India Criticized for ‘Petulant’ Press Conference Snub
In the lead-up to the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), tensions have risen between the Indian cricket team and the Australian media. During a recent press conference, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja addressed questions exclusively in Hindi, catering solely to Indian journalists. Australian reporters were left frustrated when they were informed that there wasn’t enough time for responses in English. This has been labeled as “petulant” by sections of the Australian media, escalating off-field tensions in an already intense Border-Gavaskar series, currently tied 1-1. The incident reflects a growing rift between the Indian team and the media, adding another layer of drama to an already highly anticipated match.
Virat Kohli’s Heated Confrontation at Australian Airport
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli had a heated exchange with reporters at an Australian airport. Upon arriving in Melbourne ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli confronted media personnel, suspecting that they were recording his children. The situation diffused once it was clarified that no unauthorized recordings were made. Kohli later shook hands with a cameraman. This highlights the pressures on cricketers to balance their public image and personal lives amidst media scrutiny. The 36-year-old had arrived in Melbourne with his family, including his two small children. But Kohli’s temper soon flared when he perceived the local media had filmed the superstar with his kids. In the footage, captured by 7 News, Kohli initially walked away but returned to issue his passionate plea to the media.
Westpac to Replace CBA as Cricket Australia’s Banking Partner
Westpac has announced that it will become the exclusive banking partner for Cricket Australia starting in July 2025, concluding the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s (CBA) 37-year sponsorship. This strategic move, initiated under new Westpac CEO Anthony Miller, reflects the bank’s commitment to investing in Australian sports. Westpac already sponsors the National Rugby League (NRL) and State of Origin teams and will now expand its portfolio to include Australian cricket. The partnership may feature front-shirt branding for various cricket teams. CBA had previously focused on women’s cricket, renewing their deal in 2021 with an emphasis on gender equity.
Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Shock Retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin, the esteemed Indian off-spinner, has announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the Test series against Australia. The 38-year-old, who ranks as the seventh-highest wicket-taker in Test history with 537 wickets in 106 matches, made the unexpected announcement following the rain-affected third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Despite the series being tied at 1-1, Ashwin has decided to end his illustrious 14-year Test career, which includes six centuries, making him the only player to have more than five Test hundreds and over 500 wickets. Ashwin has also been instrumental in limited-overs formats, taking 228 wickets in 116 ODIs and 65 T20s, and was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad.
Daren Sammy Appointed West Indies Coach Across All Formats
Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy has been appointed as the head coach for all formats of the West Indies cricket team. Sammy, who led the West Indies to T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, will take over the Test team from next year while continuing his role with the One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 sides. Andre Coley, the current Test coach, will continue until January’s series against Pakistan before transitioning to a high-performance role. This appointment is seen as a significant move for West Indies cricket, aiming to revive its past success.
Karnataka Achieves Second-Highest Successful Run Chase in Vijay Hazare Trophy
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Karnataka chased down a target of 383 runs against Mumbai, marking the second-highest successful run chase in Vijay Hazare Trophy history. Key contributions came from KL Shrijith, who scored an unbeaten 150, and rapid half-centuries from KV Avneesh and Pravin Dubey. This victory underscores Karnataka’s formidable presence in the tournament and sets a high benchmark for future matches.
Dwarshuis Leads Sydney Sixers to Thrilling Last-Ball Win in BBL
Ben Dwarshuis played a pivotal role in the Sydney Sixers’ nail-biting victory over their city rivals in the Big Bash League. Needing 15 runs from the final over, Dwarshuis’s crucial six off the penultimate ball clinched the win, showcasing the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament. Meanwhile, the duck for Konstas came in what will be his last innings before a likely Test debut at the MCG on Boxing Day. Playing for the first time since being called into Australia’s Test squad, Konstas went to cut a shot ball from Akeal Hosein and bottom-edged onto his stumps. Konstas said axed Test opener Nathan McSweeney had been among the first to congratulate him, following an initial call from chief selector George Bailey.
Afghanistan’s Teenage Spinner Allah Ghazanfar Shines in ODI Victory
In a dominant performance, 18-year-old spinner Allah Ghazanfar took 5 wickets for 33 runs, leading Afghanistan to an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third ODI. This win secured the series for Afghanistan, showcasing the team’s growing prowess in international cricket. Earlier, Malik got an inside edge to a Richard Ngarava delivery, which uprooted his leg stump. The teams now move to southern city Bulawayo for a two-Test series, with the first starting on December 26. Result: Afghanistan win by eight wickets.
Anmolpreet Singh Smashes Fastest List A Century by an Indian
Anmolpreet Singh made history by scoring a 35-ball century, the fastest List A hundred by an Indian batsman. His explosive innings was a highlight in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, underscoring his potential for future national selection. Thanks to Anmolpreet’s blitz, Punjab overhauled Arunachal Pradesh’s 164 in just 12.5 overs for a nine-wicket win. Anmolpreet finished with 115 in 45 balls, hitting one more six and one more four after crossing the three-figure mark. Abhishek’s opening partner Prabhsimran Singh was the other unbeaten batter with a relatively sedate 35 in 25 balls.
ILT20 Gulf Cricket Championship 2024: UAE Clinches Maiden Title in Dramatic Finale
The UAE cricket team emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Kuwait in the final of the ILT20 Gulf Cricket Championship 2024. The match, played at the Dubai International Stadium, saw nail-biting drama in its closing moments as UAE secured their maiden title with a narrow 3-wicket win. Batting first, Kuwait posted a competitive total of 178/6 in 20 overs, thanks to an explosive 73 off 41 balls by opener Usman Patel. His innings, laced with six fours and four sixes, laid a solid foundation. Contributions from middle-order batters like Fahad Nawaz (34 off 21) added to the total.
