Jasprit Bumrah nominated for ICC Player of the Month for second time in a row

The world’s number-one ranked Test bowler ended the year as strongly as he performed through it, with 22 wickets during his three Test outings in December.

International games

• South Africa vs. Pakistan – 2nd Test at Cape Town: South Africa won by 10 wickets. Pakistan, following on, posted 478 in their second innings, but South Africa chased down the minimal target without losing a wicket.
  

• New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka – 1st ODI at Wellington: New Zealand won by 9 wickets. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 178, and New Zealand comfortably chased the target, scoring 180 for 1 in 26.2 overs.
  

• Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand – 3rd T20I at Nelson: Sri Lanka won by 7 runs. Sri Lanka posted 218 for 5 in their 20 overs, and New Zealand fell short, managing 211 for 7.
   

• Afghanistan vs. Zimbabwe – 2nd Test at Bulawayo: Afghanistan won by 72 runs. Afghanistan set a target after scoring 157 and 363 in their innings, and Zimbabwe was bowled out for 205 in their second innings.

ICC Considers Two-Tier System to Revitalize Test Cricket.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a significant restructuring of Test cricket by introducing a two-tier system. This proposal aims to enhance the competitiveness and commercial appeal of the longest format of the game.

Proposed Structure

The envisioned two-tier system would divide Test-playing nations into two divisions. The top tier would feature leading teams such as India, Australia, and England, while the second tier would comprise lower-ranked teams. A promotion and relegation mechanism would allow teams to move between tiers based on their performance.

Support and Rationale

Advocates of the two-tier system, including former India coach Ravi Shastri, argue that it is essential for the survival of Test cricket. Shastri suggests that a tiered structure would ensure more competitive matches and maintain the relevance of Test cricket in the modern era.

Former Australian captain Mark Taylor has also expressed support for the introduction of a two-tier Test system built on promotion and relegation. Taylor believes that such a system would add context and meaning to Test matches, encouraging teams to strive for higher rankings.

Criticism and Concerns

However, the proposal has faced significant criticism. West Indies cricket legend Sir Clive Lloyd has been particularly vocal, describing the plan as "awful" and warning that it would further marginalise smaller cricketing nations. Lloyd argues that relegating teams like the West Indies to a lower tier would deprive them of opportunities to compete against top nations, hindering their development and financial stability.

Critics also fear that a two-tier system could lead to fan fatigue due to repetitive matchups among top teams. There are concerns that overemphasis on marquee fixtures could diminish the novelty and excitement of such contests, potentially alienating fans.

• Bullets if necessary

Domestic cricket + T20 leagues

• Domestic cricket + T20 leagues

  BBL

  Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades

   The Melbourne Renegades pulled off an astonishing comeback in the BBL, rebounding from 10/4 in the fifth over despite losing Jon Wells to injury. The victory keeps the Gades in the competition, while the Scorchers suffer a rare consecutive home loss, with AJ Tye's costly drop proving vital.

  BPL

  Fortune Barishal vs Sylhet Strikers

  Sylhet Strikers were bowled for an under par total of 125/10 at the end of 18.2 overs with the captain Ariful Haque top scoring 36 runs, Fortune Barishal comfortably chased down this total in under 11 overs with the help of Kyle Mayers and Towhid Hridoy.

Calls for England to Boycott Afghanistan Match

A coalition of over 160 British politicians, including figures such as Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn, has called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott the upcoming Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan.

The match is scheduled for 26 February in Lahore, Pakistan.

The politicians' appeal is a response to the Taliban regime's severe restrictions on women's rights since regaining power in 2021, notably the prohibition of female participation in sports.

This prohibition contravenes International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, which require full member nations to support and develop women's cricket.

In a letter addressed to ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould, the cross-party group urged the England men's team to "speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban" and to consider boycotting the match to "send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated."

In response, Richard Gould emphasized the ECB's condemnation of the Taliban's actions but advocated for a unified approach among ICC member nations rather than unilateral action.

He stated, "The ICC constitution mandates that all member nations are committed to the growth and development of women’s cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position of not scheduling any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan."

The situation mirrors past instances where sports and politics have intersected, such as England's refusal to play Zimbabwe in the 2003 Cricket World Cup due to political concerns.

The current debate underscores the complex dynamics between international sports governance and human rights advocacy.

Interesting fact/OTD/Fan post

2011
England wrapped up their first Ashes victory in Australia for 24 years with an unprecedented third innings victory of the series, this time in Sydney, where Alastair Cook was named Man of the Match and of the series, after his 189 took his tally to 766 runs in seven innings. The final wicket was claimed by Chris Tremlett, who bowled Michael Beer off the inside edge. The day was also Paul Collingwood's last as a Test cricketer (he announced his retirement mid-way through the game).

Coming tomorrow

What else is happening

• WPL(Women’s Premier League): The third edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) is all set to take place in two phases across two cities, with Baroda and Lucknow shortlisted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as potential venues. The season is expected to commence on February 6 or with Baroda in contention to stage the second phase, including the final. 

• Champions Trophy 2025:Ajit Agarkar to reveal India's Champions Trophy squad by January 12; Hardik, KL Rahul to be ignored for vice-captaincy.

• World Test Championship:India's full schedule for World Test Championship 2025-27 released,14 Tests against SENA, including chance to avenge Australia.

Question for interaction

Can Sri Lanka bounce back in the 2nd ODI against New Zealand?

Want your friend in at third slip? Share this newsletter with them here.