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'Have to dust ourselves off for Sri Lanka'
CricketAsiacupAfghanistan

'Have to dust ourselves off for Sri Lanka'

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott remains optimistic for their crucial Asia Cup clash against Sri Lanka, despite an 8-run loss to Bangladesh. The result leaves Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka vying for two Super Fours spots. A Sri Lanka win would see them and Bangladesh qualify, while an Afghanistan victory would bring net run-rate into play for all three, posing a significant challenge for Bangladesh unless Afghanistan wins decisively. Trott emphasized focusing on a strong performance against Sri Lanka rather than NRR calculations, believing a win would secure their qualification. He acknowledged Afghanistan's shortcomings in fielding and PowerPlay scores against Bangladesh, highlighting the 32-run deficit in the initial overs as a key factor in their defeat.

September 17, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Apollo Tyres bags India jersey rights for INR 579 crore
CricketBcciSponsorship

Apollo Tyres bags India jersey rights for INR 579 crore

Apollo Tyres has acquired the Indian cricket team's jersey sponsorship rights for a staggering INR 579 crore, outbidding competitors like Canva and JK Cements. This two-and-a-half-year agreement covers 121 bilateral and 21 ICC matches, marking Apollo Tyres' first major foray into Indian cricket sponsorship. The deal signifies a "substantial increase" in sponsorship value for the BCCI, amounting to approximately INR 4.77 crore per game. This new partnership replaces the annulled Dream11 deal, which was terminated due to a government ban on real-money gaming companies. The Apollo Tyres logo will first appear during the two-Test home series against West Indies starting October 2 and also for the India A team's upcoming ODI series.

September 16, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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West Indies recall Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze for India Test tour
CricketTestWestindies

West Indies recall Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze for India Test tour

Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have been recalled to the West Indies' 15-member Test squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India, commencing October 2. Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre earned his maiden Test call-up. This squad selection follows a recent 3-0 home defeat to Australia, which prompted a strategic review. Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe stated the selection was "calculated and deliberate," considering conditions and opposition while aiming to build squad depth. Former captain Kraigg Brathwaite and other players were dropped, and Gudakesh Motie was rested for workload management. Head coach Darren Sammy highlighted Chanderpaul's inclusion to bolster the top order and Athanaze's strength against spin, with Pierre providing an additional spin option in anticipated favorable conditions.

September 16, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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PCB set for late-night call on Asia Cup participation
CricketAsiacupPakistan

PCB set for late-night call on Asia Cup participation

Pakistan's Asia Cup participation is uncertain following a dispute with the ICC over match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB had demanded Pycroft's removal after an alleged "handshake row" involving India, a demand the ICC rejected. Despite initially denying knowledge, PCB officials later acknowledged the ICC's stance, leading to mixed signals about their continued involvement. They cancelled a press conference but held a practice session, awaiting a decision from Lahore. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi reportedly consulted with the government in Islamabad regarding the controversy and its implications. A formal statement is anticipated late Tuesday night or early Wednesday, clarifying Pakistan's position ahead of their critical match against UAE.

September 16, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Pride, protest and progression at stake as Pakistan face UAE in virtual knockout
CricketAsiacupPakistan

Pride, protest and progression at stake as Pakistan face UAE in virtual knockout

Pakistan faces UAE in a critical Asia Cup virtual knockout match for a Super 4s berth, amidst uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's participation due to an ongoing protest. The PCB had demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft following an alleged "handshake row" involving India, a demand rejected by the ICC. With UAE having beaten Oman, India has already qualified, leaving only Pakistan or UAE to advance. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, in Dubai, is expected to be played on a spinning track. Historically, Pakistan holds a strong T20I record against UAE. Key battlegrounds include Pakistan's potent spin attack versus their pacers' PowerPlay struggles, especially Shaheen Afridi's recent form.

September 16, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Konstas ton headlines Australia A's good start against India A
CricketTestAustralia

Konstas ton headlines Australia A's good start against India A

Opener Sam Konstas's century propelled Australia A to a strong position on Day 1 of the first Unofficial Test against India A in Lucknow, reaching 337/5 at Stumps. Play commenced after a wet outfield caused a delayed start. Konstas, scoring 109, and Campbell Kellaway, with 88, forged an impressive 198-run opening partnership. However, Kellaway's dismissal after Tea initiated a collapse, with Australia A losing four quick wickets for just 26 runs, including Konstas. Cooper Connolly (70) and Liam Scott then stabilized the innings with a crucial 109-run stand. India A's spin bowlers, particularly Harsh Dubey who claimed 3/88, bowled the majority of the overs.

September 16, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Jamieson, Sears return to New Zealand squad for Australia T20Is
CricketT20iNewzealand

Jamieson, Sears return to New Zealand squad for Australia T20Is

Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears are set to return to the New Zealand squad for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee Trophy T20I series against Australia, commencing October 1. Jamieson missed the Zimbabwe tour due to family reasons, while Sears recovers from a side strain. The pace attack is further bolstered by Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes. Michael Bracewell will captain the side, stepping in for Mitchell Santner, who is recovering from abdominal surgery. Several other key senior players, including Finn Allen and Kane Williamson, are unavailable due to injury or personal reasons. The series will be hosted at Bay Oval.

September 16, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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Tanzid, bowlers keep Bangladesh alive with narrow win over Afghanistan
CricketAsiacupBangladesh

Tanzid, bowlers keep Bangladesh alive with narrow win over Afghanistan

Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by 8 runs in a crucial Asia Cup match, maintaining their Super Fours qualification hopes. Tanzid Hasan Tamim's rapid 52 off 28 balls propelled Bangladesh to 154/5. A disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by Nasum Ahmed (2/11), Rishad Hossain (2/18), and Mustafizur Rahman (3/28), then successfully defended the total. The decisive phase was the PowerPlay, where Bangladesh's strong start (59/0) contrasted sharply with Afghanistan's struggle (27/2). Despite contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan fell short at 146. Bangladesh's qualification now hinges on the Sri Lanka vs. Afghanistan game; Afghanistan, meanwhile, must win to advance.

September 16, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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ICC all set to reject PCB demand to replace match referee Pycroft
IccPcbAsiacup

ICC all set to reject PCB demand to replace match referee Pycroft

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to reject the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) demand to replace match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup panel. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had requested Pycroft's removal following a "handshake fiasco" where Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts after an Asia Cup league fixture on September 14. The ICC's internal view is that Pycroft had a minimal role, possibly only conveying a message to avoid public embarrassment. The governing body believes acceding to such a demand without sufficient grounds would set a wrong precedent. The PCB's complaint cited violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws on the Spirit of Cricket, but MCC guidelines do not mandate handshakes, only encourage them.

September 15, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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WPL Season 4 set to kick off in first week of January
WplT20Womenscricket

WPL Season 4 set to kick off in first week of January

The fourth season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) is set to commence earlier than previous editions, likely in the first week of January 2026, possibly on January 6 or 8. This earlier start is attributed to the WPL securing a dedicated window in the women's Future Tours Programme. The tournament, comprising 22 games, is anticipated to conclude by early February. While the venues remain undecided, the BCCI is considering spreading matches across more centres, moving beyond the centralized approach of initial seasons. A key decision on whether to hold a mega-auction, similar to the IPL, is still awaited from the BCCI and WPL authorities, with opinions divided among stakeholders on the necessity of such a change. Mumbai Indians are the defending champions and two-time winners, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning the second season.

September 15, 2025•1 min read•Source: CricBuzz
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