Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of not only winning the ICC Champions Trophy but also defeating India in Dubai on February 23. He expressed confidence in the team's capabilities and praised the renovated Gaddafi Stadium. The event celebrated the completion of stadium renovations with performances by prominent artists and a vibrant fireworks display.
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Johnson Charles propelled the Sharjah Warriorz to a nine-wicket victory over Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, scoring 71 runs off 33 balls. His aggressive batting, along with Tom Kohler-Cadmore's unbeaten 54, ensured a successful chase in just 11.5 overs, keep the Warriorz's playoff hopes alive.
Former Indian cricketer Salil Ankola supports Mohammed Shami's call to lift the saliva ban for bowlers to generate reverse swing. Along with South Africa's Vernon Philander and New Zealand's Tim Southee, they argue that bowlers need an edge in modern, high-scoring cricket. However, Venkatesh Prasad advises caution due to hygiene concerns.
India have been handed a setback as Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy. Australia, hit the hardest, will miss key players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. South Africa and Afghanistan also deal with injuries, while Pakistan's Saim Ayub faces exclusion due to an ankle injury.
Test cricket in Australia is witnessing a resurgence despite lingering questions about the format's viability. Crowds are turning up in record numbers for the India-Australia series, but concerns over its future remain as fewer nations can sustain competitive Test teams, and discussions about four-day Tests continue.
Rajat Patidar, in his first term as RCB captain, achieved a historic win against CSK at Chepauk after 17 years. His exceptional leadership and personal performance were acknowledged by teammates, including Phil Salt, showcasing Patidar's strategic decisions and impactful innings in the game's most critical moments.
Ravindra Jadeja became the fifth Indian bowler to secure 600 international wickets. He achieved the milestone during the first ODI against England in Nagpur. Jadeja's final figures of 3 for 26 helped India dismiss England for 248. He joins legends like Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, and Kapil Dev.
Axar Patel attributes his rapid development as an all-rounder to increased self-belief. He played a key role in India's Champions Trophy win over New Zealand and emphasizes the importance of his promotion in batting order. He also commends Varun Chakravarthy for his impactful performance, highlighting his challenging bowling pace and the difficulty in reading his deliveries.
Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann criticized chief selector George Bailey for being too close to the Test team to make tough decisions, particularly regarding the struggling top order. Captain Pat Cummins defended Bailey, praising his boldness and objectivity, emphasizing the broader considerations beyond online scrutiny in selection.
Kevin Pietersen has called for prioritizing domestic summer cricket in England for the sport's growth. He expressed concerns over the packed international schedule leading to player fatigue and less engagement with local fans. Despite maintaining high performance levels, the team faces a challenging future with fixtures against Zimbabwe and India in 2025.
Ravindra Jadeja attributes his recent success in ODIs to his preparation in domestic cricket, particularly his performance in a Ranji Trophy match. His stint helped him maintain his bowling rhythm, enabling him to excel in the ongoing series against England ahead of the Champions Trophy.