The Indian men’s and senior sides were both in action, but the major news wasn’t regarding them on December 15. The limelight in the men’s side was hogged by one controversy regarding Jasprit Bumrah, a scathing criticism of Rohit Sharma and Mohammed virtually being ruled out of the India vs Australia Test series. On the women’s side, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction was the talk of the town. In domestic cricket, we saw Mumbai crowned as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) champions. Of course, like most days, there was yet another ICC Champions Trophy update.
Champions Trophy ‘confirmed’ in hybrid model
The ICC Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan in a hybrid model. Reports suggest PCB and BCCI have shaken hands in agreement with Pakistan being compensated for India not playing in their nation. The official announcement is expected to come out by December 16. The venue for the event isn’t certain yet, but Dubai and Colombo are the two names that have been floated.
Jasprit Bumrah racially abused?
While Jasprit Bumrah was ruling the Aussies on the field, an off-colour comment was made about the pacer. Live on air, former England women’s cricketer Isa Guha called Bumrah a ‘primate.’ It didn’t seem like she was trying to insult Bumrah but still used what is considered to be a racist slur by many. It reminded many of the Monkeygate scandal that happened in the 2009 BGT. Let’s hope it doesn’t turn out that way and that Guha sincerely made a mistake.
Rohit Sharma called ‘dumb’ for on-field tactics
Some of the tactics and field placements from Rohit Sharma on the second day of the Gabba Test were head-scratching. It angered many online, but even those behind the mic weren’t pleased. Former Australian batter Simon Katich called the decision to bowl short without a fielder at third man ‘dumb.’ Katich was referring to the bowler Siraj and captain Rohit when he said so.
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Shami out of BGT 2024-25?
Mohammed Shami has been included in Bengal’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The domestic 50-over tournament will kick off on December 21, and the group stage will end on January 5, when India is playing Australia in the 5th Test. Safe to say, Shami isn’t boarding the flight to Australia, and Team India will have to make do without him in the remaining two Tests.
Mumbai, SMAT 2024-25 Champs
2024 has been Mumbai’s year. They’ve won the Ranji Trophy, the Irani Cup, and now the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Shreyas Iyer led Mumbai to a second SMAT title with the help of Ajinkya Rahane and Suryansh Shedge, beating Rajat Patidar’s Madhya Pradesh with rather ease at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
WPL 2025 auction over
Unlike the IPL 2025 auction, which lasted two days, the WPL auction was over in under 2.5 hours. With just 120 players going under the hammer and just 19 slots left to be filled, the bidding affair between five teams was over in a jiffy. The highlights of it were Sneh Rana going unsold and two uncapped youngsters, Simran Shaikh and G Kamilini, getting Rs 1.9 and 1.6 crore.
