Let us take a look at some of the important developments from the cricketing world that took place on Sunday, 9 May.
India to tour Sri Lanka for limited-overs series: Sourav Ganguly
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly stated that the Indian team is set to tour Sri Lanka in July for limited-overs series, comprising of five T20Is and three ODIs. He also confirmed that those engaged in World Test Championship and Test series against England will not feature in the Sri Lanka tour.
As a result, marquee players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah amongst others will not be a part of the squad.
‘Yes, it will be a team of white-ball specialists. It will be a different team,’ said Ganguly.
If the tour goes on as planned, it will provide many youngsters with a great opportunity to stake their claims. Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Rahul Chahar and others are likely to be seen in action.
Ganguly also reckoned that the remaining matches of IPL 2021 are unlikely to take place in India.
Rajasthan Royals’ pacer Chetan Sakariya loses his father to Covid-19
Saurashtra and Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Chetan Sakariya lost his father to Covid-19 9 May. Kanjibhai Sakariya contracted the virus while his son was engaged in the IPL. Earlier this year, Chetan lost his younger brother, Rahul, to suicide.
Rajasthan paid INR 1.2 crores for the 23-year-old left-arm seamer. Sakariya was among the frontline bowlers for the franchise, and picked up seven wickets before the tournament was suspended indefinitely.
Rajasthan Royals announced on Twitter that they ’will provide all possible support to him and his family in this difficult time’.
It pains us so much to confirm that Mr Kanjibhai Sakariya lost his battle with Covid-19 earlier today.
We're in touch with Chetan and will provide all possible support to him and his family in this difficult time.
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 9, 2021
Curtly Ambrose backs Jasprit Bumrah to take 400 Test wickets
Curtly Ambrose heaped praises on Jasprit Bumrah and also backed him to scale the 400-wicket mark if he manages to stay fit for a long stretch of time.
Bumrah’s unorthodox action, combined with relentless precision, has made him a force to reckon with. But many experts have raised concern about his longevity in the past.
Ambrose also remarked that his short run-up puts a lot of strain on his body, making him prone to injury.
Pakistan on verge of series whitewash against Zimbabwe
Pakistan is just a wicket away from wrapping up the series after Zimbabwe finished the day at 220/9 at Harare Sports Club.
Resuming the day at 52/4, Zimbabwe lost their next six batters before lunch, with Hasan Ali claiming a five-for. Pakistan enforced the follow-on. Regis Chakabva (80) and Brendon Taylor (49) tried putting pressure back on the visitors before the latter edged to Mohammed Rizwan.
Nauman Ali (5-86) and Shaheen Afridi (4-45) shared nine wickets to put their team on the cusp of an innings win and a series whitewash.