South Africa's sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, urged the national men's cricket team to boycott Afghanistan at the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan to support Afghan women who face severe repression under Taliban rule. McKenzie argued for solidarity, echoing concerns from activists and organisations about the Taliban's restrictions on women's rights in Afghanistan.
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Shikhar Dhawan praised Shubman Gill for his exceptional form in the ICC Champions Trophy, highlighting his elegant batting and professionalism. Dhawan also commended Rohit Sharma's leadership. He acknowledged Jasprit Bumrah's absence but saw it as an opportunity for Harshit Rana to prove himself. India has secured a semi-final spot with wins against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Skipper Vijay Pawale's crucial innings guided Majhi Mumbai to a three-wicket victory over Srinagar Ke Veer in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) season 2 final on Saturday in Thane. The final match kept spectators on the edge of their seats with momentum shifts throughout, until Mumbai, last season's runners-up, sealed victory with Ankur's decisive six.
Akash Deep, having recovered from a back injury, is now 100% fit and eager to play for LSG. He is optimistic about his team’s potential, despite initial setbacks. He also appreciates the mentorship of Zaheer Khan at LSG for improving his skills.
During the second day of the fifth Test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma explained his absence due to poor form and praised stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit lauded Bumrah's growth and leadership skills. India's bowlers dominated, reducing Australia to 101/5, highlighting the challenging pitch and the importance of patience and pressure in Test cricket.
Cheteshwar Pujara has highlighted Mitchell Starc as a major threat for India in the upcoming Boxing Day Test. Pujara praised Starc's improved accuracy and effectiveness, particularly with the new ball. He emphasized the need for India's batsmen to negotiate Starc's initial spells carefully, noting his reduced impact against the lower order with the older ball.
England's batter Harry Brook emphasizes the need for his team to pressure India to even the T20I series after their loss in Kolkata. He praised Jos Buttler's performance and aims to contribute significantly in the upcoming matches, hoping to be a match-winner for England at the Chepauk stadium.
Former England pacer Steve Harmison has criticised Virat Kohli for his altercation with debutant Sam Konstas during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, suggesting Kohli should be given a ban for his conduct. Harmison advised Konstas to avoid provoking players, especially ahead of the Ashes series against England. Kohli received a demerit point and 20% fine for his actions during the incident.
India captain Jasprit Bumrah expressed frustration at not being able to bowl in the second innings due to back spasm, impacting India's efforts in the final Test at Sydney. Despite his absence, Bumrah finished as Player of the Series with 32 wickets.
Adam Gilchrist, in an exclusive interview at the Gabba, reminisced about his cricketing journey, highlighting Shane Warne's impact and his admiration for Rishabh Pant's explosive style. He praised Pant's ability to transition from defense to attack, comparing it to his own aggressive approach.
Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib was fined 15% of his match fee for dissenting against an umpire's decision during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. Naib mocked the umpire's rejection of an LBW appeal with a mock prayer, despite the unavailability of DRS. He accepted the sanction, receiving one demerit point. The incident occurred during Afghanistan's 50-run victory, leveling the series 1-1.