Picture Credit: Twitter

Picture Credit: Twitter

While Saturday was seen as a rest day for teams like India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia, there were some major news surrounding these sides as injuries hit several camps, including India, Australia as well as Sri Lanka, looking at the 50-over World Cup just round the corner.

 

Here in this article, we will have a look at all cricketing stories that made it big on Saturday, September 16.

 

Washington Sundar replaces injured Axar Patel ahead of Asia Cup 2023 Final

On the eve of the Asia Cup 2023 Final, BCCI announced Washington Sundar as replacement of Axar Patel. The latter suffered a left quadriceps strain during India’s last Super 4s fixture against Bangladesh. However, Sundar joined the side in Colombo on the eve of the finale.

 

Maheesh Theekshana ruled out of Asia Cup 2023; replacement announced

Maheesh Theekshana, one of the premier spinners for Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2023 final against India, on September 17, Sunday, after suffering a right hamstring injury. The unfortunate moment for the 23-year-old happened when he was sliding near the boundary rope against Pakistan, during the last Super Fours match in the tournament for Sri Lanka.  However, the side has named Sahan Arachchige as his replacement ahead of the finale.

 

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi get in heated argument after Pakistan’s exit from Asia Cup: Reports

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi reportedly got into a heated argument in the dressing room. The alleged incident took place after the Men in Green’s exit from the Asia Cup 2023. According to reports by Bolnews, the Pakistan skipper was furious over his side for not giving their absolute best in the game against the Bengal Tigers.  However, this remark did not sit well with spearhead Shaheen Afridi.


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Akash Deep replaces Shivam Mavi in India men’s squad for Asian Games 2023

The BCCI in an official release announced the changes in India men and women’s squad for the Asian Games. Akash Deep has been added to the side, replacing injured Shivam Mavi, who sustained a back injury. What is India women’s squad for Asian Games 2023?

 

WATCH Conversation between Rohit & Gill ahead of Asia Cup Final

The Men in Blue are all set to lock horns with neighbours Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup 2023. But ahead of this all-important clash, a conversation between the Indian opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill is now doing rounds of the internet. However, the conversation seems to be incomplete, skipper Rohit Sharma can be heard telling Gill that he can’t do it, calling Gill “crazy”. WATCH video here.

 

Naseem Shah doubtful for ODI World Cup 2023

In a big news for Pakistan cricket, the side is likely to miss star pacer Naseem Shah for the ODI World Cup in India as he sustained a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup fixture. The PCB is reportedly seeking for a second opinion after the results turned out to be worse than anticipated.

 

Kumar Sangakkara names his top favourites for ICC ODI World Cup 2023

Former Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara picked his top favourites for the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023.   The 45-year-old picked England and India as his top favourites but said that the way Sri Lanka have performed lately, they can be a tough challenge to the other teams, while commentating in the fourth ODI between England and New Zealand.

 

Tim Southee to race against time after injury for ODI World Cup 2023
 Tim Southee’s availability for the ODI World Cup in India now remains in jeopardy after the New Zealand pacer broke a bone in his right thumb. Southee sustained the injury while attempting a catch of Joe Root in the 14th over of the England innings in the final ODI at Lord’s.

Travis Head suffers fracture in left hand; doubtful for ODI World Cup 2023
In another blow, Australia’s batter Travis Head joined the long list of injured players ahead of the ODI World Cup. Head suffered a fracture in his left-hand during the fourth ODI against South Africa at the SuperSport Park, Centurion on Friday. “At this stage, it’s a confirmed fracture and how long that timeframe is, we’re yet to determine that so fingers crossed clearly with the World Cp fast approaching,” Andrew McDonald said after the match.

India favourites but they are not clear favourites: Nasser Hussain on ODI World Cup
Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain believes that India will be one of the favourites to lift the ODI World Cup. However, he further clarified that the team cannot be the sole favourites as there are some areas where the team needs to work on adding, “batters don’t bowl and the bowlers don’t bat.”

WATCH: AB de Villiers settles 'best finisher' debate with MS Dhoni
Over the years, two names have emerged at the top of the list for the best finisher in the world, one being the Indian cricketing icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the other nonetheless, South Africa great AB de Villiers.  However, ABD has now announced his verdict on the same, naming MSD to be the one during a Q&A session on his YouTube channel.

Tamim Iqbal & Mahmudullah return as Bangladesh names squad for New Zealand series
Bangladesh announced a 15-member squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. Notably, Tamim Iqbal made a return to the side after suffering from a back injury. Additionally, skipper Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz among three others have been rested for the first two ODIs.

Other results:

Caribbean Premier League 2023
Jamaica Tallawahs beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 59 runs in match 27 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.