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By K.R. Nayar Schedule for UAE’s very own cricket league – the much awaited DP World ILT20 season 3- has been announced. The tournament will kick off on January 11, 2025, with defending champions MI Emirates facing off against the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium (DIS) at 6pm.  What makes the opening match special is that it would be a re-match of Season 2’s final clash. Fans can look forward to watching T20 superstars who delivered spectacular performances in the previous editions return to action. The league will be hosted at three iconic venues in the UAE: Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium, Dubai International Stadium, and the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. All six DP World ILT20 franchises are expected to field well-balanced squads, ensuring high-quality competition in the T20 format. This month-long tournament, featuring 34 matches, will conclude on February 9 at the Dubai International Stadium. David White - CEO DP World ILT20 David White, CEO of DP World ILT...

By K.R. Nayar The Japan Under-19 cricket team is currently in the UAE to participate in the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 50-over tournament, scheduled to be held in Dubai and Sharjah from November 29 to December 8.     There was a time when people doubted whether Japan would ever play cricket. During that period, UAE-based businessman and cricket enthusiast Shyam Bhatia envisioned a future where Japan would compete at the international level. Acting on his belief, he distributed 250 cricket kits through his Cricket for Care charity.   The Japan Under 19 team with Shyam Bhatia at the G Force Cricket Academy Bhatia Cricket For Care ground. In 2011, after Japan was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami, Bhatia arranged for more cricket equipment, aiming to bring smiles to the faces of affected children. This gesture led the Japanese Cricket Association to launch the Cricket for Smiles program. Known for their dedication, the Japanese embraced cricket with enthusiasm. In 2...

By K.R. Nayar This write-up is not an analysis of the Perth Test match, the turning points of the match, or an account   of the players' performances. Countless write-ups on India’s big win are already there all over the media. That is what is normally expected from a cricket writer. Instead, my takeaways from the Perth Test were several powerful lessons about life.   This 295-runs victory is undoubtedly a monumental achievement for India, achieved against all odds. Few expected such an outcome when the Indian team departed for Australia, having recently suffered a 3-0 thrashing by New Zealand at home. Even when India was bowled out for 150 in the first innings, many would have assumed that their bad run from the New Zealand series was continuing. However, the first lesson about life is this:  no matter how tough the situation, a turnaround is always possible.   Jasprit Bumrah, captaining Team India, inspired his teammates with his stellar bowling, demonstr...

By K.R. Nayar The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reiterated that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held entirely in Pakistan as allotted to them. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared that they will not play in Pakistan. These are two cricket boards whose foundations are rooted in the love of cricket. If both take a stubborn stance, it is the cricket fans who will suffer. The cricketing world will miss the much-anticipated India-Pakistan matches, which adds unmatched excitement to any tournament.   The UAE has hosted international and league matches both for India and Pakistan during times when both boards faced challenges in hosting events in their own countries. Fans turned out in large numbers in the UAE, ensuring the success of these events. The UAE has played a vital role in ensuring that cricket continues, even in the face of obstacles.   It will do good for every cricket fan to remember that the decisions made by both boards re...

By K.R. Nayar The talk among all cricket fans is now centered on India’s tour of Australia. The big question is: Can India beat Australia? As a journalist who has never covered cricket with a preference for a particular team or country to win, I believe one could ask many other questions. If you always watch a match rooting for your favourite team to win, you miss out on truly enjoying the game of cricket.   India and Australia captains with the Border-Gavaskar trophy  There is considerable anxiety among Indian fans following India’s 3-0 thrashing by New Zealand in a home Test series. Many are worried about India’s chances in Australia. This anxiety could prevent fans from appreciating the cricketing contest that will unfold during the series. Ask yourself: If Australia happens to play poorly and India wins easily, will we truly enjoy the series?   It will indeed be thrilling if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli perform well. Watch their strokes, and if they fail, ap...

By K.R. Nayar Reporting for International Cricket Council website. Click  https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/nepal-records-a-stunning-eight-wicket-win-over-the-uae-to-qualify-for-the-icc-u19-women-s-t20-world-cup-2025   Nepal’s Krishma Gurung bags 4 for 17 to restrict UAE to 83 for 9 and win by eight wickets to earn a better run rate. Puja Mahato, who led Nepal from the front, bagged the Player of the Series award. In the second match, Thailand down Kuwait by 104 runs on the final day.   Nepal qualify for the ICC Under  19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025 Ajman.   Nepal qualified for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 through a sterling performance on the final day of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024 at the Seven District Sports Club in Ajman, UAE. They restricted UAE to 83 for 9 and won by eight wickets to emerge as champions. Nepal needed to reach the target in 16.4 overs to surpass UAE’s run rate and qualify for the ICC U19...