West Indies legend Clive Lloyd opposes the two-tier Test cricket proposal, stating it will hinder new teams' growth by confining them to a lower division. He emphasizes Test cricket's unmatched appeal and urges the ICC to create a fair system to support all teams equally. Lloyd also highlights financial challenges in sustaining Test cricket.
Related news
Experience the high-intensity drama of India-Pakistan cricket matches with The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan, available from February 7 on Netflix. This documentary features legends like Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly, revealing the cultural themes and emotions behind one of the most storied rivalries.
Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting commended the record-breaking attendance of the India-Australia Test series, suggesting the rivalry may now be cricket's biggest. The series saw 837,000 attendees, with 375,000 at the Melbourne Test alone. Both praised the players' performances and Australia's ability to turn the series around, emphasizing the growing interest and intensity of this cricket rivalry.
Desert Vipers head coach James Foster lauds Wanindu Hasaranga and Sherfane Rutherford for their inclusion in the ICC ODI Team of the Year. Foster highlights their on-field consistency and off-field value, calling Hasaranga the "ultimate all-rounder" and praising Rutherford's leadership. He credits the team's success to collective effort and a thoughtful management.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday unveiled the renovated historic National Stadium in Karachi, set to host the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The four-month renovation includes modern amenities like new LED floodlights, improved spectator facilities, and premium hospitality boxes. Despite exceeding the budget, finishing touches will continue post-Champions Trophy.
Rohit Sharma silenced critics with a Player of the Match performance, guiding India to a four-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. His aggressive approach, stemming from team strategy discussions, paid off as he scored 76 runs. This victory marks India's third Champions Trophy title, showcasing their consistent bowling and strong team depth.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized Shreyas Iyer's critical role in India's ODI set-up ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Iyer performed consistently during the three-match series against England, helping India secure a 3-0 whitewash.
Virat Kohli is intensely preparing for RCB's match against CSK, showing his hunger to improve even further. RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik praised Kohli's focus and confidence. Meanwhile, CSK's Rachin Ravindra, with his ability to handle spin and a strong recent performance, is highlighted as a potential game-changer by coach Stephen Fleming.
The PCB showcased the upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, emphasizing their readiness for the Champions Trophy amid concerns over venue preparations. Scheduled to start on February 19, the event's first game is between Pakistan and New Zealand. With PKR 12 billion spent on renovations, doubts remain until PCB confirms stadium possession.
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir defended Virat Kohli's ability against leg-spinners after a crucial win over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals. Gambhir dismissed criticism regarding India’s alleged advantage of playing all matches in Dubai, emphasizing team performance and preparation in neutral conditions.
Shardul Thakur remains positive about his future in Indian cricket despite currently being out of the national setup. He is hopeful of making a comeback for the England tour in June-July. Meanwhile, Shardul continues to impress in domestic cricket, having played a crucial role for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Haryana.