Let us look at some of the most-discussed cricket stories on the news on 9 July.
India vs Sri Lanka: Series forced to begin 17 July due to Covid-19 concerns
The limited-overs series between India and Sri Lanka has been forced to reschedule after two members of the Sri Lankan squad – batting coach Grant Flower and performance analyst GT Niroshan – tested positive for Covid-19. The three ODIs, which were supposed to begin on 13 July, has been postponed to the 17th.
A senior BCCI official confirmed the postponement to PTI: ‘Yes, the series will now start from 17th of July instead of 13th. The decision was taken in consultation with SLC keeping the safety and security of players in mind.’
The entire Sri Lankan squad that recently toured England has been put under self-isolation.
Muzarabani, Taskin fined for breaching ICC code
The ICC has fined Blessing Muzarabani and Taskin Ahmed for a clash during Day 2 of the only Test between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in Harare. Both were fined 15 percent of their match fees for breaching the Level 1 Code of Conduct.
Taskin and Muzarabani exchanged heated words after the latter bowled a bouncer and walked towards the latter in his follow-through. Muzarabani then pushed his face into the grille of Taskin's helmet before some Zimbabwean fielders came to separate them.
LPL postponed to November-December window: Report
The second edition of the Lanka Premier League, originally scheduled between 30 July and 22 August, has now been postponed until at least late November, ESPNcricinfo reported. The SLC came to the decision came after acknowledging a jam-packed cricket calendar ahead, which includes franchise tournaments as well as international contests.
The LPL is now down to three teams from last season’s five, after SLC officially terminated the contracts of Dambulla Viiking and Colombo Kings. Defending champions Jaffna Stallions are also on the verge of being cut from the second edition as their owners have failed to provide KYC details vetted by the ICC.
Laxman backs Kuldeep, Chahal for Sri Lanka series
VVS Laxman believes India must include Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Laxman feels it will help them to regain their confidence ahead of the T20I World Cup.
‘I would like to see them play in three ODIs, because there are six spinners as you rightly mentioned … In ODIs, each bowler will get to play 10 overs,’ Laxman said during the Game Plan show on the Star Sports network. ‘So, the more overs they bowl, the more success they have, they will get back the confidence – especially Kuldeep Yadav.’