The India-Australia Test series will comprise of five matches on a reciprocal basis in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme. The expanded bilateral series will kick in from 2024 season, when India are scheduled to visit Australia. The 2023 home series in India, to be played in February-March, will remain a four-Test contest, a report said.
Harmanpreet to lead Indian team to the CWG
Seasoned batter Harmanpreet Kaur will lead a 15-member Indian team in the maiden women’s cricket competition at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham starting on July 28, the BCCI announced. Opener Smriti Mandhana will be her deputy in the competition that will feature women’s T20Is. India is in Group A with Australia, Barbados and Pakistan. Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and South Africa are placed in Group B. The top two teams from the respective pools will progress to the semifinals.
Asia Cup likely to be shifted to UAE
The Asia Cup is “likely” to be moved out of Sri Lanka in the wake of political unrest in the island nation, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva said, adding that the tournament could be played in the UAE. Sri Lanka, which has been battling an economic crisis, has witnessed widespread protests against the government for weeks. “The Asia Cup is very likely that it will be held in the UAE,” de Silva said when asked about a possible change in the venue of the T20 tournament. The dates for the six-team tournament are expected to remain the same as scheduled earlier from August 26 to September 11. A qualifier will also take place before the main event with Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait and UAE.
Bangladesh sweep ODI series against WI
Taijul Islam made a triumphant return to One-day International cricket with his first five-wicket haul as Bangladesh completed another series sweep of the West Indies, winning the third and final fixture by four wickets at the Guyana National Stadium. Playing his first ODI for more than two years, Taijul had a dream start with a wicket off his first delivery to set the stage for an outstanding effort. He finished with impressive figures of five for 28 as the home side were dismissed for 178 off 48. 4 overs batting first. Bangladesh stumbled along the way in pursuit of the modest target with Gudakesh Motie claiming career best figures of four for 23. However, the left-arm spinner could not prevent the tourists reaching the target with nine balls to spare. Liton Das set the Bangladeshis on the way to an 11th consecutive ODI win over the West Indies with a score of 50.
Lanka Premier League postponed
The Lanka Premier League was postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing “economic situation” in Sri Lanka. The T20 League was scheduled to be held from August 1 to 21. “This decision was taken by the SLC, following a request made by the Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG), the Rights Holder of the tournament, which cited the current economic situation,' in the country, as not conducive to hosting the tournament,” SLC said in a statement.
SA pull out of Australia ODI series
South Africa have withdrawn from the ODI series with Australia in January after host board Cricket Australia (CA) was unable to accommodate a request to reschedule. CA said Cricket South Africa had asked to shift the series, which was scheduled for Hobart (Jan. 12), Sydney (Jan. 14) and Perth (Jan. 17). CA said South Africa had agreed that Australia would be awarded the competition points, pending approval from the International Cricket Council. South Africa's forfeit could affect their chances of qualifying directly for next year's ODI World Cup in India. The Proteas are 11th in the World Cup Super League standings, with only the top seven teams apart from India to qualify directly for the tournament.
