Makhaya Ntini Opines On How Proteas Can Stop Suryakumar Yadav

Former South African fast bowler, Makhaya Ntini has asserted that the Proteas’ bowlers need to find a length and stick with it in order to restrict Suryakumar Yadav from scoring runs at a brisk pace against them. Yadav continued his brilliant form with another half-century as he amassed 61 off 22 balls to power India to a massive score and put the Proteas bowling attack to the sword. During a recent chat with ESPNCricinfo, Makhaya Ntini said that the South African bowlers’ plan didn’t come through on the day and said the only way they can restrict the in-form batter is by finding a length suitable for them. He even went on to compare the Indian and South African bowlers and said that the Proteas are bowling a length that allows Yadav time to decide on his shots. /n. Explaining the same, “I’m thinking outside the box here and putting myself in those guys’ shoes. I think their plan didn’t come through and the only way I can restrict him from going hard on them is to find a length that is suitable for them. That I can be able to restrict him from scoring boundaries. But it didn’t happen at all.” Elaborating it further, Makhaya Ntini said, “It is one of those things that you buy in one mindset. Say bowl outside off stump, find a good length. Because if I compare South Africa and Indian seamers especially when it comes to the first powerplay. The length that India has bowled. It was one of those good lengths where you are not sure if you should go straightaway because the ball is still swinging.”

Rohit Sharma Reveals How They Are Planning To Preserve Suryakumar Yadav

The flamboyant Indian batter, Suryakumar Yadav seems to be keeping every foot right as he is enjoying the form of his life. He did something similar during the 2nd T20I against South Africa in Guwahati on Sunday. Suryakumar played a blistering knock of 61 of just 22 deliveries, during which he smacked five fours and as many sixes. After openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul were dismissed, the reason why India was able to keep their scoring rate intact was the intent shown by Suryakumar and Virat Kohli. Kohli and Surya made a huge partnership of 102 runs, enough to knock the stuffing out of the South African bowlers as India posted a humongous total of 237/3. Suryakumar’s form is one of the big positives for India ahead of the T20 World Cup, where they open their campaign against rivals Pakistan on October 23. As Suryakumar’s stock continues to rise, Rohit Sharma is aware of just how crucial the form of India’s No. 4 batter is going to be. Hence, during the post-match presentation ceremony, after India defeated South Africa by 16 runs to take the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, Harsha Bhogle asked the India captain, “How do you keep Surya’s form together? The form he is in… just protect it. How do you hold it together?” Rohit Sharma came up with a gem of a reply, he said, “Just thinking not to play him anymore. Just play him on 23rd. But no (seriously), the kind of form he is in… he is somebody who wants to play the game, who wants to keep going out there and keep doing well. That is what keeps him happy and we want to keep him happy.” /n Suryakumar, who scored back-to-back fifties, weighed in on his blazing half-century and the match overall, explaining what he had in mind once he walked out to bat at the dismissal of KL Rahul, who received the man of the match award for scoring 57 off 28 balls to set up the tempo.

Pakistan media coordinator intervenes as Shaun Tait shares a fact in PC

Pakistan will play against England on Sunday, October 2. Moreover, the match will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. England have won against Pakistan on Friday in the sixth match. Moeen Ali went on to win the toss at Gaddafi Stadium and he decided to bowl first. Pakistan scored 169 runs with a loss of six wickets in 20 overs. However, England chased down the score in just the 15th over and they won the sixth match by eight wickets as well. Phil Salt went on to win the man of the match award where he scored 88 runs from 41 balls with a strike rate of 214.63. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam played a brilliant knock against England where he scored 87 runs from 59 balls with a strike rate of 147.46. Sam Curran scalped two wickets against Pakistan in the sixth match. And, Shaun Tait attended the press conference after Pakistan’s loss and he also said, “they send me when we lose badly”. However, the Pakistani media coordinator quickly intervened. After the match, Babar Azam said: “After losing a couple of early wickets, we thought 170 was a good score. Maybe we were 10 runs or so short, but the way Salt batted in the first 4-5 overs, they took the game away from us. The way they used the powerplay was the turnaround today. I think the middle-order needs to step up, they need to take responsibility. As openers, we need to build partnerships to not put the pressure on them.” Moeen Ali said: “Very happy, the way we batted in particular was outstanding. We killed the game straight away, shows that if we stick to the processes, we can win. The seamers were very good today. There was also no slogging today, just some good shots off-side and leg-side by our batters. It’s been a good series, 3-3 heading into the final and all to play for. (On Jos Buttler) He’s training a lot more now, we don’t know though if we may risk him with the World Cup so close. There are games to play in Australia as well. But you never know, he may turn up day after.”

Jasprit Bumrah has not a ‘stress fracture’, it’s ‘stress reaction’

Veteran pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah is not suffering from a stress fracture in his back, as he was initially feared and reported by the media, but a “stress reaction,” TOI has reported through reliable sources in the BCCI. This means that his injury isn’t as bad as it looked initially, and the recovery period will be less too. And, it will be interesting to see if India add him in the team. “Scans by the BCCI medical team at the National Cricket Academy (in Bangalore) have revealed that it’s not a stress fracture, but ‘stress reaction’, which is one step less than stress fracture. It takes 4-6 months to recover from a stress fracture, but normally only about 4-6 weeks to recover from a stress reaction,” the source said. “If a squad member is injured between 16th September (initial submissions) and start of the support period (October 15), they can be replaced without going through the Event Technical Committee,” shared a source in the know of things to TOI. However, in a bid to accustomed to the local conditions, Team India will depart from Mumbai to Perth in Australia on the night of October 5, much before the upcoming T20 World Cup. And, for the first time since Covid struck perhaps, they will travel in a ‘normal’ commercial flight, and not a chartered one. “There’s no bio-bubble. So no need to travel in a chartered flight now,” said a source.

Womens Premier League 2023 Auction – Live Blog, Venue, Format And Rules

WPL 2023 Schedule: The much-awaited Womens Premier League 2023 is scheduled to be between March 4-26. The first match of the WPL 2023 will be played between Team Mumbai and Team Ahmedabad on March 4. WPL 2023 Schedule As per the WPL 2023 schedule, three of the five competing sides seem to be making the playoffs, with the top team directly entering the final and second and third-placed sides playing the Eliminator. The 22-match league will have five off days, the first one being on March 17 and again two days later, the second break, on March 19. The next two are after the completion of the league stage, on March 22 and 23. The Eliminator is on March 24 at CCI and with the final on March 26 at DY Patil Stadium after the fifth and final off day on March 25. As expected the entire WPL 2023 will be played at two venues in Mumbai – CCI and DY Patil Stadium. Full updated WPL 2023 Schedule with venue details will be updated here right after the official announcement!!! Bookmark us for regular updates. WPL 2023 Venues The WPL 2023 will be played across 2 different venues in Mumbai namely: CCI DY Patil Stadium

Ravichandran Ashwin, Indias master spinner, joins the elite 450-wicket club in Test cricket.

"Ravichandran Ashwin: India’s spin wizard and nightmare for top-class batsmen!"


Ravichandran Ashwin is an Indian cricketer who is a right-arm off-spinner and a useful lower-order batsman. He has represented the Indian national cricket team in all three formats of the game and is regarded as one of the best spin bowlers in the world. Ashwin has won numerous awards and accolades for his performances in cricket.

On February 9, 2023, Ravichandran Ashwin became the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to pick 450 wickets in Test cricket. He achieved this milestone during the second Test match against Australia in Chennai, his home ground. He is also the fastest Indian bowler to reach this milestone, having achieved it in his 88th Test match, breaking Kumble’s previous record of 92 matches. Ashwin’s impressive record and skill as a spin bowler have made him a crucial player in India’s Test team. His ability to take wickets consistently and his variations in spin make him a difficult bowler to face for many top-class batsmen.

 

 

Profile

Full name: Ravichandran Ashwin

Date of Birth: September 17, 1986

Place of birth: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Ravichandran is the name of my father.

Mother’s Name: Chitra

Spouse: Prithi Narayanan (married in 2011)

Children: Two daughters named Akhira and Adhya

playing position: bowler

Batting Style: Right-handed

Bowling Style: Right-arm off-spin

Teams played for: India, Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals

 

Ashwin’s biography and career

Ravichandran Ashwin, commonly known as "R Ashwin," is an Indian cricketer who plays as an off-spinner for the Indian national cricket team. He was born on September 17, 1986, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Ashwin made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in 2006 and his Test debut for India in 2011 against the West Indies. He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled spinner with the ability to take wickets and control the game.

Since his debut, Ashwin has been a regular member of the Indian cricket team and has played in all formats of the game. He has been a key player in India’s success in Test cricket, taking wickets with his variations in pace, flight, and turn. Ashwin has been particularly successful on home soil, where he has taken the bulk of his wickets. In addition to playing for India, Ashwin has also played for various domestic teams in India, including the Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been one of the most successful bowlers in the history of the IPL, taking over 100 wickets in the tournament.

Ashwin’s career highlights include being named the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2016 and winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016 and 2021. He has also been named the Indian Cricketer of the Year in 2012, 2013, and 2016.

Ashwin is married to Preethi Narayanan, and the couple has two daughters. He is known for his love of cricket and his dedication to the sport, as well as his intelligence and analytical mind. In addition to cricket, Ashwin is also interested in music and has played the drums in a band.

Major Achievements: ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Player of the Year in 2016, fastest Indian bowler to take 200 Test wickets, and one of only a few bowlers in history to take five or more wickets in an innings against all nine Test-playing nations.

 

Ravi Ashwin bowls his way into the history books with his 450th Test wicket!

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s most successful spinners, achieved a remarkable milestone in his career when he took his 450th Test wicket. Ashwin achieved this feat in his 89th match, making him the fastest Indian to reach this landmark and the second-fastest in the world after Muttiah Muralitharan. Ashwin’s 450-wicket achievement places him on an elite list of bowlers, with Muralitharan leading the pack, followed by Ashwin and Anil Kumble in third place. Muralitharan achieved this feat in just 80 matches, while Kumble took over 100 matches.

Ashwin’s 450th wicket came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Australia in Nagpur. After winning the toss, Australia elected to bat and quickly lost both their openers in the third over. However, Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings with a partnership of 82 runs. After lunch, Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets in quick succession, putting Australia under pressure.

Alex Carey and Peter Handscomb then came to the crease and aggressively took on the Indian spinners, including hitting a four off Ashwin’s first delivery. However, Ashwin was not to be outdone, and he dismissed Carey, bowling him to the middle stump and achieving his 450th Test wicket. Ashwin’s remarkable achievement underscores his status as one of the greatest spin bowlers in the world and a key player in the Indian cricket team.

 

“R Ashwin claims five in the second innings to move to No. 2 in the highest wicket-takers list for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy”

Ravichandran Ashwin proved to be the star of the show during the third day of the first Test between India and Australia in Nagpur. Ashwin, the 36-year-old spinner, picked up a wicket in the second innings, helping India dismiss the visitors for just 91 runs. In the process, he accounted for the dismissal of five out of six top-order batters, with the last four all caught in front of the wicket. Ashwin took eight wickets in the match, ending with a match haul of 8/79. This performance moved him to the No. 2 position on the list of highest wicket takers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin now has 97 wickets in 19 matches, surpassing Harbhajan Singh and Nathan Lyon, who both have 95 wickets each in 18 and 23 India-Australia Test matches, respectively. The top five positions on the list of leading wicket-takers in the Border-Gavaskar series are occupied by spinners, with Anil Kumble topping the list with 111 wickets in 20 matches. With 97 wickets to his name, Ashwin has the chance to become the second bowler in history to take 100-plus wickets in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy if he takes three or more wickets in the second Test starting next week in Delhi. Ravindra Jadeja is also among the top five leading wicket-takers in the Border-Gavaskar series, holding the fifth position.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ravi Ashwin’s outstanding performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia has led to a significant milestone in his career. By taking five wickets in the second innings of the first Test match, he helped India secure a resounding victory over the visitors. He now has a total of 97 wickets in 19 India-Australia Test matches, moving him up to the second spot in the list of the highest wicket-takers in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, just behind Anil Kumble. With the second Test match scheduled to start next week, Ashwin has a good chance to become the second bowler in history to take 100 or more wickets in the series if he takes three or more wickets. The fact that the top five positions in the list of leading wicket-takers in the Border-Gavaskar series are all occupied by spinners shows the dominance of spin bowling in these matches. Ashwin’s feat is a testament to his remarkable skill and talent as a spinner and his contribution to Indian cricket.

 

 

 

Smriti Mandhana is the main draw of the WPL Auction 2023, as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) paid 3.4 crore for her, making her the most expensive acquisition in the WPL Auction 2023.

Who Is Smriti Mandhana?

Smriti Mandhana is an Indian cricketer who plays as a left-handed batter. Mandhana has represented the Indian women’s cricket team in all three formats of the game: tests, one-day internationals (ODIs), and twenty-over internationals (T20Is). She is considered one of the top batswomen in the world and has several records to her name, including being the youngest Indian woman to score a fifty in T20Is and the first Indian woman to score a double century in a one-day game. Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired Smriti Mandhana at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Auction on Monday for Rs 3.40 crore.

 

Portfolio

Name: Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana

Date of birth: July 18, 1996

Place of birth: Mumbai, India

Nationality: Indian

Fathers name: Shrinivas Mandhana

Mothers name: Smita Mandhana

Education: Bachelors in Commerce from the Chintaman Rao College of Commerce

Marital status: unmarried

Profession: Cricketer

Debut: April, 2013

Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)

Net worth: around Rs. 25 crores

Role: left-handed batter

Teams: India Women’s Cricket Team; Western Storm; Brisbane Heat; Hobart Hurricanes

Notable Achievements:

·       ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year in 2018

·       The first Indian woman to score a double century in a one-day game

·       In 2019, he was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.

·       played a key role in Indias run to the final of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup.

·       She has also played in the Women’s Cricket Super League and the Kia Super League.

 

Biography

Smriti Mandhana is an Indian cricketer who was born on July 18, 1996, in Mumbai, India. She is a left-handed batter who has represented the Indian women’s cricket team in all formats of the game. She started playing cricket at the age of six and made her international debut in 2013.

Mandhana is considered one of the top batswomen in the world and has several records to her name. In 2018, she was named the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year. She is the first Indian woman to score a double century in a one-day game and the youngest Indian woman to score a fifty in Twenty20 internationals. Mandhana has played for several teams in various domestic and international leagues, including the Western Storm in the Women’s Cricket Super League, the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League, and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s T20 Challenge.

In addition to her on-field achievements, Mandhana has also been recognised for her off-field contributions. She was named one of Time magazines 100 most influential people in the world in 2019 and has been a vocal advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. As of February 13th, 2023, she is the most expensive player in the WPL 2023, with a bid of Rs. 3.40 crores.

Overall, Smriti Mandhana is a highly accomplished and respected cricketer who has made significant contributions to the sport of cricket and to society as a whole.

 

Career

Smriti Mandhana made her debut for the Indian women’s cricket team in April 2013, at the age of 16, in an ODI against Bangladesh. In the same series, she scored her maiden half-century, becoming the youngest Indian woman to score an ODI fifty. Mandhana has since become one of the leading batters for the Indian women’s team. She has played in several major international tournaments, including the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she played a key role in India’s run to the final.

In addition to her international career, Mandhana has also played for various domestic and international teams. In 2016, she became the first Indian woman to sign a contract with a team in the Women’s Big Bash League, playing for the Brisbane Heat. She has also played for the Western Storm in the Women’s Cricket Super League and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s T20 Challenge. Mandhana has received several accolades throughout her career. In 2018, she was named the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year, becoming only the second Indian woman to receive the award. She has also been named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year and has received several awards in India for her contributions to the sport.

On February 13th, 2023, she was acquired by RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) for the WPL 2023 at Rs. 3.40 crores. Indeed, Smriti Mandhana has had a highly successful career in cricket, both at the international and domestic levels. She is widely regarded as one of the top batters in the world and is expected to continue to make significant contributions to the sport in the years to come.

 

Personal Life

Smriti Mandhana keeps her personal life private, so there is not much information available about her personal life. However, it is known that she was born and raised in Mumbai, India, and comes from a family with a strong cricketing background.

Her father, Shrinivas Mandhana, played cricket at the district level in Maharashtra, and her brother, Shravan Mandhana, has also played cricket at the state level. Mandhana has spoken about the influence her family has had on her cricketing career and has credited her father in particular for his support and encouragement. Outside of cricket, Mandhana is known for her advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment. She has spoken out about the need for equal opportunities for women in all areas of life and has been involved in several initiatives aimed at promoting women’s sports and empowering young girls.  Overall, while there is not much information available about Smriti Mandhanas personal life, she is widely respected for her contributions to cricket and to society as a whole.

 

Career Record

Here are some of the career records of Smriti Mandhana:

·       Test matches: 8 matches, 1 century, 3 half-centuries, 662 runs, and a highest score of 214.

·       One-Day Internationals (ODIs): 64 matches, 4 centuries, 16 half-centuries, 2511 runs, a highest score of 135

·       Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): 87 matches, 2 centuries, 17 half-centuries, 2371 runs, highest score of 86*.

·       Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL): 46 matches, 1 century, 12 half-centuries, 1201 runs, highest score of 69

·       Women’s Cricket Super League (WCSL): 25 matches, 1 century, 7 half-centuries, 721 runs, highest score of 52.

·       Women’s T20 Challenge: 8 matches, 1 half-century, 139 runs, highest score of 68.

Mandhana has several records to her name, including being the youngest Indian woman to score a fifty in T20Is and the first Indian woman to score a double century in a one-day game. In 2018, she was named the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year. She is widely regarded as one of the top batters in the world and has made significant contributions to the sport of cricket.

 

Controversies

Smriti Mandhana has not been involved in any major controversies during her cricketing career. She is known for her disciplined approach to the game and is respected by her peers and fans alike for her skills and sportsmanship.

However, in 2019, Mandhana was embroiled in a minor controversy when she was seen wearing a helmet with the logo of a popular soft drink brand during an ODI match against New Zealand. This led to some criticism on social media, as it was seen as a breach of the International Cricket Councils (ICC) guidelines on players promoting commercial brands during matches. Mandhana later apologized for the incident and promised to be more careful in the future.

Overall, the incident was a minor one and did not have any major impact on Mandhana’s career or reputation. She remains one of the most respected and admired cricketers in the world, both on and off the field.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Smriti Mandhana is a highly talented and accomplished cricketer who has made significant contributions to the sport at both the domestic and international levels. She is widely regarded as one of the top batters in the world and has several records and awards to her name. Mandhana comes from a family with a strong cricketing background, and she has spoken about the influence her family has had on her career. She is also known for her advocacy for gender equality and women’s empowerment and has been involved in several initiatives aimed at promoting women’s sports and empowering young girls. She is widely respected for her skills, sportsmanship, and disciplined approach to the game. Overall, she is a role model for young cricketers and a source of pride for the Indian cricket community.

 

 

The Womens Premier League (WPL) auction is planned for the IPL womens game, which will begin in March. Go through the following information to learn more about WPL 2023.

WPL Auction 2023
The Womens Premier Leagues debut this season is the greatest moment of grandeur for Indian cricket, especially for the women cricketers. The WPL will begin in March 2023, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and a variety of domestic and international female cricket players will compete in the league. The clubs that will compete in the league were recently chosen in an auction held by the BCCI.
The Womens Premier League (WPL) auction is likely to bring about a paradigm shift in the realm of womens cricket. As far as we know, the BCCI will host the Womens Premier League 2023 from March 4 to March 26 of that year, with five major teams competing for the championship. More than 400 national and international players are now bidding to play for various teams in the WPL 2023 Auction, which is currently taking place. Players are being acquired at massive rates by major teams.

Portfolio
Name of event: WPL 2023
Advisory Board: BCCI (the Board of Control for Cricket in India)
Date of commencement of auction: February 13, 2023
Auction venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
Total number of listed players: 448
Total number of selected players: 87
The total value of the sold players is Rs. 59.50 crores.
The match will begin on March 4th, 2023.
Date of the matchs conclusion: March 26th, 2023
Venues of matches: The Brabourne Stadium and the D.Y. Patil Stadium
Total number of teams: 5
Total number of matches: 23
Tournament type: round robin and playoffs
Broadcasting: Sports18 TV channel and JioCinema app

Teams participating in the WPL
There are five teams that are owned by various organizations.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore
2. Mumbai Indians
3. Delhi Capitals
4. UP Warriorz
5. Gujarat Giants

List of players
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Name of Player Smriti Mandhana (India) Renuka Singh Ellyse Perry Ashleigh Gardner Sophie Devine Smriti Mandhana Richa Ghosh
Mumbai Indians
Name of Player Pooja Vastrakar Amelia Kerr Natalie Sciver Harmanpreet Kaur Yastika Bhatia
Delhi Capitals
Name of Player Jemimah Rodrigues Meg Lanning Shafali Verma Radha Yadav Shikha Pandey Marizanne Cap
UP Warriorz
Name of Player Shabnim Ismail Tahila McGrath Deepti Sharma Sophie Ecclestone Alyssa Healy Anjali Sarvani Rajeshwari Gaikwad Parshavi Chopra
Gujarat Giants
Name of Player Deandra Dottin (WI) Harleen Deol (Ind) Annabel Sutherland (Aus) Sophia Dunkley Beth Mooney Sneh Rana

The Auction Alarm
The Womens Premier League, a womens franchise Twenty20 cricket league run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, will play its maiden season in 2023. (BCCI). The competition, which would include five teams, is anticipated to take place in March 2023. Before the competition, the five franchises—Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Giants (GG), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and UP Warriorz (UPW)—put their best guesses forwards and chose what they believed would be the best lineup. The WPL auction began on February 13th, 2023. The team captains increased their bids to sign the players when they were showcased, both from India and throughout the world. The Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai hosted the IPL auctions for the womens teams.
On this day, the team owners started to evaluate each of the 409 players individually and place their bids. 448 cricketers in total were auctioned off, of whom 269 were Indian and the remaining 179 were from abroad (19 of those players were from the Associate Nations). Viacom 18 has secured the broadcasting rights for the womens IPL. The leagues inaugural season will be televised in India on the Viacom-18-owned Sports18 TV channel and JioCinema app.
A total of 23 matches will be held in round robin and playoff tournament formats. Furthermore, the board also stated that the WPLs inaugural season will begin on March 4th. The Womens Premier League will hold its inaugural season in Mumbai from March 4 through March 26, 2023. The Brabourne Stadium and the D.Y. Patil Stadium will serve as host stadiums for the matches.

List Of Player, Their Auction Price and Team
WPL Auction 2023 Players List Auction Price Team Smriti Mandana Rs 3.4 Crore RCB Nat Sciver Rs 3.2 Crore UP Warriorz Ashleigh Gardener Rs 3.2 Crore Gujarat Giants Renuka Singh Rs 1.5 Crore RCB Deepti Sharma Rs 2.6 Crore UP Warriorz Harmanpreet Kaur Rs 1.6 Crore Mumbai Indians Sophie Devine Rs 50 Lakh RCB Ellyse Perry Rs 1.7 Crore RCB Sophie Ecclestone Rs 1.8 Crore UP Warriorz Beth Mooney Rs 2 Crore Gujarat Giants Tahlia Mcgrath Rs 1.4 Crore Mumbai Indians Shabnim Ismail Rs 1 Crore UP Warriorz Amelia Kerr Rs 1 Crore Mumbai Indians Jemimah Rodrigues Rs 2.2 Crore Delhi Capitals Shafali Verma Rs 2.0 Crore Delhi Capitals Sophia Dunkley Rs 60 lakh Gujarat Giants Meg Lanning Rs 50 Lakh Delhi Capitals

Highlights
• The Womens Premier League (WPL) auction for 2023 saw 87 players bought by the five franchises for a total of Rs. 59.50 crore. • Smriti Mandhana was the most expensive player in the auction, being bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs. 3.40 crore. • Nat Sciver and Ashleigh Gardener were sold for Rs. 3.2 crore each, while Deepti Sharma was bought by UP Warriorz for Rs. 2.6 crore. • Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 1.80 crore, and New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine was sold to RCB for her base price of Rs. 50 lakh. • Australias off-spin all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner was bought by the Gujarat Giants for Rs. 3.20 crore. • The Delhi Capitals got their first player of the auction, Jemimah Rodrigues, for Rs. 2.2 crore, while Indian opener and U-19 T20 World Cup-winning captain Shafali Verma was successfully bid for by the Delhi Capitals at Rs. 2 crore. • The auction featured some of the biggest names in womens cricket, including international players from Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa. • The five franchises participating in the auction were RCB, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz. • The players were divided into three categories based on their experience and skill level: A+, A, and B. • The teams had a total of Rs. 75 crore to spend and had to balance their budgets while also assembling a competitive squad.
The WPL is seen as a major milestone in the development of womens cricket in India and is expected to provide a platform for the countrys best players to showcase their skills and gain exposure to a wider audience. Overall, the auction reflected the sports growing recognition and value of female cricketers.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Womens Premier League (WPL) auction for 2023 has been a significant event for the Indian cricket world, as it marks the debut of the first-ever womens Twenty20 cricket league in the country. The auction, which was held on February 13th, 2023, saw a total of 87 players bought by the five franchises for a total of Rs. 59.50 crore. The competition will feature five teams competing in a round-robin and playoff tournament format from March 4th to March 26th, 2023. The WPL auction featured some of the biggest names in womens cricket, including international players from Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa. The leagues success will be a major milestone in the development of womens cricket in India, and it is hoped that it will inspire a new generation of young women to take up the sport and pursue their passion for cricket. Overall, the WPL is set to be an exciting addition to the world of womens cricket, and fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament.

Breaking boundaries and promoting sports: The Indian Army organizes the first-ever women’s snow cricket tournament in the Kashmir Valley as part of the Khelo India initiative

As part of the Khelo India initiative, the Indian Army organized a women’s snow cricket competition on Thursday, February 16, 2023, in the Panzgam village of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Young females from the Kupwara district enthusiastically participated in the tournament, playing matches in the snowy fields. The event featured four teams from Kralpora and Meelyal Block, with the young girls representing their respective teams. This was the first such tournament to be held in the area, and it was witnessed by public representatives and locals, according to the Army.

The Indian Army has been regularly organizing similar events, which have been widely appreciated. These initiatives aim to promote the development of society and bring about positive change, with a focus on encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and the development of skills through sports and competitions.

 

"Young women in North Kashmir showcase their talent in the first-ever women’s snow cricket competition organized by the Indian Army as part of the Khelo India initiative."

 

The Indian Army organized a first-of-its-kind women’s snow cricket tournament in the Kashmir Valley. The event took place in the Panzgam village of the Kupwara district, and it witnessed enthusiastic participation from four teams from Kralpora and Meelyal Blocks. The tournament was a unique initiative that showcased the community’s passion for sports and encouraged girls to participate in winter sports. It was attended by public representatives and locals from the area, who witnessed the girls’ enthusiasm and passion for the game. The tournament was the first winter sports tournament for girls in the area, and it was a significant milestone for the development of sports in the region.

A spokesperson from the Indian Army stated that such initiatives have seen widespread participation of local women in the area. The Indian Army has been conducting frequent events in Kupwara to promote extracurricular activities and sports, such as establishing skill development centres and organizing competitions in schools. These initiatives have brought about a positive change in the region, and the Army is committed to playing an active role in encouraging sports among local youth in the Kashmir Valley.

The Women’s Snow Cricket Tournament is a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to promoting sports and extracurricular activities in the region. The initiative has not only provided a platform for young girls to showcase their talent but has also encouraged them to take up sports and engage in physical activities, which are essential for their overall development. Such events will help promote sports culture in the region and provide a significant boost to the growth of sports in the Kashmir Valley.

 

Role of the Indian Army

The Indian Army described the Women’s Snow Cricket Tournament as a first-of-its-kind event in Kupwara district, where young girls played cricket on a snowy field, demonstrating their community’s passion for sports. The Army observed that the girls played with great enthusiasm and passion, and public representatives and locals from the area witnessed the first-ever winter sports tournament for girls in this area. Additionally, the Indian Army has been organizing frequent events in Kupwara and other parts of the Kashmir Valley, which have seen widespread participation by local women, including competitions in schools and skill development centers. The Army is committed to playing a role in encouraging sports among local youth in the Kashmir Valley.

The Indian Army’s efforts to promote sports and extracurricular activities among local youth, particularly girls, have been widely appreciated by the community. The Army’s initiatives, such as organizing sports events and establishing skill development centers, have played a crucial role in bringing about positive changes in the region.

The Women’s Snow Cricket Tournament is just one example of the Army’s commitment to promoting sports and physical fitness among local youth. Such events not only encourage young girls to participate in sports but also provide a platform for them to showcase their skills and talent. The Army believes that the development of sports and extracurricular activities is essential for the holistic development of youth, as it helps build character, self-discipline, and teamwork. By promoting sports and physical fitness, the Indian Army hopes to instill a sense of pride, self-confidence, and leadership among local youth, empowering them to become responsible and productive members of society.

 

What Was the Response of Residents Towards the Initiative?

The locals and public representatives who witnessed the tournament were appreciative of the Indian Army’s efforts in organizing such events, which not only provide an opportunity for the youth to showcase their talents but also bring about a positive change in society. Choudhary Mushtaq, a local resident, expressed his gratitude, stating that such events allow young girls to participate in national and international tournaments and urging parents to encourage their daughters to take part in these competitions.

The players also expressed their excitement and enthusiasm to participate in the snow cricket tournament. Saira Bashir, a player who participated in the tournament, expressed her gratitude to the Indian Army for providing them with the opportunity to participate in such an event. Mir Bushra, another player, stated that she enjoyed playing the game and hoped that such programs would continue to bring out the hidden talent of girls.

The Indian Army’s efforts to encourage sports amongst local youth, including the establishment of skill development centres and organizing competitions in schools, have seen widespread participation from local women. Naseema Bano, a player from the village of Dardpora, expressed her gratitude to the Indian Army for conducting the tournament and encouraged others to participate in such events to prove their talent and move ahead in their lives.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Indian Army’s Women’s Snow Cricket Tournament in the Panzgam village of North Kashmir in the Kupwara district under the Khelo India initiative was a first-of-its-kind event in the area and witnessed widespread participation from local women. The tournament showcased the community’s passion for sports and allowed young girls to play cricket on a snowy field. Public representatives and locals from the area were present to witness the event, and many expressed their gratitude to the Indian Army for organizing such events that bring positive changes to the community. The Army is committed to playing a role in encouraging sports among local youth and has established skill development centres and organized competitions in schools to promote participation in extracurricular activities and sports.

 

 

The Asia Cup 2023 Controversy ! Host country confusion: Indias refusal to travel to Pakistan puts the 2023 Asia Cup in doubt.

"Host country confusion: India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan puts the 2023 Asia Cup in doubt."

The Asia Cup 2023 controversy is all about the ongoing confusion over the host venue for the 2023 Asia Cup cricket tournament. Pakistan was originally designated as the host country, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced last year that India would not travel to Pakistan for the event. The latest meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has not resolved the issue, and the decision over the venue of the Asia Cup has been postponed.

 

When did it begin… when will it end?

The Asia Cup, which is held every two years, is a popular tournament that features the top cricket teams from across Asia. However, tensions between India and Pakistan have resulted in the tournament being held in neutral venues in the past. The latest development in the ongoing saga is a further indication of the challenges facing cricket administrators in the region.

The issue arose when BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced that India would not be visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup due to diplomatic tension between the two countries. This decision did not sit well with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which threatened to boycott the ODI World Cup that India will host in October. The situation is expected to be resolved in March, and the participating countries will be looking to make the most of the tournament before heading to the ICC World Cup.

 

BCCI vs. PCB

Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur recently stated that India is a major power in the world of sports, and no country can overlook its significance in the sports world. Thakur made the comment in response to Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja’s remarks, stating that if the Indian cricket team does not participate in the Asia Cup scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year, their team will also not play in the 2023 World Cup in India.

Raja had stated that their position is clear: if India comes, they will go to the World Cup; if India does not come, they will not participate. However, Thakur asserted that India will host the 2023 World Cup with all teams, and it is an internal matter of the BCCI that it will handle smartly. Thakur emphasized that India has not done anything wrong yet while hosting international tournaments and successfully hosted the World Cup with all teams participating happily.

In October, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah suggested that the 2023 Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, could be hosted at a neutral venue. The PCB responded, stating that such comments could split the Asian and international cricket communities, which could impact Pakistan’s visit to India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and future ICC events in India in the 2024–2031 cycle. BCCI President Roger Binny noted that touring Pakistan for Asia Cup 2023 is not the board’s decision but the government’s call. The board will have to rely on the government’s clearance for the team to leave the country or other countries to come to India.

 

Reaction Of Players

The venue for the 2023 Asia Cup remains shrouded in uncertainty as India has refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, despite being the designated host. The ongoing controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2023 has taken another turn with former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi speaking out about the issue. He criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not taking a stand against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the dispute over the tournament’s venue.

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin commented on the situation. He said that India had announced they would not participate in the Asia Cup if it was held in Pakistan, but he did not think it was possible for Pakistan to skip the 50-over World Cup in India if the BCCI refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was asked about Ashwin’s comments in a recent interview, and he said that decisions about the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup should be taken after due deliberation. Afridi also suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should play a role in resolving the issue, but he acknowledged that the BCCI is a strong organization that can make its own decisions.

 

“Cricket In Limbo: The Asia Cup Logjam Continues, As India May Play in The UAE While Pakistan Remains the Host”

Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have suggested a potential solution to the logjam surrounding the hosting of the Asia Cup. It is being considered that Pakistan would remain the host country for the tournament, but India may play its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where some of the games will be held. Should India qualify for the final, the UAE would also host the final match. The idea was reportedly discussed at an emergent meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Bahrain, at the request of PCB chief Najam Sethi, after the ACC released an itinerary that did not name Pakistan as the tournament’s host. Sethi acknowledged that the issue remains unresolved and that further discussions will be held next month at an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting. The Asia Cup was originally scheduled to take place in Pakistan in September of this year, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced in October that India would not travel to Pakistan. The UAE, with venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, is currently the preferred alternative location, although a decision has yet to be made.

 

 

Conclusion

The proposed solution, which would allow Pakistan to remain as the host country and India to play in the UAE, appears to be the most likely outcome, according to sources aware of the discussions. The PCB has made it clear that it wants to host the event and some of the matches at home, but the situation has become complicated due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.

The decision on the tournament’s location is expected to be made in March. With India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, a change of venue is inevitable, but the exact location has yet to be determined. The UAE, which has a strong cricketing infrastructure and experience hosting international tournaments, is considered a strong candidate. However, other factors such as logistics, security, and COVID-19 protocols will also be taken into account.

Despite the challenges, there is optimism that a solution can be found that will satisfy all parties involved. The Asia Cup is an important event for cricket fans in Asia and beyond, and the hope is that the tournament can be held successfully and safely with all the top teams in action.