The Indian cricket board's acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary Monday washed his hands off the BCCI letter that urged the ICC and its member nations to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/severing-cricketing-ties-with-nations-not-our-domain-icc-tells-bcci-200879">sever ties with countries which harbour terror</a>, side-stepping queries on whether it was prudent to raise the issue.

The BCCI's request was turned down by the International Cricket Council (ICC), saying it has no role to play in matters like these.&nbsp;

Choudhary, asked at the press conference&nbsp;whether it was a mistake not to have named Pakistan specifically in the letter, said," I have not written the letter."

The letter to the ICC, in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel and for which the Pakistan-based Jaish-E-Mohammed took responsibility, was framed by BCCI CEO Rahul Johri in consultation with the Committee of Administrators (CoA).

"The chairman of the ICC (Shashank Manohar) has made a statement to address the issue and he has simply said that it is a matter which is beyond ICC's domain," said Choudhary.

"I would like to put everything to rest that there is no difference of opinion. There was a written communication by the BCCI CEO with the ICC. There were two points in that communication the first point related to the security and well being of the players and of the fans also," he said when asked whether the BCCI had erred in making this proposal.

Citing contents of the letter, Choudhary said the BCCI's primary concern ahead of the World Cup is players' security.

"The second matter related to suggesting that India and other members of the ICC take no part with teams which comes from areas where certain phenomenon emanate from, but the letter didn't mention which areas.

"To which the ICC chairman, after discussing it with the Board which is the onlypolicy-makingg body of the ICC, stated that it is not within the domain of the ICC to make a comment or make a decision.

"The BCCI's concerns were, as I said, primarily, according to the letter, security concerns relating to players and fans which the ICC has wholeheartedly agreed to address. And the ECB representative Colin Graves was of the same view," he added.

The acting secretary said resolving the conflict between BCCI and the World Anti Doping Agency was an urgent matter to ensure that the ICC is not declared non-compliant by WADA.

"That is an issue. The world body (WADA) has been in dialogue with ICC for some time and the issue is that all participating nations in the ICC must align with the national testing authority.

"The only member of the ICC which has so far resisted it, and for reasons well known, is the BCCI and therefore there is a slight urgency on that matter.

The ICC has been informed and the ICC chairman is of the view that he will soon have a dialogue with the BCCI itself considering the urgency of the matter lest the ICC be declared non-compliant."

He said the selectors are working on the workload schedule of key Indian ODI players in view of the World Cup that immediately follows IPL from May 30.

"At this stage, it is not proper to divulge but we also have the selectors working on this," he said when asked whether the IPL franchises had agreed to the plan in principle.

The issue of advancing the IPL match timings are also a work in progress, he said.

IPL CEO, Hemang Amin, said the issue was under evaluation.

"Last year we had advanced the timings for the playoffs to start at 7pm. We are still considering whether to advance it a bit or keep it at 8pm because it also affects the afternoon game. For the last so many years we have been playing 12 to 15 afternoon games so it impacts that.

"The players' well being will have to be considered if we are advancing it because if we advance the 8pm game to earlier then we have to advance the afternoon game as well. Hopefully, within a week or so we will announce the timings once we get the balanced schedule ready," said Amin.

The Indian cricket board's acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary Monday washed his hands off the BCCI letter that urged the ICC and its member nations to sever ties with countries which harbour terror, side-stepping queries on whether it was prudent to raise the issue.

The Indian cricket board's acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary Monday washed his hands off the BCCI letter that urged the ICC and its member nations to sever ties with countries which harbour terror, side-stepping queries on whether it was prudent to raise the issue. The BCCI's request was turned down by the International Cricket Council (ICC), saying it has no role to play in matters like these. Choudhary, asked at the press conference whether it was a mistake not to have named Pakistan specifically in the letter, said," I have not written the letter." The letter to the ICC, in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel and for which the Pakistan-based Jaish-E-Mohammed took responsibility, was framed by BCCI CEO Rahul Johri in consultation with the Committee of Administrators (CoA). "The chairman of the ICC (Shashank Manohar) has made a statement to address the issue and he has simply said that it is a matter which is beyond ICC's domain," said Choudhary. "I would like to put everything to rest that there is no difference of opinion. There was a written communication by the BCCI CEO with the ICC. There were two points in that communication the first point related to the security and well being of the players and of the fans also," he said when asked whether the BCCI had erred in making this proposal. Citing contents of the letter, Choudhary said the BCCI's primary concern ahead of the World Cup is players' security. "The second matter related to suggesting that India and other members of the ICC take no part with teams which comes from areas where certain phenomenon emanate from, but the letter didn't mention which areas. "To which the ICC chairman, after discussing it with the Board which is the onlypolicy-makingg body of the ICC, stated that it is not within the domain of the ICC to make a comment or make a decision. "The BCCI's concerns were, as I said, primarily, according to the letter, security concerns relating to players and fans which the ICC has wholeheartedly agreed to address. And the ECB representative Colin Graves was of the same view," he added. The acting secretary said resolving the conflict between BCCI and the World Anti Doping Agency was an urgent matter to ensure that the ICC is not declared non-compliant by WADA. "That is an issue. The world body (WADA) has been in dialogue with ICC for some time and the issue is that all participating nations in the ICC must align with the national testing authority. "The only member of the ICC which has so far resisted it, and for reasons well known, is the BCCI and therefore there is a slight urgency on that matter. The ICC has been informed and the ICC chairman is of the view that he will soon have a dialogue with the BCCI itself considering the urgency of the matter lest the ICC be declared non-compliant." He said the selectors are working on the workload schedule of key Indian ODI players in view of the World Cup that immediately follows IPL from May 30. "At this stage, it is not proper to divulge but we also have the selectors working on this," he said when asked whether the IPL franchises had agreed to the plan in principle. The issue of advancing the IPL match timings are also a work in progress, he said. IPL CEO, Hemang Amin, said the issue was under evaluation. "Last year we had advanced the timings for the playoffs to start at 7pm. We are still considering whether to advance it a bit or keep it at 8pm because it also affects the afternoon game. For the last so many years we have been playing 12 to 15 afternoon games so it impacts that. "The players' well being will have to be considered if we are advancing it because if we advance the 8pm game to earlier then we have to advance the afternoon game as well. Hopefully, within a week or so we will announce the timings once we get the balanced schedule ready," said Amin.

I didn't write that letter: Amitabh Choudhary on BCCI missive to ICC

Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya has been cleared to resume bowling by the International Cricket Council following remedial work after the global governing body suspended him for an illegal action.

The ICC, in a statement issued from its Dubai headquarters on Monday, said Dananjaya’s remodelled bowling action was assessed in Chennai on February 2, where it was found the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the allowed 15-degree level of tolerance.

Match official are, however, still free to report Dananjaya if they believe he is bowling with a suspect action and not reproducing the legal delivery seen during the assessment.&nbsp;

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Following remedial work and reassessment, Akila Dananjaya may resume bowling in international cricket. 
 
FULL STORY ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/jdxP1qLHRp">https://t.co/jdxP1qLHRp</a> <a href="https://t.co/8HDivUlq8E">pic.twitter.com/8HDivUlq8E</a>
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In order to assist umpires and match officials, the ICC said they would be provided with images and video footage of Danajaya's remodelled action.

Dananjaya was reported over a suspect bowling action during the first Test of the England series in Sri Lanka in November, which the tourists won by 211 runs on their way to a 3-0 whitewash.

He was subsequently banned after an independent assessment of his bowling action in Brisbane on November 23 which revealed his deliveries exceeded the 15-degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations.

The 25-year-old Dananjaya has played five Tests since making his debut against Bangladesh in February last year.

Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya has been cleared to resume bowling by the International Cricket Council following remedial work after the global governing body suspended him for an illegal action.

Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya has been cleared to resume bowling by the International Cricket Council following remedial work after the global governing body suspended him for an illegal action. The ICC, in a statement issued from its Dubai headquarters on Monday, said Dananjaya’s remodelled bowling action was assessed in Chennai on February 2, where it was found the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the allowed 15-degree level of tolerance. Match official are, however, still free to report Dananjaya if they believe he is bowling with a suspect action and not reproducing the legal delivery seen during the assessment. Following remedial work and reassessment, Akila Dananjaya may resume bowling in international cricket. FULL STORY ⬇️https://t.co/jdxP1qLHRp pic.twitter.com/8HDivUlq8E — ICC (@ICC) February 18, 2019 × In order to assist umpires and match officials, the ICC said they would be provided with images and video footage of Danajaya's remodelled action. Dananjaya was reported over a suspect bowling action during the first Test of the England series in Sri Lanka in November, which the tourists won by 211 runs on their way to a 3-0 whitewash. He was subsequently banned after an independent assessment of his bowling action in Brisbane on November 23 which revealed his deliveries exceeded the 15-degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations. The 25-year-old Dananjaya has played five Tests since making his debut against Bangladesh in February last year.

ICC clear Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya to resume bowling

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the team in place of the suspended Jason Holder in the third and final Test against England starting in St Lucia on Saturday.&nbsp;

Holder was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) because of his team's slow over-rate during the second match in Antigua. The host&nbsp;won by 10 wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Brathwaite previously skippered West Indies in their series defeat by Bangladesh in November when Holder was injured.

"With Jason Holder missing out on the last test, Kraigg Brathwaite will take the reins of captaincy," chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne said.

The selectors added pacer Keemo Paul to the 14-member squad while Alzarri Joseph, whose mother died during the second test, was also included.

"Our heartfelt condolences to Alzarri and his family on the passing of his mother. His heroics in the test were outstanding and shows a player of great character," Browne added.

"We also welcome Keemo Paul back to the squad. He's having a good showing in the West Indies first-class championship."

Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican.

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the team in place of the suspended Jason Holder in the third and final Test against England starting in St Lucia on Saturday.

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the team in place of the suspended Jason Holder in the third and final Test against England starting in St Lucia on Saturday. Holder was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) because of his team's slow over-rate during the second match in Antigua. The host won by 10 wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Brathwaite previously skippered West Indies in their series defeat by Bangladesh in November when Holder was injured. "With Jason Holder missing out on the last test, Kraigg Brathwaite will take the reins of captaincy," chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne said. The selectors added pacer Keemo Paul to the 14-member squad while Alzarri Joseph, whose mother died during the second test, was also included. "Our heartfelt condolences to Alzarri and his family on the passing of his mother. His heroics in the test were outstanding and shows a player of great character," Browne added. "We also welcome Keemo Paul back to the squad. He's having a good showing in the West Indies first-class championship." Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican.

Brathwaite to replace suspended Jason Holder as Windies captain in 3rd Test against England

The International Cricket Council has urged Sri Lanka's scandal-ridden sporting community to come forward with information about corruption before an amnesty expires or risk expulsion from the game.

Sri Lankan cricket has been mired in corruption allegations in recent years, including claims of match-fixing ahead of an international Test against England last year, and the sport's world governing body is in the middle of a major inquiry into the island nation.

The ICC said it had received a "positive response" after granting a 15-day amnesty this month for players, coaches or anyone else linked to the sport to come clean, free of the threat of punishment.

Council anti-corruption chief Alex Marshall said new cases had come to light and urged others to come forward before the amnesty expires on Thursday.

"In the final few days, I would request the cricket fraternity to come forward and share any other information concerning corrupt conduct or approaches in the strictest of confidence," he said in a statement issued late Monday.

Those who refuse to share information with ICC investigators could face five-year bans if caught.

The ICC considers Sri Lanka the world's most corrupt cricketing nation and the sport's governance riddled with graft "from top to bottom", Sri Lankan sports minister Harin Fernando said last month.

The crisis-ridden Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) governing body is expected to hold elections in February after a nine-month delay from the end of president Thilanga Sumathipala's term last May.

Sumathipala has been accused of violating ICC rules by holding office despite alleged links to gambling. He denies the charges.

In November, former Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was suspended for corruption linked to a limited-over league in 2017.

Lokuhettige was the third Sri Lankan player charged for violating the ICC's anti-corruption code, following charges levelled against former captain and ex-chief selector

Sanath Jayasuriya, and former paceman Nuwan Zoysa.

Jayasuriya was charged with failing to cooperate with a match-fixing probe and concealing information. Zoysa was suspended over match-fixing accusations.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council has urged Sri Lanka's scandal-ridden sporting community to come forward with information about corruption before an amnesty expires or risk expulsion from the game.

The International Cricket Council has urged Sri Lanka's scandal-ridden sporting community to come forward with information about corruption before an amnesty expires or risk expulsion from the game. Sri Lankan cricket has been mired in corruption allegations in recent years, including claims of match-fixing ahead of an international Test against England last year, and the sport's world governing body is in the middle of a major inquiry into the island nation. The ICC said it had received a "positive response" after granting a 15-day amnesty this month for players, coaches or anyone else linked to the sport to come clean, free of the threat of punishment. Council anti-corruption chief Alex Marshall said new cases had come to light and urged others to come forward before the amnesty expires on Thursday. "In the final few days, I would request the cricket fraternity to come forward and share any other information concerning corrupt conduct or approaches in the strictest of confidence," he said in a statement issued late Monday. Those who refuse to share information with ICC investigators could face five-year bans if caught. The ICC considers Sri Lanka the world's most corrupt cricketing nation and the sport's governance riddled with graft "from top to bottom", Sri Lankan sports minister Harin Fernando said last month. The crisis-ridden Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) governing body is expected to hold elections in February after a nine-month delay from the end of president Thilanga Sumathipala's term last May. Sumathipala has been accused of violating ICC rules by holding office despite alleged links to gambling. He denies the charges. In November, former Sri Lankan fast bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was suspended for corruption linked to a limited-over league in 2017. Lokuhettige was the third Sri Lankan player charged for violating the ICC's anti-corruption code, following charges levelled against former captain and ex-chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, and former paceman Nuwan Zoysa. Jayasuriya was charged with failing to cooperate with a match-fixing probe and concealing information. Zoysa was suspended over match-fixing accusations.

ICC urges Sri Lanka to come clean on corruption

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday disagreed with the International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to rate the pitch for the second Test between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-ashwin-jadeja-in-race-to-be-fit-for-boxing-day-test-185950">India and Australia </a>at Perth as 'average'.

Instead, the master blaster demanded more pitches like the one at Perth to truly test <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/smith-has-eye-on-world-cup-and-ashes-expects-english-backlash-185641">the skills of batsmen </a>and bowlers and revive the game of Test cricket.&nbsp;

Taking to his Twitter, Sachin stressed the Perth 'pitch was by no means average'.

"Pitches play a crucial role, especially in Test cricket. In order to revive Test cricket and generate excitement, we need to provide more pitches like the one at Perth, where the skills of batsmen and bowlers are truly TESTed. This pitch was by no means "Average"."

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Pitches play a crucial role, especially in Test cricket. In order to revive Test cricket and generate excitement, we need to provide more pitches like the one at Perth, where the skills of batsmen and bowlers are truly TESTed. This pitch was by no means “Average”.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1076716250582183936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne has also blasted the ICCC for its 'terrible decision' and declared it a 'wonderful cricket pitch'&nbsp;

The average mark is the lowest possible pass mark, handed down by the ICC when they rate the pitch and outfield of Test grounds.

Meanwhile, Australia had pulled off a stunning 141-run win to level the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-is-the-energy-of-indian-team-brad-hogg-185861">four-Test series against India</a>.&nbsp;The hosts will next face the 'Men in Blue' at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on December 26.&nbsp;

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday disagreed with the International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to rate the pitch for the second Test between India and Australia at Perth as 'average'.

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday disagreed with the International Cricket Council (ICC) decision to rate the pitch for the second Test between India and Australia at Perth as 'average'. Instead, the master blaster demanded more pitches like the one at Perth to truly test the skills of batsmen and bowlers and revive the game of Test cricket. Taking to his Twitter, Sachin stressed the Perth 'pitch was by no means average'. "Pitches play a crucial role, especially in Test cricket. In order to revive Test cricket and generate excitement, we need to provide more pitches like the one at Perth, where the skills of batsmen and bowlers are truly TESTed. This pitch was by no means "Average"." Pitches play a crucial role, especially in Test cricket. In order to revive Test cricket and generate excitement, we need to provide more pitches like the one at Perth, where the skills of batsmen and bowlers are truly TESTed. This pitch was by no means “Average”. — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 23, 2018 × Earlier, former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne has also blasted the ICCC for its 'terrible decision' and declared it a 'wonderful cricket pitch' The average mark is the lowest possible pass mark, handed down by the ICC when they rate the pitch and outfield of Test grounds. Meanwhile, Australia had pulled off a stunning 141-run win to level the four-Test series against India. The hosts will next face the 'Men in Blue' at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on December 26.

Sachin Tendulkar also disagrees with ICC, says Perth 'pitch was by no means average'

Scotland's shock one-day international win over England has boosted their chances of securing test-playing status, the country's cricket board has said.

Scotland registered their first victory over their neighbours at Edinburgh on Sunday, bowling England out for 365 after posting their highest score of 371 for five.

"I can see us getting there in the next couple of years," Tony Brian, chairman of Cricket Scotland, told the BBC.

"We're so close to our goal of full member status now"

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has 12 full members, with Ireland and Afghanistan promoted in June last year.

The ICC has reduced the number of teams at the 2019 World Cup to 10 from 14, making it far more difficult for associate nations to qualify.

"The ICC set strict criteria for us to meet for full member status and we're only two away," Brian added. "We probably need one more win against a top nation and our women's team, who are also rapidly improving, need to do well at a World Cup qualifier."

Scotland registered their first victory over their neighbours at Edinburgh on Sunday, bowling England out for 365 after posting their highest score of 371 for five

Scotland's shock one-day international win over England has boosted their chances of securing test-playing status, the country's cricket board has said. Scotland registered their first victory over their neighbours at Edinburgh on Sunday, bowling England out for 365 after posting their highest score of 371 for five. "I can see us getting there in the next couple of years," Tony Brian, chairman of Cricket Scotland, told the BBC. "We're so close to our goal of full member status now" The International Cricket Council (ICC) has 12 full members, with Ireland and Afghanistan promoted in June last year. The ICC has reduced the number of teams at the 2019 World Cup to 10 from 14, making it far more difficult for associate nations to qualify. "The ICC set strict criteria for us to meet for full member status and we're only two away," Brian added. "We probably need one more win against a top nation and our women's team, who are also rapidly improving, need to do well at a World Cup qualifier."

Scotland hope ODI win over England boosts test status hopes

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering the possibility of scrapping the coin toss in a Test match.

Though it has been a discussion for many years, latest reports suggest that the ICC committee is ready to reconsider the topic.&nbsp

The ICC Cricket Committee features former India captain and coach Anil Kumble, Andrew Strauss, Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, Tim May, New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White, umpire Richard Kettleborough, ICC match referees’ chief Ranjan Madugalle, Shaun Pollock and Clare Connor.

The change would see the visiting captain decide whether to bat or bowl first. the step would stop home nations from preparing extreme wickets that place a massive importance on the coin toss.&nbsp

Since 2016, England's County Championship has given visiting captains the opportunity to decide whether to bat or bowl without a coin toss.&nbsp

If the rule does change, it would need to come into play before the start of the first-ever World Test Championship, which gets underway next year and runs through until 2021.&nbsp

Latest reports suggest that the ICC committee is ready to re-enter the topic.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering the possibility of scrapping the coin toss in a Test match. Though it has been a discussion for many years, latest reports suggest that the ICC committee is ready to reconsider the topic. The ICC Cricket Committee features former India captain and coach Anil Kumble, Andrew Strauss, Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, Tim May, New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White, umpire Richard Kettleborough, ICC match referees’ chief Ranjan Madugalle, Shaun Pollock and Clare Connor. The change would see the visiting captain decide whether to bat or bowl first. the step would stop home nations from preparing extreme wickets that place a massive importance on the coin toss. Since 2016, England's County Championship has given visiting captains the opportunity to decide whether to bat or bowl without a coin toss. If the rule does change, it would need to come into play before the start of the first-ever World Test Championship, which gets underway next year and runs through until 2021.

ICC may consider scrapping toss in Test cricket

Shashank Manohar, who became the first independent International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman in 2016, on Tuesday was re-elected unopposed to serve a second term.

As per reports, he was also the sole nominee put forward by the ICC.&nbsp

"It is an honour to be re-elected as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council and I would like to thank my fellow ICC Directors for their continued support. Together we have made big strides over the last two years, fulfilling promises I made to the sport when I was appointed in 2016," the former BCCI president said in an ICC media release.

According to the election process, ICC Directors were each allowed to nominate one candidate, who had to be either a present or a past ICC Director.&nbsp

Nominees with the support of two or more Directors would have been eligible to contest an election.&nbsp

As Manohar was the sole nominee for the position, the independent Audit Committee Chairman, Edward Quinlan, who has been overseeing the election process, declared the process complete, and announced Manohar the successful candidate.

Manohar has led the significant reform of the sport, reversing the resolutions of 2014, introducing a revised governance structure, including the appointment of the ICC's first independent female Director.

"Over the next two years, we can look forward to launching a global strategy for the sport in partnership with our members so we can grow the game and ensure more of the world can enjoy cricket."

He said that ICC plans to launch a global strategy for the sport.

As per reports, he was also the sole nominee put forward by the ICC.

Shashank Manohar, who became the first independent International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman in 2016, on Tuesday was re-elected unopposed to serve a second term. As per reports, he was also the sole nominee put forward by the ICC. "It is an honour to be re-elected as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council and I would like to thank my fellow ICC Directors for their continued support. Together we have made big strides over the last two years, fulfilling promises I made to the sport when I was appointed in 2016," the former BCCI president said in an ICC media release. According to the election process, ICC Directors were each allowed to nominate one candidate, who had to be either a present or a past ICC Director. Nominees with the support of two or more Directors would have been eligible to contest an election. As Manohar was the sole nominee for the position, the independent Audit Committee Chairman, Edward Quinlan, who has been overseeing the election process, declared the process complete, and announced Manohar the successful candidate. Manohar has led the significant reform of the sport, reversing the resolutions of 2014, introducing a revised governance structure, including the appointment of the ICC's first independent female Director. "Over the next two years, we can look forward to launching a global strategy for the sport in partnership with our members so we can grow the game and ensure more of the world can enjoy cricket." He said that ICC plans to launch a global strategy for the sport.

Shashank Manohar unanimously re-elected as ICC Chairman

India has consolidated their position at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Team Rankings following the annual update.

In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent.

India has stretched their lead over South Africa from four to 13 points after gaining four points to reach an aggregate of 125 while South Africa have lost five points and slipped to 112.

South Africa is, however, still comfortably ahead of the remaining sides.

Australia is placed third with 106 points after gaining four points following the update, taking back the position from New Zealand, who had overtaken them at the last cut-off date of April 3.

The change in positions saw New Zealand assure themselves of two lakh dollars for finishing third. India and South Africa had won 1 million dollars and five lakh dollars, respectively for finishing first and second at the cut-off date.

After the update, New Zealand remains on 102 points while England has inched closer, reaching 98 after gaining one point.

In another interesting move, Bangladesh has moved ahead of the West Indies, who are in ninth position for the first time ever.

The West Indies have lost five points and are now standing on 67 points while Bangladesh has gained four points to reach 75, eight points clear of the West Indies.

Sri Lanka continues to remain at sixth position after losing one point while Zimbabwe has gained one point to reach two. The table will see new additions in the form of Afghanistan and Ireland after they have played their first Tests following their Full Membership status.

Ireland is due to play their inaugural Test against Pakistan in Malahide, Dublin, from May 11 while Afghanistan's first Test will be against India in Bengaluru from June 18.

In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent

India has consolidated their position at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Team Rankings following the annual update. In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent. India has stretched their lead over South Africa from four to 13 points after gaining four points to reach an aggregate of 125 while South Africa have lost five points and slipped to 112. South Africa is, however, still comfortably ahead of the remaining sides. Australia is placed third with 106 points after gaining four points following the update, taking back the position from New Zealand, who had overtaken them at the last cut-off date of April 3. The change in positions saw New Zealand assure themselves of two lakh dollars for finishing third. India and South Africa had won 1 million dollars and five lakh dollars, respectively for finishing first and second at the cut-off date. After the update, New Zealand remains on 102 points while England has inched closer, reaching 98 after gaining one point. In another interesting move, Bangladesh has moved ahead of the West Indies, who are in ninth position for the first time ever. The West Indies have lost five points and are now standing on 67 points while Bangladesh has gained four points to reach 75, eight points clear of the West Indies. Sri Lanka continues to remain at sixth position after losing one point while Zimbabwe has gained one point to reach two. The table will see new additions in the form of Afghanistan and Ireland after they have played their first Tests following their Full Membership status. Ireland is due to play their inaugural Test against Pakistan in Malahide, Dublin, from May 11 while Afghanistan's first Test will be against India in Bengaluru from June 18.

India consolidate top spot in ICC Test team rankings

Former test players Shane Watson and George Bailey will join Australia captains Tim Paine and Rachael Haynes on a panel tasked with drafting a charter of behaviour in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, Cricket Australia said on Tuesday.

The player review, to be overseen by former test opener Rick McCosker, would also include fast bowler Pat Cummins and Darren Lehmann's replacement as coach of the men's team, CA said.

The team's culture has been under the microscope since batsman Cameron Bancroft was spotted by cameras trying to scuff up the ball with a piece of sandpaper during the third test against South Africa in Cape Town.

The scandal saw then-captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner banned for a year, with Bancroft suspended for nine months.

Lehmann, who was appointed in 2013, was cleared of wrongdoing by CA but resigned as coach in March more than 12 months before his contract was up.

CA have also appointed Dr Simon Longstaff, executive director of the Sydney-based Ethics Centre, to lead a separate independent review into the governing body.

The Ethics Centre led a review into the culture at the Australian Olympic Committee last year after multiple allegations of bullying rocked the organisation.

“We understand and share the disappointment of fans and the broader Australian community about these events (in South Africa)," CA chairman David Peever said in a statement.

"The board is determined to do all we can to prevent such events from ever happening again.

"The reviews will commence immediately, and we fully anticipate being able to begin implementing findings before the start of the 2018-19 cricket season."

The Australian Cricketers' Association, which fought a bitter campaign with CA over a new pay deal for players last year, said it welcomed an investigation into CA's culture and governance.

But the players' union complained it was not invited to co-chair the independent review. It also said it had a number of concerns over the transparency of the review process and whether players would be held to higher standards than those set out by the International Cricket Council.

"We are concerned that our players may be subject to conditions which could be different from those that apply to players from other countries against which they play," ACA president Greg Dyer said in a statement.

"Changes to player behaviour, expectations or sanctions must be aligned with those which would be handed down to players on both sides of international cricket matches."

Australia's players have long prided themselves on playing aggressive cricket and often spoken of "pushing the line" of acceptable behaviour.

Former players and pundits, however, have criticised the team for relentless sledging of opponents and other boorish conduct on the field.

CA CEO James Sutherland, who has led the governing body since 2001, has faced calls to step down from his role for failing to improve the team's standards of behaviour as the Australian public has grown increasingly uncomfortable with their conduct on the field.

"I haven't thought about (resigning as CEO) and I really see the responsibility I have to push through this and deal with the situation," he told local radio station SEN on Tuesday.

"This is an opportunity for the game to get better and it will be better through this."

Sutherland also said that Warner, Smith and Bancroft could "absolutely" win their places back on the Australian team once they had done their time.

"I think everyone deserves their chance and their own personal redemption story is very much in their own hands now," he added.

The player review, to be overseen by former test opener Rick McCosker, would also include fast bowler Pat Cummins and Darren Lehmann's replacement as coach of the men's team, CA said

Former test players Shane Watson and George Bailey will join Australia captains Tim Paine and Rachael Haynes on a panel tasked with drafting a charter of behaviour in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, Cricket Australia said on Tuesday. The player review, to be overseen by former test opener Rick McCosker, would also include fast bowler Pat Cummins and Darren Lehmann's replacement as coach of the men's team, CA said. The team's culture has been under the microscope since batsman Cameron Bancroft was spotted by cameras trying to scuff up the ball with a piece of sandpaper during the third test against South Africa in Cape Town. The scandal saw then-captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner banned for a year, with Bancroft suspended for nine months. Lehmann, who was appointed in 2013, was cleared of wrongdoing by CA but resigned as coach in March more than 12 months before his contract was up. CA have also appointed Dr Simon Longstaff, executive director of the Sydney-based Ethics Centre, to lead a separate independent review into the governing body. The Ethics Centre led a review into the culture at the Australian Olympic Committee last year after multiple allegations of bullying rocked the organisation. “We understand and share the disappointment of fans and the broader Australian community about these events (in South Africa)," CA chairman David Peever said in a statement. "The board is determined to do all we can to prevent such events from ever happening again. "The reviews will commence immediately, and we fully anticipate being able to begin implementing findings before the start of the 2018-19 cricket season." The Australian Cricketers' Association, which fought a bitter campaign with CA over a new pay deal for players last year, said it welcomed an investigation into CA's culture and governance. But the players' union complained it was not invited to co-chair the independent review. It also said it had a number of concerns over the transparency of the review process and whether players would be held to higher standards than those set out by the International Cricket Council. "We are concerned that our players may be subject to conditions which could be different from those that apply to players from other countries against which they play," ACA president Greg Dyer said in a statement. "Changes to player behaviour, expectations or sanctions must be aligned with those which would be handed down to players on both sides of international cricket matches." Australia's players have long prided themselves on playing aggressive cricket and often spoken of "pushing the line" of acceptable behaviour. Former players and pundits, however, have criticised the team for relentless sledging of opponents and other boorish conduct on the field. CA CEO James Sutherland, who has led the governing body since 2001, has faced calls to step down from his role for failing to improve the team's standards of behaviour as the Australian public has grown increasingly uncomfortable with their conduct on the field. "I haven't thought about (resigning as CEO) and I really see the responsibility I have to push through this and deal with the situation," he told local radio station SEN on Tuesday. "This is an opportunity for the game to get better and it will be better through this." Sutherland also said that Warner, Smith and Bancroft could "absolutely" win their places back on the Australian team once they had done their time. "I think everyone deserves their chance and their own personal redemption story is very much in their own hands now," he added.

Watson and Bailey to join captains in Australia review

Kagiso Rabada is appealing the guilty verdict handed to him by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching their code of conduct in a last-ditch bid to be able to play in the rest of the gripping test series against Australia.

Fast bowler Rabada was found guilty of &quot;inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player&quot; after leaning with his shoulder into Steve Smith when he dismissed the Australia captain in the first innings of South Africa&#39;s six wicket win in the second test in Port Elizabeth. The result levelled the four-match series at 1-1.

The 22-year-old, who took 11-150 in the game, was fined 50 percent of his match fee and given three demerit points, which took him past the tally of eight that triggers an automatic two-game suspension.

&quot;ICC confirms that Kagiso Rabada has appealed against the level two breach following the incident with Steve Smith during the Port Elizabeth Test. ICC will now appoint a Judicial Commissioner at the earliest opportunity and hearing details will be confirmed in due course,&quot; the governing body said on Wednesday.

The ICC have 48 hours to appoint a commissioner and a hearing will be heard within a seven day period. Rabada will remain suspended unless the commissioner takes a decision to allow him to play in the third test in Cape Town starting on March 22.

Although there was contact made with Smith, Rabada maintains that it was accidental and at the time he was not even aware he had brushed against his opponent.

&quot;If I knew I did it deliberately, I wouldn&#39;t have gone to contest (the charge),&quot; Rabada told reporters after the game. &quot;I didn&#39;t even feel contact in that moment because I was so pumped up.&quot;

Smith has suggested the Australian team wanted Rabada to play the remainder of the series as the seamer rose to the top of the test bowling rankings following his performance in Port Elizabeth.

&quot;He&#39;s a world class bowler and you always want to come up against the best, that&#39;s for sure,&quot; Smith said. &quot;He&#39;s right up there. He&#39;s unbelievable the way he&#39;s been bowling.

&quot;If he&#39;s there, he&#39;s there... if he&#39;s not, he&#39;s not. It&#39;s our job to try and play some better cricket.&quot;

Rabada is the fifth player to be punished by the ICC in what has been a tempestuous test series so far along with Australians David Warner, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh, and South African Quinton de Kock. 
&nbsp;

The 22-year-old, who took 11-150 in the game, was fined 50 percent of his match fee and given three demerit points, which took him past the tally of eight that triggers an automatic two-game suspension.

Kagiso Rabada is appealing the guilty verdict handed to him by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching their code of conduct in a last-ditch bid to be able to play in the rest of the gripping test series against Australia. Fast bowler Rabada was found guilty of "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player" after leaning with his shoulder into Steve Smith when he dismissed the Australia captain in the first innings of South Africa's six wicket win in the second test in Port Elizabeth. The result levelled the four-match series at 1-1. The 22-year-old, who took 11-150 in the game, was fined 50 percent of his match fee and given three demerit points, which took him past the tally of eight that triggers an automatic two-game suspension. "ICC confirms that Kagiso Rabada has appealed against the level two breach following the incident with Steve Smith during the Port Elizabeth Test. ICC will now appoint a Judicial Commissioner at the earliest opportunity and hearing details will be confirmed in due course," the governing body said on Wednesday. The ICC have 48 hours to appoint a commissioner and a hearing will be heard within a seven day period. Rabada will remain suspended unless the commissioner takes a decision to allow him to play in the third test in Cape Town starting on March 22. Although there was contact made with Smith, Rabada maintains that it was accidental and at the time he was not even aware he had brushed against his opponent. "If I knew I did it deliberately, I wouldn't have gone to contest (the charge)," Rabada told reporters after the game. "I didn't even feel contact in that moment because I was so pumped up." Smith has suggested the Australian team wanted Rabada to play the remainder of the series as the seamer rose to the top of the test bowling rankings following his performance in Port Elizabeth. "He's a world class bowler and you always want to come up against the best, that's for sure," Smith said. "He's right up there. He's unbelievable the way he's been bowling. "If he's there, he's there... if he's not, he's not. It's our job to try and play some better cricket." Rabada is the fifth player to be punished by the ICC in what has been a tempestuous test series so far along with Australians David Warner, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh, and South African Quinton de Kock.

Cricket: Rabada to appeal guilty verdict and keep series hopes alive

Indian captain Virat Kohli has been awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year, besides bagging the top honour for ODI players in the ICC annual awards, announced in Dubai.

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&quot;It means a lot to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for becoming the ICC Cricketer of the Year 2017 and also the ICC ODI Player of the Year,&quot; Kohli was quoted as saying in an ICC statement.

&quot;I won that back in 2012 also but it&#39;s the first time winning the Garfield Sobers Trophy, and it&#39;s a huge honour for me. It&#39;s probably the biggest of all in world cricket and two Indians getting it back-to-back makes it more special,&quot; he added.

The Indian captain had a prolific 2017&nbsp;scoring three double centuries in Tests.

Kohli hit one Test double century&nbsp;against Bangladesh and two against Sri Lanka in the recently concluded home series.&nbsp;

According to ICC rules, the award lists the period between September 21, 2016 to the end of 2017 before announcing the award, in the same period Kohli scored 2,203 Test runs at an average of over 70.

In ODIs, the star batsman hit 1,818 runs at an average of 82.63 including seven centuries.

In T20s, the Indian captain scored 299 runs at a strike-rate of 153.

This is the second time in succession that an Indian won the overall cricketer of the year award. Off-spinner R Ashwin had claimed the honour last year.

It was Kohli&#39;s second gong at the 2017 ICC Awards, with the 29-year-old also being named the ODI Player of the Year.

Kohli was also named captain of the ICC Test and ODI teams of the year.

Australian captain Steve Smith claimed the Test Player of the Year honour after scoring 1875 runs in 16 matches at an average of 78.12, with eight hundreds and five 50s.

This is the first instance since 2013 that the ODI Cricketer of the Year award has been won by a non-South African, with Quinton de Kock receiving the accolade for 2016 and AB de Villiers winning it in 2014 and 2015.

(With inputs from PTI)

Indian captain Virat Kohli bags top ICC award.

Indian captain Virat Kohli has been awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year, besides bagging the top honour for ODI players in the ICC annual awards, announced in Dubai. × "It means a lot to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for becoming the ICC Cricketer of the Year 2017 and also the ICC ODI Player of the Year," Kohli was quoted as saying in an ICC statement. "I won that back in 2012 also but it's the first time winning the Garfield Sobers Trophy, and it's a huge honour for me. It's probably the biggest of all in world cricket and two Indians getting it back-to-back makes it more special," he added. The Indian captain had a prolific 2017 scoring three double centuries in Tests. Kohli hit one Test double century against Bangladesh and two against Sri Lanka in the recently concluded home series. According to ICC rules, the award lists the period between September 21, 2016 to the end of 2017 before announcing the award, in the same period Kohli scored 2,203 Test runs at an average of over 70. In ODIs, the star batsman hit 1,818 runs at an average of 82.63 including seven centuries. In T20s, the Indian captain scored 299 runs at a strike-rate of 153. This is the second time in succession that an Indian won the overall cricketer of the year award. Off-spinner R Ashwin had claimed the honour last year. It was Kohli's second gong at the 2017 ICC Awards, with the 29-year-old also being named the ODI Player of the Year. Kohli was also named captain of the ICC Test and ODI teams of the year. Australian captain Steve Smith claimed the Test Player of the Year honour after scoring 1875 runs in 16 matches at an average of 78.12, with eight hundreds and five 50s. This is the first instance since 2013 that the ODI Cricketer of the Year award has been won by a non-South African, with Quinton de Kock receiving the accolade for 2016 and AB de Villiers winning it in 2014 and 2015. (With inputs from PTI)

Virat Kohli named ICC Cricketer of the Year

Afghanistan will play its maiden Test match in the southern Indian city of Bangalore on June 14, cricket officials announced Tuesday.

India&#39;s cricket board said it welcomed the opportunity to host its &quot;friends&quot; for their first Test since they gained full status last year.

The war-torn nation have played the majority of their home games in India, which has supported the minnows in their quest for Test status.

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<h5>The Test will kick off on June 14</h5>
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&quot;It will be a historic day for Afghanistan and everybody is waiting for it,&quot; Afghanistan cricket board chairman Atif Mashal said in New Delhi.

Afghanistan have emerged as a competitive international team, with strong performances in the limited-overs format including two one-day series victories in Zimbabwe.

Last year, spinner Rashid Khan and former captain Mohammad Nabi became the first Afghans to be picked in the lucrative Indian Premier League auction.

Afghanistan and Ireland were granted five-day status in June last year by the International Cricket Council, becoming the 11th and 12th Test-playing nations. 
&nbsp;

India's cricket board said it welcomed the opportunity to host its 'friends' for their first Test since they gained full status last year

Afghanistan will play its maiden Test match in the southern Indian city of Bangalore on June 14, cricket officials announced Tuesday. India's cricket board said it welcomed the opportunity to host its "friends" for their first Test since they gained full status last year. The war-torn nation have played the majority of their home games in India, which has supported the minnows in their quest for Test status. The Test will kick off on June 14 × "It will be a historic day for Afghanistan and everybody is waiting for it," Afghanistan cricket board chairman Atif Mashal said in New Delhi. Afghanistan have emerged as a competitive international team, with strong performances in the limited-overs format including two one-day series victories in Zimbabwe. Last year, spinner Rashid Khan and former captain Mohammad Nabi became the first Afghans to be picked in the lucrative Indian Premier League auction. Afghanistan and Ireland were granted five-day status in June last year by the International Cricket Council, becoming the 11th and 12th Test-playing nations.

Afghanistan to play maiden Test against India at Bengaluru in June

Medical experts are to examine whether India was right to hold a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/doctors-say-no-to-sport-in-delhi-as-cricketers-choke-in-smog-25923">Test match against Sri Lanka during hazardous smog in New Delhi</a>, the game`s world governing body said Friday.

The controversy will also be discussed at an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in February.&nbsp;

&quot;The ICC has noted the conditions in which the Delhi Test was played and has already requested the issue is considered by the medical committee for guidance should the situation arise in future,&quot; said an ICC statement.

Sri Lankan players wore masks while fielding during the match which ended in a draw on Wednesday. Bowlers from both sides were seen vomiting on the ground.

At its peak, concentrations of the smallest and most harmful pollution particles were at 18 times the World Health Organization`s safe limit, according to the US embassy website.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-should-be-included-in-determining-playing-conditions-like-rain-poor-light-ima-to-bcci-26085">The Board of Control for Cricket in India has already said New Delhi</a> could be dropped from hosting internationals during its peak pollution season in November and December.&nbsp;

The ICC medical committee can make recommendations to the world body`s executive on &quot;any medical issues affecting international cricket&quot;.

It can also &quot;evaluate&quot; medical plans of countries hosting ICC sanctioned events.

The ICC statement said that the pollution &quot;is likely to be discussed in February`s ICC meetings&quot;.

Medical experts are to examine whether India was right to hold a Test match against Sri Lanka during hazardous smog in New Delhi, the game`s world governing body said Friday

Medical experts are to examine whether India was right to hold a Test match against Sri Lanka during hazardous smog in New Delhi, the game`s world governing body said Friday. The controversy will also be discussed at an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in February. "The ICC has noted the conditions in which the Delhi Test was played and has already requested the issue is considered by the medical committee for guidance should the situation arise in future," said an ICC statement. Sri Lankan players wore masks while fielding during the match which ended in a draw on Wednesday. Bowlers from both sides were seen vomiting on the ground. At its peak, concentrations of the smallest and most harmful pollution particles were at 18 times the World Health Organization`s safe limit, according to the US embassy website. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has already said New Delhi could be dropped from hosting internationals during its peak pollution season in November and December. The ICC medical committee can make recommendations to the world body`s executive on "any medical issues affecting international cricket". It can also "evaluate" medical plans of countries hosting ICC sanctioned events. The ICC statement said that the pollution "is likely to be discussed in February`s ICC meetings".

International Cricket Council to examine India pollution Test

Condemning Pakistan Cricket Board&#39;s decision of compensation claim against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), &nbsp;former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani on Thursday said the showdown will lead to bad blood and will hamper the future cricket relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

The PCB had filed a $70 million compensation claim against the Indian Cricket board before the ICC for breaching the bilateral cricket series agreement.

&quot;I have concerns about the consequences of this case whatever its outcome. What I am concerned about is the affect it is going to have on cricket relations between the two countries in the long run,&quot; Mani said to a Dubai based Pakistani sports channel.

Mani, who served as the ICC President between 2003- 2006, further slammed Pakistan for not exploring all the legal aspects before filing the compensation claim.&nbsp;

&quot;I just think all avenues of talks, discussions and backdoor diplomacy were not explored by the PCB before going ahead with its compensation claim in the ICC. I would have waited and first exhausted all options of trying to get something out of India for them not playing bilateral ties with Pakistan before opting for the compensation claim option,&quot; he added.

Mani also went on to add that former BCCI President and ICC Chairman N. Srinivasan had a significant role to play in India not resuming bilateral cricket ties with its neighbouring nation Pakistan.

PCB filed $70 million compensation claim for dishonouring a bilateral cricket series agreement

Condemning Pakistan Cricket Board's decision of compensation claim against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani on Thursday said the showdown will lead to bad blood and will hamper the future cricket relations between the two countries. The PCB had filed a $70 million compensation claim against the Indian Cricket board before the ICC for breaching the bilateral cricket series agreement. "I have concerns about the consequences of this case whatever its outcome. What I am concerned about is the affect it is going to have on cricket relations between the two countries in the long run," Mani said to a Dubai based Pakistani sports channel. Mani, who served as the ICC President between 2003- 2006, further slammed Pakistan for not exploring all the legal aspects before filing the compensation claim. "I just think all avenues of talks, discussions and backdoor diplomacy were not explored by the PCB before going ahead with its compensation claim in the ICC. I would have waited and first exhausted all options of trying to get something out of India for them not playing bilateral ties with Pakistan before opting for the compensation claim option," he added. Mani also went on to add that former BCCI President and ICC Chairman N. Srinivasan had a significant role to play in India not resuming bilateral cricket ties with its neighbouring nation Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board's compensation claim against BCCI will lead to 'bad blood': Ex-ICC Chief

Pakistan&#39;s Mohammad Hafeez&#39;s has been banned from bowling in international cricket after the ICC found his bowling action to be illegal.&nbsp;

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The bowling action of Pakistan&#39;s Mohammad Hafeez has been found to be illegal and he has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect: ICC
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931172611970646016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Saddened to know the result of my bowling action from ICC , it would never pull me down , wil never give up , worked so hard to remodelled it &amp; wil work again twice harder to get better to serve my beloved country Pakistan ???? &amp; Achieve MORE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NO1allrounder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NO1allrounder</a>
&mdash; Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22/status/931154682780807168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Match officials had reported Hafeez in last month&rsquo;s third one-day international against Sri Lanka.

&ldquo;The assessment revealed that the majority of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations,&rdquo; the ICC said in a statement.

Hafeez is an off-spinner and an opening batsman.&nbsp;

Hafeez, 37, has been suspended twice earlier.

He served a 12-month ban starting&nbsp;July, 2015 after his action was found to be illegal for the second time in a two-year period.&nbsp; 
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Hafeez has been suspended on two previous occasions for the same offence

Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez's has been banned from bowling in international cricket after the ICC found his bowling action to be illegal. The bowling action of Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez has been found to be illegal and he has been suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect: ICC — ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2017 × Saddened to know the result of my bowling action from ICC , it would never pull me down , wil never give up , worked so hard to remodelled it & wil work again twice harder to get better to serve my beloved country Pakistan ???? & Achieve MORE #NO1allrounder — Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 16, 2017 × Match officials had reported Hafeez in last month’s third one-day international against Sri Lanka. “The assessment revealed that the majority of his deliveries exceeded the 15 degrees level of tolerance permitted under the regulations,” the ICC said in a statement. Hafeez is an off-spinner and an opening batsman. Hafeez, 37, has been suspended twice earlier. He served a 12-month ban starting July, 2015 after his action was found to be illegal for the second time in a two-year period.

Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez suspended after ICC finds bowling action illegal

The International Cricket Council(ICC) has voted in favour of giving Afghanistan and Ireland full Test status.

As new full members of the ICC, Ireland and Afghanistan will take the total number of Test nations to 12. &nbsp;

Bangladesh was inducted as a full Test member back in 2000 after the then BCCI chief late Jagmohan Dalmiya pushed other Asian nations namely Sri Lanka and Pakistan to further the Asian block within the ICC. Sri Lanka was inducted as a member in 1982, Zimbabwe joined the elite club in 1992.

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BREAKING: <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials">@ACBofficials</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Irelandcricket">@Irelandcricket</a> confirmed as Full Members after a unanimous vote at ICC Full Council meeting. 
 
More to follow... <a href="https://t.co/HXCw2HwDAW">pic.twitter.com/HXCw2HwDAW</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/877894746726952960">June 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Heartiest congratulations to Ireland and Afghanistan on test status. Really happy for both the countries.
&mdash; Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/877915341271187456">June 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Shafiq Stanikzai elated at being granted full Test status, said,&quot;For a nation like Afghanistan it is a huge and remarkable achievement, the entire nation will be celebrating across all five regions and different provinces. It is the perfect Eid gift.&quot;

&quot;Everyone has waited for this news and has been so keen to hear this news. Afghanistan cricket has gone from strength to strength and we dared to dream that this would happen and today it has become a reality,&quot; he added.

&quot;It&rsquo;s fantastic news for all involved with Irish cricket and I&rsquo;d like to thank the ICC and the members for the positive outcome,&quot; said Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom in a statement.

&quot;Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport and it&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;ve all been aiming for,&quot; he added.

Ireland captain William Porterfield added:&nbsp;&quot;It&rsquo;s wonderful news for all of Irish cricket, with all the players already talking about playing in a Test match for the first time.

&quot;We&rsquo;ve all played in World Cups and achieved some memorable results along the way, but to play in a Test would be a bit special.&quot;

&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council(ICC) has voted in favour of giving Afghanistan and Ireland full Test status

The International Cricket Council(ICC) has voted in favour of giving Afghanistan and Ireland full Test status. As new full members of the ICC, Ireland and Afghanistan will take the total number of Test nations to 12. Bangladesh was inducted as a full Test member back in 2000 after the then BCCI chief late Jagmohan Dalmiya pushed other Asian nations namely Sri Lanka and Pakistan to further the Asian block within the ICC. Sri Lanka was inducted as a member in 1982, Zimbabwe joined the elite club in 1992. BREAKING: @ACBofficials and @Irelandcricket confirmed as Full Members after a unanimous vote at ICC Full Council meeting. More to follow... pic.twitter.com/HXCw2HwDAW — ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2017 × Heartiest congratulations to Ireland and Afghanistan on test status. Really happy for both the countries. — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 22, 2017 × Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Shafiq Stanikzai elated at being granted full Test status, said,"For a nation like Afghanistan it is a huge and remarkable achievement, the entire nation will be celebrating across all five regions and different provinces. It is the perfect Eid gift." "Everyone has waited for this news and has been so keen to hear this news. Afghanistan cricket has gone from strength to strength and we dared to dream that this would happen and today it has become a reality," he added. "It’s fantastic news for all involved with Irish cricket and I’d like to thank the ICC and the members for the positive outcome," said Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom in a statement. "Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport and it’s what we’ve all been aiming for," he added. Ireland captain William Porterfield added: "It’s wonderful news for all of Irish cricket, with all the players already talking about playing in a Test match for the first time. "We’ve all played in World Cups and achieved some memorable results along the way, but to play in a Test would be a bit special."

ICC unanimously votes for Afghanistan, Ireland as Test playing nations

The game that always &#39;stops two nations&#39; comes again to a third when title-holders India face Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at London&#39;s Oval ground on Sunday.

And the question millions of cricket fans around the world, possibly even a billion, are all asking is &quot;which Pakistan will turn up?&quot;.

Will it be the team of their opening group match at Edgbaston on June 4, a 124-run thrashing by arch-rivals India, where their inept bowling and batting were outdone only by woeful fielding in what Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur labelled a &quot;shambolic&quot; display?

Or will it be the slick, skilled side who hammered England by eight wickets in the semi-finals, with Hasan Ali, the competition&#39;s leading wicket-taker, spearheading a brilliant bowling effort as the previously unbeaten tournament hosts were dismissed for just 211 before the likes of Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman helped knock off the runs in dashing style?

Arthur is confident the India &quot;aberration&quot; is now behind Pakistan, who&#39;ve also lost all three of their previous knockout matches at International Cricket Council tournaments against their fiercest foes.

&quot;What we&#39;ve produced after that doesn&#39;t come as any surprise, because that&#39;s how we trained, and that&#39;s what we worked at,&quot; Arthur told reporters at The Oval on Saturday. &quot;It was very disappointing to see that go wrong in the Indian game...That was an aberration. We&#39;re now moving forward.&quot;

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<h5>&#39;At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing&#39;, said Kohli</h5>
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&#39;History can change&#39;&nbsp;

The South African&#39;s comments echoed those of Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, who insisted: &quot;History can change, and I hope we can (change it).&quot;

The Oval was where, in 1882, England&#39;s defeat by Australia led to a mock obituary in a newspaper referring to the &quot;ashes&quot; of English cricket and hence the name for all future Anglo-Australian Test series.&nbsp;

But few would dispute that India-Pakistan is now the world game&#39;s premier contest -- certainly not the ICC who, by their own admission, now fix the draw at their events to ensure the Asian giants meet in the group phase.

&quot;It is massive,&quot; insisted Azhar. &quot;It is bigger than the Ashes -- and expectation is high from both nations, crazy about cricket.&quot;

Arthur confirmed Saturday that Mohammad Amir, who missed the semi-final with a back spasm, would return against India. &quot;He&#39;s fit to play, and he will play,&quot; said Arthur in answer to a question from AFP.

Amir&#39;s replacement left-arm quick Rumman Raees, who marked his ODI debut with two wickets against England, may now miss out. But &nbsp;Pakistan could also find a place for Amir by leaving out a spinner in either Shadab Khan or Imad Wasim.

India, whose skipper Virat Kohli heads the tournament batting averages with a stratospheric 253, are a formidable outfit. As well as Kohli, their top order boasts the likes of dynamic opening pair of Rohit Sharma, fresh from a hundred in a nine-wicket semi-final rout of Bangladesh, and Shikhar Dhawan.

But their middle-order has rarely been tested and Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed believed his bowlers could pose problems for India, even late in the innings.

&quot;After the India game we have bowled with an attacking mindset and that is why we have taken wickets,&quot; he said. &quot;The final overs usually involve a lot of pressure and especially if you are playing against India.&quot;

But Sarfraz, who has had a fine tournament in his triple role of captain, wicket-keeper and batsman added: &quot;You saw how well we bowled in the &#39;death overs&#39; against South Africa and also Sri Lanka&quot;.

India too have a well-balanced attack, with the new-ball duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah supported by contrasting spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and left-armer Ravindra Jadeja.

Ashwin is expected to be fit despite suffering a blow to his right knee from a wayward throw in during fielding practice at The Oval on Saturday.

Meanwhile Kohli too insisted the group clash was no longer of any relevance.&nbsp;

&quot;On their day they can beat any side in the world,&quot; the India captain said of Pakistan. &quot;That&#39;s the kind of players they have, we&#39;re quite aware of that.&quot;

Kohli, however, added: &quot;At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing.&quot;

Pakistan are thought of as 'unpredictable', there are days when they are spectacular and other days when they are shambolic

The game that always 'stops two nations' comes again to a third when title-holders India face Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final at London's Oval ground on Sunday. And the question millions of cricket fans around the world, possibly even a billion, are all asking is "which Pakistan will turn up?". Will it be the team of their opening group match at Edgbaston on June 4, a 124-run thrashing by arch-rivals India, where their inept bowling and batting were outdone only by woeful fielding in what Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur labelled a "shambolic" display? Or will it be the slick, skilled side who hammered England by eight wickets in the semi-finals, with Hasan Ali, the competition's leading wicket-taker, spearheading a brilliant bowling effort as the previously unbeaten tournament hosts were dismissed for just 211 before the likes of Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman helped knock off the runs in dashing style? Arthur is confident the India "aberration" is now behind Pakistan, who've also lost all three of their previous knockout matches at International Cricket Council tournaments against their fiercest foes. "What we've produced after that doesn't come as any surprise, because that's how we trained, and that's what we worked at," Arthur told reporters at The Oval on Saturday. "It was very disappointing to see that go wrong in the Indian game...That was an aberration. We're now moving forward." 'At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing', said Kohli × 'History can change' The South African's comments echoed those of Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, who insisted: "History can change, and I hope we can (change it)." The Oval was where, in 1882, England's defeat by Australia led to a mock obituary in a newspaper referring to the "ashes" of English cricket and hence the name for all future Anglo-Australian Test series. But few would dispute that India-Pakistan is now the world game's premier contest -- certainly not the ICC who, by their own admission, now fix the draw at their events to ensure the Asian giants meet in the group phase. "It is massive," insisted Azhar. "It is bigger than the Ashes -- and expectation is high from both nations, crazy about cricket." Arthur confirmed Saturday that Mohammad Amir, who missed the semi-final with a back spasm, would return against India. "He's fit to play, and he will play," said Arthur in answer to a question from AFP. Amir's replacement left-arm quick Rumman Raees, who marked his ODI debut with two wickets against England, may now miss out. But Pakistan could also find a place for Amir by leaving out a spinner in either Shadab Khan or Imad Wasim. India, whose skipper Virat Kohli heads the tournament batting averages with a stratospheric 253, are a formidable outfit. As well as Kohli, their top order boasts the likes of dynamic opening pair of Rohit Sharma, fresh from a hundred in a nine-wicket semi-final rout of Bangladesh, and Shikhar Dhawan. But their middle-order has rarely been tested and Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed believed his bowlers could pose problems for India, even late in the innings. "After the India game we have bowled with an attacking mindset and that is why we have taken wickets," he said. "The final overs usually involve a lot of pressure and especially if you are playing against India." But Sarfraz, who has had a fine tournament in his triple role of captain, wicket-keeper and batsman added: "You saw how well we bowled in the 'death overs' against South Africa and also Sri Lanka". India too have a well-balanced attack, with the new-ball duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah supported by contrasting spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and left-armer Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin is expected to be fit despite suffering a blow to his right knee from a wayward throw in during fielding practice at The Oval on Saturday. Meanwhile Kohli too insisted the group clash was no longer of any relevance. "On their day they can beat any side in the world," the India captain said of Pakistan. "That's the kind of players they have, we're quite aware of that." Kohli, however, added: "At the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing."

Champions Trophy final: Which Pakistan will turn up against India?

The head of India&#39;s powerful cricket board has voiced opposition to controversial plans for a two-tier Test system being considered by the game&#39;s governing body, a report said today. 
 
Anurag Thakur, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), told a newspaper that smaller nations would lose out on revenue and the chance to compete against the top teams. 
 
&quot;The BCCI is against the two-tier Test system because the smaller countries will lose out, and the BCCI wants to take care of them. It is necessary to protect their interests,&quot; a Chennai-based daily, quoted him as saying. 
 
&quot;In the two-tier system, they will lose out on a lot, including revenue and the opportunity to play against top teams. We don&#39;t want that to happen.&nbsp;We want to work in the best interests of world cricket and that is why our team plays against all the countries.&quot; 
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) first discussed the proposal to split Test cricket into two divisions at a meeting in Edinburgh last month, and is due to debate the plan further in September. 
 
Under the scheme being considered, the top seven-ranked teams would join a de facto premier league designed to boost interest in Test cricket.&nbsp;The other three lowest ranked sides which are currently the West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, would then join a second division, which would also include the likes of Afghanistan and Ireland. 
 
Although England, Australia and New Zealand have all come out in favour of the proposal, India&#39;s opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water. 
 
Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar is head of the ICC and India, which is the game&#39;s financial powerhouse, has a history of ensuring that its stance prevails on key debates within the global body. 
 
The plan has been fiercely opposed by the likes of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which is at risk of falling outside the top seven after sliding down the rankings in the last year. 
 
The smaller Test teams financial survival largely depends on their ability to sell television rights to matches against teams such as India and England. 
 
(AFP)

Although England, Australia and New Zealand all favour the proposal, India's opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water

The head of India's powerful cricket board has voiced opposition to controversial plans for a two-tier Test system being considered by the game's governing body, a report said today. Anurag Thakur, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), told a newspaper that smaller nations would lose out on revenue and the chance to compete against the top teams. "The BCCI is against the two-tier Test system because the smaller countries will lose out, and the BCCI wants to take care of them. It is necessary to protect their interests," a Chennai-based daily, quoted him as saying. "In the two-tier system, they will lose out on a lot, including revenue and the opportunity to play against top teams. We don't want that to happen. We want to work in the best interests of world cricket and that is why our team plays against all the countries." The International Cricket Council (ICC) first discussed the proposal to split Test cricket into two divisions at a meeting in Edinburgh last month, and is due to debate the plan further in September. Under the scheme being considered, the top seven-ranked teams would join a de facto premier league designed to boost interest in Test cricket. The other three lowest ranked sides which are currently the West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, would then join a second division, which would also include the likes of Afghanistan and Ireland. Although England, Australia and New Zealand have all come out in favour of the proposal, India's opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water. Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar is head of the ICC and India, which is the game's financial powerhouse, has a history of ensuring that its stance prevails on key debates within the global body. The plan has been fiercely opposed by the likes of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which is at risk of falling outside the top seven after sliding down the rankings in the last year. The smaller Test teams financial survival largely depends on their ability to sell television rights to matches against teams such as India and England. (AFP)

India's cricket board opposes two-tier Test plan: report

Bangladesh has ruled out playing England&#39;s cricket team in a third country in September, an idea floated after a deadly terror attack in the capital killed 18 foreigners last week.&nbsp; 
 
England are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on September 30 to play two Tests and three one-day internationals. 
 
England&#39;s limited-over captain Eion Morgan voiced &quot;big concern&quot; after last Saturday&#39;s attack by Islamist extremists at an upmarket restaurant, saying a neutral venue could be an option for the series. 
&nbsp; 
And an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman hinted at a possible cancellation of the Bangladesh tour saying that &quot;if the environment is not acceptably safe or the right measures not in place, we would take the appropriate steps&quot;. 
 
However, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters in Dhaka today that Bangladesh wanted the matches to go ahead on home turf. 
 
&quot;We always believe suspending cricket in a particular country will not bring any solution,&quot; Chowdhury said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Our all-out effort will be fulfilling our commitment of hosting the series here,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
He also noted that a security delegation from England would be coming to inspect the security measures in place ahead of the games. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;England security delegate was supposed to visit last month. But they are taking time,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;They will also tour India after Bangladesh series. Perhaps,they will do the security inspection both in India and Bangladesh together.&quot; 
&nbsp; 
Australia pulled out of a tour of Bangladesh last year due to security concerns. The West Indies Under-19 side also aborted a tour in 2013 after an explosion near their hotel in the southern city of Chittagong. 
 
Chowdhury said the International Cricket Council is working on updated security protocol to deal with the problem globally.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It`s not just a problem of Bangladesh. Many developed countries in the world, who have strong security barriers, face some incidents too.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Still, whenever we host an international series, we take special security measures. We have hosted many major ICC events, despite many challenges,&quot; he said. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

England are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on September 30 to play two tests and three one-day internationals

Bangladesh has ruled out playing England's cricket team in a third country in September, an idea floated after a deadly terror attack in the capital killed 18 foreigners last week. England are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on September 30 to play two Tests and three one-day internationals. England's limited-over captain Eion Morgan voiced "big concern" after last Saturday's attack by Islamist extremists at an upmarket restaurant, saying a neutral venue could be an option for the series. And an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman hinted at a possible cancellation of the Bangladesh tour saying that "if the environment is not acceptably safe or the right measures not in place, we would take the appropriate steps". However, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters in Dhaka today that Bangladesh wanted the matches to go ahead on home turf. "We always believe suspending cricket in a particular country will not bring any solution," Chowdhury said. "Our all-out effort will be fulfilling our commitment of hosting the series here," he added. He also noted that a security delegation from England would be coming to inspect the security measures in place ahead of the games. "England security delegate was supposed to visit last month. But they are taking time," he said. "They will also tour India after Bangladesh series. Perhaps,they will do the security inspection both in India and Bangladesh together." Australia pulled out of a tour of Bangladesh last year due to security concerns. The West Indies Under-19 side also aborted a tour in 2013 after an explosion near their hotel in the southern city of Chittagong. Chowdhury said the International Cricket Council is working on updated security protocol to deal with the problem globally. "It`s not just a problem of Bangladesh. Many developed countries in the world, who have strong security barriers, face some incidents too. "Still, whenever we host an international series, we take special security measures. We have hosted many major ICC events, despite many challenges," he said. (AFP)

Bangladesh rule out playing England in neutral venue

The International&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Council (ICC) will apply for the inclusion of women&#39;s&nbsp;cricket at the&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;Games&nbsp;in Durban, South Africa, the governing body has said.

Cricket&nbsp;has struggled to venture into new markets away from its traditional strongholds and the influential Indian board&#39;s reluctance to embrace multi-sports events as a means to increase exposure has hindered growth.

Following a presentation by the&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;Games&nbsp;Federation, the&nbsp;ICC&nbsp;board agreed to apply for a women&#39;s competition at the Durban&nbsp;Games&nbsp;during its annual conference in Edinburgh on Saturday.

&quot;It will enhance the profile of the sport and create additional exposure and experiences for female&nbsp;cricketers,&quot;&nbsp;ICC&nbsp;chairman Shashank Manohar, a former head of the Indian board, said in a statement.

South Africa won the men&#39;s event when&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;took place at the 1998&nbsp;Commonwealth&nbsp;Games in Malaysia, the only time the sport has been included in the programme.

The Asian&nbsp;Games&nbsp;remains the largest multi-sports event that features&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;and the last two editions included both men&#39;s and women&#39;s competitions.

The&nbsp;ICC&nbsp;has also been exploring the possibility of getting&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;added to the Olympic programme.

&quot;There will be further discussions on&nbsp;cricket&#39;s potential participation in the Olympic&nbsp;Games following further meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later in the year,&quot; the governing body said.

President of the Italian board Simone Gambino told ESPN Cricinfo on Friday that&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;would be included in the 2024 Olympics should Rome win the bid to host the&nbsp;Games. 
 
(Reuters)

The?ICC?has also been exploring the possibility of getting?cricket?added to the Olympic programme

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will apply for the inclusion of women's cricket at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban, South Africa, the governing body has said. Cricket has struggled to venture into new markets away from its traditional strongholds and the influential Indian board's reluctance to embrace multi-sports events as a means to increase exposure has hindered growth. Following a presentation by the Commonwealth Games Federation, the ICC board agreed to apply for a women's competition at the Durban Games during its annual conference in Edinburgh on Saturday. "It will enhance the profile of the sport and create additional exposure and experiences for female cricketers," ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, a former head of the Indian board, said in a statement. South Africa won the men's event when cricket took place at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, the only time the sport has been included in the programme. The Asian Games remains the largest multi-sports event that features cricket and the last two editions included both men's and women's competitions. The ICC has also been exploring the possibility of getting cricket added to the Olympic programme. "There will be further discussions on cricket's potential participation in the Olympic Games following further meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later in the year," the governing body said. President of the Italian board Simone Gambino told ESPN Cricinfo on Friday that cricket would be included in the 2024 Olympics should Rome win the bid to host the Games. (Reuters)

Commonwealth Games 2022: Women's cricket may feature in Durban

Unperturbed over the length of his contract as India&#39;s new head coach, former spinner Anil Kumble believes he has enough time and matches to make an impact. 
 
Kumble, whose only coaching experience has been as mentor of the Mumbai and Bangalore teams in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, was given a one-year term last week. 
 
For the post, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) received 57 applications which were made available to an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman. 
 
The BCCI said Kumble was handed a one-year contract so they could review their options for one of world cricket&#39;s most challenging jobs at the end of that period. 
 
&quot;I am talking about a journey,&quot; former India skipper Kumble told reporters in his first press conference on Wednesday after bagging the job. &quot;There are 17 test matches in the next 12 months. 
 
&quot;I just look at that as an opportunity to gain experience and contribute to Indian cricket,&quot; he asserted.&nbsp; 
 
Confident about team&#39;s potential as he braces up for upcoming&nbsp;assignment&nbsp; 
 
Kumble&#39;s first assignment will be a four-test series in West Indies, after which India is set for a bumper season of home action when they will be playing 13 test matches, eight ODIs and three T20 internationals. 
 
These start with three tests against New Zealand, while England and Australia will play five and four matches respectively. Bangladesh will also play a one-off test. 
 
India won their last test series in the Caribbean 1-0 and Kumble was confident they would return victorious again. 
 
&quot;When I became captain, I never thought if I will be captain for a year or longer,&quot; the 45-year-old said. &quot;This team has potential and we will go for wins in those 17 matches. 
 
&quot;There will be some hard moments but I am sure we will come out of those.&quot; 
 
Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the International Cricket Council&#39;s (ICC) cricket committee, is believed to be India&#39;s most successful bowler, capturing 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 from 271 one-day internationals. 
 
 
Kumble hopes to assist captain in terms of &#39;strategy&#39;, &#39;progression&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Taking 20 wickets in tests have always been a challenge for touring India side and Kumble hoped his experience would come in handy. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s important the bowling group believe that they are leaders, which they are... just the mindset and whatever needs to be done,&quot; he added. &quot;The experiences I have had as a captain or as a player will certainly help in sharing those. 
 
He further added saying, &quot;It&#39; s a different role... I understand the role of staying in the background and it&#39;s the captain who takes all the calls on the field.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I will only assist him by giving him whatever necessary information there is in terms of strategy, progression,&quot; Kumble stressed.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the ICC cricket committee, is believed to be India's most successful bowler

Unperturbed over the length of his contract as India's new head coach, former spinner Anil Kumble believes he has enough time and matches to make an impact. Kumble, whose only coaching experience has been as mentor of the Mumbai and Bangalore teams in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, was given a one-year term last week. For the post, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) received 57 applications which were made available to an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman. The BCCI said Kumble was handed a one-year contract so they could review their options for one of world cricket's most challenging jobs at the end of that period. "I am talking about a journey," former India skipper Kumble told reporters in his first press conference on Wednesday after bagging the job. "There are 17 test matches in the next 12 months. "I just look at that as an opportunity to gain experience and contribute to Indian cricket," he asserted. Confident about team's potential as he braces up for upcoming assignment Kumble's first assignment will be a four-test series in West Indies, after which India is set for a bumper season of home action when they will be playing 13 test matches, eight ODIs and three T20 internationals. These start with three tests against New Zealand, while England and Australia will play five and four matches respectively. Bangladesh will also play a one-off test. India won their last test series in the Caribbean 1-0 and Kumble was confident they would return victorious again. "When I became captain, I never thought if I will be captain for a year or longer," the 45-year-old said. "This team has potential and we will go for wins in those 17 matches. "There will be some hard moments but I am sure we will come out of those." Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the International Cricket Council's (ICC) cricket committee, is believed to be India's most successful bowler, capturing 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 from 271 one-day internationals. Kumble hopes to assist captain in terms of 'strategy', 'progression' Taking 20 wickets in tests have always been a challenge for touring India side and Kumble hoped his experience would come in handy. "It's important the bowling group believe that they are leaders, which they are... just the mindset and whatever needs to be done," he added. "The experiences I have had as a captain or as a player will certainly help in sharing those. He further added saying, "It' s a different role... I understand the role of staying in the background and it's the captain who takes all the calls on the field." "I will only assist him by giving him whatever necessary information there is in terms of strategy, progression," Kumble stressed. (Reuters)

Indian coach Kumble: Enough time, matches for me to make impact

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