Kerala, a state nestled in the southwestern part of India, renowned for its enchanting backwaters and vibrant culture, has also made a significant mark on the cricketing map. While cricket may not be as deeply ingrained in the state’s sporting ethos as some other regions in India, Kerala has steadily produced a pool of talented cricketers who have contributed to the nation’s cricketing landscape.

Cricketers transcending boundaries

Over the years, Kerala has seen the emergence of cricketers whose skills have transcended regional boundaries, making significant contributions in domestic cricket and, in some instances, representing the nation on the international stage. Players like S Sreesanth and Sanju Samson hav??e donne??d the national colors, showcasing the cricketing prowess that Kerala possesses.

Muttiah Muralitharan’s vision

Speaking about Kerala cricket and its development, legendary Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan while on the visit of Kerala, where the distinct sounds of cricket balls meeting the bat were recorded for his biopic film ‘800,’ expressed that an IPL franchise in Kerala would significantly contribute to the growth of cricket in the region, providing a platform for local talent to flourish.

Returning to Kerala on Sunday, the former Sri L??anka cricketer paid a visit to the Palace Oval Ground in Thrippunithura, where the distinct sound of cricket balls meeting the bat was recorded for his biopic film ā€?00,ā€?released in October. Murali, Test cricketā€™s all-time highest wicket-taker, reckoned that having an IPL franchise in Kerala would signific??antly contribute to the stateā€™s growth in cricket.

Also READ: Inside the big bucks – Decoding Mitchell Starcā€™s ball-by-ball earning in IPL 2024

Football dominance and cricket’s struggle

Despite the love for cricket, football dominates the sporting culture in Kerala. Muralitharan, who had previously been a part of the Kochi Tuskers in the 2011 IPL edition, highlighted the disparity in crowd enthusiasm between his time with the cricket team and the current vibrant atmosphere during Indian Super League (ISL) football matches.

“Football is more popular in Kerala. When I played for Kochi Tuskers we didnā€™t have the same vibe in the gallery that the current ISL side enjoys. Clubs like Tripunithura Cricket Club should come forward and promote cricket in the state,” Muralitharan was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Murali bats for an IPL Team

Expressing regret over the dissolution of the Kochi Tuskers after just one season, Mur?alitharan believed that had the franchise continued, it would have significantly boosted interest in cricket withi??n the state. He expressed hope that cricket clubs, especially Tripunithura Cricket Club, would work towards creating awareness about the potential of Kerala cricket and advocate for the formation of an IPL team.

“In 2011, we played only for a year, which was unfortunate for Kerala cricket. Because if you have an IPL team, the cricketers in the state will blossom. TCC should put pressure on the cricket authorities in the state to try and get an IPL team for Kerala,” added Muralitharan.

Also READ: 15? cricketers who? featured in IPL 2008 and will now play in IPL 2024

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Riyan Parag, the young Indian cricketer, has e?tched his name in the record books by becoming the first player to achieve a remarkable feat of scoring six consecutive half-centuries in T20 cricket.

In a thrilling encounter between Assam and Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2023, Riyan showcased a stellar perfo??rmance, scoring an unbeaten 57 off just 33 balls to lead his team to a comprehensive v?ictory.

Riyan Parag’s sensational form in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Throughout the SMAT 2023 season, Riyan Parag has been a force to be reckoned with, amassing an impressive total of 440 runs in just seven matches at an exceptional average? of 62.86. His consistent and outstanding performances have solidified his position as a key player for Assam, leading the team to an important two-wicket win over the formidable Kerala side, which had remained undefeated in the tournament until this match.

Entering the crease when Assam were struggling at 48/3, Parag exhibited exceptional composure and skill, steering his team towards a victory with a flurry of boundaries, including four towering sixes. The match? concluded with Assam registering a win with three balls to spare at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy in Mumbai.

Parag’s achievement has drawn widespread acclaim and admiration from fans and cricket enthusiasts, with many eagerly anticipating his future performances and expecting more outstanding contributions from the talented cricketer.

Riyan Parag has the best strike rate (152.21) and average (4??7.34) a??mong the batters who have scored more than 1000 runs in SMAT. He has scored 1373 runs in 39 innings that he has played.

And he is just 21 years old!šŸ„µ@ParagRiyan @assamcric @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/Ch9Kyr8vvc

— iThunder (@HiPrsm) October 27, 2023

Riyan Parag becomes the first player in history to score 6 consecutive fifties in T20s. pic.twitter.com/ld79d76CGi

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 27, 2023

Riyan Parag in Syed Mushtaq Ali 2023:

45(19) & 0/53(4)
61(34) & 2/25(4)
76*(37) & 3/6(4)
53*(29) & 1/17(4)
76(39) & 1/37(4)
72(37) & 1/35(3)
57*(33) & 1/17(4)

He is ruling Syed Mushtaq Ali, just 21 years old, incredible consistency in the league…..!!!! pic.twitter.com/k0V9ArlDYO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 27, 2023

Also READ: Pushpa star Allu Arjun comes up with a heartwarming birthday post for ??Australian batter David Warner

Players to score most half-centuries in consecutive innings:

• Riyan Parag (Assam) – 6* innings in 2023
• Virender Sehwag (Delhi Daredevils) – 5 innings in 2012
• Hamilton Masakadza (Zimbabwe) – 5 innings in 2012
• Kamran Akmal (Lahore Whites) – 5 innings in 2017
• Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals) – 5 innings in 2018
• David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 5 innings in 2019
• Devon Conway (New Zealand & Wellington) – 5 innings in 2021
• Wayne Madsen (Derbyshire) – 5 innings in 2023

Also READ: World Cup 2023 – England skipper Jos Buttler defend?s his team amid disastrous campaign; gives a unique ā€˜golden eggā€?example

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

With the ODI World Cup 2023 set to commence in India from October 5, cricket fever is sweeping the nation. All participating teams have already descended upon Indian shored to fine-tune thei?r skills in preparation for the much-anticipated tournament. Among these is the South African squad, which recently arrived in the subcontinent and? made their way to the vibrant city of Thiruvananthapuram, nestled in the picturesque state of Kerala. The Proteas were all set to play two crucial warm-up matches here ahead of the main event.

South African cricketer’s light-hearted attempt and pronunciation struggles

Amidst this, a video of some prominent South African cricketers has now surfaced on the internet where they can be seen struggling to pronounce Thiruvananthapuram. The clip was officially posted by the official handle of ICC ??Cricket World Cup 2023 and has ever since gone vir??al.

The video captures a light-hearted moment as the South African cricketers attempt to articulate the name of the city where they are staying. Laughter filled the air as players like Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Temba Bavuma, and Heinrich Klaasen found themselves tongue-tied, hilariously mangling the name. On the other hand, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso RabadaĀ and Lungi Ngidi showcased their linguistic prowess by correctly pronouncing “Thiruvananthapuram.”

Also READ: Actress Manushi Chhilla??r describes Virat Kohli in one wor?d

Shashi Tharoor’s playful response

What added an extra layer to this amusing episode was the reaction of one of India’s most well-known politicians, Shashi Tharoor. Serving as the Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, Dr Tharoor couldn’t resist sharing the video on his Twitter account. With a touch of playful humour, he wrote, “The South Africans have arrived in Thiruvananthapuram! But can they tell anyone where they are?”

The South African have arrived in Thiruvananthapuram ! But can they tell anyone where they are? pic.twitter.com/N9LnyVLVH9

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 1, 2023

South Africa’s ODI World Cup 2023 journey

It is to be noted that South Africa will now take on New Zealand in their second warm-up fixture at the same venue on Monday (October 2) after an abandoned practice game on their arrival. Meanwhile, their official campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023 starts from October 7 against Sri Lanka.

Also READ: England skipper Jos Butt??ler picks first 5 players for his dream ODI XI

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Veteran India pacer S Sreesanth who is back on the cri??cket field after nearly eight years, showed his vintage touch when he came to bowl in the Kerala vs Mumbai clash of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT?) 2021 on Wednesday (January 13).

During the Mumbai innings, Sreesanth was caught staring and?? sledging youn??g batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, soon Yashasvi ga????ve it back by smashing two sixes and a four in the over. Fans on social media had a mixed response regarding the sledging episode.

A Twitter user even criticised Sreesanth and called out the pacer by stating: “Someone tell @sreesanth36 a long run-up & sledging doesn’t make anyone a world-class fast bowler. But getting hammered after you sledge makes it clear you’re more bluster than a bowler.”

A few minutes ??later, Sreesanth responded and came up with a heartfelt message for the user. The Kerala pacer thanked the Twitterati for the information and said he always wants to give the best when he comes to bowl.

Sreesanth also heaped praises on Yashasvi for taking him on? in the over. The 37-year-old said Yasha?svi is a good player and his pick up shots are great.

“Thnks a lot for the information..really appreciate,u took time out to write this. I always give the very best to every delivery, and that was some great pick up shots nd he is a very good nd he is gonna keep getting better, proud of the way he plays nd may god bless him nd family,” tweeted Sreesanth

Thnks a lot for the information..really appreciate ,u took time out to write this. I always give the very best to every delivery,and that was some great pick up shots nd he is a very good nd he is g??onna keep getting better ,proud of the way he plays nd may god bless him nd family

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) January 14, 2021

Sreesanth has had a mixed outing so far in SMAT 2021. He began the season with a tidy spell of 4-0-29-1 against Puducherry in Kerala’s first game. Then in the next match against Mumbai, Sreesanth went wicketless leaked 47 runs.

In the third game against Delhi, the right-handed bowler picked up two wickets and finished with figures of 4-0-46-2. His removed Shikhar Dhawan and Nitish Rana.?? In the fourth match against Andhra, Sreesanth bagged one wicket in 3 overs and conceded 25 ?runs.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Veteran Indian bowler S Sreesanth, who made a comeback after a seven-year ban, is currently leading Kerala’s pace attack in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2021. So far, Kerala have p?layed two games and won both of them.

In their second match against Mumbai, Sreesanth failed to pick up a wicket, but he did show his vintage avatar by going for a sledge against the Mumbai batsman. His target was a young Mumbaikar Yashasvi Jaiswal, but soon Sreesanth’s move got backfired.

It all happened?? on the first ball of the 6th over when Sreesanth bowled a length delivery outside the off-stump. Yashasvi failed to connect; seeing this the bowler tried to sledge and ga?ve a classic stare to the batsman.

The attempt of sledging Yashasvi didn’t go down well as on the next delivery, the youngster cleared his front leg and smashed the ball into the stands. If that was not enough, Yashasvi hit another six and a four in the next two deliveries bowled by Sreesanth.

Here is the video:

//tw?itter.com/sandybatsman/sta??tus/1349594498301480962

Yashasvi (40) put together an 88-run stand with opener Aditya Tare (42) as Mumbai posted a massive total of 196.

In reply, Kerala chased down the mighty target in 15.5 overs, thanks to a blistering knock of Mohammed Azharuddeen, who slammed 137 off 54 deliveries at a phenomenal strike-rate of ?253.70 with the help of nine fours and 11 maximums.

Apart from Azharuddeen, senior batsman Robin Uthappa scored 33 off 23 balls, while skipper Sanju Samson made 22 off 12 deliveries.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

S Sreesanth has made his return to competitive cricket. At present, he is playing in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2021, representing Kerala team. The right-arme?r picked up the wicket of Fabid Ahmed on his comeback game against Puducherry in the Elite Group E.

Sreesanth was banned by the Board of Contol for Cricket in India (BCCI) in August 2013 for his alleged involvement in the infamous spot-fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, last year, Sreesanth’s lifetime ban was reduced to seven years, which ended in September 2020.

Meanwhile, fans have noticed that Sreesa??nth is playing with a jersey number of 369 in SMAT 2021, not in h?is regular jersey of 36.

In an interview with ETV Bharat, Sreesanth has revealed the reason behind it. The right-handed bowler said that he changed his jersey number because of his daughter’s birth date, who was born on May 9. Sreesanth further added that his wife Bhuvneshwari Kumari is called ‘Nayan’ at home, which sounds like nine.

“This time I will be wearing jersey number 369 instead of 36. 9 because my daughter Srisanvika was born on May 9. Srisanvika means Lakshmi. Everyone knows my wife is called at home ‘Nayan’. So it sounds like 9. This is the reason I have decided to wear jersey number 369,” said Sreesanth.

Coming to the question ??of playing for India again, the speedster said that his goal is to return in the first-class cricket to assist the Kerala side win the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Trophy, but he woul??d love to represent his country once again.

“Everyone wants to play for the country. It is a different feeling. I want to return with long hair and better fitness. My goal is to start with first-class cricket, and it is going to start very soon, maybe in September or October. All I want is to help Kerala to win the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Trophy. If I get to play for India again in that way, then that would be great,” added Sreesanth.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Two times World Cup winner S Sreesanth made his return to competitive cricket on Monday as he represented Kerala in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali (T20) Trophy game against Puducherry in Mumbai.
The 37-year-old pacer celebrated his comeback with the prized scalp of opponent vice-captain Fabid Ahmed, his first wicket in seven years.

Sreesanth conceded nine runs in his first over, but came back strong in his second and knocked over the Puducherry opener. He registered figu??res of 1/29 in 4 overs and th??anked the pitch after finishing his spell.

Off-spinner Jalaj Saxena claimed three wickets for 13 to restrict Puducherry on 136/8. In reply, Kerala c??hased down the target in 18.2 overs with six wickets in hand.

After recording a win in his comeback game, Sreesanth took to Twitter and sha?red the video of his first wicket in 7 ?years.

“Thanks a lot for all the support and love.. it’s just the beginning..with all of ur wishes and prayers many many many more to go.. lots of respect to u nd family,” tweeted Sreesanth.

Thanks a lot for all the support and love ..itā€™s just the beginning..with all of ur wishes and prayers many many many more to go..ā¤ļøšŸ‡®šŸ‡³šŸlots of respect to u nd family .. #blessed #humbled #cricket #bcci #kerala #love #team #family #india #nevergiveup pic.twitter.com/bMnXbYOrHm

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) January 11, 2021

A lifetime ban was imposed on Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan by the BCCI for their alleged spot-fixing in the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, last year, Sreesanth’s life ban was reduced to seven years, which got over in September this year.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Veteran India speedster S Sreesanth is keenly eyeing an epic comeback in competitive cricket after a long gap of seven years. The right-handed bowler has been named in Kerala’s squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), which begins from January 10.

Ahead of the tournament, Sreesanth participated in the warm-up game. Known for his aggression and lively celebrations on the field, Sree gave a glimpse of such when he stared at the batsman and?? sledged as well.

It seems Sreesanth hasn’t changed at all as after picking a wicket, the 37-year-old showed his vintage avatar and gave a send-off to the batsman.

Here is the video:

//twitter.com/Forum_Reelz/status?/1344878673606963200

My goal is 2023 World Cup: Sreesanth

In 2019, Sreesanth’s ban was abridged to 7 years, making him eligible to play domestic and international cricket. In a chat with The Times of India, the Keral??a-lad had revealed that he hopes to play the 2023 World Cup. Sreesanth had also disclosed that he has been getting inquires from IPL franchises.

“Both Tinu and Sanju Samson have said they want to gift the trophy to me as I make a comeback. But I am not looking only at Mushtaq Ali but also to win Irani and Ranji. If I do well, I will get more opportunities. I have been getting inquiries for IPL, too, and I have to make sure that I am fit and bowling well. I am not just looking at the season ahead but at the next three years. My real goal is to be in the 2023 World Cup team and win the cup,” Sreesanth had said.

Sreesanth has so far taken 87 wickets in 27 Tests and 75? scalps in 53 ODIs. He was part of t?he 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI) World Cup-winning team.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Indian Fast bowler S Sreesanth is ready to come back in competitive cricket as he has been named in Kerala’s squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) tournament, which begins from January 10, 2021.

Sreesanth posted a video on microblogging website Twitter in which he ca??n be seen receiving his state cap with Kerala teammates and administrators.

“There is nothing stronger than a broken man, who has rebuilt himself..” Thanks a lot for all the Support nd love ..#Gods grace #humbled #cricket #keralacricketassociation #bcci #grateful #respect #love #bestisyettocome,” Sreesanth captioned the video.

ā€œThere is nothing stronger than a broken man ,who has rebuilt himself..ā€?Thnks a lot for all the Supoort nd love ..#Gods grace #humbled #cricket #keralacricketassociation #bcci #grateful #respect #love #bestisyettocome pic.twitter.com/U0xyEg9XHu

— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) December 30, 2020

According to some media reports, explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson is expected to lead the Kerala team i?n SMAT 2021.

Sreesanth’s former India teammate Suresh Raina, who will also play SMAT 2021 for Uttar Pradesh, wished the pacer good luck.

“All the best brother! See you soon!” wrote Raina.

All the best brother ! See you soon !

— Suresh RainašŸ‡®šŸ‡³ (@ImRaina) December 30, 2020

Sreesanth is returning to cricket after 7 years

In 2013, BCCI handed Sreesanth a life ban for his alleged role in Indian Premier League (IPL) spot-fixing scandal. However, in 2015, the speedster was ac?quitted ??of all charges by a special court after which the Kerala High Court quashed his life ban in 2018.

But the High Court’s division bench restored the ban after which Sreesanth approached the Supreme Court. The apex court recommended the Indian cricket board to reduce the punishment term and in August 2019, BCCI ombudsman DK Jain reduced the life ban to 7 years.

Apart from Sreesanth and Samson, players like Robin Uthappa, Jalaj Saxena, Basil Thampi and Sachin Baby have also been included in the list.

Here is Kerala probables list for SMAT 2021:

S Sreesanth, Basil Thampi, Jalaj Saxena, Robin Uthappa, Vishnu Vinod, Salman Nizar, Nidheesh M D, Asif KM, Akshay Chandran, Abhishek Mohan SL, Vinoop S Manoharan, Mohammed Azharuddeen M, Rohan S Kunnummal, Midhun S, Vathsal? Govind Sharma, Sreeroop M P, Midhun PK, Rojith KG.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.