‘I can hit from the very first ball’, says Tilak Varma
In T20 cricket, a batsman’s strike rate is often considered their defining attribute, but young Indian batsman Tilak Varma believes that not every match is about scoring runs rapidly. Amidst questions regarding his slow batting during the tours of Ireland and England, Tilak clarified that his goal is not personal statistics but playing according to the team’s needs. He stated that while he is capable of playing big shots from the very first ball if required, fulfilling one’s responsibility becomes paramount when the team is in a precarious position.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the 23-year-old left-handed batter Tilak reiterated that he could hit from the first ball if the situation demanded it. However, playing for the country entails significant responsibilities; stabilizing the innings becomes crucial when the team is in crisis. Getting out simply to boost one’s strike rate at such a time would not be the right decision. He added that he strives to fulfill the specific role assigned to him by the team management. According to him, being the vice-captain brings added trust, and he aims to live up to that confidence.
Sikandar Raza issues a warning to the Indian cricket team
The Indian cricket team is currently on a tour of Zimbabwe. A three-match T20 series between the two teams begins on Thursday. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has already issued a threat to India ahead of the series. The first T20 match between India and Zimbabwe will be played on July 23. India is considered to have the upper hand in the series, but Sikander says his team cannot be taken lightly as his players have the potential to give India a tough fight.
Speaking to Star Sports, Raza said, “Both teams have a chance to even the odds in this series, but one thing I’m sure of is that Zimbabwe is playing consistent cricket, and they’re playing exciting cricket. I can definitely say that this series is going to be a very exciting one.”
He added, “Yes, the Indian team is going through a phase of change at the moment. And if you see, Zimbabwe is also going through a phase of change to a great extent. I do not see this as a one-sided series.”
Lalit Modi and BCCI get a big relief, court dismisses ED’s allegations
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been granted significant relief by the tribunal court in a 16-year-old case. This case dates back to 2009, when the IPL was held in South Africa instead of India. At that time, there were Lok Sabha elections in India, due to which the league was shifted to South Africa.
The BCCI and its officials were accused of violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act for organizing the IPL 2009. The BCCI, Lalit Modi, and N. Srinivasan were also involved in this case. The court has now issued its verdict on some issues related to this case, bringing relief to all. The court did not accept all of the ED’s arguments, but still upheld the fines on some issues.
Jacob Bethell ruled out of The Hundred with knee injury
England’s star all-rounder Jacob Bethell has withdrawn himself from ‘The Hundred’, thereby missing out on a valuable opportunity to gain captaincy experience. This comes as a major blow to the Birmingham Phoenix, the team that had appointed him as captain. Due to the injury, his participation in England’s Test series against Pakistan also remains in doubt.
A statement issued by England read: “Jacob Bethell has withdrawn from ‘The Hundred’ tournament due to a right knee injury. Bethell sustained the injury during the ODI series and underwent an MRI scan yesterday morning. He will begin his rehabilitation, and further updates will be provided in due course.”
“We are really happy with both our squads”, Kavya Maran
Sunrisers Leeds owner Kaviya Maran declined to address the controversy surrounding her franchise’s decision to sign Pakistani spinner Abrar Ahmed in The Hundred, choosing instead to focus on the squad assembled for the upcoming season. The issue has drawn significant attention in India after the franchise broke with the long-standing trend of Indian-owned teams avoiding Pakistani cricketers in global leagues.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Maran limited her comments to the team’s preparations. The publication noted that she did not respond to questions regarding Abrar because of the matter’s “political sensitivity.” Maran said, “We are really happy with both our squads; we have so many bases covered.”
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