![Babar Azam and Nitish Kumar Reddy [Source: @cricbuzz, @SUNRISERSU/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1763481756890_babar_Azam.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam and Nitish Kumar Reddy [Source: @cricbuzz, @SUNRISERSU/x]
Babar Azam has been penalized by the ICC for breaching an ICC Code of Conduct against Sri Lanka. Nitish Kumar Reddy will likely be replacing Indian Test captain Shubman Gill in the series-deciding second Test in Guwahati. In other news, the India Women vs Bangladesh Women series has been reportedly called off.
Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Tuesday, November 18.
Nitish Reddy to replace Shubman Gill in second Test: Report
Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy will likely join the national playing XI for the upcoming series-deciding second Test against South Africa from November 22 onwards in Guwahati. As per a TOI report, the 22-year-old has been considered for his Test return as a replacement for captain Shubman Gill, who walked off the field on Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa in Eden Gardens last week citing neck pain. Nitish Kumar Reddy last played a Test match for Team India last month during their home series against West Indies.
Lungi Ngidi replaces Kagiso Rabada in SA squad
The South African team has included lanky paceman Lungi Ngidi in the national squad for the second Test of the two-match away series against Team India. Ngidi, who last played for South Africa in a Test match earlier this year during the WTC final against Australia, will be replacing Kagiso Rabada in the team for the upcoming series-decider in Guwahati from November 22 onwards. It is worth noting that Rabada was also ruled out of South Africa’s playing XI from the first Test last week owing to his rib injury.
Babar Azam punished by ICC for misconduct vs Sri Lanka
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined legendary Pakistan batter Babar Azam for breaching an ICC Code of Conduct during Pakistan’s third ODI match against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi a couple of days ago. The cricketer was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.
The incident occurred when Babar Azam hit the stumps with his bat after getting dismissed for 34 by Sri Lanka spinner Jeffrey Vandersay in the 21st over of the run-chase.
Sri Lanka recall Viyaskanth as cover for Hasaranga for PAK Tri-series
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has recalled 24-year-old Vijayakanth Viyaskanth in the national squad for the ongoing Pakistan T20I tri-series 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The youngster has played just a solitary T20I for Sri Lanka so far, an Asian Games match against Afghanistan over two years ago in Hangzhou.
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth will be serving as a cover for senior spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, considering the latter picked up a hamstring niggle in the recently-concluded ODI series against Pakistan. Hasaranga, however, has not been officially ruled out of Sri Lanka squad for the T20I tri-series tour yet.
India vs Bangladesh Women series postponed: Report
Bangladesh Women’s upcoming planned white-ball tour of India has been reportedly postponed citing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. A source close to the BCCI confirmed the development to Hindustan Times. An ESPNCricinfo report also stated that a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) spokesperson has said that the board received a letter from the BCCI saying that the white-ball series will now be played at a later date.
Earlier this year, India men’s tour of Bangladesh was also called-off by the respective boards of both nations.
