Category: International Cricket

New Pakistan star Haider finds inspiration from old India foe Sharma

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“Haider Ali in action against against India in the semi-final of ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South AFrica in early 2020. ©AFP” /> Karachi (AFP) – Pakistan’s new batting star Haider Ali said Thursday that Indian cricketing great Rohit Sharma is his role model. The praise comes even though bitter rivals India and Pakistan seldom play each other, and as political tensions remain high over Kashmir. “Rohit Sharma is my role model because of the way he gives the Indian team a start.It’s amazing,” the 19-year-old Haider told reporters.…

West Indies paceman Gabriel won’t let up against England after Root row

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“No easing up – West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel . ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has no plans to alter his on-field approach against England, saying a previous flare-up with Joe Root was “blown way out of proportion”. Gabriel received a four-match ban after asking England captain Root “do you like boys?” during the third Test in St Lucia last year, with Root replying: “There’s nothing wrong with being gay.” Homosexual activity remains illegal in Gabriel’s native Trinidad. Only Root’s rebuke was picked…

West Indies’ Hope aiming for Test turnaround in England

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“West Indies batsman Shai Hope. ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – West Indies batsman Shai Hope is aiming to achieve a “turnaround” in his Test career now he is back in England, the scene of his greatest triumph in the five-day format. Three years ago Hope became the first batsman to score two hundreds in a first-class match at Headingley as his side recorded a stunning five-wicket win over the hosts in the second Test. Yet those remain his only two centuries in 31 Tests, with Hope averaging a modest 27.23.…

Cricket Australia admits T20 World Cup plans ‘unrealistic’

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“Australia played New Zealand behind closed doors in Sydney in March. ©AFP” /> Sydney (AFP) – Staging the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia this year is “unrealistic” in the midst of a global coronavirus pandemic, Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings admitted Tuesday. The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 18 to November 15, and officials have previously said they are planning for it to proceed on those dates. But with many global borders still shut due to virus-related travel restrictions, Eddings conceded that was looking increasingly unlikely. “While…

West Indies quicks excite Estwick ahead of England Tests

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“West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick. ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – The West Indies are showing signs that they are developing a pace attack that could stand comparison with the great Caribbean sides of the past, assistant coach Roddy Estwick said on Monday. The West Indies were world cricket’s dominant team from the mid-1970s to the 1990s when they could call on a succession of superb fast bowlers including Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. Their quicks also played a key role when the West Indies beat…

September IPL in Sri Lanka is viable option: Gavaskar

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“Mumbai Indians players celebrate winning the 2019 Indian Premier League final. This year’s tournament has been postponed because of the coronavirus. ©AFP” New Delhi (AFP) – Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said the Indian Premier League could be staged in Sri Lanka in September with Australia’s chances of hosting the Twenty20 World Cup in October looking bright. The Twenty20 international showpiece is scheduled to take place from October 18 to November 19 but had been under threat because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Australia’s decision to allow crowds of up to…

Pakistan’s Misbah says no strings attached to England tour

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“No expectation of return England visit – Pakistan chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq. ©AFP” London (AFP) – Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq is adamant Pakistan’s upcoming tour of England amid the coronavirus pandemic is not dependent upon a return visit. Next month international cricket is set to resume for the first time since the outbreak as England host the West Indies in a three-Test series staged behind closed doors. Pakistan are also meant to play three Tests, as well as three Twenty20s, in a series scheduled to start on August 5,…

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi contracts virus

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“Shahid Afridi distributed food during Pakistan’s coronavirus lock down has caught the virus. ©AFP” /> Karachi (AFP) – Pakistan’s well-loved former ]]> <![CDATA[ cricket captain Shahid Afrid said on Saturday he had tested positive for coronavirus, as the pandemic accelerates across the country. The 40-year-old all-rounder, known for towering sixes and distinctive celebrations after taking a wicket as a bowler, revealed his illness on Twitter. “I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly.I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive,” Afridi said. “Need prayers for a…

Arthur says Sri Lanka back at match level

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“Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur (L, with Dimuth Karunaratne) says they are getting match ready after finishing their first post lockdown training session. ©AFP” /> Colombo (AFP) – Sri Lanka are raring to play international cricket again even though India have postponed a tour planned for this month because of the coronavirus, coach Mickey Arthur said Friday after his team completed a first post lockdown training session. The “return-to-play” programme begun at the start of this month had been a success, Arthur told reporters as he wrapped up the first…

Coronavirus may force IPL out of India, chairman says

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“South Africa hosted the IPL in 2009. ©AFP” /> New Delhi (AFP) – The Indian Premier League could be moved out of the country if the coronavirus pandemic next month or two and then take a call accordingly,” said Patel, adding that options included staging the cash-rich tournament abroad. Pandemic cases have surged in the nation of 1.3 billion people.India now has the fourth highest caseload in the world, concentrated in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai which are cricket hubs. The world’s wealthiest Twenty20 tournament has twice been…