Afghanistan board discusses resuming training with captain, head coach

The training camp will be held this month in Kabul while adhering to guidelines of WHO and the country's Ministry of Public Health, says Afghanistan cricket board.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) leadership on Tuesday discussed the resumption of training with the skipper Asghar Afghan and head coach Lance Klusener.

Afghanistan Cricket Board, in a tweet, said that the training camp will be held this month in the national capital, Kabul while adhering to the guideline of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the country's Ministry of Public Health.

"ACB leadership held a video conference with Head Coach Lance Klusener, Chief Selector Andy Moles, Skipper Asghar Afghan and some ACB officials as they discussed the training camp in June which shall be held in Kabul as per guidelines by WHO and Ministry of Public Health," the Board tweeted.

 Cricket Australia, on May 28, announced its 2020-2021 men's and women's international schedule. As per the schedule, Australia will take on Afghanistan in a one-off Test at Perth Stadium, beginning from November 21.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on sports across the globe. Several events have either been postponed or cancelled due to the deadly virus.

The T20 World Cup is also under threat because of the virus. The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday deferred a decision on 'all agenda items' until June 10.

Won't force any player for England tour in July: WI captain Holder

The tour, which was due to start on June 4, stands postponed until at least July over Covid-19 pandemic. It is believed that the new schedule for the series could be announced at the end of this month.

Windies cricket team captain Jason Holder has said that he won't be forcing any of his players to take part in the England tour, where the two teams are currently scheduled to play three-match Test series this summer.

"Each player has to be comfortable in making the step," BBC Sport quoted Holder.

"It's been made clear if we are to hop on a plane and go over to England to play, it must be safe."

"Certainly from my perspective, I won't be forcing anyone to go anywhere," he added.

The tour, which was due to start on June 4, stands postponed until at least July because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is believed that the new schedule for the series could be announced at the end of this month.

ALSO READ: Lockdown 4.0: Do new govt rules pave the way for decision on IPL 2020?

"We've been given assurances from Cricket West Indies that we'd only go over to England if they deem it safe for us to play," said Holder.

"It's no different from a frontline worker going into a hospital every day - they're putting their lives at risk, and still going to make money. The longer we stay off the field, the longer it'll take for us to make money," he added.

Earlier, Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave had said that some of the players will be "very nervous" about the prospect of travelling to the UK amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Banter with Flintoff to coaching in limited-overs: Here's what Yuvraj said

During the must-win game for India against England in 2007, Yuvraj smashed six sixes in an over bowled by Stuart Broad.

Former India batsman Yuvraj Singh recalled his tussle with English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff during the 2007 T20 World Cup match against England.

Yuvraj was doing an Instagram live session with former England skipper Kevin Pietersen. During the session, Yuvraj was then asked to talk about what Flintoff told him during the T20 World Cup in 2007.

During the must-win game for India against England in 2007, Yuvraj smashed six sixes in an over bowled by Stuart Broad.

However, before the feat, Yuvraj was involved in an aggressive war of words with Flintoff.

Yuvraj Singh's 6 sixes vs Stuart Broad

"I think Freddie bowled two good balls and he bowled a yorker which I managed to hit for a boundary. Then he told me that this was a dash shot, he got pretty elaborative. He said I am gonna cut your throat off and then I replied saying you see this bat in my hand? You know where I am gonna hit you with this bat? I remember I was so angry, when I hit Broadie for six sixes, I looked at Dimitri Mascarenas and then I looked at Freddie."

"Mascarenas had hit me for five sixes during an ODI match so that is why I looked at him first. It was one of those games which we all will remember," he added.

Coronavirus: Afghanistan cricket board announces 25% pay cut for coaches

Head coach Lance Klusener, batting coach HD Ackermann and assistant coach Nawroz Mangal are among those impacted by the decision.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has announced a 25 per cent pay cut of the coaching staff in May to deal with the financial crisis emerged due to coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Head coach Lance Klusener, batting coach HD Ackermann and assistant coach Nawroz Mangal are among those impacted by the decision.

According to a report in cricket website ESPNcricinfo, salary cut could jump to 50 per cent in June if its tour to Zimbabwe in June will get cancelled.

"This is part of our cost saving strategy as we have been also impacted by the Covid-19 crisis," ACB chief executive Lutfullah Stanikzai said.

"We have decided to cut 25 per cent (of the salary for the coaches) for May, 50 per cent for June if we are not able to resume international cricket. We will try and keep them for as long as our financial situation allows," he added.

Stanikzai said the   re has been a loss of revenue for them and they will be negatively impacted if the T20 World Cup -- slated to be held in Australia in October-November -- does not go as planned.

"We are just trying to save costs wherever we can. There has been a loss of revenue for us - the government grant we receive is at risk because the government is spending that on dealing with the pandemic," he said.

"We are not 100 per cent sure the Asia Cup will take place and the revenue we will receive from there. If there are problems with the T20 World Cup, that will also impact us negatively going forward to next year and beyond," he added.

Although Afghanistan's next official assignment is the Asia Cup, the ACB and Zimbabwe Cricket have agreed to play five T20Is in Zimbabwe, which isn't part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP).

Australia to start pre-season with new training rules from May-end: Report

CA is churning out strategies for resumption of training under the watchful eyes of its chief medical officer Dr John Orchard and head of sports science and sports medicine Alex Kountouris.

Cricket Australia (CA) is set to begin the team's pre-season by the end of May under a set of new training protocols devised for the safety of players amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a report in Australia daily 'The Sydney Morning Herald', CA is churning out strategies for resumption of training under the watchful eyes of its chief medical officer Dr John Orchard and head of sports science and sports medicine Alex Kountouris.

The duo is working closely with counterparts of other cricket playing nations and are part of committees of the Australian government and the International Cricket Council (ICC) which are trying to find ways for the resumption of sports.

The report said CA's immediate priority is to draw up protocols for players' pre-season, which include barring the use of saliva or sweat to shine the ball during training.

CA's head of sports science and sports medicine Kountouris said the coronavirus-forced new normal shouldn't have much impact of teams' training in a sport like cricket.

ALSO READ: England cricket fears 380 million pound loss if entire season is wiped out

"There's physical distancing in the nets - there's two or three bowlers in each net. One bowls at a time, the batter is 22 yards away so it's not a big problem," Kountouris said.

"We don't see it as too big a problem to manage, but these are the things we're spelling out. This is what you should do: keep your distance, how you should handle the ball, these are things easy to manage."

Coronavirus: PCB announces financial help for cricketers, umpires, scorers

The Board said it will distribute the funds before the Eid holidays and the privacy of applicants will be respected.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a special one-time financial package to help out first class cricketers, scorers, umpires and ground staff, facing hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

The Board said that the first class cricketers who meet the criteria will be paid 25,000 Pakistani rupees (PKR), the match officials 15,000 PKR and ground staff Rs 10,000 PKR and their identity will not be revealed.

The Board said it will distribute the funds before the Eid holidays and the privacy of applicants will be respected.

"The Board will not make any announcements in relation to who and how many benefited from this one-time scheme," PCB said in release.

PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani also appreciated the individual work being done by players such as Shahid Afridi, Azhar Ali, Rumaan Raees, Sarfaraz Ahmed and others to help and support the needy during the lockdown.

"It is also heartening to see our cricketers coming out and supporting the people in need by auctioning their prized possessions and through various charities," Mani said.

"While I am sure many players are making donations in private, I want to applaud and appreciate Shahid Afridi, Rumman Raees and Azhar Ali who have been at the forefront of this noble cause and have been doing outstanding work.

Sachin won't celebrate 47th birthday as mark of respect for Covid warriors

Tendulkar has already contributed a total of Rs 50 lakhs to the CM Relief fund.

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who will turn 47 on Friday, has decided not to celebrate his birthday this year as a mark of respect for the frontline workers leading India's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Sachin has decided that this is not the time for celebrations. He feels that this is the best tribute he can pay to all the doctors, nurses, para-medics, policemen, defence personnel, who are at the frontline," news agency PTI quoted a source close to the player.

Tendulkar has already contributed a total of Rs 50 lakh to the CM Relief fund. He is also involved with several other relief work initiatives.

ALSO READ: On april 22, 1998: Sachin magic wowed us in Sharjah 'desert storm' match

"He has always been very uncomfortable talking about this aspect," the source said.

Numerous fan clubs are coming up with innovative tributes on social media for the iconic batsman.

One fan club will be releasing 40 rare photographs of the maestro and another will be highlighting all the social work and initiatives that the legend has undertaken in all these years.

ICC T20 World Cup can be moved to Feb to accommodate IPL: RCB coach Katich

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Thursday suspended the IPL 2020 "till further notice" in the wake of the fast-spreading Covid-19 pandemic.

Former Australian batsman and current Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) coach Simon Katich believes that the ICC T20 World Cup can be postponed and the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) can be fitted into the cricketing calendar that has gone for a toss due to the Covid-19 or coronavirus outbreak.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday suspended the IPL 2020 "till further notice" in the wake of the fast-spreading Covid-19 pandemic.

"Potentially there's a chance to host it later in the summer, like the (recent) Women's T20 World Cup (which was held in February), and whether that's an opportunity to re-jig things. It'll be interesting to hear those discussions (which are) probably taking place at the moment and whether that's logistically possible with the FTP the way it is," Katich told Australian radio station Sen.

The IPL took place in South Africa in 2009 owing to the general elections in India at the same time and due to the same reason, a part of the tournament was held in the UAE in 2014.

ALSO READ: IPL 2020: MS Dhoni doesn't sulk over defeats, says Michael Hussey

"But I'm sure that a T20 World Cup is a priority for all the organisers at the moment, to try and make sure that goes ahead at some point in the Australian summer given that we're hosting it."

Katich had replaced Gary Kirsten as the RCB head coach after the IPL last year. The Virat Kohli-led team is yet to win the league.

Commenting on the IPL and if it can be held in Australia as a precursor to the World T20, Katich said: "Whether it would be in Australia (or elsewhere), that's an interesting topic of conversation. There would be a few teams -- us in particular at RCB, we'd be very happy for it to be played abroad -- because a number of our overseas players are Australian and South African, who really would enjoy these conditions in Australia.

England board bans cricketers from wearing smartwatches in field of play

England and Wales cricket board hoped the decision will ensure that the integrity of players are not in doubt.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday banned cricketers from wearing smartwatches on the field of play in all upcoming matches, tightening its anti-corruption regulations in the wake of live streaming in county cricket.

"But with the vast majority of fixtures now available to watch live worldwide thanks to the growth of live-streaming services in the county game, the regulations have been tightened, meaning that smartwatches are completely banned in televised games and are permitted in the players' and match officials' areas (dressing rooms, balconies, dugouts) only in non-televised games," a report in ESPNcricinfo said.

It was Lancashire spinner Matt Parkinson who brought to light the opportunity for information exchange when he had revealed that he came to know about his maiden England call-up via a notification on his teammate Steven Croft's smartwatch during the 2019 County Championship.

Now with the rise of live streaming of matches, the governing body has decided to tighten its regulations.

ECB hoped the decision will ensure that the integrity of players are not in doubt.

"We review the anti-corruption codes and PMOA minimum standards on a yearly basis so that they remain relevant to the current threats and risks to cricket," an ECB spokesperson said.

Tokyo Olympics postponed to 2021: Who will pay the bills for another year?

The organisers of the Tokyo Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020) will set up a task force to resolve the issues arising after the postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Tokyo Olympics has been delayed by a year till the summer of 2021 as Covid-19 or coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc across the world. Now, the organizers of the Tokyo Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020) will set up task force to resolve the issues arising after the postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Tokyo 2020 officials said that the Planning Task Force, which will be officially called TBD, will hold its first meeting on Thursday at its headquarters, with president Yoshiro Mori and CEO Toshiro Muto participating, Xinhua reported.

However, after the postponement of Tokyo Olympics, the multi-billion-dollar question that comes to mind is who will pay the bills for the delay, and how large will they be? The most likely answer is the Japanese taxpayers.

Here’s a look at the sharp escalation in costs that’s likely to take place:

$2.7billion

The Japanese financial newspaper Nikkei has put the added cost at $2.7 billion, citing an estimate from local organizers.

Organisers

Organisers will have to renegotiate new leases on venues, pay for maintenance at arenas, and maybe find different fields of play. They will also have to deal with real estate developers who are already selling off thousands of apartments at what will be the Athletes Village. The organizing committee also employs 3,500 staff members, and some may lose their jobs to cost cutting.

$3.3billion

Tokyo has sold $3.3 billion in local sponsorships, more than twice any previous Olympics. Those brands will be clamouring to know what they get for their money. Refunds? Make-good deals? New contracts?

Olympics in 2020 'neither feasible or desirable': World Athletics chief

The IOC and Japanese government, under increasing pressure to take action, have flagged that postponement was possible.

World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe has written a letter to International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, calling in postponement of Tokyo Olympic Games amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In his letter, Coe has said that an Olympics in July 2020 is "neither feasible or desirable" because of the coronavirus crisis, reports BBC Sport.

"No-one wants to see the Olympic Games postponed but as I have said publicly, we cannot hold the event at all costs, certainly not at the cost of athlete safety, and a decision on the Olympic Games must become very obvious very quickly.

"I believe that time has come and we owe it to our athletes to give them respite where we can," the letter stated.

The Tokyo Games are due to start from July 24 but the rising concern over the spread of coronavirus and the havoc it has wreaked on the qualification calendar has led to questions being raised on whether the organisers can go through with the scheduled date.

ALSO READ: Olympics-Tokyo 2020 Games will be postponed: IOC member Dick Pound

The IOC and Japanese government, under increasing pressure to take action, have flagged that postponement was possible. IOC has stated that postponing the 2020 Olympics is one option amid the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, although it added that cancelling the Games altogether is "not on the agenda.

Bach, in an open letter to athletes around the world, said a decision on when to hold the Games would be made "within the next four weeks".

Canada has already announced that they will not send their athletes to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games due to the COVID-19 which has claimed over 14,000 lives across the world.

Suresh Raina urges fans not to spread misinformation about coronavirus

Earlier, India opener and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma had posted a video on his social media handles.

Suresh Raina on Monday cautioned against spreading deception identified with coronavirus and to follow wellbeing warnings. The batsman is relied upon to be seen next in the deferred 2020 period of the Indian Premier League for the Chennai Super Kings.

"It's significant that we comprehend the need of social segregation to break the chain, don't spread data from inconsistent sources, don't overlook the wellbeing warnings and without a doubt follow the cleanliness measures.#coronavirus" he tweeted.

CSK were booked to confront Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29 in the opening match of the IPL. In any case, the rising worry over the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has prompted the season being delayed to April 15. Leading group of Control for Cricket in India president Sourav Ganguly said that a choice on whether the matches will be held in void arenas or the new calendar can be chosen after the circumstance is evaluated after April 15.

Prior, India opener and Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma had posted a video on his web based life handles.

"Most recent couple of weeks have been extreme for us all and the world has ground to a halt which is dismal to see. The main way we can come to commonality is by us all meeting up. Also, we can do this by being somewhat shrewd, somewhat proactive, knowing our environment and as and when we get any indications illuminate your closest clinical specialists," said Rohit in the video.

The legislatures across different states in the nation have prescribed individuals to follow social separating separated from requesting terminations of schools, shopping centers, film lobbies in their offer to stay away from get-togethers.

"This is on the grounds that we as a whole need our children to go to the school, we need to go to the shopping centers and we as a whole need to watch films in the theaters," said the Indian opener.

South Africa terminates all forms of cricket over coronavirus pandemic

CSA said in its statement that this includes domestic first class cricket, List A matches, semi-professional and provincial cricket and all junior and amateur 

cricket.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) declared on Monday that it has ended all types of cricket in the nation in the midst of the rising worry over the coronavirus pandemic. 

CSA said in its explanation this incorporates residential top of the line cricket, List A matches, semi-expert and commonplace cricket and all lesser and novice cricket.

"We at CSA take this profession by the President and the bureau truly and we will unquestionably utilize our influence to guarantee that we limit the effect of the infection in our spaces," CSA CEO Jacques Faul said in the announcement.

"Thusly and during this season of outright alert and reconnaissance, we might want to call upon every one of our individuals and partners to halt from partaking in any cricket related social occasions and other transversal occasions that will incorporate the gathering of huge quantities of individuals as well as up to 100 individuals," he included.

Prior, South Africa's voyage through India for a three-coordinate ODI arrangement was delayed. The group is as of now in Kolkata from where they will take a trip back home to South Africa by means of Dubai.

Ishant down with pain in right ankle, doubtful starter for second Test

Ishant, who was the best Indian bowler on view with figures of 5/68 in 22.2 overs against Kiwis in Wellington, joined the team before the series after recovering sufficiently from a grade three tear.

The Indian team's worries ahead of the second Test against New Zealand cricket team increased after senior-most pacer Ishant Sharma skipped Friday's practice session due to pain in his right ankle, making him a doubtful starter for the game.

Ishant came for practice but apparently felt discomfort after which he was taken for precautionary scan of his right ankle.

The reports are awaited and if Ishant is ruled unfit, then either Umesh Yadav or Navdeep Saini will take his place. Umesh looks a more likely candidate at the moment because of his experience of 45 Tests.

Ishant, who was the best Indian bowler on view with figures of 5/68 in 22.2 overs against New Zealand in Wellington, joined the team before the series after recovering sufficiently from a grade three tear on his right ankle sustained during a Ranji Trophy game against Vidarbha.

He was expected to be out for six weeks but apparently made a "miraculous recovery" at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) under physio Ashish Kaushik.

Ishant looked in good rhythm despite battling fatigue and jet lag as he arrived in Wellington from Bengaluru barely 72 hours before the start of the first Test.

Royal Challengers Bangalore unveils new logo ahead of 13th edition of IPL

A few days back RCB deleted its profile picture from its official twitter handle before removing all posts from its Instagram account too.

The Virat Kohli-led Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday unveiled its new logo ahead of the upcoming season starting March 23.

The club said the new logo design, which features a lion, "embodies the bold and fearless attitude" of the side.

Speaking on the launch of the new visual identity, Sanjeev Churiwala, Chairman of Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, "The elements in the logo is a commitment to continuously entertain and engage with fans who are the force behind Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"We believe a change in identity for the club was necessary to effectively live and breathe this vision and celebrate the passion for cricket and playing bold," he added.

Royal Challengers Bangalore recently announced a three-year partnership with Muthoot Fincorp Ltd.

A few days back RCB deleted its profile picture from its official twitter handle before removing all posts from its Instagram account too.

The club's top players such as skipper Kohli, Yuzvendra Chahal and AB de Villiers had posted queries on the changes a few days back.

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IPL auction: Full list of KXIP players and their salaries for 2020 season

Glenn Maxwell was the costliest buy for KXIP, at Rs 10.75 crore, in IPL 2020 auction, while the second-costliest purchase for them this year was Sheldon Cottrell.

Sports News : Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction with the deepest pockets among the eight IPL teams — an available purse Rs 42.7 crore. This allowed the Chandigarh-based franchise to bid heavily for their picks. 

Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell was the costliest buy for KXIP in the IPL 2020 auction, at Rs 10.75 crore, while their second-costliest purchase was West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, renowned for his salute celebration, at Rs 8.50 crore.

Justifying the hefty pay cheque for Maxwell, Punjab’s head coach Anil Kumble said his team needed firepower in the middle order. "For us, the gaps that we had to fill were pretty evident. We had to fill the fast bowlers’ slots and also get power hitters, as we needed someone in the middle order who could really be a destructive player. That is why we chose Glenn Maxwell," Kumble said.

ALSO READ: IPL auction: Full RCB players' list and their salaries for 2020 season

The other big overseas players that came to the KXIP fold were the England cricket team all-rounder Chris Jordon (Rs 3 crore) and New Zealand’s all-rounder James Neesham, who was bought at his base price of Rs 50 lakh. After the auction, Kumble justified the franchise’s decision to spend more money on overseas players. "Of course all-rounders are a blessing if you can get them. And we were lucky to get Neesham, Cottrell and Jordan. Obviously, the choice for the money we had to spend was more on the four foreign players," said Kumle, a veteran Indian spin bowler himself.

Here is the full list of Kings XI Punjab’s IPL 2020 players and their salaries:

Squad strength: 25

Players bought in auction: 9

Overseas players bought: 8

Purse at the end of the auction: Rs 16.50 crore

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Is it coming home to England this time?

With 100 days until the 2019 World Cup gets underway, might it be the year that England lift the global game's premier limited-overs trophy at long last?

Business Standard : With 100 days until the 2019 World Cup gets underway, might it be the year that England lift the global game's premier limited-overs trophy at long last? England -- the pioneers of one-day cricket as a professional sport -- have taken part in every World Cup since staging the inaugural men's event in 1975.

But all they have to show for their efforts are runners-up medals from the 1979, 1987 and 1992 finals.

Test cricket has long been the priority for everyone in English cricket, be they players, fans or administrators.

That changed, however, after another World Cup group-stage exit at the 2015 edition in Australia and New Zealand was sealed with a woeful loss to Bangladesh.

Then England and Wales Cricket Board supremo Andrew Strauss decreed that white-ball cricket would no longer be the "poor relation", with the former England captain sacking head coach Peter Moores and bringing in Australian Trevor Bayliss specifically to turn round the team's limited-overs form.

The transformation has been remarkable with a newly-liberated England twice setting new records for the highest ODI totals -- their 444 for three against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 2016 a prelude to last year's colossal 481 for six at the same ground.

England, captained in 50-over cricket by former Ireland batsman Eoin Morgan, with the side featuring Test skipper Joe Root and the hard-hitting talents of Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Jos Buttler, now sit atop the ODI world rankings heading into their upcoming five-match series away to the West Indies.

'Now is the time'

"We can say we were the best ODI side to play for England... but without a trophy, it will be difficult to say that," said all-rounder Moeen Ali, looking to help England's men win just their second major global event following the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.

"We have come close and we feel now is the time."

"We don't feel we have to win it, it's more 'this is the time to win it'. We are an amazing side but we know this year is massive for us," added Moeen, with England, as was the case in 1975, playing host to a World Cup and an Ashes series in the same season.

But unlike that first eight-team edition 43 years ago, which featured two then non-Test sides in East Africa and the long since elevated Sri Lanka, this year's event will be a 10-team affair contested solely by Test nations.

India vs New Zealand: Martin Guptill ruled out from 3-match T20 series

Guptill sustained injury prior to the final ODI against India and now will be eyeing a return against Bangladesh in a series starting next week.

Senior New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of New Zealand for the upcoming three-match T20 series against India after failing to recover from back injury.

Guptill will be replaced by all-rounder Jimmy Neesham, who also featured in the final two ODIs against India in the recently concluded five-match series.

"Unfortunately Martin hasn't recovered in time for this Twenty20 series which is very condensed with three games over five days," New Zealand coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

ALSO READ: In pictures: Team India beats New Zealand in 5th ODI, win series 4-1

"It's a shame as he's obviously a big part of our white-ball sides, but we've got to look at the big picture and ensure he gets the injury right."

Guptill sustained injury prior to the final ODI against India and now will be eyeing a return against Bangladesh in a series starting next week.

The three-match T20 series against India starts on February 6 at Wellington, followed by second match at Auckland's Eden Park on February 8 and the final game at Hamilton on February 10.

The New Zealand squad also includes rookie all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who is the son of former All Blacks coach John Mitchell.

New Zealand T20 squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

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PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal to lead Indian challenge at Denmark Open badminton

Sindhu will take on USA's Beiwen Zhang, Saina will be up against Cheung Ngan Yi of Hong Kong.

Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will lead a strong Indian challenge at the Denmark Open badminton tournament which gets underway here on Tuesday.

While Sindhu has been seeded third in the event, world no.11 Saina is unseeded here.

Sindhu will take on USA's Beiwen Zhang in the opening round of the women's singles. Saina Nehwal, on the other hand, will be up against Cheung Ngan Yi of Hong Kong.

In men's singles competition, world no.6 Kidambi Srikanth will be India's best bet and has been seeded seventh in the tournament.

Srikanth will face Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus of Denmark in the opening round, while B Sai Praneeth will play Huang Yuxiang of China.

However, it will be a difficult opening encounter for another Indian, Sameer Verma, as he will square off against third seed Shi Yuqi of China.

The other Indian in fray, HS Prannoy also faces a tough first round match as he will be up against sixth seed Son Wan Ho of Korea.

Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap, who lost his passport at Amsterdam and sought the Indian government's help on Friday, however doesn't feature in the men's singles draw.

In men's doubles, the Indian pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy will take on local hope Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen in the opening round.

Ashwini Ponappa and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy will face the Korean combination of Seo Seung Jae and Chae Yujung in the first round of the mixed doubles competition.

Ponappa will pair up with N Sikki Reddy and play the American duo of Ariel Lee and Sydney Lee in the opening round of the women's doubles event.

Business Standard