

"Although I feel IPL shouldn't be the criterion for team selection. We have played enough international matches to see where each individual stands.

"You can't select a 50-overs format team based on a 20-overs franchise competition. IPL is a different ball game, it's franchise cricket.

"Yes form matters a lot. But in this last four years we have played enough ODI matches, we have played enough T20 Internationals. So that should be enough to understand that these are the players we want."

India captain Virat Kohli does not want performance at the ongoing Indian Premier League to determine team composition for this year's World Cup but selectors have little choice after a series of candidates failed to nail down the number four slot.

India captain Virat Kohli does not want performance at the ongoing Indian Premier League to determine team composition for this year's World Cup but selectors have little choice after a series of candidates failed to nail down the number four slot. Twice 50-over champions India have an otherwise settled batting line-up with a formidable top order consisting of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli himself. The selectors, however, continue to fret over who should walk out to bat after the fall of the second wicket during the May 30-July 14 showpiece tournament in England and Wales. Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Lokesh Rahul, Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu have all been trialled for the number four spot and found wanting. With the ongoing IPL the only form of cricket left before Kohli's team embarks on their World Cup campaign, the selectors maybe forced to consider the form of the players in the T20 tournament before picking the squad ahead of the April 23 deadline. "They have maintained that they won't look at IPL but it's going to be very hard," former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar told Reuters in a recent interview. "There are some borderline cases, like if they are looking at Dinesh Karthik, Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar or a Manish Pandey or an Ajinkya Rahane. So all these people are there and thereabout." "And if somebody has a great IPL season, it will be hard to ignore him, but they (selectors) should not actually get too carried away with what happens in the IPL." Rayudu, 33, emerged as the most likely choice to fill the void but scores of 13, 18 and two in the first three matches of the recent home series against world champions Australia hurt his cause. Pressure is only mounting on the selectors with Rayudu, who plays for IPL champions Chennai, scoring 28, five, one and zero in the first four matches of the tournament. Manjrekar felt India were back to square one with no more ODIs scheduled before the World Cup in England and Wales, where the team will be looking to add to their 1983 and 2011 triumphs. India's limited-overs vice-captain, Rohit, believes inputs from Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri should determine the selection of the final 15. "With their inputs, the selectors will keep an eye on what is happening with those guys during the IPL," Rohit, who leads the Mumbai side in the IPL, told reporters at the launch of cricket.com website on Thursday. "Although I feel IPL shouldn't be the criterion for team selection. We have played enough international matches to see where each individual stands. "You can't select a 50-overs format team based on a 20-overs franchise competition. IPL is a different ball game, it's franchise cricket. "Yes form matters a lot. But in this last four years we have played enough ODI matches, we have played enough T20 Internationals. So that should be enough to understand that these are the players we want."

IPL not ideal yardstick, but little choice for India selectors

Exclusive: Buttler on England's World Cup hopes

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will work more closely with Interpol as part of ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the sport, the governing body said on Wednesday.

Alex Marshall, ICC's general manager of its anti-corruption unit, met Interpol officials in Lyon last week to seek closer working relations, it added.

"The ICC has an excellent relationship with law enforcement agencies in a number of countries but working with Interpol means we are connecting with their 194 members," Marshall said in a statement.

"Our focus is on education of players and prevention and disruption of corruptors. Where our enquiries reveal criminal offences have been committed, we will refer this to the relevant law enforcement organisations and this makes Interpol an important partner for us."

Cricket has suffered a series of corruption cases in recent years.

In 2011, Pakistan's Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were found guilty of taking bribes to fix part of a test match against England in a case that prosecutors said revealed rampant corruption at the heart of international cricket.

Earlier this year, the ICC had granted Sri Lankan cricketers a 15-day amnesty to report previously undisclosed information relating to corruption in the sport.

It was followed by former captain and chairman of selectors Sanath Jayasuriya being handed a two-year ban for refusing to cooperate with any investigation conducted by its anti-corruption unit.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will work more closely with Interpol as part of ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the sport, the governing body said on Wednesday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will work more closely with Interpol as part of ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the sport, the governing body said on Wednesday. Alex Marshall, ICC's general manager of its anti-corruption unit, met Interpol officials in Lyon last week to seek closer working relations, it added. "The ICC has an excellent relationship with law enforcement agencies in a number of countries but working with Interpol means we are connecting with their 194 members," Marshall said in a statement. "Our focus is on education of players and prevention and disruption of corruptors. Where our enquiries reveal criminal offences have been committed, we will refer this to the relevant law enforcement organisations and this makes Interpol an important partner for us." Cricket has suffered a series of corruption cases in recent years. In 2011, Pakistan's Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were found guilty of taking bribes to fix part of a test match against England in a case that prosecutors said revealed rampant corruption at the heart of international cricket. Earlier this year, the ICC had granted Sri Lankan cricketers a 15-day amnesty to report previously undisclosed information relating to corruption in the sport. It was followed by former captain and chairman of selectors Sanath Jayasuriya being handed a two-year ban for refusing to cooperate with any investigation conducted by its anti-corruption unit.

ICC to join hands with Interpol to tackle corruption

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has courted controversy again, despite only recently being brought back to the international fold following a two-year absence, after breaching a team curfew ahead of the fifth one-dayer against Australia.

Akmal was sent home from Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy squad in England for failing fitness tests and followed that up with a public outburst against head coach Mickey Arthur.

He was recalled for the first time since that spat for Pakistan's five-match series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said the 28-year-old had been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and received an official reprimand for a late night-out ahead of Sunday's fifth ODI against Australia in Dubai.

The cricketer pleaded guilty to the charge, apologised and accepted the sanction, the PCB added.

"I am glad that Umar has realised his mistake, and has accepted and apologised for his actions, which were clearly unprofessional and in no way can be ignored or overlooked," PCB managing director Wasim Khan said in a statement.

"The PCB expects a high level of professionalism and commitment from its players, and this action is a reiteration and timely reminder that any indiscipline shall not be tolerated or accepted."

Akmal made his debut as a 19-year-old in 2009 in a Test against New Zealand. Once considered the future of Pakistan's batting, he played the last of his 16 matches in the longest format in 2011.

He was part of the playing side in all five matches in the UAE and totalled 150 runs during the series, which Australia won 5-0.

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has courted controversy again, despite only recently being brought back to the international fold following a two-year absence, after breaching a team curfew ahead of the fifth one-dayer against Australia.

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has courted controversy again, despite only recently being brought back to the international fold following a two-year absence, after breaching a team curfew ahead of the fifth one-dayer against Australia. Akmal was sent home from Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy squad in England for failing fitness tests and followed that up with a public outburst against head coach Mickey Arthur. He was recalled for the first time since that spat for Pakistan's five-match series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates. The Pakistan Cricket Board said the 28-year-old had been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and received an official reprimand for a late night-out ahead of Sunday's fifth ODI against Australia in Dubai. The cricketer pleaded guilty to the charge, apologised and accepted the sanction, the PCB added. "I am glad that Umar has realised his mistake, and has accepted and apologised for his actions, which were clearly unprofessional and in no way can be ignored or overlooked," PCB managing director Wasim Khan said in a statement. "The PCB expects a high level of professionalism and commitment from its players, and this action is a reiteration and timely reminder that any indiscipline shall not be tolerated or accepted." Akmal made his debut as a 19-year-old in 2009 in a Test against New Zealand. Once considered the future of Pakistan's batting, he played the last of his 16 matches in the longest format in 2011. He was part of the playing side in all five matches in the UAE and totalled 150 runs during the series, which Australia won 5-0.

Pakistan's Umar Akmal fined after latest indiscretion

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