https://www.scmp.com/rss/325514/feed The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the international governing body of cricket. It was founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 by representatives from England, Australia and South Africa. The ICC has 105 members: 12 full members that play test matches, 37 associate members, and 56 Affiliate Members. The ICC is responsible for the organisation and governance of cricket's major international tournaments, most notably the Cricket World Cup. It also appoints the umpires and... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Curious spectators clutching rule books watched as a batsman smacked a six into the sand and weeds surrounding Japan’s brand-new cricket ground, four months before it hosts matches at the Asian Games. Japanese fans would be familiar with many of the events at the multi-sport Games when they are held in Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, but most are likely to be stumped by cricket. That will not stop them from taking an interest though, and now they have a purpose-built ground to welcome... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3353411/cricket-bowls-over-curious-fans-japan-warms-host-asian-games-minnows-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3353411/cricket-bowls-over-curious-fans-japan-warms-host-asian-games-minnows-event?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 12:00:07 +0000 Reuters Reuters New Zealand will bid farewell to one of ⁠⁠its cricketing greats when ⁠⁠all-rounder Suzie Bates calls time on ⁠⁠her international career at the end of the White Ferns’ T20 World Cup campaign in England. The record-breaking 38-year-old confirmed on Friday she will retire following the summer tournament after 20 years at the highest level. If Bates has her way, she will bow out ‌‌with back-to-back T20 World Cup titles, having celebrated a long-awaited maiden championship in the United Arab Emirates... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3351252/new-zealand-cricket-great-suzie-bates-aiming-bow-out-world-cup-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3351252/new-zealand-cricket-great-suzie-bates-aiming-bow-out-world-cup-high?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:08:57 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse The International Cricket Council said on Friday it is investigating Cricket Canada over allegations of match corruption, including the team’s loss to New Zealand at the recent T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The game in Chennai – which Canada lost by eight wickets – is under scrutiny following allegations of corruption highlighted in a documentary aired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Thursday. “The ACU [anti-corruption unit] is aware of the programme broadcast by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3350509/icc-investigate-canadas-t20-world-cup-loss-new-zealand-after-corruption-claim?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3350509/icc-investigate-canadas-t20-world-cup-loss-new-zealand-after-corruption-claim?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:30:10 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Japan’s new cricket venue, built for this year’s Asian Games, will host men’s T20 internationals for the first time next month, the International Cricket Council said. Baseball-mad Japan have constructed a cricket stadium for the Asian Games in Nagoya and the wider Aichi region from September 19 to October 4. The new ground in Nisshin, outside Nagoya, will stage the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) qualifiers for the 2028 men’s T20 World Cup from May 8-18. The biggest EAP qualifying tournament ever will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3349455/icc-confirms-japan-host-t20-world-cup-qualifiers-new-asian-games-cricket-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3349455/icc-confirms-japan-host-t20-world-cup-qualifiers-new-asian-games-cricket-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:52:57 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Kaushal Silva said he had complete faith in Hong Kong’s inconsistent batsman after his team overcame a second mini-collapse in two days on Thursday to beat Kuwait and move 2-0 ahead in their four-match T20 series. Batting first, Hong Kong were indebted to a measured assault from captain Yasim Murtaza, who struck 60 from 30 balls to lift them from the rubble of 84 for seven to a challenging 171-9. After Murtaza trapped opener Clint Anto lbw in the first over of their reply at Tin Kwong Road... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3344767/silva-willing-keep-faith-hong-kong-batsman-despite-second-t20-collapse-2-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3344767/silva-willing-keep-faith-hong-kong-batsman-despite-second-t20-collapse-2-days?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:05:07 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan might be spilling over into English cricket. Four of the eight franchises in England’s newest cricket competition, The Hundred, are at least part-owned by Indian investors who also control teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). No Pakistan player has featured in the IPL since the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, and the BBC reported last week that the IPL-owned franchises in The Hundred – Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3344376/how-political-tensions-between-india-and-pakistan-might-make-their-way-english-cricket?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3344376/how-political-tensions-between-india-and-pakistan-might-make-their-way-english-cricket?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 01:00:12 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Former champions Australia were knocked out of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, with Zimbabwe qualifying for the Super Eights after their match against Ireland was washed out without a ball being bowled in Kandy. The no-result in Pallekelle meant Zimbabwe qualified for the second stage of the tournament for the first time. Zimbabwe joined Sri Lanka as qualifiers from Group B and will move on to Group One to face the West Indies, India and South Africa in the next phase. Ireland were also... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3343840/australia-ireland-out-cricket-t20-world-cup-zimbabwe-qualify-after-washout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3343840/australia-ireland-out-cricket-t20-world-cup-zimbabwe-qualify-after-washout?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:29:43 +0000 Reuters Reuters ⁠India and Pakistan will clash in the Twenty20 World Cup in Colombo on Sunday, still feeling the aftershocks of a tumultuous fortnight in which Pakistan’s ultimately empty threat to boycott nearly blew a hole in the tournament’s marquee fixture. With bilateral cricket a casualty of their fraught relations, emotions run high whenever the bitter ‌neighbours lock horns in multi-team events at neutral venues. India’s strained relations with another neighbour, Bangladesh, have further tangled the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3343574/boycott-averted-india-and-pakistan-set-t20-world-cup-blockbuster?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3343574/boycott-averted-india-and-pakistan-set-t20-world-cup-blockbuster?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:00:27 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Pakistan’s government on Monday directed the country’s cricket team to play India in the T20 World Cup on February 15 in Colombo, ending a week-long stand-off. The decision came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and was briefed on negotiations between Pakistan’s cricket board, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other stakeholders. “In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3343013/pakistan-play-india-colombo-t20-world-cup-after-boycott-called?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3343013/pakistan-play-india-colombo-t20-world-cup-after-boycott-called?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:18:41 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Faheem Ashraf’s late assault rescued Pakistan in a three-wicket win over the Netherlands and the USA gave India a huge scare in Mumbai as the tournament co-hosts won by 29 runs on an eventful opening day of cricket’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan needed Saturday’s win as they can ill afford to lose any Group A points after announcing they would boycott their February 15 match against India in Sri Lanka, a decision that shook the cricket world. In the afternoon match in Kolkata, West Indies eased to a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3342800/eventful-opening-day-t20-world-cup-sees-pakistan-beat-netherlands-india-survive-us-scare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3342800/eventful-opening-day-t20-world-cup-sees-pakistan-beat-netherlands-india-survive-us-scare?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 04:00:15 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press The Twenty20 World Cup gets under way in India and Sri Lanka on Saturday. The smash-and-bash nature of this cricket format makes it very likely to unearth a few stars of the future. Here are five names to watch out for: Abhishek Sharma, India The opening batsman is already setting T20 alight with his powerful hitting from ball one. Sharma has the highest strike rate in T20s – 194.74 – and is currently the No 1-ranked T20 batter in the world. Despite playing only cricket’s shortest, sharpest... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3342509/t20-world-cup-5-players-watch-out-crickets-smash-and-grab-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3342509/t20-world-cup-5-players-watch-out-crickets-smash-and-grab-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:00:09 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press India will be chasing a third Twenty20 World Cup title when the 2026 edition, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, gets under way on Saturday. Defending champions India will be in action on the opening day, taking on the United States team in Mumbai, while Sri Lanka play their opener against Ireland in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, on Sunday. The tournament will feature 20 teams divided into four groups of five, with the group stage running until February 20. The playoffs will start with the Super... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3342535/t20-world-cup-indias-quest-historic-consecutive-titles-sri-lankas-strength-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3342535/t20-world-cup-indias-quest-historic-consecutive-titles-sri-lankas-strength-home?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:00:09 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Pakistan’s government says the national cricket team will be allowed to take part in the coming T20 World Cup but must boycott its group game against arch-rival India. India and Sri Lanka are co-hosts for the 20-team tournament, which starts on Saturday. Pakistan will play all its games in Sri Lanka – including any in the knockout stage – because of political tensions with India. The two teams are scheduled to meet in a Group A game in Colombo on February 15 in what is often a tournament... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3342031/pakistan-play-t20-world-cup-will-boycott-india-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3342031/pakistan-play-t20-world-cup-will-boycott-india-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 01:52:30 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Bangladesh’s recent pull-out over perceived security concerns for the showpiece T20 World Cup cricket hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month has underscored the unprecedented way regional political tensions have spilled over into sports. Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the 20-team event on Saturday after the International Cricket Council rejected Dhaka’s request to move its matches to Sri Lanka, saying it was not feasible to change the schedule so close to the February 7 start. The... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3341669/bangladeshs-cricket-boycott-exposes-deepening-cracks-south-asian-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3341669/bangladeshs-cricket-boycott-exposes-deepening-cracks-south-asian-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:10 +0000 Reuters Reuters The absence of Bangladesh from the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup is a “sad moment” for cricket and should serve as a call for stakeholders to work towards uniting the sport, ‍not dividing it, the international cricketers’ association has said. Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the 20-team showpiece on Saturday following their refusal to tour India over safety concerns in the wake of soured political relations between ⁠the Asian neighbours. The governing International Cricket Council (ICC)... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3341196/bangladesh-t20-world-cup-absence-amid-india-fall-out-sad-moment-cricket?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3341196/bangladesh-t20-world-cup-absence-amid-india-fall-out-sad-moment-cricket?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 02:13:06 +0000 Reuters Reuters Bangladesh have been replaced by Scotland for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup after the South Asian side refused to travel to ‌co-hosts India, media reports said on Saturday, citing sources within the sport’s governing International ‍Cricket Council. The decision follows weeks of uncertainty, during which the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) repeatedly insisted it would not play its scheduled matches in India, citing safety concerns following soured political relations between the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3341122/bangladesh-replaced-scotland-t20-cricket-world-cup-next-month-reports-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3341122/bangladesh-replaced-scotland-t20-cricket-world-cup-next-month-reports-say?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 00:00:17 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Bangladesh will not travel to India to play in next month’s T20 World Cup, their cricket board said on Thursday, effectively ruling the country out of the tournament. “Our only demand is to play the World Cup – but not in India,” Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul told reporters. The refusal came a day after cricket’s governing body rejected Bangladesh’s plea to play their games in Sri Lanka instead. “There is no scope for changing our decision,” said Asif Nazrul, an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3340883/bangladesh-stand-firm-refusal-go-india-cricket-t20-world-cup-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3340883/bangladesh-stand-firm-refusal-go-india-cricket-t20-world-cup-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:00:13 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Bangladesh have requested their matches at next month’s T20 World Cup be played in Sri Lanka, after India forced a Bangladeshi player to quit the Indian Premier League. Political relations between India and Bangladesh soured after a mass uprising in Dhaka in 2024 toppled then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of New Delhi. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), after an emergency meeting on Sunday, said it had “formally requested” the International Cricket Council (ICC) shift their games... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3338693/bangladesh-will-not-play-t20-world-cup-matches-india-ask-sri-lanka-switch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3338693/bangladesh-will-not-play-t20-world-cup-matches-india-ask-sri-lanka-switch?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:30:12 +0000 Reuters Reuters Indonesia’s Gede Priandana became the first bowler to claim ‌five wickets in an over in a ‍Twenty20 International, in a game against Cambodia in Bali on Tuesday. The 28-year-old seamer single-handedly derailed Cambodia’s chase in a ⁠seven-ball over that included a wide, completing his hat-trick and securing his team’s victory by 60 runs in the series opener. Cambodia were 106 for five needing ‍168 for victory when Priandana was called on to ‍bowl the 16th over. The right-armer dismissed Shah... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3337536/indonesia-bowler-enters-record-books-five-wicket-over-t20-international?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3337536/indonesia-bowler-enters-record-books-five-wicket-over-t20-international?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Dec 2025 13:20:34 +0000 Kyodo Kyodo A cricket ground that meets international standards and is located north of Tokyo is attracting visitors from Japan and abroad, raising hopes that it will serve as a hub for regional revitalisation and promote a sport that has remained relatively low profile in the country. Naoki Alex Miyaji, 47, a former Japan team player and current CEO of the Japan Cricket Association, connected the sport with Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, by establishing the organisation’s local office there in 2007. The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3333791/japan-city-pins-hope-international-cricket-ground-revitalise-region?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3333791/japan-city-pins-hope-international-cricket-ground-revitalise-region?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Nov 2025 13:00:13 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg The valuation of the world’s most lucrative cricket tournament, the Indian Premier League, eroded for a second year in a row, according to a report, marking a shift from years of ballooning growth on the back of competitive bidding for broadcast rights. The cricket league’s value dropped almost 11 per cent to US$8.8 billion in 2025, from US$9.9 billion in 2024, according to an October 15 report by consulting firm D&P Advisory. The coveted event was valued at a peak of US$11.2 billion in 2023, it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3329117/indian-cricket-leagues-valuation-shrinks-second-year-row?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3329117/indian-cricket-leagues-valuation-shrinks-second-year-row?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:30:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has called on his players to focus on cricket when they face India in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, after the previous two meetings between the sides caused tensions to run high. Pakistan set up a first Asia Cup final against India with a hard-fought 11-run win over Bangladesh in a Super Four match in Dubai on Thursday. Hesson played down the bitterness that marred the past two India-Pakistan matches in this edition of the Asia Cup – their first meetings since... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3326911/pakistan-coach-tells-side-focus-cricket-ahead-india-clash-asia-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3326911/pakistan-coach-tells-side-focus-cricket-ahead-india-clash-asia-cup-final?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Sep 2025 01:26:26 +0000 Reuters Reuters Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who is set to play in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes in November, has shattered a long-standing barrier by signing with Sydney Thunder on Thursday, becoming the first male Indian player to join Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). His deal comes after he retired from international cricket in December and ended his Indian Premier League career last month, freeing him from the Indian board’s restrictions that bar male players from taking part in global... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3326876/hong-kong-bound-ravichandran-ashwin-becomes-first-indian-player-join-big-bash-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3326876/hong-kong-bound-ravichandran-ashwin-becomes-first-indian-player-join-big-bash-league?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:00:15 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse The International Cricket Council has suspended USA Cricket’s membership in the sport’s world governing body with immediate effect, but the country’s teams will still be able to play in the run-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Officials agreed to the move after what they said was the American body’s “repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC member under the ICC’s constitution,” a statement issued late Tuesday said. “These include, but are not limited to, the failure to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3326646/usa-cricket-suspended-icc-accused-causing-reputational-damage-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3326646/usa-cricket-suspended-icc-accused-causing-reputational-damage-game?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:30:12 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Former Test umpire Harold “Dickie” Bird has died at the age of 92, Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced on Tuesday. Bird was one of the best-known and most respected officials in the game, standing in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals, including three World Cup finals. Yorkshire issued a statement on their website saying Bird, “one of cricket’s most beloved figures”, had died peacefully at home. “Dickie Bird enjoyed an illustrious career as an international umpire, writing his name into... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3326580/former-cricket-umpire-harold-dickie-bird-dies-aged-92?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3326580/former-cricket-umpire-harold-dickie-bird-dies-aged-92?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:06:49 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Skipper Litton Das top-scored with 59 as Bangladesh beat a spirited Hong Kong by seven wickets in their first match of the Asia Cup on Thursday. Hong Kong posted 143-7 after Nizakat Khan made 42 in the T20 meeting in Abu Dhabi, where the minnows were invited to bat first. Bangladesh lost two early wickets in their chase to raise Hong Kong hopes of an upset, but Litton put on a stand of 95 with Towhid Hridoy, who made an unbeaten 35, to reach 144-3 in 17.4 overs. Litton reached his 50 in 33 balls... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3325376/asia-cup-hong-kong-lose-second-match-litton-das-guides-bangladesh-t20-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3325376/asia-cup-hong-kong-lose-second-match-litton-das-guides-bangladesh-t20-win?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:00:21 +0000 Reuters Reuters Shivam Dube impressed in India’s crushing nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates at the Asia Cup on Wednesday and the all-rounder credited bowling coach Morne Morkel with the tactical tweaks and advice that led to his three-wicket haul. UAE were skittled for 57 runs in the Twenty20 match, with Dube recording career-best figures of 3/4 and Kuldeep Yadav picking up four wickets, before India chased down their target in just 4.3 overs. “Morne has been working with me since I came back into... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3325152/asia-cup-cricket-indias-shivam-dube-credits-coach-after-crucial-burst-uae-thrashing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3325152/asia-cup-cricket-indias-shivam-dube-credits-coach-after-crucial-burst-uae-thrashing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:30:08 +0000 Reuters Reuters Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott has demanded improvement from his team after an unsteady batting performance in Tuesday’s Asia Cup victory over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan were 95-6 in 13 overs before dropped catches allowed them to post a match-winning total of 188-6 after electing to bat in the tournament opener. Opener Sediqullah Atal top-scored with 73 but was spilled three times, including in the very first over. “We were a bit fortunate with a few dropped catches that sort of let... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3325053/asia-cup-afghanistan-cricket-coach-jonathan-trott-wants-improvement-despite-hong-kong-rout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3325053/asia-cup-afghanistan-cricket-coach-jonathan-trott-wants-improvement-despite-hong-kong-rout?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:00:12 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Hong Kong have named a 20-man squad for cricket’s ACC Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and announced a preparation camp in the host country ahead of next month’s tournament. Captained by Yasim Murtaza and led by their newly appointed head coach, Kaushal Silva, the city’s team will head to the UAE on Sunday. The T20 tournament will take place from September 9 to September 28, with the preceding camp set to feature competitive preparation matches and training sessions. Hong Kong will take on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3322636/hong-kong-cricketers-prepare-asia-cup-tour-host-nation-uae?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3322636/hong-kong-cricketers-prepare-asia-cup-tour-host-nation-uae?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:43:29 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press An audit report has found financial irregularities to the tune of more than 6 billion rupees (US$21 million) and governance issues within the Pakistan Cricket Board dating back two years. The Auditor General of Pakistan’s report for the 2023-24 financial year was published in The News and highlighted the non-recovery of outstanding sponsorship worth 5.3 billion rupees as the major discrepancy identified. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is the third person in four years to lead the sport’s national... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3318417/audit-finds-us21-million-financial-irregularities-pakistan-cricket-board?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3318417/audit-finds-us21-million-financial-irregularities-pakistan-cricket-board?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:50:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ahead of the World Test Championship final this week, Australian great Steve Waugh said the five-day format remained “the pinnacle of the game”. Australia and South Africa will fight for global honours in the Lord’s showpiece from Wednesday, as Test cricket emerges from its four-month hibernation following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Last year, Waugh said he feared the imminent “death of Test cricket”, after South Africa sent a second-string team to play two Tests in New... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3313834/australia-great-steve-waugh-sends-test-cricket-plea-ahead-world-championship-final?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3313834/australia-great-steve-waugh-sends-test-cricket-plea-ahead-world-championship-final?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:30:07 +0000 Reuters Reuters Glamorgan all-rounder Dan Douthwaite was not alone among the foreign players in being unsure what to expect when he headed to the Himalayas to take part in the inaugural Nepal Premier League (NPL) late last year. Taking up a playing contract in the mountainous nation of 30 million was always going to be a novel challenge for the Englishman, not least because the Twenty20 league was staged at a ground some 1,350 metres (4,430 feet) above sea level. “I thought I was going to be constantly out of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3312319/nepal-premier-league-playing-mountains-takes-t20-cricket-new-heights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3312319/nepal-premier-league-playing-mountains-takes-t20-cricket-new-heights?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 May 2025 15:09:27 +0000 Reuters Reuters Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fairy-tale debut season began with a first-ball six last month and ended with a scintillating half-century on Tuesday as the 14-year-old continues to justify the hype around him in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rajasthan Royals were unable to make the play-offs but finished their campaign on a winning note against Chennai Super Kings thanks to Suryavanshi’s 57 off 33 balls. The left-handed batter finished his campaign with 252 runs from seven matches with a strike rate... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3311196/indian-teen-sensation-vaibhav-suryavanshi-ends-debut-season-impressive-half-century?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3311196/indian-teen-sensation-vaibhav-suryavanshi-ends-debut-season-impressive-half-century?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 May 2025 07:12:40 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A former Hong Kong cricket boss wants to harness the power of the sport to transform people’s lives in Vanuatu. Tim Cutler, who previously led the local governing body in the city, was appointed to the same role in the Pacific archipelago four years ago. A handy player, his left-arm bowling persuaded the country’s selectors to hand him an international debut, aged 41, in February last year. In December, he had a “life-changing experience”, when a deadly earthquake struck Porta Vila, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3309641/ex-hong-kong-cricket-chief-life-changing-vanuatu-mission-after-deadly-earthquake?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3309641/ex-hong-kong-cricket-chief-life-changing-vanuatu-mission-after-deadly-earthquake?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 May 2025 04:00:11 +0000 Reuters Reuters The Pakistan Super League (PSL) will move its remaining matches to the United Arab Emirates in the wake of Pakistan’s ongoing conflict with India, the country’s cricket board chief Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday. Thursday’s PSL match in Rawalpindi was postponed amid escalating hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours, and Naqvi said the decision to move the last eight games was made to ensure players avoid “possible reckless targeting”. Across the border, the Indian Premier League has been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3309703/ipl-could-be-suspended-pakistan-moving-t20-league-dubai-amid-regional-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3309703/ipl-could-be-suspended-pakistan-moving-t20-league-dubai-amid-regional-conflict?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2025 07:15:02 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong missed the chance to create a thriving, world-class cricket hub when plans for a suitable playing arena at Kai Tak were abandoned, the sport’s former chief in the city has said. Tim Cutler said he had pushed during his two years as Cricket Hong Kong chief executive for the secondary stadium at Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) – now known as the youth sports ground – to be configured for cricket. Melbourne Cricket Club was among the sub-consultants employed during KTSP’s planning stage.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3309024/kai-taks-lack-cricket-ground-missed-opportunity-governing-bodys-ex-ceo-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3309024/kai-taks-lack-cricket-ground-missed-opportunity-governing-bodys-ex-ceo-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:21 +0000 Afghan women cricketers will get high-level support in a bid to rejoin international competition after the sport’s world governing body created a task force to coordinate direct funding, elite coaching and facilities for displaced players. Dozens of players from Afghanistan’s national women’s team relocated to Australia after the Taliban retook control of the country in 2021 and enforced bans on women’s sports. The players have been seeking official support ever since. The International Cricket... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3306408/afghanistan-womens-team-gets-funding-international-cricket-council?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3306408/afghanistan-womens-team-gets-funding-international-cricket-council?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:54 +0000 Hong Kong cricket chief Burji Shroff has warned that only increased access to facilities, more grounds and greater government support will allow the city’s men’s and women’s teams to improve. Following one-sided losses to Uganda and Italy in February’s Challenge League, which Shroff called “disappointing to say the least”, Hong Kong’s men have minimal hope of attaining cherished one-day international status until 2030 at the earliest. Ahead of hosting Nepal, Kuwait and Qatar for a quadrangular... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3305665/hong-kong-cricket-chief-warns-city-needs-facilities-funding-be-competitive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3305665/hong-kong-cricket-chief-warns-city-needs-facilities-funding-be-competitive?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:08 +0000 Hong Kong cricket chief Burji Shroff has expressed his confidence over the integrity of the sport in the city. In 2019, three Hong Kong players, Irfan and Nadeem Ahmed, and Haseeb Amjad, were found guilty of match-fixing. The Ahmed brothers were banned for life, while seam bowler Amjad received a five-year suspension. The city team’s matches, along with games from five domestic competitions, provide betting opportunities for large audiences watching on live streams. Next week, Hong Kong will... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3305014/hong-kong-cricket-chairman-confident-sport-city-free-match-fixing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3305014/hong-kong-cricket-chairman-confident-sport-city-free-match-fixing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Apr 2025 05:00:47 +0000 Hong Kong will host the leaders of 25 member countries at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Asia Conference on April 5 and 6, the ICC has announced. Those present will include representatives from the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council. The conference, which will run under the motto “Together We Grow”, aims to gather insights from ICC members on ways to develop cricket in the region. Key focus areas include participation, non-ICC revenue generation, training and education, and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3303121/hong-kong-host-international-cricket-council-asia-conference-t20-series-april?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3303121/hong-kong-host-international-cricket-council-asia-conference-t20-series-april?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:56:52 +0000 Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill was on Thursday found guilty of taking part in the supply of cocaine, local media reported. Police said the retired leg-spinner introduced his personal cocaine dealer to an associate in 2021. The pair went on to organise a US$200,000 drug deal between themselves, police alleged. Although MacGill was not involved in the subsequent transaction, a jury found him guilty of knowingly taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug, national broadcaster... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3302193/australian-ex-cricketer-stuart-macgill-found-guilty-being-part-cocaine-supply-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3302193/australian-ex-cricketer-stuart-macgill-found-guilty-being-part-cocaine-supply-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:39:53 +0000 On the eve of England and Australia renewing hostilities in the ICC Champions Trophy, the Baggy Greens legend Steve Waugh said he “does not see the point” of the tournament in Asia. Waugh captained Australia in two editions of the competition, in 1998 and 2000, but was bewildered as to why it had been revived, eight years after the 50-over contest was last staged. Equally, the man who skippered Australia to 1999 World Cup success sounded a downbeat note about the likely longevity of the format,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3299641/australia-great-steve-waugh-queries-champions-trophy-relevance-ashes-rivals-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3299641/australia-great-steve-waugh-queries-champions-trophy-relevance-ashes-rivals-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Feb 2025 09:59:10 +0000 Nizakat Khan was straight back into the swing after shedding the Hong Kong captaincy to rejoin the rank and file, but still tasted defeat in the opening match of the city’s home one-day tri-series. Having stepped down to concentrate on his own game, Nizakat enjoyed his latest encounter with Uganda as he smashed 84 from 79 deliveries at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground on Tuesday. The East Africans would have the last laugh, however, thanks to Cosmas Kyewuta, whose four off the final ball of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3296628/uganda-sink-hong-kong-last-ball-drama-despite-nizakat-thriving-without-captaincy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3296628/uganda-sink-hong-kong-last-ball-drama-despite-nizakat-thriving-without-captaincy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:05:59 +0000 A Marnus Labuschagne half-century and stubborn tail-end batting drove Australia to a 333-run lead at the end of day four in the fourth test in Melbourne on Sunday, leaving India facing a record chase to steal an unlikely victory. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland marched off to a huge ovation from home fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, having combined for an unbeaten 55-run partnership for the final wicket as Australia went to stumps at 228 for nine. Lyon was 41 not out, with number 11 Boland on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3292640/barnstorming-bumrah-rips-out-australia-middle-order-india-fight-back-fourth-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3292640/barnstorming-bumrah-rips-out-australia-middle-order-india-fight-back-fourth-test?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Dec 2024 05:07:51 +0000 India appear to have unearthed a new gem in Nitish Kumar Reddy, who conjured up a sensational maiden Test hundred to keep his team alive in the fourth test against Australia on Saturday. The number eight batsman’s sparkling 105 not out was the bedrock of India’s first innings 358-9 in reply to Australia’s 445 in front of a sell-out crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that included his teary-eyed father. At 221-7, the risk of follow-on loomed large on India but the seam-bowling all-rounder... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3292568/australia-remove-rishabh-pant-ravindra-jadeja-india-reach-244-7-lunch-mcg-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3292568/australia-remove-rishabh-pant-ravindra-jadeja-india-reach-244-7-lunch-mcg-test?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Dec 2024 03:52:12 +0000 India suffered a disastrous run-out and Scott Boland took two wickets to leave the tourists in major trouble at 164 for five on day two of the fourth Test on Friday, after another Steve Smith century helped Australia post an imposing 474. Smith, having scored a drought-breaking 101 in the drawn third Test in Brisbane, reprised his role as India’s tormentor-in-chief with a record 11th century against the nation on the way to 140 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In reply, India opener Yashasvi... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3292421/steve-smiths-140-puts-australia-control-fourth-cricket-test-against-india-mcg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3292421/steve-smiths-140-puts-australia-control-fourth-cricket-test-against-india-mcg?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Dec 2024 04:53:24 +0000 India fought back with four late wickets to leave Australia on 311 for six on day one of the fourth Test on Thursday after teen debutant Sam Konstas had lit up the Melbourne Cricket Ground with a thrilling knock in the morning. Tempers rose in blazing heat in front of a bumper Boxing Day crowd of 87,242, with Virat Kohli booed by home fans after bumping shoulders with Konstas on the pitch after the 19-year-old smashed India’s bowlers around the park early on. Konstas shrugged off the clash on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3292294/teenage-australia-opener-indias-virat-kohli-spar-first-morning-fourth-cricket-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3292294/teenage-australia-opener-indias-virat-kohli-spar-first-morning-fourth-cricket-test?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Dec 2024 03:45:08 +0000 India’s off-spinning great Ravichandran Ashwin announced his immediate retirement from international cricket following the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday. The 38-year-old took 537 wickets in his 106 Tests at an average of 24.00, leaving him seventh on the all-time list and second only to Anil Kumble (619) for his country. He also played 116 one-day and 65 Twenty20 internationals. “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at an international level,”... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3291381/ive-had-fun-india-all-time-great-ravichandran-ashwin-retires-international-cricket?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3291381/ive-had-fun-india-all-time-great-ravichandran-ashwin-retires-international-cricket?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:00:15 +0000 Broadcaster and former England player Isa Guha apologised on air on Monday for calling star India bowler Jasprit Bumrah a “primate” in commentary during the ongoing third Test against Australia. “He’s the MVP, isn’t he? Most valuable primate,” she said on Sunday while commentating for Fox during the second day’s play at the Gabba in Brisbane. Guha, part of England’s squad that won the Women’s World Cup and the World T20 in 2009, addressed the controversy on Monday. “Yesterday in commentary I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3291032/english-commentator-isa-guha-sorry-calling-indian-cricketer-jasprit-bumrah-primate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3291032/english-commentator-isa-guha-sorry-calling-indian-cricketer-jasprit-bumrah-primate?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:00:12 +0000 Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a shy, cricket-mad boy aged just 13 will become the youngest player in Indian Premier League history after signing for the Rajasthan Royals. The left-handed batter and spinner, who could become the sport’s latest Twenty20 batting sensation, comes from India’s poorest state, Bihar, and his father is a farmer and part-time journalist, according to Indian media. Rajasthan think so highly of Suryavanshi that they paid US$130,000 (HK$1 million) in the IPL’s mega auction for his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3288324/vaibhav-suryavanshi-indian-13-year-old-who-made-history-came-earth-play-cricket?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/cricket/article/3288324/vaibhav-suryavanshi-indian-13-year-old-who-made-history-came-earth-play-cricket?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:00:17 +0000