BBL 2021 | Zahir is much harder to pick than Mujeeb: Glenn Maxwell

Bangladesh Premier League to have six franchises

The governing council of the Bangladesh Premier League has confirmed that there will be six franchises for the eighth edition of the BPL according to a Cricbuzz report. ''Yes, you can say that we are confirmed by the board to take part in BPL. We came here to talk with BCB and they told us that we will be representing our Chattogram Challengers,'' said Chattogram Challengers managing director KM Rifatuzzaman. ''In the last edition, there was a provision of playing four overseas players while in this edition three players will be taking part for each franchise. The date for the draft is yet to be finalised and once it is finalised we would be more organised,” he added. The tournament is likely to take place from January 20 to February 20 while the PSL is scheduled to begin on January 27. But BPL governing council member Sheikh Sohel has said that the board isn’t really concerned about the competition cashing with the PSL. "We are not worried about the PSL and we are expecting to host the players draft of this month but the only thing that we are worried about is the corona situation."

Former ICC CFO Faisal Hasnain appointed as the new CEO of Pakistan Cricket

Former International Cricket Council (ICC) CFO Faisal Hasnain has been appointed the new CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Hasnain, a familiar name in the cricket business, was responsible for the governing body’s commercial rights for two circles - 2007-2015 and 2016-2023. Hasnain will be taking charge in January, 2022 when the PCB will be busy with the final arrangements of the Pakistan Super League. A trained Chartered Accountant, Hasnain has previously served as the Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket as well for a one year tenure from 2017-2018. The appointment comes right ahead of a really busy season for Pakistan who currently are playing West Indies and later have a tight schedule of PSL, Australia and other international tours before going to play the T20 World Cup in Australia. Speaking on his appointment, Hasnain stated that he felt elated and privileged to have been chosen at this position. “These are highly exciting times in Pakistan cricket and I look forward to working very closely with my colleagues at the PCB so that we can collectively further enhance the image, reputation and profile of this great institution.”

Kamran Akmal withdraws name from PSL after getting relegated to silvery category

Wicket-keeper batsman Karman Akmal has withdrawn his name from the PSL 2022 edition as a protest for getting relegated to the silver category during the players draft. “I had even protested as to why I was demoted because I had performed consistently for Peshawar in the PSL,” he said. “I don’t think I deserve to be playing in the silver category,” Kamran added. The right-hander further expressed his disappointment and said that he doesn’t want any sympathy from Peshawar Zalmi, the franchise for whom he has featured for. “Please release me because I don’t deserve to play in this category. The lower categories are better suited for youngsters. I don’t want their (Peshawar Zalmi) sympathy just because I have played for them in the past six seasons,” he said. The wicket-keeper batsman also said that he was unhappy with the decision and doesn’t deserve such a treatment. “Yes I am not happy with the way I was first demoted and then picked for PSL 7. I don’t think I deserve this treatment.” “I was surprised when initially the board demoted me from the platinum category to gold category without any explanation.” Akmal has played 69 PSL matches and has scored over 1800 runs at a strike-rate of 136.84 during the course.

LPL 2021: Mathews, bowlers hand Colombo Stars thumping win against Galle Gladiators

Colombo Stars thumped Galle Gladiators by 41 runs in Colombo in a game that was reduced to 18 overs a side. Batting first, Colombo lost Pathum Nissanka early in the innings but captain Angelo Mathews and Priyanjan steadied the ship for the side with a 64-run stand for the second wicket before the latter departed for 23 off 16. While the Stars lost wickets at regular intervals, Mathews went on to score 73 off 57 before he was undone by Amir. Apart from Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal too chipped in with some valuable runs as he struck 36 in just 14 deliveries to help the side put 162/7 in 18 overs. Samit Patel returned with figures of 2/23 in 4 overs while Amir scalped a wicket at 23 runs in his 4 overs. Later, the Galle Gladiators looked steady during the chase at one stage but the departure of Mohammad Hafeez when the team score read 81 broke the shackles and the Gladiators began to lose wickets in a quick succession to soon get reduced to 110/5 before getting bowled out for 121 in 16.5 overs. Opener Kusal Mendis was the lone warrior after he scored a 39-ball 64. Naveen-ul-Haq returned with three wickets for 27 in 3.5 overs for his side while Seekkuge Prasanna bagged a couple at the cost of 23 runs in 4 overs. Mathews appreciated the team’s efforts after the win. “It was a great performance from the entire team. I am still not 100%, will take a few more weeks I am willing to take risks. It was something new for me, managed to get a start and post a good total,” he said after the match.