dolarkit.com – Strategic News & Policy Briefs

Afghanistan’s rise from ICC’s lower divisions to Asia’s No. 2 white-ball team is cricket’s most remarkable story of the last decade. From inspiring World Cup campaigns to a T20 semifinal run, they’ve surpassed Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, uniting a nation through hope, resilience, and a fearless brand of cricket.

Oman has announced their 17-member squad, led by Jatinder Singh, for their debut in the Asia Cup, commencing on September 9 in the UAE. They are scheduled to play their first match against Pakistan on September 12 in Dubai. Following this, Oman will face the UAE and India later in the tournament.

Shreyas Iyer declined West Zone captaincy in the Duleep Trophy, leading to Shardul Thakur's appointment. Iyer, anticipating an Asia Cup call-up, focused on white-ball training but was surprisingly excluded from the squad. Meanwhile, Thakur is expected to lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, following Rahane's departure, after his strong red-ball performance and recent Test recall.

Afghanistan announced their 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025, with Rashid Khan captaining the team. Naveen-ul-Haq returns, bolstering the pace attack alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi and others. The squad blends experienced players like Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib with promising talents, aiming to challenge established teams and make a significant impact in the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its squad for the upcoming UAE tri-series and Asia Cup 2025, surprisingly omitting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated the decision was made by selectors based on merit, emphasizing a focus on power-hitters and a long-term vision to introduce new talent. Salman Ali Agha will captain the team.

South African legend AB de Villiers predicted India pacer Jasprit Bumrah won't play every Asia Cup 2025 game due to workload management, despite his inclusion in the squad. De Villiers supported selectors' proactive approach to protect senior players like Bumrah, emphasising the importance of managing workload to get the best performance.

India and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh revealed how his IPL team owner Shah Rukh Khan asked him to travel on a special chartered flight with him after Rinku's team India snub.

Shubman Gill, India's Test captain, is likely to miss the Duleep Trophy due to illness. Appointed captain of the North Zone team, Gill is resting in Chandigarh after medical examinations. Ankit Kumar will now lead the side, with Shubham Rohilla replacing Gill.

Jasprit Bumrah's dedication to cricket is evident in his disciplined lifestyle. Former bowling coach Bharat Arun highlighted Bumrah's instant commitment to healthy habits, forsaking junk food to enhance his bowling. This sacrifice, coupled with his unique action, has made him a crucial asset for India, carefully managed to ensure his availability for major tournaments like the Asia Cup.

Virender Sehwag expressed strong belief in India's chances at the upcoming Asia Cup in September, highlighting the team's skill, balance, and mindset for high-pressure situations. India, with a record eight Asia Cup titles, begins their campaign against UAE on September 10. The tournament serves as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav leading a strong squad.

Bangladesh have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, led by Litton Das, with Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan returning after nearly three years. The team included senior players like Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. Prior to the Asia Cup, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20I series against the Netherlands.

Former Australia wicketkeeper and Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin has criticised Shreyas Iyer's exclusion from India's Asia Cup 2025 squad, calling it an “extraordinary selection.” Haddin highlighted Iyer's leadership and performance under pressure, expressing surprise at the decision. Iyer recently led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final with a strong batting performance.

Mohammad Rizwan's struggles continue as he faces setbacks, including being dropped from the Asia Cup squad and demoted in PCB contracts. His poor form extended to the CPL, where he was dismissed for just 3 runs, leading to social media trolling. Pakistan cricket is facing a decline across formats, marked by inconsistent performances and early exits from major tournaments.

With Shubman Gill's return as vice-captain for the Asia Cup 2025, India's opening combination is under scrutiny. Ajinkya Rahane anticipates Gill partnering with Abhishek Sharma, despite Sanju Samson's strong form. Rahane also expressed excitement about the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

Sadagoppan Ramesh has ignited controversy by alleging that Gautam Gambhir didn't support Shreyas Iyer's Asia Cup inclusion, despite Iyer's stellar form, including a strong IPL and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance. Ramesh also questioned the praise surrounding India's drawn Test series in England and highlighted Iyer's pivotal role in the Champions Trophy victory, where he was India's top scorer.

Sanju Samson is set to embrace a new role in the Asia Cup 2025, with Shubman Gill's return potentially shifting Samson down the batting order. Likely to bat at number five or six, Samson demonstrated his adaptability by moving down the order in a recent Kerala Cricket League match.

Rinku Singh celebrated his Asia Cup selection by smashing a blistering 108 off 48 balls in the UPT20 League, leading Meerut Mavericks to a six-wicket victory over Gorakhpur Lions after they were struggling at 38/4. In another match, Karan Sharma and Abhishek Goswami's half-centuries propelled Kashi Rudras to an 88-run win against Noida Kings.

With the introduction of the 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025', the BCCI faces potential revenue impacts due to key sponsorships from gaming companies like Dream11 and My11Circle. The board has affirmed its commitment to adhering to the new regulations, ready to re-evaluate sponsorships based on the law's stipulations.

India's Sports Ministry has clarified its stance on sports relations with Pakistan, prohibiting bilateral events but allowing participation in international tournaments where both nations are present. Additionally, Pakistani teams will be barred from competing in India. The ministry is also focused on attracting major sporting events by easing visa processes for international sports officials and ensuring proper protocol during their visits.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed shock over the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami from India's Asia Cup squad. Ali believes Iyer's omission is particularly unjust, stating that in Pakistan, these players would be top-tier.