Rohit Sharma starts training in quarantine, Mumbai Indians shares pictures

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma has started his training process as he undergoes a six-day quarantine after returning from England. The second leg of the 14th season of IPL will kick off with the match between arch rivals Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings and Rohit Sharma who had a sensational time with the bat in England will look to make a hat-trick of titles when they take the field on 19th September.

The most successful skipper in the tournament, Rohit Sharma reached UAE on Saturday from England along with teammates Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav. The trio has to undergo a six-day self-isolation before they can join their team for the team training sessions.

Taking to their Twitter handle, Mumbai Indians shared pictures of Rohit Sharma sweating it out in the exercise bicycle in the hotel premises on Tuesday. They also posted a video of fielding coach James Pamment indulging in the fielding drills with the players. The core group barring the players in England had reached UAE well in advance and has started their preparation to defend the title.

Mumbai Indians had an indifferent time in the first phase of the tournament but still occupies the 4th position in the points table with 4 wins from 7 games. The last game against CSK saw them chase down 219 courtesy a phenomenal knock from the blade of Kieron Pollard.

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Lasith Malinga announces retirement from all formats of the game

One of the finest fast bowlers of the modern generation and regarded as one of the greats of fast bowling, Lasith Malinga has announced his retirement from all formats of the game bringing curtains down to an exceptional and illustrious career. Taking to his Twitter handle, Malinga wrote, “Hanging up my #T20 shoes and #retiring from all forms of cricket! Thankful to all those who supported me in my journey, and looking forward to sharing my experience with young cricketers in the years to come.” Malinga also shared a video on his Youtube channel which forms a compilation of his wickets in the shortest format of the game. Malinga has been one of the finest bowlers in this format and remains the highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL. He also holds the unique record of bagging four wickets in four balls twice in international cricket. …...more to follow

Hashim Amla withdraws his name from South African domestic cricket

Former South Africa stalwart Hashim Amla has confirmed that he won’t return to the South African domestic cricket. The veteran batsman conveyed his decision to the Western Province Cricket Association on Tuesday after he was originally named in the 16 member Western Province squad. The team will compete in the first division of the domestic competition in South Africa. "It's obviously hugely disappointing that Hashim will not be donning the Six Gun Grill WP colours this season, he would have been a huge asset to the team on and off the field, especially working with the group of talented young batsmen we have at our disposal," Michael Canterbury, WPCA CEO was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. "I want to thank Hashim and his representatives for the open interaction over these past couple of weeks. We all know Hashim is one of our greatest ever players in South Africa and we would have loved nothing more than to see him representing WP, but we fully understand his reasoning and wish him luck with whatever comes next for him and his family." Amla announces his international retirement back in 2019 but continues to be an integral part in first-class circuit. He had a wonderful time with the bat for Surrey in the County championship amassing 771 runs in 12 matches at an average of 51.40. It included a double century and a sensational final day knock when he batted the whole day scoring 37 of 278 deliveries to save the match for his county against Hampshire. "I want to thank Western Province for their open communication throughout the entire contracting process. I have made this decision based on where I am currently in my career and with a view to my future endeavours. I want to wish the squad all the best for the coming season," Amla said.

Lizelle Lee joins Mithali Raj at the top spot in ICC women’s ODI rankings for batters

South Africa opener Lizelle Lee joined India skipper Mithali Raj at the top position in the latest ICC women’s ODI rankings for batters. Mithali retained her position while Lee joined her at 762 rating points. “A Player of the Match-winning performance in the first ODI against West Indies has helped Lizelle Lee climb to the summit of the MRF Tyres ICC Women's ODI Rankings for batters,” an ICC statement read. Lee has had a good outing during the on-going five-match ODI series against West Indies. She has already struck two half-centuries in three matches. Laura Wolvaardt is at number ten with 697 points. “Lee struck a magnificent unbeaten 91 in the first ODI of the five-match series against West Indies, helping South Africa chase down a 154 with relative ease. With a rating of 762, she is now level with India's Mithali Raj at the top of the rankings,” the statement added. Apart from Mithali, Smriti Mandhana is another Indian batter in the top ten rankings. The left-hander is at number ninth spot with 701 points. Australia’s Alyssa Healy is at number three with 756 points while Tammy Beaumont is at number four and Meg Lanning at number fifth position respectively.

BCCI might allow two retention & two RTM ahead of mega auction, bidding for new teams likely on October 17

October 17, 2021 can be the day when the bidding for the new IPL teams take place according to a Cricbuzz report. As the bidding date is likely to be after a couple of days, the IPL 2021 ends, which also marks the beginning of the World T20 2021, the event can be held in Dubai or Muscat. According to further reports, the Board of Control for cricket in India (BCC) has informed the potential bidders of three dates September 21, October 5 and October 17. The clarifications can be sought by September 21 while the ITT (Invitation To Tender) document will be available for purchase till October 5 and the auctions are likely to take place on October 17 respectively. Regarding the retention policy, BCCI is likely to allow 2 retention and 2 RTM for teams ahead of the mega auction, which will be confirmed by November. The mega auctions are likely to take place in January 2022. The number of league matches can be 74 or 94 depending upon the schedule available. Each team will get to play either 14 or 18 matches with a minimum of seven home and as many away fixtures. The board will have the option of holding 18 games open in the agreement but will stick for 14 matches. The BCCI has also flared the air regarding the financial requirements. Each bidder should have a net worth of Rs 2500 while the company should have a turnover of Rs 3000 crores. The board can allow only three partners in the case of a consortium and one of them will have to fulfil the mentioned criteria. The base price is Rs 2000 Crore.