ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Archives

Rohit Sharma opens up on urging Rahul Dravid to continue as India coach

India captain Rohit Sharma said on Tuesday that he had unsuccessfully tried to convince Rahul Dravid to stay on as head coach, hailing him as “a big role model.”

Dravid said ahead of India’s opening match at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 against Ireland in New York on Wednesday that the tournament would be his last act as the head coach.

Dravid’s contract runs out at the end of the month and he will not reapply for the job, after almost three years in charge.

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it, working with him,” Rohit, who has played under and with Dravid for India, told reporters on the eve of the Ireland game.

He added: “I tried convincing him to stay, but obviously there are a lot of things that he needs to look after as well.

“I’ve personally enjoyed my time with him. I’m sure the rest of the guys will say the same. It’s been great working with him.”

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India have failed to win a global trophy under Dravid but Rohit was nevertheless full of praise for the 51-year-old former national skipper.

“Such a big role model for all of us,” Rohit Sharma said. “Growing up we watched him play and we know what he’s achieved personally as a player and what he’s done for the team over the years.”

He added: “He’s shown a lot of great determination throughout his career, and that’s something that when he came here as a coach, I wanted to learn from him. It’s been very fruitful.”

Rahul Dravid took over the team from Ravi Shastri after the 2021 T20 World Cup.

This year’s edition in the United States and West Indies is his last chance to end India’s search for major international silverware that stretches back to 2013.

Dravid oversaw runs to the finals of both the World Test Championship and their home 50-over World Cup last year, but they came up short against Australia each time.

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Rahul Dravid to bow out as India coach after T20 World Cup 2024

NEW YORK: Rahul Dravid said on Monday that he will leave his post as head coach of Team India at the end of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 after almost three years in charge.

Dravid’s contract runs out at the end of the month and he will not re-apply for the job, which has been advertised by India’s governing cricket body, the BCCI, since last month.

“It is going to be the last one that I am in charge of,” the 51-year-old told reporters ahead of India’s opening match against Ireland in New York on Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, the kind of schedules and where I find myself at this stage in my life, I don’t think I’ll be able to re-apply. I love doing the job. I’ve really enjoyed coaching India and I think it’s a truly special job to do.”

The former India captain took over the team from Ravi Shastri after the 2021 T20 World Cup.

T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and West Indies is his last chance to end the country’s global trophy drought, which stretches back to the 2013 Champions Trophy.

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Dravid oversaw India’s runs to the finals of both the World Test Championship and their home 50-over World Cup last year, but they came up short against Australia each time.

“I enjoyed working with this team and it’s a great bunch of boys to work with,” Dravid said. “To be very honest, I think we’ve actually played really well in these tournaments.

“The World Test Championship is slightly different in terms of it’s not one tournament but a whole cycle, but playing extremely well in the cycle to get to the final there again.

“The 50-over World Cup we had a great run and went into the final. I think we’ve been right up there with some of the best teams.”

India have not won the T20 World Cup since its inaugural edition in 2007 and they have not lifted the one-day World Cup since 2011.

India is set to face Pakistan on June 9 and the tournament hosts the USA three days later in New York, before concluding their group fixtures against Canada in Lauderhill, Florida, on June 15.

READ: Anrich Nortje defends New York pitch after low-scoring game against Sri Lanka

Ricky Ponting predicts highest run-scorer, wicket-taker for T20 World Cup 2024

Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting has unveiled his predictions for the highest run-scorer and the top wicket-taker for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting from June 1.

Ponting predicted that Indian pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah would be the leading wicket-taker at the mega-event. Meanwhile, for the highest run-getter, Ponting picked Australian top-order batter Travis Head.

The former captain appreciated Bumrah’s ability to swing the ball as well as his impressive economy. Bumrah claimed 20 wickets in 13 games at an economy of 6.48 during the recently concluded IPL.

“My leading wicket-taker for the tournament will be Jasprit Bumrah. I just think an outstanding performer, and contributor for a number of years now. He’s just come off an outstanding IPL,” Ponting told The ICC Review.

“What he can do with the new ball, he swings the new ball, he has the seam up. But at the end, his economy rate at the end of the IPL was less than seven runs an over.

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“He takes wickets. He does bowl a lot of the hard overs too. When you bowl the hard overs in T20 cricket, it gives you a chance to pick up a lot of wickets along the way. So, I’m going with him.”

Ricky Ponting then praised Head for his batting prowess across formats in the last two years. Head scored crucial centuries in the finals of the ICC World Test Championship and ICC ODI World Cup 2023.

“My prediction for the leading run-scorer will be Travis Head. I just think everything he’s done, whether it be red-ball or white-ball in the last couple of years, has been of the highest quality. I think he’s playing fearless cricket at the moment,” Ponting said.

“His IPL had its ups and downs, but when it’s been good, it’s been very good. And it has won games of cricket for his team,” Ponting noted.

“And it’ll be exactly the same for Australia. So, look, he might not be the most consistent on the way through this tournament, but he’ll be right up there, I’m sure, with the leading run scorers. And as I’ve said, if he spends any amount of time at the wicket for Australia, he’ll win more games than ever.”

READ: Pakistan improve T20I ranking ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan improve T20I ranking ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan men’s team has improved their T20I rankings ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to be played in the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies from June 1.

Pakistan moved one place up courtesy of South Africa’s clean sweep loss against the West Indies in the three-match T20I series.

The Proteas lost three places to seventh, and the West Indies jumped two spots to reach fourth. Meanwhile, Pakistan clinched the sixth spot.

“Two-time champions West Indies have moved up to fourth position in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, their players showing some great form ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which they co-host from 1-29 June,” the ICC stated in a recent press release.

“The winners of the 2012 and 2016 editions of the tournament are ahead of New Zealand and South Africa after their 3-0 win over South Africa, who were pushed down to seventh position in the list led by India.

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“India, winners of the inaugural edition in 2007, are on 264 rating points, 2021 champions Australia are second with 257 points, defending champions England third with 254 points and the West Indies two points behind them on 252. New Zealand are on 250 while Pakistan and South Africa are both on 244 points with Pakistan slightly ahead on decimal points.”

Pakistan players also made significant gains in the T20I players’ rankings as Fakhar Zaman jumped six places up to reach 51st in the ICC T20I batting rankings. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi, rose up three spots to equal 11th with Australia’s Adam Zampa.

Haris Rauf also gained two places to 25th after picking two wickets in the second T20I against England. Notably, this was his comeback game after missing out on the series against New Zealand and Ireland due to a shoulder injury.

Star all-rounder Imad Wasim jumped 14 places to reach 38th in the bowling rankings and four places to joint-12th with teammate Shadab Khan.

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‘IPL form is irrelevant’: Usman Khawaja on Glenn Maxwell’s recent struggles

Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has extended his support for teammate Glenn Maxwell, expressing optimism that the all-rounder will showcase his top form in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, despite his recent performance in the IPL.

Maxwell represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the recently concluded IPL, where he managed a meagre 52 runs in nine innings.

However, Khawaja backed Maxwell, calling IPL form ‘irrelevant.’ He expressed hope that the all-rounder will bounce back during the mega-event.

“The IPL form is absolutely irrelevant. Maxy’s proven himself time and time again. Any player who’s performed over a long period of time understands that you can’t perform well every time you go out there,” Khawaja said while speaking to the West Australian.

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The experienced opener acknowledged the high-risk nature of T20 cricket, where the middle-order batters often need to maintain higher strike rates. However, Usman Khawaja expressed confidence that Glenn Maxwell only requires one innings to regain his form.

“You take a few risks, particularly if you bat in the middle order, and T20 cricket’s not easy. But [for this tournament] if he gets one good innings, he’s away. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past. He’s not going to change his game and nor should he. Just keep going. He’ll find it,” Khawaja added.

Maxwell did not participate in Australia’s first T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up fixture against Namibia yesterday, along with Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis. These players were participating in IPL and expected to link up with the team soon.

Australia will face co-hosts West Indies in their final warm-up match on Thursday at the same venue.

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T20 World Cup warm-up: Australia forced to field coach, selector against Namibia

PORT OF SPAIN: Australia were forced to field coaches and national selector during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up fixture against Namibia at Queen’s Park Oval Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald, assistant coaches Brad Hodge and Andre Borovec, as well as chairman of selectors George Bailey, featured in the match as substitutes due to a shortage of players.

There were only nine players available for Australia, as Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis had yet to link up with the team after the conclusion of the IPL.

The former T20 World champions invited Namibia to bat first and restricted them to 119-9 in 20 overs, courtesy of brilliant bowling performance by Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa.

Hazlewood picked two wickets for five runs, while Zampa returned with figures of 3-25.

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Zane Green was the notable contributor for Namibia with a 30-ball 38, which featured five boundaries.

Australia chased down the total in a dominant fashion in only 10 overs, thanks to David Warner’s aggressive strokeplay. He smashed three sixes and six boundaries on his way to a 21-ball 54.

Tim David scored 23 runs from 16 balls, while Matthew Wade scored an unbeaten 12 off five balls.

For Namibia, Bernard Scholtz picked two wickets.

Australia will next face co-hosts West Indies in their final warm-up match on Thursday at the same venue.

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Jason Holder ruled out of T20 World Cup, replaced by Obed McCoy

ANTIGUA: Allrounder Jason Holder has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and has been replaced by left-arm pacer Obed McCoy, confirmed Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Sunday.

Holder, who led the West Indies in the ODI World Cup 2019, suffered an undisclosed injury during the County Championship, where he is part of Worcestershire.

“Jason is an experienced player in our set-up. His absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field,” chief selector Desmond Haynes said. “We look forward to having a fully fit Jason with us again soon.

“While it is unfortunate to lose a player of Jason’s calibre, we are confident in the abilities of Obed McCoy.

“Obed has shown remarkable skill and promise in his performances, and this opportunity will allow him to further showcase his talent on the international stage. We believe he will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the squad.”

McCoy featured in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, taking five wickets in three games.

Prior to that, he was the highest wicket-taker for West Indies A on the tour of Nepal, claiming eight wickets in five games at an average of 18.

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CWI also announced five reserve players for the mega-event, which they will co-host with the United States of America (USA) from June 1.

Kyle Mayers, Matthew Forde, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh and Andre Fletcher will be reserve players for West Indies.

“We are fortunate to have such depth and quality in our ranks,” head coach Daren Sammy said.

“Our reserve players are all A-class talents who have proven their abilities in various formats of the game, but certainly T20. Each one of them is fully capable of slotting into the team seamlessly should the situation arise.”

West Indies will start their campaign against Papua New Guinea (PNG) on June 2 before taking on Uganda, New Zealand and Afghanistan respectively in the group stage.

West Indies Squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Obed McCoy, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford

Traveling reserves: Kyle Mayers, Matthew Forde, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh, Andre Fletcher

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ICC T20 World Cup 2024 commentary panel unveiled

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday, unveiled a star-studded commentary panel for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to commence on June 1.

The World Cup commentary panel comprises renowned voices cricket voices including Ravi Shastri, Nasser Hussain, Ian Smith, Harsha Bhogle and Ian Bishop.

Pakistan’s former captains Ramiz Raja, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram will also be lending their expert analysis during the upcoming tournament.

Former ODI World Cup winners Ricky Ponting, Sunil Gavaskar, Matthew Hayden, Eoin Morgan, and Tom Moody will also be part of the commentary panel for the mega-event.

Meanwhile, men’s and women’s T20 World Cup champions such as Dinesh Karthik, Ebony Rainford-Brent, Samuel Badree, Carlos Brathwaite, Steve Smith, Aaron Finch and Lisa Sthalekar will also lend their voices to the event which they have won in the past.

American commentator James O’Brien, better known as Jomboy, will make his World Cup debut during the T20 World Cup 2024.

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“ICC will continue to deliver an unmatched viewing experience during the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, bringing together some of the biggest names in cricket and broadcasting for the extravaganza from the nine locations across the USA and West Indies,” ICC stated in a press release.

“ICC will provide extensive coverage of the tournament across the 28 days of action with a pre-match show, an innings interval programme and a post-match wrap-up.

“Building on the success of the vertical feed at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC TV will introduce an AI-supported vertical feed for the T20 World Cup.”

The other big names in the commentary panel include Dale Steyn, Graeme Smith, Michael Atherton, Simon Doull, Shaun Pollock and Katey Martin alongside renowned cricketing names in broadcasting including Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Natalie Germanos, Danny Morrison, Alison Mitchell, Alan Wilkins, Brian Murgatroyd, Mike Haysman, Ian Ward, Athar Ali Khan, Russel Arnold, Niall O’Brien, Kass Naidoo and former West Indies skipper Daren Ganga.

READ: Shahid Afridi named as ICC T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador

Shahid Afridi named as ICC T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) named former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi as ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador on Friday.

Afridi joined the elusive list of ambassadors for the mega-event, including the fastest man on Earth Usain Bolt, West Indies’ legend Chris Gayle and Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.

The former all-rounder expressed his excitement about being the ambassador of the T20 World Cup and shared his best memories from the tournament, including lifting the coveted trophy in 2009.

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart,” said Afridi. “From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favourite career highlights have come from competing on this stage.

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“T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches and even more drama than ever before.

“I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter between two great teams.”

Shahid Afridi featured in six T20 World Cups for Pakistan and was player of the tournament in the inaugural edition. He was also the man of the match in the final of 2009 edition, leading Pakistan to victory over Sri Lanka.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States of America (USA) and the West Indies from 1 June to 29 June.

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Netherlands make two changes to T20 World Cup squad

AMSTELVEEN: The Netherlands have made two changes to their squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, due to the injuries to Fred Klaassen and Daniel Doram.

The injured duo was replaced by Saqib Zulfiqar and Kyle Klein, who was initially named as a travelling reserve. Meanwhile, Klein’s brother will now travel with the Dutch squad as a reserve player.

Left-arm pacer Klaasen was ruled out owing to recurring symptoms from a previously sustained stress fracture in his lower back, meanwhile, left-arm spinner Doran is out with a broken hand.

Leg spinner Zulfiqar has played the last of his six T20Is in 2019, however, he is an active member of the Netherlands’ ODI team. He has played 15 ODIs and was also part of the World Cup 2023 squad.

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Kyle Klein, a right-arm fast bowler, made his international debut earlier this year, representing the Dutch side in four games.

The Netherlands are currently playing a tri-series involving Scotland and Ireland.

In the T20 World Cup, they are placed in Group D with South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. They will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Nepal on June 4 against Nepal at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Netherlands’ updated squad for T20 World Cup

Scott Edwards (c, wk), Aryan Dutt, Bas de Leede, Kyle Klein, Logan van Beek, Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle, Vikramjit Singh, Vivian Kingma, Wesley Barresi.

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