In a shocking development, Loganathan, a third-year law student from Tiruvallur tragically succumbed on a cricket field during a club match organized between Punnapakkam Cricket Club and Puthuvallur Cricket Club. His unfortunate demise was triggered when the youngster attempted to take a catch. But his failure to do so resulted in the leather ball coming in direct contact with his chest at a rapid rate. Following this incident, Loganathan's father, Dhamodiran took the matter into his own hands and lodged a criminal case against two individuals for organizing the cricket match. 

He appeared in front of the court and demanded monetary compensation for his son's heartbreaking demise. The judge then guided the legal services personnel from Tiruvallur to guide the father and his family to acquire legitimate compensation and pass a recommendation on how the matter can be addressed further

Here is how Madras HC responded to this query 

The HC judge expressed his condolences to the deceased and his family and deemed the incident unfortunate. But at the same time, G Jayachandran also dismissed the case under IPC Section 87 stating that the use of leather-ball cricket is quite prevalent amongst the youth these days. In addition, the judge also went on to quote that the use of leather balls isn't prohibited and that the deceased had already taken part in that match voluntarily. 

The complaint was originally lodged against the batter (Meshak) who hit the ball in the air and the organizer who was responsible for organizing the match. As we now learn, the charges against them have been dropped with immediate effect and Loganathan's father is in constant touch with the Legal Services Authority to explore viable remedies for compensation. 

India Women's campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 got off to a rocky start with a 58-run defeat against New Zealand Women in their Group A opener at Dubai. After New Zealand posted a strong 160/4 in their 20 overs, India struggled in the chase and were bowled out for 102 in 19 overs.

Sophie Devine's captain's knock guides New Zealand to 160/4

New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine anchored her team’s innings with a brilliant 57* off 36 balls, helping them post a competitive total. Her composed yet aggressive innings, laced with seven boundaries, came at a crucial time when the Indian bowlers looked to apply pressure. Devine’s leadership was evident in maintaining New Zealand’s momentum throughout their innings.

 

 

 

 

 

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See Also: Ashwin raises important question after controversial run-out

Mair and Tahuhu tear through India's batting line-up

Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu were the stars with the ball for New Zealand, tearing apart India’s batting line-up. Mair's devastating spell of 4/19 in her four overs and Tahuhu's tight 3/15 kept India under constant pressure, never allowing them to settle in the chase. Their disciplined bowling ensured that India’s hopes of a comeback were dashed early.

 

 

 

 

 

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Renuka Singh’s effort stands out in India’s struggle

Despite India's struggles, Renuka Singh delivered a notable performance with the ball, picking up 2/27 in her four overs. Her dismissal of New Zealand’s key batter Amelia Kerr came after a controversial run-out decision, but Singh remained consistent, keeping India's slim chances alive. However, India’s batting collapse overshadowed her solid bowling effort.

 

 

 

 

 

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As Pakistan’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign kick off in the UAE on October 3 against Sri Lanka, the team faces an off-field struggle that is overshadowing their preparation. Despite being under a 23-month contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) starting August 1, 2023, the players have not received their salaries for the last four months. The issue raises concerns over the management of women’s cricket in Pakistan, as other Full Member Nations move toward greater pay parity and timely payments for their athletes.

Women cricketers await salaries for four months

Pakistan’s women cricketers are facing a challenging situation as they begin their T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE, yet remain unpaid for the last four months. The team have been under a 23-month contract since August 2023, but no payments have been made since June 2024. According to PCB, the delay is due to administrative challenges and time constraints. A PCB official stated that the process of finalizing the players' contracts is ongoing and that payments will be backdated once the lists are approved, with new contracts set to be offered from July 1, 2024.

The players also reportedly did not receive daily allowances during their training camp in Multan, which began on September 1, ahead of their home series against South Africa. However, allowances were provided to the support staff. The salary delays are not unique to the women’s team, as Pakistan's men’s team is also facing similar issues, although the reasons for the delays differ between the two teams.

See Also: ICC launches AI tool to protect teams from 'toxic content' in T20 World Cup

Pay disparity between men and women cricketers continue

The salary delays come at a time when pay disparity between male and female cricketers in Pakistan remains significant. Pakistan’s women cricketers are among the lowest-paid in all Full Member Nations, even though the PCB is the fourth-richest cricket board globally. Other cricket boards, such as India, England, and New Zealand, have already established pay parity in match fees between men and women, while South Africa and West Indies have committed to bridging the gap soon.

In contrast, Pakistan has yet to announce any concrete plans to address this disparity, nor does it have a players' association to represent the interests of cricketers. Despite PCB's expected increase in spending on women’s cricket by USD 600,000 this season, it remains significantly lower than investments in the men’s game. With players in countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh earning more per match than Pakistani women cricketers, the call for equitable pay and timely compensation becomes even more critical as they compete on the global stage.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has once again returned to London after playing in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. India secured a commanding 7-wicket victory in Kanpur, and soon after, Kohli was spotted at the airport boarding a flight back to London. His frequent travels have caught the attention of fans, with many commenting on how Kohli seems to spend more time in London when not on the field for India.

Kohli's frequent travels spark fan reactions

A video of Virat Kohli at the airport has gone viral on social media, sparking conversations among fans about his regular visits to London. Kohli, who returned to India to play the Test series against Bangladesh, has often been spotted flying back to London once his cricketing duties are over.

Fans have pointed out that after India’s T20 World Cup win, Kohli immediately flew to London. Before the Sri Lanka series, he returned to India to fulfill his national duties, only to head back to London afterward. A similar pattern occurred before the Bangladesh series, where Kohli came back to India, played the series, and soon left for London again.

See Also: 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup to feature high-tech smart replay system

Many fans have expressed their thoughts, noting that Kohli seems to only stay in India while his matches are ongoing, choosing to spend his off-time in London. The star batter is now expected to return for India’s upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16, and later for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 in Australia, beginning on November 22.

pic.twitter.com/OJ6eX0yrZV

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) October 2, 2024

Virat Kohli on his way to London after the Bangladesh test series ended pic.twitter.com/svFdPfMJxV

— Ankit Pathak 🇮🇳 (@ankit_acerbic) October 1, 2024

Bangladesh test series gets over...

Virat Kohli going to London : pic.twitter.com/vJgwMdzbli

— UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) October 1, 2024

कोहली साब back in London after the Ind Bangladesh test series ended #INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/tub3VRfxMl

— SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) October 1, 2024

After playing a Test match against Bangladesh, Virat Kohli has flown back to his home in London.

Immediately after winning the T-20 World Cup, he went to London.

Before the Sri Lanka series, he returned to India, played the series, and then went back to London.

Before the… pic.twitter.com/PlNshydo3V

— MADHU SAINI (@Madhum1410) October 2, 2024

People criticize Virat Kohli for living in London, but why? Would he meet everyone if he stayed in India? Does he avoid taxes? He has the right to travel freely. As a public figure, he can't enjoy that freedom in India. Imagine living your life confined to one room.

— Shah (@ipagshah00) October 2, 2024

Kohli saab toh ab aise London aate-jaate rehte hain jaise apne Megha show ka banda India se Georgia oscillate karta hai .. Well he has money & its his wish but I think next series is not far, man should focus on practise, form is crucial https://t.co/8VO95gRdsI

— Nishant (@NishantTweets30) October 2, 2024

The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup is set to mark a significant technological advancement with the introduction of the Smart Replay System. This system, which was previously used in high-profile tournaments like the IPL 2024 and The Hundred, will be featured in an ICC event for the first time. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 3 in the UAE, and the Smart Replay System aims to enhance the accuracy of umpiring decisions, further elevating the integrity of the game.

Advanced camera system for enhanced accuracy

The ICC confirmed that each game will be covered by a minimum of 28 cameras, supplemented by a range of analytical and visual technologies. The Decision Review System (DRS) will be available throughout the tournament, with the Hawk-Eye Smart Replay System playing a pivotal role in decision-making. This system provides the TV umpire with instant, synchronized multi-angle footage to make real-time, accurate decisions.

The Smart Replay System is designed to streamline the process by eliminating the TV broadcast director's role as a middleman. Instead, the TV umpire will receive direct input from two Hawk-Eye operators who will be seated in the same room. This allows the umpire to access a wider range of visuals, including split-screen images, to evaluate situations like close stumpings or caught-behind referrals with greater precision.

How the system works for referrals

For stumpings, the TV umpire can request split-screen visuals from the Hawk-Eye operators, allowing them to view multiple angles in a single frame. The front-on camera angle will be especially useful in determining when the bails are removed, while the side-on view helps assess the bat’s position relative to the crease.

In cases of caught-behind decisions, the TV umpire will review footage to detect any gap between the ball and bat before resorting to UltraEdge technology. This step-by-step process ensures that stumpings and other close decisions are handled with greater clarity and accuracy.

The Smart Replay System's key advantage is its use of Hawk-Eye’s high-speed cameras, which record at 300 frames per second, as opposed to the traditional Stump Cam that records at 50 frames per second. This improvement provides more detailed footage, reducing the chances of errors in crucial decisions.

See Also: "It felt like a second birth in Test cricket" - Rohit Sharma shares the role Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri play in his Test career

Continuing the trend from last year’s T20 World Cup, the 2024 edition will also feature an all-female panel of umpires and match officials. This progressive move by the ICC emphasizes inclusivity while maintaining the highest standards of officiating.

The inclusion of the Smart Replay System underscores the ICC's commitment to using cutting-edge technology to maintain fairness and accuracy in the sport. As women’s cricket continues to grow, these innovations will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the game, making the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup a landmark event in cricketing history.

In a major decision, star batter Babar Azam has once again stepped down as captain of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I teams. In a social media post on Wednesday, Babar announced that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management of his decision in September. Citing the heavy workload that came with leading the national team, Babar shared that he wants to focus more on his batting and personal life.

This is the second time in less than a year that Babar has relinquished the captaincy. Following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar resigned from all three formats, only to be reinstated as the white-ball captain in March 2024. However, after another challenging T20 World Cup in 2024, where Pakistan failed to advance past the group stage, Babar has once again chosen to step aside.

Workload and personal growth

Babar Azam addressed his fans on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that the decision to step down as captain was difficult but necessary. "Captaincy has been a rewarding experience, but it has added a significant workload," Babar said. He emphasized that by stepping down, he could channel his energy into performing better as a player. Babar also mentioned his desire to spend more quality time with his family.

Dear Fans,

I'm sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month.

It's been an honour to lead this team, but it's time for me to step down and focus…

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 1, 2024

Babar has been facing a rare lean patch in his career, recently slipping out of the top 10 in the ICC Test rankings. His decision to resign comes after attending the Strategic Connection Camp, a workshop in September aimed at planning the future of Pakistan cricket. Senior players like Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan were also present, alongside coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie.

Pakistan's recent struggles and leadership changes

Pakistan's performance in the T20 World Cup was underwhelming, as they were eliminated in the group stage after losses to India and the USA. Throughout the tournament, rumors of a rift in the dressing room and clashes with head coach Gary Kirsten added to the team’s struggles.

This resignation marks yet another chapter in the recent musical chairs of Pakistan's leadership. Babar had previously stepped down in November 2023, following Pakistan's poor ODI World Cup campaign. Shaheen Afridi was appointed as T20I captain but was sacked after just one series. Babar returned to the helm in March 2024 but has now stepped down once again after Pakistan’s struggles in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Future of Pakistan cricket

Pakistan has not played an ODI since their World Cup exit in November 2023 and has not played any T20Is since June 2024. The team is now gearing up for a three-match Test series against England in October, led by Test captain Shan Masood. However, Masood has also been under scrutiny after Pakistan's surprising home series defeat to Bangladesh.

See Also: WATCH: When the Test match was televised first time

Babar’s decision to resign could open the door for new leadership and a possible reshuffling of the team’s strategy as Pakistan looks to rebuild after a series of disappointing international campaigns. It remains to be seen who will step into Babar’s shoes as the permanent ODI and T20I captain moving forward.

Babar Azam’s decision to step down from his captaincy role is a significant moment for Pakistan cricket. After a challenging year with leadership changes and underwhelming performances, Babar’s choice to focus on his batting could benefit both him and the team. As Pakistan looks to rebuild and strategize for the future, all eyes will be on who will take up the mantle of leadership in the white-ball formats.

India sealed a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second Test in Kanpur, completing a 2-0 series sweep on Tuesday (October 1, 2024). The match, plagued by rain and weather interruptions, saw India’s bowlers shine, delivering an exhilarating performance to maintain their unbeaten record at home. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah shared the spotlight, dismantling Bangladesh's batting order and reinforcing India's top position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) table.

India’s bowlers rule the day

Bangladesh began the final day at 26/2, needing a resilient batting effort to avoid defeat. However, India's bowlers made quick work of the opposition, bowling Bangladesh out for just 146. Jasprit Bumrah (3/17), Ravichandran Ashwin (3/50), and Ravindra Jadeja (3/34) claimed three wickets each to wrap up Bangladesh’s innings.

Ashwin drew first blood early on, dismissing first-innings centurion Mominul Haque. Jadeja then decimated the middle-order, while Bumrah cleaned up the tail, leaving Bangladesh reeling. The victory marked India's record-extending 18th consecutive series win at home.

Jaiswal leads India’s chase

India, needing 95 runs for victory, reached the target comfortably in 17.2 overs, losing three wickets along the way. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was named Player of the Match, played a crucial knock of 51, his second fifty of the game. Despite losing Rohit Sharma (8) and Shubman Gill (6) early to off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, India’s chase never seemed in doubt.

Jaiswal and Virat Kohli (29*) shared a 58-run partnership that steadied the innings. Although Jaiswal was dismissed with only three runs left to win, Rishabh Pant hit the winning boundary to seal the match.

Bangladesh’s batting struggles

For Bangladesh, opener Shadman Islam was the lone bright spot, scoring a fighting 50 off 101 deliveries. Former skipper Mushfiqur Rahim also contributed 37 but lacked support from the rest of the team. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s reckless reverse sweep against Jadeja, which led to his dismissal, opened the floodgates for India.

Jadeja's spell was particularly devastating, as he picked up three crucial middle-order wickets, including Shakib Al Hasan, who failed to score in what might be his final Test innings.

See Also: Netizens call Kanpur 'worst venue', BCCI reacts

India’s dominant performance in Kanpur, despite losing over 200 overs due to rain, showcased the depth of their bowling attack. The win further cemented India’s position atop the ICC WTC standings with 74.24 percentage points. As for Bangladesh, the visitors will need to regroup and address their batting fragilities after being completely outclassed by India in both Tests.

Former India cricketer and current head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, VVS Laxman, has commended the Indian women’s cricket team for their meticulous preparations ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Laxman highlighted the team's commitment and effort, stating that the intense training camp held at the Centre of Excellence has equipped the squad well for the high-pressure tournament. India are set to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on October 4 in Dubai, and Laxman believes the team's extensive preparations will help them perform at their best.

Unmatched commitment and strategic camp

Laxman, having closely observed the team's preparation during the camp led by head coach Amol Muzumdar, praised the team for their dedication. "The kind of commitment, dedication, and intensity with which they practice and prepare is unmatched. I am very proud of the way they prepare," Laxman said during an exclusive media briefing.

The camp was carefully structured in two phases to ensure that players were well-prepared both mentally and physically. The first phase focused on mental resilience and physical conditioning, followed by a break. In the second phase, the emphasis shifted to refining skills and tactics. Laxman noted that this structured approach would help the players adapt quickly during the tournament.

Match simulation and broader impact on women's cricket

In addition to regular training, the team engaged in five practice matches to simulate different game situations, designed to help players handle real-time match pressures. "Amol created different situations and challenges for the players, which will help them adapt in high-pressure matches," Laxman added.

Laxman also expressed optimism about the future of women’s cricket in India, pointing to the success of the Women's Premier League (WPL) as a catalyst for change. He emphasized the similarities between the WPL and the IPL, stating that the WPL will accelerate the development of young female cricketers, much like the IPL has done for men’s cricket.

See Also: Watch: Rohit Sharma's stunning one-handed catch lights up Kanpur

Additionally, Laxman acknowledged the success of India’s Under-19 women’s team, which won the inaugural T20 World Cup earlier this year. He highlighted this victory as evidence of the growing strength and potential of women’s cricket in India, further boosting hopes for the future.

As the Indian women’s team heads into the T20 World Cup, their preparation, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, positions them as strong contenders. With a mix of experience, tactical training, and an increasing support system around women’s cricket, India are poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.

India captain Rohit Sharma pulled off a sensational one-handed catch during the second Test against Bangladesh at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, sending the Monday crowd into a frenzy. After two days of rain, Rohit's athleticism brought much-needed excitement to the game, leaving both teammates and spectators in awe.

Litton Das dismissed in style

Standing at mid-off, Rohit Sharma showcased his impeccable timing as he leapt to intercept Litton Das's powerful drive off Mohammed Siraj’s bowling. The ball seemed destined for the boundary, but Rohit’s quick reflexes and a perfectly timed jump saw the ball stick into his right hand. Litton Das, who had scored 13 runs, couldn’t believe his bad luck as his beautifully timed shot met its premature end in Rohit’s palm.

WHAT. A. CATCH 👏👏

Captain @ImRo45 with a screamer of a catch as Litton Das is dismissed for 13.@mdsirajofficial picks up his first.

Live - https://t.co/JBVX2gyyPf… #INDvBAN@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/60saRWTDtG

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 30, 2024

Bangladesh stumbles as Rohit celebrates

Rohit’s catch marked the fall of Bangladesh’s fifth wicket at 148, adding to their batting woes. Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah had dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim for 11 on the fourth morning, further solidifying India's advantage. Meanwhile, Mominul Haque managed to complete his half-century, providing some resistance for Bangladesh.

See Also: Duleep Trophy set to experience another format change

After Rohit’s incredible catch, the entire Indian team burst into smiles, with Rohit sprinting across the field, raising his hand and celebrating the moment in style. Having already secured a commanding 280-run victory in the first Test in Chennai, India leads the two-match series 1-0. Rohit’s moment of brilliance has brought them closer to sealing the series as they continue to dominate the match.