Cricket West Indies Announces Major Overhaul: Specialist Coaches and Franchise Coordination Key to Revamping Domestic Cricket
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has taken a major step toward reviving cricket in the Caribbean by forming a new cricket committee featuring legends such as Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, and Ramnaresh Sarwan. According to the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee—comprising former greats and current leaders—has outlined key focus areas aimed at raising the overall standard of West Indies cricket. The committee has developed both short- and long-term action plans to rejuvenate the sport. Among the initiatives are the appointment of specialist coaches and the establishment of a state-of-the-art high-performance centre. CWI also plans to work closely with franchise teams to ensure continuous fitness monitoring of players. This committee was established in July, shortly after the West Indies’ dismal collapse for 27 runs against Australia in Kingston, Jamaica—a low point that prompted an urgent review. During their initial meetings, members identified several critical issues affecting West Indies cricket, including: Cricket West Indies Outlines Comprehensive Long-Term Plan Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a detailed roadmap aimed at elevating both the men’s and women’s cricket structures across the region. In the short term, CWI plans to appoint an internationally proven batting coach to work throughout the system and bring in a full-time sports psychologist/performance coach for the senior men’s team. The women’s team will also see an upgrade, with the role becoming a full-time position. Additionally, CWI announced plans to advance a capital high-performance project for a state-of-the-art facility at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, featuring modern nets, a gym, and rehabilitation infrastructure. Franchise teams will be required to submit individual development plans and meet new minimum standards, while player fitness will be closely monitored through a regional fitness leaderboard. Long-Term Strategic Actions Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Sai Sudharsan ভারতীয় টেস্ট দলে তৃতীয় স্থানের জন্য চাপ অনুভব করার কারণে সমালোচিত: ‘তার শুধু প্রয়োজন…’
ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজের বিপক্ষে সিরিজের উদ্বোধনী ম্যাচে, Sai Sudharsan তার প্রথম হোম টেস্টে খেলতে শুরু করতে ব্যর্থ হন এবং মাত্র ৭ রানে আউট হন। Sai Sudharsan ধীরগতির ব্যাটিংয়ে সমালোচনা নরেন্দ্র মোদি স্টেডিয়ামে প্রথম টেস্টে ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজের বিপক্ষে প্রথম ইনিংসে ধীরগতির ব্যাটিং করার কারণে Sai Sudharsan সমালোচনার মুখে পড়তে হয়েছে। সম্প্রতি ইংল্যান্ড সফরে টেস্ট ক্রিকেটে অভিষেক করা সুধর্শন উচ্চ প্রত্যাশার মধ্যে রেড-বল স্কোয়াডে যুক্ত হন, কিন্তু ক্যারিয়ারের প্রাথমিক ধাপে উল্লেখযোগ্য প্রভাব ফেলতে পারেননি। বামহাতি এই ব্যাটসম্যান মাত্র সাতটি ইনিংসে ১৪৭ রান করেছেন, যেখানে ব্যবস্থাপনা তাকে তিন নম্বরে নিয়ে আশাবাদী ছিলেন। ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজের বিপক্ষে সিরিজের উদ্বোধনী ম্যাচে নিজের প্রথম হোম টেস্টে সুধর্শন মাত্র ৭ রানে আউট হন। তিনি নিজের ধৈর্য ধরে রাখতে ব্যর্থ হন এবং আউট হওয়ার আগে একটি ব্রেনফেড মুহূর্তের কারণে প্রায় কে.এল. রাহুলের উইকেটও হুমকির মুখে পড়ে। এর পাশাপাশি, বামহাতি ব্যাটসম্যান একটি অদ্ভুত শট খেলার সময় আউট হন। তিনি অফ-স্পিনারের লেন্থ ভুল বুঝে পুল শট খেলতে যান, কিন্তু ব্যাক লেগে বল লাগার কারণে মিদ-শটে অদ্ভুতভাবে ক্যাচ হয়ে যান। কোনো রিভিউ বিবেচনা না করে তিনি প্যাভিলিয়নে ফিরে যান। পার্থিব প্যাটেল মন্তব্য করেন যে ম্যাচে সুধর্শন কিছুটা অনিশ্চিত দেখাচ্ছিলেন এবং বামহাতি স্পিনারদের বিরুদ্ধে সংগ্রাম করছিলেন। প্যাটেল বলেন, “Sai Sudharsan আজ কিছুটা অনিশ্চিত দেখাচ্ছিল। তিনি সাধারণত পা ব্যবহার করে খুব ভালো খেলেন, বিশেষ করে বামহাতি স্পিনারদের বিরুদ্ধে। বামহাতি ব্যাটসম্যানদের ক্ষেত্রে আমরা জানি, বামহাতি স্পিনার আসলেই আমরা স্ট্রাইক ঘোরানোর চেষ্টা করি এবং সঠিক বলের জন্য অপেক্ষা করি। কিন্তু আমি মনে করি সাই সুধর্শন হয়তো বড় রান করার চাপ অনুভব করছিলেন এবং তিন নম্বর স্থানের নিশ্চয়তা পেতে চাচ্ছিলেন। তাকে শুধু শান্ত থাকতে হবে।” প্রথম দিনের শেষে ভারতের নিয়ন্ত্রণে দিনের শেষে হোম দল ২ উইকেটে ১২১ রান সংগ্রহ করেছিল, এখনও ৪১ রানে পিছিয়ে ছিল। সিরাজ (৪/৪০) এবং বুমরাহ (৩/৩২) ভারতের প্রশংসনীয় বোলিং প্রচেষ্টা নেতৃত্ব দেন, যা বৃষ্টির কারণে সাময়িকভাবে বিরতিপ্রাপ্ত হয়। কে.এল. রাহুল, যিনি সিরিজের প্রথম অর্ধশতক করেন, ১১৪ বল খেলে অপরাজিত ৫৩ রানে ছিলেন, ছয়টি চার মারেন, আর ভারতের অধিনায়ক শুভমান গিল ৪২ বল খেলে ১৮ রানে তার পাশে দাঁড়ান, যার মধ্যে একটি চার ছিল। Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
আহমেদাবাদের নরেন্দ্র মোদি আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট স্টেডিয়ামে অক্ষর প্যাটেলের টেস্ট রেকর্ড কী?
Axar Patel ভারতের প্রথম টেস্টে ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজের বিপক্ষে আহমেদাবাদে খেলার একাদশে সুযোগ দেওয়া হয়নি। বৃহস্পতিবার, ২ অক্টোবর আহমেদাবাদের নরেন্দ্র মোদি আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট স্টেডিয়ামে ভারত ও ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজের মধ্যকার প্রথম টেস্ট ম্যাচ শুরু হয়েছে। সিরিজে দুই দল মুখোমুখি হবে দুটি টেস্ট ম্যাচে, যা চলমান আইসিসি বিশ্ব টেস্ট চ্যাম্পিয়নশিপ (ডব্লিউটিসি) ২০২৫-২৭-এর অংশ। টস হেরে ভারতকে প্রথমে ফিল্ডিং করতে পাঠানো হয় এবং তারা নেমেছিল তিনজন অলরাউন্ডার, একজন স্পিনার ও দুইজন ফ্রন্টলাইন পেসারের সমন্বয়ে। ওয়াশিংটন সুন্দর ও রবীন্দ্র জাডেজা ছিলেন প্রথম পছন্দের স্পিন-বোলিং অলরাউন্ডার এবং নীতিশ কুমার রেড্ডিও সুযোগ পান। এর ফলে ব্যাট ও বল হাতে ঘরের মাঠে দুর্দান্ত রেকর্ড থাকা সত্ত্বেও আক্ষর Axar Patel দুর্ভাগ্যজনকভাবে বাদ পড়তে হয়েছে। Axar Patel, যিনি ইংল্যান্ড সফরের টেস্ট দলে ছিলেন না, তিনি ওয়েস্ট ইন্ডিজ সিরিজের জন্য টেস্ট দলে ফিরেছেন। আহমেদাবাদের নরেন্দ্র মোদি আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট স্টেডিয়ামে টেস্টে তাঁর রেকর্ড অসাধারণ এবং তাঁকে বাদ দেওয়া সত্যিই বড় ধরনের বিস্ময় হিসেবে ধরা হচ্ছে। Axar Patel টেস্ট রেকর্ড নরেন্দ্র মোদি ক্রিকেট স্টেডিয়ামে (আহমেদাবাদ) Axar Patel:ভারতীয় অলরাউন্ডার এখন পর্যন্ত এই ভেন্যুতে তিনটি টেস্ট ম্যাচ খেলেছেন—একটি অস্ট্রেলিয়ার বিপক্ষে এবং দুটি ইংল্যান্ডের বিপক্ষে। তিনি ব্যাট হাতে ৪০.৬৬ গড়ে ১২২ রান করেছেন, যেখানে একটি অর্ধশতক রয়েছে। বল হাতে তিনি শিকার করেছেন ২২টি উইকেট, গড় ১২.২২। Axar Patel, এই স্পিন অলরাউন্ডার স্টেডিয়ামে তিনটি পাঁচ উইকেট নেওয়ার কৃতিত্ব অর্জন করেছেন, যার মধ্যে সেরা বোলিং ফিগার ৬/৩৮ ইংল্যান্ডের বিপক্ষে। সর্বশেষ তিনি ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২৪-এ ইংল্যান্ডের বিপক্ষে একটি টেস্ট খেলেছেন এবং তারপর থেকে ভারতের টেস্ট দলে সুযোগ পাননি। এখন পর্যন্ত অক্ষর তার ক্যারিয়ারে ১৪টি টেস্ট খেলেছেন। Axar Patel, ৩১ বছর বয়সী এই অলরাউন্ডার ৩৫.৮৯ গড়ে করেছেন ৬৪৬ রান। সর্বোচ্চ ৮৪ রানের ইনিংসসহ তার চারটি অর্ধশতক রয়েছে। বাঁহাতি অর্থোডক্স স্পিনার হিসেবে তিনি ২৭ ইনিংসে শিকার করেছেন ৫৫টি উইকেট, গড় ১৯.৩৫। এর মধ্যে পাঁচবার পাঁচ উইকেট এবং দু’বার চার উইকেট নেওয়ার কৃতিত্ব রয়েছে। Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Shubman Gill, Gautam Gambhir Clarify Jasprit Bumrah’s West Indies Matches Not Pre-Determined, Unlike England Tour
Shubman Gill stated that Jasprit Bumrah’s involvement in the upcoming West Indies Tests will be determined on a match-by-match basis. Bumrah’s Participation in West Indies Tests to Be Decided Match by Match Skipper Shubman Gill has clarified that the team management has not pre-decided whether Jasprit Bumrah will feature in both Tests against West Indies. This marks a shift in approach since the England tour, where Bumrah was slated to play only three Tests and faced criticism for missing the fifth Test due to workload management. Shubman Gill emphasized that Bumrah’s involvement will be assessed on a match-by-match basis, taking into account the fast bowlers’ workload and fitness after each game. “We’re going to take a call on a match-to-match basis depending on how long a Test match goes on and how many overs our fast bowlers bowl. Nothing is pre-decided. We’re going to take the call once the Test match is over, and how our fast bowlers feel and how their bodies feel after the match,” he said. Meanwhile, Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were seen in an extended practice session on a pitch next to the main green-top track, preparing for the first Test at Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. India not decided team combination for first Test vs WI Shubman Gill indicated that India could consider playing a third seamer in the series opener against West Indies, with the Ahmedabad pitch expected to be a green-top amid hot and humid conditions. In recent home Tests, India has typically played with two pacers, but Shubman Gill suggested the combination might change for the first Test. “I can’t really speak about what were the conversations before I came in as captain, but yes we would be looking to play on wickets that offer help to both the batsmen and the bowlers,” Gill said. “Having said that, any challenge for any team that comes to India, they know the challenge is going to be spin and reverse swing. Keeping these challenges in mind, we would be looking to play on wickets that offer both to the batsmen and the bowlers. You will get to know the combination tomorrow. Given how the weather and conditions are, we are tempted to have a third seaming option, but we will take a call tomorrow,” he added. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
After ODI heroics, Vaibhav Suryavanshi blasts a stunning century in Youth Test debut against Australia U19
India Under-19 are up against Australia Under-19 in a Youth Test series, with the opening match taking place at the Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane. Young Indian opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi grabbed the spotlight with a stunning display of batting. On Wednesday, October 1, Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a brilliant century in the first Youth Test. The left-hander scored a blazing 113 off just 86 deliveries, laced with nine fours and eight sixes. He reached his hundred in only 78 balls, making it the second-fastest century in Youth Test history. The record remains with India U19 skipper Ayush Mhatre, who struck a 64-ball ton against England U19 earlier this year. Vaibhav Suryavanshi Creates History as Youngest Batter to Hit Youth Test Century in Australia At just 14 years and 188 days, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest player ever to score a Youth Test century on Australian soil. He surpassed the previous record set by Australia’s Liam Blackford in 2023. This milestone comes shortly after Vaibhav Suryavanshi made headlines in the Youth ODI series against Australia U19, where the left-hander smashed the record for most sixes in Youth ODI history. His heroics powered India U19 to a dominant 3-0 whitewash in the three-match series. In the opening Youth Test, Australia U19 won the toss and chose to bat first, putting up 243 runs with Steven Hogan top-scoring on 92. India’s Deepesh Devendran starred with the ball, picking up a brilliant five-wicket haul, while Kishan Kumar added three scalps. India responded strongly, riding on centuries from Vaibhav Suryavanshi (113) and Vedant Trivedi (140) to post 428 in their first innings, securing a commanding 185-run lead. The two sides are scheduled to face off in two Youth Tests during this series. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Tilak Varma Hints at Drama During India-Pakistan Clash but Keeps Details Private: ‘Real Reply Comes After…’
Tilak Varma emphasized that his focus is always on the nation, dedicating every effort to India’s success. Tilak Varma: Channeling Pressure into a Match-Winning Knock Tilak Varma opened up about the intense pressure of playing in the high-stakes Asia Cup final against Pakistan, revealing how he channels his nerves into focus. The left-handed batter held his composure when India were in trouble during the 147-run chase, taking the onus on himself to play an unbeaten 69-run knock that guided his team to victory. Tilak Varma contributed 57 off 50 deliveries alongside Sanju Samson’s 24, but the decisive partnership came with Shivam Dube, who scored 33 off 22 balls. Together, they stitched a 60-run stand off 40 balls, firmly turning the game in India’s favour and pulling the match away from Pakistan. Explaining his mindset, Tilak Varma emphasized that his focus is always on the nation first, relying on the fundamentals and coaching instilled in him since childhood to stay calm and perform. “Of course, nerves were there, so much was going on in my mind and my body. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it now: the country is always ahead. India is far above all. What I keep in my mind and heart is, whatever I do, I dedicate everything to the country today. That’s all that was running in my mind. What is needed at this moment – if I come under pressure, I’ll let the country down. Not just myself, but all 1.4 billion people; I don’t want to let them down. So, I stay calm, rely on the basics I learned from childhood, and do what I was taught by my coaches. That’s what I used and executed,” Varma told reporters. “Real reply comes after the match” Meanwhile, the hero of India’s win revealed that Pakistan players tried to unsettle him with on-field sledging, aiming to break his focus. Varma, however, chose not to disclose the specifics, describing it as part of the game in high-stakes encounters like India versus Pakistan. “Yes, definitely – a lot happened. I can’t tell all on camera – but it happens behind the scenes between batsman and bowler, and especially in India-Pakistan games. It’s all part of the game. As I said, in the middle, a bit happens, they say something, but the real reply comes after the match – the best answer is with the bat. That’s what I did and showed them,” he added. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Hardik Pandya likely to miss Australia white-ball tour
India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya picked up an injury during the Super Four clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025, which forced him to miss the tournament final. His participation in the upcoming Australia tour in November now appears doubtful. Hardik Pandya bowled only one over in the game against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium before walking off the field due to discomfort. He did not return for the rest of the match and was also absent in India’s next fixture against Pakistan. The 31-year-old is nursing a left quadriceps injury, and reports suggest it is highly unlikely that he will recover in time for the full Australia series, scheduled to begin on October 19 at the Optus Stadium in Perth with three ODIs followed by five T20Is. BCCI medical team to clarify Hardik Pandya’s injury status; T20I availability for Australia tour uncertain All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been advised to rest for four weeks after sustaining a quadriceps (front thigh) injury during the clash against Sri Lanka, as reported by Dainik Jagran. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, speaking during commentary in the Asia Cup final, also confirmed the nature of the injury. Despite the recovery timeline, Hardik will miss the upcoming three-match ODI series, which could mark the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma following their retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. Hardik Pandya: Whether Hardik can regain fitness in time for the five-match T20I series against Australia, starting October 29 at the Manuka Oval in Hobart, remains uncertain. The BCCI medical team is expected to issue an official update soon to determine his availability. Hardik Pandya During the Asia Cup 2025, Hardik shared the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah. In six appearances, he picked up four wickets and scored 48 runs, with a top score of 38 against Bangladesh in the Super Four stage. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
India Clinch Record 9th Asia Cup Title as Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube Master Thrilling Chase Against Pakistan
India clinched the Asia Cup 2025 in a thrilling last-over finish, chasing down 147 to beat Pakistan and lift the title. India Clinches Ninth Asia Cup Title in Thrilling Final In a match worthy of a summit clash, India emerged victorious in the final moments to lift the Asia Cup 2025. The contest went down to the final over, but India held its nerves to secure a record-extending ninth title, remaining unbeaten against Pakistan in all three encounters during the tournament. Ahead of the game, India won the toss and elected to bowl. Pakistan’s openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, gave the Men in Green a brilliant start, stabilizing their innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking. The duo stitched together a partnership of 84 runs in 9.4 overs before Farhan was dismissed. After Farhan’s exit, who scored 57 off 38 balls, Fakhar Zaman continued the assault with Saim Ayub, propelling Pakistan’s score. By 12.4 overs, Pakistan was comfortably placed at 113/1, looking set for a 180-plus total. Indian spinners restricted Pakistan after initial grilling However, the momentum soon shifted dramatically in India’s favor. The Indian spinners turned the game on its head with brilliance and precise execution. Kuldeep Yadav led a stunning collapse in the Pakistan line-up, as they lost nine wickets for just 33 runs. India bowled Pakistan out for only 146 runs at the start of the final over—far below the 180–200 total the Men in Green had once looked set for. The reduced target boosted India’s confidence, with Suryakumar Yadav and in-form Abhishek Sharma poised to give the chase a blazing start and guide India toward victory. Tilak Varma takes India home after a dismal start When Pakistan found themselves with their back against the wall, they became a dangerous force, and India felt it the hard way. Faheem Ashraf struck early in the chase, dismissing Abhishek Sharma to the delight of Pakistan fans. Before India could recover, skipper Suryakumar Yadav fell attempting to clear mid-off Shaheen Afridi, leaving India struggling at 10/2 and in urgent need of a stabilizing partnership. The responsibility fell on Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma. Gill showed promise, but Ashraf struck again, sending him back as India slipped to 20/3 inside the fourth over. Sanju Samson joined Varma, and the duo gradually rebuilt Indian hopes with a 57-run partnership. However, Abrar Ahmed ended Samson’s innings in the 13th over, once again threatening India’s chase. Shivam Dube walked in to join Tilak Varma, and the pair orchestrated a crucial turnaround, scoring 28 runs in the 15th and 16th overs. With 36 needed off the last four overs, the pressure was immense, but Varma and Dube held their nerves. Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 69 off 53 balls, guiding India to a thrilling victory and securing their record-extending ninth Asia Cup title—a knock that Indian cricket fans will remember for years to come. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Revealed: Salary and Perks of Newly Appointed BCCI President Mithun Manhas
Mithun Manhas Named New BCCI President, Succeeds Roger Binny, Former Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir cricketer Mithun Manhas, has been elected as the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during its Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The post became vacant after Roger Binny stepped down in August 2025, with Rajeev Shukla serving as interim president in the interim. With his election, Manhas becomes only the third former cricketer to hold the prestigious position, following Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny. Born on October 12, 1979, in Jammu & Kashmir, Manhas carved out a successful career in Indian domestic cricket as a right-handed batsman, part-time off-spinner, and occasional wicketkeeper. Known for his leadership skills, he frequently captained Delhi, including during the period when a young Virat Kohli made his debut—building a lasting association with the future Indian captain. Across an 18-year first-class career, Manhas featured in 157 matches, amassing 9,714 runs at an average of nearly 46, including 27 centuries and 49 half-centuries. His standout season came in 2007–08, when he led Delhi to a historic Ranji Trophy triumph, scoring 921 runs at 57.56 to cement his reputation as one of the most reliable batters in domestic cricket. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Manhas represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), the Pune Warriors India, and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). More recently, he served as the assistant coach of Gujarat Titans (GT) before being elevated to the BCCI presidency. Salary and Perks Mithun Manhas Will Receive as BCCI President Mithun Manhas will not receive a fixed annual or monthly salary in his role as BCCI president, as the position is honorary. Instead, the president is provided with generous daily allowances and benefits to cover all official expenses. The remuneration and perks for the BCCI president are on par with those offered to other senior office bearers, including the Secretary and Treasurer. As reported by The Economic Times, Manhas will receive Rs 40,000 per day for chairing domestic BCCI meetings and USD 1,000 (approximately Rs 89,000) per day for international conferences. For work-related travel within India, he will be entitled to Rs 30,000 per day. In addition to these allowances, the BCCI president enjoys business-class travel for domestic flights and first- or business-class travel internationally. During official trips, he is often accommodated in luxury hotel suites. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
“Play Sensibly to Pressure India”: Wasim Akram Issues Bold Asia Cup Advice to Pakistan
The 2025 Asia Cup final on Sunday will feature a high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan, who have already faced each other twice in the tournament, with India emerging victorious on both occasions. Wasim Akram: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Final: Historic Clash Awaits The upcoming India vs Pakistan 2025 Asia Cup final will mark the first summit clash between the two sides in the tournament’s 41-year history. Both teams have faced each other twice in this year’s competition, with India emerging victorious on both occasions. India secured a seven-wicket win in the group stage and followed it up with a six-wicket triumph in the Super Four stage, led by Suryakumar Yadav and his team. Pakistan earned their spot in the final by defeating Bangladesh by 11 runs in their final Super Four fixture, defending a modest target of 136 runs. The India-Pakistan encounters in this Asia Cup have been eventful and controversial, with Suryakumar reportedly fined 30 per cent of his match fees for post-match comments dedicating the group stage victory to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Wasim Akram gears up for IND vs PAK Asia Cup final Speaking ahead of the Asia Cup final, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram emphasized the unpredictable nature of India-Pakistan encounters. “India definitely is favourite on Sunday. But you’ve seen, cricket lovers have seen, I have seen, anything can happen in this format. One good innings, one spell can change the course of the game. Pakistan team should take this confidence, this momentum to Sunday and back themselves and play sensible cricket,” he said. Wasim Akram added, “Ideally, a couple of early wickets, especially Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, can definitely put India on the back foot. It should be a close game, and I hope in the end, the best team will win.” Off the field, Pakistan faced disciplinary issues ahead of the final. Pacer Haris Rauf was reportedly fined 30 per cent of his match fees for aggressive gestures during the Super Four clash against India, where he mimicked a plane crash in response to Indian fans’ ‘Kohli, Kohli’ chants. Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan faced an ICC hearing for a ‘gun’ celebration after reaching his half-century but escaped with only a warning. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!