The SA20 league had a fantastic inaugural season, but Graeme Smith, the league commissioner, has been instrumental in making it even more successful. In his observations, the former Proteas captain discussed the league’s goals of reaching out to the fervent Indian cricket fan base and the strategic importance of digital engagement in this connection.

He said he was grateful for the unwavering devotion Indian cricket fans have for the sport and stressed that the cricket played in the SA20 is geared for evening entertainment and is a great way for families to watch top-notch sports entertainment.

Graeme Smith recognized that there are many Indian cricket fans who still yearn for the heyday of South African cricket and believes the SA20 will serve as a spark to bring back that nostalgia. The SA20 will be ideal for informal evening entertainment where people can enjoy top-notch sports with their family. Indian cricket fans have long been fervent fans of the game. Many Indian cricket fans still have fond memories of the heyday of South African cricket, and we want the supporters to rekindle that sentiment,” Smith added.

In addition, Smith presented the SA20’s strategic goal. “Our objective is to expand the footprint of the SA20 into new areas, winning the hearts of cricket fans who have been waiting for an electrifying T20 experience,” said Smith.

“The SA20 intends to place a strong emphasis on its online presence, especially addressing our Indian friends. We aim to enhance cross-border digital engagements, acknowledging the immense passion for cricket in India. We want to not only grab Indian cricket fans’ attention but also provide a platform that speaks to their ardor for the sport through creative material, in-person interactions, and exciting projects,” Smith said.

In an effort to forge close ties with supporters worldwide, the 2018 season of SA20 looks to be an exciting new chapter in the league’s history.

18 December 2023, Bengaluru Mo Bobat, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Director of Cricket, provided insight into the team’s strategic goals for the upcoming IPL auctions at the Leaders Meet India event hosted by the RCB Innovation Lab.

In order to further fortify the player base, Mo Bobat emphasized the need to make wise decisions during trades and auctions. Our top order is quite potent, and we have a solid core of players that we can keep around. We tried to strengthen the middle order while making judgments on player releases, and adding Cameron Green was a great step in that direction.

We consider Mohammed Siraj to be an integral part of our work; therefore, going forward, we will make it a top priority to provide him with other bowling alternatives, including possibilities to bowl internationally. Next, we have a core of regional spinners that is, in my opinion, rather robust. A few of them have had some opportunities in the past year or two, and going forward, they may take on additional leadership roles, he said.

As one of the main organizers of the inaugural RCB Innovation Lab, the forty-year-old discussed the unique aspects of the summit and its ideation process. “We wanted RCB to be known as innovators on and off the field when we first conceptualized the RCB Innovation Lab,” the man said. This is the first project the leaders are conducting in India, but they have a great track record of doing this kind of stuff elsewhere. This one is intentionally designed to be a hybrid environment where business and high performance coexist. Given how closely related the two items are, that is pretty significant. It should serve as a little catalyst for development and change in terms of funding, support, and decision-making for all Indian sports.

In order for athletes to show off their skills, Mo Bobat also emphasized how important it is to create the ideal culture and performance atmosphere. Here, I’m committing to a long-term endeavor. In Faf, our outstanding captain, we have a great group of veteran players with experience, including Virat, Maxi (Maxwell), and DK (Dinesh Karthik). Thus, the substances have a lot of strength. Making sure the athletes can truly go out and show off their abilities and delight the public is the next goal. This involves creating the ideal performance and culture. The supporters will become excited if we stick to our procedures, play an aggressive style of cricket, and have those few occasions when we’re willing to take risks.

“Naturally, cricket tends to get attracted to and gravitate towards things like the control and the lateral movement of fast bowlers, but what we should be doing is identifying players that have the pace and the balance,” Bobat said, delving into the skill, physical, and psychological aspects of selecting the ideal fast bowler using data and a holistic approach—a strategy that will be crucial for RCB heading into the IPL 2024 auction.

I make that distinction because, while it is possible to teach someone how to enhance their craft, lateral movement, and ball accuracy, pace and manufacturing balance are more difficult to teach because these skills include physicality and release height. It is therefore crucial to recognize the difference between the qualities we must recognize and the ones we may gradually educate.

Regarding India’s cricket skills, Bobat praised the men’s team’s steady and outstanding achievements in the just-finished World Cup 2023 while also expressing his appreciation for the nation’s talent pool.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the opening batsman for Team India, was unintentionally put in a funny predicament before Sunday’s first ODI against South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Perhaps in a moment of distraction, the bus driver locked the door in front of Ruturaj Gaikwad as he was preparing to board, temporarily confusing the batter. Social media users swiftly shared the footage of the incident, which showed Gaikwad’s embarrassing attempt to come up with a different entry.

Dubai, December 18, 2023: The ILT20 has suspended fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq for 20 months for breaking his player contract with the Sharjah Warriors, who had hired him for the first season of the competition. The Warriors extended Naveen’s contract by one more year; however, he declined to sign the retention notice for Season 2.

Earlier this year, Naveen-ul-Haq received a retention notice from Sharjah Warriors, whom he played for in Season 1 of the ILT20 (January–February 2023), on the same terms and conditions as outlined in his Player Agreement.

In an attempt to resolve this conflict, the Sharjah Warriors contacted the ILT20. The ILT20 attempted to mediate the situation using an impartial third party, but it was unsuccessful.

Following separate hearings from Naveen and Sharjah Warriors, the ILT20’s three-member Disciplinary Committee—which also includes Emirates Cricket Board member Zayed Abbas, Chief Executive Officer David White of the league, and Head of Security and Anti-Corruption Col. Azam—resolved to ban Naveen for a full 20 months after considering the evidence presented to them.

David White, CEOILT20: “We do not take pride in this announcement, but all parties are expected to uphold their end of the bargain and understand that failure to do so may result in harm to the other party.” Unfortunately, Naveen-ul-Haq did not fulfill his contractual responsibilities with the Sharjah Warriors. As a result, the league was forced to ban him for 20 months.

“Both parties involved were given opportunities to prepare and present their submissions, and the disciplinary proceedings against Naveen were conducted in a transparent manner.”

South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw, a superb batsman, was one of the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) most significant purchases in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. For the 2023 season, the franchise paid INR 4.6 crore to secure his services. But with his lackluster batting statistics, the Protea batter was unable to defend his spot on the squad.

Although Rilee Rossouw is renowned for his hard-hitting skills in the cricket world, he was unable to counter-bowl opponents during the 2023 IPL. In nine games, he managed a pitiful average of 29.85 and only 209 runs. The Capitals have cut ties with him because of his underwhelming performance, and he will now be dealt another blow.

Rossouw will have a base price of INR 2 crore in the 2024 Indian Premier League auction, but, given his incredible batting ability, some teams may choose to take a chance on him. The 34-year-old has a wealth of league cricket experience and may contribute significantly to the lucrative league with meaningful innings.

All franchises will take part in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, which will take place in Dubai prior to the league’s 17th season debut. 19 December 2023. Every franchise will get an opportunity to rebuild their teams in the main event and enter the next tournament with confidence. There is still INR 31.40 crore in the bank account of the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Ben Stokes, who commands a premium price, was one of the eight players the Yellow Army dismissed before the auction. CSK will try to get several elite players with a substantial amount still in their wallets. In order to bolster their squad and win the IPL 2024 championship, CSK may aim to sign three players at the business event.

Rajasthan made history by winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time in 16 years thanks to a brilliant counterattacking knock from Deepak Hooda. He made cricket history with a remarkable 180 off 128 balls, smashing Karnataka’s hopes in the process.

Hooda and Karan Lamba combined to score an incredible 255 runs for the fourth wicket, guiding Rajasthan to a historic triumph despite a challenging start. Mayank Agarwal, the captain of Karnataka, was dismissed for just 13 runs early in the team’s innings. Still, Abhinav Manohar was crucial, hitting an incredible 91 off 80 balls to lead Karnataka to a respectable total of 282. Rajasthan was resilient despite the early losses because of Hooda’s incredible century and Lamba’s vital assistance.

A barrage of fours and sixes followed as cautious opener Deepak Hooda reached his half-century with a massive six. He turned the tables on a once-dominant Karnataka with his brilliant pairing with Lamba. Lamba delivered the game’s final strikes to end it spectacularly.

Ultimately, Rajasthan triumphed, capping an extraordinary journey to the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. Consequently, on December 16, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, Rajasthan, we will square off against Haryana in the tournament finale.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy’s history, Tamil Nadu has been the most successful team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) organizes the Vijay Hazare Trophy, formerly known as the Ranji One-Day Trophy, as an annual domestic limited-overs cricket competition. Teams from union territories and states that compete in the Ranji Trophy make up the event.

Before being enlarged to the national level in 2002–03, the competition was first launched in 1993–94 and was played at the zonal level. The competition was renamed in 2007 in memory of Vijay Hazare, who passed away in December 2004. Tamil Nadu has won the trophy five times, making them the most successful team since the expansion

India rallied well in the third and final T20I of the series, defeating South Africa by 106 runs on Thursday, December 14 at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, after losing the second match by five wickets. The Men in Blue maintained their outstanding record in Twenty20 Internationals in South Africa thanks to the bats of Suryakumar Yadav and the ball of Kuldeep Yadav. The absence of the DRS during the game’s second inning garnered media attention in addition to the outstanding performances by the Indian pair. The error might have cost India the match because it gave star batsman David Miller a lifeline against Ravindra Jadeja in the ninth over of the innings.

David Miller bat had an outside edge, which Jadeja found on the fourth ball of the over and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma comfortably collected. The assured Indian side raised an appeal, but the umpire signaled that the run was not out by shaking his head. Because of a technical issue that caused the DRS to go down and then be restored a few overs later, the Men in Blue were unable to review the decision.

On Thursday, December 14, in Johannesburg, during the third and final Twenty20 International against South Africa, Suryakumar Yadav improved his standing in the game’s shortest format by scoring a fourth century that tied the record. Upon being asked to bat first, India’s skipper took the lead right away, scoring 100 runs off of just 56 balls to help the team to a formidable total of 201/7. In his thrilling innings, Suryakumar struck eight sixes and seven fours.

Former Indian sprinter Zaheer Khan expressed praise
Suryakumar Yadav gave an explanation of why bowlers find it challenging to bowl against the Mumbai batter following his impressive knock. Zaheer observed that it is quite difficult for a bowler to carry out their plans since the 33-year-old plays strokes in every direction on a cricket pitch.

Without a doubt, he is establishing a reputation for himself. Bowlers find it extremely tough to deal with his ability to make shots all over the field. In this format, with the field constraints, bowlers always have an opportunity if they can strike one side of the pitch, according to a remark from Zaheer on Crizbuzz.

However, bowlers find it difficult when faced with a batsman like Surya, who can knock the ball to long on, midwicket, smash sixes over covers, and effectively employ pace by opening his bat’s face. It’s never going to be simple for bowlers to carry out their strategies since he chooses his fielders and his places, he said.

Zaheer Khan gave bowlers the simple advice to “try and get Suryakumar out.”
With four hundred Twenty20 internationals, Suryakumar Yadav tied the record shared by Glenn Maxwell and Rohit Sharma. The most T20I hundreds for the flashy right-hander also come when batting at No. 3 or lower. According to Zaheer, opposition bowlers’ primary goal should be to remove Suryakumar.

One method of stopping him would be to simply offer oneself the best opportunity to bowl the deliveries and get him out. That was ultimately the outcome, Zaheer continued.

India triumphed by 106 runs to square the three-match series 1-1. The Proteas were bowled out for just 95 after facing a formidable total of 202. Kuldeep Yadav was the visitors’ top player with the ball, going five for forty. Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar each claimed one wicket, and fellow tweaker Ravindra Jadeja also claimed a few wickets. It was decided that Suryakumar was Player of the Series and Player of the Match.

In a show of respect and admiration for the cricketing legend, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to retire the illustrious No. 7 shirt, which MS Dhoni famously wore as his captain. This symbolic act, which he took three years after quitting international cricket, will serve as a reminder of the immense impact he had on Indian cricket.

The BCCI has informed present and prospective players that the numbers linked to these cricketing legends are off-limits, in keeping with the similar tribute given to Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 shirt in 2017. When it comes to choosing their jersey number, the cricket players on Team India will have fewer options thanks to this directive. The Indian roster of accessible numbers now has restrictions, even though the International Cricket Council (ICC) allows players to select any number between 1 and 100.

The number allotment for the current Indian squad and those who are in contention has already been determined, according to a senior BCCI official, leaving a small pool of perhaps 60 odd numbers. In the event that a player missed a year or more of action, the board declined to give their number to a rookie. As such, those who have just made their debut now have just about thirty possibilities to pick from, which highlights the scarcity of numbers.

A dearth of numbers among graduates
Yashasvi Jaiswal, 21, had to change course on his India debut this year when he saw his old No. 19, which he had worn when playing for the Rajasthan Royals. Dinesh Karthik, who is still active in cricket but is now a commentator, held the number. As a result of his desired number being unavailable, Jaiswal adapted by selecting No. 64 for his national team jersey.

Even in youth sports, where talented athletes compete to obtain their desired jersey number, the importance of jersey numbers is clear. Notably, the coveted No. 7 was already taken; therefore, emerging sensation Shubman Gill faced a challenge in his Under-19 career. After deciding on No. 77, Gill stuck with it when he moved up to the senior squad, demonstrating the bond players frequently form with their jersey numbers.