Pat Cummins và lời cảnh báo về ‘điểm căng thẳng’ của bóng chày Úc

Đội trưởng đội tuyển cricket Úc, Pat Cummins, vừa đưa ra một tuyên bố đầy sức nặng về ‘điểm căng thẳng’ (tension point) mà các cầu thủ phải đối mặt khi đứng giữa lựa chọn: cống hiến cho đội tuyển quốc gia hay chạy theo những bản hợp đồng béo bở từ các giải đấu quốc tế. Đây không chỉ là nỗi băn khoăn cá nhân, mà còn là hồi chuông cảnh báo cho quá trình thảo luận về tư nhân hóa giải Big Bash League (BBL) của Cricket Úc (CA).

Khi đồng tiền lên tiếng

Trong podcast Business of Sport, Cummins thẳng thắn chia sẻ: ‘Một số đồng đội của tôi đang từ chối hàng trăm nghìn bảng Anh chỉ để ở lại chơi hai trận Test trước Bangladesh. Ở thời điểm hiện tại, họ còn khát khao màu cờ sắc áo, nhưng tôi không nghĩ điều đó sẽ mãi mãi là chân lý.’

Dù việc con số 500.000 bảng Anh (khoảng 960.000 AUD) có thể là một ước tính cao, nhưng không thể phủ nhận sức hút tài chính từ các giải đấu như The Hundred hay IPL là cực kỳ lớn. Đối với nhiều cầu thủ hàng đầu, thu nhập từ các giải đấu này có thể gấp nhiều lần mức đãi ngộ tiêu chuẩn từ hợp đồng quốc gia.

Thách thức của Cricket Úc

Cummins nhấn mạnh rằng các cầu thủ hiện nay đang làm toán rất kỹ: ‘Nếu bạn chơi đủ ba thể thức cho Úc, bạn được trả lương rất tốt. Nhưng chắc chắn nếu chơi ở mọi giải đấu khác, về ngắn hạn, bạn sẽ kiếm được nhiều tiền hơn.’

• Sự chuyển dịch: Các cầu thủ như Marcus Stoinis đã cho thấy xu hướng linh hoạt, tận dụng các giải đấu quốc tế khi không có lịch trình dày đặc từ đội tuyển quốc gia.
• Tư nhân hóa BBL: Những lời chia sẻ của Cummins khiến các nhà quản lý tại Jolimont phải suy ngẫm liệu việc giữ chân ngôi sao có trở nên bất khả thi nếu không cải thiện cơ chế đãi ngộ.

Ưu tiên cho Test Cricket – Liệu có bền vững?

Bản thân Pat Cummins vẫn khẳng định tình yêu với Test cricket và đặt mục tiêu chinh phục các cột mốc quan trọng. Tuy nhiên, anh cũng thừa nhận mình đang phải chủ động ‘thắt lưng buộc bụng’ về lịch trình thi đấu để đảm bảo thể lực. ‘Tôi hy vọng mình có thể duy trì guồng quay này trong 3, 4 hay 5 năm tới mà không phải từ bỏ Test cricket,’ anh nói.

Câu chuyện này gợi nhắc về lịch sử năm 1977, khi các cầu thủ từng phải đứng trước ngưỡng cửa của những cuộc đàm phán bí mật với Kerry Packer để khẳng định giá trị chuyên nghiệp của mình. Hôm nay, các cầu thủ không phải chọn giữa amateur hay chuyên nghiệp, họ chọn nơi có ‘giá trị’ tốt nhất cho sự nghiệp.

Kết luận: Cricket Úc đang đứng trước một ngã rẽ quan trọng. Nếu không thể thích nghi và đưa ra những thỏa thuận dài hạn hấp dẫn để giữ chân những tài năng hàng đầu, họ có thể sớm nhận ra rằng các ngôi sao của mình sẽ chọn ‘đi theo tiếng gọi của đồng tiền’ thay vì màu áo quốc gia.

Taskin Ahmed: The Comeback King

Do you remember the emotional moment when Taskin Ahmed broke down in tears after the squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup was announced? If you follow Bangladesh cricket, you probably do. Missing out on the squad left Taskin devastated. He couldn’t hide his disappointment.

From Heartbreak to Redemption

But that setback became the turning point of his career. Taskin rebuilt himself from the beginning. During the COVID-19 period, videos and photos of his intense training spread across social media. The frustration of missing the World Cup fueled his determination. After COVID, he performed well in a few domestic tournaments and earned his way back into the national team.

Since returning to the national side in late 2020, Taskin hasn’t looked back. His consistent form has kept him in the team. Once he seemed to drift away from the national setup, but now he is an essential part of Bangladesh’s pace unit. Even though he is currently less involved in Tests, across formats he remains one of the country’s top fast bowlers.

“In 2018-19 I wasn’t in the team. I was left out of the 2019 World Cup. I felt I deserved a place. It hurt a lot. Some players even played while unfit back then. But looking back, maybe I wouldn’t have improved if I hadn’t been dropped.” – Taskin Ahmed

Recently, Taskin attended the BDCricTime Eid Fest as a guest with his wife Syeda Naima Rabeya. When asked about the toughest Eid of his life, he shared the story of his comeback.

Taskin said, “Missing the 2019 World Cup was very painful, but Alhamdulillah I overcame it. After COVID, I worked very hard and returned.”

He also spoke about another difficult phase during the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup when his bowling action came under scrutiny. “It was very shocking. I never expected there was an issue with my bowling action. I was doing well at that time. I was banned just before the match against India in the T20 World Cup,” he said.

Talking about his return after correcting his action, Taskin added, “Thankfully I cleared it within six months. I’m very grateful to late Mahbub Ali Zaki sir. He helped me a lot during that time.”

Taskin also credited several people for supporting his journey, including his father and coaches like Khaled Mahmud and Mizanur Rahman Babul. He shared a funny childhood story too. “I had low hemoglobin as a child and doctors advised me not to play in the sun. One afternoon I was playing in the heat, and my father came and broke the bat on me (laughs). He used to scold me, then show affection a few days later.”

His wife Naima, who was present beside him, said, “He used the COVID period fully. The hard work he put in day and night made his comeback possible.”

What’s Next for Taskin Ahmed?

As Taskin looks back on his journey, he is now focused on the future. With his consistent form and determination, he is sure to make a significant impact in the world of cricket. With his comeback story serving as an inspiration to many, Taskin Ahmed is a true example of perseverance and hard work.

Taskin last represented Bangladesh national cricket team in the ODI series against Pakistan national cricket team.

Star-studded Commentary Panel and Presenters Announced for PSL 11

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled an impressive 23-member bilingual commentary team for the upcoming 11th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), set to run from March 26 to May 3. This team brings together a mix of international experts and seasoned local analysts.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a renowned, 23-member, bilingual commentary team for the upcoming 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3.

Among the highlights, former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite will be stepping into the role of PSL commentator for the first time, while former Australian player Lisa Sthalekar makes her return. The PCB is clearly excited about this high-caliber lineup for such a prestigious event.

Shoaib Malik, who has played in all ten previous editions of the HBL PSL, will lend his voice as an Urdu commentator this season, joined by former Pakistani captains Salman Butt and Sana Mir.

The exclusive seven-member Urdu panel also features veteran commentator Tariq Saeed, former international Marina Iqbal, Shah Faisal, and Ayaz Chaudhary, who was the winner of Pepsi Voice of Pakistan 2022.

On the English commentary side, Brathwaite will be joined by a talented group that includes South African Jean-Paul Duminy, the well-known Michael Haysman, Englishmen Dominic Cork, Nick Knight and Mark Butcher, as well as New Zealander Martin Guptill Australians Greg Blewett and Lisa Sthalekar and Athar Ali Khan from Bangladesh.

Pakistan is set to have a strong presence in the English commentary team for the upcoming matches. Former captains like Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Aamir Sohail and Urooj Mumtaz Khan will be on hand to provide their insights, and former national player Bazid Khan will also join the lineup.

This season, former all-rounder Sikandar Bakht will wear two hats: he’ll be delivering English commentary while also being part of the four-person presenting team.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer expressed his excitement about the announcement, confident that fans will love the matches.

“We’re thrilled to introduce a top-notch commentary team with a wealth of experience in the game. I’m sure our fans will appreciate the commentators and their insights into the thrilling matches as we gear up for the groundbreaking 11th edition of the HBL PSL.”

Full List of Commentators:

• English Panel: Aamir Sohail, Athar Ali Khan, Bazid Khan, Carlos Brathwaite, Dominic Cork, Greg Blewett, Jean-Paul Duminy, Lisa Sthalekar, Mark Butcher, Martin Guptill, Michael Haysman, Nick Knight, Ramiz Raja, Sikandar Bakht, Urooj Mumtaz Khan and Wasim Akram.
• Exclusive Urdu Panel: Ayaz Chaudhary, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, Sana Mir, Shah Faisal, Shoaib Malik and Tariq Saeed.
• Presenters: Jess Crowe, Neroli Meadows, Sikandar Bakht and Zainab Abbas.

What’s Next?

The upcoming PSL season promises to be an exciting one, with a star-studded commentary panel and presenting team set to bring the action to life. Fans can expect to see a mix of international experts and seasoned local analysts providing their insights and analysis throughout the tournament.

The English commentary team boasts a wealth of experience, with former captains like Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja joining forces with international stars like Carlos Brathwaite and Lisa Sthalekar. Meanwhile, the Urdu panel features veteran commentator Tariq Saeed and former international Marina Iqbal, ensuring that fans will get a comprehensive view of the matches.

With the presenting team featuring international commentators Jess Crowe and Neroli Meadows, alongside the familiar face of Zainab Abbas, fans can expect to be treated to a thrilling experience as they watch the matches unfold.

The PCB has clearly put a lot of thought into selecting the perfect team to bring the PSL to life, and fans can expect to be treated to a top-notch commentary experience throughout the tournament.

Amzad Hussain, a former director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has spoken out about the controversial BCB election that led to his resignation. In a statement to the media, Amzad Hussain emphasized the importance of transparency in the election process, highlighting that he was a candidate and not a decision-maker.

On March 22, the BCB announced through a press release that board director Mokhsedul Kamal had been appointed chairman of the Media Committee, replacing Amzad Hussain. This change was made just a day before Amzad Hussain stepped down from his role as a BCB director on March 23.

Amzad Hussain had been elected from the club category in a highly contested BCB election. His departure marks the second resignation from the board in recent times, following Ishtiaque Sadeque’s exit. With Amzad’s resignation, 23 directors now remain out of the original 25.

When asked about the election process, Amzad Hussain said, ‘I worked with you for almost six months. You asked many tough and easy questions before. But this question didn’t come up earlier. Today I’m no longer a director, so why now? That’s my first question to you.”

He further clarified that as a candidate, his role was limited to participating in the election process, and he couldn’t comment on the transparency of the process. Amzad Hussain emphasized that questions over elections are common and that the BCB election is a continuous process.

Asked about any potential pressure he faced while working on the board, Amzad Hussain replied, “Just a day ago I was on the board and everything was fine. Now I’m not there, that doesn’t mean the board is doing badly. You should criticize, but also highlight the good work. The board is doing good things.”

Talking about elections again, he added, “Every BCB election is a learning experience. Each one brings something new. This will continue.”

Amzad Hussain’s resignation marks a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the BCB election. With his departure, the spotlight is now on the remaining directors and the board’s leadership. The BCB is expected to address the concerns raised by the clubs and ensure a transparent and fair election process in the future.

As the BCB moves forward, it remains to be seen how the board will handle the aftermath of Amzad Hussain’s resignation and the ongoing controversy. One thing is certain, however, the BCB election will continue to be a subject of discussion and scrutiny in the cricketing world.

The BCB will need to take concrete steps to address the concerns raised by the clubs and ensure a transparent and fair election process. This will not only help to maintain the credibility of the board but also ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are protected.

BCB Director Amzad Hossain Quits, Explains Reason Behind Shocking Resignation

BCB director Amzad Hossain quits, explains reason behind shocking resignation, in a move that has left the cricketing world stunned. The 23-year-old director was removed as chairman of the board’s Media Committee just a day prior to his resignation.

According to sources, the BCB announced through a press release on March 22 that board director Mokhsedul Kamal would take over as chairman of the Media and Communications Committee. Kamal had previously served as vice-chairman, while Amzad Hussain was in charge of the committee. The change was made on March 22, and the very next day, March 23, Amzad resigned from his role as a BCB director.

Amzad mentioned that he had been in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah and was not connected with board activities during that period. “For the last 10 days, I wasn’t in contact with anyone. I was there for Umrah, and naturally I stayed away from work matters. So I don’t know exactly what happened,” he added.

Amzad Hussain was elected as a BCB director from the club category in the latest board election. After committees were formed, he was given responsibility of the Media Committee and served in the role for around six months, regularly addressing press conferences.

Before stepping down, he also shared a message for the board. “I hope the board performs well and moves forward. You should highlight the good work too, not only criticism,” he said.

Asked whether he faced any difficulties during his tenure, Amzad responded, “No, I didn’t face any problems. I enjoyed my time. It was an honor to serve Bangladesh cricket.”

What’s Next?

BCB’s Future Plans and Amzad’s Legacy

With Amzad’s departure, the BCB will have to navigate the challenges of restructuring their Media Committee. As the board looks to move forward, Amzad’s legacy as a dedicated director will be remembered. His commitment to Bangladesh cricket and his passion for the sport were evident in his tenure as chairman of the Media Committee.

As the BCB continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how they will address the issues that led to Amzad’s resignation. Will they make changes to their existing committees or introduce new initiatives to improve communication and transparency? Only time will tell.

One thing is certain, however – Amzad Hussain’s departure will be deeply felt by the cricketing community in Bangladesh. His dedication to the sport and his country will be remembered for years to come.

ICC ODI Rankings: Impact of New Zealand Series on Bangladesh’s Chances

With the New Zealand tour set to begin in April, Bangladesh is gearing up for a crucial three-match ODI series. The outcome of this series will have a significant impact on Bangladesh’s ICC ODI ranking, affecting their chances of direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

Currently, Bangladesh stands at 9th place in the ICC ODI rankings with a rating of 79. The recent series win against Pakistan propelled them up from 10th to 9th place, while the West Indies slipped to 10th, and England holds 8th with a rating of 88.

According to the ICC ODI ranking system, if Bangladesh wins the ODI series 3-0 against New Zealand, their rating would rise to 85, but England would remain 8th with 88 points. A 2-1 series win would bring Bangladesh’s rating to 83, while a 2-1 loss would result in a drop to 80, and a 0-3 series loss would lower their rating further to 78. Currently, the West Indies sits 10th with a rating of 77.

This means the upcoming New Zealand series doesn’t offer Bangladesh a chance to move up or down in the rankings. They will stay 9th but the rating points will change, which could affect future ranking positions.

For the 2027 ODI World Cup, the top eight teams in the rankings will qualify directly, with South Africa and Zimbabwe automatically in as hosts. All other teams will have to go through the qualifiers.

What’s Next:

Series Review and Expectations

The upcoming ODI series against New Zealand will be a crucial test for Bangladesh, as they look to maintain their 9th position in the ICC ODI rankings. With a strong lineup and consistent performance, Bangladesh can aim to win the series and secure a higher rating.

Tactics and Strategies:

As Bangladesh prepares to face New Zealand, they will need to employ effective tactics and strategies to outmaneuver their opponents. A well-planned game plan, coupled with excellent team execution, can help Bangladesh secure a series win and improve their ICC ODI ranking.

Player Performances:

The performance of individual players will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the series. Bangladesh’s top-order batsmen, along with their bowlers, will need to put up consistent performances to help the team win the series and secure a higher ICC ODI ranking.

With the series just around the corner, Bangladesh fans are eagerly waiting to see their team in action. Will they be able to win the series and secure a higher ICC ODI ranking? Only time will tell.

Upcoming matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be played behind closed doors to save fuel. The decision was confirmed by Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), during a press conference. Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a global fuel shortage has emerged. Many countries are already taking steps to reduce energy consumption, including Pakistan, where PSL matches to be played without crowd due to fuel crisis.

Shehbaz Sharif has also urged citizens to limit fuel usage. Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, said the decision follows the prime minister’s instructions. Besides playing matches without spectators, the number of PSL venues has also been reduced to two. Initially, six venues were planned.

Speaking at the press conference, Naqvi said, “Because of the fuel crisis, the prime minister has asked people to limit movement. We are closing schools, arranging work from home and extending Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. We don’t know how long this conflict will continue.”

He added, “After considering everything and consulting security agencies, we decided the PSL will go ahead as scheduled. But we cannot ask people to limit movement and at the same time allow 30,000 fans to gather daily. So matches will be played without spectators for now. It was a difficult decision but necessary. The opening ceremony will also be cancelled.”

Naqvi also explained that with no spectators, travelling to multiple cities made little sense. “We need to limit movement so we don’t waste resources unnecessarily,” he said.

Originally, six venues were listed: Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Multan. There was already some concern about hosting matches in Peshawar due to renewed tensions with neighboring Afghanistan. Eventually, Peshawar was dropped from the list.

Now only Lahore and Karachi will host the matches. Frequent travel between cities would have increased fuel consumption for players and staff. To minimize that, all matches will be held in these two cities. The schedule remains the same, only venues for some matches have changed.

Naqvi hinted that spectators might be allowed for later matches if the situation improves and the conflict ends.

He also spoke about players leaving PSL to join the Indian Premier League. “According to regulations, we will take action against those players. A similar incident happened last year. The overlapping schedule with IPL is not an issue. If some players go there, we still have quality players available. We cannot postpone PSL because we don’t have another window in the calendar,” he said.

Fuel-saving measures are also being taken in Bangladesh. Some universities have brought forward Eid holidays and many offices are shifting to remote work.

The new PSL season begins on March 26 with a match between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

The upcoming matches will be played without spectators, but the situation may change if the fuel crisis is resolved. The Pakistan Cricket Board is taking necessary steps to reduce energy consumption and minimize the impact on the tournament.

The reduced number of venues will help minimize fuel consumption for players and staff. However, this may affect the overall experience for fans who were looking forward to attending the matches.

The PCB will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament.

Bangladesh Champions are set to take part in the third edition of the World Championship of Legends. With a new team joining, organizers expect the competition to become even more exciting this year.

The World Championship of Legends, built around retired cricket legends, has already gained strong popularity worldwide. Big names like Yuvraj Singh, AB de Villiers, Brett Lee, Mohammad Hafeez and Chris Gayle played in previous editions. Organizers believe Bangladesh’s inclusion will raise the quality of the 2026 tournament and attract even more global viewers.

Promoted as the second most-watched cricket league in the world, the WCL has built a large audience in a short time. The inaugural edition drew more than 325 million viewers, while the second edition reached 423.1 million, showing the tournament’s growing global appeal.

“It’s a great privilege to be part of Bangladesh Champions in the WCL. We feel that through taking part in this tournament, Bangladesh’s cricket will reach a new height globally, since this tournament is considered the World Cup of legend cricketers. We are hoping to form a formidable squad with all the legendary cricketers of Bangladesh for the tournament.” – Ishtiaq Sadeq, Team Co-owner

Former Bangladesh captains Mohammad Ashraful and Mahmudullah Riyad have already agreed to play for Bangladesh Champions. The team is also planning to add a few more well-known stars to strengthen the squad.

What’s Next?

As the third edition of the World Championship of Legends approaches, fans are eagerly waiting to see the Bangladesh Champions team in action. With the inclusion of Bangladesh, the competition is expected to become even more intense, and the fans are in for a real treat.

The Bangladesh Champions team will be looking to make a strong impression in their first edition, and with the likes of Mohammad Ashraful and Mahmudullah Riyad on board, they have a good chance of doing so. The team will be working hard to add a few more well-known stars to their squad, and fans are eagerly waiting to see the final lineup.

With the World Championship of Legends just around the corner, cricket fans around the world are getting ready for the biggest tournament of the year. The Bangladesh Champions team is set to make a big impact, and fans are excited to see them in action.

The World Championship of Legends is a tournament like no other, featuring some of the biggest names in cricket history. With Bangladesh joining the fray, the competition is expected to become even more intense, and fans are in for a real treat.

Bangladesh Voice and Umpire Set to Feature in PSL 2026

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to begin on March 26, and six Bangladeshi cricketers will feature in this year’s tournament. But that’s not all. Bangladesh will also be represented in the commentary box and among the match officials.

Former Bangladesh captain and commentator Athar Ali Khan will be part of the commentary panel. Meanwhile, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat will serve as one of the umpires.

So, Bangladesh’s presence will go beyond just the players. Athar, often known as the “Voice of Bangladesh,” will bring his familiar tone to the broadcast. On the field, Saikat will take charge as an umpire.

The PSL authorities have already released the list of match officials ahead of the tournament. Saikat’s name appears alongside several well-known international umpires. Over the past few years, he has quietly built a strong reputation on the global stage. He is part of the ICC elite panel of umpires and has officiated in high-profile series like the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the Ashes, and the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He also officiated in the most recent T20 World Cup, even though Bangladesh did not take part.

What’s Next

The upcoming PSL season is expected to be an exciting one, with several teams vying for the top spot. The tournament will feature some of the biggest names in cricket, and fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season.

As the PSL gets underway, fans can expect to see some of the best cricket action on display. With the likes of Sharfuddoula Saikat and Athar Ali Khan involved, the commentary box will be just as engaging as the action on the field.

The final of the PSL is scheduled for May 3, and fans are already counting down the days until the tournament gets underway. With so much excitement surrounding the PSL, it’s sure to be an event to remember.