Name: Watch: Carlos Alcaraz advances to fourth round of Australian Open
Uploaded: 2024-01-20T14:40:30.000+05:30
Duration: T00M19S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Carlos Alcaraz was well ahead in the match with scores of 6-1, 6-1, and was leading 1-0 in the third set when China's Shang had to withdraw because of a leg injury.

India’s women’s cricket team, led by Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking century, achieved its largest-ever ODI victory, defeating Ireland by 304 runs and completing a 3-0 clean sweep.

Smriti Mandhana smashes 70-ball ton as records fall by wayside in India's 304-run-victory

India&rsquo;s women&rsquo;s cricket team, led by Smriti Mandhana&rsquo;s record-breaking century, achieved its largest-ever ODI victory, defeating Ireland by 304 runs and completing a 3-0 clean sweep.

Records tumbled like nine pins as the Indian women's cricket team, powered by skipper Smriti Mandhana's 70-ball century, demolished Ireland by a whopping 304 runs to claim its biggest-ever ODI win and complete a 3-0 clean sweep in Rajkot on Wednesday.&nbsp;
The result of the match was a mere formality once India set Ireland a massive target of 436, and Ireland could only garner 131 before getting bundled out in 31.4 overs.
India put the first step forward towards a crushing victory through record-breaking Mandhana (135, 80b, 12x4, 7x6) and her opening partner Pratika Rawal (154, 129b, 20x4, 1x6), reaching 435/5, highest total by an Indian team &mdash; men&rsquo;s or women&rsquo;s &mdash; in ODIs. India men's highest ODI total is 418/5 made against the West Indies in Indore in 2011.
Mandhana and Rawal added a whopping 233 runs for the first wicket in just 26.4 overs and there was no looking back. Then spinners Tanuja Kanwar (2/31) and Deepti Sharma (3/27) took over, sharing five wickets among them to decimate the Irish line-up, which was well short on experience.&nbsp;
Orla Prendergast (36) and Sarah Forbes (41) added 64 runs for a fluent third wicket stand that helped Ireland to recover from a shaky 24 for two to reach 88 without further damage. But once Prendergast was cleaned up by Kanwar, India were all over the tourists like a bad rash, claiming the remaining seven wickets for just 33 runs.
It also helped India eclipse their previous largest margin of victory (by runs) &mdash; 249 registered against the same opposition in 2017 at Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Stunning Smriti&nbsp;
Mandhana&rsquo;s 10th ODI century came off just 70 deliveries as the left-hander surpassed Harmanpreet Kaur&rsquo;s 87-ball hundred mark against South Africa last year. It also set the tone for India breaching the 400-run mark for the first time, joining Australia and New Zealand in that elite list.&nbsp;
Mandhana was in her usual destructive self, and was not afraid to take the aerial route over the 'V' and clear the 30-yard circle. Pratika complemented her captain brilliantly with a measured knock, making the occasion even more special by notching her maiden international century in her sixth innings.&nbsp;
Pratika relied on precise placement and deft touches in the point region and she showed her aggression only after reaching the ton, hitting Freya Sargent for her first six.
Demonstrating hunger for a bigger knock, she powered her way to an impressive 150 &mdash; a perfect blend of composure and aggression. Their 233-run partnership made them only the fourth Indian pair to record a 200-run stand in Women&rsquo;s ODIs.&nbsp;
It was also the third instance of both Indian openers scoring hundreds in ODIs, following Reshma Gandhi and Mithali Raj&rsquo;s feat at Milton Keynes in 1999 and Deepti and Raut&rsquo;s partnership at Potchefstroom in 2017 -- all against Ireland. The duo added 90 runs during the Power Play and 67 in the subsequent 10 overs, maintaining a brisk scoring rate.&nbsp;
Mandhana reached her first century of the calendar year with an exquisite drive off Arlene Kelly. Kelly bore the brunt of her onslaught, conceding successive sixes in one over. Even Kelly&rsquo;s variations, including back-of-the-hand deliveries, were dispatched with ease, with the Indian batter following a six with another boundary in the 24th over.&nbsp;
Mandhana also took on Ireland&rsquo;s leading bowler, Prendergast, smashing her for a boundary down the ground and a towering six over long-on. Promoted to No. 3, Richa Ghosh also returned to form, making a 37-ball fifty, her fifth in ODIs.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off with its opening ceremony on February 16 or 17, with India captain Rohit Sharma expected to attend.

Champions Trophy opening on Feb 16 or 17; PCB hopeful Rohit will be there

The Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off with its opening ceremony on February 16 or 17, with India captain Rohit Sharma expected to attend.

The opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy will be held either on February 16 or 17 and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is confident that India captain Rohit Sharma will be in attendance at the event.
The PCB source also said that it is awaiting communication from the ICC on the schedule of the customary captains' photo-shoot and the pre-event press conference.
The eight-team tournament will get underway on February 19 in Karachi. However, India will play all their matches in Dubai, starting with the clash against Bangladesh on February 20, after refusing to travel to Pakistan owing to security concerns.
The source said PCB has procured all relevant clearances from its government to promptly issue visas to all captains, players and team officials who will come here for pre-tournament events.
"This obviously includes Rohit or any other Indian team player or official or board official," he added.
Another source confirmed to PTI that the PCB has made it clear to the ICC that the opening ceremony, featuring all teams and their captains, will take place in Pakistan.
"This is in line with the usual protocols and since the opening match is on 19th the opening ceremony can be expected either on the 16th or 17th," the source added.
He said the schedule of the opening ceremony would depend on the warm-up matches list.
The source said that recently three Indian nationals, who were a part of the ICC delegation which came to Pakistan, were promptly issued visas once the world body sent their names to the PCB.

The BCCI has taken steps to address India's recent struggles in Test cricket. The team management was questioned about performance issues, with IPL salaries highlighted as a factor. 

BCCI grills Rohit Sharma, Gambhir over recent Test failures

The BCCI has taken steps to address India's recent struggles in Test cricket. The team management was questioned about performance issues, with IPL salaries highlighted as a factor.&nbsp;

The Indian cricketing landscape is abuzz following a recent meeting between Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Test captain Rohit Sharma. The gathering has revealed some key discussions about the current state of Indian cricket, especially in the Test format.
In the wake of India&rsquo;s disappointing defeats against Australia and New Zealand, the BCCI raised questions about the team's performance and sought explanations from the management. The losses have highlighted several issues, including the future direction of the team.
A report indicates that one member of the team management pointed to the lucrative IPL paychecks as a potential factor behind some players' inability to perform well in Test cricket. The suggestion was that the large financial rewards from IPL contracts may have led some players to deprioritize the longer format of the game.
To address these concerns and improve the team&rsquo;s recent slump, the BCCI is reportedly introducing a series of changes. One significant measure will limit players' time with their families during tours. For extended tours lasting up to 45 days, family members will only be allowed to accompany players for a maximum of 14 days. For shorter tours, the limit is reduced to one week. Additionally, players will no longer be permitted to use private transport for travel to and from practice or matches.
These new guidelines were shared with Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and Ajit Agarkar during a meeting with BCCI officials in Mumbai last Saturday, with the aim of enhancing focus on Test cricket and improving the team&rsquo;s overall performance.

India's women’s cricket team posted their highest-ever total of 435/5 in the third ODI against Ireland, with openers Smriti Mandhana (135) and Pratika Rawal (154) scoring centuries.

India women register 435/5, their highest ODI total

India's women&rsquo;s cricket team posted their highest-ever total of 435/5 in the third ODI against Ireland, with openers Smriti Mandhana (135) and Pratika Rawal (154) scoring centuries.

Smriti Mandhana waltzed her way to the fastest century by an Indian while Pratika Rawal compiled her maiden hundred as India amassed 435 for five, their highest-ever total in the 50-over format, in the third and final women's ODI against Ireland in Rajkot on Wednesday.&nbsp;
The stand-in skipper Smriti's scintillating 135 (80 balls), her 10th ODI century, came off just 70 deliveries, set the tone for India breaching the 400-run mark for the first time, joining Australia and New Zealand in that elite list. ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/smriti-mandhana-smashes-fastest-odi-hundred-by-an-indian-woman-cricketer-1736930519940" target="_blank">Smriti Mandhana smashes fastest ODI hundred by an Indian woman cricketer</a> 
It was also the fourth-highest total in women's ODI, and Smriti also surpassed Harmanpreet Kaur's 87-ball hundred mark against South Africa last year. Smriti reached her 31st ODI fifty in 39 balls, her second half-century of the series and the southpaw was not afraid to take the aerial route over the 'V' and clear the 30-yard circle in an innings studded with seven sixes and 12 fours.
Pratika, a Delhi cricketer representing Railways, complemented her captain brilliantly with a measured knock, making the occasion even more special by notching her maiden international century in her sixth innings. She made 154 from 129 balls.&nbsp;
The 24-year-old, who debuted in the previous series against the West Indies, had already notched three fifties in four innings. This time, Pratika made it count, reaching a run-a-ball hundred before shifting gears with authority.&nbsp;
Pratika relied on precise placement and deft touches in the point region and she showed her aggression only after reaching the ton, hitting Freya Sargent for her first six. She also hit 20 boundaries. Demonstrating her hunger for a bigger knock, she powered her way to an impressive 150, showcasing a perfect blend of composure and aggression.&nbsp;
Their 233-run partnership made them only the fourth Indian pair to record a 200-run stand in Women's ODIs. The last such partnership was the record-breaking 320-run opening stand by Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut against Ireland in 2017.&nbsp;
It was also the third instance of both Indian openers scoring hundreds in a Women's ODI, following Reshma Gandhi and Mithali Raj's feat at Milton Keynes in 1999 and Deepti and Raut's partnership at Potchefstroom in 2017 -- all against Ireland. The duo added 90 runs during the Power Play and 67 in the subsequent 10 overs, maintaining a brisk scoring rate.&nbsp;
The partnership marked their fourth 100-run stand in six innings. Smriti reached her first century of the calendar year with an exquisite drive off Arlene Kelly. Kelly bore the brunt of Smriti's onslaught, conceding successive sixes in one over. Even Kelly's variations, including back-of-the-hand deliveries, were dispatched with ease, with Smriti following a six with another boundary in the 24th over.&nbsp;
Smriti also took on Ireland's leading bowler, Orla Prendergast, smashing her for a boundary down the ground and a towering six over long-on, leaving the Irish attack in tatters. Promoted to No. 3, keeper-batter Richa Ghosh also returned to form, getting to a 37-ball fifty, her fifth in ODIs. Ireland used seven bowlers but they struggled against India's batting fury and sloppy fielding added to their misery.&nbsp; 
Brief Score:
India 435 for 5 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 154, Smriti Mandhana 135; Orla Prendergast 2/71)

Smriti Mandhana sets a new record with the fastest one-day international century by an Indian woman, reaching the milestone in just 70 balls against Ireland.

Smriti Mandhana smashes fastest ODI hundred by an Indian woman cricketer

Smriti Mandhana sets a new record with the fastest one-day international century by an Indian woman, reaching the milestone in just 70 balls against Ireland.

Skipper Smriti Mandhana smashed the fastest one-day international century by an Indian in women&rsquo;s cricket, reaching the milestone in just 70 balls during the third ODI against Ireland here on Wednesday (January 15, 2025).
Leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, the dynamic opener lit up the innings with 12 boundaries and seven sixes in her scintillating 135-run knock before being caught at short fine leg by Orla Prendergast.
Mandhana broke the record previously held by Kaur, who had scored a century in 87 balls against South Africa in Bengaluru last year.
Mandhana&rsquo;s hundred is the joint-seventh fastest in the format, equalling former England cricketer Charlotte Edwards' effort from 2012.
With her 10th ODI hundred, Mandhana also moved to joint third on the all-time list of most centuries in women's ODIs, alongside England's Tammy Beaumont.
The list is led by former Australia captain Meg Lanning (15) and New Zealand&rsquo;s Suzie Bates (13).

Wasim Akram unveils the iconic white jacket for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be co-hosted by Pakistan and UAE starting February 19. 

Champions Trophy 2025: Wasim Akram unveils the iconic white jacket

Wasim Akram unveils the iconic white jacket for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be co-hosted by Pakistan and UAE starting February 19.&nbsp;

Pakistan&rsquo;s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram on Tuesday, unveiled the iconic white jacket for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The highly anticipated 50-over tournament will kick off on February 19 and will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. With just over a month remaining before the event, the ICC (International Cricket Council) released a special video showcasing the jacket, which will be worn by the winning team at the tournament&rsquo;s conclusion. &lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;The iconic white jacket is back! &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#ChampionsTrophy&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/qcPLDU93PJ"&gt;pic.twitter.com/qcPLDU93PJ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ICC (@ICC) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1879091163069890596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;January 14, 2025&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
The video features Wasim Akram discussing the qualities that define a "champion," along with glimpses of the journey of crafting the iconic white jacket from scratch. &ldquo;The ICC Men&rsquo;s Champions Trophy represents the best of the best and the unveiling of the white jacket, which symbolizes greatness, will now build the excitement of the event across the global cricket community. Next month&rsquo;s Champions Trophy will see the strongest team win the tournament, as every game is a pressure game and there is no chance for any team to have a break,&rdquo; Akram shared in a media statement.
The tournament will see the top eight teams competing in 15 matches over 19 days, from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Defending champions Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match at National Stadium, Karachi, on February 19.
India and Pakistan will clash in a much-anticipated match on February 23. The teams are split into two groups, with Group A featuring India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B comprises Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. India will start their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, with all their group-stage matches taking place in Dubai.
The tournament will be hosted across three venues in Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. Should India qualify for the final, the summit clash will take place in Dubai on March 9.

Jasprit Bumrah has been awarded the ICC Men's Player of the Month for December 2024 following his outstanding performance during India's tour of Australia. 

Jasprit Bumrah named ICC Men’s Player of Month for December 2024

Jasprit Bumrah has been awarded the ICC Men's Player of the Month for December 2024 following his outstanding performance during India's tour of Australia.&nbsp;

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been honored with the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for December 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday. His remarkable performances during India's tour of Australia in December played a pivotal role in securing him the prestigious award, defeating strong contenders such as Pat Cummins and Dane Paterson.
Over the three matches in December, Bumrah claimed an impressive 22 wickets at an exceptional average of 14.22, leading India&rsquo;s bowling attack. His standout performance came in Adelaide, where he took four crucial wickets, keeping India within reach of Australia&rsquo;s first-innings lead.
Bumrah then shone even brighter in Brisbane, taking six wickets in the first innings to rattle Australia&rsquo;s batting order. He followed up with three more wickets in the second innings, completing a nine-wicket match haul. His efforts were integral in securing a draw despite adverse weather conditions, helping India maintain their chances in the series.
The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw Bumrah continue to impress, claiming four wickets in the first innings, followed by a five-wicket haul in the second innings to dismiss Australia for 234. Despite India&rsquo;s batting woes leading to a heavy defeat, Bumrah&rsquo;s brilliance was a silver lining in a tough tour.
Bumrah&rsquo;s consistent match-winning contributions not only earned him the Player of the Series award but also elevated his standing as one of cricket&rsquo;s top bowlers.
He marked a significant milestone by taking his 200th Test wicket, becoming the fourth-fastest player to reach this achievement. Additionally, he made history by being the first bowler to take 200 Test wickets at an average below 20.
For his extraordinary impact on the field, Jasprit Bumrah has been awarded the ICC Men&rsquo;s Player of the Month for December 2024.

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues climbs to 19th in ICC Women's ODI rankings after her maiden international century, leading India to a record 370-run total against Ireland. 

Jemimah breaks into top-20 in ICC rankings after maiden international ton

Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues climbs to 19th in ICC Women's ODI rankings after her maiden international century, leading India to a record 370-run total against Ireland.&nbsp;

Riding on her maiden international century, Indian middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues climbed three spots to enter the top-20 at 19th in the ICC Women's ODI rankings released on Tuesday. Ending a seven-year wait, the 24-year-old struck 102 to power India to their highest ever total of 370 in the second women's ODI against Ireland in Rajkot. India won the match by 116 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Jemimah now has 563 ranking points, ahead of Suzie Bates (New Zealand) in the top-20, the ICC stated in a press release. India opening batter Smriti Mandhana, who is leading the side against Ireland in absence of an injured Harmanpreet Kaur, stayed on the podium at third place with 723 ranking points.
She is behind Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu (733) and South African star batter Laura Wolvaardt, who retained her top spot with a career-high points tally of 773. Australia skipper Alyssa Healy was the big mover in the latest update, climbing to fifth with 678 points on the back of her 70 in their win over England in the women's Ashes series-opener. The top three ODI bowlers were involved in the Ashes series currently, with England's Sophie Ecclestone (779) clinging to the top spot. The 25-year-old snared six wickets across the first two One-Day matches in Australia.

Rohan Bopanna and his new doubles partner Nicolas Barrientos lost to Spain’s Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar in the opening round of the Australian Open, 5-7, 6-7 (5). 

Bopanna, Barrientos make first-round exit from Australian Open men's doubles event

Rohan Bopanna and his new doubles partner Nicolas Barrientos lost to Spain&rsquo;s Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar in the opening round of the Australian Open, 5-7, 6-7 (5).&nbsp;

Former world number one Rohan Bopanna and his new Colombian partner Nicolas Barrientos bowed out of the Australian Open men's doubles event with an opening-round loss to the Spanish team of Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar in Melbourne on Tuesday.&nbsp;
Bopanna and Barrientos went down 5-7, 6-7 (5) in a match that lasted close to two hours.&nbsp;
The 14th-seeded Indo-Colombian pair began on a promising note but faltered in crucial moments, allowing the Spaniards to capitalise and secure victory.&nbsp;
Bopanna and Barrientos got off to a solid start, holding serve comfortably in the initial games. However, the Spanish pair gradually gained momentum, showcasing consistency from the baseline and tactical net play.
The decisive moment came late in the set when Martinez and Munar earned a crucial break to take the opener. In a roller-coaster second set, both the pairs pushed each other to the limit.&nbsp;
Martinez and Munar first cruised to a 5-3 lead and appeared poised to close out the match while serving for it. However, Bopanna and Barrientos staged a spirited fightback, breaking their opponents' serve to level the score at 5-5. The set ultimately went to a tie-break in which the Spaniards kept their composure, edging past the 14th seeds 7-5 to clinch the match.&nbsp;
The 44-year-old Indian had won the 2024 edition with his Australian partner Matthew Ebden. That historic victory made Bopanna, who was 43 at that time, the oldest man in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam title.&nbsp;
However, the Bopanna-Ebden partnership concluded after the Turin ATP Finals in November last year leading to his new pairing with Barrientos.&nbsp;
Earlier, India's top ranked singles player Sumit Nagal also made a first-round exit, losing to world No.25 Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic in straight sets on Monday.

India captain Rohit Sharma, struggling with form following a difficult tour of Australia, joined the Mumbai team for a practice session ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy match. 

Rohit Sharma shows up at Mumbai Ranji team practice

India captain Rohit Sharma, struggling with form following a difficult tour of Australia, joined the Mumbai team for a practice session ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy match.&nbsp;

Embattled India captain Rohit Sharma practised with the Mumbai team here on Tuesday as the side geared up for the resumption of Ranji Trophy from January 23.
The 37-year-old, who endured a horror run with the bat in the national team's tour of Australia recently, took part in a morning practice session at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
The past few weeks have been tumultuous for Rohit. He managed just 31 runs across three Tests during his time Down Under and was forced to drop himself from the series-deciding fifth and final Test in Sydney due to his poor form.
With his future as a red-ball cricketer hanging by a thread, Rohit attended a review meeting on Sunday to assess the team's performance.
He was joined by head coach Gautam Gambhir and BCCI's new secretary Devajit Saikia during the deliberations.
Mumbai will play Jammu and Kashmir at the MCA-BKC ground when the Ranji Trophy resumes on January 23, and the match holds significance as far as advancing to the knockouts is concerned.
It remains to be seen whether Rohit plays in Mumbai's next match. He last played for Mumbai way back in 2015 against Uttar Pradesh.

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Carlos Alcaraz was well ahead in the match with scores of 6-1, 6-1, and was leading 1-0 in the third set when China's Shang had to withdraw because of a leg injury.
&nbsp;

Watch: Carlos Alcaraz advances to fourth round of Australian Open

Spain No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has successfully advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open

Watch highlights.

<h2>Carlos Alcaraz was well ahead in the match with scores of 6-1, 6-1, and was leading 1-0 in the third set when China's Shang had to withdraw because of a leg injury.</h2>
&nbsp;

Carlos Alcaraz has successfully advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open, following the early retirement of his opponent Shang Juncheng due to injury during their third-round match.
Alcaraz, seeded No. 2, was dominating the match with scores of 6-1, 6-1, and was leading 1-0 in the third set when Shang had to withdraw because of a leg injury.
In the next round, Alcaraz is set to face Serbian player Miomir Kecmanovic. Kecmanovic dramatically earned his spot, saving a match point against last year's semifinalist Tommy Paul to secure a victory with a scoreline of 6-4, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7), 6-0.

Virat Kohli is named in Delhi's squad for their Ranji match against Saurashtra, though his participation remains uncertain due to a neck injury.

Ranji Trophy: Kohli named in 22-member provisional squad for Delhi's next game

Virat Kohli is named in Delhi's squad for their Ranji match against Saurashtra, though his participation remains uncertain due to a neck injury.

Star batter Virat Kohli has been named in Delhi&rsquo;s 22-member provisional squad for their next Ranji Trophy game against Saurashtra in Rajkot but doubts remain about his participation after it came to light that he is nursing a niggle.
It is learnt that Kohli has intimated the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) top brass that he has a neck niggle that he sustained in Sydney during the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia.
He was treated by the physio there and as of now, there is no clarity on availability for the Ranji match starting January 23.
Whether he will play or just fly down to Rajkot for a couple of days&rsquo; training will be clear only after he details his position to DDCA president Rohan Jaitley.
Kohli had last played a red-ball game for Delhi back in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. A year after that, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played his last Ranji Trophy match against Haryana at Lahli.
Talismanic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will feature in a Ranji Trophy game after nearly seven years although it has been learnt that he has declined captaincy, which means Ayush Badoni will continue in the role.
&ldquo;Rishabh felt the existing captain (Badoni) should continue to lead the side. He feels that since he is not available consistently, one shouldn&rsquo;t tinker with leadership," a member of the DDCA apex council told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
&ldquo;When he was offered captaincy, he said that he is very happy to play under Badoni. We have picked 22 players including five U-23, who would fly to Bhilai for their CK Nayudu U-23 match against Chattisgarh, starting January 25," he added.
The BCCI has made it mandatory for all centrally-contracted cricketers to play domestic cricket unless there is some compelling reason to skip the assignment.
The Board has warned that non-compliance would invite sanctions, including deductions from central contract retainer and ban on playing in the Indian Premier League.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/bcci-s-new-10-point-policy-for-indian-cricket-team-with-penalties-for-non-compliance-1737101292303" target="_blank">BCCI's new 10-point policy for Indian cricket team with penalties for non-compliance</a>
Among the big names already confirmed for upcoming Ranji game is Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will turn up for Mumbai, and Shubman Gill who will represent Punjab in the next round.

England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has received his visa for the upcoming white-ball tour of India, set to begin on January 22.

England's Saqib Mahmood secures visa for India tour after delay

England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has received his visa for the upcoming white-ball tour of India, set to begin on January 22.

After several days of delays, England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has finally received his visa for the upcoming white-ball series in India, set to begin on January 22.
Mahmood, originally from Pakistan, has faced visa issues on multiple occasions in the past. Back in 2019, he was unable to join the England Lions tour of India due to similar delays. Last year, England spinner Shoaib Bashir also missed the first Test against India in Hyderabad due to visa problems, forcing him to return home to resolve the matter.
This time, while Saqib was granted his visa, the delay caused him to miss England's training camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In contrast, fellow players of Pakistani heritage in the squad, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, had no trouble obtaining their visas.
Saqib had been scheduled to attend a pace bowling camp in Abu Dhabi, where England's fast bowlers, including Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, and Saqib himself, were set to train under the guidance of fast bowling consultant James Anderson. However, due to the visa delays, Saqib missed the camp.
The Lancashire bowler, who made his international debut in February 2020, has represented England in nine One-Day Internationals and 18 T20 Internationals, claiming 38 wickets across formats. His most recent appearance came in November 2024 during England's T20I series against the West Indies, where he was named Player of the Series after taking nine wickets in four games at an impressive average of 10.55 and an economy rate of 6.33.
England's tour of India includes five T20Is and three ODIs, with the first T20I scheduled for January 22 in Kolkata.

The BCCI has introduced a comprehensive 10-point policy to enhance discipline, unity, and professionalism within the Indian cricket team. Key measures include mandatory participation in domestic cricket, restrictions on family and staff travel & more

BCCI's new 10-point policy for Indian cricket team with penalties for non-compliance

The BCCI has introduced a comprehensive 10-point policy to enhance discipline, unity, and professionalism within the Indian cricket team. Key measures include mandatory participation in domestic cricket, restrictions on family and staff travel and more.

The BCCI has introduced a comprehensive 10-point policy to enhance discipline, unity, and professionalism within the Indian cricket team. Key measures include mandatory participation in domestic cricket, restrictions on family and staff travel and more.

In a move aimed at reshaping the ethos of Indian cricket, the BCCI unveiled a robust 10-point policy on January 16, 2025, focusing on discipline, unity, and a return to domestic roots.
The policy mandates participation in domestic tournaments, restricts family and personal staff on tours, and prohibits individual commercial endorsements during ongoing series. &nbsp;
<h1>The Context for Change</h1>
This decisive action follows the Indian cricket team's recent struggles, including a crushing loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia&mdash;its first defeat in a decade&mdash;and a home series whitewash against New Zealand.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly advocated for these measures during a review meeting to address the team&rsquo;s underwhelming performance.
Non-compliance with the new directives could result in severe repercussions, including cuts in central contract retainers and bans from participating in marquee tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL). &nbsp;
<h1>Key Highlights of the New Policy:</h1>
<h4># Domestic Cricket: A Mandatory Commitment</h4>
The BCCI has emphasized the need for players to stay connected with domestic cricket to strengthen the sport&rsquo;s grassroots structure. Players are now required to be available for domestic matches, ensuring they maintain form, fitness, and alignment with the domestic cricket ecosystem. Any exceptions must be formally approved by the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar. &nbsp;
<h4># Travelling with Families</h4>
Players are expected to travel with the team for all matches and practice sessions, reinforcing discipline and fostering a sense of unity within the squad.
Independent travel arrangements involving families are strongly discouraged. However, in exceptional cases, prior approval from the Head Coach and the Chairman of the Selection Committee is required.&nbsp;
<h4># Curbing Star Privileges</h4>
To discourage preferential treatment, players are now required to travel with the team for matches and practice sessions. The board has also imposed a 150 kg limit on personal baggage for long tours. Excess baggage costs, if incurred, must be covered by the players.
<h4># Ban on Personal Endorsements During Series</h4>
To minimize distractions, players are prohibited from engaging in personal commercial shoots or endorsements during tours or series. &nbsp;
<h4># Accountability for Personal Staff</h4>
The presence of personal staff such as managers, chefs, and security personnel on tours is now restricted. These arrangements must be explicitly approved by the BCCI, ensuring a level playing field for all players.
<h4># Practice Session Attendance</h4>
All players must attend the entirety of scheduled practice sessions, traveling to and from venues as a team. This directive aims to instill a stronger work ethic and reinforce team discipline. &nbsp;
<h4># Equipment and Logistics</h4>
Players are required to coordinate with management for transporting personal items and equipment to the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Additional costs due to separate arrangements will no longer be borne by the board. &nbsp;
<h4># Family Travel Guidelines</h4>
To balance personal well-being and team commitments, players on overseas tours longer than 45 days may have their families join them for up to two weeks per series.
The BCCI will provide shared accommodations during this period, while other expenses are to be borne by the players. All visits must align with dates approved by the Coach, Captain, and GM Operations.
Exceptions require prior approval, and costs outside the approved period will not be covered by the BCCI.
<h4># Completion of Tours</h4>
To promote unity and avoid disruptions, players are required to stay with the team until the official conclusion of the series or tour, regardless of early match conclusions. &nbsp;
<h1>A Landmark Initiative</h1>
The BCCI&rsquo;s new policies reflect its commitment to professional standards and operational efficiency. While the measures may seem restrictive, they aim to align the team with the rigors of modern international cricket. &nbsp;
<h1>A Cultural Reset</h1>
Ultimately, these changes aim to strike a balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility. By fostering discipline and unity, the BCCI hopes to restore the Indian cricket team&rsquo;s dominance on the global stage while ensuring players remain connected to their roots.
<h1>Consequences of Non-Compliance</h1>
The BCCI has made it clear that players are expected to adhere strictly to the prescribed guidelines. Any exceptions or deviations must be pre-approved by the Chairman of the Selection Committee and the Head Coach. Failure to comply could result in sanctions deemed appropriate by the BCCI.
<h4># Possible sanctions include:</h4>
Sanction against the player, barring them from participating in BCCI-conducted tournaments, including the Indian Premier League. Deduction from the player&rsquo;s retainer amount or match fees as outlined in their BCCI contract. These measures reinforce accountability and underline the importance of complying with established policies to prioritize the interests of Indian cricket.

Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar receive Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna at the National Sports Awards 2025. 17 para-athletes among 30 Arjuna Award winners, highlighting India’s Olympic and Paralympic success.

Manu Bhaker, D. Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, Praveen Kumar awarded Khel Ratna at National Sports Awards

Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar honored with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna at the National Sports Awards 2025. 17 para-athletes among the 30 Arjuna Award winners, celebrating India's Olympic and Paralympic achievements.

Manu Bhaker, D. Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna at the National Sports Awards 2025. 32 athletes, including 17 para-athletes, were honored for their exceptional performances.

Double Olympic-medalist shooter Manu Bhaker and teenage chess sensation D. Gukesh received a standing ovation at the National Sports Awards ceremony on Friday as they were honored with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award by President Droupadi Murmu.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | President Droupadi Murmu presents National Sports and Adventure Awards 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan (Source: President of India's Twitter handle) <a href="https://t.co/3N9hxJ7p43">pic.twitter.com/3N9hxJ7p43</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1880131020227494252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalSportsAwards2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalSportsAwards2024</a> : President Droupadi Murmu confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 to Pistol shooter Manu Bhaker. <a href="https://twitter.com/realmanubhaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmanubhaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/YASMinistry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YASMinistry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mansukhmandviya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/khadseraksha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@khadseraksha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Media_SAI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwiniVaishnaw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AshwiniVaishnaw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Murugan_MoS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Murugan_MoS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MinistryWCD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinistryWCD</a>&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/1rNa1XxDa7">pic.twitter.com/1rNa1XxDa7</a>
&mdash; All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/1880131489662398479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
Along with Bhaker and Gukesh, the other recipients of India's highest sporting honor included men&rsquo;s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and Paralympic gold medalist high jumper Praveen Kumar. Harmanpreet played crucial roles in securing bronze medals for India at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, while Praveen Kumar upgraded his Tokyo silver to a gold medal in Paris. Born with a short left leg, Praveen's achievement at the Paralympics was a remarkable feat.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalSportsAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalSportsAwards</a>🏆 Men&rsquo;s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh (<a href="https://twitter.com/13harmanpreet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@13harmanpreet</a>) receives the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan<a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/YASMinistry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YASMinistry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalSportsAwards2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalSportsAwards2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/5j4X13ffE2">pic.twitter.com/5j4X13ffE2</a>
&mdash; PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1880132277033922630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Droupadi Murmu confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 to Para-Athlete Praveen Kumar.<a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Media_SAI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/YASMinistry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YASMinistry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalSportsAwards2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalSportsAwards2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianSports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SportsExcellence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SportsExcellence</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SportsHeroes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SportsHeroes</a> <a href="https://t.co/cKk1UwyHz1">pic.twitter.com/cKk1UwyHz1</a>
&mdash; Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNational/status/1880132369572852198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
The Arjuna Award, given to 32 athletes this year, included an unprecedented 17 para-athletes. Some notable recipients were wrestlers Aman Sehrawat (Paris Olympics bronze), shooters Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, and members of the men&rsquo;s hockey team, including Jarmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Sanjay, and Abhishek.
The overwhelming number of para-athletes among the Arjuna awardees reflects India&rsquo;s stellar performance at the Paris Paralympics, where the country clinched 29 medals, including seven golds and nine silvers.
Manu Bhaker, at 22, became the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single Olympic edition, securing bronze in both the 10m air pistol individual and mixed team events at the Tokyo Olympics. At 18, D. Gukesh achieved history by becoming the youngest-ever chess world champion, defeating China&rsquo;s Ding Liren. He is only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to hold this title.
The honors are based on a points system, emphasizing Olympic and World Championship performances.

Explore the Australian Open 2025 with key players like Sinner defending his title, Sabalenka seeking a three-peat, and Djokovic aiming for a 25th Slam, promising more excitement.

Australian Open: Three key talking points

Witness the Australian Open 2025 with Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Novak Djokovic in action. Sinner defends his crown, Sabalenka aims for a historic three-peat, and Djokovic seeks his 25th Grand Slam, adding to the tournament's excitement.

<h2>The Australian Open heats up with Jannik Sinner defending his title, Aryna Sabalenka chasing a three-peat, and Novak Djokovic aiming for his 25th Grand Slam. Fans eagerly await the finals on January 25-26 to see who will make history.</h2>

The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, is underway in Melbourne, and the excitement is palpable among tennis fans worldwide. With the tournament heating up, everyone is eager to see who will make history this year. As we await the finals on January 25 and 26, here are three key talking points of the tournament
<h3> &nbsp;Jannik Sinner&rsquo;s Title Defense</h3>
 Defending men's champion Jannik Sinner is back on the court, aiming to retain his crown. The 23-year-old Italian had an incredible run in 2024, winning 73 of his 79 matches. Despite his success, Sinner faces some uncertainty. Though he was cleared of wrongdoing after failing two doping tests in March 2024, the World Anti-Doping Agency is challenging the decision. Nevertheless, his determination to continue his dominance, starting in Melbourne, remains undeterred.
<h3>&nbsp; Aryna Sabalenka&rsquo;s Three-Peat?</h3>
Defending women&rsquo;s champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka is chasing a historic Australian Open three-peat, aiming to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997&ndash;1999) to achieve the feat. Sabalenka&rsquo;s prowess on hard surfaces makes her a formidable contender, but she faces fierce competition from players like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff. The path to another title is undoubtedly challenging.
<h3>&nbsp;Can Novak Djokovic Win His 25th Major?</h3>
At 37 years old and with an astounding 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, the Serbian legend shows no signs of slowing down. Just when the world began to speculate about his decline, Djokovic surprised everyone with a game-changing decision: bringing in Andy Murray as his coach. Although seeded seventh, Djokovic&rsquo;s ability to outlast younger rivals and become the oldest Grand Slam men&rsquo;s champion in the Open Era cannot be ruled out. As the tournament progresses, the electrifying atmosphere and the support of passionate fans will undoubtedly intensify the drama and excitement. Will familiar faces triumph, or will an unexpected fairy tale emerge? The Australian Open never fails to surprise, and fans wait with bated breath to see who will capture the coveted title this year.

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