Suryakumar Yadav Shows Sportsmanship to Oman, Silencing Critics Ahead of Pakistan Clash
After India’s latest Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman, captain Suryakumar Yadav was seen interacting with the Omani players, offering guidance and sharing insights. Suryakumar Yadav Wins Hearts Despite Narrow Win Over Oman India survived a nervy encounter against Oman, edging out the match by 21 runs. The victory keeps them unbeaten as they move into the Super Four stage, aiming to build on their momentum and pursue the tournament trophy. Off the field, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav impressed fans with a thoughtful gesture. After the match, he was seen interacting with the Oman players, offering tips and sharing insights. Oman skipper Jatinder Singh reflected on the moment during the post-match presentation: “Surya spoke about the game and praised us, which means a lot. Our boys had questions on how to play in different phases of a T20 game. It was really nice to have a chat with him.” This is what sportsmanship looks like! 👏 – Suryakumar Yadav taking time to connect with and encourage the Oman players. – A captain with a big heart. 🇮🇳#TheyCallHimOG #indvsoman #AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/6Ms3pDBhno — Cricket With RS (@badkebhai) September 19, 2025 Ahead of the game, Oman skipper Jatinder Singh mentioned how the team was excited to share the field with some of their cricketing idols. Suryakumar Yadav’s gesture of offering tips reflected the ‘Men in Blue’s willingness to pass on their experience and knowledge. In the post-match scenes, Indian and Omani players were seen taking pictures together, showcasing the camaraderie and goodwill with which the match was played. India hold their nerve to go unbeaten in the league stage India won the toss and chose to bat first against Oman. Early loss of Shubman Gill didn’t deter the team from their aggressive brand of cricket. Batting at number three, Sanju Samson took time to settle, while Abhishek Sharma kept the momentum alive with a blistering 38 off 15 balls. Despite wickets falling from the other end, the Indian batters continued their attacking approach endorsed by the head coach. India finished with 188/8 in 20 overs, with captain Suryakumar Yadav not required to bat. Oman began their chase strongly, with openers Jatinder Singh and Aamir Kaleem putting together a 56-run partnership. Hammad Mirza joined in at number three after Singh’s dismissal, and both Mirza and Kaleem scored half-centuries, stabilizing the innings and threatening a major upset. However, Hardik Pandya turned the game around with crucial wickets in the death overs—first dismissing Kaleem (64 off 46) and then Mirza (51 off 33)—restricting Oman to 167/4. With the victory, India remain unbeaten and advance to the Super Four stage, where they will face their arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, September 15, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Daren Sammy warns India ahead of Test series: “Take inspiration from New Zealand.”
West Indies, led by head coach Daren Sammy, are set to play a two-Test series against India in Ahmedabad and Delhi. Daren Sammy, a two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain, believes his team can draw inspiration from New Zealand’s remarkable 3-0 victory over India last year. He has urged his players to prepare with the mindset of winning, even though India will begin the series as strong favourites. Since their famous win in Mohali in 1994, the West Indies have struggled in Indian conditions, losing seven of the nine Tests played there. Their closest contest came at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011, when a thrilling match ended in a tie after both teams finished level in the second innings. Daren Sammy emphasised that the West Indies must study and replicate New Zealand’s approach to succeed in India. “We’re definitely going down there with the mindset to win. We’re not just going to go down there and think, ‘Oh, it’s India.’ No. New Zealand went there and did incredibly well, and we should take inspiration from that. But again, it’s understanding the things that New Zealand did in those conditions and trying to emulate them with our guys as well,” Daren Sammy told The Indian Express. “We’ll plan carefully on how to beat India in their own backyard.” – Daren Sammy The West Indies will tour India right after the conclusion of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025. The first Test of the series is scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2, followed by the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi starting October 10. Daren Sammy emphasized the importance of adjusting to Indian conditions, noting that the team won’t be playing any warm-up matches ahead of the series, a common challenge for most touring sides. “In the ten days leading up to the opening Test in India, we’ll be drilling hard and preparing thoroughly to figure out exactly how we’re going to beat India in India,” Daren Sammy said. The statistics, however, paint a grim picture: West Indies have lost five Tests by an innings and one by ten wickets in India. Except for the Eden Gardens Test in 2002, they have rarely managed to truly challenge the hosts in their last eight encounters. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
R Ashwin Poised for India Comeback Nine Months After Retirement — With a Surprising Twist
Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket last December, midway through India’s tour of Australia. Ravichandran Set for International Comeback at Hong Kong Sixes Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to return to the Indian team, nine months after retiring from international cricket. The veteran will feature in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, scheduled from November 7-9. Ravichandran had announced his international retirement last December during India’s tour of Australia but continued to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings earlier this year. Speculation about his trade from CSK grew, only for Ashwin to confirm his retirement from all forms of cricket last month. Despite stepping away, Ashwin indicated openness to participate in global leagues, attracting offers from the Big Bash League, The Hundred, and ILT20. On Thursday, Hong Kong Sixes organisers officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming edition. Ashwin Joins Team India for High-Octane Hong Kong Sixes The organisers announced, “Widely regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers in modern cricket, Ashwin’s inclusion adds immense depth, experience, and star power to Team India’s campaign in this fast-paced, action-packed global tournament.” Ravichandran Ashwin expressed his excitement, saying, “This format requires a different strategy and will prove to be high octane. I look forward to playing alongside my ex-teammates and competing against some quality players in the opposition teams—it will be a good challenge for us.” The Hong Kong Sixes, first held in 1992, is a six-a-side event featuring five six-ball overs per side (except for the final, which has five eight-ball overs). Each fielder bowls one over, except the wicketkeeper. The last edition in 2024 featured 24 teams, with Pakistan being the most successful side, winning five titles and finishing runner-up on five occasions. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
“Take it up with the Asia Cup organisers”: ICC Issues Blunt Six-Point Rebuttal to PCB
The ICC responded after the PCB submitted two formal requests to remove Andy Pycroft from the match referee panel at the ongoing Asia Cup. ICC Rejects PCB Allegations, Stands by Pycroft On Wednesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a six-point rebuttal, dismissing the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) claims that match referee Andy Pycroft was responsible for the no-handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash at Dubai International Stadium. The response followed two formal requests from the PCB seeking Pycroft’s removal from the tournament’s match referee panel. Pakistan alleged that Pycroft instructed captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav and even prevented the exchange of team sheets. In their first letter sent Monday, the day after the India match, Pakistan threatened to pull out. When the International Cricket Council rejected the request, PCB persisted with a second letter. Amid the standoff, Pakistan players were reportedly instructed to remain in their hotel instead of heading to the stadium for their final Group A match against the UAE. Despite the protests, the International Cricket Council confirmed that Pycroft would continue officiating, including in the Pakistan-UAE fixture. The International Cricket Council clarified that Pycroft had adhered strictly to the rules and regulations and shifted the responsibility to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and tournament organisers, stating that decisions regarding handshakes were made by the organisers, not the ICC or the match referee. This effectively directed the PCB to raise their concerns with the ACC, headed by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Here’s ICC’s six-point rebuttal sent to PCB 1. The ICC based its investigation solely on the PCB’s report, noting that no supporting evidence or statements from team members were submitted. 2. Following the inquiry, the ICC found no misconduct by match referee Andy Pycroft; his actions were consistent with instructions from the ACC Venue Manager. 3. Pycroft acted to preserve the sanctity of the toss and avoid potential embarrassment, and was not at fault in any aspect of the incident. 4. The ICC clarified that regulating team- or tournament-specific protocols outside the area of play is the responsibility of tournament organizers and team management, not the match referee. 5. The PCB’s primary concern—handshakes not taking place—was a decision made by tournament organizers, and the ICC advised them to direct complaints accordingly. 6. Amid the Pakistan-UAE match delay, the PCB held a meeting with former chairpersons Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi; chairman Mohsin Naqvi later confirmed the team would proceed to the stadium. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Varun Chakravarthy rises to No.1 as Indian players dominate ICC T20I bowling rankings
Varun Chakravarthy is currently representing India in the Asia Cup 2025. The spinner has made history by becoming only the third Indian to claim the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings, thanks to his disciplined performances in the opening matches of the tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 34-year-old climbed three places to the top after returning figures of 1/4 in two overs against the UAE and 1/24 in four overs against Pakistan. Varun Chakravarthy, With this rise, he joined the elite company of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi, the only other Indians to hold the No. 1 position. Chakravarthy’s previous career-best was second place, achieved in February 2025. He displaced New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, who had occupied the top spot since March. Varun Chakravarthy: Other bowlers in the Asia Cup have also made significant gains. Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara surged six places to reach sixth, while Pakistan’s Sufiyan Muqeem (up four to 11th) and Abrar Ahmed (up 11 to a career-best 16th) climbed rapidly. Among Indians, Axar Patel rose to 12th, and Kuldeep Yadav jumped 16 places to 23rd. Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed also broke into the top 25, moving up eight spots. Pace bowlers have enjoyed progress as well: Bumrah rose four places to 40th, Bangladesh’s Tanzim Hasan advanced five to 42nd, England’s Jofra Archer moved three to 13th, and South Africa’s Marco Jansen improved by five to 38th. Varun Chakravarthy: Abhishek Sharma Holds Top Spot in ICC T20I Batting Rankings India’s left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma has strengthened his position at the summit of the ICC T20I batting rankings. His explosive innings of 30 off 16 balls against the UAE and 31 off 13 against Pakistan earned him 55 rating points, taking his total to 884. England’s opening duo, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, climbed one spot each to second and third, respectively, following their stellar performances in the second T20I against South Africa in Manchester. Varun Chakravarthy, Salt’s unbeaten 141 off 60 balls—the highest score and fastest T20I century by an England batter—brought him closer to his career-best No. 1 ranking, while Buttler’s 83 off 30 deliveries propelled him to a career-high 794 rating points, marking his first entry into the top three. Varun Chakravarthy: Other notable gains in the rankings include Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka (up one place to sixth), South Africa’s Dewald Brevis (up two to 11th), Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz (up two to 19th), UAE’s Mohammad Waseem (up two to 20th), South Africa’s Aiden Markram (up 10 to 30th), India’s Shubman Gill (up four to 39th), and Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (up 18 to 55th). Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
ICC denies PCB’s demand to remove Andy Pycroft as Asia Cup 2025 match referee
Andy Pycroft served as the match referee during Sunday’s high-profile clash between India and Pakistan. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove Pycroft from his role in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The demand came after the PCB alleged that Pycroft had instructed India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands at the toss. According to MCC guidelines, shaking hands with the opposition before or after a match is not mandatory, which partly explains the PCB’s frustration over the Indian players’ actions. The ICC may respond by clarifying this rule to the PCB. Asia Cup: The PCB claimed that the refusal of Indian players to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts constitutes a breach of the player code of conduct. “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the match referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws relating to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded the immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup,” PCB chairman Naqvi stated in a social media post on Monday. Asia Cup: PCB Faces Negative Response from ICC on Demand to Remove Match Referee Cricbuzz has reported that it is highly unlikely the ICC will accede to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s request to remove Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup match refereeing panel. It remains unclear whether the ICC has formally responded to Naqvi’s letter. However, the general consensus is that there are insufficient grounds to approve the PCB’s demand. If an official reply has not yet been issued, one is expected shortly. Asia Cup: In response to the PCB’s concerns, the ICC stated that Pycroft had clarified the situation, refuting Pakistan’s claim that he was biased toward the Indian team. Pycroft reportedly informed Salman Agha about the ACC officials’ observations on the ground, effectively addressing Pakistan’s allegations. This issue has now cast a spotlight on Wednesday’s Pakistan-UAE match. The PCB has publicly stated that it will refuse to play if Pycroft (69) officiates the game. While it is uncertain whether the ACC, under PCB president Mohsin Naqvi, can influence the appointment of the match referee for the Pakistan-UAE clash, the ICC generally holds sole authority over all match official appointments, including umpires and referees. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Asia Cup 2025: Top Run-Scorers and Leading Wicket-Takers After Match 8 – Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong
Match 8 of the Asia Cup 2025 between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong was played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday, September 15. Sri Lanka registered a four-wicket victory, successfully chasing down a target of 150 runs. Opener Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a crucial 68, while Wanindu Hasaranga provided the finishing touch with a brisk 20 runs in the latter stages. Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first. Hong Kong’s innings was anchored by opener Anshuman Rath, who scored 48, and Zeeshan Ali, who added 23 in a 41-run opening partnership. Skipper Nizakat Khan, batting at No. 4, remained unbeaten on 52 to guide Hong Kong to a respectable total of 149/4. Asia Cup 2025: Leading Run-Scorers Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka has risen to the top of the run-scoring chart with 118 runs, following his brilliant 68-run knock in the latest encounter. Hong Kong skipper Nizakat Khan, with a composed half-century, secures the second spot with 94 runs. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem (88) and Bangladesh leader Litton Das (87) occupy the third and fourth places, respectively. Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal and UAE’s Alishan Sharafu follow closely behind, both tallying 73 runs so far. Asia Cup 2025: Leading Run-Scorers Rank Player Team Runs 1 Pathum Nissanka Sri Lanka 118 2 Nizakat Khan Hong Kong 94 3 Muhammad Waseem UAE 88 4 Litton Das Bangladesh 87 5 Sediqullah Atal Afghanistan 73 5 Alishan Sharafu UAE 73 Asia Cup 2025: Leading Wicket-Takers Rank Player Team Wickets 1 Kuldeep Yadav India 7 2 Saim Ayub Pakistan 5 2 Junaid Siddiqui UAE 5 4 Ayush Shukla Hong Kong 4 5 Shivam Dube India 3 Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
India Snub Post-Match Handshake with Pakistan, Walk Off While Salman Agha’s Team Awaits
India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, chasing down 128 runs comfortably with 25 balls to spare. India Skips Post-Match Handshake After Dominant Win Over Pakistan Indian players did not participate in the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan following the Group A clash of the Asia Cup 2025. Captains Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, who guided India past the finish line, headed straight to the dressing room after the game. India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, chasing down 128 with 25 balls to spare. While handshakes are more a tradition than a rule, Suryakumar and Dube, who shared an unbeaten 34-run partnership to complete the chase in just 15.5 overs, walked off the field without engaging with the opposition. According to reports, none of the Indian squad emerged from the dugout to greet the Pakistan players, despite captain Salman Ali Agha and his teammates waiting outside. The incident reportedly left Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson visibly frustrated. No handshakes after the game.. Pakistan waited for team India to come for the handshake, but they never came. #Shame. #INDvPAK #Asiacup2025 pic.twitter.com/usRlEwk32X — Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 14, 2025 Earlier in the evening, both captains did not shake hands after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, also avoiding eye contact. After submitting their team sheets to match referee Andy Pycroft, they spoke briefly with TV commentator Ravi Shastri, who conducted the toss, before heading back to their respective directions. Although the incident drew immediate attention from the cricket fraternity, a BCCI source, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, clarified that Suryakumar Yadav’s actions were not specific to Pakistan. The source noted that he had also refrained from shaking hands with UAE captain Muhammad Waseem during India’s tournament opener on Wednesday at the same venue. “Every tournament has its own set of rules and regulations. There are tournaments where protocol demands a handshake at the toss. For the record, Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with the UAE skipper during the last match’s toss as well,” the source added. India beat Pakistan; remain top of Group A India displayed absolute dominance to secure a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in a one-sided Asia Cup clash, with a comprehensive bowling performance leaving the Pakistan batters clueless. After winning the toss and electing to bat in Dubai, Pakistan suffered a nightmare start, losing their first two wickets within the opening eight deliveries. Hardik Pandya struck on the very first ball, followed by Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Mohammad Harris in the next over, reducing Pakistan to a fragile position. India’s spinners then took control in the middle overs, with Axar Patel (2/18 in 4 overs), Kuldeep Yadav (3/18 in 4 overs), and Varun Chakravarthy (1/24 in 4 overs) bowling immaculate lines. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for a mere 127/9, at least 50 runs below par. In reply, Abhishek Sharma started explosively against Shaheen Shah Afridi, scoring 31 runs off just 13 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav celebrated his 35th birthday with a classy 47 not out off 37 balls. India, who had beaten the UAE by nine wickets in their tournament opener, remain at the top of the table and are now one win away from securing a spot in the Super 4s. They will next face Oman on Friday at the same venue. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Arshdeep Singh’s Spot in Playing XI Uncertain: India vs Pakistan Predicted Lineups Revealed
Arshdeep Singh can realistically return to the XI only by replacing a spinner, though that scenario seems unlikely. India vs Pakistan: High-Stakes Asia Cup 2025 Clash Preview Arshdeep Singh: The stage is set for the biggest Group A clash in the Asia Cup 2025, as arch-rivals India and Pakistan prepare to face each other. Off the field, the match carries a tense undertone, with boycott calls from sections of Indian supporters overshadowing the pre-match build-up. Despite the external noise, the players remain focused on securing two crucial points in the multi-nation tournament. India began their campaign with a dominant performance against the UAE, showcasing a clinical all-round display in Dubai. Arshdeep Singh: India’s playing XI for the mega clash is likely to remain unchanged, particularly in the batting line-up. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, fresh from their fiery start against the UAE, will aim to replicate that aggression. With Suryakumar Yadav batting at No.3 in the last game, Sanju Samson is expected to take the No.4 or No.5 spot. Shivam Dube has also cemented his place after an impressive bowling display against the UAE, where he claimed three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah is set to remain the frontline pacer, supported by all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Dube. Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion seems unlikely unless India decides to replace a spinner. Kuldeep Yadav impressed in the opener, Varun Chakaravarthy’s variations could trouble Pakistan’s batters, and Axar Patel remains a near-certain starter. Pakistan, despite a below-par batting display against Oman, are expected to retain their XI. Their focus will be on improving the batting performance, particularly against India’s strong bowling attack, which presents a far sterner challenge than their previous opponents. Check India vs Pakistan Predicted Playing XIs India: Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed. Sign Up Fast For E2Bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration!
Asia Cup 2025: Latest Points Table Following Match 5 – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Asia Cup 2025 – Sri Lanka Cruises to Six-Wicket Victory. The Asia Cup 2025 clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka unfolded at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Saturday, with the Sri Lankan side delivering a commanding performance. The visitors dominated from the start, defeating Bangladesh by six wickets to secure crucial two points. Bangladesh’s innings began disastrously as Sri Lanka bowled two wicket-maidens, dismissing openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon for ducks. Towhid Hridoy and Mahedi Hasan also fell cheaply, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 38 for four. Captain Litton Das (28) tried to stabilize the innings but failed to make a significant impact, with half the team back in the pavilion within ten overs. At 53/5, Jaker Ali (41) and Shamin Hossain (42) stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 86 runs for the sixth wicket, guiding Bangladesh to a competitive total of 149/5. Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets for Sri Lanka, while Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera also made vital breakthroughs. Sri Lanka’s chase started on shaky ground as Kusal Mendis was dismissed for three in the second over. However, Pathum Nissanka (50) and youngster Kamil Mishra (46*) put Bangladesh on the back foot with a 95-run second-wicket partnership. Despite losing a few wickets in the latter stages, Mishra anchored the innings, seeing Sri Lanka home with six wickets to spare. Asia Cup 2025: Updated Points Table After Match 5 – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Group A: Group B: In the fifth match of Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, secured a crucial win over Bangladesh, earning two points and climbing to second place in Group B. Bangladesh dropped to third, with Hong Kong trailing behind. Afghanistan continue to lead the group. In Group A, India remain on top, followed by Pakistan, both with two points each. Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are yet to open their account in the tournament. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration