SPORTS

World Test Championship – State of Play Ahead of the 2025 Final

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As the cricketing world gears up for the highly anticipated 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, the competition among teams for a coveted spot in the marquee clash has intensified. With the current cycle (2023-2025) nearing its final stages, let’s examine the state of play and the teams vying for a place in the final.

The Current Front-Runners

The two-year WTC cycle has seen thrilling contests, with some teams establishing themselves as strong contenders:

1. India
India, the runners-up in the 2021 and 2023 finals, remain formidable. Their dominance at home and improved overseas performances have kept them among the top two in the points table. With a star-studded batting lineup and a potent bowling attack, India’s consistency might finally earn them the elusive title.

2. Australia
Defending champions Australia have displayed their characteristic grit, building on their success from the 2023 final. Led by experienced players and emerging stars, they have been clinical in most series, maintaining their strong position on the table.

Teams in the Hunt

3. England
England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach has revolutionized Test cricket. Despite a shaky start to the WTC cycle, they have bounced back strongly. With pivotal series against key opponents, their chances hinge on maintaining momentum.

4. South Africa
Known for their fiery pace attack, South Africa is proving to be a dark horse. Though inconsistencies have plagued them, recent series wins have boosted their hopes of reaching their first WTC final.

5. Pakistan
Pakistan’s fluctuating form and home series setbacks have left them with an uphill task. However, their talent pool and favorable upcoming fixtures could still turn the tide in their favor.

Challenges for Other Teams

New Zealand, the inaugural WTC winners, have struggled in this cycle due to injuries and inconsistent performances. Sri Lanka and the West Indies, too, have found the going tough, while Bangladesh has yet to leave a significant mark in the competition.

The Road Ahead

With crucial series slated in the coming months, including marquee matchups such as India vs. Australia and England vs. South Africa, the final WTC points table could witness dramatic shifts. Teams must capitalize on home conditions and deliver under pressure in away games to secure a top-two finish.

Format and Significance

The WTC format, which awards points based on match results rather than series wins, has added layers of strategy to Test cricket. This emphasis on every match’s importance has elevated the global profile of the longest format.

Countdown to 2025

As the battle heats up, fans worldwide are treated to high-stakes drama, reminiscent of cricket’s golden eras. Whether the 2025 WTC Final delivers a new champion or a repeat victor, one thing is certain – the journey to the final promises unforgettable moments.

Stay tuned as the cricketing world marches toward its grandest Test showdown!

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Champions Trophy the focus as Pakistan provide Fakhar Zaman update

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Pakistan’s main focus is on the 2025 Champions Trophy and a recall for one of their most damaging batters might not be too far away.

Newly-appointed Pakistan white-ball coach Aqib Javed has vowed to keep his side’s 50-over side as settled as possible in the lead-up to next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

Aqib was recently appointed as interim white-ball coach until the completion of the 2025 Champions Trophy event and the former Pakistan quick will use upcoming fixtures in Zimbabwe and South Africa to fine tune the side’s preparation for next year’s showcase event.

Pakistan will travel to Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is later this month, before embarking on a six-match (three ODIs, three T20Is) white-ball tour of South Africa prior to Christmas that Aqib hopes will have his players primed for the Champions Trophy tournament that is scheduled to commence in February next year.

“Our main focus at the moment is on ODI cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy,” Aqib said.

“You’ll see a settled team in this format. You’ll see changes in the T20I format. We plan to give new players chances in the Zimbabwe series.

“It is a message and opportunity to the new players to take the chances they’ve been given. If you don’t give new players chances, you’ll never get the opportunity to improve your bench strength.”

While Aqib wants to keep changes to Pakistan’s 50-over side as minimal as possible the 52-year-old suggested star batter Fakhar Zaman would be in line for a recall once he has proven to the coaching staff that his fitness levels are up to standard.

Fakhar missed Pakistan’s recent white-ball series in Australia, but Javed hopes to see the dashing left-hander back playing for his country as soon as possible.

“Fakhar is a match-winner, he has performed for Pakistan for many years. He was having some fitness problems,” Aqib noted.

“We are in communication with Fakhar. Whenever he gets fit, the selection committee will definitely consider him for selection and you’ll see him (back playing) in the future.”

TATA IPL 2025 Player Retention List Announced

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November 1, 2024

The player retention window for the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season officially closed on October 31, 2024, with all 10 franchises finalizing their rosters for the upcoming season. In total, the teams retained 46 players, with investments reaching INR 558.5 crore.

With each team allowed a maximum salary cap of INR 120 crore at the upcoming mega auction to assemble squads of up to 25 players, the franchises were permitted to retain up to six players, which could include a maximum of five capped internationals and up to two uncapped Indian players.

Key Retention Highlights:

Full Retentions: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals chose to retain six players each.

Five Retentions: Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad each retained five players.

Partial Retentions: Delhi Capitals retained four players, Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained three, and Punjab Kings retained two players.

Largest Auction Purse: Punjab Kings will enter the mega auction with the largest purse, holding INR 110.5 crore.

This finalized list sets the stage for an action-packed auction, where teams will look to build formidable squads for the upcoming season.

Full List of Retained Players by Franchise:

Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni

Delhi Capitals

Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abhishek Porel

Gujarat Titans

Rashid Khan, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan

Kolkata Knight Riders

Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh

Lucknow Super Giants

Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni

Mumbai Indians

Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma

Punjab Kings

Shashank Singh, Prabhsimran Singh

Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head

With this list, the franchises have a foundation of core players that aligns with their strategic visions, ensuring that fans can expect thrilling performances in TATA IPL 2025.

Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed as Head Coach of Sri Lanka’s National Cricket Team

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Colombo, Oct 13: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially named Sanath Jayasuriya as the head coach of the national team. The board announced that the decision was made by the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, citing the team’s commendable performances during recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand.

Jayasuriya had taken on the role of interim coach in July 2024, providing stability and guidance to the team. His contributions over the past few months have earned him the board’s confidence, resulting in his permanent appointment.

SLC stated that Jayasuriya’s leadership has been instrumental in helping the squad deliver consistent performances in challenging series. “The decision to appoint Jayasuriya as head coach aligns with our vision to build a competitive and resilient team,” an SLC spokesperson said during the media briefing.

Jayasuriya, known for his aggressive approach both as a player and coach, is expected to continue shaping the team’s tactical mindset ahead of key tournaments, including the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

Sanath Jayasuriya: A Legend of Sri Lankan Cricket

Sanath Jayasuriya, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, transformed the way limited-overs cricket is played. Born on June 30, 1969, in Matara, Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya made his debut for the national team in 1989. However, it was during the 1996 World Cup that he became a global sensation. His explosive batting at the top of the order, combined with effective left-arm spin bowling, was pivotal in Sri Lanka’s first World Cup triumph.

Throughout his career, Jayasuriya amassed over 13,000 runs and took more than 300 wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). In Tests, he scored 14 centuries, including a career-best 340 against India. His fearless stroke play redefined power-hitting in the opening overs, influencing the modern-day style of aggressive batting in limited-overs cricket.

After his playing career ended in 2011, Jayasuriya continued to contribute to cricket in various roles, including a brief stint as a selector and mentor. His appointment as head coach now offers a new chapter for both the player-turned-coach and Sri Lankan cricket as they aim to regain their prominence on the international stage.

Sri Lankan cricket fans and former players have welcomed his appointment, hoping his vast experience and passion will inspire a new generation of cricketers.

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Uttarakhand Gears Up to Host 38th National Games in 2025

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Dehradun, October 10, 2024: The stage is set for Uttarakhand to host the 38th National Games, scheduled to be held from January 28 to February 14, 2025. The state government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has assured that all preparations are on track to ensure a successful event, following the standards set by the previous edition in Goa.

In a significant development, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami recently met with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Dr. P.T. Usha to discuss the final arrangements for the games. During the meeting, Dhami expressed confidence in Uttarakhand’s readiness to host the prestigious sporting event. “Uttarakhand is fully prepared to welcome athletes and sports enthusiasts from across the nation. Our infrastructure, logistics, and support systems are all in place to ensure a seamless experience,” said Dhami.

The 38th edition of the National Games will see participation from athletes representing various states and union territories, competing in multiple disciplines. This will be the first time Uttarakhand is hosting the National Games, a historic moment for the state.

Dr. P.T. Usha, lauding Uttarakhand’s preparations, mentioned that the Indian Olympic Association is excited to see how the state performs as a host. “The National Games in Goa set a high standard last year, and we are confident that Uttarakhand will live up to the expectations. The IOA is committed to supporting the state in every way possible.”

The previous National Games, held in Goa in 2023, were hailed as a resounding success. The event not only saw excellent participation from athletes but also left a lasting impact on the region’s sports infrastructure. The IOA is hopeful that Uttarakhand will replicate the success of Goa by delivering an outstanding edition of the games.

As Uttarakhand prepares to showcase its organizational capabilities and hospitality, the state is also hoping to boost its tourism and promote local culture, using the games as a platform to attract visitors from across the country.

The countdown has begun for the 38th National Games, and all eyes are on Uttarakhand as it prepares to welcome the nation’s finest athletes in what promises to be a spectacular sporting event.

BCCI Announces Team Groups for 2024-25 Ranji Trophy Goa cricket team placed in Plate Group

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially declared the team groupings for the highly anticipated 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. In this season, 32 teams have been divided into four Elite Groups – A, B, C, and D, while 6 teams, including Goa, have been placed in the Plate Group.

This season’s competition promises fierce battles as teams in both categories aim to showcase their cricketing prowess. The format continues to offer a promotion opportunity, where the top-performing teams from the Plate Group can ascend to the prestigious Elite Groups, further enhancing the competitive edge of the tournament.

The division of teams brings a new level of excitement as each side will be fighting not only for a spot in the knockout stages but also for the ultimate goal – the Ranji Trophy championship. While the Elite Group teams are brimming with powerhouse sides, the Plate Group’s inclusion of teams like Goa ensures that the smaller states get a chance to shine on a larger stage.

As the tournament gets closer, cricket fans across India will be eagerly following the action, as only one team can claim the coveted Ranji Trophy title. The journey to the championship promises to be intense, with glory awaiting the best.

Let the race to the trophy begin!