Sri Lanka to play Oman before ICC T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed the two-match T20I series against Oman before the ICC T20 World Cup. These matches will not be under the purview of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Sri Lanka contingent will fly to Oman on 3 October. Sri Lanka are pooled in Group A of the qualifiers, along with Netherlands, Ireland and Namibia. The top two sides will qualify for the Super 12.
‘We are looking to play as many games as possible leading into the World Cup in similar conditions the team will experience in the UAE,’ stated SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.
South Africa to host India for three Tests
A jam-packed cricketing summer awaits South Africa as they play host to Men’s teams from India, Netherlands and Bangladesh and the Women’s team of the West Indies. In between, India A will also tour three ‘Tests’.
India’s tour will consist of three Test matches, three ODIs and as many T20Is. The first Test begins on 17 December 2021, while the limited-overs legs will be played in January 2022.
Following that, South Africa will play three ODIs and two Tests against Bangladesh. West Indies Women are slated to play three T20Is and five ODIs in January.
Rashid Khan resigns as T20I captain amidst selection controversy
Rashid Khan has stepped down as Afghanistan T20I captain. The resignation came moments after Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the squad for the ICC T20 World Cup. Rashid tweeted his displeasure over not having his say on the squad selection.
🙏🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/zd9qz8Jiu0
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) September 9, 2021
Indian support staff tested positive for Covid-19
India were already without their head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding coach R. Sridhar, and the team physiotherapist Nitin Patel due to Covid-19. In the latest development, Yogesh Parmar, the junior physiotherapist, has also tested positive for the virus.
But the good news is that all Indian players have tested negative in the RT-PCR tests conducted later in the day. So the fifth and final Test is likely to commence as originally planned, from 10 September.