Former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq has publicly apologized after facing backlash for making an inappropriate comment about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan during a recent event discussing cricket coaching. Razzaq, while addressing intentions in coaching, metaphorically mentioned Rai in a manner perceived as disrespectful. He clarified on Samaa TV, stating it was a slip of the tongue and expressing regret for any unintended hurt caused. The comment, which went viral, drew condemnation from fellow cricketers, including Shoaib Akhtar, who emphasized the importance of respecting women. Razzaq's apology aims to address criticism and uphold standards of decency in public discourse.          

India meet New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semi-final today at 2pm (IST) . aiming to end a run of four straight last-four losses since their 2011 World Cup triumph. The heavyweight hosts have demolished opponents in the group stage earlier, despite injuries, and will play at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium where they won the title 12 years ago. But captain Rohit Sharma admitted past failures loom large with fans still scarred. Virat Kohli can cement his legacy with another World Cup. Underdogs New Zealand lost the last two finals. India look overwhelming favorites, but must overcome the weight of history to reach Sunday's final against Australia or South Africa.

Anticipating the crucial World Cup semifinal clash against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium today, the Indian team management has opted for a slow pitch. After informing the Wankhede curator about their preference following the match against the Netherlands in Bengaluru, the team aims to leverage its strong performance on slow tracks. Head coach Rahul Dravid and Captain Rohit Sharma personally inspected the pitch, emphasizing the need for a slower surface. The decision aligns with India's strategy, seeking to make chasing challenging for opponents at a venue known for its historical difficulty for the team batting second.

Cricket Australia's World Cup 2023 team of the tournament sparks debate as Virat Kohli is named captain, sidelining India's Rohit Sharma, who amassed 503 runs and showcased stellar leadership. The lineup, including a 12th man, features four Indians, but surprising exclusions raise eyebrows. David Warner, chosen over Rohit, stands below him in run-scoring. Notably, Kohli hasn't captained India in ODIs since 2021. Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami make the cut. KL Rahul's omission, despite his impressive glovework and batting at No. 5, adds to the controversial selections. Cricket enthusiasts question the rationale behind the choices. Other selections were Quinton de Kock, Rachin Ravindra, Aiden Markram, Glenn Maxwell, Marco Jansen, Adam Zampa and Dilshan Madushanka. Meanwhile  India finished the group stage on top and now take on New Zealand in the semifinals today.

As the ICC men's 50-over World Cup reaches its crucial semifinal stage, Rohit Sharma's Indian team gears up to confront familiar foes, New Zealand, at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Despite a recent victory against the Black Caps, history favors New Zealand in past ICC events, including the 2019 World Cup heartbreak. Memories of Martin Guptill's brilliance linger as India aims to avenge past defeats. With key players like Rachin Ravindra shining, New Zealand poses a formidable batting lineup. The clash holds significance as India seeks redemption, aiming to level the historical tally against the Kiwis in Wednesday's encounter.

The International Cricket Council announced that legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag, former Indian women's captain Diana Edulji, and Sri Lankan batting great Aravinda de Silva were inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Sehwag scored over 8,500 Test runs and holds the Indian record for highest individual score of 319. Edulji was India's captain for 3 decades and helped create opportunities for women cricketers. De Silva was part of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup winning team and scored over 6,300 Test runs. The trio were recognized for their brilliant careers and impact on the game.

In a festive celebration, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni and wicketkeeping sensation Rishabh Pant were captured in a joyous Diwali moment, shared by Sakshi Singh on Instagram. The image, showcasing the duo in traditional kurtas, radiates warmth and camaraderie. Dhoni, recently leading Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL victory, surprised fans by expressing intent for another season, contingent on his fitness. The heartening Diwali celebration not only captures the spirit of the festival but also fuels anticipation for Dhoni's potential return in the upcoming IPL season. [ photo courtesy: shakshisingh_r/Instagram]          

In a commanding display, India secured an undefeated record in the Cricket World Cup 2023 group stage, overpowering Netherlands by 160 runs in Bengaluru. On the day of Diwali, Shreyas and Rahul lit up the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with dazzling fireworks, stitching a marathon 208-run stand before the latter got out in the final over. Stunning centuries from Shreyas Iyer (128*) and KL Rahul (102) powered India's total to a formidable 410/4. Earlier, Gill (51), Rohit (61) and Kohli (62) all notched fifties as the Dutch bowlers struggled. Despite a strong start by Netherlands, India's bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja, dismantled their batting lineup, restricting them to 250. India's clinical performance sets a strong tone as they head into the knockout stage of the tournament.

The Indian cricket team celebrated Diwali on Saturday in Bengaluru, unwinding together before their final World Cup group match against Netherlands. Players including captain Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Shami marked the auspicious festival by wearing traditional outfits, enjoying food, and spending time with family. Rohit and others shared photos of the celebrations on social media. The team will look to continue their unbeaten run when they face the Dutch today.

The semifinalists for the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 are confirmed as India, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. India topped Group 1 and will face New Zealand in Semi-Final 1 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on November 15th. South Africa finished second and play third-placed Australia at Eden Gardens on November 16th. This repeats the 2015 World Cup's semi-final lineup. Pakistan crashed out after losing to England, whose decision to bat first dashed Pakistan's slim hopes of improving their NRR to qualify. Chasing 338 in 6.4 overs was near-impossible, and losing early wickets sealed Pakistan's fate. The victors of the semis will contest the final, with India and New Zealand battling first for a spot.