Author: WebDesk

All-rounder Michael Bracewell will lead the 14-member squad in the three-match T20I series against Australia, in the absence of regular skipper Mitchell Santner, who is sidelined following abdominal surgery. Returning to the side are pace duo Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears. Kane Williamson, who recently signed a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket, has made himself unavailable for the home series. Both Jamieson and Sears were not part of the New Zealand squad for the tri-series in Zimbabwe, which also featured South Africa. Jamieson missed the series after taking paternity leave for the birth of his first child, while…

Alick Athanaze and Tagenarine Chanderpaul have been recalled, while Khary Pierre has earned a maiden call-up in the West Indies side for the two-match Test series in India, starting on October 2. Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis, who were part of the squad in the previous Test series against Australia, have been left out. In this 15-member side, they have been replaced by Athanaze and Chanderpaul. Also omitted from the squad are middle-order batter Keacy Carty and all-rounder Johann Layne. “The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order, given the recent…

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott reckons his team will go into an important Group B fixture of the Asia Cup 2025 against Bangladesh as slight favourites. Historically, Afghanistan have had the upper hand over Bangladesh in the 20-over format, winning seven out of 12 T20Is. In their last five encounters, Afghanistan have emerged victorious on three occasions. “Since I’ve been with the side, we’ve had some memorable moments,” Trott recalled. “I think back to when we beat Bangladesh in a 50-over series in Bangladesh for the first time (in 2023). It had never been done before, and given how strong…

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally dismissed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove Andy Pycroft from his role at the ongoing Asia Cup, stating that the match referee was not at fault during the India–Pakistan clash on 14 September. Reportedly, the ICC conveyed its decision to the PCB via letter last night, deeming their demand to be unfounded. After the match, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), called for the “immediate removal” of Pycroft from the rest of the Asia Cup. He alleged that Pycroft’s actions had…

Bangladesh’s spin consultant Mushtaq Ahmed recognises the threat posed by Afghanistan’s spinners and has also highlighted Bangladesh’s concerns during the middle overs ahead of their must-win Asia Cup fixture against Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s biggest strength lies in their spin department. They have as many as six quality spin-bowling options, capable of dismantling any batting line-up. With conditions in the UAE on the slower side, Mushtaq is well aware of the threat posed by Afghanistan’s spinners and the damage they can inflict during the middle phase of the game. “Their spin department is very good, especially in the middle overs,” he said.…

India A head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar has revealed that Abhimanyu Easwaran is highly motivated to push himself and perform in the upcoming series against Australia A. Despite being a part of the Indian Test set-up for nearly a year now, Easwaran hasn’t made his debut yet. Many players were given opportunities during the England tour, which marked the beginning of a new era for the Indian Test team, but Easwaran was not among them. “He’s an experienced player. He has captained Bengal and played a lot of senior-level cricket,” Kanitkar told reporters in Lucknow. “So we don’t have to tell…

Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson expressed his disappointment over India’s refusal to take part in the customary handshake after the match, calling it a ‘disappointing’ end to the game. In a one-sided encounter, India romped past Pakistan to win their second game of the Asia Cup 2025 by seven wickets. It was a clinical performance from the Indian team. However, more than the sounds of victory, it is the aftermath of the game that is making headlines. As soon as the match ended, the Indian players shook hands with each other and went straight to the dugout. While the…

After Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families, head coach Gautam Gambhir echoed the same sentiment following India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan, securing their second win of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 by seven wickets. At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India didn’t just win — they sent a strong message. No member of the Indian team shook hands or interacted with the Pakistani players after the match. While much has been debated since then about the perceived lack of sportsmanship from India, the team maintained a clear stance, and Gambhir underlined…

In a historic scoop, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has secured the services of Gary Stead as Head Coach of the Senior Men’s Team for the upcoming domestic season. He replaces Tinu Yohannan, who moved to the MRF Pace Foundation earlier this year. Stead recently concluded his tenure with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), with Rob Walter taking charge. After eight years with the Black Caps, Stead expressed his desire to step down and chose not to extend his contract with NZC. “As President of the Andhra Cricket Association, I’m proud to announce the appointment of internationally acclaimed coach Gary Stead…

Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali has issued a gentle reminder to the top-order batters that hitting every ball to the boundary during the Powerplay is not necessary, after the team’s loss to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025, which was largely the result of an early batting collapse. Sri Lanka reduced Bangladesh to 0 for 2, with the first two overs of the match being wicket-maidens. Although Litton Das tried to steady the ship and got a start, he couldn’t capitalise, finishing with a 26-ball 28. Jaker and Shamim Hossain then forged an unbeaten 86-run partnership to take the team…