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“Inside PCB’s Asia Cup Walkout Threat: The Drama Behind The Scenes”
- The dispute arose after India’s players refused to shake hands with Pakistan players post their match, leading PCB to demand the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft and threaten withdrawal.
- Before Pakistan’s match vs UAE, players were instructed to stay at the stadium delaying the start, as PCB opposed Pycroft officiating the game.
- Former PCB chief Najam Sethi revealed Pakistan had decided to pull out, but he intervened to prevent serious sanctions, financial losses, and damage to Pakistan cricket’s future.
- Though Pycroft remained referee, Pakistan claimed he apologized, but ICC maintained he followed protocols and backed him.
- The controversy led to Pakistan cancelling press conferences, bringing in a motivational speaker, and increased tensions amid political and sporting fallout.
BCCI Clarifies Sarfaraz Khan’s Absence
- Sarfaraz Khan is out of the Test series due to a quadriceps injury, as confirmed by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
- Devdutt Padikkal returns to the India Test squad, replacing Karun Nair who was dropped for inconsistent form.
- Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain in place of injured Rishabh Pant.
- Dhruv Jurel will be the first-choice wicketkeeper, with N Jagadeesan as backup.
- The two Test matches begin October 2 in Ahmedabad and October 10 in Delhi, with India aiming for strong World Test Championship points.
India Announces Test Squad vs West Indies: Karun Nair Dropped, Ravindra Jadeja Named Vice-Captain, Jasprit Bumrah Included
- India announced a 15-member Test squad for the two-match series against West Indies starting October 2 in Ahmedabad and Delhi.
- Ravindra Jadeja has been named vice-captain, replacing injured Rishabh Pant, who is out due to a fractured foot.
- Jasprit Bumrah, despite fitness concerns and recent workload, has been included in the squad as a key pacer.
- Karun Nair was dropped from the squad following a poor batting performance during the recent England tour.
- Shubman Gill will captain the team, with the squad retaining most players from the England series, focusing on World Test Championship points.
Shaheen Afridi Defends Haris Rauf’s Controversial Gestures Against India in Asia Cup
- Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan faced criticism for provocative gestures against India, including Rauf’s “6-0” and fighter jet mimics and Farhan’s gun-firing celebration.
- The gestures referenced Pakistan’s disputed claim of shooting down six Indian jets in a recent military conflict, adding political sensitivity to the cricket match.
- Shaheen Afridi defended the players, saying everyone has the right to express themselves, but emphasized the team’s focus remains on playing cricket and winning.
- Afridi admitted the team isn’t mature in handling celebrations but stressed their main goal is success in the Asia Cup.
- India won the matches despite the controversy, and a possible Asia Cup final meeting between the teams is anticipated.
Mohanlal Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award with Standing Ovation at 71st National Film Awards
- Mohanlal received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honor, at the 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi.
- He is the youngest and second Malayalam cinema personality to receive the award, recognizing his four-decade contribution.
- Mohanlal dedicated the award to the Malayalam film industry, highlighting it as a tribute to its legacy and creativity.
- The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu, with Mohanlal receiving a standing ovation.
- Other notable winners included Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji.
Bangladesh Spinner Dismisses India, Australia Hype Ahead of Asia Cup Clash with Suryakumar Yadav’s Team
- Bangladesh spinner Sheikh Mahedi Hasan said the team treats every match normally, without overthinking whether the opponent is India or Australia.
- Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Four, boosting team confidence before facing India led by Suryakumar Yadav.
- Despite India’s dominant T20 record over Bangladesh, Mahedi emphasized that the match outcome depends on the situation on the day, not past results.
- Bangladesh’s spin attack could challenge India on Dubai’s slow pitches, where India sometimes struggles against quality spin.
- Mahedi urged ignoring media hype and social media narratives, focusing instead on playing calmly and professionally like any international match.