Tag: ICC T20 World Cup

Agha opens up on ‘major changes’ ahead of T20 World Cup

Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha has ruled out any significant changes in the team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast, Salman shed light on his cricketing career and team combination ahead of the mega event.

“I don’t think there will be any major changes before the World Cup. This is the combination we will continue with. The roles that we wanted for our playing XI and squad are clear, and I think you could see players in different roles,” he said.

The skipper emphasized the team’s combination over the past months, highlighting recent victories in the T20I format.

“We cannot make major changes in the next six matches because we were preparing for the past six, seven months, keeping the World Cup in mind.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

We have played with this group for six months, and the results have started to come,” he explained.

“Senior players understand Sri Lankan conditions very well, including me, because we have played a lot of cricket there. This will be an essential series for the new players. The series will be important for us, and we will take it seriously,” Salman said.

Salman Ali Agha admitted that, despite the momentum and victories, there is still room for getting better, noting that their goal is to take Pakistan to a level people hope for.

“The team is on the right track, but there is still room for improvement. We want Pakistan to reach the level where everyone hopes to see it,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India. The Green Shirts will play all of its matches in Sri Lanka as per the hybrid model.

Ahead of the mega event, Pakistan will also play Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series, starting January 8 in Dambulla.

READ: Steve Smith equals Rahul Dravid’s record in Test cricket

Nepal, Oman secure ICC T20 World Cup 2026 spots

Nepal and Oman have officially sealed their spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after confirming top-three finishes in the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier on Wednesday.

Both teams, unbeaten so far in the qualifiers, have now joined the lineup for next year’s 20-team mega event, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Their confirmed qualification comes ahead of their much-anticipated Super Six clash on Thursday.

Oman currently sit atop the standings, narrowly ahead of Nepal on net run rate, with both sides boasting three wins from as many completed matches.

Nepal entered the Super Six stage carrying two points and went on to edge out both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar in last-ball thrillers.

Oman mirrored that path, also carrying two points forward before registering victories against the same opponents to secure their qualification.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

With two of the three available spots locked, the battle now heats up for the remaining place.

The UAE are in pole position to claim the final berth, sitting third in the table, but Japan, Qatar, and Samoa all remain mathematically alive in the race.

For the UAE, the equation is simple: a win against Japan on Thursday will confirm their ticket to the T20 World Cup. Japan, meanwhile, need to win both their remaining fixtures to keep their hopes alive.

Qatar and Samoa, on the other hand, face a more complicated road. They not only need to win their respective matches, including their head-to-head clash on Thursday, but must also rely on other results and significantly improve their net run rates to stay in contention.

READ: Ahmedabad set to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

Italy creates history, qualifies for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for first time

THE HAGUE: Italy cricket team created history on Friday after securing a place in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s cricketing journey.

The Italian cricket team booked their place in the World Cup due to a superior run rate, despite being tied with Jersey on the final points table for the Europe Region.

Italy finished with five points, achieving two wins from four matches, with one match ending in a no result.

After securing a narrow win in the seventh match of the Europe region final against Scotland on Wednesday at the Sportpark Westvliet, Voorburg, the Italian cricket team inched closer to the historic achievement.

However, following Scotland’s defeat to Jersey, Italy’s cricket team spot was confirmed despite an 11-run defeat against the Netherlands.

In the 10th match of the qualifiers, the Netherlands chased down the modest total of 135 runs in just 16.2 overs, losing just one wicket in the process, thanks to Max O’Dowd and skipper Scott Edwards’ composed knocks.

With this win, the Netherlands also booked their place in the T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in Sri Lanka and India.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Italy could only manage to score 134-7 in their allocated 20 overs, with Benjamin Manenti top scoring with 30 runs.

For the Netherlands, seasoned cricketer Roelof van der Merwe scalped three wickets while Kyle Klein supported him well with his two wickets.

In another match, Scotland, which had participated in four consecutive T20 World Cups starting with the 2016 edition, suffered defeat at the hands of Jersey.

Scotland was positioned fourth in the standings with three points from three matches. As a result, their final match against Jersey was a must-win for them.

Jersey clinched the victory on the last ball thriller to stun Scotland while chasing a meagre target of 134 runs. For Jersey opener Nick Greenwood starred with the bat, scoring 49 off 36 deliveries, laced with seven fours.

READ: Joe Root adds another feather to his cap, breaks world record with stunning catch

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.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Imad Wasim ruled out of Pakistan-USA match

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“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.

READ: Bayern Munich appoint Vincent Kompany to end long search for new coach

‘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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

READ: Hansi Flick replaces Xavi as Barcelona coach

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

READ: Olivier Giroud’s leadership will be missed, says AC Milan captain

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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

READ: Ramiz Raja labels Saim Ayub ‘undercooked’ as opener

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“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