Author: Zahid Noor

England allrounder Ben Stokes has confirmed today that he does not wish to be considered for selection ahead of this summer’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which will take place in June in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).

The England Test captain’s primary focus is to get fully fit to bowl not only for the summer of Test cricket, which includes two three-match Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka respectively but for all cricket in the future.

“I’m working hard and focusing on building my bowling fitness back up to fulfil a full role as an all-rounder in all formats of cricket,” Stokes said commenting on his decision.

“Opting out of the IPL and the World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that allows me to be the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future.

“The recent Test tour of India highlighted how far behind I was from a bowling point of view after my knee surgery and nine months without bowling.

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“I’m looking forward to playing for Durham in the County Championship before the start of our Test summer.

“I wish Jos (Buttler), Motty (Matthew Mott) and all the team the best of luck in defending our title.”

England’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 defence will start on 4 June against Scotland at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Notably, Ben Stokes hit the winning run in the final of the ICC World Cup 2022 against Pakistan to help England lift their second T20 World Cup title.

They will then play group matches against Australia, Oman, and Namibia in Barbados and Antigua before qualification for the Super 8s and knockout stages.

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MANCHESTER: Lancashire Cricket Foundation on Thursday hosted an inter-faith Iftar dinner event here at the iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

The representative of King Charles, the members of the British parliament and British army officials attended the event.

Notable social and political personalities from all faiths and communities, including the Lord Mayor of Manchester, the Leader of Manchester City Council, councillors, and Greater Manchester Police officers, joined together at the iftar to show solidarity with Muslims.

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“It is a great event to be involved in where multiple communities come together in Manchester,” said Mike Russell, the Chief Inspector of the Greater Manchester Police.

“I just like to thank you for inviting me this evening to this wonderful event. This was my first iftar and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Lindsey M Forbes, the deputy commander of Army Headquarters North West.

The event attendees expressed that such events promote interfaith harmony and communal peace among citizens.

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The schedule for the much-awaited Women’s Ashes 2025 series has been revealed, with England set to tour Australia in January next year.

Following a well-contested drawn and record-breaking Ashes series on home soil last year, Heather Knight’s outfit heads down under to play a multi-format series to contest three ODIs in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart.

The ODI series will be followed by the three-match T20I series, starting on January 20 at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Manuka Oval and Adelaide Oval are set to host the next two T20Is.

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The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the first Women’s Test match at the iconic venue since 1948-49.

The four-day Test starting on January 30 will be the first day-night Test at the venue.

Priority pre-sale tickets are available on June 4 to fans who have registered their interest here

Women’s Ashes 2025 schedule

Women’s Ashes ODI Series
12 January: North Sydney Oval, Sydney (Day)
14 January: Junction Oval, Melbourne (Day)
17 January: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (Day)

Women’s Ashes T20I Series
20 January: SCG, Sydney (Night)
23 January: Manuka Oval, Canberra (Night)
25 January: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (Night)

Women’s Ashes Test Match
30 January-2 February: MCG, Melbourne (Day/Night)

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England Women secured victory in their IT20 opener against New Zealand, winning by 27 runs at the University of Otago Oval, Dunedin.

Maia Bouchier hit 43, while captain Heather Knight scored 63 as England finished their innings on 160/4.

Bowler Lauren Bell took two wickets, her first off just the third ball of the innings while Georgia Plimmer was dismissed by Sarah Glenn.

White Ferns captain Suzie Bates led the way with the bat for the hosts with 65 from 51 balls as New Zealand finished on 133/5.

Knight’s outfit return to action on Friday (22 March) where they take on the White Ferns in Nelson.

Lauren Bell’s post-match press conference is available to view and download here.

England Women’s Fixtures

22 March – 2nd IT20 – Nelson
24 March – 3rd IT20 – Nelson
27 March – 4th IT20 – Wellington
29 March – 5th IT20 – Wellington

31 March – 1st ODI – Wellington
3 April – 2nd ODI – Hamilton
6 April – 3rd ODI – Hamilton

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Former England captain Marcus Trescothick and legendary pacer Stuart Broad were among the sports figures recognised in the New Year Honours, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Friday.

Broad, 37, who retired from cricket this summer with 604 Test wickets to his name, was awarded the highest-ranking Order of the British Empire award – Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

It rounds off a remarkable year for Broad, who left his playing career on a high with the final wicket in England Men’s fifth Test victory in the LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes, and earned himself second place in BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Trescothick, 48 – currently Lead Batting Coach for England Men but previously one of England Men’s most successful opening batters – is awarded the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire award Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his work as an ambassador for mental health.

Both Stuart Broad and Marcus Trescothick are seeing their current honours upgraded. Trescothick was awarded an MBE in 2005 after England Men historically regained the Ashes, and Broad initially received an MBE in 2017.

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Chair of the ECB, Richard Thompson, said: “As a whole game we’re absolutely delighted to see Stuart and Marcus honoured in this way.

“They have been fantastic ambassadors for cricket for many years, and they have played a major role in helping build the profile of our game and in turn bringing more people into our sport.

“Stuart has long been an inspirational figure and will be remembered as a true great of English cricket, and the spectacular nature of his retirement this summer was the perfect farewell.

“It’s also so fitting that Marcus has now been recognised both for his achievements on the field and for his bravery in talking so honestly about his own mental health challenges which has helped so many people.

“I would also like to pay tribute to all those hard-working people who have been honoured for their work in cricket. I am delighted to be able to share with them my warmest congratulations, on behalf of everyone in our game.”

Robin Varley, Patricia Gaywood, Duncan Holden and Robert Nellies also received honours for their service to cricket.

Stuart Broad CBE said: “All I ever wanted to do was play cricket, and to have had the career that I was able to enjoy and to receive honours like this is incredibly special. I’m very proud that my contributions to cricket have been recognised, and it means a lot to me and my family.

Marcus Trescothick OBE said: “It’s a huge honour to have been awarded an OBE. I was delighted in 2005 when we were recognised as a team with MBEs but this is very special. I’ve always wanted to let people know my story and to try and raise awareness to help anyone who may be struggling with poor mental health alongside the Professional Cricketers’ Association, so recognition of that work means a lot.”

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England Men’s selection panel have announced the squads for next month’s ODI and T20I away series against West Indies.

Jos Buttler will lead the side during the Caribbean tour after a dismal performance during the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, which saw defending champions England finish in eighth position.

Other than the skipper, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone, who are part of the ICC World Cup 2023 squad have secured their places in both ODI and T20I squads against West Indies, while Brydon Carse has made it into the ODI squad only.

Two uncapped seamers Josh Tongue and John Turner have also been selected in both squads, while wicketkeeper Ollie Pope, who has only featured in Test matches for England, has been selected in the ODI squad.

England ODI squad

Jos Buttler (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, John Turner

England T20I squad

Jos Buttler (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Reece Topley, John Turner, Chris Woakes

England vs West Indies series schedule

ODI series

1st ODI: West Indies v England – 3 December, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

2nd ODI: West Indies v England – 6 December, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

3rd ODI: West Indies v England – 9 December, Kensington Oval, Barbados

T20I series

1st T20I: West Indies v England – 12 December, Kensington Oval, Barbados

2nd T20I: West Indies v England – 14 December, Grenada National Stadium, Grenada

3rd T20I: West Indies v England – 16 December, Grenada National Stadium, Grenada

4th T20I: West Indies v England – 19 December, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

5th T20I: West Indies v England – 21 December, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday, announced the Central Contract offers for England Men’s international cricket for the year from 1 October 2023.

The system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while recognising performances in the preceding year.

Multi-year contracts have been awarded for the first time since central contracts were established in 2000.

The ECB has worked closely with the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Team England Player Partnership on behalf of the players to reach an outcome for all parties.

In total, 29 players have received ECB Men’s Central Contract offers – 18 England Multi-Year Central Contracts, eight England Annual Central Contracts, and three England Development Contracts.

England Three-Year Central Contracts:

Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Mark Wood (Durham)

England Two-Year Central Contracts:

Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire – from 1 November), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

England One-Year Central Contracts:

Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey)

England Development Contracts:

Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), John Turner (Hampshire)

For the unversed, seven players – Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue – received their maiden ECB Central Contracts.

Whereas, Yorkshire’s Dawid Malan made his return to the annual contract after missing out last year.

Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood and John Turner are offered Development Contracts to support the development of high-potential talent.

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: “We are rewarding those players who we expect to make a significant impact over the coming years playing for England.

“It is great news and a credit to the players for demonstrating their commitment to English cricket in the ever-changing landscape of the sport.

“I would like to congratulate all the players who have been offered contracts. They will play a pivotal role in England’s efforts over the next few years.”

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LONDON: England’s experienced batter Joe Root has been rested for the remaining matches of the ODI series against Ireland in a bid to prepare for the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, starting next month.

“In preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India starting next month, Yorkshire and England Men’s batter Joe Root is to be rested for the remaining matches in the Metro Bank ODI series against Ireland,” England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

Following Joe Root’s exclusion for the remaining two ODIs against Ireland, the ECB added Somerset batter, Tom Kohler-Cadmore to bolster England’s squad.

Kohler-Cadmore is set to join the England squad in Nottingham following the conclusion of Somerset’s County Championship Division One match against Kent at Taunton, which is scheduled to finish on Friday.

The second ODI of the three-match series is slated to take place at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

For the unversed, Joe Root was added to the England squad for the first ODI against Ireland at his own request as he bid to rediscover his form in the 50-over format ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023.

However, he did not get the opportunity to boast his preparations as the first ODI between England and Ireland was washed out without a ball bowled.

Reports further suggested that the ECB also consider adding Jason Roy as Joe Root’s replacement but the right-handed opener turned down the opportunity to re-join England squad for the ODI series remainder.

Notably, Roy was dropped from England’s ICC World Cup 2023 squad despite being named in the provisional 15.

England-Ireland ODI Series schedule: 

1st ODI: England v Ireland, Wednesday 20 September 2023, Headingley, Leeds (match abandoned)

2nd ODI: England v Ireland, Saturday 23 September 2023, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

3rd ODI: England v Ireland, Tuesday 26 September 2023, Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

England Men’s Squad for Ireland ODIs

Zak Crawley (Kent – Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire – vc), Sam Hain (Warwickshire), Tom Hartley (Lancashire), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Somerset), Will Jacks (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Phil Salt (Lancashire), George Scrimshaw (Derbyshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Luke Wood (Lancashire)

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LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday, confirmed their 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India, marking the return of Harry Brook.

Brook, who was initially left out of England’s provisional squad for the World Cup, as a result of Ben Stokes’ return, managed to make a cut in the defending champions’ final contingent.

Notably, Jason Roy missed the four-match ODI series against New Zealand due to back spasms and consequently paved the way for Brook’s return.

Opening batter Dawid Malan also secured his berth for the World Cup after scoring the most runs (277) in the series against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes also solidified his position in the team after his brilliant comeback to ODI cricket in the recently concluded series. He broke the record for the highest score by an England men’s player in ODIs, as he scored 182 off 124 balls in the third ODI against New Zealand.

Our @CricketWorldCup 1⃣5⃣ 😍

Are we excited yet?! 😆#CWC23 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/u5FOly7rAk

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 17, 2023

Leg spinner Adil Rashid also made it to the World Cup 2023 squad after being declared fit. He featured in only one game in the New Zealand series in which he experienced cramps and subsequently did not play the remaining matches of the series.

England Men’s National Selector, Luke Wright, said: “We have selected a squad we are confident can go to India and win the World Cup.

“We are blessed with an incredibly strong group of white-ball players which was underlined by the performances in the series win against a very good New Zealand team.

“The strength of the group has meant that we have had to make some tough decisions on world-class players with Jason Roy missing out and Harry Brook coming into the squad.”

Notably, teams can still make changes to their squads until September 28 without requiring ICC’s approval.

After the cut-off date, any changes to the squad will be subject to the approval of the ICC.

Defending champions England South Africa will kick off their World Cup 2023 campaign against runners-up of World Cup 2019 New Zealand in the opening game of the tournament on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

England’s squad for the World Cup 2023

Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.

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LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday, unveiled a 13-member squad, led by Zak Crawley, for the three-match home ODI series against Ireland, scheduled to commence on September 20.

Zak Crawley will lead England for the first time while his Test opening partner Ben Duckett named as his deputy for the three-match series.

Notably, Crawley has thus far represented England in only three ODIs, all of which came in England’s Covid-hit home ODI series against Pakistan in 2021.

Duckett, on the other hand, made his ODI debut in 2016 against Bangladesh, when he scored two fifties in the three-match series.

The left-handed opener then made his return in the three-match away series against South Africa earlier this year, after a seven-year absence from the format.

Duckett, however, failed to make his ODI return memorable as he could manage a top score of 20 in the series.

England squad includes three uncapped players, Warwickshire batter Sam Hain, Surrey wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and Derbyshire paceman George Scrimshaw.

England’s 13-member squad for the Ireland ODIs also marked the return of Harry Brook, who was omitted when England announced their preliminary 15-man squad for the 50-over tournament in India which starts next month.

But teams do not have to confirm their squads until September 28.

The 24-year-old Harry Brook was initially edged out by 2019 World Cup final hero Ben Stokes’s decision to reverse his retirement from one-day internationals.

But a hundred for Northern Superchargers in his next innings in The Hundred, followed by contributions of 43 not out and 67 in T20 international wins against New Zealand reignited the debate about Harry Brook’s World Cup place.

England squad for Ireland ODIs: Zak Crawley (c), Ben Duckett (vc), Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Hain, Will Jacks, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Phil Salt, George Scrimshaw, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.

READ: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh to depart for Colombo tomorrow