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    Steve Smith and His Wife Roped in as Ambassador For a Cashback Reward Platform

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    Steve Smith
    Steve Smith

    Cricketing power couple Steve Smith and Dani Willis are putting their substantial star power to work to promote Australia’s biggest cashback rewards platform, Cashrewards.

    Steve Smith promotes cashback rewards platform

    Steve Smith has hit headlines over the last few weeks after the Australian cricketers became stuck overseas amid the coronavirus crisis in India.

    But on Friday, he and his wife Dani Willis made news for a different reason – as it was revealed the pair have signed a lucrative brand ambassador deal to cashback rewards platform, Cashrewards.

    Steve, 31, who left Covid-stricken India this week for the safety of the Maldives – and Dani said they chose to work with the company because they used Cashrewards ‘all the time’.

    The high-profile couple will also promote Cashrewards’ association with Starlight, which receives a share of Cashback every time a member shops on the platform.

    And the Shop 4 Smiles campaign, which doubles Cashrewards’ donation to Starlight to 2 percent of all transactions in May, kicking off on Starlight Day, Friday, May 7.

    “We love Cashrewards so much that we backed its public float, so we’re delighted to also sign-up as official ambassadors,” said Smith.

    “I reckon it’s a brilliant idea. You can find all the big brands you know and love on Cashrewards and all you need to do is shop as normal and you get rewarded with real cash, on top of the best available offers. Better still, the Starlight Foundation gets a donation each and every time you shop!”

    Willis said the ability to shop more than 1600 leading brands on Cashrewards and be rewarded hassle-free was a key driver for the couple.

    “We use Cashrewards all the time and we even get a bit competitive over who can earn the most cash back, but on this particular pitch, I’m the star performer,” she said.

    “Whether it’s checking out Wotif, THE ICONIC or Adore Beauty, Cashrewards is a great place to start. It’s like a personal shopper and marketplace all-in-one,” said Dani.

    Cashrewards CEO Bernard Wilson said the cashback rewards platform was delighted to have the support of Dani and Steve and excited that they wanted to share their passion for Cashrewards.

    “Cashrewards is growing fast with over a million Australians enjoying the ability to shop as usual and reap cash rewards with minimal hassle. We’re confident that Steve and Dani’s humble and authentic approach will resonate strongly with our members and the broader Australian public,” he said.

    “The fact that Steve and Dani were already passionate Cashrewards members and backers before agreeing to this partnership will only add to the authenticity of the partnership. There will be plenty of surprises to come, so make sure you’re following Steve, Dani, and Cashrewards on your favourite social channels.”

    As ambassadors of the company, the couple will also offer a sneak peek into their life by sharing their ‘shopping tips and habits’ while showcasing the best saving opportunities.

    Smith is a part of the 38-member team of Australian cricketers, commentators, umpires, and other support staff including Steve, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Marcus Stoinis, and Ricky Ponting, from IPL 14 who will remain in the Maldives till the travel ban from Australia is lifted after May 15.

    “Hardik Pandya May Not Feature in Test Series Anymore”, BCCI Source

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    Hardik Pandya
    Hardik Pandya

    A BCCI source claims that Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya will not be considered for the upcoming Test matches.

    Hardik Pandya Excluded from Test Format

    Hours after announcing the India squad for the WTC finals and England Tour of India the exclusion of Hardik Pandya in the squad raises the eyebrow of many cricket experts.

    Regarding this “A BCCI source said Hardik Pandya is still not in a position to bowl. The experiment of selectors to keep him during the England Test series and prepare him with bowling workload has failed miserably. He’ll henceforth not be considered for Test cricket. (To PTI).”

    Hardik Pandya played his last Test in Southampton in 2018 against England.

    Aakash Chopra’s view on Hardik Pandya’s exclusion

    While sharing his views on the selected team in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra pointed out Hardik Pandya’s exclusion implies he will not be seen in the longest version of the game anytime in the near future.

    Hardik Pandya Injured in 2018 Asia Cup

    India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was carried off on a stretcher after an injury during the Asia Cup 2018 clash against Pakistan. The incident took place while he was bowling where he missed his footing in his follow-through. Hardik Pandya appeared to have slipped and suffered the injury.

    Injured Hardik Pandya
    Hardik Pandya injured in 2018 Asia Cup

    Hardik underwent a successful surgery for an acute lower-back injury, which keeps him out of action for at least four months.

    The all-rounder on his part posted a message on his Instagram account. “Surgery done successfully. Extremely grateful to everyone for your wishes. Will be back in no time! Till then miss me,” Hardik posted a message with a picture on his Instagram account on Saturday.

    Hardik Pandya underwent a surgery acute lower-back injury
    Hardik Pandya underwent a surgery acute lower-back injury

    IPL 2021: Tim Seifert Tested Positive for COVID19

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    tim seifert
    tim seifert

    New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, who was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the postponed IPL 2021, has tested positive for Covid19.

    Tim Seifert tested positive for COVID19

    As a result, he will not be on the charter flight with other members of the New Zealand contingent at the IPL. Instead, he will stay in isolation in Ahmedabad as he awaits transfer to Chennai, where he will be treated at a private hospital.

    “Once Seifert has undergone treatment and the statutory period of isolation and has tested negative for Covid-19, he will be transferred back to New Zealand where he will undergo the mandatory 14-day period of managed isolation,” the statement said, adding that he would be treated at the same facility where Michael Hussey, the former Australia cricketer who is the Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach, is being treated since testing positive earlier this week.

    “It’s really unfortunate for Tim and we’ll do everything for him that we can from this end, and hopefully he will be able to test negative, and be cleared and approved for discharge as soon as he’s well again,” David White, NZC chief executive, said.

    “Since receiving the news, we’ve organised support for Tim and have also – via the players association, been in contact with his family to ensure they’re kept fully informed and updated on developments.”

    Seifert had joined the Knight Riders as a replacement for the injured USA bowler Ali Khan during IPL 2020. He was retained ahead of the auction in February this year but did not get a game in IPL 2021.

    One of the two charter flights transporting New Zealand’s IPL contingent back home has already left India, and the other is expected to leave on Saturday evening “after being delayed for logistical reasons”.

    Another group, comprising Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, trainer Chris Donaldson and physio Tommy Simsek, are due to travel to the UK to participate in the England Test series followed by the World Test Championship final against India.

    This group has been transferred to the Maldives rather than staying in Delhi. According to the release, the decision was taken after advice that their entry into the UK, initially thought to be about May 11, was likely to be delayed by a week.

    ICC WTC: India Squad For ICC WTC Final vs New Zealand

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    India Test team
    India Test team

    The India squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, against New Zealand, is announced on Friday. Post the IPL 2021 suspension the view now shifts towards the WTC final which is scheduled to play between India and New Zealand in Southampton from June 18 to 22.

    India squad for WTC final

    As per reports, the Board of Control of Cricket in India would be announcing a jumbo squad for the tour of the UK. A jumbo squad would be announced because, after the WTC final, the Virat Kohli-led side will take on England in a five-match Test series.

    The All-India Senior Selection Committee has picked the Indian squad for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final and the five-match Test series against England.

    Team India’s first stop will be in Southampton where they play New Zealand to decide the first champion of the Test format. Following their 3-1 win against England at home, India finished as the No. 1 side with 72.2 percentage points and booked their place in the final.

    Ravindra Jadeja made a comeback in the national side as the BCCI on Friday announced the squad for the upcoming World Test Championship final against New Zealand and the five-match Test series against England.

    India’s squad

    Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohd. Shami, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav,

    Subject to fitness clearance

    KL Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper)

    Standby players

    Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Arzan Nagwaswalla

    India’s tour of England, 2021-22

    Sr. Date Match Venue
    A 18th – 22nd June WTC Final vs NZ Southampton
    1 4th – 8th August 1st Test vs England Nottingham
    2 12th – 16th August 2nd Test vs England London (Lord’s)
    3 25th – 29th August 3rd Test vs England Leeds
    4 2nd – 6th September 4th Test vs England London (Oval)
    5 10th – 14th September 5th Test vs England Manchester

    Australian pacer Pat Cummins on T20 WC Execution in India

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    Pat Cummins
    Pat Cummins

    Australian pacer Pat Cummins gave his opinion on the future of the ICC T20 WC that is scheduled for later this year.

    Post the IPL 2021 suspension all eyes turn towards the hosting of ICC T20 WC 2021 in India. Owing to the spike in COVID19 cases BCCI decides to postpone the IPL 2021 in its midway. In this situation hosting ICC T20 WC gets in question mark regarding its execution in India.

    Pat Cummins on T20 WC

    “If it’s going to be a drain on resources or it’s not going to be safe, then I don’t think it’s right to play it over here. That’s the first question which needs to be answered,” Cummins was quoted as saying by the ‘Age’ newspaper.

    Cummins said cricket authorities should check with the Indian government and do what’s best.

    “It probably too early to say. It’s (T20 WC) six months away. The priority should be for cricket authorities to work with the Indian government to see what’s best for the Indian people. If it’s going to be a drain on resources or it’s not going to be safe, then I don’t think it’s right to play it over here. That’s the first question which needs to be answered,” Cummins told the Sydney Morning Herald.

    Cummins even talked about the helplessness he felt after being away from the COVID-19 crisis in India by staying in hotels and said that he was unsure whether playing for IPL was the right call during the health crisis.

    “Speaking to people back home, some had the view that it didn’t see right cricket was going on over here in amongst all the COVID case. But the response I was getting from people in India was the opposite. They all said that with so many people in a lockdown they really appreciate the fact that for three or four hours each night they can watch the IPL. It gives people a routine, it helps to keep them in their homes. Everyone thought it was a positive the IPL was still going on.”

    Notably, Pat Cummins is the first cricketer to start the donation for the COVID19 relief fund for India by donating $50000.

    Check out the list of players donated for the COVID19 relief fund for India.

    New Zealand Cricketers Stays in Mini Bio-secure Bubble in Delhi

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    New Zealand cricketers stays in Mini Bio-secure Bubble in Delhi, To Leave for England on May 11
    New Zealand cricketers

    New Zealand Cricket on Friday confirmed that a few of their cricketers have stayed back in Delhi in a mini biosecure bubble and will leave for England on May 11.

    New Zealand Cricketers stays in Delhi

    The decision is made after BCCI suspends the IPL 2021 owing to the spike in COVID19 positive cases inside the biosecure bubble. Both New Zealand and India were scheduled to play the WTC final match at Southampton from 18-23 June 2021.

    “New Zealand’s IPL-based Test contingent will depart from India for the United Kingdom on May 11th – the earliest date an exemption for their arrival in England could be obtained. Williamson, Jamieson, and Santner, as well as physio Tommy Simsek, will remain in a secure mini-bubble in New Delhi before departing for the UK,” the NZC said in a statement.

    The four will be a part of the two-Test series against England, and the World Test Championship final against India.

    New Zealand
    New Zealand

    Meanwhile, Trent Boult, who is scheduled to leave India on May 8, will head home to New Zealand, and will only fly to England in June. The speedster will spend some time with his family, before reuniting with the team in time for the WTC final.

    “Along with the balance of the New Zealand-bound IPL players, support staff and commentators, Boult is scheduled to depart New Delhi tomorrow on one of two charter flights, arriving in Auckland on Saturday before undergoing managed isolation.

    All going as planned, the Kiwi kingpin will leave MIQ on May 22 and will spend a week at home with his family, training at Mt Maunganui before departing for the UK in early June,” the statement said.

    New Zealand trainer Chris Donaldson, who is with the KKR, will also go back home. “We’re completely supportive of Chris and Trent taking the opportunity to see their families before heading to the UK,” David White, New Zealand Cricket chief executive, said.

    “They’ve always been the consummate professionals and we’re more than happy to accommodate these arrangements. We’ve worked closely with the BCCI and the IPL franchises on the various departure strategies and we’re very appreciative of their support during what is, clearly, a very challenging time.”

    The NZC official further said: “We’re also very grateful to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for accommodating the early arrival of the four members of the Test squad, currently in India.”

    ‘Sangakkara Drew Finger Across His Throat’, Says Chris Morris

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    Chris Morris
    Chris Morris

    South African all-rounder Chris Morris, who represents Rajasthan Royals in the tournament, revealed the tension among the players when the decision to postpone the IPL 2021 was announced.

    Chris Morris opens on IPL 2021 Suspension

    The BCCI has suspended the ongoing IPL 2021 after multiple players were tested positive for COVID19 inside the bio-secured bubble.

    “The moment we heard that, when players are testing positive, inside the bubble, then everyone starts asking questions,” Morris was quoted as saying by IOL.

    “The alarm bells definitely started going off for all of us.” By Monday when they postponed that game (KKR vs RCB), we knew the tournament was under pressure to continue,” he added.

    Morris, the most expensive player ever bought at an IPL auction, revealed it became chaotic and England cricketers were panicking.

    “I was chatting to our team doctor, whose room was across the hallway from my mine in the hotel, and Kumar (Sangakarra) came around the corner, and drew his finger across his throat, and then we knew it was over. And then it was chaos!” he said.

    “The England guys especially were panicking because they needed to isolate in hotels in England first, and apparently there weren’t any rooms,” he added.

    The all-rounder, who became the most expensive player in the tournament’s history during the auction earlier this year, also lauded the Rajasthan Royals management for handling the situation carefully.

    “The Royals’ management were brilliant, they had their fingers on the pulse, made everyone feel as comfortable as possible,” Morris said.

    “I know poor Gerald (Coetzee) was panicking a bit, I mean he’s only 20 and all this is going on. I tried to keep him under my wing a bit and made sure he was ready when the 12.30 am pick up came at the hotel. It was eerie, it was just a handful of us in that whole hotel at the time.”

    IPL 2021: Nicholas Pooran Breaks Silence of IPL Suspension

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    Nicholas Pooran
    Nicholas Pooran

    Punjab Kings batsman Nicholas Pooran opened up on the suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, saying the postponement of the IPL 2021 and the reason behind it were heartbreaking but considering the Covid-19 crisis, it was necessary.

    Nicholas Pooran on IPL Suspension 2021

    Pooran bid an emotional farewell to India and urged everyone to stay safe as the country continues to battle the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the BCCI indefinitely postponed the IPL 2021, the overseas players, coaches, commentators and others have started leaving the country and Pooran was one of them.

    “The suspension of the tournament and the reasons behind it are heartbreaking but necessary,” Pooran tweeted.

    Pooran managed to score only 28 runs in 7 IPL 2021 matches and was dismissed without scoring on four occasions. Pooran, in fact, began his campaign in the T20 league by registering ducks in the first two matches. Things just did not happen for Pooran.

    Pooran tweeted the picture of his scores in IPL 2021 and said that he would use that picture as his motivation to come back stronger after an ordinary season for Punjab Kings.

    “In the meantime, I’ll be using this picture as my motivation to come back stronger than ever. Keep safe everyone,” Nicholas Pooran added in the tweet with the picture of his scores in IPL 2021.

    Earlier, Pooran had donated a certain amount of money from his Indian Premier League (IPL) salary to help India fight against the second wave of Covid-19. His franchise also followed soon after with their own announcement: “To help the fight against #COVID19 in India, #PBKS has pledged to provide oxygen concentrators with the help of @roundtableindia! We also request everyone to join in and help in whatever way possible because together, we can!”

    IPL 2021: Parthiv Patel Lauds Siraj For His Heroic Death Overs

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    Parthiv Patel praises Mohammad Siraj for his impressive performance in the death overs for RCB
    Parthiv Patel lauds Siraj for his impressive performance in IPL

    Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel has showered praise on Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj following his remarkable run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

    After a successful first season on the international circuit with Team India, Siraj fired on all cylinders for the Kohli-led side in the 14th season of the cash-rich league.

    Parthiv Patel Lauds Siraj

    Former RCB wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel seemed highly impressed with Siraj’s conduct with the ball. Speaking to Star Sports, Parthiv lavished praises on the speedster saying that he helped RCB in solving their bowling woes.

    The veteran also feels that Siraj is the story of the IPL 2021 as he constantly made headlines by nailing yorkers.

    “Absolutely they did (solving their death overs bowling woes). I thought the way Siraj bowled this season,I think he is the story of this IPL. Everyone has spoken about Mohammed Siraj bowling well with the new ball and then not being able to bowl yorkers but this season he was nailing yorkers,” Patel was quoted as saying.

    Over the past few months, Siraj is living a fairytale as he has managed to impress the who’s who of the cricket fraternity with his raw pace and ability to swing the ball.

    Owing to a good performance in IPL 2020, Siraj received his maiden Test call and grabbed the opportunity provided to him with both hands. Featuring in three Test matches of four-match series against Australia, the seamer ended up as the highest wicket-taker for the visitors.

    In his remarkable IPL career, Siraj has scalped 45 wickets from 42 matches. In IPL 2020, the Indian pacer played a crucial role in guiding Kohli and Co. to the business end of the competition.

    The 27-year-old continued his dream run in IPL 2021 too as in seven matches he picked six wickets while bowling at an economy rate of 7.34.

    Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021 Scheduled to Begin From November 19

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    Abu Dhabi T10 League
    Abu Dhabi T10 League

    The fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 league will be held here from November 19 to December 2, 2021 the tournament organisers said on Thursday.

    Abu Dhabi T10 league 2021

    Since, its inception in 2017, the T10 tournament has garnered a lot of attention and support from fans all across the globe as it is fast-paced and manages to entertain the viewers with some thrilling encounters.

    A total of 20 overs are bowled in a single match with each team getting 10 overs to bat with a time duration of 90 minutes. The tournament is played in a round-robin format followed by semi-finals and the final.

    “It is most heartening to see the world’s top cricketers in this hugely popular format and upcoming cricketers seize the advantage of the platform to rub shoulders with the best in the business,” Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Ten Sports Management (TSM), owners of the T10 League, said.

    It is possible that the dates of the tournament were finalised keeping in mind the fact that this year’s T20 World Cup is currently scheduled to conclude on November 15, thus making the short-format international players available.

    Moreover, the global event could yet be allotted to the UAE given that the original host, India, is battling a severe wave of the Covid-19 virus. So there is a chance that players would be able to avoid travel and quarantine by virtue of being in the same country.

    Among those who could make their respective national side’s T20 World Cup squad, Mohammad Hafeez, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Jordan, and Dwayne Bravo – to name a few – have deals with the T10 franchises.

    The last edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 was conducted in January-February this year, with the Northern Warriors emerging as champions. That tournament was held in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, with no crowds in attendance and safety measures in place for the players.

    Also read: Four Indian Women Cricketers Granted NOC for The Hundred Cricket

    IPL 2021: Shoaib Akhtar Praises BCCI for Suspending the IPL

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    Shoaib Akhtar
    Shoaib Akhtar

    Following the suspension of IPL 2021 amid the Covid-19 crisis in India, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has reacted to the BCCI’s decision. BCCI took this decision of suspending IPL 2021 after various players affected with COVID19 positive inside the bio bubble.

    Shoaib Akhtar on canceling IPL 2021

    Akhtar had pointed out a few weeks ago that IPL should not be held amidst such a crisis in the country.

    He captioned the post as: “IPL canceled. I saw it coming & suggested that two weeks ago. Nothing more important than saving human lives during the current covid crisis in India.”

    “When I said a couple of weeks ago that the IPL should be stopped this year, there were emotions behind it. And it was that there is a national catastrophe that is taking place in India. People are dying. And I made the appeal because there were 4 lakh cases being reported a day. During such times, IPL cannot take place, the pomp and show cannot take place,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

    “I didn’t have a problem with people not making money. People have been making money since 2008. If they don’t make money for a year, what trouble will they get into? People are dying and you cannot have pomp and show. It’s a national disaster. So as a neighbor, I was requesting that the IPL should be stopped.”

    Akhtar also pointed out that bio-secure bubbles are not the way going forward. He pointed out the flaws of bio-bubbles during PSL and then pointed out the similar outcome during IPL.

    “IPL was never viable. We made a bio-secure bubble in the PSL and it completely flopped. India tried and the same happened there. In UAE and England, we would have had it. Over here, even people working in hotels are not safe. They don’t remain in the bio-secure bubble. International cricket can take place in a bubble, but not franchise cricket because the entire world comes. The IPL is not a small event,” Akhtar added.

    Watch Shoaib Akhtar on Cancelling IPL 2021

    IPL 2021: Rajat Patidar Opens on Playing Under Virat and ABD

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    Rajat Patidar has been roped by RCB in IPL 2021 Auction
    Rajat Patidar has been roped by RCB in IPL 2021 Auction

    Rajat Patidar, who made his IPL 2021 debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has revealed that the franchise has always been his favorite one in the Indian Premier League (IPL), thanks to the presence of captain Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

    Rajat Patidar Praises RCB

    In an interview with the Bangalore outfit, Patidar spoke about his stint in IPL 2021 saying that RCB was always his favorite IPL team and he will always cherish the memories of batting with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.

    “RCB has always been my favorite team because of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. Luckily, I got a chance to play with them. I was nervous before meeting them, but I liked it a lot after coming here,” Patidar said during the interview with RCB.

    Further in the interaction, the 27-year-old revealed that he initially started his career as a spin bowler but it was his coach that recognized his talent as a batsman and directed him to work his charm with the willow rather than focusing on his abilities with the ball.

    When asked about what inspired him to play cricket, Patidar reckoned that he started enjoying the game just because of the former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and is a big fan of him.

    “At that time, there was just one name – Sachin Tendulkar. It all started because of him. And then slowly, when I started playing, I started following others like Rahul Dravid, and, from the current lot, I like Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli a lot,” he said.

    Rajat Patidar has played four matches for RCB so far, scoring 71 runs, with a best of 31. Patidar, who plays for Madhya Pradesh, was bought by RCB for his base price of INR 20 lakhs in the IPL 2021 auction. He has an impressive T20 career with 770 runs in 26 T20s, with the best of 96 at a strike rate of 140.25.