First Twenty20 world cup without star cricketers

 Much publicised first Twenty-20 Cricket World cup is gradually losing its sheen much before its curtain raiser. Many experienced stars will not be in action in the upcoming world cup either due to injuries or selection problems. Can young cricketers use this opportunity to rise to the occasion?  Top cricketers we miss out in the 20-20 Cricket world cup: 1. Indian Star Trio: We miss Indian cricket stars – Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly – in action due to their voluntary withdrawal from this tournament. Can Dhoni- Sehwag- Yuvraj rise to the occasion? We may never see these Indian legends in action in 20-20 world cup. Robin Uthappa emerged as the hot cricketer after his performance in the Oval one day match against England.2. Andrew Flintoff: We are not to going to see the performance of world No.1 all-rounder in the first edition of 20-20 world cup due to ankle injury. He will face fitness test on Saturday ahead of Lord’s one day against India. ICC emerging cricketer nominee Ravi Bopara will miss due to injury. 3. Jacques Kallis: It is really pity. South Africa’s No.1 batsman was not selected for this premiere tournament which will be hosted by home country. Selectors are always jokers all over the world. South African team will miss all round capabilities and experience of this legend. 4. Shoaib Akthar: World fastest bowler will miss due to disciplinary action. Pakistan cricket is always a big enigma to outsiders. 5. Muttiah Muralidharan: World best spinner will miss this world cup due to strained biceps muscle. 6. Ricky Ponting: Australian Captain is doubtful for this world cup. He may stay with team despite injury. 7. Md. Yousuf: Best batsman of 2006 joined Indian Cricket League along with Injamam-Ul-Haq.8. Shakib Al hasan: ICC emerging player nominee from Bangladesh may miss 20-20 world cup due to injury. 9. Loots Bosman: Missed due to back injury.We are not going to see World best batsman (Sachin Tendulkar), World fastest bowler (Shoiab Akthar) and World best spinner (Muralidharan) in action in 20-20 cricket world cup. We may also … [Read more...]

Preview: 20-20 ICC Cricket World Cup

 First 20-20 cricket world cup will be held in South Africa from September 11-14. This event will feature 12 nations (8 test playing nations + 4 qualifiers) over 13 days. Favourite teams to win first 20-20 world cup: Australia and South Africa are hot favourites to win this world cup. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India are the dark horses. Batsmen to watch out for:Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist- Australia.Kevin Pietersen - England.Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag – India.Graeme Smith, Gibbs, Justin Kemp – South Africa.Jayawardena, Jayasuriya - Sri LankaRamnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle - West Indies  Md. Ashraful, Shoaib Malik - Pakisthan Bowlers to watch out for:  Shane Bond, Mitchell Johnson, Andrew Flintoff.Jacob Oram, Shaun Pollock, Chaminda VaasDwayne Bravo, Md. Asif.Must watch 20-20 matches in League stage:1. India Vs Pakistan at Kingsmead on September 14.2. Australia Vs England at Newlands on September 14.3. South Africa Vs West Indies on September 11 at Wanderers. … [Read more...]