On October 3 the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 commenced, with Bangladesh and Pakistan winning on the opening day. They beat Scotland and Sri Lanka, respectively. The focus, however, will be today as the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will kickstart their tournament against New Zealand in Dubai. Apart from this, there wasn’t much happening in cricket. However, Rohit Sharma attended an event in Maharashtra, where fans yearned for him to play in the ODI World Cup 2027. Moreover, we even saw some developments on PCB electing Mohammad Rizwan as Babar Azam’s successor (as captain). On that note, here are the six most headline-worthy stories from October 3.
Rohit Sharma to play ODI World Cup 27?
The disappointment of India’s 2023 ODI World Cup final loss still echoes in the hearts of fans. However, Rohit Sharma’s T20 World Cup victory has rekindled hope. And now recently, at an event in Maharashtra, the Indian captain received an overwhelming demand to lead India until 2027. Fans expressed their desire for him to captain the team in the next ODI World Cup, which is in Africa. Interestingly, Rohit would be 40 by then!
No Rizwan as PAK captain yet!
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing mounting pressure to resolve its captaincy crisis. Despite earlier reports linking Mohammad Rizwan to the role, no formal discussions have taken place between the board and the wicket-keeper. Pakistan cricket’s recent T20 World Cup disappointment and series loss to Bangladesh have put it in jeopardy. While PCB may not have formally discussed the role with Rizwan, the 32-year-old is most likely to succeed Babar Azam as Pakistan skipper.
Sarfaraz Khan lives up to his promise
Sarfaraz Khan, Mumbai’s batting stalwart, delivered a stupendous knock in the Irani Cup, driven by a promise he made to his family. His younger brother, Musheer, had been ruled out of the match due to a road accident while travelling to the city. Determined to dedicate something special to Musheer, Sarfaraz crafted a magnificent double century. His innings of 222 guided Mumbai to a commanding total of 537.
Indian women’s team to replicate Rohit & his men’s success?
Inspired by the men’s team’s recent ICC triumph, India’s women’s cricket team is determined to clinch their maiden ICC title at the T20 World Cup 2024. Having reached the final in 2020 but falling short, the team is eager to make history. Despite the pressure, Smriti Mandhana emphasized focusing on the process and taking one match at a time. She said the ultimate goal is to bring the trophy home and create a moment as memorable as the men’s victory. Rohit Sharma lifted the Men’s T20 World Cup on June 29, 2024. Can the Harmanpreet Kaur and her team replicate the success on October 20, 2024?
ICC’s new plan for Women’s T20 World Cup
The ICC has implemented a new social media moderation program to protect players from online harassment during the Women’s T20 World Cup. Over 60 players have already joined the program, which uses AI and human moderators to filter out harmful content. Players participating in the World Cup can opt into the service, which filters out harmful comments on their social media profiles
Virat Kohli speaks Bengali!
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli surprised fans with his Bengali skills after receiving a special gift from Bangladesh spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Miraz presented Kohli with a bat from his own company, to which Kohli responded in Bengali, saying “Khoob bhalo achi (it’s very good)” . The modern-day master also wished Miraz success in his entrepreneurial venture. Earlier, Miraz had gifted a bat to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who shared his admiration for the Bangladesh cricketer and his new business venture.
