Roger Twose

Former Kiwi batsman Roger Twose has been appointed director of New Zealand cricket in order to replace Greg Barclay, who was required to step down after being named the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is set to appoint Diana Puketapu-Lyndon as its first female chair, marking a significant step forward in gender diversity and inclusivity in cricket administration. Puketapu-Lyndon, currently serving as deputy chair, has a strong track record, including serving as the chair of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and serving as the chief financial officer on two America's Cup campaigns. The appointment was made possible by Martin Snedden's early departure.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla attended the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore, amidst notable diplomatic tensions. His presence alongside high-profile cricket board representatives signals potential for easing relations and cooperation between India and Pakistan, following prior standoffs regarding tournament arrangements and hosting disagreements.

Reportedly, the ICC has incurred losses over $20m for conducting matches in New York, Florida and Dallas. Apparently, the tournament's expenses for the US leg overshot the allocated budget by a long margin, something that was pointed out by Pankaj Khimji of Oman.

The International Cricket Council Annual Conference concluded in Colombo on Monday with the world body forming a three-member committee to review the conduct of T20 World Cup held in Americas last month. The ICC has officially warned USA Cricket and Cricket Chile, giving them a 12-month period to address their current non-compliance with the organization's membership criteria. The ICC has determined that both Members lack a fit for purpose detailed governance and administrative structure and systems.

In a latest development, the three-member committee, appointed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), to conduct the review into the delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, is in favour of a thorough forensic audit and is likely to appoint an external company specifically for this purpose. The development comes a day after ICC appointed Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo and Imran Khwaja to probe the matter and has been reportedly given a free hand to conduct the investigation.

The PCB's absence from the podium at the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai has sparked criticism, particularly from former player Shoaib Akhtar. Despite hosting the tournament, Pakistan did not have any representatives present at the trophy presentation after India's victory over New Zealand.

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal criticised the absence of a Pakistani representative during the ICC Champions Trophy prize distribution, attributing it to the team's subpar performance. The PCB lodged a complaint with the ICC, but officials defended the protocol, stating that it did not require the presence of the tournament director on stage.

Daryl Mitchell has dethroned Rohit Sharma to become the world's top ODI batsman, a historic feat for New Zealand. This shift highlights significant movements across all formats, with Pakistan's players climbing ODI rankings and India's Jasprit Bumrah maintaining his Test bowling supremacy. South Africa's Temba Bavuma also entered the top five Test batters.

There may be many brilliant innings, a dozen batting cameos that still inspire awe, but do you remember five unforgettable deliveries that changed the course of these WC matches?

India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy amid controversies, including accusations of playing all matches at one venue in Dubai and the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board representatives at the presentation ceremony. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi missed the final due to illness, raising questions about the protocol followed during the event.

With the matches being played at a modular venue especially prepared in just five months for the T20 World Cup, the ICC was using drop-in pitches, which were prepared by Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough. New York hosted eight of the 16 USA games in two weeks.

The ECB opposes a two-division World Test Championship, fearing England might miss lucrative rivalries with Australia and India if relegated. While the ICC explores improvements for the 2027 cycle, ECB chairman Richard Thompson suggests refining the current format instead.

The PCB faced criticism from former players for its absence during the Champions Trophy final closing ceremony, where India defeated New Zealand. Despite the presence of PCB officials at the venue, protocol dictated only the heads of cricket boards were allowed on stage, leaving Pakistan unrepresented. ICC have now issued a statement after reports of PCB lodging an official protest.

India have played eight ODI bilateral series against New Zealand in New Zealand, with the first series being played way back in 1975/76. That was a two-match series, which the visitors lost 0-2. It was the same result in 1980/81.

54 matches, 14 teams, 5 million dollars up for grabs, 800,000 spectators, 1.3 billion TV viewers, 210 men out to prove they are the best .... Sunday Times offers a sneak preview