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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday, July 18 announced the squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. What caught the limelight was Suryakumar Yadav piping all-rounder Hardik Pandya to be named India’s captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma. Moreover, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return for the ODI series after reports revealed Gautam Gambhir requesting the senior players to be a part of the tour.
In this article, we will go through all the big news that took place on Thursday, July 18. But, before that, let’s take a look at the matches scheduled to take place today.
Today’s match preview
Women’s Asia Cup 2024: India Women vs Pakistan Women
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women will take on Pakistan Women in the second match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, which gets underway in Sri Lanka from today, July 19. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. India and Pakistan have been placed in the same group, Group A, alongside Nepal and the United Arab Emirates.
Major cricket events that happened on Thursday, July 18
Hardik Pandya removed as India vice-captain ahead of SL tour
Hardik Pandya has been removed as the vice-captain of the Indian team ahead of the tour to Sri Lanka. Ahead of the squad announcement for Sri Lanka, reports revealed that BCCI is moving away from Pandya in a leadership role. The decision was taken because of Pandya's injury history and availability for the majority of matches.
BCCI announces India squad for T20I and ODI tour to Sri Lanka
The Men’s Selection Committee announced India’s squads for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Team India will play three T20Is and as many ODIs in the series. The T20I leg of the series, which will take place in Pallekele, kicks off on July 27th while the ODIs will start on August 02.
Natasa Stankovic and Hardik Pandya announce divorce
Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic have officially announced their separation. The development was confirmed via Stankovic's Instagram post explaining the tough decision taken by the couple. Through the 2024 IPL, rumours about a possible rift between the couple surfaced and raised a lot of attention from the media and fans. But no official statement was made by either individual.
Virat Kohli spotted with son Akaay at flower shop in London
Indian batting great Virat Kohli was spotted at a flower shop with his family in London. After the post-World Cup festivities, the 35-year-old jetted to London. He is enjoying a peaceful time with his wife Anushka and two children, Vamika and Akaay. The couple were spotted at a Keertan and then were seen with their kids at a flower shop.
Kevin Sinclair to replace Gudakesh Motie in 2nd Test against England
West Indies have made a late change to their XI for the second Test against England. A CWI spokesperson revealed that Gudakesh Motie will be absent from the playing XI as he is unwell. The CWI spokesperson said, "Gudakesh Motie has been replaced in the originally announced team by Kevin Sinclair."
Deepti Sharma returns to Hundred; signs with London Spirit
Deepti Sharma, the Indian all-rounder, will be returning to the Hundred after signing with the London Spirit as the injury replacement for Grace Harris. This will be the second time for the 26-year-old representing the London Spirit in the Women’s Hundred after a fruitful inaugural season of the tournament way back in 2021.
