No big matches were being played on July 11, but there was plenty of entertainment. However, there were still some eye-catching stories that took place on Thursday. While there were several groundbreaking leads from Pakistan Cricket, including Wahaz Riaz spilling beans after his sacking, even newly appointed India head coach Gautam Gambhir was among the news. In football, it was an upset at Copa America semifinal, where 10-man Columbia upstaged favorites Uruguay to seal their place in the finals.
Gautam Gambhir to earn Rs 12 crore?
Gautam Gambhir’s salary negotiations with the BCCI are ongoing, but expected to be in the same range as his predecessor Rahul Dravid’s annual salary of Rs 12 crore. Gambhir was recently appointed as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, replacing Dravid. A BCCI source confirmed that finer details are being worked out, but salary discussions are not a pressing concern for Gambhir, who is focused on finding support staff for the team.
No IND vs PAK in Lahore?
Pakistan’s hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy is in doubt. India, citing security concerns, may not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The BCCI reportedly plans to ask the ICC to move India’s matches to Sri Lanka or Dubai. This creates a similar situation to the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played in Sri Lanka.
‘Disrespectful’ Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan Cricket is in turmoil after their T20 World Cup exit. Chief selector Wahab Riaz was fired due to the group stage exit and even failing to address Shaheen Afridi’s misconduct. Interestingly, Afridi reportedly disrespected batting coach Mohammad Yousuf by telling him to mind his own business during a training session. This incident, along with the World Cup disappointment, has created chaos within the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Argentina to win Copa America 2024?
Lionel Messi’s Argentina eye Copa America glory as the BETSiE Super Computer predicts a dominant win with a 67.37% chance. Colombia, conquerors of Uruguay, are underdogs at 32.63%. Argentina, the reigning World Cup holders, aim to defend their 2020 Copa title after a convincing semi-final win. Can Argentina triumph or will Colombia spring a surprise at Hard Rock Stadium?
Wanindu Hasaranga steps down!
Sri Lanka’s T20 captain Wanindu Hasaranga has stepped down as leader just before the India series. This follows Sri Lanka’s World Cup disappointment. Hasaranga, who captained for 10 T20Is (6 wins, 4 losses), joins coach Silverwood who resigned earlier. Sanath Jayasuriya took over as interim coach for the India series. Hasaranga, a star in the Lanka Premier League, couldn’t translate that to the World Cup and has decided to focus on playing.
Colombia seal Copa America final date with Argentina!
A 10-men Colombia snatched a hard fought 1-0 win over Uruguay to advance to the finals. James Rodriguez and Co will take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the finals of Copa America 2024. But the game wasn’t peaceful to say the least. Colombia’s Daniel Munoz received the marching orders in the first half. Uruguay’s Guillermo Varela too was sent off in the last minute of the game. After the game, trouble broke out among the fans, with Uruguay players spotted climbing to the stands to fight off with the Colombia players.