Cricket Buzz- October, 28
First-class cricketers to have contract system soon: Sourav Ganguly
The BCCI president Sourav Ganguly in his first interview to the PTI had mentioned that Indian domestic circuit, for the first time, will soon witness a contract system for the first-class cricketers in India, providing them with a much-needed sense of security.
Sourav Ganguly stressed that the financial health of domestic cricketers was paramount and he wants to bring in a secured structured payment system just like the annual central contract which should hike their salaries, which is nothing compared to the International players.
The BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly wants to bring in a secured structured payment system just like the annual central contract, “We will bring in a contract system for first-class cricketers. We the office-bearers will ask the new finance committee to prepare a contract system. It’s only been four or five days, and in between, there was a Diwali break. It might take about two weeks to assess everything and then move forward. There is a lot of work going on.”
A domestic cricketer earns around Rs 25 annually depending on the matches played. The match fee for a first-class game is Rs 35,000 per day (excluding the daily allowance) and the domestic cricketers get 13 per cent distributed amongst them from the gross revenue earned by BCCI through broadcast rights.
But, in a country like India where every state has a different working body, working out on such contract system might get tricky. So either the BCCI draws a broad outline for gradation of the players or instructs the state unit to do the same, Sourav Ganguly is propelling in the right direction.
Cricket Buzz- October, 29
ICC bans Shakib, BCB on the Horns Of A Dilemma
Bangladesh received a big setback ahead of the much-anticipated tour to India as the ICC banned their top-ranked all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan for 2 years. Of the 2 years, a year of the ban is to be served, while the other is a suspended ban. Shakib can return to international cricket only from October 29, 2020, which means he will be out of IPL 2020 and T20 World Cup 2020.
Shakib, who was found guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, charged for not reporting approaches from an alleged Indian bookie twice during a tri-series between Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in January 2018 and once during IPL in April 2018.
The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit had interviewed Shakib Al Hasan in January 2019 and in August 2019 concerning a lengthy investigation into potential corrupt conduct. The individual, who was found to have contacted Shakib, is reportedly an Indian bookie, Deepak Aggarwal. Whatsapp conversations reveal the bookie contacted Shakib on multiple occasions and sought to meet him. The bookie sought Shakib for internal information during the IPL 2018. Shakib confirmed that he had concerns over Aggarwal, feeling he was a bit “dodgy”, and that, following their conversations, he had the feeling that Aggarwal was a bookie.
To everyone’s surprise, a player of Shakib’s stature did not report these approaches to the ICC ACU. Shakib consequently on Tuesday accepted these charges of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Shakib explained the ICC ACU that he did not confirm or act upon any of these requests from Aggarwal.
The Cricket fraternity blasted Shakib in social media and various platforms stressing how a player as experienced as Shakib, could not report the approaches. The issue is obviously a lesson for all the young and experienced cricketers but as much for the respective Cricket Boards to properly educate and control their players. Well done ICC, at least at times, by these acts, they prove their existence.
Fans are shocked as ‘Virat Kohli and Team India under terror threat’ floods internet
A huge uproar erupted on Tuesday after some media reported that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had received an anonymous letter which claimed that Team India, particularly skipper Virat Kohli, were on a threat list. Putting the weight on their sources they further claimed that the NIA had forwarded the letter to the BCCI which said that All India Lashkar, based out of Kozhikode, Kerala, might target Virat Kohli and a few prominent politicians. They further reported that the Delhi Police have been asked to beef up the security of Indian cricket team who are scheduled to face Bangladesh in a T20 international at the Arun Jaitley Stadium previously Feroz Shah Kotla, in Delhi on November 3.
As per those media, the letter contains a list which also includes the names of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, and so on.
They later ended their report saying that ‘the letter could be a hoax, but given the heightened threat perception, no chance is being taken and security reviews of the match venue and individual players are being carried out.’
Fact check- Virat Kohli doesn’t even feature in the T-20 series against Bangladesh. In Virat Kohli’s absence, Rohit Sharma will be leading the team. The PM and President of our country are blessed with a Z+ Security, which only a fool would set out to target. Is it a hoax then? Well, I am glad that you are still waiting for an answer.
The team India is scheduled to play three T20Is against Bangladesh, the first of which will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Sunday. The three-match T-20I series will be followed by two Tests match series.
Cricket Buzz- October, 30
PM Sheikh Hasina, BCB extends support to Shakib al Hasan
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina on October 30 had extended her support to the Banned Star Cricketer of the country of Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan. S.Hasina quoted, “It’s clear that Shakib committed a mistake and he had accepted that. There’s nothing much the government can do about the ICC’s decision, but the BCB will stand by him.”
Later, Nazmul Hassan, the president of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) who had earlier expressed his disappointment at Shakib’s attitude over leading the recent players’ strike and missing practice matches, softened his stance on the star cricketer Shakib, after the ICC banned him. The president of BCB stated that doors will be opened for him at once the ban ends. “We hope Shakib will come back as soon as his sanction will be over, but as a better and wiser cricketer and serve Bangladesh Cricket for many more years that will follow. During the suspension, the BCB obviously will continue to support his efforts at returning to cricket. The BCB respects the ICC’s decision and shares similar sentiments against corruption in cricket.”
Nazmul Hassan continued, “Shakib had accepted three charges of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code but stayed firm that no corrupt had been done by him, this went in his favour and he could avoid the maximum penalty of the ban for five years, for the offence.”
This advancement from the ICC banning Shakib right before the tour of India forced Bangladesh Cricket to find new captains for its Test and T20Is. The BCB then appointed Mahmudullah as the T20I team Captain against India for the series starting November 3, while Mominul Haque will captain the Test team in the 2-match series, among which one is a first-timer Day and Night test match at Edens, for both the countries.
Cricket Buzz- October, 31
The Big Show, Glenn Maxwell to fight issues with his mental health
Glenn Maxwell, the Superstarstar all-rounder of Australia, will be taking a break from cricket as he has been experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health, Cricket Australia shocked everyone on Thursday. Glenn Maxwell, played the first 2 T20Is against Sri Lanka earlier this week and smashed a quickfire fifty in Adelaide on October 27, had opted out of the remainder of the T20I series against Sri Lanka. He will be replaced by D’Arcy Short.
Glenn Maxwell had spoken about mental health in the past and even stressed player welfare is among the most underrated aspects of the game. Maxwell, in an interview to The Sydney Morning Herald in 2018, spoke about how demanding it is to be a modern-day cricketer, especially after the advent of social media wherein “unfiltered access” to players’ lives is available.
Maxwell stated to The Age, “It’s easy to overlook on the outside because all the fans and media see is players going out there and playing in front of big crowds, thinking how good a life they must have, but it’s extremely tough. You spend a lot of time in a hotel by yourself, away from your family, it is a tough time. There’s a lot of travel, a lot of time away from family. As much as people want to see more and more cricket, it does take a toll on players.
The public should be a bit more patient, and potentially a bit more forgiving on certain players. In a world with social media, and complete unfiltered access to players, it can be quite daunting, and hard to deal with. I know it’s a player’s choice to be on social media, but sometimes it’s just hard to ignore.”
Australia’s team Psychologist Dr Michael Lloyd said Glenn Maxwell was proactive in identifying the issues with his mental health and engaging with the support staff.
“Glenn Maxwell has been experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health. As a result, he will spend a short time away from the game. Glenn was proactive in identifying these issues and engaging with support staff,” Michael Llyod said.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has said Glenn Maxwell will get the full support from the board and it will also help him with his reintegration into the game.
The executive general manager of national teams Ben Oliver said, “The well-being of our players and staff is paramount. Maxwell has our full support. Cricket Australia will work collaboratively with Cricket Victoria’s support staff to ensure Glenn’s well-being and his reintegration into the game.”
Considering the T-20 World Cup, to be held on Australian soil, this move by Glen Maxwell might prove as the game-changer. As we all are aware of the Game of a fresh and zestful Maxwell, ‘the Big Show.’ Wish the flamboyant all-rounder a happy and peaceful recovery. Get well soon, MATE.
Netizens cherish the Airport Selfie of Sourav Ganguly during a scheduled meet with Rahul Dravid
The BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly visited Bengaluru to meet National Cricket Academy’s chief Rahul Dravid to discuss the road-map of Indian cricket. Sourav Ganguly on his way to meet his former India teammate delighted the social media with a selfie with his fans at Bengaluru airport on Wednesday.
Sourav Ganguly tweeted a selfie with many of his fans and security personnel at the International airport of Bengaluru.
Sourav Ganguly captioned the image, “At the check-in at the airport of Bangalore.. the love of people makes u feel so grateful,”
Sourav Ganguly met Rahul Dravid at the Chinnaswamy stadium where they held crucial discussions to give a new shape to the NCA infrastructure in Bangalore.
Later, Sourav Ganguly along with NCA officials also visited the proposed land for the new NCA facility to be built. The BCCI had completed the 25-acre deal with the Karnataka government in May and it has now got an additional 15 acres making the total area of the facility as 40 acres, from the state government for setting up the Centre of Excellence near the Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli, Bengaluru.
The BCCI has been planning to find an alternate location to build the NCA with state-of-the-art facilities for over a couple of years. The land allocated for the NCA is a stone’s throw away from the International Airport. It should be sufficient for at least three cricket grounds and apart from that, it might sport indoor nets, administrative buildings, and the hostels. The land allotted is supposed to be on a 99-years lease.
Cricket Buzz- November 1
Kareena Kapoor Khan unveiled the T20 World Cup trophies at MCG
Kareena Kapoor was seen in Melbourne for the T20 World Cup trophies unveiling. The Women world T-20 which is scheduled to go live from 21st February 2020 till 8th March 2020, will be hosted in Australia.
Australia and India will lock horns in the opening match of the World Cup on 21st February 2020. The final of the Tournament is scheduled to be on March 8, also known as International Women’s Day, to be played at the MCG.
The Men’s version of the same will go live from October 18 – November 15.
David Warner does Virat Kohli esque vs Sri Lanka
In the T-20 series between Australia vs Sri Lanka, David Warner became only the 3rd batsman after Virat Kohli and Colin Munro to hit the fifties in all the 3 innings of a T20I bilateral series. David Warner starred in Australia’s 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka, hitting 217 runs without even getting out once over 3 matches. David Warner registered scores of 100*, 60*, 57* in the T20I series becoming the 1st and only opener to have remained unbeaten in all 3 matches of a 3-match T20I series.
The Indian Superman, Virat Kohli, was the 1st batsman to hit the fifties in all the 3 innings of a T20I bilateral series with scores of 90, 59, and 50 during India’s tour of Australia in 2015-16. Colin Munro achieved the feat when he hit 53, 66 and 104 against West Indies in 2017-18.
David Warner who returned from his ban with a bang performing extraordinarily in the IPL and ICC 2019 World Cup, was struggling in Ashes 2019, managing just 95 runs in 10 innings at a horror average of 9.5. A month later, as the colour of the clothes and ball changed again, it seems David Warner is unstoppable, who has single-handedly demolished Sri Lanka in the recently-concluded T20I series.
During the course of his fifty in Melbourne, David Warner became the 1st Australian batsman to complete 900 T20I runs. He also became the 1st Australian to complete 2000 runs in T20I cricket. The only six he hit on Friday also made him only the 2nd player to hit 100 international sixes in Australia as Adam Gilchrist holds the record with 105 sixes.
David Warner will be keen on continuing his purple patch with the white ball when Australia begin their 3-match T20I series against Pakistan from Sunday and most importantly considering the absence of another T-20 Superstar of Australia, Glen Maxwell.
Cricket Buzz- November 2
Big sigh of relief for Virat Kohli and co. as Jasprit Bumrah will be back by early 2020
Virat Kohli and the team will take a big sigh of relief as the recovery of Jasprit Bumrah is faster than expected. Bhumrah went through an assessment post the Diwali break and the pacer should be back in action at the start of the new year.
Currently, the Indian team is preparing for the upcoming T20I against Bangladesh in the national capital, one of the biggest challenges that await them shortly is the tour of New Zealand in early 2020. And there is some good news for skipper Virat Kohli and team, as Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery post a stress fracture is on track and he is expected to take the field by January 2020.
Team India will be hosting both Sri Lanka and Australia in January 2020 before heading to New Zealand for a two-Test, three-ODIs and five T20I tour and that is where the management believes it is crucial to have someone like Bumrah at 100 percent.
The Indians have been playing non-stop cricket and that is why skipper Virat Kohli and the team management has time and again spoken about the need to manage the workload of the likes of Bumrah to avoid injuries. Virat Kohli had said after the pacer’s devastating spells in the Windies Test series, “That’s probably the most important thing for us right now, managing the workload of players. That’s why he (Bumrah) didn’t play any white-ball cricket after the World Cup because we wanted him to be fresh for the Tests. He is going to be a key factor for us as long as the Test championship continues. We know how good a bowler he is. And the impact he can make in a spell.”
Skipper Kohli has been rested for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh for the same reason and will be back for the two-match Test series which will also see India play their maiden Day-Night Test at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Cricket Buzz- November 3
Rain God favoured Babar denying Finch’s Australia another win on the trot
Babar Azam, the No.1-ranked batsman on the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Batting Rankings, scored an unbeaten 38-ball 59 in his first match as Pakistan’s T20I captain, on a rain dictated T20I on Sunday, 3 November, in Sydney.
In a match reduced to 15-overs-a-side, Babar’s team put up 107/5 after being asked to bat. Set a revised target of 119, Australia was cruising at 41/0 in 3.1 overs, with captain Aaron Finch has unleashed a series of boundaries before inclement weather put an end to proceedings once and for all. Australia was already ahead of where they needed to be after five overs mark but fell 11 balls short, a matter of 10 minutes, of what would’ve been a complete game, as per DLS method.
Discontented Aaron Finch questioned officials over the time allotted for the innings changeover – which remained at the usual 20 minutes even after the rain had interrupted Pakistan’s innings, with the forecast being for more showers later. As Australia were six runs over the DLS requirement at the end of the Powerplay within the first three overs itself. One ball later, the rain returned and brought all that down to a no-contest.
Shouldn’t take anything away from the Bangla Tigers as History was created
Historic win for Bangladesh as both the teams lacked their key Superstars, before taking the field at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. While India intentionally has rested their Bahubalis, Bangladesh was forcefully devoid of them, as Tamim pulled out and Shakib, the mighty allrounder is banned for a year. Under pressure, the Bangla boys nailed the 1st T-20 and comfortably beat comparatively inexperienced India, for the first time. As both the teams had faced 8 times before this match, India always emerged as the better team in all occasions, while on many occasions Bangla boys succumbed to the pressure failing to close the games. But, this time around, an imbalanced (before the match, it seemed so) Bangla Tigers did create a History by beating India, that too in its Fortress.
Amid debated concerns over stringent air pollution in Delhi, Bangladesh opted to bowl and restricted India to 148 for six in 20 overs. It was the late onslaught by the allrounders Krunal Pandya and Washington Sundar, including a boundary and three sixes, that led the home team to an assured total.
While chasing, the Bangla Tigers fumbled a bit hinting their previous approaches and mindset but then came to bat a ‘Lucky’ Mushfiqur Rahim who scored an unbeaten half-century as the Bangla Tigers for the first time beat India by 7 wickets in the first T20 International to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Mushfiqur Rahim scored 60 runs off 43 balls, including eight boundaries and a six, while the Bangla captain Mahmudullah was not out on 15, doing a Dhoni-esque- hitting the winning six for Bangladesh.
Stay tuned for next week’s selected, major cricket buzz……… Till then, C ya all.
