December 23, 2024
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'The problem with Virat Kohli is...': How Sanjay Manjrekar wants star India batter to play in T20 World Cup | Cricket News

‘The problem with Virat Kohli is…’: How Sanjay Manjrekar wants star India batter to play in T20 World Cup | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar advised Virat Kohli to play a in slightly conservative approach on hard wickets in New York ahead of India’s ICC T20 World Cup match against the USA.At the Nassau County International Stadium on Wednesday, the third Group A match of the T20 World Cup between India and the USA will take place. India had won a low-scoring thriller over Pakistan by six runs in their previous encounter.T20 WORLD CUP: SCHEDULE | POINTS TABLEThe United States of America defeated Pakistan in the Super Over. With four points from two wins in two games, India lead the group. With the identical win-loss record, the USA is in second position, though their net run rate is inferior.With scores of just one and four runs against Ireland and Pakistan, Virat – the greatest run scorer in the history of the competition – hasn’t had the finest start to the competition. He was dismissed both times while playing aggressively.Virat enters the competition following an incredible Indian Premier League (2024) season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he amassed 741 runs at 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69 in 15 innings, including five hundreds and a century. Virat had the best strike rate of his IPL career and was quite effective against spinners, using a more aggressive strategy against them.Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar stated that although Virat has adjusted his style in response to criticism regarding his supposedly low strikeout rate, the “old Virat” would have performed better on New York’s hard pitches, where it has been difficult to score runs and batters have played cautiously.“The problem with Virat Kohli is that there has been a lot of talk about his strike rate over the last two years, and he completely changed that during this IPL season. His strike rate had reached 150, although others had almost 200, but that is a different topic. He probably must have come to the T20 World Cup with that same mindset, but given the pitches, the old Virat Kohli would have been much better,” said Manjrekar.“So, I feel someone should tell him to bring back that earlier version of himself and then change again when the pitches become flat,” he added. (With ANI inputs)

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India Vs USA: EXCLUSIVE: 18 years later, USA all-rounder Nisarg Patel aims for reunion with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja | Cricket News

India Vs USA: EXCLUSIVE: 18 years later, USA all-rounder Nisarg Patel aims for reunion with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: USA all-rounder Nisarg Patel was a mere 18 years old when he travelled to Sri Lanka for the Under-19 World Cup in 2006. The tournament had prominent players from various nations, including the likes of current Indian captain Rohit Sharma and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.The USA team, placed in Group B with Australia, the West Indies, and South Africa, played three matches but unfortunately lost all of them, leading to an early exit from the tournament.T20 World Cup Schedule | Points TableDespite the disappointing outcome, Nisarg had the opportunity to meet the entire Indian squad, exchanging greetings with Rohit and Jadeja before returning to the United States.Now, 18 years later, Nisarg, who is part of the senior USA team, is eagerly anticipating a reunion with Rohit and Jadeja. India and the USA are set to face off in their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday.With two wins in two matches, India are well placed to make the Super Eights, while the USA will have to win one of the two remaining matches – vs India or Ireland – to move to the next stage of the mega event. TimesofIndia.com caught up with Nisarg, who played 41 ODIs and 21 T20Is for the USA so far and spoke about meeting young Rohit and Jadeja during the U-19 World Cup, cricket in the US, drop-in pitches, clash against India, and much more…The USA’s performance in the T20 World Cup has been remarkable…We are very excited. We have a big opportunity to represent the US on such a grand stage. There’s nothing bigger for players than representing their country in the World Cup, and we are doing just that. We have the chance to play against big teams – Pakistan and now India. We have played against Ireland many times and also against Canada. But this is a different experience altogether. This is special for us.How does cricket’s popularity fare in the USA, a nation renowned for its passion for NBA, Baseball, and NFL?People have come in huge numbers to witness our matches. There is a lot of buzz. It is an opportunity to bring the whole community together. As players, we just want to go and play cricket and enjoy every moment. That’s it. It’s the first time we have got the opportunity to play in such a big event like this, and we are giving our best. All I want to say is that we all (the US team) are enjoying our cricket. US cricket is doing really well. USA all-rounder Nisarg Patel (AFP Photo) After defeating Pakistan, the USA’s upcoming match is against India. Do you have your sights set on any specific Indian player’s wicket?I don’t specifically target players. As a player, I love to contribute to my team’s victory. It’s a very short format game. Whether it’s keeping it tight, bowling good overs, taking crucial wickets, putting brakes on runs, scoring runs, inflicting runouts, or keeping a batsman in check, I just love it. Obviously, I’d love to dismiss Virat Kohli or take Rohit’s wicket. But it all depends on when I’ll be bowling – in the Powerplay or after. I thrive in all situations. I met and interacted with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja during the 2006 U19 World Cup and now look forward to meeting them again.Could you highlight two pivotal players from the Indian squad?Rohit Sharma. He can perform anywhere. And in bowling, none other than Bumrah. Give him any condition or situation, he will take wickets and win you the match. He’s that type of player.Your India connection?My cricketing journey started in India. I was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and studied in a boarding school in Vapi. I played most of my cricket in Ahmedabad before relocating to the US in 2003. I began playing cricket in the US and received my first major opportunity to represent the USA in the Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2006. I had the chance to compete against teams like Australia and South Africa, facing players such as David Warner, Aaron Finch, Matthew Wade, and many more. During the World Cup, I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja as well. Experiencing international cricket at such a young age was invaluable. Subsequently, I was selected for the senior USA team and have since played around 70-80 matches for them. I aspire to continue representing the USA team for as long as possible.Who is your inspiration and why?I started playing during the era of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid. Initially, I admired Dada (Ganguly). He was my inspiration and a true leader. As time passed, I witnessed the era of players like MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, and Virat Kohli. I greatly admire MS Dhoni. I appreciate the way he conducts himself on and off the field, how he handles players, and his ability to turn matches with his batting prowess. He is simply amazing and incredibly down-to-earth. He has contributed immensely to cricket.In cricket, being an all-rounder, I look up to Ravindra Jadeja. I play a similar role to him, being a left-arm spinner and a middle-order batsman. I closely watch and follow his game. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting him.Could you share insights from your meeting with batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and the legendary Shane Warne?When the Legends Masters League took place in the USA, the great Shane Warne and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar were part of that league. We had the opportunity to meet them and learn valuable cricket lessons. I served as a net bowler in that league, bowling to the likes of Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, and many other legendary players. I learned a lot from their experiences.What are your thoughts on the drop-in pitches?I’ve never played on drop-in pitches before. This is our first time. All I’ve heard is that they are true wickets. They benefit…

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T20 World Cup: Team India not happy with 'average' training facilities, claims report; ICC says... | Cricket News

T20 World Cup: Team India not happy with ‘average’ training facilities, claims report; ICC says… | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: The Indian team, preparing in New York ahead of the T20 World Cup is not happy with the ‘average’ training facilities provided to them in Cantiague Park, claimed a News18 report on Thursday.Rohit Sharma & Co on Wednesday started their training and the team, including head coach Rahul Dravid, is apparently not happy with the practice facilities in the US.The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, which will host India’s warm-up game and three group matches, reportedly has no practice facilities and the Cantiague Park has been provided as a make-shift venue for the Indian team’s training.The report claimed that the team was also not happy with the arrangements for food at the venue and concerns regarding this have been raised. “Everything is makeshift – from pitches to other facilities. Safe to say everything is very average in nature. The team has raised their concerns,” a source close to developments told News18.The report also said that the International Cricket Council (ICC), when reached out for reaction, claimed that that no such concerns or complaints were raised with them from the Indian team. “There has been no complaint or concern expressed regarding the practice facilities at Cantiague Park by any team,” the report stated the ICC as saying. The ICC earlier designated Cantiague Park as the official training facility for teams. The facility is also a fair distance from the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium where the matches are scheduled.India are set to play their one and only warm-up game against Bangladesh on June 1. India’s Group A games against Ireland, Pakistan and USA will be hosted at th Nassau Stadium before they move to Florida for their final group game against Canada.

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New York promises unprecedented security for India-Pakistan clash following terror threat

New York promises unprecedented security for India-Pakistan clash following terror threat

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New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she has directed state police to elevate security measures to ensure safety of the crowds.. File | Photo Credit: AP New York’s Nassau County will have unprecedented security arrangements in place for the T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan on June 9 due to the threat of a terror attack here even though state Governor Kathy Hochul insisted that it is not credible “at this time.” The Eisenhower Park Stadium at the Nassau County will host eight matches of the tournament-proper, including India’s three outings. The Indians will also play a practice game against Bangladesh here on June 1. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said she has directed state police to elevate security measures to ensure safety of the crowds. “In preparation for the World Cup my team has been working with federal & local law enforcement to keep attendees safe. While there is no credible threat at this time, I’ve directed @nyspolice (NYPD) to elevate security measures & we’ll continue to monitor as the event nears,” Ms. Hochul said in a post on X. A report on CNN said that New York officials are putting safety precautions in place “after terror group ISIS-K made a global threat earlier this year” against the World Cup. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said on May 29 that the event received an ISIS-K-linked threat in April. “That was followed by more specific threats on the India versus Pakistan game, scheduled for June 9, and references to a viral video circulating online, which calls for ‘that lone wolf to act out’,” the report said. “I can guarantee you this. This is the largest security we’ve ever had to do in this county’s history, and I can also guarantee you this – the safest place to be in Nassau County on June 9th will be inside that stadium,” Mr. Ryder said in that report. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said described the mega-event, which is likely to draw massive crowds from among the expats, as “Super Bowl on steroids”. “There will be teams from all over the world coming in. There will be fans from all over the world coming to Nassau County…we have been meeting for well over six months on a regular basis to talk about security concerns and health care concerns, which could potentially arise at any kind of event of this magnitude”. “We take every threat seriously. There are the same procedures for every threat,” Mr. Blakeman said. Mr. Blakeman also noted the county’s coordinated security efforts with federal partners, including the FBI, and Department of Homeland Security among others. “To that end, we have taken many, many precautions as well as making sure that the stadium and the surrounding Eisenhower Park are safe,” he said. The Rohit Sharma-led side will begin its campaign by taking on Ireland on June 5, followed by the high-voltage clash against Pakistan on June 9. The team will then face hosts USA on June 12. The terror threat to the event was first revealed by Trinidad’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley and the ICC had responded to it by asserting that a robust security cover is in place to ensure smooth conduct of the event. “The safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place. “We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event,” the ICC had stated.

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'Grateful' Suryakumar Yadav clinches second consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year award | Cricket News

‘Grateful’ Suryakumar Yadav clinches second consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year award | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav has once again emerged victorious, securing his second consecutive ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award. The announcement comes as a testament to Yadav’s exceptional talent and outstanding contributions to the T20 format, further solidifying his position as a key player for the Indian team.Yadav, known for his explosive batting prowess and remarkable performances on the field, took to Instagram to share his gratitude for the prestigious accolade. In a post accompanied by a photo of himself adorned in the new Indian jersey, holding the coveted ICC award and donning the commemorative cap, Yadav expressed his appreciation for the recognition.The talented cricketer’s stellar record in T20 internationals during the previous year speaks volumes about his consistency and skill. Amassing an impressive total of 733 runs in 17 innings at a striking rate of 155.95 and an average of 48.86 in 2023, Yadav’s dominance in the format has been unparalleled. Despite facing challenges during the 2024 Indian Premier League season with the Mumbai Indians, including injuries that sidelined him at the start of the tournament, Yadav showcased his resilience and determination. He scored 345 runs at a striking rate of 167.47, which included a remarkable unbeaten century off just 51 balls.Yadav’s leadership abilities were also on display when he captained the Indian team during a T20I series in South Africa in December. However, an unfortunate ankle injury sustained during the series hampered his subsequent participation in matches, including Mumbai Indians’ initial games in the 2024 IPL season.As Yadav prepares to represent India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, his accolade serves as a source of motivation and inspiration.

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Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

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Suryakumar Yadav is among the Indian players training for their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the United States. SKY had a patchy season with the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), missing a big part of the tournament as he was recovering from injury and looking rusty for a few games once he was available for selection. Suryakumar Yadav scored a century the last time he played for India in a T20I(Suryakumar Yadav Instagram) And yet, he managed to score 345 runs at a strike rate of 167.47 which included a masterful 51-ball 102 not out. He was always expected to be one the first names on the team sheet for the T20 World Cup and in the days leading up to the tournament, SKY’s dominance of the format was testified by him winning the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award for the second year in a row. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! SKY on Wednesday posted a photo on Instagram of himself posing in the new Indian jersey with the award while wearing the ICC’s commemorative cap. “Grateful,” he said in the caption of the image. Suryakumar scored 733 runs in 17 T20I innings in 2023 at a strike rate of 155.95 and average of 48.86. Suryakumar’s recovery from injury Suryakumar was captain of the Indian team for a three-match T20I series in South Africa in December. His last T20I game was the third match of the series which India won by a whopping 106 runs. Suryakumar scored 100 off 56 balls in that match but later hobbled off the field after injuring his ankle during the South African innings. He had to undergo a surgery for the injury and was later ruled out of India’s series at home against Afghanistan as he had to go under the knife for a sports hernia that had worsened over time and needed medical intervention. Suryakumar underwent a lengthy period of recovery which also forced him to miss Mumbai Indians’ first three matches of the 2024 season. He finally played his first game since December in MI’s home match against Delhi Capitals. While MI won that match by 29 runs, Suryakumar fell for a two-ball duck. He then came back to form in scintillating fashion in the next match, smashing 52 in 19 balls and helping MI to a seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He had reached his half-century in just 17 balls. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more.Explore now !. Stay updated with the latest cricket news, T20 World Cup 2024 updates, and match highlights. Explore the World Cup Schedule 2024, track the World Cup Points Table, follow Virat Kohli’s performance, and stay ahead with the stats on World Cup Most Wickets and World Cup Most Runs on the Hindustan Times website and app. News / Cricket News / Suryakumar Yadav reacts to receiving 2nd consecutive ICC T20I Cricketer of the Year ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Grateful’

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T20 World Cup: Indian-origin Ronak Patel included in Uganda's 15-man squad for historic ICC T20 World Cup | Cricket News

T20 World Cup: Indian-origin Ronak Patel included in Uganda’s 15-man squad for historic ICC T20 World Cup | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Brian Masaba has been named the captain of Uganda‘s 15-player squad for their inaugural appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Indian-origin Ronak Patel also making the cut.The Cricket Cranes will compete in Group C alongside West Indies, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Afghanistan after an impressive performance in the qualifying tournament, where they defeated Zimbabwe and other African teams. Riazat Ali Shah will serve as Masaba’s deputy, and the team features several experienced players, including 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga, who will be among the oldest participants in the tournament. Nsubuga’s selection is a testament to his lifelong commitment to cricket, having first represented Uganda in ICC events as a 17-year-old in the 1997 ICC Trophy. In 2022, he made headlines with a spectacular catch near the boundary in a Cricket World Cup Challenge League match against Kenya. The squad also includes spin-bowling all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani, who was nominated for the 2023 ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year. Ramjani claimed the most T20I wickets in men’s cricket last year, taking 55 wickets at an economy rate of under five runs per over. Another left-arm orthodox spinner, Henry Ssenyondo, also had a strong 2023, claiming 49 wickets during the same period. Riazat Ali Shah and Dinesh Nakrani are expected to provide firepower with the bat, while young talent Juma Miyaji brings U19 World Cup experience to the team, having played in the 2022 event in the West Indies.Although this is Uganda’s first appearance in a senior men’s World Cup, the country was represented in the 1975 Cricket World Cup through the now-defunct East Africa team, with Samuel Walusimbi being the sole Ugandan player in the squad, featuring in three matches.Uganda will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on June 3 against Afghanistan in Guyana.Uganda squad: Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah (vc), Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel.Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya(Inputs from agencies)

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Terror threat to T20 World Cup from Pakistan, hosts West Indies assure safety

Terror threat to T20 World Cup from Pakistan, hosts West Indies assure safety

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The West Indies, co-hosts of the T20 World Cup, have reportedly received a terror threat from North Pakistan. However, West Indies (CWI), informed the public that all safety precautions have been taken. According to a reliable source familiar with the situation, the Caribbean islands have been alerted to potential terror risks originating from North Pakistan. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the US from June 1 to 29. The West Indies will host World Cup matches in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. There are also matches in the US cities of Florida, New York, and Texas, although there is no sign of a threat to the games in the United States. The two semifinals will take place in Trinidad and Guyana, with the final scheduled for Barbados. “We are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining close communication with relevant authorities,” stated the source. “Continuous evaluation of security measures is underway to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any identified risks.” The threat has been attributed to IS Khorasan, adding to the gravity of the situation. The ‘Daily Express’ quoted Trinidad Prime Minister Keith Rowley as saying that security services had procedures in place to deal with any threats to matches. According to the article, “the Barbados regional security officials are monitoring potential threats to the ICC event” as well as that “intelligence of a potential threat to the World Cup has been received through Pro-Islamic State (Daesh) through the media group ‘Nashir Pakistan’.” INDIA’s CT2025 PARTICIPATION? A pivotal question looms over India’s potential involvement in the forthcoming Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan in 2025. Given the heightened security concerns stemming from the northern regions of Pakistan, there arises uncertainty regarding India’s willingness to travel to the host nation. Reports indicate that the threat extends even to the T20 World Cup. In response, the ICC is slated to convene for its Annual General Meeting in July, hosted in Sri Lanka this year. Among the agenda items, deliberations will center on the feasibility of holding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan or relocating it to a neutral venue, with paramount consideration for the safety and security of players. Recently, PCB officials convened with ICC’s General Manager, Wasim Khan, to deliberate on the scheduling nuances of the Champions Trophy, particularly concerning India’s fixtures. As per the proposed itinerary drafted by PCB, all of India’s matches are slated to unfold in Lahore. The rationale behind this concentrated venue allocation is to streamline security measures and logistical arrangements, thereby mitigating potential challenges. Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: May 6, 2024

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ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: India face Pakistan on... | Cricket News

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: India face Pakistan on… | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to take place in Bangladesh, with the cricketing action starting in October and India taking on Pakistan in a high-stakes clash on October 6 in Sylhet. The tournament will feature the world’s best teams, including six-time champions Australia, who will begin their title defence against a yet-to-be-determined qualifier. The groups and fixtures for the prestigious event were announced on Sunday, 5 May. Australia, who clinched their sixth title in Cape Town last year, is placed in Group A. They will face strong contenders including India, the 2020 runners-up, New Zealand, Pakistan, and a qualifying team. Group B comprises South Africa, England, the 2016 champions West Indies, host nation Bangladesh, and a second qualifier. The tournament will be a showcase of intense cricket, with 23 matches spread over 19 days in the cities of Dhaka and Sylhet. Group A: Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Qualifier 1Group B: South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Qualifier 2Teams are geared up to play four group matches each, with the top two from each group moving on to the semi-finals scheduled for 17 and 18 October. The final will be held in Dhaka on 20 October, with reserve days planned for the semi-finals and final if necessary.Apart from India vs Pakistan, key fixtures include the opening match between England and South Africa on October 3 in Dhaka. Fans can also look forward to the Trans-Tasman rivalry as Australia takes on New Zealand on October 11 in Sylhet.Full list of fixtures:October 3: England v South Africa, DhakaOctober 3: Bangladesh v Qualifier 2, DhakaOctober 4: Australia v Qualifier 1, SylhetOctober 4: India v New Zealand, SylhetOctober 5: South Africa v West Indies, DhakaOctober 5: Bangladesh v England, DhakaOctober 6: New Zealand v Qualifier 1, SylhetOctober 6: India v Pakistan, SylhetOctober 7: West Indies v Qualifier 2, DhakaOctober 8: Australia v Pakistan, SylhetOctober 9: Bangladesh v West Indies, DhakaOctober 9: India v Qualifier 1, SylhetOctober 10: South Africa v Qualifier 2, DhakaOctober 11: Australia v New Zealand, SylhetOctober 11: Pakistan v Qualifier 1, SylhetOctober 12: England v West Indies, DhakaOctober 12: Bangladesh v South Africa, DhakaOctober 13: Pakistan v New Zealand, SylhetOctober 13: India v Australia, SylhetOctober 14: England v Qualifier 2, Dhaka October 17: First semi-final, SylhetOctober 18: Second semi-final, DhakaOctober 20: Final, Dhaka(Inputs from agencies)

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'It will be tough to refuse ICC events': Rashid Latif warns India amid doubts over visit to Pakistan for Champions Trophy | Cricket News

‘It will be tough to refuse ICC events’: Rashid Latif warns India amid doubts over visit to Pakistan for Champions Trophy | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has stated that India will need to provide a “logical answer” to the ICC if they choose not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year. He believes that refusing to participate in an ICC event can have negative consequences for the team. Sources have indicated that Team India may not take part in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with discussions about potentially changing the venue or adopting a hybrid model. “You can refuse the bilateral series. But it will be tough to refuse ICC events. When ICC chalk out its plan, the teams know where they have to play, like Pakistan knew that they have to go to India to play the World Cup, and contracts are signed accordingly for cricket boards,” Latif said.He further added, “It seems a bit tough to refuse ICC events… In the 1996 World Cup, Australia and West Indies refused to go to Sri Lanka and the entire group changed and Sri Lanka became the champion. This was a very big mistake… If India or Pakistan has signed in, they will have to go for that event. If any circumstances occur on a government level, then you have to provide a logical answer as to why not coming. You can refuse the bilateral series citing the conditions in Pakistan are not right etc etc… In my opinion, refusing an ICC event can backfire.”According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board has suggested to the ICC that India’s qualifying round matches during the Champions Trophy be held in a single city. The PCB has selected Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore as the tournament venues, with Lahore hosting the final match.(Inputs from IANS)

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