The Extras – Weekly round-up of cricket’s major happenings
There’s no more an off-season in cricket. The schedules are filled to a brim and teams are trying their best to add as many fixtures in their calendars as possible. While international cricket remains in focus, cricket’s many other updates are falling behind. Here’s a round-up of a few important cricket updates which you may have failed to notice in the days gone by.
Shreyas Iyer travels to Chicago
Big @SHAQ 🤩🤩 Such an honour to meet you LEGEND 🏀🙌🙌#nbaallstar pic.twitter.com/p3I5doazPG
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) February 16, 2020
India’s batting star Shreyas Iyer found a unique way to spend his off-time from cricket. The batsman was in a terrific form during the limited-overs series but did not find a place in the Test squad. Thus he reached Chicago for the 69th NBA All-Star Weekend and met few of his favourite players. He also shared a photo with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.
Jaiswal reveals his sources of inspiration
The Under-19 World Cup finish was marred by a scuffle between Bangladesh and Indian cricketers. 5 players were later fined by ICC for their involvement. However, the Player of the tournament, Yashasvi Jaiswal, had no part in the controversy.
Explaining his calmness in the high-tension game, Jaiswal said, “That was because of Dravid (Rahul Dravid) sir and Sachin sir (Sachin Tendulkar). They always told me one thing – ‘talk with your bat not with your mouth’. So, I always keep that advice on top of my list. And that’s why I stayed calm and didn’t respond to any of the sledge.” India’s future is indeed in better hands.
KXIP = IPL + CPL
Kings XI Punjab became the second IPL franchise to own a team in Caribbean Premier League. KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, the owners of Kings XI Punjab have bought the CPL team of St Lucia Zouks. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders had secured the ownership of Trinbago team. Earlier, Vijay Mallya had also owned a CPL team – Barbados Tridents – besides the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
ABD magic to return?
AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018, citing workload. Since then, he has been seen playing in franchise cricket across the world. However, South Africa coach Mark Boucher pleasantly surprised everyone by raising hopes of an inspiring return. He confirmed that de Villiers will be a part of the side for this year’s T20 World Cup if he makes himself available. Boucher’s comments came after England defeated the Proteas by 2-1 in the T20I series.
West Indies legends include this super fast cricketer
Sprint sensation @YohanBlake has a special Christmas and New Year greeting for you! #MerryChristmas2019 #SeasonsGreetings #YehJungHaiLegendary🏏 pic.twitter.com/s3ofcbOb0V
— Road Safety World Series (@RSWorldSeries) December 23, 2019
In a bid to spread awareness among the people about road safety, former cricket legends will join hands and feature in the Road Safety World Series. The tournament includes five teams- Indian Legends, West Indies Legends, Australian Legends, South African Legends, Sri Lankan Legends.
One among these stars will be Jamaica’s 2011 100-meter champion Yohan Blake, who will play alongside Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the West Indies Legends side. The sprinter won silver medals in both 100m and 200m at the 2012 London Olympic games.
