1 hr. ago
NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a rather unusual public appeal in the early hours of Saturday, directly requesting Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to help him acquire land in the state so he can shift his base from Delhi and build his first home in his native state.
Pant, who is currently in Sri Lanka with the Indian team for the two-match Test series, took to social media platform X to make the request, tagging Dhami in a lengthy post. The 28-year-old said he had been trying to find suitable land in Uttarakhand for the past three years but had struggled to find a property that could meet his requirements.
More importantly, Pant made it clear that he wanted to return to his roots and contribute to the state after years of representing India on the international stage.
"pushkardhami ***** o sir how's you ??? It's a long time for me especially being local from Uttrakhand . I have been trying to buy land to shift my base from Delhi to Uttrakhand and I couldn't find anything facilitating and big to live here I love my Uttrakhand. My humble request to us is please help me in land acquisition cause nowadays it had become nitemare with clarity and even other land is dew which was I supposedly get when I was promoting the state before keeping everything in side I wanna move back to my native place to help and built around Uttrakhand and I want to shif back to my Pahadi people please look into this matter it's been 3 years didn't get any land awaiting your answer pushkardhami sir," he wrote.
Pant followed it up by clarifying that he was not asking for land as a free gift, but wanted to purchase it from the government at the applicable rates.
"A gift would be lovey for representation out states at the highest level internationally stages but if you allow me I wanna buy it fromGovernment and on there rates at least I can have my first house built in my own state and our state please be helpful. Seriously didn't know how to do it," he further wrote.
The posts quickly went viral, with Pant's unusual request drawing significant attention on social media.
Pant was born in Roorkee in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district and began his cricketing journey there before moving to Delhi to pursue the sport professionally. He eventually established himself as one of India's premier wicketkeeper-batters across formats.
Although Pant continues to represent Delhi in domestic cricket, he has repeatedly maintained a strong connection with Uttarakhand. His latest posts underline his desire to eventually make the state his home and contribute to its development.
His appeal also comes just days after Pant emerged as Uttarakhand's highest individual taxpayer for the 2025-26 financial year, having reportedly paid Rs 23.84 crore in income tax.
The figures were announced by the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Uttarakhand, during an event marking Income Tax Day on July 24. Pant topped the list of individual taxpayer
Pant, who is currently in Sri Lanka with the Indian team for the two-match Test series, took to social media platform X to make the request, tagging Dhami in a lengthy post. The 28-year-old said he had been trying to find suitable land in Uttarakhand for the past three years but had struggled to find a property that could meet his requirements.
More importantly, Pant made it clear that he wanted to return to his roots and contribute to the state after years of representing India on the international stage.
"pushkardhami ***** o sir how's you ??? It's a long time for me especially being local from Uttrakhand . I have been trying to buy land to shift my base from Delhi to Uttrakhand and I couldn't find anything facilitating and big to live here I love my Uttrakhand. My humble request to us is please help me in land acquisition cause nowadays it had become nitemare with clarity and even other land is dew which was I supposedly get when I was promoting the state before keeping everything in side I wanna move back to my native place to help and built around Uttrakhand and I want to shif back to my Pahadi people please look into this matter it's been 3 years didn't get any land awaiting your answer pushkardhami sir," he wrote.
Pant followed it up by clarifying that he was not asking for land as a free gift, but wanted to purchase it from the government at the applicable rates.
"A gift would be lovey for representation out states at the highest level internationally stages but if you allow me I wanna buy it fromGovernment and on there rates at least I can have my first house built in my own state and our state please be helpful. Seriously didn't know how to do it," he further wrote.
The posts quickly went viral, with Pant's unusual request drawing significant attention on social media.
Pant was born in Roorkee in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district and began his cricketing journey there before moving to Delhi to pursue the sport professionally. He eventually established himself as one of India's premier wicketkeeper-batters across formats.
Although Pant continues to represent Delhi in domestic cricket, he has repeatedly maintained a strong connection with Uttarakhand. His latest posts underline his desire to eventually make the state his home and contribute to its development.
His appeal also comes just days after Pant emerged as Uttarakhand's highest individual taxpayer for the 2025-26 financial year, having reportedly paid Rs 23.84 crore in income tax.
The figures were announced by the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Uttarakhand, during an event marking Income Tax Day on July 24. Pant topped the list of individual taxpayer
1 hr. ago
India's red-ball tour of Sri Lanka got underway with a three-day practice match against Sri Lanka Cricket XI in Colombo on Friday.
It will give Shubman Gill's squad a valuable opportunity to acclimatise to local conditions ahead of the Test series.
Day 1 delivered plenty of drama. Sri Lanka XI made a strong start, with Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha putting India's pacers under early pressure before the visitors eventually found their footing.
Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav then turned things around as they picked up two wickets each to drag India back into contention. The hosts closed the day at 363 for 8, which already leaves India with a substantial workload once their innings begins.
Meanwhile, Gill missed the entire opening day after injuring his right ring finger during practice, with KL Rahul stepping in to lead the side. Whether Gill will be fit enough to bat once India's innings starts remains the key question heading into day two.
#practice
It will give Shubman Gill's squad a valuable opportunity to acclimatise to local conditions ahead of the Test series.
Day 1 delivered plenty of drama. Sri Lanka XI made a strong start, with Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha putting India's pacers under early pressure before the visitors eventually found their footing.
Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav then turned things around as they picked up two wickets each to drag India back into contention. The hosts closed the day at 363 for 8, which already leaves India with a substantial workload once their innings begins.
Meanwhile, Gill missed the entire opening day after injuring his right ring finger during practice, with KL Rahul stepping in to lead the side. Whether Gill will be fit enough to bat once India's innings starts remains the key question heading into day two.
#practice
1 day ago
The Hundred men's competition, Lord's
London Spirit 160-5 (100 ******* ): Pretorius 52 (28); Sowter 2-29
MI London 164-6 (94 ******* ): Pooran 39 (25); J Overton 2-23
MI London won by four wickets
Scorecard. Table
#hundred #sowter #scorecard #table
London Spirit 160-5 (100 ******* ): Pretorius 52 (28); Sowter 2-29
MI London 164-6 (94 ******* ): Pooran 39 (25); J Overton 2-23
MI London won by four wickets
Scorecard. Table
#hundred #sowter #scorecard #table
2 days ago
Auqib Nabi's impressive rise in domestic cricket has finally earned him a place in India's Test setup, with the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler drafted into the squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka following Jasprit **** rah's injury.
The call-up comes after a remarkable run in domestic cricket, where Nabi established himself as one of the country's leading pace bowlers. His performances during Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy-winning campaign had already triggered widespread debate over his omission from the original squad.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes those discussions were justified, insisting Nabi had already done enough to merit selection before being named as **** rah's replacement.
"It's a big thing and a very happy moment. And you are absolutely right that after performing so well, he (Auqib Nabi) probably shouldn't have come in as a replacement in the first place. But better late than never. I'm very happy for him because he deserves to be in the initial squad," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Nabi has enjoyed two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons, claiming 104 wickets, including 60 during the 2025-26 campaign, as Jammu and Kashmir secured their maiden Ranji Trophy **** le. Alongside his pace bowling, he has also contributed valuable runs lower down the order.
The right-arm seamer further strengthened his case during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches.
Jaffer also hailed Nabi's achievement of becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a place in India's Test team based on his performances, expressing hope that the youngster would seize the opportunity if selected in the playing XI.
"When a player performs this well, he should be a first-choice selection. But anyway, congratulations to him for becoming the first player to make it through in the Test team from J&K and on the basis of his performance. I hope that if he gets an opportunity, he proves why he has performed so well," he added.
Nabi's inclusion caps a memorable journey built on sustained domestic excellence, with the pacer now set to compete for his maiden Test cap in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
#test #nabi #kashmir
The call-up comes after a remarkable run in domestic cricket, where Nabi established himself as one of the country's leading pace bowlers. His performances during Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy-winning campaign had already triggered widespread debate over his omission from the original squad.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes those discussions were justified, insisting Nabi had already done enough to merit selection before being named as **** rah's replacement.
"It's a big thing and a very happy moment. And you are absolutely right that after performing so well, he (Auqib Nabi) probably shouldn't have come in as a replacement in the first place. But better late than never. I'm very happy for him because he deserves to be in the initial squad," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Nabi has enjoyed two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons, claiming 104 wickets, including 60 during the 2025-26 campaign, as Jammu and Kashmir secured their maiden Ranji Trophy **** le. Alongside his pace bowling, he has also contributed valuable runs lower down the order.
The right-arm seamer further strengthened his case during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches.
Jaffer also hailed Nabi's achievement of becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a place in India's Test team based on his performances, expressing hope that the youngster would seize the opportunity if selected in the playing XI.
"When a player performs this well, he should be a first-choice selection. But anyway, congratulations to him for becoming the first player to make it through in the Test team from J&K and on the basis of his performance. I hope that if he gets an opportunity, he proves why he has performed so well," he added.
Nabi's inclusion caps a memorable journey built on sustained domestic excellence, with the pacer now set to compete for his maiden Test cap in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
#test #nabi #kashmir
2 days ago
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Bhuvneshwar ******* ar's lack of regular 50-over and first-class cricket could prove to be a major hurdle if he is to force his way into India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While praising the veteran seamer's performances in the IPL, Chopra said preparing for a 50-over World Cup requires sustained workload management, something that cannot be achieved by playing only T20 cricket.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked about the World Cup prospects of both Bhuvneshwar ******* ar and Mohammad Shami.
"One thing goes against Bhuvi. I love him to bits, and I want him to play for India again, but when you don't play Ranji, your workload becomes limited. There are a handful of matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In ODI cricket, you have to bowl 10 overs and field for 50 overs in a match. It's a lot of workload."
Bhuvneshwar has not featured in a first-class match since January 2024 and last played a List A game in December 2023. Despite that, he has enjoyed an impressive run with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing a key role in their back-to-back IPL ******* le-winning campaigns.
Chopra stressed that excelling in the IPL alone should not be the basis for selection in a 50-over World Cup.
"It's not easy in a tournament like the World Cup where you have to keep playing continuously. Not only the World Cup, but you will have to be a part of every ODI game from a year earlier. You will have to start playing him from now on."
According to Chopra, if the selectors are serious about including Bhuvneshwar in their long-term plans, they need to bring him back into the ODI setup immediately.
"He is not a bad option, but it will be a mistake unless we give him at least one year to get ready. If you pick someone for the 50-over World Cup based on him bowling four overs in the two months of the IPL and a month of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, no matter how good that person is, it will be wrong."
He also suggested that Bhuvneshwar should feature in the upcoming ODI series and even the T20I ******* ignments if he remains under consideration for the 2027 World Cup.
Comparing Bhuvneshwar with Mohammad Shami, Chopra felt the latter currently has a stronger case because he has continued playing red-ball cricket, including the Ranji Trophy, where he claimed 37 wickets. Shami is also set to feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
However, Chopra maintained that Bhuvneshwar had the better IPL season.
"It's the same thing for Shami, although he has played the Ranji Trophy and picked up 37 wickets. He is going to play the Duleep Trophy now as well. So Shami has a slightly better case to make, but the truth is that if we do man-to-man marking in the IPL, Bhuvneshwar ******* ar is ahead of him in that respect."
Chopra believes the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand could provide a clear indication of India's plans.
"My understanding is that the selectors, captain, and coach
While praising the veteran seamer's performances in the IPL, Chopra said preparing for a 50-over World Cup requires sustained workload management, something that cannot be achieved by playing only T20 cricket.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked about the World Cup prospects of both Bhuvneshwar ******* ar and Mohammad Shami.
"One thing goes against Bhuvi. I love him to bits, and I want him to play for India again, but when you don't play Ranji, your workload becomes limited. There are a handful of matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In ODI cricket, you have to bowl 10 overs and field for 50 overs in a match. It's a lot of workload."
Bhuvneshwar has not featured in a first-class match since January 2024 and last played a List A game in December 2023. Despite that, he has enjoyed an impressive run with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing a key role in their back-to-back IPL ******* le-winning campaigns.
Chopra stressed that excelling in the IPL alone should not be the basis for selection in a 50-over World Cup.
"It's not easy in a tournament like the World Cup where you have to keep playing continuously. Not only the World Cup, but you will have to be a part of every ODI game from a year earlier. You will have to start playing him from now on."
According to Chopra, if the selectors are serious about including Bhuvneshwar in their long-term plans, they need to bring him back into the ODI setup immediately.
"He is not a bad option, but it will be a mistake unless we give him at least one year to get ready. If you pick someone for the 50-over World Cup based on him bowling four overs in the two months of the IPL and a month of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, no matter how good that person is, it will be wrong."
He also suggested that Bhuvneshwar should feature in the upcoming ODI series and even the T20I ******* ignments if he remains under consideration for the 2027 World Cup.
Comparing Bhuvneshwar with Mohammad Shami, Chopra felt the latter currently has a stronger case because he has continued playing red-ball cricket, including the Ranji Trophy, where he claimed 37 wickets. Shami is also set to feature in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
However, Chopra maintained that Bhuvneshwar had the better IPL season.
"It's the same thing for Shami, although he has played the Ranji Trophy and picked up 37 wickets. He is going to play the Duleep Trophy now as well. So Shami has a slightly better case to make, but the truth is that if we do man-to-man marking in the IPL, Bhuvneshwar ******* ar is ahead of him in that respect."
Chopra believes the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand could provide a clear indication of India's plans.
"My understanding is that the selectors, captain, and coach
2 days ago
NEW DELHI: Fresh from becoming the highest run-scorer in men's T20 cricket, England star Jos **** ler has already named the player he believes could eventually take the record away from him — 15-year-old Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Buttler scripted history on Wednesday during Manchester Super Giants' emphatic nine-wicket win over Welsh Fire in The Hundred, smashing an unbeaten 51 off just 20 **** to surpass West Indies legend Kieron Pollard and climb to the top of the all-time T20 run charts.
But while celebrating the milestone, the England wicketkeeper-batter looked to the future and singled out Sooryavanshi as the player most likely to rewrite history.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, **** ler admitted the achievement was special but acknowledged that records are meant to be broken.
"It's really cool, actually, to think you've got the most T20 runs out of anyone. Someone will surpass it one day - and his name's probably [Vaibhav] Sooryavanshi - but it's a proud moment," **** ler said.
The praise comes after Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise over the past year. The teenage prodigy recently starred in India's 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs in three matches to claim his maiden Player of the Series award.
Earlier this year, he had also lit up the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup, amassing 439 runs to finish as the tournament's leading scorer and earn the Player of the Tournament honour, further cementing his reputation as one of world cricket's brightest young talents.
The record-breaking moment came in spectacular fashion at Old Trafford. Chasing 156, **** ler hammered two fours and six sixes in his unbeaten 20-ball 51, reaching the landmark by launching Marco Jansen for three consecutive sixes.
The knock took **** ler to 14,833 runs in 522 T20 matches, surpassing Pollard's 14,803 runs in 746 games. Former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle, who held the record for years, now sits third with 14,562 runs in 463 matches.
Reflecting on the achievement, **** ler admitted he would have preferred to break the record a game earlier when Pollard was present in the opposition camp.
"We played against MI London last game and it would have been nice to get past Polly while he was there, sat in the dugout, but there's some great names on there, some special players, so I'm really proud of that," **** ler said.
132987653
On the field, Tim Seifert's unbeaten 62 and **** ler's fireworks powered Manchester Super Giants to 161/1 in just 69 **** , chasing down Welsh Fire's 155/4 with 31 **** to spare and ending a three-match losing streak.
#player #three
Buttler scripted history on Wednesday during Manchester Super Giants' emphatic nine-wicket win over Welsh Fire in The Hundred, smashing an unbeaten 51 off just 20 **** to surpass West Indies legend Kieron Pollard and climb to the top of the all-time T20 run charts.
But while celebrating the milestone, the England wicketkeeper-batter looked to the future and singled out Sooryavanshi as the player most likely to rewrite history.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, **** ler admitted the achievement was special but acknowledged that records are meant to be broken.
"It's really cool, actually, to think you've got the most T20 runs out of anyone. Someone will surpass it one day - and his name's probably [Vaibhav] Sooryavanshi - but it's a proud moment," **** ler said.
The praise comes after Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise over the past year. The teenage prodigy recently starred in India's 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs in three matches to claim his maiden Player of the Series award.
Earlier this year, he had also lit up the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup, amassing 439 runs to finish as the tournament's leading scorer and earn the Player of the Tournament honour, further cementing his reputation as one of world cricket's brightest young talents.
The record-breaking moment came in spectacular fashion at Old Trafford. Chasing 156, **** ler hammered two fours and six sixes in his unbeaten 20-ball 51, reaching the landmark by launching Marco Jansen for three consecutive sixes.
The knock took **** ler to 14,833 runs in 522 T20 matches, surpassing Pollard's 14,803 runs in 746 games. Former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle, who held the record for years, now sits third with 14,562 runs in 463 matches.
Reflecting on the achievement, **** ler admitted he would have preferred to break the record a game earlier when Pollard was present in the opposition camp.
"We played against MI London last game and it would have been nice to get past Polly while he was there, sat in the dugout, but there's some great names on there, some special players, so I'm really proud of that," **** ler said.
132987653
On the field, Tim Seifert's unbeaten 62 and **** ler's fireworks powered Manchester Super Giants to 161/1 in just 69 **** , chasing down Welsh Fire's 155/4 with 31 **** to spare and ending a three-match losing streak.
#player #three
2 days ago
NEW DELHI: England star Jos ***** ler etched his name into cricket history on Wednesday, overtaking West Indies great Kieron Pollard to become the highest run-scorer in men's T20 cricket during Manchester Super Giants' emphatic nine-wicket victory over Welsh Fire in The Hundred at Old Trafford.
Buttler's explosive unbeaten 51 off just 20 ***** not only powered Manchester Super Giants to a comfortable chase of 156 with 31 ***** to spare but also took him past Pollard's long-standing tally to the top of the all-time T20 run charts.
The landmark moment came in spectacular fashion. Facing Marco Jansen, ***** ler launched the South African pacer for three successive sixes, with the first of those maximums taking him beyond Pollard's record.
The England wicketkeeper-batter now has 14,833 runs in 522 T20 matches, along with nine centuries and 105 fifties, overtaking Pollard's 14,803 runs in 746 matches. Former West Indies opener Chris Gayle, long regarded as the format's greatest batter, is now third on the list with 14,562 runs in 463 matches, including 22 centuries.
Buttler capped off the milestone in style, smashing two more sixes off Lockie Ferguson before bringing up his half-century and sealing victory for Manchester Super Giants.
Matches
Runs
Ave.
#manchester #west #indies
Buttler's explosive unbeaten 51 off just 20 ***** not only powered Manchester Super Giants to a comfortable chase of 156 with 31 ***** to spare but also took him past Pollard's long-standing tally to the top of the all-time T20 run charts.
The landmark moment came in spectacular fashion. Facing Marco Jansen, ***** ler launched the South African pacer for three successive sixes, with the first of those maximums taking him beyond Pollard's record.
The England wicketkeeper-batter now has 14,833 runs in 522 T20 matches, along with nine centuries and 105 fifties, overtaking Pollard's 14,803 runs in 746 matches. Former West Indies opener Chris Gayle, long regarded as the format's greatest batter, is now third on the list with 14,562 runs in 463 matches, including 22 centuries.
Buttler capped off the milestone in style, smashing two more sixes off Lockie Ferguson before bringing up his half-century and sealing victory for Manchester Super Giants.
Matches
Runs
Ave.
#manchester #west #indies
2 days ago
England have been dealt a major blow with Jacob Bethell ruled out of the Test series against Pakistan – with Surrey batters Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence recalled to the squad.
Bethell suffered a knee injury in the final ODI against India and is set to miss all three Tests in a major set-back for the young left-hander.
Jordan ***** , who made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier in the summer, will bat at No 3 in Bethell's absence, with Pope returning to the squad having been dropped during the Ashes to provide experienced batting and wicket-keeping cover.
England's Jordan ***** (left) will bat at No 3 against Pakistan (PA Wire)
Lawrence, meanwhile, is rewarded for an outstanding summer for Surrey that currently sees him as the second top run-scorer in Division One of the County Championship, and will bat at No 6.
#test
Bethell suffered a knee injury in the final ODI against India and is set to miss all three Tests in a major set-back for the young left-hander.
Jordan ***** , who made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier in the summer, will bat at No 3 in Bethell's absence, with Pope returning to the squad having been dropped during the Ashes to provide experienced batting and wicket-keeping cover.
England's Jordan ***** (left) will bat at No 3 against Pakistan (PA Wire)
Lawrence, meanwhile, is rewarded for an outstanding summer for Surrey that currently sees him as the second top run-scorer in Division One of the County Championship, and will bat at No 6.
#test
2 days ago
Pakistan climbed one place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table after beating the West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test in Trinidad. The win helped Pakistan level the two-match series 1-1 and move above the West Indies in the standings.
Earlier, Pakistan had slipped to the bottom of the table after losing the opening Test. They now have two wins from six matches and a points percentage (PCT) of 22.22.
Pakistan also ended their eight-match away losing streak in Test cricket with the victory.
Chasing a target of 77, Pakistan reached 77/2 shortly after lunch on Day 4. Abdullah Shafique, who scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 24 along with captain Babar Azam, who also finished on 24 not out.
Babar sealed the win by hitting back-to-back sixes off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.
West Indies had won the first Test by 90 runs in Tarouba, but Pakistan bounced back strongly in the second match. Spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman made the most of the conditions at Queen's Park Oval as Pakistan remained unbeaten in a Test series against the West Indies since 2000.
1. Australia (1st): Australia remain at the top of the World Test Championship standings. They have won seven of their eight matches, lost one, collected 84 points and have the best Points Percentage (PCT) of 87.50.
2. South Africa (2nd): South Africa are second with three wins and one defeat in four matches. They have 36 points and a PCT of 75.00.
3. New Zealand (3rd): New Zealand are third after winning four of their six Tests. They have one loss and one draw, with 52 points and a PCT of 72.22.
Pos
#test #match
Earlier, Pakistan had slipped to the bottom of the table after losing the opening Test. They now have two wins from six matches and a points percentage (PCT) of 22.22.
Pakistan also ended their eight-match away losing streak in Test cricket with the victory.
Chasing a target of 77, Pakistan reached 77/2 shortly after lunch on Day 4. Abdullah Shafique, who scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 24 along with captain Babar Azam, who also finished on 24 not out.
Babar sealed the win by hitting back-to-back sixes off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.
West Indies had won the first Test by 90 runs in Tarouba, but Pakistan bounced back strongly in the second match. Spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman made the most of the conditions at Queen's Park Oval as Pakistan remained unbeaten in a Test series against the West Indies since 2000.
1. Australia (1st): Australia remain at the top of the World Test Championship standings. They have won seven of their eight matches, lost one, collected 84 points and have the best Points Percentage (PCT) of 87.50.
2. South Africa (2nd): South Africa are second with three wins and one defeat in four matches. They have 36 points and a PCT of 75.00.
3. New Zealand (3rd): New Zealand are third after winning four of their six Tests. They have one loss and one draw, with 52 points and a PCT of 72.22.
Pos
#test #match
2 days ago
NEW DELHI: Flustered by the frequent injury breakdowns of players in the Indian team, the medical team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is looking to resurrect its fitness programme. TOI understands that the CoE is finally working on standardising base fitness parameters after it emerged that the non-definitive customised fitness tests for players were identified as a core reason for the drop in the overall fitness standards.
The Indian team went through a change in fitness testing drills after Adrian Leroux replaced Soham Desai as the strength and conditioning coach last year. It is learnt that the BCCI medical team, which includes the CoE and the Indian team, has struggled to work in sync to ***** s the fitness of players. Since Leroux took over, it was decided that the Bronco test would be the primary test to judge fitness instead of the Yo-Yo test.
The Bronco test, which is a more agility driven test, didn't have a base parameter till now. TOI has learnt that the BCCI medical team has rolled out a figure of 5.15-5.20 minutes as a base figure to complete the ***** orted drills to be declared fit enough to be selected after the debacle in white-ball tour of Ireland and England. Earlier, the BCCI had set 16.5 as a marker to clear the basic Yo-Yo test. The CoE has also set 9-10 minute mark to complete the 2 km running test which is known as the 2K test.
"The Indian players are not used to the Bronco test. Over the last year, the CoE had set different base parameters for players. It has now emerged that certain senior players were given much comfortable targets to meet to clear fitness tests. The CoE staff had also cleared players like Harshit Rana and Nitish ***** ar Reddy to make sure it was delivering players according to team management's needs," a BCCI source told TOI.
TOI has learnt that the team management and BCCI, led by secretary Devajit Saikia, has questioned Team India physio Kamlesh Jain for the repeated breakdowns and overall dip in the fitness standards. The team management is also not happy with players cramping so frequently even in the favourable English weather.
"Kamlesh has been told that he shouldn't worry about any player's stature and flag anything that he doesn't find satisfactory. It has been seen that the mobility of some of the players in the field has been questionable. Senior batters are struggling to push their running between the wickets as they bat longer. The number of slow fielders has increased," the source said.
It has been observed that regular India players have not been prepared for the new fitness drills. For instance, someone like Mohammed Siraj was recently caught off guard by the sudden fitness tests at CoE before leaving for Sri Lanka.
"It is only now that contracted players have been handed the base parameters of the new tests. The Test regulars were caught off guard by the programme given to them at CoE. The players who are not part of the Test team are now starting t
The Indian team went through a change in fitness testing drills after Adrian Leroux replaced Soham Desai as the strength and conditioning coach last year. It is learnt that the BCCI medical team, which includes the CoE and the Indian team, has struggled to work in sync to ***** s the fitness of players. Since Leroux took over, it was decided that the Bronco test would be the primary test to judge fitness instead of the Yo-Yo test.
The Bronco test, which is a more agility driven test, didn't have a base parameter till now. TOI has learnt that the BCCI medical team has rolled out a figure of 5.15-5.20 minutes as a base figure to complete the ***** orted drills to be declared fit enough to be selected after the debacle in white-ball tour of Ireland and England. Earlier, the BCCI had set 16.5 as a marker to clear the basic Yo-Yo test. The CoE has also set 9-10 minute mark to complete the 2 km running test which is known as the 2K test.
"The Indian players are not used to the Bronco test. Over the last year, the CoE had set different base parameters for players. It has now emerged that certain senior players were given much comfortable targets to meet to clear fitness tests. The CoE staff had also cleared players like Harshit Rana and Nitish ***** ar Reddy to make sure it was delivering players according to team management's needs," a BCCI source told TOI.
TOI has learnt that the team management and BCCI, led by secretary Devajit Saikia, has questioned Team India physio Kamlesh Jain for the repeated breakdowns and overall dip in the fitness standards. The team management is also not happy with players cramping so frequently even in the favourable English weather.
"Kamlesh has been told that he shouldn't worry about any player's stature and flag anything that he doesn't find satisfactory. It has been seen that the mobility of some of the players in the field has been questionable. Senior batters are struggling to push their running between the wickets as they bat longer. The number of slow fielders has increased," the source said.
It has been observed that regular India players have not been prepared for the new fitness drills. For instance, someone like Mohammed Siraj was recently caught off guard by the sudden fitness tests at CoE before leaving for Sri Lanka.
"It is only now that contracted players have been handed the base parameters of the new tests. The Test regulars were caught off guard by the programme given to them at CoE. The players who are not part of the Test team are now starting t
2 days ago
Pakistan avoided a series defeat by beating the West Indies by eight wickets in the second Test in Port of Spain on Wednesday. The win ended Pakistan's eight-match losing streak in away Tests and gave them their first Test victory outside home in three years.
The two-match series finished 1-1 after the West Indies had won the first Test by 90 runs.
It was Pakistan's first away Test win since July 2023, when they defeated Sri Lanka under Babar Azam's captaincy. Since then, Pakistan went through several changes in coaches, selectors and captains, with Babar stepping down from the role twice. This time, the combination of captain Babar Azam and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed helped Pakistan return to winning ways overseas.
Pakistan chased down the target of 75 runs on the fourth morning, reaching 77/2 shortly after the first session. Abdullah Shafique, who scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 24, while captain Babar Azam also finished unbeaten on 24.
Earlier, Pakistan bowled out the West Indies for 117 in their second innings inside the first half-hour of play on a wearing Queen's Park Oval pitch. Off-spinner Sajid Khan took 4/32 and left-arm spinner Ali Usman claimed 4/39 as the pair shared eight wickets.
The West Indies began the day on 106/3 with a lead of 60 runs, but their lower order could not add much. Ali Usman dismissed Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph, while Justin Greaves, the last recognised batter, added only two runs before playing Mohammad Ali's delivery back onto his stumps while attempting a cross-batted shot.
The West Indies were also without opener Brandon King in the second innings. He could not bat because of a back injury suffered on Day 3 when he ran out Babar Azam with a direct hit from short cover.
Pakistan's previous away Test win had also come under Babar Azam against Sri Lanka in 2023. During Shan Masood's time as captain, Pakistan lost 3-0 in Australia, 2-0 in South Africa and 2-0 in Bangladesh.
Masood was removed as captain after Pakistan's poor run in Test cricket. Babar returned to the role but Pakistan lost the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba, which became their eighth consecutive away Test defeat before bouncing back in Port of Spain.
The victory also changed the standings in the World Test Championship. Pakistan moved up to eighth place with 22.22% of points after two wins and four defeats in six matches. The West Indies dropped to ninth with 20.83% of points after two wins in 12 matches.
#test #Pakistan #babar #azam
The two-match series finished 1-1 after the West Indies had won the first Test by 90 runs.
It was Pakistan's first away Test win since July 2023, when they defeated Sri Lanka under Babar Azam's captaincy. Since then, Pakistan went through several changes in coaches, selectors and captains, with Babar stepping down from the role twice. This time, the combination of captain Babar Azam and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed helped Pakistan return to winning ways overseas.
Pakistan chased down the target of 75 runs on the fourth morning, reaching 77/2 shortly after the first session. Abdullah Shafique, who scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 24, while captain Babar Azam also finished unbeaten on 24.
Earlier, Pakistan bowled out the West Indies for 117 in their second innings inside the first half-hour of play on a wearing Queen's Park Oval pitch. Off-spinner Sajid Khan took 4/32 and left-arm spinner Ali Usman claimed 4/39 as the pair shared eight wickets.
The West Indies began the day on 106/3 with a lead of 60 runs, but their lower order could not add much. Ali Usman dismissed Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph, while Justin Greaves, the last recognised batter, added only two runs before playing Mohammad Ali's delivery back onto his stumps while attempting a cross-batted shot.
The West Indies were also without opener Brandon King in the second innings. He could not bat because of a back injury suffered on Day 3 when he ran out Babar Azam with a direct hit from short cover.
Pakistan's previous away Test win had also come under Babar Azam against Sri Lanka in 2023. During Shan Masood's time as captain, Pakistan lost 3-0 in Australia, 2-0 in South Africa and 2-0 in Bangladesh.
Masood was removed as captain after Pakistan's poor run in Test cricket. Babar returned to the role but Pakistan lost the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba, which became their eighth consecutive away Test defeat before bouncing back in Port of Spain.
The victory also changed the standings in the World Test Championship. Pakistan moved up to eighth place with 22.22% of points after two wins and four defeats in six matches. The West Indies dropped to ninth with 20.83% of points after two wins in 12 matches.
#test #Pakistan #babar #azam
2 days ago
Abdullah Shafique grabbed his chance in Pakistan's playing XI for the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain, scoring an unbeaten 160 in the first innings to help his team take control of the match.
Shafique, who replaced Shan Masood in the side, came in at No. 3 and remained unbeaten after facing 323 ****** . His innings included 15 fours and three sixes.
His knock helped Pakistan take a first-innings lead of 43 runs and also earned him a place in the record books.
Shafique became only the fifth Pakistan batter to score 150 or more in a Test innings in the West Indies, and the first to do so in 49 years.
The last Pakistan batter to reach the 150-run mark in a Test innings in the Caribbean was Majid Khan, who scored 167 in the second innings of the Georgetown Test in March 1977.
Only five Pakistan batters have now scored 150 or more in a Test innings in the West Indies.
The record for the highest individual Test score by a Pakistan batter in the Caribbean still belongs to Hanif Mohammad, who made 337 in the second innings of the Bridgetown Test in January 1958.
The highest individual Test score ever recorded in the West Indies remains Brian Lara's unbeaten 400 against England in St John's in August 2004.
During the ongoing Test, Shafique also shared a 183-run partnership for the second wicket with captain Babar Azam.
Babar, who returned as Pakistan's Test captain for the series in the West Indies, scored 88 from 147 ****** , hitting 10 fours and one six before falling short of a century.
Despite missing out on three figures, Babar helped put Pakistan in a strong position as the visitors moved closer to a win in Port of Spain and looked set to avoid a Test series defeat in the West Indies.
#innings #shafique #second
Shafique, who replaced Shan Masood in the side, came in at No. 3 and remained unbeaten after facing 323 ****** . His innings included 15 fours and three sixes.
His knock helped Pakistan take a first-innings lead of 43 runs and also earned him a place in the record books.
Shafique became only the fifth Pakistan batter to score 150 or more in a Test innings in the West Indies, and the first to do so in 49 years.
The last Pakistan batter to reach the 150-run mark in a Test innings in the Caribbean was Majid Khan, who scored 167 in the second innings of the Georgetown Test in March 1977.
Only five Pakistan batters have now scored 150 or more in a Test innings in the West Indies.
The record for the highest individual Test score by a Pakistan batter in the Caribbean still belongs to Hanif Mohammad, who made 337 in the second innings of the Bridgetown Test in January 1958.
The highest individual Test score ever recorded in the West Indies remains Brian Lara's unbeaten 400 against England in St John's in August 2004.
During the ongoing Test, Shafique also shared a 183-run partnership for the second wicket with captain Babar Azam.
Babar, who returned as Pakistan's Test captain for the series in the West Indies, scored 88 from 147 ****** , hitting 10 fours and one six before falling short of a century.
Despite missing out on three figures, Babar helped put Pakistan in a strong position as the visitors moved closer to a win in Port of Spain and looked set to avoid a Test series defeat in the West Indies.
#innings #shafique #second
2 days ago
The Hundred men's competition, Old Trafford
Welsh Fire 155-4 (100 ******* ): Short 71 (47), Salt 48 (37); Atkinson 2-12
Manchester Super Giants 161-1 (69 ******* ): Seifert 62* (36), ******* ler 51* (20); Cook 1-20
Manchester Super Giants won by nine wickets
Scorecard. Table
#super #balls #salt
Welsh Fire 155-4 (100 ******* ): Short 71 (47), Salt 48 (37); Atkinson 2-12
Manchester Super Giants 161-1 (69 ******* ): Seifert 62* (36), ******* ler 51* (20); Cook 1-20
Manchester Super Giants won by nine wickets
Scorecard. Table
#super #balls #salt
2 days ago
The race for places in the knockout stages of The Hundred is heating up in both the men's and women's competitions.
But which players are topping the run-scoring and wicket-taking charts? BBC Sport digs out the numbers that matter.
* Winners qualify directly for final; second and third-placed teams play each other in Eliminator
Most runs
1. Mitchell Marsh (Sunrisers Leeds) - 290
#hundred #marsh #leeds #race
But which players are topping the run-scoring and wicket-taking charts? BBC Sport digs out the numbers that matter.
* Winners qualify directly for final; second and third-placed teams play each other in Eliminator
Most runs
1. Mitchell Marsh (Sunrisers Leeds) - 290
#hundred #marsh #leeds #race
3 days ago
The Hundred women's competition, Old Trafford
Manchester Super Giants 85-9 (100 ***** ): MacDonald-Gay 18* (14); Prendergast 4-18
Welsh Fire (91 ***** ): Wareham 17 (12); Ecclestone 3-14
Welsh Fire won by three wickets
Scorecard. Table
#balls #Giants #macdonald
Manchester Super Giants 85-9 (100 ***** ): MacDonald-Gay 18* (14); Prendergast 4-18
Welsh Fire (91 ***** ): Wareham 17 (12); Ecclestone 3-14
Welsh Fire won by three wickets
Scorecard. Table
#balls #Giants #macdonald
3 days ago
NEW DELHI: Pakistan moved closer to a rare away Test win after reducing West Indies to 103/6 at stumps on Day 3 of the second and final Test. Despite West Indies holding a lead of 60 runs, the hosts have only four wickets left, giving Pakistan the upper hand heading into the fourth day.
West Indies ended the day on 103/6, leading by 60 runs with only four wickets remaining.
Pakistan will look to dismiss the remaining batters quickly on Day 4 and chase a modest target to secure their first away Test victory since 2023. West Indies, meanwhile, are aiming to complete a 2-0 series sweep after winning the opening Test by 90 runs.
Shafique's 160 helps Pakistan take first-innings lead
Pakistan began the day still behind West Indies' first-innings total of 344, but Abdullah Shafique produced a superb unbeaten 160 to guide his team to 387.
His innings helped Pakistan secure a 43-run first-innings lead before the visitors were bowled out.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican starred for West Indies with six wickets for 112 runs. He cleaned up the Pakistan lower order after already removing key batters earlier in the innings.
Babar Azam's wait for Test hundred continues
Pakistan captain Babar Azam once again missed out on a Test century.
He was run out for 88 after a brilliant direct hit from Brandon King ended his 183-run partnership with Shafique. Pakistan were still trailing by 63 runs when the wicket fell.
Babar attempted a quick single after pushing the ball into the off side, but Shafique changed his mind and sent him back. King collected the ball and hit the stumps with a flat throw, leaving Babar short of his ground despite a desperate dive.
It was Babar's highest Test score in 35 innings, but he is still waiting for his first Test century since scoring one against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.
King injured after match-changing run-out
Brandon King's brilliant fielding effort came at a cost.
The West Indies batter injured his lower back after landing awkwardly while throwing down the stumps. He had to be taken off the field, and it remains unclear whether he will be able to bat on Day 4.
Warrican leads West Indies bowling attack
Warrican was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies.
He dismissed debutant Awais Zafar for 1 before Shamar Joseph trapped Salman Ali Agha lbw. Warrican then bowled Mohammad Rizwan for 18 with the second new ball and later finished the innings by taking three wickets in four deliveries to complete a six-wicket haul.
Pakistan strikes back with the ball
West Indies made a solid start to their second innings as Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge added 40 runs for the opening wicket.
However, Pakistan's spinners quickly took control.
Sajid Khan removed Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo before West Indies recovered through a partnership between Shai Hope and captain Roston Chase.
The visitors then lost three wickets in the final five overs of the day. S
West Indies ended the day on 103/6, leading by 60 runs with only four wickets remaining.
Pakistan will look to dismiss the remaining batters quickly on Day 4 and chase a modest target to secure their first away Test victory since 2023. West Indies, meanwhile, are aiming to complete a 2-0 series sweep after winning the opening Test by 90 runs.
Shafique's 160 helps Pakistan take first-innings lead
Pakistan began the day still behind West Indies' first-innings total of 344, but Abdullah Shafique produced a superb unbeaten 160 to guide his team to 387.
His innings helped Pakistan secure a 43-run first-innings lead before the visitors were bowled out.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican starred for West Indies with six wickets for 112 runs. He cleaned up the Pakistan lower order after already removing key batters earlier in the innings.
Babar Azam's wait for Test hundred continues
Pakistan captain Babar Azam once again missed out on a Test century.
He was run out for 88 after a brilliant direct hit from Brandon King ended his 183-run partnership with Shafique. Pakistan were still trailing by 63 runs when the wicket fell.
Babar attempted a quick single after pushing the ball into the off side, but Shafique changed his mind and sent him back. King collected the ball and hit the stumps with a flat throw, leaving Babar short of his ground despite a desperate dive.
It was Babar's highest Test score in 35 innings, but he is still waiting for his first Test century since scoring one against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.
King injured after match-changing run-out
Brandon King's brilliant fielding effort came at a cost.
The West Indies batter injured his lower back after landing awkwardly while throwing down the stumps. He had to be taken off the field, and it remains unclear whether he will be able to bat on Day 4.
Warrican leads West Indies bowling attack
Warrican was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies.
He dismissed debutant Awais Zafar for 1 before Shamar Joseph trapped Salman Ali Agha lbw. Warrican then bowled Mohammad Rizwan for 18 with the second new ball and later finished the innings by taking three wickets in four deliveries to complete a six-wicket haul.
Pakistan strikes back with the ball
West Indies made a solid start to their second innings as Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge added 40 runs for the opening wicket.
However, Pakistan's spinners quickly took control.
Sajid Khan removed Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo before West Indies recovered through a partnership between Shai Hope and captain Roston Chase.
The visitors then lost three wickets in the final five overs of the day. S
4 days ago
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Pakistan captain Babar Azam was denied his first test century in four years as West Indies fought back in the second and final cricket test on Tuesday.
Babar, who last scored a test century in December 2022 against New Zealand at Karachi, was run out for 88 by Brandon King's stunning direct throw from short cover before Pakistan's middle order collapsed and reached 333-6 at lunch on Day 3.
Pakistan still trails by 11 runs with Abdullah Shafique holding the fort at 132 not out and tailender Sajid Khan unbeaten on 16.
King picked up a lower back injury and had to be stretchered off after he fell awkwardly as his sharp throw ran out Babar at the striker's end when Shafique refused to go for a tight single and Babar couldn't recover his ground after running halfway to the wicket.
West Indies dried up runs through some disciplined bowling from Jomel Warrican and Jayden Seales after Pakistan resumed at 266-2.
#babar #west #runs
Babar, who last scored a test century in December 2022 against New Zealand at Karachi, was run out for 88 by Brandon King's stunning direct throw from short cover before Pakistan's middle order collapsed and reached 333-6 at lunch on Day 3.
Pakistan still trails by 11 runs with Abdullah Shafique holding the fort at 132 not out and tailender Sajid Khan unbeaten on 16.
King picked up a lower back injury and had to be stretchered off after he fell awkwardly as his sharp throw ran out Babar at the striker's end when Shafique refused to go for a tight single and Babar couldn't recover his ground after running halfway to the wicket.
West Indies dried up runs through some disciplined bowling from Jomel Warrican and Jayden Seales after Pakistan resumed at 266-2.
#babar #west #runs
5 days ago
USA cricketer Bodugum Akhilesh Reddy has been banned from all forms of cricket for eight years after being found guilty of breaching the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code.
According to a press release from the ICC, the 26-year-old's punishment is linked to corruption during the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament in the UAE. The ban has been backdated to November 21, 2025, when he was provisionally suspended.
The ICC, which was overseeing anti-corruption matters for the tournament on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board, found him guilty on three counts.
According to the ICC, Reddy violated: "Article 2.1.1: Attempting to fix, contrive or otherwise influence improperly, or being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive in any way or otherwise influence improperly, the result, progress, conduct or other aspect of matches in the ADT10 2025.
"Article 2.1.4: Soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating (or attempting to do the former) another Participant to breach Article 2.1.1 of the Code in one or more Matches in the ADT10 2025.
"Article 2.4.7: Obstructing the DACO's investigation through deletion of data and messages from a mobile device which may have been relevant to the DACO's investigation."
The case relates to an incident on November 19, 2025, before the opening match of the Aspin Stallions. The tribunal found that Reddy approached a teammate, identified as 'Player A', and asked him to "give runs" while bowling, allegedly on the instructions of team management.
After the teammate refused and reported the approach to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, he was dropped from the playing XI. Investigators also found that Reddy deleted WhatsApp chats and call logs with the player before the probe. Although he claimed it was routine "data hygiene," the tribunal ruled that he had deliberately destroyed evidence.
Reddy has played four T20Is for the USA, claiming one wicket. The verdict was delivered by a three-member ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal.
#article #anti #according
According to a press release from the ICC, the 26-year-old's punishment is linked to corruption during the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament in the UAE. The ban has been backdated to November 21, 2025, when he was provisionally suspended.
The ICC, which was overseeing anti-corruption matters for the tournament on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board, found him guilty on three counts.
According to the ICC, Reddy violated: "Article 2.1.1: Attempting to fix, contrive or otherwise influence improperly, or being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive in any way or otherwise influence improperly, the result, progress, conduct or other aspect of matches in the ADT10 2025.
"Article 2.1.4: Soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating (or attempting to do the former) another Participant to breach Article 2.1.1 of the Code in one or more Matches in the ADT10 2025.
"Article 2.4.7: Obstructing the DACO's investigation through deletion of data and messages from a mobile device which may have been relevant to the DACO's investigation."
The case relates to an incident on November 19, 2025, before the opening match of the Aspin Stallions. The tribunal found that Reddy approached a teammate, identified as 'Player A', and asked him to "give runs" while bowling, allegedly on the instructions of team management.
After the teammate refused and reported the approach to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, he was dropped from the playing XI. Investigators also found that Reddy deleted WhatsApp chats and call logs with the player before the probe. Although he claimed it was routine "data hygiene," the tribunal ruled that he had deliberately destroyed evidence.
Reddy has played four T20Is for the USA, claiming one wicket. The verdict was delivered by a three-member ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal.
#article #anti #according
5 days ago
NEW DELHI: There was a time when Auqib Nabi didn't own a pair of bowling spikes.
For his first U-19 trial in Jammu & Kashmir, the fast bowler from Baramulla borrowed a pair from a friend. When he eventually earned selection, fate threw up another twist. The friend who had lent him the spikes didn't make the squad. Auqib borrowed another pair from him and played his entire first U-19 tournament in borrowed shoes.
Today, Auqib is making a name for himself with a skill that many fast bowlers spend years trying to master: the ability to swing the ball both ways. He has now earned his maiden India call-up, with the 29-year-old seamer from Jammu & Kashmir replacing the injured Jasprit ******* rah in India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Nabi has picked up 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, virtually breaking the selection door down with his performances. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two First Class matches.
Yet, the road to the Indian dressing room wasn't built in fancy academies or elite fast-bowling programmes. It was shaped by a long journey, borrowed equipment and an obsession with learning.
"My parents are government school teachers. Initially, they wanted me to focus on studies, which was natural. Cricket wasn't something we had planned. A friend told me about the Under-19 trials. Until then, I didn't even know they were happening," Auqib had told reporters after picking up a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the Delhi vs Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in November 2025.
Like countless youngsters in Kashmir, his cricketing education began with tennis-ball matches. The transition to leather-ball cricket, however, brought a different challenge.
"The most basic thing a fast bowler needs is a turf wicket," he had said. "Baramulla had turf, but you couldn't bowl there wearing spikes. So I had to travel to Srinagar to practice."
The one-and-a-half-hour journey from Baramulla to Srinagar became part of his routine. Hours on the road simply to bowl a few overs on a proper surface. For many aspiring cricketers, inadequate facilities become a convenient excuse. Auqib never allowed himself that luxury.
"If you want to play for India, these things cannot become excuses. If you want it badly enough, you have to do it."
That philosophy continues to define him.
The philosophy kept motivating him day in and day out, but it was his obsession with learning that made him the bowler he is today.
"When he first joined the J&K team for the Buchi Babu Trophy in Salem in 2023, he could only bowl the outswinger. But he wanted to bowl both ways. So I started working on his inswing," P. Krishnakumar, Jammu & Kashmir's bowling coach, told TimesofIndia.com.
"He has a great wrist position, which is one of his biggest strengths," he said.
There were no shortcuts, and Nabi knew it. He started working on
For his first U-19 trial in Jammu & Kashmir, the fast bowler from Baramulla borrowed a pair from a friend. When he eventually earned selection, fate threw up another twist. The friend who had lent him the spikes didn't make the squad. Auqib borrowed another pair from him and played his entire first U-19 tournament in borrowed shoes.
Today, Auqib is making a name for himself with a skill that many fast bowlers spend years trying to master: the ability to swing the ball both ways. He has now earned his maiden India call-up, with the 29-year-old seamer from Jammu & Kashmir replacing the injured Jasprit ******* rah in India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Nabi has picked up 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, virtually breaking the selection door down with his performances. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two First Class matches.
Yet, the road to the Indian dressing room wasn't built in fancy academies or elite fast-bowling programmes. It was shaped by a long journey, borrowed equipment and an obsession with learning.
"My parents are government school teachers. Initially, they wanted me to focus on studies, which was natural. Cricket wasn't something we had planned. A friend told me about the Under-19 trials. Until then, I didn't even know they were happening," Auqib had told reporters after picking up a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the Delhi vs Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in November 2025.
Like countless youngsters in Kashmir, his cricketing education began with tennis-ball matches. The transition to leather-ball cricket, however, brought a different challenge.
"The most basic thing a fast bowler needs is a turf wicket," he had said. "Baramulla had turf, but you couldn't bowl there wearing spikes. So I had to travel to Srinagar to practice."
The one-and-a-half-hour journey from Baramulla to Srinagar became part of his routine. Hours on the road simply to bowl a few overs on a proper surface. For many aspiring cricketers, inadequate facilities become a convenient excuse. Auqib never allowed himself that luxury.
"If you want to play for India, these things cannot become excuses. If you want it badly enough, you have to do it."
That philosophy continues to define him.
The philosophy kept motivating him day in and day out, but it was his obsession with learning that made him the bowler he is today.
"When he first joined the J&K team for the Buchi Babu Trophy in Salem in 2023, he could only bowl the outswinger. But he wanted to bowl both ways. So I started working on his inswing," P. Krishnakumar, Jammu & Kashmir's bowling coach, told TimesofIndia.com.
"He has a great wrist position, which is one of his biggest strengths," he said.
There were no shortcuts, and Nabi knew it. He started working on
5 days ago
India's injury woes have opened the door for one of domestic cricket's most persistent performers, with Auqib Nabi named as Jasprit ****** rah's replacement in the Test squad for Sri Lanka.
The Jammu and Kashmir seamer earns a maiden senior call-up after years of prolific returns in red-ball cricket. ****** rah was ruled out of the two-Test series after failing to fully recover from the left-knee issue he sustained during the ODI series in England.
With the BCCI medical team advising caution, the selectors turned to a bowler whose weight of wickets had made him impossible to ignore any longer.
For the 29-year-old, the call represents the culmination of a long and often frustrating wait for recognition. Having dominated the Ranji Trophy for two seasons, Nabi now stands on the brink of a Test debut on turning tracks that could suit his disciplined seam bowling.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#jasprit #kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir seamer earns a maiden senior call-up after years of prolific returns in red-ball cricket. ****** rah was ruled out of the two-Test series after failing to fully recover from the left-knee issue he sustained during the ODI series in England.
With the BCCI medical team advising caution, the selectors turned to a bowler whose weight of wickets had made him impossible to ignore any longer.
For the 29-year-old, the call represents the culmination of a long and often frustrating wait for recognition. Having dominated the Ranji Trophy for two seasons, Nabi now stands on the brink of a Test debut on turning tracks that could suit his disciplined seam bowling.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#jasprit #kashmir
5 days ago
Full list of 5-wicket hauls in The Hundred history: Rashid Khan enters top 5 list of most five-fers in T20 cricket originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Rashid Khan joined the T20 five-wicket haul elite after his latest The Hundred spell in England.
Led by South Africa's David Wiese, only a handful of bowlers have claimed five five-fers in T20 cricket.
Rashid joins seven bowlers to take a five-wicket haul in The Hundred Men's tournament.
Rashid Khan has further cemented his place as one of T20 cricket's best bowlers by becoming the latest player to take a five-wicket haul in The Hundred tournament.
#five #wicket
Rashid Khan joined the T20 five-wicket haul elite after his latest The Hundred spell in England.
Led by South Africa's David Wiese, only a handful of bowlers have claimed five five-fers in T20 cricket.
Rashid joins seven bowlers to take a five-wicket haul in The Hundred Men's tournament.
Rashid Khan has further cemented his place as one of T20 cricket's best bowlers by becoming the latest player to take a five-wicket haul in The Hundred tournament.
#five #wicket
5 days ago
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team after senior pacer Jasprit ******* rah was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the J & K pacer was the frontrunner to replace the 32-year-old in the squad, who has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.
Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance
#nabi #test #jammu #maiden
"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.
Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance
#nabi #test #jammu #maiden
5 days ago
Most runs in T20 cricket: Complete list of top run-scores in T20 cricket history ft. Jos **** ler originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jos **** ler overtakes Chris Gayle, closes in on Kieron Pollard's most T20 runs tally.
Buttler smashes 224 runs in four Hundred matches this season, with an average of 112.
Complete top-10 all-time T20 run-scorers list detailed with full career figures.
England wicketkeeper-batter Jos **** ler keeps moving up the ranks of T20 cricket's most prolific run-scorers, having recently gone past West Indies great Chris Gayle and now sitting just 24 runs shy of current leader Kieron Pollard.
#Cricket
Jos **** ler overtakes Chris Gayle, closes in on Kieron Pollard's most T20 runs tally.
Buttler smashes 224 runs in four Hundred matches this season, with an average of 112.
Complete top-10 all-time T20 run-scorers list detailed with full career figures.
England wicketkeeper-batter Jos **** ler keeps moving up the ranks of T20 cricket's most prolific run-scorers, having recently gone past West Indies great Chris Gayle and now sitting just 24 runs shy of current leader Kieron Pollard.
#Cricket
7 days ago
England's Joe Root is ready to embrace his second stint as Test captain, saying he is in a "very different place" to when he stepped down from the role four years ago.
First appointed captain in 2017, Root led England in a record 64 Tests and oversaw a record 28 wins as skipper before stepping down in April 2022 following a 10-wicket defeat by West Indies.
At that time, England had won just one of their past 17 Tests, including a 4-0 Ashes humbling away in Australia, while also navigating Covid restrictions, with Root admitting the job "took its toll" on his health.
"It had become a very unhealthy relationship, the captaincy and me. I could'nt leave it at the ground any more, it was coming home," Root said in June 2022.
"As soon as I made the decision, I knew it was the right thing to do. I felt like a big weight had been lifted."
#root #tests
First appointed captain in 2017, Root led England in a record 64 Tests and oversaw a record 28 wins as skipper before stepping down in April 2022 following a 10-wicket defeat by West Indies.
At that time, England had won just one of their past 17 Tests, including a 4-0 Ashes humbling away in Australia, while also navigating Covid restrictions, with Root admitting the job "took its toll" on his health.
"It had become a very unhealthy relationship, the captaincy and me. I could'nt leave it at the ground any more, it was coming home," Root said in June 2022.
"As soon as I made the decision, I knew it was the right thing to do. I felt like a big weight had been lifted."
#root #tests
7 days ago
RCB' **** le winning captain Rajat Patidar has been appointed captain of the Central Zone squad for the 2026 Duleep Trophy, with Rinku Singh named his deputy for the prestigious domestic tournament, scheduled to be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from August 23 to September 10.
The leadership duo brings together two of Central Zone's most experienced batters. Patidar, who captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back IPL **** les, will now look to guide Central Zone in the season-opening first-class competition, while Rinku will serve as vice-captain.
Among the notable inclusions is off-spinning all-rounder Saransh Jain, who is also part of India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. However, Jain is expected to miss at least the opening phase of the Duleep Trophy as he remains with the national team. With Washington Sundar ruled out of the first Test, Jain is among the leading contenders to make his Test debut in the series opener at Galle, beginning on August 15. The second Test is scheduled to start in Colombo on August 23, the same day the Duleep Trophy gets underway.
Central Zone have **** embled a balanced squad featuring several established domestic performers and exciting young talents. Apart from Patidar and Rinku, the batting unit includes Aryan Juyal, Aman Mokhade, Kunal Chandela, Yash Rathod and Ayush Pandey, while the all-round department is strengthened by Harsh Dubey, Arshad Khan and Saransh Jain.
The bowling attack features Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Pandey, Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute, while Aryan Juyal and Kunal Singh Rathod have been named as the wicketkeeping options.
The Duleep Trophy will once again mark the beginning of India's domestic red-ball season, with all matches set to be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru between August 23 and September 10. The tournament continues in its zonal format and is expected to feature several Indian internationals and emerging talents from across the country.
Central Zone squad: Rajat Patidar (captain), Rinku Singh (vice-captain), Aryan Juyal (wicketkeeper), Saransh Jain, Aman Mokhade, Kunal Chandela, Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Pandey, Arshad Khan, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Kunal Singh Rathod (wk), Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute.
Stand-by players: Amandeep Khare, Mayank Mishra, Saurabh Rawat, Bhargav Merai, Kunal Yadav and **** ar Kartikeya.
#patidar #zone #duleep #rinku
The leadership duo brings together two of Central Zone's most experienced batters. Patidar, who captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back IPL **** les, will now look to guide Central Zone in the season-opening first-class competition, while Rinku will serve as vice-captain.
Among the notable inclusions is off-spinning all-rounder Saransh Jain, who is also part of India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. However, Jain is expected to miss at least the opening phase of the Duleep Trophy as he remains with the national team. With Washington Sundar ruled out of the first Test, Jain is among the leading contenders to make his Test debut in the series opener at Galle, beginning on August 15. The second Test is scheduled to start in Colombo on August 23, the same day the Duleep Trophy gets underway.
Central Zone have **** embled a balanced squad featuring several established domestic performers and exciting young talents. Apart from Patidar and Rinku, the batting unit includes Aryan Juyal, Aman Mokhade, Kunal Chandela, Yash Rathod and Ayush Pandey, while the all-round department is strengthened by Harsh Dubey, Arshad Khan and Saransh Jain.
The bowling attack features Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Pandey, Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute, while Aryan Juyal and Kunal Singh Rathod have been named as the wicketkeeping options.
The Duleep Trophy will once again mark the beginning of India's domestic red-ball season, with all matches set to be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru between August 23 and September 10. The tournament continues in its zonal format and is expected to feature several Indian internationals and emerging talents from across the country.
Central Zone squad: Rajat Patidar (captain), Rinku Singh (vice-captain), Aryan Juyal (wicketkeeper), Saransh Jain, Aman Mokhade, Kunal Chandela, Zeeshan Ansari, Aryan Pandey, Arshad Khan, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Kunal Singh Rathod (wk), Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute.
Stand-by players: Amandeep Khare, Mayank Mishra, Saurabh Rawat, Bhargav Merai, Kunal Yadav and **** ar Kartikeya.
#patidar #zone #duleep #rinku
8 days ago
'Remembering Captain Hedley Verity: England legend who dismissed Don Bradman eight times before dying as a World War II POW originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Hedley Verity took a first-class record 10 wickets for 10 runs against Nottinghamshire in 1932.
He dismissed Don Bradman eight times in Tests, more than any other bowler.
Verity died aged 38 in 1943 as a prisoner of war in Italy.
Some cricketers are remembered for their statistics, others for the manner of their lives, and a rare few for both. Hedley Verity belongs firmly in that final category, a Yorkshire slow left-armer whose bowling carved records that still stand and whose death in wartime lent his name a solemn permanence.
#eight #whose
Hedley Verity took a first-class record 10 wickets for 10 runs against Nottinghamshire in 1932.
He dismissed Don Bradman eight times in Tests, more than any other bowler.
Verity died aged 38 in 1943 as a prisoner of war in Italy.
Some cricketers are remembered for their statistics, others for the manner of their lives, and a rare few for both. Hedley Verity belongs firmly in that final category, a Yorkshire slow left-armer whose bowling carved records that still stand and whose death in wartime lent his name a solemn permanence.
#eight #whose
8 days ago
England prospect Davina Perrin said she remembered she has "got the shots" after recovering from injury.
The 19-year-old was touted for England recognition last season after hammering the fastest century in the history of the women's Hundred, a 43-ball 101 for Northern Superchargers in the eliminator match.
She struck 52 from 43 deliveries in Birmingham Phoenix's 24-run defeat by Southern Brave on Thursday, her second match back after a month on the sidelines.
"It's my first like proper injury so there's so much learnings from it and that's the big thing for me, looking at what I can learn from the experience," said Perrin.
"Seeking advice where I could as well - I managed to grab a few minutes out of [former England wicketkeeper] Sarah Taylor and she gave me a really good bit of advice.
#birmingham
The 19-year-old was touted for England recognition last season after hammering the fastest century in the history of the women's Hundred, a 43-ball 101 for Northern Superchargers in the eliminator match.
She struck 52 from 43 deliveries in Birmingham Phoenix's 24-run defeat by Southern Brave on Thursday, her second match back after a month on the sidelines.
"It's my first like proper injury so there's so much learnings from it and that's the big thing for me, looking at what I can learn from the experience," said Perrin.
"Seeking advice where I could as well - I managed to grab a few minutes out of [former England wicketkeeper] Sarah Taylor and she gave me a really good bit of advice.
#birmingham
8 days ago
NEW DELHI: The decision to name 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as East Zone vice-captain for the upcoming Duleep Trophy has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world, but the selectors believe they are investing in the future of Indian cricket.
With experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan appointed captain, Sooryavanshi's elevation as deputy is not being viewed as an immediate leadership burden but as an opportunity to accelerate his development as a cricketer.
One member of the East Zone selection committee explained the thinking behind the move, saying the teenager was not being handed the captaincy but was being prepared for greater responsibilities in the future.
"He has not been made the captain. He has only been made the vice-captain. The captain is Ishan Kishan. Besides, Ishan is a wicketkeeper, so he will be actively involved throughout the day. It is not as though Vaibhav will be captaining the team all day. As he grows, he is maturing day by day. Giving him more responsibility will help him mature even further," former Odisha Ranji player and selector Pravanjan Mullick told Cricbuzz.
Mullick revealed that the selectors' decision was based on Sooryavanshi's rapid rise and his ability to handle responsibility despite his age.
"This is a great opportunity for him to take on the responsibility of being vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy. He wants to do well for the country, and we believe giving young players responsibility is important. Who knows? We are keeping our fingers crossed that one day he could even become India's captain. That is the thought behind giving him the vice-captaincy," he told Cricbuzz.
The selectors also considered Sooryavanshi's previous leadership experience. The teenage batter has already served as vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket and was part of India's leadership group during the Under-19 World Cup triumph.
"He has been doing very well for the country and also had an excellent IPL season with Rajasthan Royals. He is also the vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket," Mullick said.
The 15-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last year. He became one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL and went on to top the batting charts during the tournament, earning widespread praise for his fearless approach. He was also named Player of the Series during India's tour of Zimbabwe.
The East Zone selection committee meeting was held at Eden Gardens, with representatives from the Cricket ***** ociation of Bengal, Jharkhand State Cricket ***** ociation, Tripura Cricket ***** ociation, Bihar Cricket ***** ociation and Odisha Cricket ***** ociation taking part.
Mullick clarified that there was no discussion with Sooryavanshi before the decision was made.
"No, none at all. It was a collective decision taken by all the selectors from the eastern states. He has the ability to handle responsibility and is capable of leading the team when required," he said.
Th
With experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan appointed captain, Sooryavanshi's elevation as deputy is not being viewed as an immediate leadership burden but as an opportunity to accelerate his development as a cricketer.
One member of the East Zone selection committee explained the thinking behind the move, saying the teenager was not being handed the captaincy but was being prepared for greater responsibilities in the future.
"He has not been made the captain. He has only been made the vice-captain. The captain is Ishan Kishan. Besides, Ishan is a wicketkeeper, so he will be actively involved throughout the day. It is not as though Vaibhav will be captaining the team all day. As he grows, he is maturing day by day. Giving him more responsibility will help him mature even further," former Odisha Ranji player and selector Pravanjan Mullick told Cricbuzz.
Mullick revealed that the selectors' decision was based on Sooryavanshi's rapid rise and his ability to handle responsibility despite his age.
"This is a great opportunity for him to take on the responsibility of being vice-captain in the Duleep Trophy. He wants to do well for the country, and we believe giving young players responsibility is important. Who knows? We are keeping our fingers crossed that one day he could even become India's captain. That is the thought behind giving him the vice-captaincy," he told Cricbuzz.
The selectors also considered Sooryavanshi's previous leadership experience. The teenage batter has already served as vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket and was part of India's leadership group during the Under-19 World Cup triumph.
"He has been doing very well for the country and also had an excellent IPL season with Rajasthan Royals. He is also the vice-captain of Bihar in first-class cricket," Mullick said.
The 15-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last year. He became one of the youngest players to feature in the IPL and went on to top the batting charts during the tournament, earning widespread praise for his fearless approach. He was also named Player of the Series during India's tour of Zimbabwe.
The East Zone selection committee meeting was held at Eden Gardens, with representatives from the Cricket ***** ociation of Bengal, Jharkhand State Cricket ***** ociation, Tripura Cricket ***** ociation, Bihar Cricket ***** ociation and Odisha Cricket ***** ociation taking part.
Mullick clarified that there was no discussion with Sooryavanshi before the decision was made.
"No, none at all. It was a collective decision taken by all the selectors from the eastern states. He has the ability to handle responsibility and is capable of leading the team when required," he said.
Th
