No big matches were being played on July 12, but there was plenty of entertainment. However, there were still some eye-catching stories that took place on Friday. While there were several groundbreaking leads from Pakistan Cricket, including PCB appointing a new selection committee, even Gautam Gambhir made his first public appearance after getting appointed as India head coach. A new update also emerged as far as the next big ICC event, i.e., the Champions Trophy 2025 is concerned.
Is Babar Azam now PCB selector?
PCB shook things up with a new selection committee ahead of the Bangladesh Tests. This follows Pakistan’s T20 World Cup woes. The committee features current coaches, ex-players, and both Test (Shan Masood) & white-ball captains. But the big question is Babar Azam. Will he retain the white-ball captaincy after the World Cup disappointment? If yes, then he would be amongst key figures in PCB selection meetings. The PCB hasn’t confirmed his status yet, leaving Pakistan’s limited-overs leadership in limbo.
KKR youngster vs Saina Nehwal?
KKR’s Angkrish Raghuvanshi sparked controversy after a flippant comment on Saina Nehwal. Nehwal, in a podcast, questioned cricket’s dominance in India despite its physical demands compared to other Olympic sports. Raghuvanshi, reposting the clip, suggested how Nehwal would handle a fast bowler. The remark backfired, forcing an apology. Admitting it was an “immature joke,” Raghuvanshi expressed regret and apologized sincerely.
Team India out of Champions Trophy?
Sri Lanka might replace India in the 2025 Champions Trophy if India skips the Pakistan-hosted event due to security concerns. Sri Lanka missed qualification as they finished ninth at 2023 ODI World Cup, but could get a lucky break. The BCCI prefers a different host like Sri Lanka or UAE, but the final call on India’s travel rests with the government.
G.O.A.T James Anderson!
The curtain fell on James Anderson’s illustrious Test career after England’s victory over the West Indies. The opening Test at Lord’s marked Anderson’s swansong, where he claimed four wickets and etched his name further in history. Nicknamed “Jimmy,” Anderson is widely regarded as one at the sport’s greatest bowlers, holding the record for most wickets by a pace bowler in Tests (704). The emotional occasion saw him receive a guard of honor and tributes for his two-decade long career.
Nabi takes out his inner MS Dhoni!
Dhoni deja vu! Afghan star Nabi channeled his inner MS Dhoni at a LPL presser. Asked about retirement, Nabi playfully asked the reporter, “Do you want me to retire?” This mirrored Dhoni’s famous 2016 T20 World Cup press conference where he playfully deflected a retirement question from a journalist. 39-year-old Nabi is eyeing the 2026 T20 World Cup after Afghanistan’s successful run at the 2024 major event.
Morne Morkel to become India’s bowling coach?
Gautam Gambhir has always spoken highly of Morne Morkel, tall South African pacer, who wreaked havoc during his playing days. Ever since Gambhir has been appointed as Team India head coach, he has conveyed BCCI on who he wants to join the Indian coaching staff. According to reports, he wants Morkel to be the bowling coach.
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