Tag: ICC

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is reportedly poised to assume the role of chairman at the International Cricket Council (ICC) after allegedly compelling the current head, Greg Barclay, to step down from his position.

Barclay, who hails from New Zealand, assumed the role in November 2020, however, he has recently informed ICC directors about his intention to resign.

Meanwhile, Jay Shah has repeatedly expressed his desire to take over as the ICC chairman, having claimed the support from other boards.

“ICC chair Greg Barclay has informed the board that he will not seek a third term and will vacate the position when his current tenure concludes at the end of November,” An ICC spokesperson confirmed.

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“Barclay was first appointed as the independent ICC chair in November 2020 and was re-elected in 2022.”

Nominations for the next chair of the ICC must be submitted by the current directors no later than August 27, 2024.

In the event that multiple candidates are nominated, an election will take place, and the new chair’s term will commence on December 1, 2024.

Jay Shah is currently the front-runner to become the next chairman with significant backing from strong cricket boards like Australia and England.

READ: Bangladesh cricket chief resigns amid Pakistan tour

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) and questioned the legitimacy of ODI Rankings, where star batter Babar Azam is the top-ranked batter.

Babar is leading the batting charts with 824 points, followed by the Indian trio of Rohit Sharma (765), Shubman Gill (763) and Virat Kohli (746).

However, Basit expressed stern concern over the rankings as he thinks the performing ODI batters like Travis Head and Rachin Ravindra are not among the top ten batters.

He posted a video on his YouTube channel sharing his suspicions about the ICC’s intentions to keep Babar on top to hinder his progress.

Furthermore, he raised concerns about the placement of Shubman Gill as the number three ODI batsman.

“When I saw the ICC ranking (ODI batters), Babar Azam was at the top, number two was Rohit Sharma, number three was Shubman Gill, and then there was Virat Kohli at number four,” Basit said.

“I did not find it necessary to read the remaining names because I couldn’t see Travis Head and Rachin Ravindra. I think the ICC wants that Babar doesn’t perform. He would be happy with being the number one-ranked batter in ODIs,” he added.

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“Who gives these rankings? On what basis are Babar Azam and Shubman Gill there?” the former batter questioned.

Basit Ali highlighted the fact that Babar last played an ODI almost a year ago and his performances were not up to the mark in the ODI World Cup 2023.

“Babar’s last ODI was at the last year’s World Cup. We saw the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Quinton de Kock, Travis Head, and Virat Kohli at the World Cup,” he stated.

The former batter also mentioned that Babar’s last century was against Nepal in the Asia Cup before the World Cup, while Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan scored a hundred each for Pakistan in the mega-event.

“For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman scored a century each. Babar Azam did not score a single hundred. His last hundred came against Nepal in the Asia Cup. What kind of ranking do they give?” he argued.

Basit Ali ended his video with a surprising statement, alleging that the individuals at ICC are working against Babar Azam.

“The people at ICC are Babar Azam’s enemies. If you asked Babar who is the current number one, he would also pick Travis Head or Virat Kohli,” he concluded.

READ: Shamar Joseph shines before South Africa reduce West Indies to 97-7

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday, unveiled the nominees for the Player of the Month Awards for July 2024.

The ICC Player of the Month award acknowledges the magnificent individual performers on the international stage, and the names shortlisted for July span a range of formats.

The nominees for the Player of the Month include England’s pace bowler Gus Atkinson, India’s off-spinner Washington Sundar and Scotland’s pace bowler Charlie Cassell.

The Scottish pace bowler made his ODI debut in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Oman.

He made an unforgettable first impression as he claimed the best bowling figures on debut in ODI cricket, breaking South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s nine-year-old record.

Charlie Cassell claimed the spectacular bowling figures of 7-21, becoming the first bowler to take seven wickets on debut.

Another debutant, who left a lasting impression in his first game is Gus Atkinson, who made his Test debut in legendary James Anderson’s farewell international match during the series against West Indies.

Atkinson dismantled the West Indian batting line-up as he claimed a five-wicket haul in each inning, returning with 12 wickets in the match.

He was adjudged man of the match for his heroics as England thumped West Indies by a massive margin of an innings and 114 runs.

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The 26-year-old ran continued his impressive form in the subsequent games, taking 10 more wickets across the remaining two Tests.

He was key to England’s clean sweep victory and earned the Player of the Series award for taking 12 wickets.

The third nominee for the coveted ICC Player of the Month Award is Washington Sundar, who returned to the Indian side during the T20I series against Zimbabwe.

Sundar stepped up in the absence of India’s first-choice players, who were rested for the series following the team’s ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.

The spin-bowling all-rounder proved his worth and helped India defeat Zimbabwe 2-1 in the series. He was adjudged Player of the Series for his eight wickets across three games.

He played a solitary game in the following T20I series against Sri Lanka as India’s regular players returned to the side.

However, he gave an impactful performance in the only game he played. He scored a crucial 25 off 18 balls to help India post 137/9.

He then picked two important wickets during Sri Lanka’s innings to force the game into Super Over as the hosts managed 137/8 in 20 overs.

Rohit Sharma trusted Sundar to bowl the Super Over and the off-spinner repaid the faith, taking two wickets for two runs, which earned him a Player of the Match award.

READ: Former England batter Graham Thorpe passes away at 55

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved a budget of USD 70 million to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in February-March, Times of India reported Thursday.

According to the report, ICC’s financial and commercial committee, chaired by the Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah made the decision after a thorough scrutiny of the budget, jointly prepared and submitted by the PCB and the ICC Finance Department, Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted a source close to the apex cricketing body saying.

“The approximate budget is around USD 70 million and only USD 70 million and only USD 4.5 million has been allocated as additional expenses,” the source added.

Meanwhile, the allocation of the additional budget sparked speculations that it was granted to host some matches at some other venue besides Pakistan if India do not travel to their neighbouring country.

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For the unversed, the Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Reports further claimed that the board is planning to formally propose Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Remember, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: ICC approves budget for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday, unveiled the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month Award for June 2024, including India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma.

The ICC Player of the Month award acknowledges the magnificent individual performers on the international stage in June.

Along with Sharma, the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month also include his team-mate Jasprit Bumrah and Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Rohit Sharma enjoyed a brilliant run in June, which culminated with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy, ending India’s 13-year-long trophy drought.

The top-order batter led his team from the front, ending as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 257 runs in eight innings at a magnificent strike-rate of 156.70.

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He also became the first-ever captain to guide his team to the T20 World Cup glory without losing a single game.

Sharma’s tally of 257 runs in the tournament is only bettered by Afghanistan’s batting mainstay Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 281 runs in eight innings at a strike-rate of 124.33.

He was instrumental in Afghanistan’s qualification to their first-ever semi-final in an ICC event as he scored three half-centuries during the tournament.

Meanwhile, the third nominee for the coveted ICC Player of the Month award, Jasprit Bumrah earned his nomination on the back of his 15 wickets at an average of 8.26, which led India to their second T20 World Cup title.

Bumrah was also named the Player of the Tournament for his brilliance throughout the tournament.

READ: Babar Azam consults with Australian power-hitting coach Shannon Young

Former cricketer Salman Butt termed the International Cricket Council (ICC) responsible to ensure India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

The former Pakistan captain emphasized that if India do not come to Pakistan to partake in the event then it will be the apex cricketing body’s problem.

“If they come, then they welcome, if they don’t, the ICC has to deal with it. We will find out if they can just deal with all the other countries or can do the same with India as well. It will show how much authority they have as a regulator and how neutral they can be,” stated Butt on his YouTube channel.

Reportedly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah had allegedly given a green signal regarding the Indian team’s participation in the Champions Trophy, citing his remarks that India target the World Test Championship (WTC) and Champions Trophy after T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.

“The way this team is progressing, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there,” the Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted Shah.

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However, Salman Butt is of the view that Jay Shah did not give any signal regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy.

“We try sensationalizing everything. There have been a few reports suggesting that Jay Shah has given a positive signal. However, I don’t think he’s given any signals,” said Butt.

“I wouldn’t have been excited even if there had been a signal from him because it is the ICC’s duty to ensure that all teams visit Pakistan,” he added.

ALSO READ: Former India cricketer calls Babar Azam “selfish”

Former England cricketer and renowned commentator Michael Vaughan slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for allegedly favouring India during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Vaughan, a notable voice in world cricket, spoke about Afghanistan’s tight schedule for their semi-final against South Africa and stressed that India and England should have played the first semi-final.

“Surely this [Afghanistan vs South Africa] semi should have been the Guyana one .. but because the whole event is geared towards India it’s so unfair on others,” he wrote in a post on X.

“So Afghanistan qualify for the WC semi winning in St Vincent on Monday night .. 4 hr flight delay on Tues to Trinidad so no time to practice or get accustomed to a new venue .. utter lack of respect to players I am afraid,” Vaughan added.

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Michael Vaughan then went on to accuse India of getting an unfair advantage throughout the T20 World Cup 2024.

“Surely this [Afghanistan vs South Africa] semi should have been the Guyana one .. but because the whole event is geared towards India it’s so unfair on others,” he further stated.

Earlier, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott also expressed dissatisfaction with his side’s tight schedule as they got less time to prepare than their opposition.

“Playing the last group game and then playing the first semi-final isn’t ideal – travelling and not really having, a day off if you like. But that’s not a reason we didn’t win.

“We knew the schedule, so that’s not an excuse as such. In tournaments you can’t have everything your own way, you’ve got to fight and play against the odds. We have done that at times and I’m very proud of that.”

READ: Wet outfield delays India-England semi-final toss

Australia’s wicketkeeper batter Matthew Wade has escaped a fine for his heated argument with the on-field umpire during the match against England, however, the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed him an official reprimand on Monday.

Wade was reprimanded over the Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct in the 18th over of Australia’s innings.

The left-handed batter played a delivery from Adil Rashid back to the bowler, expecting the umpire to call it a ‘dead ball.’ However, the umpire did not make the call upon which Wade got furious and argued with umpire Nitin Menon over the decision.

“The wicket-keeper batter was found in breach of Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match,” ICC said in a press release.

“In addition, one demerit point has been added to Wade’s disciplinary record. It was his first offence in a 24-month period.

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“On-field umpires Nitin Menon and Joel Wilson, along with third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Jayaraman Madangopal levelled the charge.

“There was no need of a formal hearing as Wade admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees.”

Meanwhile, Matthew Wade carried his bat all the way through and returned unbeaten on 17 off 10 deliveries to help Australia post 201-7.

In response, England could only manage 165/6 in the allotted 20 overs despite a strong start.

READ: Shahid Afridi expresses disappointment after Pakistan’s defeat against India

DUBAI: Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga’s return to Test cricket has been hit by a roadblock as the all-rounder was slapped by the International Cricket Council (ICC) with a two-match ban.

Consequently, Hasaranga will miss the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on March 22.

Hasaranga was found guilty of breaching article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match” during the third ODI of the recently-concluded series against Bangladesh.

The incident occurred in the 37th over of Bangladesh’s innings when Wanindu Hasaranga snatched his cap from one of the umpires and ridiculed the umpiring in the match.

He received a 50 per cent fine and accumulated three demerit points for his offence. This brought his total demerit points to eight in a 24-month period.

The all-rounder was already on five demerit points after receiving three demerit points in the third T20I against Afghanistan in Dambulla last month. Following this, he was suspended for two T20Is against Bangladesh.

Now, with the addition of the latest demerit points, he has breached the threshold of eight demerit points, which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have been converted into four suspension points.

The four suspension points equate to a ban from two Tests or four ODIs or T20Is, whatever comes first – Hasaranga will therefore miss the two ICC World Test Championship Tests against Bangladesh.

Remember, the star all-rounder on Tuesday, came out of Test retirement and was subsequently named in the Sri Lanka squad for the Test series against Bangladesh.

Wanindu Hasaranga announced to hang up his boots from Test cricket last year after representing Sri Lanka in four Tests.

READ: Cricket Australia postpones Afghanistan series over women rights

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that stop clocks will be permanently used in all limited-overs international fixtures starting from the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

ICC made the usage of stop clocks mandatory on March 15 following the annual Board meetings. This rule was implemented to help save time during matches.

The rule was implemented on a trial basis during the three-match ODI series between West Indies and England in December last year.

Initially, it was decided that the trial would run for six months, starting from December 2023 and ending in April 2024.

However, the positive results of the trial led the cricket governing body to implement the stop clock rule as a playing condition for international limited-overs fixtures.

“Results presented to the Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) demonstrated that approximately 20 minutes had been saved per ODI match,” the ICC stated in a press release.

“The feature has now been added as a mandatory playing condition in all Full Member ODI and T20I matches from 1 June 2024.

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“As per the stop clock rule that was trialled in men’s white-ball cricket, the fielding side is expected to start a new over within 60 seconds of the completion of the previous over.

An electronic stop clock will be displayed on the ground and the third umpire will be responsible for starting the countdown.

The clock will count from 60 seconds to zero and in case the fielding side fails to complete their over within the time limit, they will receive two warnings.

Further violations of the 60-second rule will result in a five-run penalty per incident.

“There are a few exceptions to this rule, and the clock, if already started, can be cancelled in certain situations.

“These include, when a new batter comes to the wicket between overs, an official drinks interval has been called, the umpires have approved the onfield treatment of an injury to a batter or fielder and the time lost is for any circumstances beyond the control of the fielding side,” the ICC added.

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