RSSJohn Mooney suspended for unsavoury Twitter remarks
Cricket Ireland have severely reprimanded their all-rounder John Mooney, and banned him for the one-day international against Pakistan in late May, after the player posted tweets following the recent death of ex-British Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
In his tweets, Mooney had stated that he hoped the former PM's death had been "slow and painful". As well as the ODI ban, the 31 year old Mooney, will also miss two Irish Inter-Provincial matches. He will, however, be eligible again in time for the second ODI against the Pakistan tourists on 26 May.
Although Mooney had been quick to offer apologies for the offensive tweets, Cricket Ireland's chief executive Warren Deutrom had described the comments made as "crass, insensitive and offensive", and stated that it was imperative that disciplinary action was taken against the player, despite the apologies that were offered after the controversy broke.
Salman Butt available for rehabilitation
The former Pakistan captain Salman Butt said that he would be available for an anti-corruption rehabilitation program run by the PCB. The former left-hand opener met with the officials of the PCB.
The meeting was held just hours after the chief executive of the ICC, Dave Richardson, requested Butt and Mohammad Asif to assist the authorities over their association in spot-fixing.Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chairman, had already said that the banned three players, Butt, Asif, and Mohammad Amir, could return to the competitive cricket after serving their bans. On Tuesday, Butt said that he would complete the anti-corruption education program after meeting with the PCB officials at the Gaddafi Stadium. Butt needs to attend the anti-corruption program in order to avoid the suspended five-year ban.
Ashraf showed a positive attitude regarding the players’ rebuilding their career by playing in the cricket after the end of their punishment period. However, he also did not forget to warn against further repetition of mistakes.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab Preview
After cruising to a comfortable victory in their last match, the Kings XI Punjab will now face the Kolkata Knight Riders, who lost a close match in their previous outing. This 35th fixture of IPL 6 will be hosted by the Knight Riders at Kolkata.
The Kings XI, in their last match, chased down a target of 121with ease, against the disappointing Delhi Daredevils. They reached the score with 5 wickets remaining, and three overs to spare. Praveen Kumar and Harmeet Singh bowled with control, and were the key bowlers in restricting the Daredevils to 120. Later, all batsmen contributed fairly to chase down the target quite easily.
Adam Gilchrist form is still a concern, and he is occupying the opening slot, mainly because he is the captain of the Kings XI. It is high time that he gives himself a rest, to provide chance to other players.
All the bowlers are also performing well, and the Kings XI are expected to prove themselves as a tough opposition for the Knight Riders, tomorrow.
Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview
After great performance in their previous match, the two IPL teams, Chennai Super Kings and the Sunrisers Hyderabad now face each other in an expected thrilling encounter, tomorrow. This 34th fixture of IPL 6 is all set to be hosted at Chennai.
The Super Kings chased down a mammoth target with a ball to spare, in their last match against the Rajasthan Royals. They were mainly helped by Michael Hussey’s knock of 88 off just 51 balls, as he neutralized the advantage of Royals, since Shane Watson also scored a brilliant century from the Royals side. Dwayne Bravo hit the winning runs, as the Super Kings won by 5 wickets.
Super Kings are now beginning to get in the groove, after being a bit rusty at the start of the season. They have found the right opening combination, their middle order is performing, and their captain is internationally recognized as a good leader.
Even their low profile bowling attack is performing within its capacity, and the team is all set for another great outing tomorrow.
Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh Preview
After being hammered by 335 runs on the 4th day of the 1st Test, Bangladesh now look to make amends to their thrashed confidence in the 2nd Test of the tour, at the same venue, Harare, tomorrow.
Bangladesh, so far, have done little to justify their Test playing status, and the previous Test performance has worsen the matters more. They have yet another chance to prove themselves as a competitive Test playing nation, tomorrow.Bangladesh Cricket Board, also expressed its disappointment on the dismal performance, and has urged the team management to give utmost priority to fitness, for the matchup tomorrow.
Only three top-order batsmen could score 40 or above runs in the previous Test, and that sums up their batting performance. The batsmen struggled against the consistent swing and seam bowling, an issue that has been haunting them since their inception in the Test arena, and still remains unresolved.
Their decision to include only 2 fast bowlers in the last Test was a big blunder.
I wasn't pushed into resigning: Watson
Australian Test all-rounder, Shaun Watson, has stated that his decision to resign from the vice-captaincy of his country, was a decision that he alone had taken, and that he was not pressured in any way by Cricket Australia (CA) or the team management.
Watson had announced his resignation, stating that he wished to concentrate on his own performances, without the pressure of the vice-captaincy. However, with the squad due to be announced for the Ashes tour to England in due course, there was a feeling amongst the media that Watson may have been forced into a resignation.However, Watson has insisted that the decision was purely about improving his own performance, and allowing the team to organise an alternative in good time for the tour to England.
Current Australian captain, Michael Clarke, at 31 is the same age as Watson, and with his history of back problems, there is doubt that he has a long term future in Test cricket, and putting his succession into place is a priority for CA.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Preview
After a bad performance in their last outing, both the teams, the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkata Knight Riders, will lock horns in the 33rd match of IPL 6, tomorrow. The Knight Riders are set to host Mumbai, at one of the highest seating capacity cricket grounds, the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The Mumbai Indians, in their last match, were denied a victory from a Virender Sehwag juggernaut. The Mumbai team lost to the Delhi Daredevils by 9 wickets quite surprisingly, as they had set a good target of 162. Nevertheless, Sachin Tendulkar’s half century and Rohit Sharma’s belligerent 73 of just 43 balls were a few positives for Mumbai from the previous game.
Although, Mumbai batting lineup is strong and very rarely fails to make an impact, but at times, their bowling can be wayward and expensive.
Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga are destructive when on song, however, they can be pretty expensive sometimes, so their bowling can be a bit unpredictable. But in T20s, bowlers are due for an expensive outing in some matches.
Shane Watson resigns as Australia vice-captain
With less than three months before the start of the Ashes series in England, Australian vice-captain, Shane Watson has stepped down from his role.
Watson, the 31-year-old all-rounder, has given the reason, that he feels that he needs to concentrate on his own game, if he is to improve his own performances. Watson skippered the side in the fourth Test against India during the winter, in the absence of regular captain, Michael Clarke.Watson's form, and his place in the side, was questioned during the controversial tour to India, where his highest score with the bat was a mere 28, and he averaged just 16.5 despite giving up his bowling responsibilities in order to concentrate on his batting, as the Australians were thrashed 4-0.
He was also one of the four players who found themselves disciplined, and dropped from the third Test, after they failed to fulfil a request from team coach Mickey Arthur for a presentation concerning performance.
Pakistan could host ICC World Cup qualifiers
In its attempt to bring international cricket back into Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested the ICC to give the chance of hosting the qualifying tournament of 2018 World Cup. The qualifiers will determine the final places in the event going to be held in England in the following year.
Since the attacks on the buses carrying the Sri Lanka players and ICC officials on their way to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in March 2009, no international games have been held in Pakistan. In fact, no international team has visited Pakistan since that terrorist attack.The PCB has made constant efforts to persuade international teams to visit the country but Bangladesh’s last moment cancelation of their tour last year showed how much concerns had remained yet.
Due to the ongoing security concerns, Pakistan has lost the chance of hosting two ICC events. The Champions Trophy 2008 was moved to South Africa while Pakistan was also not allowed to co-host the 2011 World Cup.
Earlier, the PCB wanted to host the World Twenty20 Cup in 2014. However, the ICC awarded that event to Bangladesh. The PCB has now been pushing for another event.
Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals Preview
After contrasting results in their last match, the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals will now meet together in the 30th match of IPL 6, tomorrow. MS Dhoni XI will play host to the Royals in Chennai.
The Chennai Super Kings completed an easy victory, over the Kolkata Knight Riders, in their last fixture. They were given a target of 120, which they chased down with a few mishaps, however it was a comfortable finish in the end.Michael Hussey was again the man to lead the chase with a patient 40, as they were chasing a low score. He has been a welcome addition to the playing XI, after his absence in the starting fixtures of the Super Kings. His contribution will be vital for Super Kings performance in the match-up tomorrow.
Moreover, after a mini collapse in the previous match, Ravindra Jadeja made sure there were no hiccups and finished the chase with a brilliant cameo scoring 36 off just 14 balls. It is a good sign for the Super Kings, as one of their batsmen is always there to make up for a collapse.
Their bowling has not let them down in most matches, so they can bank on their bowlers for a good performance tomorrow.
Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians Preview
After suffering from big defeats in their previous match, the Delhi Daredevils and the Mumbai Indians now face each other in the 28th fixture of the IPL tomorrow. The match will be played at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi.
In their last game, the Daredevils could only manage a dismal 83, while chasing a stiff target of 170. They were thoroughly outclassed by the Chennai Super Kings in every aspect of the game. None of their batsmen except Kedar Jadhav, could cross 20 runs. Also, their 4 men pace attack was taken to the cleaners, and this might result in a change of strategy in the bowling department for tomorrow’s big game against Mumbai.
The batting lineup is very experienced, comprising of big names, Virender Sehwag, David Warner and Mahela Jayawardene. They are senior enough to know their role in the team, and they have to get rid of this poor showing again and again. Jayawardene has even more responsibility being the skipper of team.
Ahmed Amla retires from cricket
Ahmed Amla the elder brother of outstanding South African Test batsman Hashim Amla, has announced his retirement from all formats of the game. His agent has stated that the Dolphins and KwaZulu-Natal batsman, intends to focus his efforts on his studies and will pursue his business interests.
Ahmed and his brother have had differing cricket careers, with Ahmed coming close to but, never winning international recognition. Ahmed was only 18 when he made his first class debut for Natal B in 1997. In that first season, he won selection for the South African Development XI for a tour of Namibia, and in his second season of first class cricket, he was selected for the South African under-19 team.
Selection for the U19's won him a place at the national academy and he also established himself on the Kwa-Zulu Natal provincial, and later Dolphins, franchise team.
Franchise cricket seemed to suit him, as when the system was formed in 2004-05, his batting average exceeded 40 for the first time. The following year, his performances were even stronger, as his average rose to 48.27 The season when he probably closest to an international call up. However, the final call never came, and he had to settle for leading the South African A side. Although he remained an integral and important part of the Dolphins batting, he never again reached the same heights.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals Preview
After winning their last matches, the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Rajasthan Royals clash in the 27th match of IPL 6 tomorrow. The Royal Challengers will play host in Bangalore.
The Rajasthan Royals took the Mumbai Indians by surprise and completed a crushing victory over them, in their last outing. The Royals posted a mammoth 179 on the board, thanks to their openers, Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane.The Mumbai batting lineup, succumbed to the pressure of a chase, and the whole team got out on a paltry 92, with 10 balls still remaining.
Rahul Dravid has proven to be a calm and cool skipper under pressure, and under his leadership, the Royals are matching their greatness in the 1st edition. His skills will be highly required against the tough opponents tomorrow.
The two explosive batsmen from Australia, Watson and Brad Hodge have been an asset for the Royals, and their services will be required the most tomorrow.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings Preview
After throwing away an easy looking victory in the previous match, the Kolkata Knight Riders now face the Chennai Super Kings, who secured an emphatic victory in their last match. The Knight Riders will be hosting this 26th match of the season in Kolkata.
The Knight Riders went down unexpectedly against the Kings XI Punjab, while chasing a target of 158. Sunil Narine managed a hat-trick, but still could not save his team from defeat.The Knight Riders looked good at one moment, requiring only 47 off 7 overs with 8 wickets still in the bank, but they threw it all in the end.
They have world class players, in Jacques Kallis, Gautam Gambhir and Eoin Morgan, but the Knight Riders total dependency on these international players, is costing them matches that they look like winning. Other players also need to show some responsibility in the game tomorrow.
Their bowling has a lot of variety, and is performing up to the standard. They just need to deliver their best tomorrow as well, and expect their batsmen to back them up.
Dharmadasa is new SLC chief
Jayantha Dharmadasa has been elected as the new president of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). After taking the new role, he vowed to take Sri Lanka to the top position in all the three cricketing formats during his two-year term.
Dharmadasa has the plan of starting his project by working at the grassroots level. His target is to work specifically with the Under-19 and the ‘A’ teams, which he thinks will be helpful to build a strong contingent.Dharmadasa said that he expected to get the full cooperation of the executive committee that handles the affairs of the SLC. In addition, he wanted to send scouts outside the major centers or in other words, to the rural areas from where most of the latest young talents have come.
After being elected for the second time, Dharmadasa said that he hoped the executive committee members would help him in taking Sri Lanka to the highest position in the world cricket. Before this time, he performed as the chairman of the interim committee from the period 2005-2008.
He considered the Under-19 team as the nucleus of future national side. In order to groom and train the root level teams, he promised ensuring more foreign tours and services of qualified coaches.