Now, Azeem Rafiq apologises for historic anti-semitic remarks

Alex Hales denies another allegation of racism reported by The Sun

There is no end of trouble for Alex Hales as after the allegations of racism by Azeem Rafiq, British Newspaper The Sun has published his image in blackface from New Year Eve in the year 2009. The right-hander has offered his explanation that he was unaware of the offensive nature of the message it was giving. He reiterated his stance against racism and discrimination. “In 2009, I attended a New Year’s Eve musical tribute fancy dress party,” Hales, 32, told The Sun. “I dressed in tribute to my musical hero, Tupac Shakur, someone who I’ve admired from childhood and, at the time, did not realise the offensive nature of this.”I echo my statement from earlier in the week and stress how much I deplore racism and discrimination in all its forms.” Hales was blamed for being racist at the core for naming his dog “Kevin” the same name Gary Ballance had given to people of colour in the Yorkshire dressing room. Hales denied those allegations as well and said that there was no discriminatory motive behind naming his dog, Kevin. The Sun report also claimed that the England and Wales Cricket Board has taken cognisance of Hales’ historic photo and they have initiated an investigation.

Mushfiqur Rahim clarifies his omission from Bangladesh squad for Pakistan T20Is

Bangladesh experienced batsman Mushfiqur Rahim has said that he has not been rested by the selectors for the T20I series against Pakistan starting today in Dhaka but instead, he has been dropped in a “collective decision” by the selection committee, team management, head coach and team director. He also said that he was asked for his availability in the series to which he was more than willing to play and bounce back after a disappointing T20 World Cup with the bat. He said that the time has not come for him yet to seek rest from international cricket. “To be honest I haven’t reached the stage when I have to tell someone that I need rest,” Mushfiqur told Bangladesh’s Channel 24 on Wednesday. “I am definitely available. Why won’t I be? I obviously had a disappointing World Cup. I needed an opportunity to bounce back. “I was asked if I was available, to which I said, of course, I am available. But I was told that the selection committee, team management, head coach and team director took a collective decision to drop me.” Mushfiqur’s omission has raked a massive controversy in Bangladesh set up as the T20 skipper Mahmudullah declined to comment on the issue and uncertainty over his exclusion from the squad. He said that the team management is the right authority to discuss the matter but was vocal about missing Mushfiqur’s presence in the side against Pakistan.

Paine resigns as Australia Test captain for historic explicit messages to female co-worker

In a massive development that can potentially lead Australian cricket into turmoil, Test captain Tim Paine has resigned from his post as the leader of the side with immediate effect. He has given up his role as captain for an explicit text message to his colleague in the year 2017 that was supposed to be made public in a few days time. Just days after their famous T20 World Cup Win and a few weeks ahead of an all-important Ashes series at home, Australian cricket has plunged into yet another crisis and it has taken their Test skipper Tim Paine with it. He has made himself available though for selection in the Ashes series and Cricket Australia has said that they will accelerate the process of finding out the next Test skipper. "Today, I'm announcing my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian men's test team. It's an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket," Paine said as he read out a statement. "As a background on my decision, nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in. "That investigation and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation at the same time found that there had been no breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct. Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time, and still do today. I spoke to my wife and family at the time and am enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support. We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years. "However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public. On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community. I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party. I'm sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport. "And I believe that it is the right decision for me to stand down as captain, effective immediately. I do not want this to become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes series. "I have loved my role as captain of the Australian cricket team. It's been the greatest privilege of my sporting life to lead the Australian men's test team. I'm grateful for the support of my teammates and proud of what we've been able to achieve together. "To them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness. To Australian cricket fans I'm deeply sorry that my past behaviour has impacted our game on the eve of the Ashes. For the disappointment I have caused to fans and the entire cricket community, I apologise. "I've been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supportive family, and it breaks my heart to know how much I've let them down. They have always stood by me, been my most loyal fans, and I'm indebted to them for their support. "I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour."

IND vs NZ | 2nd T20I: India look to seal series; New Zealand eye comeback

India will lock horns with New Zealand in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday (November 19, 2021). The Men in Blue rode on some good batting from the new T20I skipper Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav to win the first match by 5 wickets in Jaipur on Wednesday. On the other side, Martin Guptill and Chapman showed some brilliant skills with the bat as the two batters notched up individual fifties and helped New Zealand put 164/5 on the board. Though, their efforts went in vain as India clinched the victory in the final over. While the Rohit Sharma-led side will now look to seal the series, New Zealand will seek a comeback in Ranchi. Match Details Match: IND vs NZ, 2nd T20I, New Zealand tour of India, 2021 Date: Friday, November 19, 2021 Time: 7:00 PM Venue: JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi Pitch Report The track in Ranchi might help the batters in the later stage of the game. On the other side, the spinners might get some help in the middle overs. So, if you win the toss, elect to field first. India need small tweaks The home side rode on brilliance with the bat from the skipper Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav as they chased down the target to win the game. But the team management does need to fix some issues and one of them is the middle order failure with the bat. While Shreyas Iyer didn’t really get into the groove, Rishabh Pant struggled to connect the ball while the two were out there in the middle. Debutant Venkatesh Iyer struck an important boundary during the course but gave away his wicket at a crucial junction in the match. Apart from this, Mohammed Siraj and Deepak Chahar were very costly. New Zealand middle order woes The visitors might have put up a decent total on the board in the first game but their middle order failed to fire as well. Barring Guptill and Chapman, none of the batsmen really took up the onus to capitalise on the foundation that the two batters had laid. The New Zealand team management would want the other players to be among runs to make a comeback in the series. Team News India: The Indian team began the series on a positive note and they are unlikely to make any changes in the XI. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj got a bit of an injury scare in the previous game while he was hit on his left hand in the follow through. However, the right-arm bowler completed his over. There is no official update on Siraj’s injury and whether he will play the next game or not. But if he misses out then Avesh Khan might get a chance in the XI. New Zealand: New Zealand might bring in Ish Sodhi in place of Todd Astle who returned with pretty expensive figures of 0/34 in three overs. Apart from this, the visitors would like to continue with the same bunch of players when they take the field on Friday. Playing XI India: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Mohammad Siraj/Avesh Khan New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Trent Boult Fantasy XI Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Martin Guptill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Chapman, Venkatesh Iyer, R Ashwin (C), Tim Southee, Trent Boult (VC)