Sports

ICC working to improve quality of pitches at New York venue

Published

4 weeks ago

June 7, 2024

nipuni

The ICC has acknowledged that the two pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Ground in New York have been substandard and are striving to “remedy” the issue for the remaining T20 World Cup games at the venue.

In a statement on Thursday, a day after India and Ireland played their group game on an extremely difficult wicket, the ICC said “the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted.

“The world-class grounds team have been working hard since the conclusion of yesterday’s game to remedy the situation and deliver the best possible surfaces for the remaining matches.”

The first match played at the new venue in New York – a pop-up cricket stadium built in park land in the span of five months, with drop-in pitches made in Florida and transported there – was between South Africa and Sri Lanka on June 3. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 77 on pitch no. 1, and South Africa achieved the target only in 16.2 overs.

On June 5, India bowled Ireland out for 96 on pitch no. 4, and though they won by eight wickets two of their batters – Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant – suffered blows to the body. Rohit had to retire hurt after getting hit on his arm. Ireland’s Harry Tector was also struck on the finger by a sharp bouncer from Jasprit Bumrah.

Following the India-Ireland game, the pitch came in for heavy criticism from several former cricketers, with Andy Flower, an expert on ESPNcricinfo’s Timeout show, saying it was “bordering on dangerous”.

Pitch no. 2 and 3 have not yet been used for games and it was observed that grass had been shaved off one of those surfaces. The New York venue is scheduled to host six more group games, including India versus Pakistan on June 9.

(espncricinfo.com)

News

Chamari to flag off LPL 2024

Published

24 hours ago

July 1, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Women’s Team Captain, Chamari Athapaththu, will flag off the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 during a vibrant opening ceremony scheduled for today (July 01) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Former Australian World Cup-winning Captain Michael Clarke, who is the Brand Ambassador of the LPL, will also participate in the opening ceremony, along with players from all five franchise teams, including their captains.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Captain of the reigning champions Kandy Falcons, will hand over the trophy to the Brand Ambassador.

Among the dignitaries present at the event will be President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Shammi Silva, Mr. Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, and other SLC Office Bearers.

One of the highlights of the event will be the launch of the Official LPL Anthem. The evening will also feature entertainment acts by artists such as Yohani, DJ Mass, Apzi, and Romain Willis.

The opening ceremony of the Lanka Premier League 2024 will start at 6:15 PM, with the first ball of the tournament to be bowled at 7:30 PM. The opening match will be between the reigning champions, Kandy Falcons, and the Dambulla Sixers.

(SLC)

Sports

Kohli and Rohit retire from T20 internationals

Published

2 days ago

June 30, 2024

editor

India ended a 13-year wait for a world title by securing a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final.

Chasing 177, South Africa needed 26 from 24 balls, but Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal for 52 turned the tide in India’s favor.

Arshdeep Singh’s tight penultimate over left Hardik Pandya to defend 16 in the last, culminating in a stunning catch by Suryakumar Yadav to dismiss David Miller and secure India’s win.

Virat Kohli’s crucial 76 off 59 balls led India to a competitive 176-7, earning him the Player of the Match title.

This triumph marks India’s second T20 World Cup win, their first since the inaugural tournament in 2007, and their first world title since the 2011 50-over World Cup.

Kohli and Rohit retire

In an emotional post-match announcement, India greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma declared their retirement from T20 internationals.

Kohli, who played a pivotal role in the final, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This was my last T20 World Cup, and this is what we wanted to achieve.” Kohli retires with 4,188 runs, including one hundred and 38 fifties, in 117 innings.

Rohit Sharma, who also announced his retirement, leaves as the highest scorer in T20 internationals with 4,231 runs and five centuries.

“There is no better time to say goodbye to this format,” said Rohit, who captained India to their 2024 T20 World Cup win and played in the 2007 victory.

News

Chris Rogers considered for head coach of Sri Lanka cricket team

Published

3 days ago

June 29, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is reportedly considering appointing Australian Chris Rogers as the new head coach of the national cricket team.

Rogers, 46, currently coaches the Victoria state team and is a former opening batsman for Australia.

SLC has initiated discussions with Rogers and two other foreign candidates, with Rogers being the youngest among them.

SLC aims to finalize the new head coach appointment before the upcoming tournament in India.

In addition, SLC has expressed dissatisfaction with the current foreign bowling coach’s performance, indicating potential further changes in the coaching staff.