MLC stars Netravalkar, Khan, Patel aim to continue USA’s historic run at T20 World Cup Super8s

The US’s advancement ahead of cricketing powerhouse Pakistan has sent shockwaves around the globe. (FILE/AFP)

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Updated 18 June 2024

Arab News

June 18, 2024 10:31

MLC stars Netravalkar, Khan, Patel aim to continue USA’s historic run at T20 World Cup Super8s

As many as 47 MLC stars have featured in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Updated 18 June 2024

Arab News

June 18, 2024 10:31

DALLAS: Team USA have made history by advancing to the Super 8 stage of the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 for the first time, decided by a wash-out in Broward County.

The US’s advancement ahead of cricketing powerhouse Pakistan has sent shockwaves around the globe and is rallying Americans to get behind their national team.

Team USA, as the host nation making its World Cup debut, has captured the world’s attention. After defeating Canada convincingly in the opening game, the team also emerged victorious against Pakistan in a thrilling super-over, putting them in a position to finish second in Group A.

Cognizant Major League Cricket players in Team USA are: Ali Khan, Nitish Kumar and Shadley Van Schalkwyk (Los Angeles Knight Riders); Steven Taylor, Nosthush Kenjige, Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir (MI New York); Corey Anderson (San Francisco Unicorns); Harmeet Singh, (Seattle Orcas); Milind Kumar (Texas Super Kings); and Andries Gous, Saurabh Netravalkar and Yasir Mohammad (Washington Freedom).

With the USA set to face South Africa, the West Indies and England in Group 2 of the Super 8 round, MLC Chief Executive Vijay Srinivasan said the advancement of the team to the next stage of the home world cup was an incredible achievement.

“Congratulations to Team USA who, in their first-ever World Cup appearance, gave us three thrilling matches of cricket against the world’s best teams and earned their position in the Super 8.

“This is a historic moment for the sport, especially for our players from Major League Cricket who are representing the USA. We hope that this inspires boys and girls around the country to pick up a bat and ball this summer and encourages sports fans to attend an MLC game or tune into the broadcast.

“The USA’s advancement to the Super 8 means they’ll automatically qualify for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, providing Major League Cricket with a strong platform for continued growth.”

MLC’s six teams — Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings and Washington Freedom — boast some of the world’s best international and domestic talent who are preparing to represent their respective countries in the World Cup.

All 47 MLC players who have featured in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, listed by team, are:

Los Angeles Knight Riders

Ali Khan — USA

Nitish Kumar — USA

Shadley Van Schalkwyk — USA

Andre Russell — WI

Shakib Al Hasan — Bangladesh

David Miller — South Africa

Josh Little — Ireland

MI New York

Steven Taylor — USA

Nosthush Kenjige — USA

Monank Patel — USA

Shayan Jahangir — USA

Tim David — Australia

Nicholas Pooran — West Indies

Rashid Khan — Afghanistan

Kagiso Rabada — South Africa

Trent Boult — New Zealand

Anrich Nortje — South Africa

Romario Shepherd — West Indies

San Francisco Unicorns

Corey Anderson — USA

Matt Henry — New Zealand

Josh Inglis — Australia

Sherfane Rutherford — West Indies

Haris Rauf — Pakistan

Pat Cummins — Australia

Seattle Orcas

Harmeet Singh — USA

Quinton de Kock — South Africa

Heinrich Klaasen — South Africa

Michael Bracewell — New Zealand

Ryan Rickelton — South Africa

Obed McCoy — West Indies

Imad Wasim — Pakistan

Texas Super Kings

Milind Kumar — USA

Mitchell Santner — New Zealand

Devon Conway — New Zealand

Aiden Markram — South Africa

Daryl Mitchell — New Zealand

Naveen-ul-Haq — Afghanistan

Marcus Stoinis — Australia

Washington Freedom

Andries Gous — USA

Saurabh Netralvakar — USA

Yasir Mohammad — USA

Marco Jansen — South Africa

Akeal Hosein — West Indies

Glenn Maxwell — Australia

Travis Head — Australia

Lockie Ferguson — New Zealand

Rachin Ravindra — New Zealand

The second MLC season kicks off on July 5.

Topics: T20 World Cup

Moves afoot for Saudi cricketers to host Sri Lanka’s stars

Updated 23 December 2024

Rashid Hassan

December 23, 2024 18:11

Moves afoot for Saudi cricketers to host Sri Lanka’s stars

‘We plan to bring our cricketers for a friendly match with Saudi team,’ Sri Lanka envoy says

Updated 23 December 2024

Rashid Hassan

December 23, 2024 18:11

RIYADH: With the popularity of cricket in Saudi Arabia growing by leaps and bounds, do not be surprized if you see Sri Lankan cricketers playing with the Saudi team in the near future.

The Sri Lankan ambassador in Riyadh, Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, in an interview with Arab News on the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, said: “We have very cordial relations and, importantly, have taken initiatives to further elevate our bilateral ties in all areas of mutual interest, one of them is cricket.

“We are in touch with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. So we will work with them in the future, to organize bilateral matches, cricket matches between the two sides, the Sri Lankan team and the Saudi team,” the envoy told Arab News.

“We are planning to have the kind of bilateral ties in which the cricket team can visit. So we are working on that. We have initiated some talks. I met SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud,” Ajwad said.

The SACF chairman has also visited Sri Lanka for cooperation in cricket, he added.

“We will bring our cricket stars here, to start some kind of a friendly match. Maybe we can work on that to mark the occasion as we are celebrating 50 years of our diplomatic ties,” the ambassador said.

"All these projects are in our plan. Of course, we are having a list of items to celebrate this milestone in our bilateral relations,” he added.

Sri Lankan cricket star and former captain Kumar Sangakkara was in NEOM as part of the second season of the NEOM and Rajasthan Royals’ cricket program, he said.

Cricketing legends Rahul Dravid and Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara with the Tabuk Tigers during Neom Cricket Program. (Supplied/SACF)

“He was in NEOM. So in the future we will interact like this, bringing Sri Lankan cricketers to the Kingdom,” he added.

Indian cricket star and former captain Rahul Dravid, who is head coach of the Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals, also attended the NEOM cricket program.

The Red Sea city of Jeddah last month hosted the TATA IPL mega auction at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena that attracted a galaxy of international cricket stars and the celebrity owners of the IPL franchises.

The SACF described the TATA IPL mega auction as “a historic sporting achievement in Jeddah.”

On X, the IPL posted: “TATA IPL partners got to experience ‘TATAIPLAuction’ in Jeddah like never before,” describing the event as “a historic moment in the TATA IPL Auction.”

Pakistani cricketing legends including Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar also visited the Kingdom in the recent past and held meetings with the SACF chairman to discuss the development of cricket and ways to cooperate.

Topics: Cricket Saudi Arabia Sri Lanka Saudi cricket federation Cricket Saudi Sri Lanka cricket

Cricket’s corruption problem remains an ongoing concern

Updated 19 December 2024

Jon Pike

December 19, 2024 13:09

Cricket’s corruption problem remains an ongoing concern

Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, one of cricket’s most respected figures, has warned that the proliferation of franchise leagues increases the opportunities for match-fixing

Updated 19 December 2024

Jon Pike

December 19, 2024 13:09

Behind the glitz of the recent Indian Premier League auction and Jay Shah’s conspicuous presence at a recent meeting of the 2032 Brisbane Organizing Olympic Committee, lies cricket’s darker side. One aspect of that side is corruption in the form of match-fixing. Recent examples have shown that it is an on-going threat.

Earlier this month, Kumar Sangakkara, one of cricket’s most respected figures, highlighted the threat during a conference in Colombo. The former Sri Lankan captain warned that the proliferation of franchise leagues increases the opportunities for match- and spot-fixing. The conference was chaired by Sumathi Dharmawardena, who is also the independent chair of the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

The unit’s outgoing chair, Alex Marshall, has previously identified poorly managed minor leagues as a breeding ground for corruption. It is not clear if this description extends to the Abu Dhabi T10 league, which concluded its eighth edition on Dec. 2. Over its lifetime, it has had its share of controversy. Last year, eight individuals were charged with breaching the game’s Anti-Corruption Code following an investigation into the 2021 edition.

One of the accused, Sunny Dhillon, an assistant coach, has been banned for six years, backdated to Sept. 13, 2023, when Dhillon was provisionally suspended. Dhillon was convicted of trying to change or affect the outcome of, or parts of, matches. And failure or refusal to provide full information regarding any approaches or invitations received that relate to corrupt conduct. He was also accused of failure to cooperate with the corruption investigation without providing a valid reason. This is a long charge sheet.

Amongst the others who were charged, former first-class cricketer Ashar Zaidi was banned for five years having admitted to facilitating corruption. Parag Sanghvi and Krishan Kumar Choudhary, co-owners of the Pune Devils, for whom Zaidi played, were each banned for one year. Sanghvi admitted to placing bets on matches and Choudhary failed to cooperate with the investigation. Both bans were backdated to Sept. 19, 2023. This seems rather lenient.

Another player, Nasir Hossain, a former Bangladesh international, was banned from all cricket in early 2024 for two years, with six months of those suspended. Less fortunate was UK-based club cricketer Rizwan Javed, who received a ban of 17 years and six months. This was based on a failure to respond to charges, which included an attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly, matches or aspects of matches on three separate occasions.

Scrutiny of the league has returned this year, precipitated by a series of unusual front-foot no-balls. On Nov. 22, UAE bowler, Hazrat Bilal, playing for the Morrisville Samp Army, overstepped the popping crease by a large margin. This necessitated adjustments to the camera frame before replays could be shown. Several of his teammates were observed laughing at the replay.

Four days later in a match between the Delhi Bulls and the Bangla Tigers, former Sri Lanka skipper, Dasun Shanaka, conceded 30 runs off his first three deliveries, including four no-balls, of the penultimate over of the Delhi Bulls’ innings. Such a performance is guaranteed to raise eyebrows. The website, Cricket Addictor, has suggested that Shanaka is facing match-fixing allegations.

Sri Lankan cricket has had its own issues of corruption, as have other sports in the country. In 2019, Sri Lanka's parliament introduced a series of activities deemed to be corruption-related, along with a list of penalties. These followed an investigation by the ICC anti-corruption unit into Sri Lankan cricket. The country is believed to be the first and only Asian nation to criminalize corruption in sports.

Hopes were raised that the removal of a discredited government by a decisive public mandate in September 2024 would lead to further meaningful transformation. Sunil Gamage is the new sports minister and he has acknowledged the rampant corruption, abuse, nepotism and dishonesty in the country’s sporting landscape. Further measures to reform this have yet to emerge.

The problems have certainly not gone away. In Sri Lanka’s own T10 Super League, for which the final was on Dec. 19, the Indian owner of the Galle Marvels franchise was arrested in Colombo on Dec. 12 over match-fixing allegations. During his court hearing, Prem Thakur testified that he was prepared to provide a confidential statement to the magistrate regarding the accusations, under Article 127 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Allegedly, the arrest was based on a complaint by a player in his franchise who refused to accede to Thakur’s match-fixing request.

This is the first edition of Lanka T10. It is run by Sri Lankan Cricket in partnership with T Ten Sports Management group, which organizes the Abu Dhabi T10 and the Zim-Afro T10 events. It was due to commence in 2023 but was postponed owing to financial issues. Almost half of the round robin matches were rained off, which may have reduced the potential for illegal activity.

The appointment of Marshall in September 2017 at the ICC coincided with the rise of franchise cricket and the concomitant potential increase in corruption activity. However, it is not limited to the franchise world. In his book, “Playing to Fix,” Paul Radley has provided a fine-grained analysis of the illegal activities into which members of the UAE team were drawn when the team was on the brink of qualifying for the 2019 World Cup.

One part of the unfolding story is the role of the ICC anti-corruption unit and the processes and procedures which Marshall and his team had to follow in order to obtain proof of illegal activity and, ultimately, convictions. The story also reveals how the illegal activity of teammates wore down morale and performance amongst those who were not involved.

Every accusation and conviction strikes at the heart of cricket’s integrity. The need for vigilance has never been greater. Sangakkara emphasized the need for proactive measures, such as player education programs and confidential reporting mechanisms, designed to prevent illegal activity.

The ICC has these in place but, as the central governing body, it lacks overall control of franchise leagues, which are subject to local board control. This is not always robust. Cricket’s administrators and leaders have a huge responsibility to ensure that the game’s sanctity is protected and preserved. It is not evident that adequate mechanisms are in place.

Topics: Jon Pike Cricket Column Cricket

New Zealand crush England by 423 runs in third Test

Updated 17 December 2024

AFP

December 17, 2024 01:24

New Zealand crush England by 423 runs in third Test

Updated 17 December 2024

AFP

December 17, 2024 01:24

HAMILTON, New Zealand: New Zealand tore through England’s batting Tuesday to post a crushing 423-run third Test win and send seamer Tim Southee into retirement on a winning note.
The hosts completed a dominant performance in Hamilton by claiming seven wickets in 41.2 overs on day four as England crumbled for 234 to complete their fourth biggest Test defeat in terms of runs.
It was New Zealand’s equal-highest victory by runs, representing a complete reversal from the first two Tests, which England won easily to clinch the three-match series.
Southee finished with 2-34 in his 107th and final Test, ending the career of one of New Zealand’s finest players.
He finishes with 391 Test wickets, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee among New Zealanders.
New Zealand only needed to take nine second-innings wickets for victory as Ben Stokes did not bat.
The England captain suffered a hamstring injury on Monday and a team spokesperson said he would only bat “if required.”
After resuming at 18-2, England never threatened their enormous target of 658, their hopes dwindling further when losing Jacob Bethell for 76, Joe Root for 54 and Harry Brook for just one before lunch.
They looked comfortable for the first hour before Root departed, having put on 104 for the third wicket with Bethell.
England’s greatest run-scorer was trapped lbw, attempting to sweep left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.
Having been given not out, New Zealand successfully reviewed, with ball-tracking showing the ball would have hit the middle stump.
It left 33-year-old Root 28 runs short of becoming the fifth player to score 13,000 Test runs.
Brook, who scored match-winning centuries in each of the first two Tests, was out cheaply for the second time at Seddon Park, caught behind off a sharply rising Will O’Rourke delivery.
Left-hander Bethell batted fluently, striking 13 fours and a six, until he swung at a wide Southee delivery to be caught at deep point
Ollie Pope (17) was bowled attempting to reverse scoop pace bowler Matt Henry before Gus Atkinson’s hard-hit 43 ended when caught in the deep off Santner.
Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse fell cheaply, also trying to hit Santner out of the ground.
All-rounder Santner justified his recall by taking 4-85 to finish with seven wickets in the match, alongside scores of 76 and 49 with the bat.

Topics: New Zealand England Tim Southee

NEOM, Rajasthan Royals celebrate cricket program’s second season

Updated 16 December 2024

Arab News

December 16, 2024 13:20

NEOM, Rajasthan Royals celebrate cricket program’s second season

Program records 85 percent increase in participation and closes with a thrilling final

Updated 16 December 2024

Arab News

December 16, 2024 13:20

NEOM: The second season of the NEOM and Rajasthan Royals’ cricket program for NEOM employees and contractors drew to a successful close over the weekend (Dec. 13) with a thrilling men’s final.

The spectacular finish, hosted by Alfanar Global Development at the cricket ground in NEOM, capped a great season, with an 85 percent increase in participation compared with the first season, said a press release issued on Monday.

The cricket program is part of NEOM’s multiyear partnership with Rajasthan Royals, a popular Indian Premier League team.

Building on the 2023 pilot program, the Season T10-style tournament contest featured 146 matches and 84 teams from more than 150 companies, with some exceptional talent on show and the tournament taking another step forward in NEOM’s commitment to nurturing a physically active society.

In an exciting final played in front of 2,000 spectators and cricketing legends Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, Tabuk Tigers emerged victorious against NESMA Fighters in the final game of the six month competition.

The curtain-raiser to the decider featured an exhibition match between two women’s teams in recognition of NEOM’s inaugural women’s cricket initiative, which was introduced this season.

Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, said: “We are delighted to support NEOM’s cricket partnership with the Rajasthan Royals, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of developing and growing the sport at every level.

“By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and to further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions.”

Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, said: “NEOM's partnership with Rajasthan Royals is reflective of our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and driving lasting social impact through sport. Building on the success of last year’s pilot program, we are thrilled to continue developing cricket as a platform for growth, inclusion and opportunity across NEOM.

“Together with the SACF and the Rajasthan Royals, we are creating pathways for men, women, boys and girls to actively engage in cricket while strengthening community ties and contributing to the growth of the sport across the Kingdom,” Paterson added.

Manoj Badale, lead owner of Rajasthan Royals, said: “Transforming society through cricket is central to everything the Royals do, and our partnership with NEOM aligns perfectly with this purpose. Beyond the boundaries of the game, this collaboration is about fostering participation, inclusivity, and active lifestyles.

“Over the past couple of years, cricket has shown its ability to connect and inspire communities, and we are thrilled to be a part of this mega initiative that has brought the NEOM communities closer.”

Capturing the spirit of community and competition, NEOM and Rajasthan Royal’s cricket program supports NEOM’s vision in the development of cricket and redefining livability by placing sport and physical wellness at the center of lifestyles, in alignment with the Kingdom’s national sports strategy.

NEOM’s partnership with Rajasthan Royals highlights its drive to become a global destination for sports through collaborations with renowned organizations, championing livability for its residents and contributing to NEOM’s dynamic economy.

Topics: Cricket NEOM RAJASTHAN ROYALS

Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program

Updated 15 December 2024

Arab News

December 15, 2024 18:46

Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program

Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies

Updated 15 December 2024

Arab News

December 15, 2024 18:46

NEOM: The Tabuk Tigers edged out NESMA Fighters to take the honors in the second season of the NEOM cricket program, held in partnership with Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals.

The final, played in front of a 2,000-strong audience that included cricketing icons Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, marked the end of a six-month competition featuring 146 matches. The day also featured an exhibition match between two all-female teams.

Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies competing in a fast-paced T10 format.

Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, emphasized the broader significance of the program.

“By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions,” he said.

Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, added: “This partnership with the Rajasthan Royals underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and using sport as a platform for growth and opportunity.

“By creating pathways for men, women and young people to engage in cricket, we’re strengthening community ties and advancing NEOM’s vision of a physically active society.”

Manoj Badale, owner of the Rajasthan Royals, said: “This collaboration is about more than cricket, it’s about fostering participation, inclusivity and active lifestyles. Cricket has the power to inspire communities, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative that has brought NEOM’s residents closer.”

With 84 teams and a growing community of players, NEOM’s cricket program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national sports strategy, which aims to promote sporting participation and enhance quality of life.

Topics: Cricket Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) NEOM Indian Premier League (IPL) RAJASTHAN ROYALS

MLC stars Netravalkar, Khan, Patel aim to continue USA’s historic run at T20 World Cup Super8s

MLC stars Netravalkar, Khan, Patel aim to continue USA’s historic run at T20 World Cup Super8s

West Indies thrash Afghanistan in final T20 World Cup group game

Emotional Boult calls T20 World Cup exit his ‘last day’ for New Zealand

Moves afoot for Saudi cricketers to host Sri Lanka’s stars

Moves afoot for Saudi cricketers to host Sri Lanka’s stars

Sri Lanka to build on, maintain relations with Saudi Arabia: envoy

Safety of Sri Lankan cricket team puts Pakistan security to the test

Cricket’s corruption problem remains an ongoing concern

Cricket’s corruption problem remains an ongoing concern

Afghanistan cricket board bans Ihsanullah Janat over corruption

Sri Lanka sacks cricket board days after World Cup thrashing

New Zealand crush England by 423 runs in third Test

New Zealand crush England by 423 runs in third Test

NEOM, Rajasthan Royals celebrate cricket program’s second season

NEOM, Rajasthan Royals celebrate cricket program’s second season

NEOM and Rajasthan Royals cricket team announce new community sports program

NEOM announces principal partnership with T20 cricket giants Rajasthan Royals

Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program

Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program

We will play with positive mindset to win ACC Premier Cup, says Saudi cricket team

NEOM Sports Club appoint Alex Leitao as CEO

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MLC stars Netravalkar, Khan, Patel aim to continue USA’s historic run at T20 World Cup Super8s

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