Bangladesh on Sunday omitted former skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who has been suspended from bowling in international and domestic cricket because of an illegal action, from their Champions Trophy squad. Shakib, who failed a test of his bowling action at the Loughborough University in England last month, also could not procure a positive assessment in a second independent test conducted at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai recently. The omission from the 15-member Champions Trophy squad could also mark the end of the 37-year-old's ODI career. The tournament begins on February 19. Shakib, who was retired from Test and T20I formats, was reported for a suspect bowling action during a one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship in September last. On-field umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and David Millns made the report, which was termed ¿shocking¿ by Bangladesh Cricket Board officials. No place for Litton also Bangladesh, who will open their Champions Trophy campaign against India in Dubai on February 20, have also left out seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das after his recent modest outings. Das could not make a fifty in his last 13 ODI innings. His last 50-plus score was against India at Pune in October 2023. In fact, the 30-year-old's last seven innings read: 6, 1, 0, 0, 2, 4, 0. Other than these two big names, all-rounder Afif Hossain, and pacers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud too failed to get a place in the squad which will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto. Najmul is returning to the side after missing the home ODIs last year against the West Indies due to a hamstring injury. Along with Najmul, experienced Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman and promising top-order batter Towhid Hridoy too have made a comeback. Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana. (With agency inputs)
12 January,2025 03:11 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentIndia's Test and One-Day International (ODI) captain, Rohit Sharma, held an extensive discussion with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) leadership and chief selector Ajit Agarkar during a review meeting as per a report. The primary focus of the conversation was to address the recent disappointing outcomes for the Indian cricket team, particularly the 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and the 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand. The meeting, attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir as well, sought to gather feedback from the team management regarding these setbacks. One of the key topics that emerged from the discussions was Sharma’s leadership tenure, with growing questions surrounding his long-term future as captain. His form with the bat, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar series, had led to increasing speculation about his place in the Test team. Rohit notably made the decision to bench himself for the final Test of the series in Sydney, though India went on to lose that match as well. During the review, Rohit reportedly expressed his desire to continue as captain for a few more months, specifically leading the team into the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. However, he also acknowledged the need for the BCCI to begin exploring potential successors for the captaincy. The name of Jasprit Bumrah emerged as a potential long-term successor during the meeting. Bumrah’s credentials as a future captain had been discussed previously, and his leadership experience, including captaining India in two Tests during the 2020-2021 series in Australia, was noted. However, concerns were raised regarding his fitness, particularly after he sustained a back injury during the final Test in Sydney. These fitness issues have led to doubts about his ability to lead India over a full-length Test series, especially a demanding five-match series. The fitness concerns surrounding Bumrah are valid, given his status as a premier pacer for India. His injury history, particularly with back problems, has made some members of the BCCI wary of placing the leadership burden on his shoulders for a prolonged period. The doubts over his long-term fitness could potentially hinder his chances of taking on the role of India's Test captain. Sharma’s desire to continue as captain through the ICC Champions Trophy is clear. Following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, players will join their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, and India’s next major cricketing assignment will be a five-match Test series against England. It remains uncertain whether Rohit will lead the team in this series or whether the BCCI will opt for a new captain for the Test format. Given the evolving situation, the BCCI is likely to deliberate on the future of India’s Test captaincy during this phase. With a transition period in mind, the board will need to weigh the potential of emerging leaders, such as Bumrah, while considering the immediate goals under Sharma’s leadership.
12 January,2025 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShakib Al Hasan suffered a fresh setback ahead of of the Champions Trophy after failing a second test of his bowling action, keeping him suspended from rolling his arm over in both domestic and international cricket. Shakib had earlier failed an independent assessment of his bowling action at Loughborough University, an ICC-accredited testing center in the UK. The result, which was reported on December 15, 2024, had already prevented him from bowling his left-arm spin in any format. The all-rounder was reassessed at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai last month, but the results did not lead to any change in his status. "Consequently, the player's existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment at the testing centre of Loughborough University in the UK, also remains in place," the BCB said in a statement on Saturday. "A successful reassessment is required for the bowling suspension to be lifted." Bangladesh will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against India in Dubai on February 20, with all participating teams required to announce their squads by January 12. Shakib, who remains in contention for a spot in Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad, has received support for inclusion from both captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed. “While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket,” the BCB said. The 37-year-old, who has retired from Test and T20I cricket, was reported for a suspect bowling action during a one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship in September. On-field umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and David Millns made the report. BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain called the entire episode "shocking." Shakib last appeared for Bangladesh in a two-match Test series against India last year, which Bangladesh lost 0-2. The veteran all-rounder, who has 4609 runs and 246 wickets in 71 Tests, 7570 runs and 317 wickets in 247 ODIs, and 2551 runs and 149 wickets in 129 T20Is, has not returned to Bangladesh since deciding against playing his farewell Test against South Africa in Mirpur, due to political unrest in Dhaka. He is currently based in the USA with his family. (With agency inputs)
12 January,2025 12:54 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner expressed his thoughts on the loss in the last match of the series and said this was not the way he wanted it to end. Exceptional performance from Sri Lanka bowlers Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Eshan Malinga denied hosts New Zealand from registering a clean sweep as the Charith Asalanka-led side won the third and final match of the ODI series by 140 runs at Eden Park on Saturday. "Little disappointing, probably not the way we wanted to finish series. Credit to Sri Lanka; they put score on board, and they challenged us early and it was pretty tough to come back from there. They got the ball swinging and made it challenging. We did that throughout the series...I guess we will take it on the chin...a lot of positives from the series, guys playing their roles...the lads performed really well in the series against a very good team and the depth in their squad is outstanding. We go to Pakistan, and it will be a change of conditions so we'll prepare and adapt as best as we can," Mitchell Santner said in the post-match presentation as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. Recapping the third and final match of the ODI series at Auckland, Charith Asanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Batting first, the Asian Lions scored 290 runs with the loss of eight wickets in their 50 overs. The scorers in the team were Pathum Nissanka (66 runs off 42 balls with six fours and five sixes), Kusal Mendis (54 runs from 48 balls, five fours and two sixes), Janith Liyange (53 runs in 52 balls with three fours and two sixes) and Kamindu Mendis (46 runs off 71 balls, three sixes and two fours). For New Zealand, the pick of the bowler was Matt Henry who grabbed four wickets in his 10 overs where he gave away 55 runs in his spell. Two wickets were taken by Mitchell Santner and one wicket each was taken by Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell in their respective spells. In reply to Sri Lanka's total of 290 runs, New Zealand were bundled out for 150 in just 29.4 overs. The run-getters in this innings were Mark Chapman (81 runs off 81 balls, 10 fours and 1 six), Nathan Smith (17 runs from 29 balls, 1 four), Michael Bracewell (13 runs in 20 balls, 1 four and 1 six), Matt Henry (12 runs off 6 balls with 1 four and 1 six) and 21 extras (18 wides, 2 leg byes and 1 no ball) in the innings. For Sri Lanka, three wickets each were snapped by Fernando (3/26 in 7 overs), Theekshana (3/35 in 7.4 overs), and Malinga (3/35 in 7 overs) in their respective spells. One wicket was bagged by Janith Liyange in his spell of three overs where he conceded 16 runs. Despite this loss, the Blackcaps sealed the three-match ODI series 2-1. Asitha Fernando was awarded the Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling in the last match and Kiwis right-arm seamer Matt Henry was given the Player of the Series for his magnificent performance across the three matches of the series. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 January,2025 12:25 PM IST | Auckland | ANIFormer South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes on Saturday opened up on Team India's disappointing performance at the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia and said that "expectation was really high". Rhodes was speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Team India conceded a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and lost the opportunity to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord's. Speaking to ANI, Rhodes said that Test cricket in Australia is really tough and not too many teams had the liberty to clinch consecutive wins on Australian soil. "Well, Test cricket in Australia is really tough. I mean, not too many teams have gone there in one consecutive away series in Australia, and I think the Indian team had done that in the past. So maybe the expectation was really high. When most teams travel to Australia, everyone knows it's going to be a tough series, so maybe the Indian fans had forgotten that touring and playing in Australia is a very tough scenario both on and off the field because there's always a lot of verbal and some confrontation between players," Rhodes told ANI. The former cricketer added that one cannot blame one or two players for India's poor performance at the BGT series. "So to lay the blame on one or two players is always quite difficult. Cricket, we know, is a team sport, but yes, you need everybody to be contributing. So it's a case of understanding what is good for the team, what is good for the country and making sure everybody's in agreement. For me to sit here as an individual and go, this player should and shouldn't, I don't have that opportunity to criticise or judge anybody," he added. Skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli came under fire for an underwhelming Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign and overall a very disappointing 2024/25 season of Test cricket. Sharma (31 runs in three matches and five innings at an average of 6.20) and Virat Kohli (190 runs in five matches and nine innings at an average of 23.75 with a century) lacked big time with the bat. Virat fell for the outside-off-stump trap throughout the series, most notably by pacer Scott Boland who dismissed him four times. The ongoing 2024-25 season of Tests has been miserable for 'Ro-Ko' (Rohit and Kohli). While Rohit scored just 164 runs in eight matches and 15 innings at an average of 10.93 with best score of 52, Virat scored a shambolic 382 runs in 10 matches and 19 innings at an average of 22.87, with just a century and fifty each. (With ANI inputs)
12 January,2025 12:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFormer Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal revealed that current captain Najmul Hasan Shanto and the selection committee asked him to return to the team but the 35-year-old listen to his heart to retire from the international cricket. Iqbal decided to close the chapter on his illustrious international career in a heartfelt post on Facebook marking the end of career spanning over 16 years. With 387 appearances across formats and a staggering 15,192 runs to his name, Tamim stands as one of the most iconic and prolific cricketers in Bangladesh’s history. "Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart,” Iqbal wrote. Tamim Iqbal retires as one of Bangladesh's greatest-ever cricketers. His career began with a memorable debut in 2007, and he quickly cemented his place as a dependable opener for the Tigers. Over the years, he displayed an unmatched consistency at the top of the order, playing a pivotal role in numerous historic victories for his country. In Test cricket Tamim scored 5134 runs in 70 Tests at an average of 38.89, including ten centuries and 31 half-centuries. His attacking stroke play against the best bowling attacks in the world set him apart, and he holds the distinction of being Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer in the longest format. In ODI, the left-hander was a titan in the 50-over format, amassing 8357 runs in 243 matches at an average of 36.65, with 14 centuries and 56 fifties. His ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed made him indispensable in Bangladesh's ODI setup. In the shortest format, Tamim’s adaptability shone through as he scored 1758 runs in 78 matches at a strike rate of 116.96, including a century, which was Bangladesh’s first-ever in T20Is. Tamim’s retirement saga has been one of twists and turns. In July 2023, he shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement mid-series but reversed the decision just a day later after discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, persistent injuries and a prolonged absence from international cricket led him to take a step back from the game. His last appearance came against New Zealand in September 2023. (With agency inputs)
12 January,2025 12:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFollowing a commanding performance by the youngsters in the opening match, India will eye another clinical display to seal the three-match series when they face Ireland in the second women’s ODI here on Sunday. Despite fielding a relatively inexperienced side, Indian women enjoyed a perfect day in the first ODI, registering a six-wicket win. Captain Smriti Mandhana continued her fine form, laying the foundation with a forceful 41, while the efforts of Pratika Rawal and Tejal Hasabnis, who shared a 100-plus partnership to steer the chase, were crucial. Young Titas Sadhu stepped up among the bowlers, striking in her first spell. Sayali Satghare also impressed, taking a wicket, while Saima Thakor bowled a tidy 10-over spell. Mandhana led the squad excellently. and the management might be pleased with the bench strength ahead of the home ODI World Cup later this year. However, India’s fielding was subpar. For Ireland, captain Gaby Lewis led from the front scoring 92, but lacked support. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 January,2025 08:14 AM IST | Rajkot | PTIFour-time champions Karnataka held their nerves to edge out hosts Baroda by five runs, while Maharashtra outplayed Punjab by 70 runs to enter the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-finals here on Saturday. Teenager Arshin Kulkarni [107] struck a maiden List A century, while gloveman Nitin Naik hit a fifty [52*] to take Maharashtra to 275-6. Punjab never posed any threat to the total, losing wickets regularly as they were bowled out for 205. The Pace duo of Mukesh Choudhary [3-44] and Pradeep Dadhe [2-31] did the damage for Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Opener Devdutt Padikkal marked his return to domestic cricket with a century before Prasidh Krishna’s game-changing spell at the death saw Karnataka edge out Baroda. Padikkal [102] anchored the Karnataka innings, supported by KV Aneesh’s fifty [52], as they scored 281-8 in their 50 overs. Baroda seemed well on course to chase the target as opener Shashwat Rawat led the charge with a century [104]. However, Prasidh [2-60] turned the match on its head in the 47th over, by picking up two wickets, including Rawat. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 January,2025 08:13 AM IST | Vadodara | PTIAsitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana shared six wickets as Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand for 150 runs in 29.4 overs to win the third one-day international by 140 runs here on Saturday. Fernando took 3-26 and Theekshana 3-35 to jointly knock the top off the New Zealand innings as the Kiwis chased 291 for victory. Eshan Malinga also contributed 3-35 as Sri Lanka completed a comprehensive victory. However, despite the crushing loss, New Zealand won the three-match series 2-1. Earlier, Pathum Nissanka made 66 in an innings of two parts–he was forced to retire hurt on 50 due to injury–as Sri Lanka compiled 290-8 after choosing to bat first. New Zealand then slumped to 21-5 inside seven overs as Fernando helped Sri Lanka unpick the New Zealand top order. Mark Chapman was the only Kiwi batter to stand against the chaos, scoring 81. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 January,2025 08:13 AM IST | Auckland | AP | PTIDevajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia will be officially elected as the BCCI secretary and treasurer respectively during the Special General Meeting (SGM) in Mumbai on Sunday. Saikia and Prabhtej were the only candidates in the fray for the vacant posts once BCCI electoral officer and former CEC of India, Achal Kumar Joti finalised the list on Tuesday. Saikia has been working as the BCCI interim secretary since Jay Shah took over as the ICC chairman on December 1. The BCCI constitution stipulates that any post lying vacant should be filled within 45 days by calling a SGM, and Sunday’s meeting is well within that period, holding on the 43rd day. Bhatia filed the nomination for the treasurer’s post after incumbent Ashish Shelar took oath as a cabinet minister in the Maharashtra government recently. While the election of the two important office-bearers is the main point on the agenda, ICC chairman Shah will attend the SGM as a ‘special invitee.’ Shah, the youngest to assume the ICC Chairman office, will be felicitated by the state units alongside the SGM. Shah had replaced Greg Barclay as ICC chief last month. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 January,2025 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe Wankhede Stadium, whose golden jubilee as an international venue is being celebrated by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) this month, has witnessed many memorable performances including an ODI World Cup win by India in 2011. And just like the cricketers who showcased their fighting spirit to win games across all formats, grit and determination played a role in the building of this iconic ground which became the city’s third Test venue after Bombay Gymkhana and Brabourne Stadium. Those qualities were brought to the fore by Sheshrao Wankhede, the then Bombay Cricket Association president, himself. The first Test at the Wankhede Stadium was held 50 Januarys ago when Clive Lloyd’s West Indies clashed with MAK Pataudi’s men. Wankhede’s daughter Ramola Wankhede Mahajani at her south Mumbai home. Pics/Atul Kamble Earlier this week, the late Wankhede’s daughter, Ramola Wankhede Mahajani, turned back the clock at her south Mumbai home and spoke to Sunday mid-day on how her father got the motivation to build a new stadium which would belong to the BCA through an argument with former India batsman Vijay Merchant, the then president of the Cricket Club of India. The Wankhedes are a sporting family. Sheshrao and his wife Kusumtai used to play tennis and were mixed doubles partners in Morris College team at Nagpur. Their elder daughter Kundatai was a badminton player, while Ramola was a track and field athlete and a table tennis player, who represented St Xavier’s College in Mumbai. Edited excerpts from a chat with Ramola Wankhede Mahajani. The refusal CCI had their own Brabourne Stadium and BCA had to depend on them to organise Tests. There was an agreement for CCI to give 1,500 seats to BCA during matches, but they didn’t give all. Once, a few young MLAs told my dad [then speaker in Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha and BCA president] that they wanted to play a friendly match at CCI. So along with Prof MV Chandgadkar, MW Desai, who was the BCA vice-president and dad went to meet Merchant at his home. When dad requested him to allow them to play the MLAs match at CCI, Merchant refused it. A heated discussion followed. Dad told him, “If you don’t allow us to play a single match and not consider our other demands, we [BCA] will build our own stadium.” Thrown a challenge Merchant said to my dad, “How can you Marathi people build a stadium?” Merchant had a grudge against Marathi people. My dad and the others left his home without saying anything more. But he told his BCA colleagues that they will now build their own stadium. The vital CM visit My dad went to then Maharashtra CM Vasantrao Naik and requested him to allot BCA a piece of land between Marine Drive and the railway tracks to build a stadium. Then he decided to build a stadium of 40,000 capacity just 500 metres away from the CCI. Shashi Prabhu, a young architect then, made a plan for the stadium. Under [Test player] Polly Umrigar’s guidance, pitches were made and later the stadium was constructed in record time. ‘Happy, satisfied, emotional’When stadium was fully constructed and ready for the Test, dad was very happy, satisfied and emotional after 14 months of continuous following. People wrote various things and criticised dad. People used to say that the stadium is going to collapse because it’s only a structure built with cement and steel. But, dad said, “it will never fall down because it is built with cement, steel and Wankhede. Honoured Merchant too My dad made Merchant a life member of the BCA and put his photograph in the BCA office. When people asked him why he did it for a man who had insulted him and BCA, dad said, “If he had not behaved with us in that manner, we wouldn’t have our own stadium today.” Modest NaikMy dad suggested naming the stadium after Vasantrao Naik saheb because he had given the plot to the BCA for the stadium. When Prof Chandgadkar and Desai went to meet CM saheb, he said: “I didn’t do anything. Whatever is done is done by Sheshrao, so his name deserves to be given to the stadium.” It was a big honour for dad to have the stadium named after him and that too while he was alive. Wankhede, the disciplinarian Dad [BCA president from 1963-64 to 1986-87] was very strict and never gave us any special treatment during international matches. We were not allowed to be in the President Box. We got only a couple of passes to watch matches and that too from the G Block. We were not even allowed to be on the outfield. He only allowed his granddaughter Mukta when she was little, to roam around.
12 January,2025 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureADVERTISEMENT
