India’s leading wicket-taker of 2024, Arshdeep Singh, has been named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards on Saturday. The left-arm pacer starred as India ended their wait for a major ICC trophy win with victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and USA back in June, and has gone on to cement his reputation as one of the leading powerplay and death bowlers in the game. The 25-year-old has long been tipped for the top, and India put a great deal of faith in his ability since making his full international debut in 2022. And 2024 was the year when Arshdeep fully established himself as a world-class bowler in T20 International cricket, taking bucket-loads of wickets with the new ball and proving to be consistently economical at the death on a variety of surfaces.

Arshdeep was the leading Indian wicket-taker in T20Is in the year, bagging 36 wickets in just 18 games. He played a huge part in steering India to the title at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and stepped up as leader of the attack as the selectors built a new era for the T20 squad following the triumph in the Caribbean.

Only four players in the world took more T20I wickets than Arshdeep in the calendar year – Saudi Arabia’s Usman Najeeb (38), Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (38), UAE’s Junaid Siddique (40) and Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan (46) – with all four playing more matches. Of those bowlers, only Hasaranga featured for a full-member nation.

Arshdeep took his wickets at an average of just 15.31 and, despite predominantly bowling in the powerplay and death overs, finished the year with an economy rate of 7.49. He was a constant wicket-taking threat, taking his wickets at a strike rate of 10.80.

Arshdeep had a number of impressive displays in the year, not least when he ripped through the USA in New York during the T20 World Cup group stage, bagging remarkable returns of 4/9 in his four overs.

But Arshdeep’s most significant performance of the year came on the biggest stage of all, as he played a huge part in helping India successfully defend their total of 176 in the World Cup final in Barbados.

As part of a pace trio with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya that effectively won the game for India, Arshdeep’s terrific figures of 2/20 from four overs only tell part of the story.

Excellent with the new ball up top, Arshdeep struck in the powerplay to have the dangerous South African skipper Aiden Markram caught behind in just the third over. And when India were in need of a wicket in the middle overs it was Arshdeep that provided the breakthrough, dismissing a set Quinton de Kock when the Proteas looked to be in control of the chase.

India’s collective effort at the death was astonishing as South Africa pulled up seven runs short of their target, and Arshdeep played a huge role in that, returning to the attack to bowl the penultimate over with South Africa requiring 20 from 12 deliveries.

Arshdeep delivered a near-perfect death over under the greatest pressure, conceding just four runs to leave Hardik Pandya with 16 runs to defend in the final over, a job that he spectacularly did.

Brilliance in the powerplay, a wicket in the middle overs, and economical excellence at the death – Arshdeep stepped up when it mattered most.

Earlier in the day, Arshdeep was also named in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year led by Rohit Sharma and also featuring Pandya and Bumrah as other Indian players.

Amidst fears that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 may not be properly hosted by host nation Pakistan due to the existing state of underdeveloped stadiums, Pakistan-based journalist Farid Khan has shared a video showing the work in progress at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Earlier, a report had emerged stating that stadiums in all three cities – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – are still under construction, with just over a month till the Champions Trophy gets underway. However, the visual shared by the journalist shows the extent in which work is being done at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The visuals paint a picture that the stadiums are indeed being constructed, almost from scratch. Bricks, ladders, cement and construction tools and vehicles can all be spotted in the video.

As per the social media post by the journalist, more than 250 workers are on-site in order to complete the stadium construction before the given deadline of January 25.

Watch: Construction is underway at Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium

Update: Gaddafi Stadium’s main building getting ready. Over 250 workers are working day and night to meet the 25th January deadline. The stadium will be inaugurated afterwards. It will host the Champions Trophy final in case India do not qualify

pic.twitter.com/MzYtgMqyjr

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025

Following a report by The Times of India, where a source stated the underprepared nature of the Pakistani stadiums, it was said that a “miracle” would be needed from both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pull off the construction work in time.

The Gaddafi stadium was stated to be in particularly bad state.

“The weather is not ideal for construction and finishing work to happen at a rapid pace. At Gadaffi, even the plaster work isn’t completed yet. And most of the time is taken by finishing work because we are talking about dressing rooms etc. They just can’t be random rooms/enclosures for an ICC event. ICC has a checklist which needs to be met. National Stadium (in Karachi) has decided to not completely finish the new enclosure because there is no time,” the source had said.

THE NEW CAPACITY OF GADDAFI STADIUM IN LAHORE IS 35,000

480 LED lights have been installed, two giant digital replay screens will be installed next week. A new players and officials hospitality enclosure will also be functional in the last week of January pic.twitter.com/iWkY0akjBs

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025

Update: 350 LED lights have been installed at National Stadium in Karachi. 5000 new chairs have been installed for spectators. Two digital screens and a new hospitality enclosure for players and officials

Congratulations to everyone in Karachi. Massive upgrade pic.twitter.com/djIRMr8hKa

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025

Update: 10,000 new chairs will be installed at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Two digital replay screens will be installed. Hospitality boxes will be upgraded

Bangladesh vs New Zealand will be the first Champions Trophy match here on February 24 pic.twitter.com/cw61TEndyx

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 8, 2025

Meanwhile, in light of the situation, the PCB responded by shifting the venues of Pakistan’s upcoming tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.

While the majority of the tournament will be played in Pakistan, all of Team India’s matches, as well as the semi-final and the final, will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, if India do not qualify for the final, the Gaddafi Stadium will host the summit clash.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri called Wednesday for a two-tier structure in Test cricket with relegation and promotion to ensure the survival of the red-ball game. His comments follow the blockbuster fourth Test between India and Australia that drew a record 373,691 spectators to the Melbourne Cricket Ground over five enthralling days. That beat the previous record of 350,534 at the same ground during the 1936-37 Ashes series against England, when Donald Bradman ruled the sport and Tests were played over six days.

Shastri, now a commentator, said he could not remember “a bigger advertisement for Test cricket” and said it proved the five-day game continued to hold its own in the face of ever-increasing T20 franchise cricket.

But the 62-year-old said it also reinforced his view that for Test cricket to survive, the biggest teams needed to be playing each other more often.

“To break crowd records that have stood for nearly a century… is testimony to the fact that when the best teams play, the toughest and best format of the game is still alive and thriving,” he said in a column for The Australian newspaper.

“It was also a sound reminder to the ICC (International Cricket Council) that the best should play the best for Test cricket to survive.

“I will say that there’s too much of a clutter otherwise.

“This match further emphasizes why we need a two-tier system with the top 6-8 teams and then include promotion and demotion. You will not get these kinds of crowds if you don’t have two proper teams playing.”

The ICC has been contemplating a two-tier system for years to keep the competitive format but the plans have never got off the ground.

A proposal for a de facto premier league featuring the top seven sides was on the agenda of the world governing body in 2016.

It was scrapped after the powerful Indian board led to a backlash.

While India stood to gain from playing more matches against teams such as England and Australia, the BCCI said at the time the cost to smaller cricketing nations was too great.

Shastri also said the Melbourne game proved that Tests should remain five days, amid chatter that they should be reduced to four to help streamline schedules.

“The theater in the end on (day five) Monday was further proof of why we need five days for a classic Test match,” he said.

“However, if you don’t create a two-tier system, you’ll continue to have unmatched teams up against each other and then it’s very unlikely they’ll be able to take a game into the fifth day.

“Then there’ll always be talk of four-day Tests.”

Australia won the Test by 184 runs deep into day five and lead the series 2-1 heading into the final clash in Sydney this week.

Gus Atkinson (England), Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka), Saim Ayub (Pakistan), and Shamar Joseph (West Indies) have been named the 2024 ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year nominees Gus Atkinson’s meteoric rise began with a stunning debut in James Anderson’s final Test in July. The 26-year-old announced himself with a career-best performance of 7/45 at Lord’s against the West Indies, followed by a five-wicket haul in the second innings to finish with 12/106—the fourth-best figures by a debutant in men’s Test history.

Atkinson has since cemented his place as England’s frontline pacer, claiming 34 wickets in home Tests against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, and adding 12 more during England’s historic series win in New Zealand.

His batting prowess came to the fore with a 101-ball century against Sri Lanka at Lord’s, proving his all-round capabilities. Atkinson’s consistency and match-winning spells have made him a standout performer.

Kamindu Mendis has emerged as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in 2024, equalling Sir Don Bradman’s record of reaching 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings. His 1049 runs in nine Tests this year, averaging a staggering 74.92, include five centuries and three fifties.

Mendis’s career-best 182 against New Zealand was instrumental in a 2-0 home series win, bolstering Sri Lanka’s ICC World Test Championship campaign. His performances on the tour of England, where he scored 267 runs, also played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s first Test victory in England in a decade.

His unbeaten 182 against New Zealand, crafted with 16 boundaries and four sixes, laid the foundation for a series sweep.

Pakistan’s 22-year-old Saim Ayub has taken the cricketing world by storm with his fearless batting at the top of the order. Ayub was instrumental in Pakistan’s away series wins in Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. His two centuries in South Africa earned him the Player of the Series award as Pakistan completed a 3-0 clean sweep.

Ayub’s all-round skills were evident as he contributed with the ball, taking five wickets at an economy rate of 4.63. His standout ODI knock of 109 against South Africa under pressure showcased his ability to anchor an innings and guide his team to victory.

Ayub’s 109 in a tense chase against South Africa, coupled with a crucial wicket, epitomized his match-winning capabilities.

Shamar Joseph’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. The 22-year-old pacer made his debut in Australia, helping the West Indies secure their first Test win Down Under since 1997. His 13 wickets in two Tests, including two five-wicket hauls, underlined his impact.

Joseph’s spellbinding 7/68 at the Gabba, where he played through pain to deliver a historic win, remains one of the highlights of 2024. He also excelled in home series against Bangladesh and South Africa, finishing with 12 wickets.

His fiery spell at the Gabba, sealing a dramatic eight-run win for the West Indies, solidified his reputation as a match-winner.

Former captain Shahid Afridi has advised the PCB to refrain from sending the national team to India for any cricket event, including ICC tournaments, unless India agrees to send its team to Pakistan. Speaking at the Urdu conference at the Karachi Arts Council, Afridi emphasized the need for the Pakistan Cricket Board to adopt a firm stance on cricketing ties with India, asserting that Pakistan must become self-reliant to make strong decisions, particularly regarding participation in ICC events like the Champions Trophy. “Pakistan cricket should be strong and self sufficient and take strong principled decisions. If India can’t come and play in Pakistan then there is no reason for us to go and play any event in India,” he said.

The Champions Trophy is slated to take place in Pakistan between January and March next year.

India has refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan and instead demanded the tournament be played in a ‘hybrid model’, which would allow it to play its matches at a neutral venue.

According to a top International Cricket Council (ICC) source, the global governing body for the sport has reached a consensus to conduct the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model, allowing India to play its share of matches in Dubai while agreeing “in principle” to a similar arrangement in multi-lateral events till 2027.

Afridi said that the PCB had taken the correct stand on the Champions Trophy after India again decided against sending its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, leading to a long delay in the announcement of the final schedule and venues.

“Even the ICC now has to decide whether its responsibility is to ensure every member nation gets to play cricket or it just wants to make money,” he added.

Afridi, who is the father-in-law of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, believes Pakistan cricket’s biggest problem is that policies change with every new Chairman.

“When Shaheen was made Pakistan T20 captain I was against it and I said that the board should have made Muhammad Rizwan the captain as he was the best choice. But once they made Shaheen captain it was also wrong for the PCB to remove him as captain after just one series. It affected him,” he said.

Afridi expressed confidence in young Saim Ayub’s potential to excel across all formats but lamented that many talented players like him fail to flourish due to the flawed grooming system in Pakistan cricket.

“We have a lot of talent in Pakistan but we also lose so much of this talent because we don’t have a system to identify such players and groom them properly,” he said.

Former cricketer Basit Ali slammed Pakistan’s pitch curator Tony Hemming by claiming that the Australian doesn’t know how to “prepare for a pitch” ahead of the second Test in Multan. In Pakistan’s series opener against England, the hosts were blown away by the visitors’ skill set. Under the scorching heat in Multan, Pakistan succumbed to a historic defeat by an innings and 47 runs on a seemingly benign surface.

One of the most notable things about the pitch was the lack of comfort it provided to the spinners. England’s Shoaib Bashir managed to take just one wicket across both innings. Experienced Jack Leach relied on his skills rather than the surface to prove his effectiveness.

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled 35 overs, spilt 174 runs at an economy of 4.97 and went wicketless before being treated in the hospital after being taken ill. Saim Ayub and Samlan Ali Agha tasted success, but it came at the cost of leaking runs heavily.

Basit claimed that despite his experience, Hemming doesn’t know how to prepare pitches. The 53-year-old set India as an example of how pitches are prepared according to the way that they want.

“We thought in the first Test match that the ball would spin on the second day. But it didn’t happen even on the fifth day. The curator is from Australia, and he has been a part of the ICC as well. But he doesn’t know how to prepare a pitch,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.

“Now players will play on the same pitch, hoping that the ball will spin. What is the point of appointing a curator who doesn’t know how to make a pitch? It is a very important question. The whole world is making fun of us. Look at India. The pitch is prepared the way they want to,” he added.

With Pakistan naming a spin-laden playing XI, the pitch is expected to help out the spinners in the second Test.

Pakistan (Playing XI): Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (capt), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mehmood.

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Matt Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

Representational Image.© X (formerly Twitter)

Representational Image.© AFP

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering introducing a dedicated fund starting in 2025 to bolster Test cricket, enabling countries outside the “Big Three” (India, Australia, England) to better compete with lucrative franchise leagues. The initiative, primarily driven by Cricket Australia chair Mark Baird and supported by the BCCI and ECB, aims to establish a central fund that would provide a minimum standard match fee for players, reportedly around US $10,000 (approximately 7,600 pound). The goal is to finalize the proposal by Christmas, allowing it to be implemented next year.

This initiative is intended to make Test cricket more appealing to players who often choose shorter formats for higher earnings.

It would also help financially constrained cricket boards cover the costs associated with red-ball cricket, which often operates at a loss for the nine Test-playing nations outside the Big Three.

For example, Cricket West Indies’ outgoing CEO, Johnny Grave, disclosed that their tour of Australia earlier this year cost the board US $2 million.

The proposed fund, expected to be about US $15 million (approximately £11 million), has garnered the support of BCCI secretary Jay Shah and ECB chair Richard Thompson.

Although it is still in the early stages and has yet to be formally discussed by the ICC board or its executive committee, Baird remains optimistic.

He told the Sydney Morning Herald, “It’s fantastic to see some momentum behind the Test-match fund,” as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“We need to remove the barriers and ensure Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport, preserving its history and legacy alongside the newer white-ball formats,” he said.

In a related effort to support financially struggling cricket boards, ECB chief executive Richard Gould announced that Zimbabwe would receive a “touring fee” for their one-off Test at Trent Bridge next May.

This marks a concrete step towards implementing Gould’s idea, suggested a year earlier, of host countries paying fees to visiting teams.

The global cricket landscape is economically imbalanced, with some boards already engaging in reciprocal agreements.

For instance, the ECB agreed to play three additional T20 internationals during their 2023 limited-overs tour of the Caribbean, which generated significant revenue for the region.

To further support the West Indies, the ECB will facilitate a tour of the UK by the West Indies Under-19 team, as a goodwill gesture following the West Indies Test series in England last month.