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Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal hits out at ICC on his way out of international cricket

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Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal hits out at ICC on his way out of international cricket

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Despite having taken 178 wickets in 35 Test matches, Ajmal got into controversies because of objections on his bowling action.

After declaring his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, ace Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal took a dig at the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s protocol to asses bowling actions.

Speaking to the media, the right-arm off spinner said, “I am retiring today and at 40 years of age I thought it is now time for me to make way for younger players. I got this feeling I was being considered extra baggage even in domestic teams and I didn’t want to go out losing my respect.”

With 178 wickets in 35 Test matches, Ajmal’s career marked many successes – but at the same time the spinner got into controversies too, because of objections on his bowling action. Having reported first during an ODI series against Australia in the UAE in 2009, Ajmal’s bowling action also came under scanner in his last match – which was at Galle in Sri Lanka in 2014. However, after a temporary ban for chucking, the Pakistani bowler returned on field in 2015 – but failed to clinch the limelight even after that.

“I am retiring with a heavy heart because firstly I think the ICC’s protocol is too harsh and if all bowlers today playing international cricket are tested I am sure at least 90 percent will fail to clear this protocol,” said Ajmal.

Ajmal further hit out at the Pakistan Cricket Board for not fighting his case enough vociferously, making his end his career in dismay.

Blaming the board for not challenging the ICC’s protocol to assess bowling actions, he said, “The board did support me after my bowling action was declared illegal but I think they could have done more at least using my case to challenge this protocol at the ICC level.”

Speaking on the ICC protocol the Pakistani cricketer said that the council didn’t take into account the fact that not all bowlers are physically well-formed – while some had natural medical issues with their arms, other might have developed problems after an accident. Ajmal also claimed that he has a deformity in his right arm following an accident – and this makes his arm to bend at some extent.

“To be honest if you talk about the current extension of the elbow allowed I don’t think many of the current bowlers meet the ICC standards all the time. Some relaxation has to be allowed on medical grounds,” said Ajmal.

Expressing his to have ended his career at the international arena, instead of the National T20 Championship – in which he lead the Faisalabad squad – Azmal said, “I always enjoyed the challenge of international cricket and it would have been ideal to retire with a match for Pakistan.”

Further suggesting the PCB to save spinners in the country from extinction, he said, “This ICC rule threatens the careers of spinners and in Pakistan the board needs to do extensive work on helping and assisting bowlers with any problems. I am willing to offer my services if they ask me to do something.”

“We are struggling to find off-spinners in Pakistan and that is because since 2014 even in our domestic cricket our authorities have just panicked and reported and banned bowlers by dozens. Some of these bowlers had potential to become great bowlers but no one has bothered to even see where they are and some of them have even left cricket,” he added.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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From basketball gold to cricket stardom: Pratika Rawal’s journey with 92.5% in CBSE to India’s ODI debut

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Pratika Rawal during her cricket training session

In a remarkable journey that intertwines academic excellence, athletic prowess, and cricketing brilliance, Pratika Rawal has emerged as India’s promising opening batter. At just 24 years old, Pratika’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and dedication.

A graduate in psychology from Jesus & Mary College in New Delhi, Pratika secured an impressive 92.5% in her CBSE Class 12 examinations. Her achievements, however, are not limited to academics. A gold medalist in basketball at the 64th School National Games in 2019, she has also displayed her talent across multiple sports disciplines.

Pratika’s passion for cricket took root early in life. Her father, Pradeep Rawal, a BCCI-certified umpire with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), nurtured her budding interest in the sport. At the age of 10, she joined the Rohtak Road Gymkhana Cricket Academy, training under the legendary coach Sharvan Kumar. Despite being the academy’s first female trainee, Pratika’s enthusiasm and determination quickly earned her respect.

“She was a natural talent, but I always pushed her to work harder,” Sharvan recalls. “Her progress over the years has been phenomenal, and watching her don the Indian jersey is a proud moment for all of us.”

Pratika balanced cricket with her studies, excelling in both fields. She transitioned from Bal Bharati School to Modern School, Barakhamba Road, on the strength of her cricketing talent. The shift proved pivotal as it provided her access to better facilities and opportunities.

By 2021, Pratika had made headlines with a stunning 161-run knock for Delhi in her debut domestic season. Over the next two years, she amassed over 950 List A runs, cementing her reputation as a formidable batter. Her ability to adapt and refine her technique under coaches like Dipti Dhyani and Dishant Yagnik played a crucial role in her development.

“Initially, Pratika’s game was heavily leg-side dominant,” Yagnik, a former Rajasthan cricketer, explained. “We worked on her grip and balance, unlocking her potential to score freely on the off-side. This transformation made her a more versatile batter.”

Her adaptability extended to leadership roles, where she captained the Delhi U-23 team to the T20 Trophy final earlier this year. As she continues to shine in domestic cricket, her performances in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy have further solidified her place in the national setup.

Off the field, Pratika’s grounded demeanor endears her to peers and coaches alike. “She’s always been a team player, putting collective goals above personal milestones,” said Dhyani, who has closely mentored her through challenging phases in her career.

Now donning the national colors, Pratika’s ODI debut against the West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium marked a new chapter in her journey. For her father, who witnessed the match in Vadodara, and coach Sharvan Kumar, the moment was deeply emotional—a culmination of years of unwavering belief and hard work.

Pratika’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she embarks on her international career, her blend of academic rigor, sporting versatility, and cricketing skill sets her apart as a role model for aspiring athletes across the nation.

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Manu Bhaker breaks silence on Khel Ratna controversy, says there has been lapse on her part

In her statement, she continued, “Regardless of the award, I will remain driven to secure more medals for my country. I kindly request that everyone refrain from speculating on this matter.”

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Manu Bhaker, a double bronze medallist at the Paris Olympics 2024, has found herself at the center of a significant controversy following her exclusion from the Khel Ratna awardees list. She said there might be a lapse, possibly on her part during the nomination filing, which is currently being rectified.

The 22-year-old on Tuesday acknowledged that there may have been an oversight in her nomination process for this year’s National Sports Awards.

Bhaker took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her perspective, a day after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports stepped in to address the growing controversy. “Regarding the issue of my nomination for the esteemed Khel Ratna award, I want to clarify that as an athlete, my primary focus is to compete and excel for my country,” she wrote on X.

“While awards and recognition inspire me, they are not my ultimate goal. I believe there has been a lapse, possibly on my part during the nomination filing, which is currently being rectified,” she added.

In her statement, she continued, “Regardless of the award, I will remain driven to secure more medals for my country. I kindly request that everyone refrain from speculating on this matter.”

The controversy erupted when reports indicated that Bhaker, who made history as the first Indian athlete to win two medals at the Paris Olympics, was missing from the provisional list of Khel Ratna award nominees. Her remarkable achievements in July—earning bronze medals in both the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events—solidified her status as a national icon.

According to reports, there were complications in the nomination process. Athletes must apply for the award through their respective federations, but Bhaker’s name was absent from the official submissions received by the ministry.

A ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “The list that has been circulated is not final. Manu Bhaker’s name is still under consideration, and the selection committee will review it in their upcoming meeting.”

The selection committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge V. Ramasubramanian, also includes prominent athletes such as hockey star Rani Rampal and boxer-turned-BJP politician Vijender Singh.

This incident has sparked a wider debate regarding the treatment of non-cricketing athletes in India. The sports ministry’s defense surrounding the ‘provisional list’ has done little to mitigate the criticism, further raising concerns about the nomination processes employed by federations like the NRAI.

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Harleen Deol’s maiden century: From boundary brilliance to batting excellence

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harleen deol raises her bat in celebration after scoring her maiden century against west indies women

In a stellar display of batting, Harleen Deol achieved her maiden century in the second ODI between India Women and West Indies Women at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. India’s solid performance led to a commanding total of 358/5 in 50 overs, with Harleen’s 100 and Jemimah Rodrigues’ steady half-century laying the foundation. This performance comes as a testament to Harleen’s journey of resilience and determination, marking her rise from a promising young cricketer to a dependable force in the Indian team.

India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first after winning the toss, and the team didn’t disappoint. Harleen, who has been a vital presence in the middle order, played a controlled yet attacking innings, stitching crucial partnerships and showcasing her range of strokes. Jemimah Rodrigues provided excellent support with a well-timed half-century, further cementing India’s dominance in the game.

The journey behind the century

Harleen’s journey to the Indian team hasn’t been without its share of challenges. Born in Chandigarh and raised in Himachal Pradesh, she found her love for cricket at a young age but faced the typical societal pressures of pursuing a sport not as mainstream for women in India. Her father, a doctor, and mother, a homemaker, always supported her ambitions, despite the odds.

She gained attention early in her career for her aggressive batting style and agile fielding. In domestic cricket, Harleen became a standout player for Himachal Pradesh, and her fielding abilities earned her a place in the Indian squad. Her boundary catch during a T20I match against England in 2021 became iconic, showcasing her athleticism and determination.

Rising above setbacks

Harleen’s entry into the national team was not without challenges. Competing with seasoned players and constantly adapting to international standards tested her resilience. However, she has continually worked on her batting technique and all-round skills, ensuring she became a regular feature in India’s setup.

Today, her maiden century is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of her relentless hard work. It reflects her transformation from being known for a single moment of brilliance on the boundary to being recognized as a complete player who can anchor innings under pressure.

A bright future for India’s star

As Harleen walked off the field with her bat raised, the applause from her teammates and the crowd echoed the pride in her achievement. Her journey is an inspiration for countless young cricketers dreaming of wearing the Indian jersey.

With her current form and growing confidence, Harleen Deol is poised to be a key player for India as the team builds towards future tournaments, including the home ODI World Cup next year.

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