Let us have a look at some of the most discussed cricket stories that were on the news on May 6.
IPL 2021 may be completed before T20 World Cup: Ganguly
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has said he will speak to other board members about rescheduling the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 before this year’s Men’s T20 World Cup. Despite India’s horrifying COVID-19 situation at present, India still hold the hosting rights of the World Cup, between mid-October and 14 November.
As per a report from ESPNCricinfo, MCC, Surrey, Warwickshire, and Lancashire have all expressed their interest to organise the rest of the IPL this September, after the English summer. They wrote a letter to the ECB regarding the subject.
Ganguly also mentioned if BCCI fails to complete IPL 2021, they will suffer a loss of approximately INR 2,500 crores.
Abu Dhabi T10 from 19 November to 4 December
The fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League will be played between 19 November and 4 December this year, the tournament’s social media handle confirmed. Under the leadership of Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk, it is the only ten-over cricket format sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and licensed by Emirates Cricket Board.
Earlier this February, the Nicholas Pooran-led Northern Warriors lifted the trophy by beating Dwayne Bravo’s Delhi Bulls. Warriors emerged victorious in the second season too.
Veda Krishnamurthy loses mother and sister within 15 days
Indian Women batter Veda Krishnamurthy has lost her mother and sister within two weeks to COVID-19. Reema Malhotra, a former Indian cricketer, confirmed the same.
Krishnamurthy’s mother Cheluvamaba Devi, 67, passed away on 23 April, and her sister, Vatsala, 42, on 5 May.
Unfortunately, Krishnamurthy was unable to meet any of them after testing negative for the virus a few weeks ago.
CWI retains all 15 women cricketers in the 2021-22 contract, adds three more
Cricket West Indies (CWI) have renewed the contracts of all 15 women cricketers for the 2021/22 season.
CWI has added three others – Kaysia Schultz, Qiana Joseph and Shawnisha Hector, to the list. The Board has never given contracts to 18 women in the same year before.
Smith stands beside BCCI over IPL 2021 suspension
CSA’s Director of Cricket and former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has not blamed BCCI for hosting IPL 2021 in India amidst COVID-19 concerns.
In an online Press conference on Thursday, Smith briefed he had spoken to the South African cricketers during the initial phase of the tournament. They had felt safe in the bio-secure environment and were never in danger.
The South Africans, who are a part of IPL 2021, have begun to isolate themselves at their houses from Friday onwards.
Later, Smith has also confirmed they will tour West Indies next month to play 2 Tests and 5 T20Is. He hinted AB de Villiers could be introduced in national colours.