Virat Kohli has re-entered the top-five in ICC's ODI batting rankings after scoring his 51st century against Pakistan. India hold three spots in the top five, with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma remaining strong. Other notable movements include KL Rahul, Will Young, and Ben Duckett. Maheesh Theekshana leads ODI bowlers, while Michael Bracewell made significant gains as an all-rounder.
Related news
The Pakistan Cricket Board is under fire for reducing match fees for players in the National T20 Championship amid financial concerns. Several cost-cutting measures have affected domestic cricket, including travel standards and player contracts. Amidst the backlash, star players Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have withdrawn from the championship, raising concerns about their priorities.
The three venues in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be ready by the end of this month , according to the PCB. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the National Stadium in Karachi and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium are undergoing renovations. The tournament begins on February 19, featuring eight teams, with India playing their matches in Dubai.
Former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from international cricket after his 100th Test match against Australia. At 36, he has scored 7,172 runs in Tests and 1,316 runs in ODIs, deciding to retire due to his recent form and the limited number of Test matches played annually.
Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson criticised Team India for using ineffective intimidation tactics against Australia's debutant players in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Johnson said the attempts to unnerve the rookies failed as two of them performed well in Australia's 3-1 series win. He emphasised the need for experienced players to guide newcomers in handling high-pressure situations.
The South African cricket team arrives in Lahore, Pakistan for an ODI tri-series with New Zealand and Pakistan. Led by Temba Bavuma, the team includes Gerald Coetzee back from injury and six uncapped players. The tri-series serves as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy beginning February 19. Matches start on February 8 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Mark Chapman and Nathan Smith excelled as New Zealand claimed a 73-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI. Chapman scored 132 in New Zealand's 344-9, while Smith took 4-60 to bowl out Pakistan for 271. Babar Azam's 78 was not enough to prevent a collapse. The series continues on Wednesday in Hamilton.
With the fourth Test at the MCG crucial for India, decisions hinge on whether to include an extra pacer or spinner, considering pitch conditions and recent team performances. Bumrah’s exceptional form remains vital, but reliance on his support bowlers and overall team performance is critical.
India's World Test Championship final hopes rest on winning both Tests against Australia. If India splits the series, they need Pakistan to upset South Africa. A Pakistan series win improves India's chances, while a 2-0 Pakistan win guarantees qualification regardless of Sri Lanka's results against Australia.
Shakib Al Hasan, former Bangladesh captain, has been banned from bowling in English cricket competitions due to an illegal action. An assessment revealed his elbow extension exceeded the allowed limit. The ban, effective December 10, 2024, follows a report during his stint with Surrey where he took nine wickets during their loss to Somerset.
Dubai Capitals achieved a remarkable eight-wicket victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday. They successfully chased a daunting target of 204, led by a 135-run partnership between Shai Hope and Gulbadin Naib, setting a new record in ILT20 history.