Latest news with #FutureToursProgram
News.com.au
a day ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Australia's iconic West Indies Test tours may be on borrowed time as crucial call looms
As Australia's Test series against the West Indies comes to an end there is the real possibility it could be the last one Australia plays in the Caribbean. While on the surface that may sound far-fetched as the trip to the Caribbean is one that both fans and cricketers look on fondly and is full of nostalgia. But with changes likely to come to the five-day format, Australia vs. West Indies Test matches could now be a thing of the past. The International Cricket Council's (ICC) Future Tours Program is reportedly strongly considering moving to the two-tier system which would see Australia and the Windies no longer face in Test cricket. And a report in the SMH backs that up, with the news outlet reporting there are no Tests locked in between Australia and the West Indies in the Caribbean from 2027 onwards. Cricket Australia and the Aussie team would undoubtedly be keen for another Test series but with numbers again down it would be no surprise to see it scrapped. However, most likely that decision is not CA's to make, instead if the ICC opts to split Test cricket into two divisions, the West Indies would almost certainly be in the second tier. Another reason for that Test cricket in the Caribbean could be doomed, is the focus shifting from Test to T20 cricket. In recent years the Windies have played some of the fewest Test matches of all eligible nations. Of the scheduled Test matches in this cricket calendar from 2023 to 2027, the Windies have and are scheduled to play just 28 Tests. That is 17 fewer than England, 16 fewer than Australia and 14 fewer than India. But if the two-tier system becomes a reality, it will almost entirely kill off one of the sport's greatest ever Test nations. It even led West Indies great Clive Lloyd to say he was 'very disturbed' by the idea earlier this year when it was first floated by the ICC> 'I think it will be terrible for all those countries who worked so hard to get the Test status,' Lloyd said. 'Now they'll be playing among themselves in the lower section. How are they going to make it to the top when you play against better teams?' But next Australia will face the West Indies in a five-match T20 series starting July 20 in Jamaica.
The Age
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
West Indies vs Australia LIVE: Lyon dropped for Boland as Cummins wins toss and bats in Jamaica
Go to latest Lyon dropped from Australian XI Big story brewing from Tom Decent in Kingston. Nathan Lyon has been dropped from Australia's XI. Selectors have gone for a five-pronged pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (100th Test), Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, as well as all-rounder Beau Webster. Cummins flagged the move on Friday, saying 'all options' were on the table. It's a bold call but shows Australia feel their best chance of a quick result is to blast the Windies off the park. '[There are] a few more unknowns, so we just want to have another look at the wicket and give it a bit of time and work out a team later on today,' Cummins told reporters in the build-up to the clash. 'I think mainly pink ball [is a consideration] and trying to get our heads around exactly what it's going to do. 'That last session [under lights] might be a little bit longer than Adelaide.' 4.05am Why this could be Australia's final Test tour of the West Indies By Tom Decent Australian cricket tours of the West Indies are steeped in nostalgia – long viewed as the dream trip for players and spectators alike. But heading into this third Test in Jamaica, the venue of Australia's famous series win in 1995, a sobering question hangs in the air: could this be Australia's last visit to the Caribbean for a Test series? That might sound alarmist, but it reflects genuine concern amid confidential discussions between global cricket's powerbrokers about the future of the longest format. The International Cricket Council's Future Tours Program – the blueprint that maps out bilateral series – is still being finalised. But according to well-placed sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, there are currently no Tests locked in between Australia and the West Indies in the Caribbean from 2027 onwards. 4.05am Good morning Hello, and good morning (well, it's a very early good morning from Australia anyway). I'm Daniel Brettig and I'll be taking you through day one of the pink-ball, day-night Test in Jamaica between the West Indies and an Australian side looking to clinch a clean sweep of the Frank Worrell Trophy. Sabina Park has been the scene of many indelible moments in the history of Test cricket, not least Steve Waugh's 200 in 1995, which formed the backbone of the victory that helped Mark Taylor's team become the first to beat the West Indies in a Test series for 15 years. In doing so, they claimed global supremacy for Australia, and began the start of 30 years of sad, protracted decline for the Caribbean side. That said, the following series in 1999 was one of the greatest ever played, as Bria Lara's own Sabina Park double century was the catalyst for the West Indies to rebound from being bowled out for 51 in the opening game in Trinidad and set up a breathless 2-2 drawn series. That was the last time Australia lost on his ground. Play is set to begin at 4.30am AEST. 4.05am Lyon dropped from Australian XI Big story brewing from Tom Decent in Kingston. Nathan Lyon has been dropped from Australia's XI. Selectors have gone for a five-pronged pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (100th Test), Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, as well as all-rounder Beau Webster. Cummins flagged the move on Friday, saying 'all options' were on the table. It's a bold call but shows Australia feel their best chance of a quick result is to blast the Windies off the park. '[There are] a few more unknowns, so we just want to have another look at the wicket and give it a bit of time and work out a team later on today,' Cummins told reporters in the build-up to the clash. 'I think mainly pink ball [is a consideration] and trying to get our heads around exactly what it's going to do. 'That last session [under lights] might be a little bit longer than Adelaide.'
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
West Indies vs Australia LIVE: Lyon dropped for Boland as Cummins wins toss and bats in Jamaica
Go to latest Lyon dropped from Australian XI Big story brewing from Tom Decent in Kingston. Nathan Lyon has been dropped from Australia's XI. Selectors have gone for a five-pronged pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (100th Test), Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, as well as all-rounder Beau Webster. Cummins flagged the move on Friday, saying 'all options' were on the table. It's a bold call but shows Australia feel their best chance of a quick result is to blast the Windies off the park. '[There are] a few more unknowns, so we just want to have another look at the wicket and give it a bit of time and work out a team later on today,' Cummins told reporters in the build-up to the clash. 'I think mainly pink ball [is a consideration] and trying to get our heads around exactly what it's going to do. 'That last session [under lights] might be a little bit longer than Adelaide.' 4.05am Why this could be Australia's final Test tour of the West Indies By Tom Decent Australian cricket tours of the West Indies are steeped in nostalgia – long viewed as the dream trip for players and spectators alike. But heading into this third Test in Jamaica, the venue of Australia's famous series win in 1995, a sobering question hangs in the air: could this be Australia's last visit to the Caribbean for a Test series? That might sound alarmist, but it reflects genuine concern amid confidential discussions between global cricket's powerbrokers about the future of the longest format. The International Cricket Council's Future Tours Program – the blueprint that maps out bilateral series – is still being finalised. But according to well-placed sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, there are currently no Tests locked in between Australia and the West Indies in the Caribbean from 2027 onwards. 4.05am Good morning Hello, and good morning (well, it's a very early good morning from Australia anyway). I'm Daniel Brettig and I'll be taking you through day one of the pink-ball, day-night Test in Jamaica between the West Indies and an Australian side looking to clinch a clean sweep of the Frank Worrell Trophy. Sabina Park has been the scene of many indelible moments in the history of Test cricket, not least Steve Waugh's 200 in 1995, which formed the backbone of the victory that helped Mark Taylor's team become the first to beat the West Indies in a Test series for 15 years. In doing so, they claimed global supremacy for Australia, and began the start of 30 years of sad, protracted decline for the Caribbean side. That said, the following series in 1999 was one of the greatest ever played, as Bria Lara's own Sabina Park double century was the catalyst for the West Indies to rebound from being bowled out for 51 in the opening game in Trinidad and set up a breathless 2-2 drawn series. That was the last time Australia lost on his ground. Play is set to begin at 4.30am AEST. 4.05am Lyon dropped from Australian XI Big story brewing from Tom Decent in Kingston. Nathan Lyon has been dropped from Australia's XI. Selectors have gone for a five-pronged pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc (100th Test), Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, as well as all-rounder Beau Webster. Cummins flagged the move on Friday, saying 'all options' were on the table. It's a bold call but shows Australia feel their best chance of a quick result is to blast the Windies off the park. '[There are] a few more unknowns, so we just want to have another look at the wicket and give it a bit of time and work out a team later on today,' Cummins told reporters in the build-up to the clash. 'I think mainly pink ball [is a consideration] and trying to get our heads around exactly what it's going to do. 'That last session [under lights] might be a little bit longer than Adelaide.'
India.com
04-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Not Winning The World Cup, This Is Afghanistans Rashid Khans Ultimate Dream
Afghanistan's cricket icon Rashid Khan has captivated fans worldwide with his mastery of leg-spin, becoming a dominant force in T20 cricket for both his country and various franchise leagues. Despite his widespread acclaim, the 25-year-old deeply misses the experience of playing international cricket in his homeland, where he is celebrated as a national hero. Notably, The Afghanistan men's cricket team does play in Afghanistan, but they also play many of their "home" matches in other countries like the UAE and India due to security concerns and lack of suitable facilities within Afghanistan. The ongoing political instability and security situation in Afghanistan makes it difficult to host international matches within the country and thus Rashid wants to play in front of his home crowd. According to the Future Tours Program, West Indies and New Zealand are scheduled to tour Afghanistan early next year , a potential landmark moment for cricket in the war-torn nation. However, Rashid remains cautiously optimistic because many top teams have historically been reluctant to visit Afghanistan due to security concerns. Speaking to The National during a Dubai event, Rashid shared his thoughts on the uncertain fate of matches being played in Afghanistan. 'That's in FTP for now. But when the time comes, it's only then you will know whether it's happening. There have been so many games scheduled in Afghanistan... but have never taken place. But hopefully it happens. It's good for cricket and good for Afghanistan,' he said. Beyond the scheduling uncertainty, Rashid opened up about his personal longing to play before his home crowd since the turmoil that followed the Taliban's takeover. 'Well, if it eventually happens, that will be a kind of dream to play international cricket in Afghanistan. I hope that comes before I retire from the sport. That's something which I dream of playing in front of my home crowd. So, hopefully, that happens in the future,' he added. AfG HomeComing Currently, international cricket remains absent from Afghanistan because of political instability and restrictions on women's cricket imposed by the Taliban regime. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is gearing up for a T20 series in Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup in September, which will likely be held in the UAE, a location where Afghanistan has a 'destination support' agreement. Rashid Khan has played a total of 216 international matches across all formats. This includes 6 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 96 T20Is.
Express Tribune
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
BD share tentative dates with PCB
Pakistan team in action against Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Photo: AFP The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has drafted the initial schedule and shared it with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The T20I series will begin on July 20, with the second and third matches scheduled for July 22 and 24, respectively. All three matches are set to be hosted at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. Pakistan's tour of Bangladesh is not part of the Future Tours Program (FTP). This series was agreed upon during discussions between senior officials of the PCB and BCB on the sidelines of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. After the conclusion of the T20 series against Bangladesh, the Pakistan team will depart for the West Indies. There, they will face the Caribbean side in a three-match T20I series beginning on July 31 in the United States. This will be followed by a One Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies as well. Meanwhile, the third T20I between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Shoriful Islam injured Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, after suffering a groin injury. In his absence, pacer Khaled Ahmed is likely to be included in the playing XI for the third match. Additionally, Najmul Hossain Shanto may also be given a chance in the Bangladesh lineup. Pakistan holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series, having thoroughly outclassed the visitors in both earlier games. Meanwhile, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 37 runs in the first T20I here at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on May 28. Chasing a target of 202, the Bangladeshi side was bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs. The second T20I also saw a dominant Pakistani performance. Batting first, the hosts posted 201/6 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Bangladesh was bundled out for 144 in 19 overs. Pakistan delivered a clinical performance to defeat Bangladesh by 57 runs in the second T20I, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Meanwhile, Pakistan are expected to make one change to their playing XI for the third and final T20I against Bangladesh, scheduled for Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pacer Haris Rauf is likely to be rested due to his poor form, with either Abbas Afridi or Naseem Shah set to replace him in the lineup. Rauf has struggled in the ongoing series, claiming just one wicket while conceding 59 runs in five overs at an economy rate of 11.80. Despite Saim Ayub's disappointing form — scoring a duck in the first T20I and four runs in the second — the opening pair of Saim and Sahibzada Farhan is expected to be retained. In the second T20I, the hosts delivered a dominant performance, defeating Bangladesh by 57 runs. After electing to bat, Pakistan posted a commanding 201/6 in 20 overs. Despite an early setback with the dismissal of Saim Ayub, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris (41 off 25) and Sahibzada Farhan (74 off 41) stitched together a blistering 103-run stand for the second wicket. Farhan's knock featured four boundaries and six towering sixes. Following their departure, captain Salman Ali Agha (19 off 12) and Hasan Nawaz added 45 runs for the fourth wicket, maintaining the tempo. Hasan finished unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls, striking two fours and three sixes. In response, Bangladesh got off to a flying start, reaching 38/0 in just three overs with Tanzid Hasan scoring a quickfire 33. However, a middle-order collapse, sparked by Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf, reduced them to 77/7 by the 10th over. Tanzim Hasan Sakib showed some resistance with a valiant 50 off 31 deliveries, including five sixes, but received little support from the other end. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 144 in 19 overs. Pakistan's bowling effort was well-rounded, with Abrar Ahmed leading the way with figures of 3/19 in four overs. Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah and Saim Ayub each claimed a wicket to complete a dominant team performance.
