Ireland’s cricket struggles as England enjoys a packed summer

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England closed their cricket summer with Twenty20 matches in the following days, adding to a busy run of eight white-ball games in three weeks. For Ireland, who host England in Malahide, the picture is starkly different. Their last home series was against the West Indies in June, and two of those matches were washed out. Ireland’s players and fans face long gaps between games, a problem that has become common in recent years.

Cancelled tours and high costs

Ireland’s cricket schedule has suffered repeated setbacks. A tour by Australia was cancelled last year, while Afghanistan’s planned visit this summer was also dropped due to financial strain. Without a permanent stadium, Cricket Ireland must build temporary stands and facilities each time an international match is held, adding heavy costs.

Former Chief Executive Officer Warren Deutrom explained that while the board gained more funding from the International Cricket Council, rising from €10.2m to €16.4m in 2024, resources are now spread across different areas of the sport. 

A push for long-term solutions

To solve infrastructure challenges, Cricket Ireland has secured government approval to build a new stadium in west Dublin. The ground is planned to be ready before the 2030 T20 World Cup, which Ireland will co-host with England and Scotland. Leaders hope this project will provide a permanent home for the sport and reduce the high expense of temporary venues.

However, short-term challenges remain. A new franchise event, the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), was expected to begin in July 2024 but was delayed to 2026. Despite promotion with investor Abhishek Bachchan, no franchise owners were confirmed, leaving another gap in the calendar.

Leadership changes and player concerns

Deutrom stepped down after 19 years as chief executive, saying he wanted to focus on the ETPL as chair. He admitted that the league’s launch timeline was too ambitious but remains hopeful of securing long-term investment. 

For players like Paul Stirling, however, the key issue is the lack of matches. He believes the ETPL could raise standards by bringing in overseas talent, but until then, Ireland remains at a disadvantage compared with rivals like England, who benefit from constant cricket through formats such as the Hundred.

Building Ireland’s cricket future

Ireland’s cricket future depends on more than plans and funding. A permanent home ground and a successful league could provide stability, but the immediate need is clear. Players must play more often to compete at the highest level. Until that happens, Ireland will continue to fall behind stronger cricket nations that enjoy busy summers.

The women's team has received a good share of the funding. Recently, they have had promising results, including multiple wins in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers against teams like Italy and Germany.

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Why Jacques Kallis deserves more respect as a top cricketer

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South Africa still has one of the most talent-laden cricketing countries in the world. The country has produced amazing players over the years, including Jacques Kallis. Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting sees Kallis as an underrated player in the sport’s history.

While Kallis is a strong name in cricket history, he is often overlooked as one of the best players ever. Here are the reasons why he deserves to get more respect:

Superb batting credentials

Kallis stands tall as one of cricket’s greatest batsmen with an impressive record. He amassed over 13,000 runs in Test cricket, which makes him one of the best run-getters in the game’s history. That is the same with one-day internationals (ODIs), where he scored over 11,500 runs. 

That proved he was a remarkably versatile player who was consistent across cricket formats. Few players have maintained balanced production across formats. Across the many pitches and formats, Kallis was excellent and made sure he was one of the most reliable batsmen of his generation. 

Kallis was so good that he earned Ponting’s respect, even calling him the best cricketer ever. He said, ‘Jacques Kallis is the full stop for me. Thirteen thousand runs – 44 or 45 Test centuries and 300 wickets. He has had an amazing career. You can take 300 Test wickets, and you can score 45 Test centuries but to do both feats at the same time is amazing. Jacques has done both’.

All-round skills with bowling and fielding

Beyond the batting, Kallis was a talented all-rounder with contributions that were often decisive. He claimed over 250 wickets in Tests, as he operated well as a fourth seamer with the ability to swing the ball and maintain the pressure on the rival batsmen.

His bowling average highlighted his value, as he was more than a part-time option on that side of the game. Kallis could turn the match when called upon, as he completed many sharp catches, proving his all-around brilliance.

The combination of batting, bowling, and fielding made sure that South Africa was a formidable force. They had a complete cricketer in their ranks, and Kallis proved he was among the best.

Kallis remains unappreciated

Despite all the staggering achievements, Kallis is often overlooked in discussions about the greatest players in cricket’s history. With names like Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and Sachin Tendulkar becoming popular on a global scale, Kallis has become forgotten. 

He was not the flashiest player, as he had a calm and workhorse-like approach. However, his contributions to South African cricket remain, and he proved he is deserving of more recognition than he has received over the years after he retired in 2014.

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Why Jacob Bethell’s T20I captaincy for England could be harmful

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Jacob Bethell was handed the captaincy for England’s T20I series against Ireland in mid-September. That is big news since he is only 21, which would make him the youngest-ever captain across formats, a record that has stood for about 136 years. This is a massive achievement, but it could potentially be an issue that negatively affects his career.

Too much pressure for a 21-year-old

Bethell is a highly rated prospect, as many see him as a talented batter. It seems like he is also a gifted leader, as the national team setup sees him as worthy of being a captain. Unfortunately, this could be too early, as he would become the youngest captain in history.

That could be an issue for some people, as they do not rate his ascent. He will be the youngest captain in the team’s history, which led to critics pointing out some of their worries. This includes former England captain Michael Atherton, who is not a fan of the decision.

Atherton said in The Times, ‘The captaincy is a red herring, though. Ben Stokes and Harry Brook are going nowhere and if this experience is part of long-term planning, then fair enough — although they have to be careful that Bethell doesn’t start to wonder what he has done to deserve the keys to the entire kingdom’.

The concerns behind his lack of experience

A big concern that people have is Bethell’s lack of experience playing at the highest level of cricket. Compared to his England teammates, he does not have the experience of playing against the best teams in the world. 

People are also concerned about the pressure he is under, as leadership is a heavy role. It is an honour, but it could also be a burden. As a former captain, Atherton’s thoughts on the situation matter as he has experience within the same role.

At the age of 21, Bethell already has a bright future. However, the captaincy role might become a burden too heavy to carry. He is ready for his new role as captain. While it may seem concerning, he appears prepared for the new challenges.

England still has many top captains

With leaders like Ben Stokes and Harry Brook still available, many people found it peculiar that Bethell is the choice. This could mean England is building towards the future, as they need a readymade leader like Bethell moving forward.

This will be a huge challenge, but the English decision-makers are committed to giving Bethell an opportunity as a leader. He has the talent to become a top player, but his leadership will be tested, especially with a team filled with older players.

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Captain Alastair Cook: How he became an all-timer for England

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Sir Alastair Cook is seen as one of the greatest cricketers in England’s history. He is the nation’s second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. He even had multiple accolades, including being the youngest player to reach 12,000 Test runs. 

Over the years, Cook was one of the most consistent players in English cricket. For English cricketers, he remains the shining example for the top players. Here is how he became an all-time great for a talent-rich country.

Cook was superb from the jump

When Cook debuted for England’s Test cricket team against India in 2006, no one would have predicted that he would be an all-time great. He was a late replacement, but he did not show any signs of nervousness at the start of his career. He was composed in the jump, scoring 60 in his first innings.

In his second innings, he announced his arrival by scoring an unbeaten 104, proving that he had the calmness, patience, and technique that could make him a top player. England got a fantastic player in 2006, and he kept proving his worth as one of the country’s best-ever players.

Cook never looked back after that magnificent debut. He progressed well, and England benefited from his play. He was often at the top of the batting order, and he kept delivering great moments.

A shining example of endurance

During his career, Cook played at the highest level for over 12 years without much drop-off in his performance level. That is a feat that only a few can match. He rarely missed matches due to injury, as his endurance and fitness allowed him to play 159 consecutive Test matches. That is a world record for any player in cricket. The longevity was not exclusive to avoiding injuries, as he also stayed relevant despite the ever-changing sport.

Despite some rough times for England, Cook was a constant. He found ways to bounce back whenever he had a rough performance. Over the years, Cook was always the man to watch for England, as he kept representing the country well.

Cook performed when it mattered

Known as a run machine for some cricket fans, he was always a consistent match-winner for England. Stepping up whenever needed was a constant positive for Cook, headlined by his performance in the 2010-11 Ashes when he scored 766 runs, including three centuries. 

Alastair Cook’s career is one to remember due to how he showcased discipline, production, and longevity. His records could be broken by other players, but he should be recognised as an all-time great.

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How ready is Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup? 

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Pakistan's build-up to the upcoming Asia Cup has sparked considerable debate, especially following their recent defeat plus victory combo, which left fans and analysts questioning their actual form.

With the tournament starting in September, pressure is mounting on whether this squad is truly ready to face Asia’s best. Here’s a closer look at the cricket team’s current situation:

Recent match results

Their last match left fans wondering whether they still have it or not since their second game with West Indies left them defeated by a narrow two wickets. However, both Day 1 and Day 3 proved they still have the guts to earn victory against their opponents. As a result, this gave fans, analysts, and enthusiasts the hope that Pakistan is still in their highest form. 

Looking back at the results, some would say that the West Indies only got ‘lucky’ having only two wickets ahead of the team. Most would say yes, but the credit still goes to the team’s hard work. Despite that, Pakistan’s Day 1 performance is more than impressive, scoring 178/6. Their Day 3 victory—their most recent win—is enough evidence as they bagged 189/4. 

The top players of the team

The Pakistan Cricket Board will soon announce its squad for the T20I tri-nation series and Asia Cup 2025. Despite Fakhar Zaman’s injury, there’s been no official talk of Babar Azam’s return, though both remain top players in the country.

Babar Azam

With 128 matches played under his belt and an astounding 4,223 runs scored, Babar can be one of Team Pakistan’s cards. He resigned as a captain because he wanted to lessen his workload. Babar prefers to be a player and focus on his batting skills. Currently, his batting average is at 39.83, which proves that he can be one of Pakistan’s main weapons for the upcoming Asia Cup.  

Fakhar Zaman

Zaman is a close second to the top T20I player, as his experience of 97 matches vets his skill. He also managed to earn 1,949 runs in his short time in the field. However, he is currently suffering from a hamstring injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the match against the West Indies. He returned home to Pakistan on August 4, and hopefully, he'll be back before the Asia Cup.   

Recent statements

Captain Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence in Pakistan’s readiness for the upcoming Asia Cup despite a narrow two-wicket loss to the West Indies on Day 2 and a close victory on Day 3. He praised the team’s bowling and fielding, particularly the spinners, but acknowledged weaknesses in the powerplay batting and death bowling that still need improvement.

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EaseMyTrip pulls out of WCL Semi-Final: Is it justified?

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EaseMyTrip, one of India’s top travel booking platforms, has pulled out of sponsoring the India vs Pakistan semi-final match. This match is one of the most awaited games in the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL), so the announcement quickly sparked strong reactions.

The company’s co-founder and CEO, Nishant Pitti, announced on X (formerly Twitter) on 30 July 2025. He explained that the company would not support Pakistan because of its alleged links to recent attacks. His post said:

‘…the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game, Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand. @EaseMyTrip, we stand with India. We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism’.

The post drew attention in both India and Pakistan. Most Indian users praised the move, but some criticised it. Was EaseMyTrip right to take this stand, or should it have kept business and politics separate? Here’s what you need to know.

The conflict: Terror attack from April to May 2025

Pitti’s post refers to the India–Pakistan conflict that began in late April 2025. The cause is still unclear, but many reports blame a group based in Pakistan for a major attack in India. The situation led to strained diplomatic ties, angry public reaction, and higher military alert. Many Indians still feel the emotional and security effects of that period.

What is EaseMyTrip and its relevance to WCL 2025?

EaseMyTrip is one of the main sponsors of the WCL 2025. Usually, sponsorship covers the entire tournament. That’s why many people found it odd that the company withdrew only from one match. While this step may not affect the WCL’s finances much, it sends a strong political message. It could also push other sponsors to take similar actions.

Turning sports into a platform for political protests can be risky. Some users praised Pitti for standing up for what he believes in. Others worry the move could damage the image of cricket as a sport that brings countries together.

What is the public sentiment about the decision?

Social media reactions were split. Many users called the decision brave and patriotic. But others said it was fake nationalism. They pointed out that since EaseMyTrip still sponsors the overall event, it still indirectly supports matches involving Pakistan.

Is CEO Nishant Pitti justified in his decision?

Pitti’s choice reflects the strong emotions many Indians feel after the April 2025 attack. For them, his message is clear: national security comes first. But critics say the move is more symbolic than real, especially if the company still profits from the tournament.

From a professional angle, some argue that backing out after agreeing to sponsor the event shows poor consistency. Still, others believe staying silent would be worse. The public remains divided, and this case might change how companies deal with politics in sports going forward.

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Can West Indies Avoid a Series Defeat Against Pakistan in the 2nd T20I?

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The big question: can the home side bounce back and avoid going down 0–2 against a sharp and in-form Pakistani outfit? West Indies, on the other hand, are still searching for rhythm. Their T20 talent pool is deep, with names like Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd capable of changing games in a few overs. But inconsistency in execution—particularly with the ball—has made it hard to sustain pressure over 20 overs.Though Pakistan has the advantage in discipline and recent form, West Indies won’t be intimidated. Their record at home, combined with a fast-scoring lineup, means they always have a puncher’s chance. The key will be holding nerve during the death overs and converting starts into match-winning knocks.

Pakistan: Consistency Meets Expectation

Pakistan arrives with a resume befitting a world-class T20 side. They've had a strong 2025 campaign, especially in limited-overs cricket, where they thrive behind a disciplined bowling attack and a top order led by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan has won 9 of their last 11 T20Is, recently sweeping Ireland and looking sharp in the lead-up to this series.

Their ability to control matches through Shaheen Afridi’s new-ball bursts and Shadab Khan’s middle-overs economy gives them a natural edge here. In the 1st T20I, they chased down a modest target with clinical efficiency—showing once again why they remain one of the most composed sides in the format.

West Indies: Poised for a Breakthrough

West Indies, on the other hand, are still searching for rhythm. Their T20 talent pool is deep, with names like Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Romario Shepherd capable of changing games in a few overs. But inconsistency in execution—particularly with the ball—has made it hard to sustain pressure over 20 overs.

Though Pakistan has the advantage in discipline and recent form, West Indies won’t be intimidated. Their record at home, combined with a fast-scoring lineup, means they always have a puncher’s chance. The key will be holding nerve during the death overs and converting starts into match-winning knocks.

Head-to-Head: Pakistan Leads 1–0

The opening match of the series went Pakistan’s way, with the visitors chasing down 159 with 9 balls to spare. Fakhar Zaman anchored the innings with a brisk 60, while West Indies struggled with consistency in both bowling lengths and fielding. That performance reinforced Pakistan’s edge in execution, but also showed that West Indies had moments—they just couldn’t string them together.

That match remains a key reference point heading into this round: Pakistan knows West Indies can strike quickly, and West Indies knows they let one slip. The big question now is whether they can pull together 40 strong overs and push the series to a decider.

Predictions

This match will likely be decided by new-ball wickets and middle-order partnerships. Pakistan will aim to keep things tight in the Powerplay and rely on Rizwan and Babar to anchor the chase. West Indies, in contrast, will look to push the scoring rate early and disrupt Pakistan’s bowling rhythm through aggressive intent.

The Caribbean side’s best chance may lie in batting first and putting scoreboard pressure on Pakistan. If they can force a high chase or squeeze in the middle overs, momentum—and the home crowd—could shift in their favor.

Most betting experts such as BettingApps and BettingsitesIndia give Pakistan a 68–72% chance to win, while West Indies has a 28–32% upset probability. The match total is expected to go over 319.5 runs, suggesting a potentially high-scoring contest even if Pakistan maintains control.

Final Verdict

According to BookiesBonuses, the odds favor Pakistan, and rightly so. They’re the more experienced, better-balanced, and more disciplined team. But matches aren’t played on paper. West Indies’ power hitters, unpredictable brilliance, and the home advantage in the Caribbean could all play a role in leveling the playing field.

Owen’s half-century at T20I debut indicates a bright future

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‘Swing hard’ — That is Mitchell Owen’s plan when he’s batting. It doesn’t matter who it’s for or where he’s playing; what matters is that he stays true to this guiding principle. The world saw what that entailed in his international debut against the West Indies on 20 July 2025 at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. 

What went down in Sabina Park? Australia vs West Indies 

What happened in Sabina Park was a thrilling comeback for Australia in their T20I series opener against West Indies. Australia won by 3 wickets with 7 balls to spare, chasing down 190 after West Indies posted 189/8. It was a close match, one that they almost lost if it weren’t for Mitchell Owen’s half-century. 

It was the ninth over and Owens was given the middle-order role, batting against a 4-78 difference that innings. Under pressure but not out of hope, the 23-year-old batter reached his 50th run after 27 balls. It resulted in Australia’s victory in the first match of the T20I series against West Indies, putting them ahead by 1-0. 

Sport-wide significance: Why is this a big deal?

Owen was not the only member in the Australian team to reach a half-century, nor was he alone in turning the tide for the team. Cameron Green also reached 51 runs from 26 balls in the game. In their last innings, Owen and Green put together an 80-run stand and gave their team the momentum they needed to make a comeback.

What makes Owen’s feat so special, not to undermine Green’s contribution, is that this is the first international participation for the 23-year-old Tasmanian batter. Australian cricket fans celebrate the fact that they have one more aggressive batter in their national team. Owen is also the first Australian ever to score a fifty on a T20I debut.

Cricket fans should expect Owen to be a pressure player

Mitchell Owen’s debut was an impressive display of batting strength and an unexpected reversal of what was originally a losing match. That’s what makes him stand out in the sea of talent, even against other half-century scorers that day like his teammate, Green, or Shai Hope and Roston Chase from the West Indies. 

The surprising chase for 190 runs happened while Owen was burdened with tremendous pressure. His 80-run stand with Green was built on taking calculated risks and attacking with full intent to beat the odds. That’s the batter Australia needs, and cricket fans can look forward to seeing him grow in future intense T20 cricket. 

Owen’s debut was a glimpse of raw talent, and his ability to perform strongly enough to shift momentum in tight situations shows his value as a power-hitter. With the right guidance and more international exposure, he could become a staple in Australia’s international teams. For fans watching this new era of cricket to unfold, he’s one of the top names to remember.

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India vs England: ‘Time-wasting’ allegation on Day 3 explored

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Day 5 of the third Test between India and England ended with the hosts winning by 22 runs, putting the score now at 2-1 in favour of the hosts. To this day, it is still being discussed whether Day 3 could have changed the overall outcome of the 3rd Test. It involves English batter Zak Crawley’s alleged time-wasting that infuriated Team India’s captain.  

What caused suspicion of delaying tactics?

The main cause of Shubman Gill’s outburst happened when opener Crawley repeatedly backed away from his stance before the third delivery. Bowler Jasprit Bumrah was visibly frustrated, sharing his captain’s thoughts that these are delaying tactics. 

Bumrah’s fifth delivery bounced and hit Crawley on the bottom glove, striking his finger. This led the English batter to call for the physiotherapist. England fans erupted with cheers while Indian supporters responded with boos. This sequence ensured that he and Ben Duckett only had to face one more over that day

Shubman Gill’s heated accusation

‘Grow some f***ing b*lls!’, yelled India captain Shubman Gill at England’s batter, Crawley. It marked the height of frustration as the visitors accused the host team of deliberate delaying tactics. Sky Sports later issued an apology for broadcasting Gill’s language, which became the day's main talking point for both sides.

England fires back, saying the accusation is hypocrisy

The English side claims that Gill has no right to point fingers because his team is also guilty of using the same strategy in previous matches. England’s Tim Southee pointed out that Team India had requested multiple ball changes during the match. There were also prolonged drink breaks and batters leaving the field for unscheduled toilet breaks.

Was there weight to Gill’s accusation of time-wasting?

Whether or not Crawley intended to delay the game is debatable, but it had a noticeable impact on the day’s play. India batter Kannaur Lokesh ‘KL’ Rahul was dismayed because they were hoping to bowl for two more overs. The delay cost the team a strategic opportunity to turn the tide, resulting in their 22-run deficit. 

This raises the question — who’s to blame for India missing an over on Day 3 of Test 3? If both sides are guilty of time-wasting, then it can be agreed that both sides share the blame. 

Could India have won if it weren’t for the time-wasting?

In theory, yes, India could have won Test 3 if they had one more over and additional time for their bowlers. However, it depends on how effectively they could capitalise on the opportunity.

Still, the chance was slim. India still needed to dismiss England by one wicket or concede 22 fewer runs in the match. Blaming the result solely on the missed over oversimplifies what was a complex and tightly contested match. 

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MS Dhoni earned his place in the ICC Hall of Fame

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Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honours awarded to the best and most influential personalities in any discipline. The International Cricket Council (ICC) oversees who gets the honour in the world of cricket. On 9th June 2025, they announced Mahendra Singh ‘MS’ Dhoni, the latest entry in the ICC Hall of Fame. 

With this announcement, MS Dhoni is officially the 11th Indian cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame as one of the 7 inductees of 2025. The legend is still active in Indian leagues, but he officially retired from international cricket in 2020. In his tenure, he is well-known as the biggest playmaker and game changer in Team India. 

Who is MS Dhoni?

MS Dhoni was born in Ranchi, Jharkhand (before it was separated from Bihar), India, and it is where he debuted at 18 years old in 1999 for first-class cricket. He played for his hometown in the 1999/2000 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored a half-century in his first match. 

Since then, MS Dhoni has made a splash across all cricket formats, namely Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 (T20). He is also the captain for the majority of his tenure, in both domestic and international cricket across all formats. MS Dhoni is held in high regard, not just among Indian cricketers and fans, but worldwide. 

MS Dhoni’s legacy – The lore behind his greatness

MS Dhoni’s cricketing background is as follows:

Besides his impressive statistics, Dhoni also changed the way India approached cricket. He backed young talent, made bold field decisions, and led by example, often putting team success over personal milestones. MS Dhoni sealed the 2011 World Cup final with a towering six that remains etched in the minds of cricket fans worldwide.

Ms Dhoni is a legend who still proves his mettle

MS Dhoni is still active in the professional scene, but limits his participation to local events. There are constant rumours of his impending retirement, and he has entertained the thought. Cricket fans can rest easy knowing that they can still see more of the legend. 

Even when he eventually retires as a professional cricketer, he is dedicated to staying in the sport—either as a coach, a mentor, or a pundit. His commitment to cricket, his franchise, and fans remains strong as ever.

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