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ICC Suspends Sri Lanka Cricket’s Membership: Immediate Impact Due to ‘Government Interference’

11 November 2023 by Amān Daudzai

In a significant move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has announced the suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket’s membership, effective immediately. The global governing body, in a concise press release, highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing serious breaches by Sri Lanka Cricket in fulfilling its obligations as an ICC Member.

The specific breach pointed out by the ICC relates to Sri Lanka Cricket‘s failure to manage its affairs autonomously, particularly in ensuring the absence of government interference in the governance, regulation, and administration of cricket within the country.

The conditions and ramifications of this suspension are yet to be determined, with the ICC Board set to make decisions on this matter in due course.

This development unfolds against the backdrop of a tumultuous World Cup campaign by the Sri Lankan cricket team, currently positioned at ninth in the 10-team standings after securing only two victories in nine matches.

Sri Lankan cricket has been embroiled in internal strife, exacerbated by the team’s performance. Earlier in the week, Sri Lankan Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe dismissed the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) management, appointing former World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga to lead a seven-member interim committee to govern the cricket board. However, this decision faced opposition and was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal.

Further complicating matters, the Sri Lankan parliament unanimously passed a resolution demanding the dismissal of SLC, drawing support from various political factions. This resolution, originating from the Sri Lankan parliament, appears to have triggered the ICC’s response.

It’s noteworthy that the ICC had previously suspended a full member two years ago when Zimbabwe Cricket faced suspension due to government interference.

The ramifications of Sri Lanka Cricket’s suspension from ICC membership raise questions about the future trajectory of cricket administration in the country and the potential impacts on international cricket engagements involving Sri Lanka. As the cricket world awaits further developments, this suspension marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dynamics between cricket boards and government influences.

England vs New Zealand: Men’s 50 Over World Cup 2023 Opener Set to Kick Off in Ahmedabad

10 May 2023 by Amān Daudzai

In Ahmedabad, the Men’s 50 Over World Cup will begin and end in 2023. Based on available information, it appears that the first match of the tournament is scheduled to take place on October 5 between England and New Zealand. Additionally, it seems that the final match is also set to occur at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera on November 19.

Based on credible sources, it has been determined that India’s initial match is scheduled against Australia and is highly probable to take place in Chennai. The highly-anticipated game versus Pakistan is scheduled for October 15, a Sunday, similar to the final match on November 19.

The schedule for the upcoming cricket matches is anticipated to be released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) subsequent to the conclusion of the current Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The BCCI will obtain formal approval from all relevant parties prior to releasing the schedule. The BCCI, being the host, possesses the ultimate authority to determine the dates and venues.

According to Cricbuzz, Pakistan has consented to visit India for the World Cup despite the ongoing standoff and ambiguity surrounding the Asia Cup. However, it appears that Pakistan has raised some apprehensions.The PCB is believed to have concerns about playing the upcoming match against India in Ahmedabad. This is speculated to be a possible reason for the recent visit of PCB Chairman Najam Sethi to the ICC office in Dubai.

The PCB chief has expressed a desire for alterations to the match venues in India, seemingly as a means of preserving face, after having previously agreed to participate in the quadrennial championship. The intelligence has gathered that the PCB has consented to hold the final in Ahmedabad, provided that their team qualifies for the championship match.

According to the current tentative schedule, Pakistan’s matches are scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has allocated venues in the Southern Zone for the majority of Pakistan’s matches. Chennai, known for its peaceful hosting and sportsmanlike audience, has been granted additional matches.

The designated venues for the event include Ahmedabad and the three south centers, as well as Kolkata, Delhi, Indore, Dharamsala, Guwahati, Rajkot, Raipur, and Mumbai. Mohali and Nagpur, however, are not included in the list. There is a high probability that the Wankhede stadium located in Mumbai will host a semifinal match. Based on the league structure, it can be inferred that every team will participate in nine games. As a result, it is highly likely that each center will have the opportunity to host an India game, if not all of them.

The World Cup will consist of 10 teams and 48 games. India, England, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have qualified for the championship, and South Africa has recently received a direct entry.

The remaining positions for the upcoming tournament will be determined by a qualifying tournament taking place in Zimbabwe during June and July. The tournament will feature former champions West Indies and Sri Lanka, as well as the Netherlands, Ireland, Nepal, Oman, Scotland, UAE, and host country Zimbabwe.

10 Memorable Moments in Cricket History: Relive the Greatest Matches and Performances

5 May 202322 April 2023 by Amān Daudzai

Cricket is a sport that has produced some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in sports history. From historic comebacks to incredible individual performances, cricket has given fans a lot to cheer about over the years. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and revisit 10 of the most memorable moments in cricket history.

1. The Tied Test: Australia vs. West Indies, 1960-61

The first-ever tied Test match in the history of cricket took place between Australia and West Indies in 1960-61. The game was played at the Gabba in Brisbane, and it was an absolute thriller from start to finish. Australia batted first and scored 505 in their first innings. In reply, the West Indies were bowled out for 284. Australia declared their second innings at 232/6, setting the West Indies a target of 233 to win. The West Indies looked set to win the match when they needed just 2 runs to win with one wicket remaining. But Australia took the final wicket on the last ball of the match, resulting in a tie.

2. The Miracle of Headingley: England vs. Australia, 1981

The third Test of the 1981 Ashes series is often referred to as the Miracle of Headingley. England had been bowled out for just 174 in their first innings, and Australia had scored 401 in reply. England was asked to follow-on, and they were struggling at 135/7 in their second innings. But then Ian Botham produced one of the greatest individual performances in cricket history. He smashed 149 not out, and with the help of Graham Dilley and Chris Old, he led England to a remarkable victory.

3. Kapil Dev’s Heroics: India vs. Zimbabwe, 1983 World Cup

The 1983 World Cup was the first-ever edition of the tournament, and India was not considered one of the favorites to win. But then Kapil Dev produced one of the greatest all-round performances in cricket history. India was struggling at 9/4 in their match against Zimbabwe, but Kapil Dev scored an unbeaten 175 to guide India to a total of 266/8. Zimbabwe was then bowled out for just 235, and India went on to win the tournament.

4. Shane Warne’s Ball of the Century: England vs. Australia, 1993 Ashes

The first Test of the 1993 Ashes series saw Shane Warne produce one of the most famous deliveries in cricket history. In his first over, Warne bowled a ball to Mike Gatting that turned sharply from outside off to hit the top of off stump. The ball became known as the “Ball of the Century” and announced Warne’s arrival on the international stage.

5. Sachin Tendulkar’s Desert Storm: India vs. Australia, 1998 Coca-Cola Cup

The 1998 Coca-Cola Cup final between India and Australia is remembered for Sachin Tendulkar’s incredible batting performance. India was chasing a target of 276, and Tendulkar smashed an unbeaten 143 to guide India to victory. The innings was so good that it led to the coining of the term “Desert Storm”.

6. Brian Lara’s 400*: West Indies vs. England, 2004

The fourth Test of the 2004 series between West Indies and England saw Brian Lara produce one of the greatest individual performances in cricket history. Lara scored an unbeaten 400, which remains the highest individual score in Test cricket. The innings included 43 fours and 4 sixes and helped West Indies declare at 751/5. England was bowled out for 422 and 279, losing the match by an innings and 283 runs.

7. MS Dhoni’s World Cup Winning Six: India vs. Sri Lanka, 2011 World Cup

The final of the 2011 World Cup between India and Sri Lanka saw MS Dhoni produce one of the most iconic moments in cricket history. With India needing 4 runs to win, Dhoni smashed a six off Nuwan Kulasekara to seal India’s second World Cup victory.

8. Ben Stokes’ Heroics: England vs. New Zealand, 2019 World Cup Final

The 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand was an absolute thriller that went down to a Super Over. Ben Stokes played a crucial role in England’s victory, scoring an unbeaten 84 and helping England tie the match. In the Super Over, Stokes batted with Jos Buttler and helped England score 15 runs, which proved to be enough as New Zealand managed just 15 in reply.

9. Ashton Agar’s Dream Debut: England vs. Australia, 2013 Ashes

The first Test of the 2013 Ashes series saw Ashton Agar make his debut for Australia. Agar was batting at number 11 and came to the crease with Australia struggling at 117/9 in their first innings. But then Agar produced one of the most remarkable innings in cricket history, scoring 98 runs and sharing a record 10th wicket partnership of 163 runs with Phillip Hughes. Agar’s innings helped Australia take a 65-run lead and set up their victory.

10. Javed Miandad’s Last-Ball Six: India vs. Pakistan, 1986 Austral-Asia Cup

The final of the 1986 Austral-Asia Cup between India and Pakistan saw Javed Miandad produce one of the most dramatic moments in cricket history. With Pakistan needing 4 runs to win off the last ball, Miandad smashed a six off Chetan Sharma to seal Pakistan’s victory. The moment is remembered as one of the most iconic moments in cricket history.

In conclusion, cricket has given us some of the most memorable moments in sports history, and this list is just a small sample of the great moments that have taken place over the years. Whether it’s an individual performance or a team effort, cricket has provided us with countless moments of joy and excitement, and it will continue to do so for years to come.