Page 9 - Cricket

IPL is leader of franchise cricket and we can only learn from them: Smith

SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith has pledged to make it the second best league in the world after admitting that the IPL remains the leader of franchise cricket, from where they can "only learn" to get better. The third season of SA20 is currently underway across venues in South Africa. "BCCI and IPL have been amazing in supporting us and guiding us in every decision we have made. IPL is the leader in franchise cricket by far and we can only learn from them," Smith told PTI Bhasha in an exclusive interview here. IPL veteran Dinesh Karthik this year became the first Indian player to feature in SA20 by appearing for Paarl Royals, who lost the second qualifier against two-time champion Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Centurion on Thursday. When asked about the possibility of having more Indian players in future, Smith said they would love to have them if they were available, but nothing of that sort is in the pipeline as of now. "We always said that we have worked with the BCCI to see what t

Ponting surprised with Shreyas not finding a permanent spot in Indian setup

Australian legend Ricky Ponting finds it incredulous that Shreyas Iyer has not been given a permanent slot in India's white-ball side, given his magnificent form and the ability to dominate spinners on slow subcontinental pitches. Iyer was one of the vital cogs in India's run to the final of the 50-over World Cup in 2023, with the middle-order batter scoring 530 runs to emerge the seventh-highest run-getter in the global event, and he further validated his prowess in the format with a 36-ball 59 against England in the first ODI at Nagpur on Thursday. In domestic cricket too, the 30-year-old has been in fine fettle this season, scoring two centuries for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. "I've been a little bit surprised that he's been out of India's side in the last couple of years. He had a terrific World Cup back in India (2023) where he played beautifully in the middle-order and I actually felt then that he'd almost cemented that spot and made that his own," opined Ponting on ICC

There was a kid with poster of Royal Challengers Bloemfontein: Donaldt

South African pace-bowling great Allan Donald on Friday hinted at the possibility of two new franchises joining the six-team SA20 league in near future. The league is currently in its third season and Sunrisers Eastern Cape will play in a third successive final when they take on first-time finalists MI Cape Town on Saturday. Backed by Indian Premier League (IPL) team owners, the SA20 has grown leaps and bounds since its inception, and currently comprises six teams. "You know, there's a little rumour going around at the moment. I saw it on Instagram again this morning... could there be two more franchises added? So there was a little guy with a poster of Royal Challengers Bloemfontein. So who knows? I mean, we'll see what pops up at the end of the year," SA20 Ambassador Donald said during a virtual media interaction ahead of Season 3 final. Lauding IPL veteran Dinesh Karthik's involvement in the ongoing edition of the league, Donald hoped more players from India would join SA20 in .

Have learned how to build my innings while being a part of WPL: Shafali

Delhi Capitals opener Shafali Verma on Friday credited the Women's Premier League for helping her learn how to build her innings, adding that the league provides players with opportunities to refine their games. Verma has been a pivotal member of Delhi Capitals, who reached the WPL finals in both the seasons. "The players get to play a good number of matches in WPL. You get some very good opportunities to make small tweaks here and there in your game," Verma said in a media release. "Personally, I have learnt how to build my innings while being a part of WPL." She also credited the WPL for providing players with significant game time and the platform to interact with international cricketers. "The experience of playing with foreign players is a different learning for all of us. One of the things that I like the most is the way they keep themselves calm and composed on and off the field. "That is one learning that I have got while playing with the overseas players," she added. De

Pandya decodes crucial T20 World Cup spell ahead of Champions Trophy

Pandya also appeared in the high-energy 'All On The Line' campaign film for the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.

MICT or SEC? Allan Donald gives his verdict on the SA20 final showdown

Looking forward to the final, Donald expressed excitement about the showdown between MI Cape Town and Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

'How could you bench him?' Aakash Chopra questions Indian team selection

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his displeasure about the thought process behind dropping Iyer.

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub ruled out of Champions Trophy 2025: PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Ayub is "progressing well in his right ankle fracture injury," and he continues his rehabilitation in England.

Champions Trophy 2025 official song 'Jeeto Baazi' released by Atif Aslam

Fans can still grab their tickets for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 through the official website or by visiting physical ticket vendors across Pakistan.

IPL 2025: Iyer, Arshdeep and Chahal key for Punjab Kings - Ricky Ponting

In addition to these senior players, Ponting expressed his faith in PBKS's younger Indian talent, retaining uncapped players like Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh.

Big blow for Australia as Cummins, Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy

National selection panel chairman George Bailey expressed disappointment at the situation but emphasized that it also presented an opportunity for other players to step up.

India vs England 1st ODI: Jaiswal and Rana make ODI debut in Nagpur

Jaiswal will open the innings with Rohit Sharma in the first ODI against England. In absence of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill is expected to bat number 3

IND vs ENG 1st ODI: Pitch report and key stats of VCA stadium in Nagpur

Regarding the pitch conditions, batters can expect a favorable surface. The average first innings score at the venue stands at 288 runs, so the opening ODI is likely to be a high-scoring affair.

ODI tri-series in Pakistan: Team list, full schedule, time, live streaming

Cricket enthusiasts in India can watch the live telecast of the tri-series on Sony Sports Network

Ranji Trophy QFs: Mumbai vs Haryana match venue shifted to Eden Gardens

The shift comes as part of the decision for all the quarterfinals to be extended into five-day contests, running from February 8 to February 12.

SA20: Markram not relying on old records in eliminator against Super Kings

Sunrisers Eastern Cape will look to keep their title dream alive with a win in the eliminator against Joburg Super Kings, who wish to change their playoff fate on Wednesday

Hardik recalls his iconic spell against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup

Hardik took three wickets in the match to help India contain Pakistan to a par total of 159

WPL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner replaces Mooney as Gujarat Giants' captain

Gujarat Giants will start their WPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match at Vadodara

SA20 eliminator Sunrisers vs Super Kings Playing 11, timing, live streaming

The live streaming of the SA20 eliminator match between SEC and JSK will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website in India.

Rohit and Virat still match-winners, says Kevin Pietersen amid criticism

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen says that the criticism of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their struggles with the bat is heavily exaggerated