| Rank | Team | Matches | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 30 | 8756 | 292 |
| 2 | India | 35 | 8264 | 236 |
| 3 | Australia | 28 | 7650 | 273 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 32 | 7315 | 229 |
| 5 | South Africa | 29 | 6901 | 238 |
| 6 | Pakistan | 33 | 6567 | 199 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 27 | 6123 | 227 |
| 8 | West Indies | 31 | 5874 | 190 |
| 9 | Sri Lanka | 30 | 5406 | 180 |
| 10 | Afghanistan | 25 | 5098 | 204 |
Cricket, a sport rich in history and tradition, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. From the leisurely pace of Test matches to the high-octane thrills of Twenty20 (T20) cricket, the game has adapted to the changing preferences of fans and players alike. This article explores the evolution of cricket and the impact of these changes on the sport.
The Classic Test Matches
Cricket's origins can be traced back to the 16th century, but it was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Test cricket began to take shape. Test matches, lasting up to five days, are considered the pinnacle of the sport, testing the skills, patience, and endurance of the players.
Test cricket is often seen as the ultimate format, where the true character of players is revealed. Iconic series like The Ashes between England and Australia, and intense rivalries such as India vs. Pakistan, have produced some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. The format's appeal lies in its ability to offer a comprehensive examination of a player's technique, temperament, and tactical acumen.
The Rise of One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
The introduction of One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in the 1970s marked the beginning of a new era in cricket. With matches limited to 50 overs per side, ODIs brought a sense of urgency and excitement that was missing in the longer format. The first ODI was played between England and Australia in 1971, and the format quickly gained popularity.
The inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975 further cemented the status of ODIs. This format allowed cricket to reach a broader audience, as the shorter duration of matches made it more accessible and viewer-friendly. The emergence of power-hitting batsmen, innovative bowling strategies, and dynamic fielding made ODIs a thrilling spectacle.
The T20 Revolution
The dawn of the 21st century saw the advent of the shortest and most explosive format of the game: Twenty20 (T20) cricket. First introduced in England in 2003, T20 cricket reduced the match length to 20 overs per side, making it a fast-paced, action-packed version of the sport.
The inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, won by India, showcased the potential of this format to attract new fans and revolutionize the game. T20 cricket emphasized entertainment, with big hitting, acrobatic fielding, and innovative bowling becoming the norm. The format's appeal to younger audiences and its suitability for prime-time television broadcasts have made it a commercial success.
Impact on the Game
The evolution of cricket from Test matches to T20 has had a profound impact on the sport. T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have become global phenomena, attracting top talent from around the world and offering lucrative contracts to players.
These leagues have also led to significant changes in how cricket is played. Techniques and strategies developed in T20 cricket have been incorporated into ODIs and even Test matches. For example, the aggressive batting and innovative shot-making seen in T20s are now common in ODIs and have influenced the scoring rates in Test cricket.
Moreover, the financial success of T20 leagues has helped develop infrastructure, improve player salaries, and enhance the overall standard of the game. Young players now aspire to excel in all formats, ensuring a continuous influx of talent.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity
While the rise of limited-overs cricket has brought numerous benefits, it is essential to maintain a balance with the traditional formats. Test cricket remains the ultimate test of skill and endurance, and its preservation is crucial for the sport's heritage. Governing bodies like the International Cricket Council (ICC) have introduced measures such as the World Test Championship to keep the format relevant and competitive.
Conclusion
Cricket's evolution from Test matches to T20 has transformed the sport, making it more dynamic and appealing to a global audience. Each format offers unique challenges and thrills, contributing to the rich tapestry of the game. As cricket continues to evolve, it is crucial to celebrate its diversity and ensure that all formats thrive, preserving the essence of this beloved sport for future generations.
Cricket, a sport steeped in history and tradition, is witnessing a significant shift as a new generation of young players takes center stage. These emerging talents are not only revitalizing the game with their enthusiasm and innovation but are also setting new benchmarks for future generations. This article explores the impact of young cricketers on the international scene and how they are shaping the future of cricket.
The Surge of Youthful Brilliance
Over the past few years, several young cricketers have made remarkable debuts, impressing fans and critics alike with their skills and composure. Players like Shubman Gill from India, Shaheen Afridi from Pakistan, and Ollie Pope from England have quickly become household names, thanks to their exceptional performances on the field.
Shubman Gill, for instance, has showcased a blend of classical technique and aggressive play, making him a vital component of India's batting lineup. His calm demeanor and ability to play under pressure were crucial in India's historic Test series win in Australia in 2021.
Shaheen Afridi, with his express pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, has emerged as a spearhead for Pakistan's bowling attack. His performances in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup highlighted his potential to dominate the international arena for years to come.
Ollie Pope has shown maturity beyond his years, cementing his place in England's middle order. His technique and temperament have drawn comparisons to some of the greats of the game, suggesting a bright future for English cricket.
Changing the Dynamics of the Game
The influx of young talent is not just a mere change of guard; it represents a shift in how the game is played and perceived. These youngsters bring a fearless approach, often unburdened by the weight of past records or reputations. Their innovative techniques and strategies are redefining traditional norms and adding a fresh dimension to cricket.
For example, the aggressive brand of cricket played by the young Indian team under the leadership of Virat Kohli and later Rohit Sharma has set a new template for playing Test cricket. The emphasis on fitness and fielding has also seen a significant improvement, with younger players often setting higher standards.
The Role of Domestic and Franchise Cricket
The role of domestic and franchise cricket leagues, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL), cannot be overstated in this youth revolution. These platforms provide young players with invaluable exposure to high-pressure situations and the opportunity to learn from seasoned international stars.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw have benefited immensely from their IPL stints, translating their domestic success to the international stage. The competitive environment of these leagues hones their skills and prepares them for the rigors of international cricket.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the rise of young talent is promising, it also comes with challenges. The pressure to perform consistently, the physical demands of modern cricket, and the scrutiny of the media can be overwhelming. It is crucial for cricket boards and management teams to provide adequate support, including mental health resources and professional guidance, to help these young stars navigate their careers.
Looking ahead, the future of cricket appears bright with this infusion of young talent. As these players continue to evolve and inspire, they will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, encouraging more youngsters to take up the sport and aim for excellence.
Conclusion
The emergence of young cricketers in the international arena is a testament to the evolving nature of cricket. Their contributions are not only invigorating the game but also ensuring its growth and sustainability. As fans, we are privileged to witness the dawn of this new era, filled with exciting possibilities and unprecedented achievements. The future of cricket is in safe hands, and it looks more thrilling than ever.
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| ⓒABP live |
Team India defeated New Zealand by 5 wickets in first of the three matches T20 series and have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. In the match played at Jaipur's Swai Mansingh Stadium, Team India achieved the target of 165 runs by losing just 5 wickets in 19.4 overs. With this win, the pair of captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid have passed their first Test.
Virat Kohli had left the captaincy of the T20 format and Rohit was given the command. Team India is playing the first T20 series as Rohit's full-time captain. Rohit played a captain's inning in the match as he went to score 48 runs. Apart from this, Suryakumar Yadav played a brilliant innings of 62 runs. Batting first after losing the toss, New Zealand scored 164 for the loss of 6 wickets. Martin Guptill and Mark Chapman hit half-centuries. The second match of the series will be played on November 19 in Ranchi.
We are off to a winning start! 👏 👏
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2021
The @ImRo45-led #TeamIndia seal a 5⃣-wicket victory in first @Paytm #INDvNZ T20I in Jaipur. 👍 👍
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/5lDM57TI6f pic.twitter.com/KXu28GDn3m
Team India got off to a decent start chasing 165 runs. The team had scored 50 runs without a wicket in the first 5 overs. After this, KL Rahul was dismissed for 15 runs by Mitchell Santner followed by captain Rohit Sharma who got out after scoring 48 runs. He faced 36 balls. He added 59 runs for the second wicket with Suryakumar Yadav. Rohit's wicket was taken by left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult.
New Zealand's opener Devon Conway made a big world record in his name. He played the biggest innings as an opener in the dubut test match. He scored 200 runs in the first innings.
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| Image Credit- AP |
Devon Conway continued his record breaking streak in the first Test against England at Lord's. Also surpassed the records of Sourav Ganguly and Ranjit Sinjhi. After becoming the first player to score a double century in England in the first innings, Conway broke Kepler Wessels' 39-year-old world record on the fourth day. Conway holds the world record for scoring the most runs in a debut match as an opener.
After scoring 200 runs in the first innings, Devon Conway was dismissed for 23 in the second innings. But with the help of the runs of both the innings, he made a big record in his name. The 223-run total set a new world record for Conway. He broke the record held by Kepler Vessels and surpassed them. In his debut Test against England in 1982, Kepler scored 218 runs with the help of 162 in the first innings and 46 runs in the second innings. In this way, now Conway has made history for the New Zealand team.
Conway is at number five in the list of highest run scorers in the debut Test. The first in this list is Lawrence Roe of West Indies, who scored 314 runs against Australia in 1972. Along with this, Devon Conway broke the record of Matthew Sinclair to make the record for most runs scored by a New Zealand cricketer on debut. Sinclair scored 214 runs in a single innings against West Indies in 1999. He played only one innings.
In the ongoing series, New Zealand had scored 378 runs in the first innings, in response to which the hosts were bundled out for 275 runs. At the same time, in the second innings, New Zealand scored 62 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. The Kiwi team has taken a lead of 165 runs so far.
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| Image Source- Instagram |
The Indian women's and men's teams have left for England. The BCCI has shared the picture of the players leaving for England on their social media account. In pictures, Virat Kohli, Mithali Raj, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul wait for the flight at the airport.
If we talk about the Indian team, then it will start his England tour with the World Test Championship final. This match with New Zealand will be played in Southampton from 18 June. After this, the team will play a five-match Test series against England. The first match will be played in Nottingham from 4 August.
Off we go ✈️#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/4k7wOOVpdA
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 2, 2021
#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/mhmyJFc0H8
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 2, 2021
If we talk about the women's team, then they have to play three ODIs and three T20s apart from one Test match. The Indian team will play a Test match after many years. He will also have a corona test and then he will also be in Quarantine. According to reports, both the men's and women's teams are very happy with the family being allowed on the tour.
Indian team captain Virat Kohli gave a big reaction during the virtual press conference before leaving for the UK. He said that both the teams are tied and whichever team performs best in every session and every hour will win this match.
#Hitman 🔥🔥😍😍 pic.twitter.com/6LBlv9gvdK
— Hari Maara 24 (@harimasss24) June 2, 2021
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| Image Source- Twitter |
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| ⓒTwitter |
Bio-safety measures were announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the World Test Championship starting on 18 June in Southampton between India and New Zealand. The Indian team will arrive in the United Kingdom on June 3 after completing a 14-day quarantine at home and with a negative RT-PCR test report. Before reaching here, the Indian team will have to go through many tests. The players and the rest of the members will fly to the UK only after the negatives in all the Covid-19 Tests. After arriving here, the team will have to stay in isolation at a hotel in the Hampshire Bowl.
"In accordance with the bio-safety protocols established for the event, in line with the requirements of the UK Government and the public health of England, the Indian team will arrive in the UK via a charter flight on 3 June 2021 and carry evidence of a negative PCR test," the ICC said. Said in a media release on Saturday.
"Prior to the visit, the team must have spent 14 days in a bio-safe environment in India, during which regular testing would have taken place.
"After landing they will proceed directly to the on-site hotel, which is in the Hampshire Bowl, where they will be re-tested before beginning a period of managed isolation."
Players will then remain in a bio-safe bubble and their activity will be gradually increased with each negative result in a regular test round.
The ICC said that New Zealand would transition from the bio-safe environment of the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) to the final bubble of the World Test Championship on 15 June. New Zealand are already in England for their two-match Test series against England.
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| ⓒTwitter |
Australia's star fast bowler and number one in the Test rankings, Pat Cummins has announced his current World Test XI team. In this team, he has included four players from Australia and India, while New Zealand, South Africa and England have one player each. Cummins did not mentor any player as captain in this team. The special thing about this team is that Rishabh Pant has got a place in this as wicketkeeper. Pant had played an important role in winning the team shortly before by showing a great game against Australia and then England.
Earlier, Pat Cummins said in a question-and-answer session on YouTube, "I will put Kane Williamson at number-3, Steve Smith at number-4 and Virat Kohli at number-5 in my team." Pat Cummins has dismissed Kane Williamson twice in One Day International cricket, while Virat Kohli has shown the way to the pavilion seven times. Apart from this, Cummins has also given his prediction about the ICC World Test Championship final match between India and New Zealand from June 18.
Cummins has chosen the pair of David Warner and Rohit Sharma as the openers in this team. Both these players have achieved unmatched positions on behalf of their team in limited overs cricket. Talking about the middle order of the team, this team will probably be one of the strongest teams, as it includes players like Virat Kohli in the fifth place, Steve Smith in the fourth place and Kane Williamson in the third place, which is currently In time, he is considered to be the best batsman in the world. Cummins has not included Joe Root of England in this team, whose name is included in the 'Fab Four'. This decision is a little surprising.
Cummins has included England's Ben Stokes as an all-rounder. If we look at the bowling department, Cummins has included the only spinner in the team as Nathan Lyon. Among the fast bowlers, the Kangaroo bowler has included Kagiso Rabada, Jaspreet Bumrah and himself. Rabada and Bumrah have been very successful in the Indian Premier League.
David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah.
Highest priced tickets for India vs New Zealand finals going for almost Rs 2 Lakhs
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| ⓒTwitter |
As the dates of the WTC finals between India and New Zealand are approaching, the discussion and demand for more valuable tickets is also increasing. According to the norms, the governing body of the International Cricket Council (ICC) is available through a ballot process. Releases a percentage of tickets that have already closed on May 13. These tickets will be given to some lucky fans and the remaining tickets are being sold by the official travel agents of International Cricket Council.
According to InsideSport.com, there is so much craze for the final match that the fans are buying tickets for Rs 2 lakh. ICC travel agents have sold These tickets. According to an official ticket agent company, appointed by the ICC, there is a good demand for booking tickets in every category. Some have even been provided accommodation to stay overnight. Bronze or Silver match ticket of your choice for the ICC WTC Final 2021 are included in the package.
The ICC World Test Championship Finals 2021 (match) is being held from 18–23 June 2021 (including Reserve Day) at the Hampshire Bowl, Southampton (venue).The final of the World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be played in Southampton from 18 June to 22 June. June 23 is designated as Reserve Day.
Only four thousand spectators are allowed for the World Test Championship. The Indian team will leave for England for the tour of England on 2 June. The players going on this tour are still in Quarantine in Mumbai. New Zealand players have already reached England. Two-match Test series will be played between New Zealand and England before the final of the World Test Championship.
No. 1 Test bowler Pat Cummins said that Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith will be his first picks. Cummins has bowled against all three.
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| ⓒTwitter |
Australian fast bowler and currently No.1 Test bowler Pat Cummins said that if he chooses the playing XI of the Test, then it will definitely include Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith. Cummins has bowled against all three. Williamson is currently the No. 1 Test batsman, while Virat Kohli is at number five in the rankings.
Pat Cummins said in a question-and-answer session on YouTube, "I will put Kane Williamson at number-3, Steve Smith at number-4 and Virat Kohli at number-5 in my team." Pat Cummins has dismissed Kane Williamson twice in One Day International cricket, while Virat Kohli has shown the way to the pavilion seven times. Apart from this, Cummins has also given his prediction about the ICC World Test Championship final match between India and New Zealand from June 18.
According to Cummins, England's conditions will be more favorable for New Zealand, in which case the Kiwi team may have a bigger upper hand. This historic match is to be played in Southampton. He said, 'The two teams that have reached the finals are the best teams in the world and they have no weaknesses. Both teams have some batsmen who are the most difficult to bowl, but you want to face such challenges.
Pat Cummins also praised India's senior fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, saying that Kumar is known for bowling the new ball, where he moves the ball more than the others. Australian fast bowler strongly praised Kumar's death bowling. Cummins said, "When the speedster relies on his precision yorker and smart change of pace, he displays his variations."
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar is really skilled. He is a clever bowler. He has a really good yorker, he has some clever changes, and also one for which he is best known, swinging the ball both ways. As a fellow fast bowler, he is exciting to watch because there is always something happening, ”said Pat Cummins.
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| Image Source- Twitter (Jasprit Bumrah) |
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt named three players who could become the captain of Team India in future. Currently, Virat Kohli is the captain of Team India in all three formats and he is playing this role in the best way. Salman Butt said that one of Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant could go on to become the captain of India. Butt gave this answer on the question of a fan.
Salman Butt said in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, "I don't know the depth of Pant's domestic cricket record. But what I have seen in IPL is if they handed Rishabh Pant the captaincy of Delhi Capitals, then BCCI may have some future plans. However, Kohli is still young and he is not going anywhere for the next 8-9 years. " Significantly, Pant was handed the captaincy after Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of IPL 2021 due to injury. Delhi Capitals led by Pant had done well before the postponement of IPL 14. The team topped the points table winning 6 matches in 8 matches.
Salman Butt also praised Captain of Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma. Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit, have won the IPL title 5 times. But about Rohit, Butt said that Rohit Sharma is a great captain. I like him very much as a captain. Strategically, he is a much better captain. Salman Butt was also impressed with Indian team vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane took over the captaincy in place of Kohli after losing the first Test in Australia. In the absence of many star players in the four-match series, India won the series 2–1.
Butt said that India had recently won the Test series in Australia, with Rahane taking over as captain. He did an excellent job in Australia. Butt, 36 years, ended his talk by saying that India need not worry in the near future. Whenever India needs it, they will have many options. Butt said let's see who comes next and what the scenario is. It is not a matter of discussion for Indian cricket right now. They have 3-4 people anyway.
Former West Indies fast bowler and veteran cricketer of his time Michael Holding believes that it is not possible to completely eradicate racism.
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| ⓒInstagram |
Former West Indies fast bowler and veteran cricketer of his time Michael Holding believes that it is not possible to completely eradicate racism. At the same time, to show support against racial discrimination, the demonstration of sitting on one knee should not be formal. Holding said this on the occasion of the first death anniversary of African-American George Floyd during a talk on Sky Sports' show The Cricket Show. Floyd died in Minnesota last year at the hands of a white policeman.
Holding said in a panel discussion with former England captain Nasser Hussain and female international player Ebony Rainford Brent, 'Racism will always be there, racists will always be there. Getting rid of racism completely will be like saying that you are going to get rid of crime completely. this is impossible.'
He said, 'The less crimes there are in your society, the less incidents of racism in your society, the better the world will be.' Holding said that the performance of 'taking the knee' should not be formal but rather scholarly, but he does not believe in telling people what his choice should be.
"I'm not going to tell people that they should kneel - I'm not here to tell people what to do. I don't want people to take it as a tick-in-the-box exercise. .
"You must support this cause, you must be willing to understand and see that something is wrong and it is a globally accepted way of showing support for this cause," he said.
The former Caribbean veteran now living in the United Kingdom said that not everyone can understand the challenges that black people face in their lives. He said, 'People do not understand what it is like to live under such pressure in their whole life. Some people talk and do not even know what they are saying or what effect it can have on black people. This is something they get accustomed to saying. '
"I don't know - but as a black person, the first thing that comes to your mind because of the constant battle with racism is racism. Sometimes you go wrong. It can also happen That person should not be a racist, but it builds up in you and the first thought is racism. "
Holding believes that Britain has never done enough to eradicate racism.
"But, right now, I don't think we've made enough of a base yet, especially in the UK. I'm going to be blunt now. I don't see enough action in the UK.
IPL 2021 will resume temporarily on September 18 or 19 in the UAE. 10 double-headers expected to be played during a three-week window, news agency PTI reported
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| Image Source- Twitter (BCCI) |
A senior BCCI official told PTI on Tuesday that the postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 would resume temporarily on September 18 or 19 in the United Arab Emirates. 10 double-headers are expected to be played during this three-week window. The final can be played on 9 or 10 October. The three-week window will be sufficient to complete the remaining 31 matches of IPL 2021. It will be a win-win scenario for all primary stakeholders including BCCI, franchisees and broadcasters. IPL 2021 was postponed indefinitely on 4 May, after several COVID-19 cases were reported inside the bio-bubble.
the official told PTI on conditions of anonymity, "The BCCI has spoken to all stakeholders and the likely start could be between 18 September to 20 September. Since 18 September is Saturday and 19 Sunday, it is more likely that you will make it through the weekend. Would like to resume on date. "
"Similarly, 9 or 10 October will be the final because it is the weekend. We are finalizing the itinerary and there will be 10 double headers and seven evening matches with four main matches (two qualifiers, an eliminator and a final), which Will complete the list of 31 matches, ”the official said.
The final match against England will end on 17 September and the very next day the entire team (except Hanuma Vihari and Abhimanyu Easwaran) will fly on a charter flight to the United Arab Emirates to put the players in the bio bubble.
According to the source, available players from both India and England will fly from Manchester to Dubai on the same charter flight. Similarly, after the end of the Caribbean premiere, the players of the West Indies will also fly to Dubai on a charter flight. All players have to stay in a 3-day quarantine.
A team official said, 'We have been asked by the BCCI to be prepared for the tournament. We have been given time from 15 to 20 September. '
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| BCCI's contribution will directly benefit the victims ⓒAFP |
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that BCCI will donate 10-liter two thousand oxygen concentrators for the war against Covid-19. "BCCI will contribute 10-liter 2000 oxygen concentrations to boost India's efforts to overcome COVID-19 pandemic." The BCCI made this announcement when there is a great need for oxygen in the country and its demand is increasing day by day.
An official BCCI release quoted BCCI President Sourav Ganguly as saying that the BCCI recognizes that the medical and healthcare community has played an important role and we continue to fight this long battle against this virus.
BCCI to contribute 10-Litre 2000 Oxygen concentrators to boost India’s efforts in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.
More details here - https://t.co/XDiP374v8q #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/BhfX8fwirH
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 24, 2021
Ganguly said, "They have really been frontline warriors and have done everything possible to protect us. The board has always made health and safety the highest priority on the chart and is committed to this cause."
Ganguly finally conceded by saying that oxygen concentrators would give direct relief to the victims and help them recover quickly.
BCCI honorary secretary Jai Shah said that BCCI is standing shoulder to shoulder in the fight against Corona Pandemic. "We stand shoulder to shoulder in this mass fight against the virus," Shah said.
"The BCCI understands the dire need for medical equipment in this time of crisis and hopes that this effort will help reduce the demand-supply gap that exists across the country," he said.
He concluded, "We've all done a lot, but I believe the vaccination campaign is underway, now we can stay ahead of the curve. I urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated."
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| ACC has been working so that the tournament can be ensured this year. ⓒAFP |
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| The WTC final will be played on 16-22 June between India and New Zealand in Southampton. Image Source- Twitter |