Tag: Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia (CA) has planned to pay tribute to late top-order batter Phil Hughes on his 10th death anniversary on November 27.

Hughes tragically passed away on November 27, 2014, after being struck in the neck by a bouncer off Sean Abbott during a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

In a heartfelt effort to honour Hughes’s memory, Cricket Australia (CA) has organized a series of commemorative activities aimed at paying tribute to his legacy.

These plans include special observances during the Sheffield Shield matches as well as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia, set to take place in Adelaide.

CA has shared that flags will be flown at half-mast during the upcoming round of Sheffield Shield matches, signalling a collective moment of mourning. Throughout the matches, players will don black armbands.

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Moreover, a minute of silence will be observed on the fourth day of each game, including those involving Hughes’s former teams, South Australia and New South Wales.

During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, beginning on December 6, Hughes will be honoured in a special way. A documentary chronicling his life and remarkable cricketing journey will be presented, crafted with care in collaboration with Hughes’s family.

The documentary will be screened before the start of the match, providing fans with an intimate glimpse into the life of a player who left an enduring impact on the sport.

“We understand this will be a time of reflection for the many people who knew and admired Phillip Hughes,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.

“We wanted to ensure that the Hughes family, particularly, were comfortable with any commemorations and that we celebrate Phillip’s life and incredible achievements appropriately.”

READ: Jasprit Bumrah puts India back on top in first Australia Test

Former captain Michael Clarke has slammed the decision of Cricket Australia (CA) to rest key players for yesterday’s third ODI against Pakistan.

Australia ODI captain Pat Cummins as well as star players Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith did not feature in the series-deciding final ODI against Pakistan Perth in order to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Test series against India.

Josh Inglis stepped in to lead the Australian side, who suffered an eight-wicket defeat in the third ODI in Perth, losing their first home series against Pakistan since 2002.

Notably, Pakistan lost the first match of the three-match series by two wickets, however, they staged an impressive comeback to win the series 2-1.

After Australia’s defeat, Michael Clarke voiced his disappointment and noted that there was an 11-day gap between the third ODI against Pakistan and the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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“I’m just a bit confused. So 11 days between now and the first Test [in Perth], why can’t the Aussie boys who are part of this Test series play in the [third] one-dayer” the former captain questioned during a radio show on Monday.

The 2015 World Cup-winning captain expressed that the series was levelled and the third match held significant importance.

However, the cricket board seemed indifferent, showing a lack of enthusiasm for prioritizing the ODI series.

“If Australia had won the first two games, then you can understand why they rest their big fish, but it was [the] series on the line,” Michael Clarke stated.

“You can’t expect the fans to want to come and watch one-day cricket,” he added. “I feel like we obviously don’t care about losing that series. If you’re not going to care, we’re not going to care.”

READ: Rashid Latif credits Rizwan’s leadership for Pakistan’s win over Australia

Cricket Australia (CA) has lifted the lifetime ban on former opening batter David Warner from holding any leadership position within the country’s cricket, which had been imposed after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

It follows the 37-year-old presenting his case to have the terms of the original sanction amended before a three-person panel.

They found unanimously that Warner met all criteria to have the ban lifted immediately, noting his “respectful and contrite tone” and that he acknowledged responsibility for his conduct.

David Warner has retired from the international game, but the decision opens the door for a leadership role at his Big Bash League club Sydney Thunder.

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“I am pleased David has chosen to have his sanction reviewed and that he will be eligible to take up leadership positions in Australian cricket this summer,” said Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley.

Warner was cast as the key villain in the so-called “Sandpaper-gate” scandal in Cape Town in 2018, having conspired with then-skipper Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft to illegally alter the surface of the ball.

He was suspended from playing for a year and banned from any leadership role for life.

In his application to have the ban overturned, Warner provided references from current Australian skipper Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson also vouched for him.

READ: Sundar spins web as India book New Zealand on 259 in second Test

Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Dulip Samaraweera was banned by Cricket Australia on Thursday from holding any position for 20 years over “inappropriate behaviour”.

The 52-year-old, who played seven Tests and five ODIs in the 1990s, was appointed head coach of the Victoria state women’s team in May.

But his tenure was short-lived after alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a woman player.

Cricket Australia’s Conduct Commission banned him “from  holding any position within CA or a state or territory association (including any W/BBL team) for 20 years ”.

In a statement, it cited a serious breach of their code of conduct. Cricket Victoria chief Nick Cummins commended the bravery of the victim for speaking up.

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“We strongly support the decision taken by the Code of Conduct Commission today, banning Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years,” Cummins told cricket.com.au.

“It is our view that the conduct was utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria.

“The victim in this case has demonstrated incredible strength of character and courage in speaking up.

“We will not tolerate any behaviour which compromises that position, or our people, and will always support our culture of speaking up.

“From an organisation perspective, the safety and wellbeing of everyone at Cricket Victoria is paramount. We will not tolerate any behaviour which compromises that position, or our people, and will always support our culture of speaking up.”

READ: Ben Stokes to undergo hamstring scan ahead of Pakistan Tests

Nick Hockley, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cricket Australia (CA) will relinquish his post in March 2025, the Australian cricketing body confirmed Tuesday. 

Hockley was appointed as the interim CEO of CA in June 2020 and then became permanent 11 months later.

He oversaw the affairs of the CA in the tough period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Hockley guided CA to a new five-year strategy and seven-year media deals with Seven West Media, Foxtel Group and Disney Star in India.

“This was a difficult decision, however following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the Board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place,” said Hockley.

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“This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focussed on the season ahead and supporting the Board on succession and a smooth transition,” he added.

CA Chair Mike Baird further confirmed that Nick Hockley had advised the Board that next summer would be his last as the CEO.

“As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability. Under Nick’s leadership, several major deals are now in place – many for the next seven years – and the game is set up for continued success.

“As Nick says, his full focus is on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners and the whole of Australian Cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down from the role next year.

“The timing of Nick’s decision allows the Board to ensure a smooth transition and we will begin the process of finding and appointing his successor shortly.”

READ: Pakistan women cricketers to partake in skills and fitness camp

Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Nick Hockley on Wednesday expressed the desire to host a tri-series involving arch-rivals Pakistan and India.

During a Zoom meeting with Pakistan and Indian media, Hockley acknowledged the hype around the clash between the neighbouring countries. He proposed hosting a triangular as well as a bilateral to help revive the series between the two nations.

“Pakistan and India are traditional rival teams; there is a lot of excitement for their matches,” said Hockley. “We are ready to support both teams for a bilateral and a tri-series.”

“We would be happy to play a role in the revival of the Pakistan vs India bilateral series,” he added.

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It is worth noting that Pakistan and India haven’t played a bilateral series since the 2013 ODI series due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

Since then both teams have played each other only in ICC events and Asia Cups. They recently squared off in the high-octane T20 World Cup 2024 clash in New York, where India clinched a narrow victory.

“Nassau County Stadium [in New York] was a house full during the T20 World Cup [2024]. We witnessed a similar excitement at the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia,” stated Hockley.

However, the Cricket Australia chief was of the view that such plans could only become a reality if the respective cricket boards and governments of both countries co-ordinate on the matter.

WATCH: Pakistan players perform fielding drills using old mattresses

Cricket Australia (CA) has unveiled the Team of the Tournament ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final on Saturday.

India and South Africa will square off in the final of the 20-team event in Barbados later today. The Team of the Tournament includes three players from India and one player from South Africa.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan has been named as the captain of the team, which also includes his teammate Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Overall the team features two players from Australia, three from India, two from Afghanistan and one each from the United States, West Indies, South Africa and Bangladesh.

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Cricket Australia Team of T20 World Cup 2024

1. Travis Head (Australia) – Runs: 255, SR: 158.38
2. Rohit Sharma (India) – Runs: 248, SR: 155.97
3. Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) (wk) – Runs: 228, SR: 146.15
4. Aaron Jones (USA) – Runs: 162, SR: 135
5. Marcus Stoinis (Australia) – Runs: 169, SR: 164.07, Wickets: 10, Ave: 15.10
6. Hardik Pandya (India) – Runs: 139, SR: 149.46, Wickets: 8, Ave: 21.37
7. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) (c) – Wickets: 14, Ave: 12.78
8. Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh) – Wickets: 14, Ave: 13.85
9. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan) – Wickets: 17, Ave: 9.41
10. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – Wickets: 13, Ave: 8.15
11. Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – Wickets: 13, Ave: 5.64

READ: Aiden Markram believes South Africa ‘can win from any position’

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced plans to set up dedicated Pakistan fan zones for the upcoming white-ball series scheduled in November.

The five venues in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and Adelaide will feature fan zones designated for Pakistani fans.

This exciting initiative aligns with CA’s Multicultural Action Plan, aiming to foster inclusivity and provide brilliant experiences for cricket fans from diverse backgrounds.

CA will set up designated seating areas for Pakistan fans, where they can comfortably watch the high-intensity action while enjoying halal food, and desi cuisines. Pakistan fan zones will also have designated prayer areas for fans.

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The details of ticket sales for the fan zones will be announced soon, encouraging Pakistani fans to seize the chance to enjoy the high-action series in a vibrant atmosphere.

For the unversed, CA has recently announced a similar initiative to create fan zones for the Indian audience at all venues during the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series later this year.

Pakistan and Australia will play a three-match ODI series, starting on November 4 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), followed by three T20Is from November 14.

Pakistan last played a T20I in Australia in 2022 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.

Series schedule:

4 November: 1st ODI, MCG, Melbourne (D/N)

8 November: 2nd ODI, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

10 November: 3rd ODI, Perth Stadium, Perth (D/N)

14 November: 1st T20I, The Gabba, Brisbane (N)

16 November: 2nd T20I, SCG, Sydney (N)

18 November: 3rd T20I, Bellerive Oval, Hobart (N)

READ: Pakistan to skip warm-up matches for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Cricket Australia (CA) on Tuesday announced the plan to create dedicated fan zones for the Indian audience at all venues during the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series later this year.

The five venues in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide will have dedicated seating areas for Indian fans.

The plan to establish fan zones aligns with Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Action Plan, aiming to create an inclusive environment for Indian cricket fans.

CA will soon announce details of ticket sales for the fan zones, encouraging Indian fans to seize the chance to enjoy the high-action series in the vibrant atmosphere.

Fans will be allowed to bring traditional musical instruments such as the Dhol in the fan zones.

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CA took a similar initiative last year during Pakistan’s tour of Australia, setting up a dedicated space for Pakistan cricket fans labelled as the ‘Pakistan Bay’ in Perth Stadium for the first Test match.

‘Pakistan Bay’ consisted of two stands surrounding the Pakistan team’s dressing room. Pakistani tea, halal food, and desi cuisines were also available for Pakistan cricket fans.

The Border-Gavaskar series will kick off on 22 November in Perth, followed by the Day-Night Test in Adelaide on 6 December.

The Gabba in Brisbane will host the third Test, while the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the Boxing Day Test.

The series will conclude in Sydney with the Pink Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

READ: Bangladesh announce squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Cricket Australia (CA) has postponed the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, citing restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan. 

The CA made the decision in consultation with the Australian Government and will continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in “anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country”.

“Over the past twelve months CA has continued to consult with the Australian Government on the situation in Afghanistan. The government’s advice is that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse. For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan,” stated CA.

“CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future.

“We again thank the Australian Government for its support.”

For the unversed, the three-match T20I series between Australia and Afghanistan was scheduled to take place in August this year.

This is the third time Australia have cancelled a bilateral fixture or a series with Afghanistan since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021.

Earlier they postponed the one-off Test against the side scheduled to be played in Hobart in November 2021 before withdrawing from an ODI series against, supposed to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in March 2023.

READ: Wanindu Hasaranga comes out of Test retirement for Bangladesh Tests