But did not rule out "chances of match-fixing" and involvement of individuals.
'I was driven constantly to get better and actualise that potential. I never at any moment felt that the dream (of playing for India) sort of running away from me.'
The new playing condition rules laid down by the International Cricket Council left Indian and Australian cricketers confused after it was applied in the rain-hit first Twenty20 International in Ranchi on Saturday.
Batsmen Cameron Bancroft has been charged by the International Cricket Council and Smith told reporters that it was a deliberate plan from the "leadership group" of the side, but added he would not step down as captain.
Suryakumar Yadav, the architect of India's 40-run victory over Hong Kong, was left humbled by the 'heartwarming' gesture from Virat Kohli who doffed his hat to his compatriot following his sensational knock in the Asia Cup match on Wednesday.
'We would be shooting in the foot if we don't play Pakistan in the World Cup. Our aim should be to ostracise Pakistan as a cricketing nation'
South Africa skipper Dean Elgar says he was initially "shocked" at Quinton de Kock's sudden retirement from Test cricket, but insisted that the team will take the setback in its stride and strive to level the ongoing series against India.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to add two more teams to the main draw of the reinstated World T20 in 2018, a report said. The development followed after a meeting of Associate nations during the first day of ICC's annual conference in Edindurgh on Wednesday. According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, there were also indications that the representatives of the Associate nations on the ICC board may get full voting rights as well.
PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan on Thursday welcomed ICC's decision to shift the venue for the marquee Indo-Pak World T20 clash from Dharamsala to Kolkata but kept the Pakistan team's departure on hold awaiting an assurance from the Indian government. "Both men and women teams (departure) have been deferred. I have also informed this to the government because it has asked for my opinion," Shaharyar said at a press conference. Shaharyar's response came after ICC announced in New Delhi the relocation of Indo-Pak tie on March 19 from Dharamsala to Kolkata due to security reasons. "I have told them that Kolkata is fine as venue and we welcome and appreciate it. But the Indian government from their side must also give us an assurance on the danger," the PCB chief said.
Hope says he has it in him to do well again when West Indies take on England in a bio-secure environment.
Kohli was in pain during Melbourne Test and was also seen having a taping on his waist while fielding but he has now learnt to manage it.
Man Of The Match Shaheen Afridi stole the show on Sunday with his brilliant bowling against India. The Pakistani pacer sent back the in-form opening pair of K L Rahul and Rohit Sharma with unplayable balls to set the tone for Pakistan's imposing victory by 10 wickets.
Captain William Porterfield has refused to write off Ireland's chances of qualifying for the World Twenty20 Super 10 stage in India after Wednesday's shock loss to Oman left them needing to win both their remaining Group A games. Ireland were unable to defend 154 for five as Oman marked their debut in a major International Cricket Council (ICC) event by sealing victory with two balls to spare after needing 14 runs off the last over. "It's very disappointing and hard to take but to a large extent, it's still in our own hands," Porterfield told British media. Ireland face full-member nation Bangladesh in Dharamsala on Friday before they take on the Netherlands at the same venue two days later. Only the group winners will progress to the Super 10 stage.
West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell is counting down the days until the team's two-week isolation comes to an end
Ishant last played in an ODI in 2016 and a T20 International match in 2013.
Hardik said he believes in taking ownership on the field.
Rohit acknowledged that the road is tough for the youngsters, trying to find a place in this formidable Indian set up.
England's cricketers must take responsibility for their actions and improve their off-field behaviour or risk turning a younger generation of players away from the game, all-rounder Moeen Ali said.
Wins over higher-ranked sides will also earn more points than successes over minor teams.
'Unbelievable. If you want controversy, please tell me before so I can answer accordingly'
ICC chief Ehsan Mani said the tournament could be staged elsewhere if England fail to tour Zimbabwe.
Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Saturday clarified the Punjab government's decision to withdraw his nomination for this year's Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award as he doesn't fit in the eligibility criteria for country's highest sporting honour.
England's limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan says giving fans the chance to watch live cricket on television, even if the matches took place without spectators, would help boost morale during the coronavirus pandemic. The England and Wales Cricket Board has suspended all professional cricket until May 28 but is looking at the possibility of playing internationals behind closed doors.
'He was literally a founding father of our cricket. May he rest in peace'
India could lose out on hosting the 2021 Champions Trophy if the government doesn't allow tax exemption on the event.
'I'm really looking forward to going out and watching him play this week, but he's deserved his opportunity'
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed disappointment at South Africa captain Faf du Plessis's decision to lodge an appeal after he was found guilty of a ball-tampering in the second Test against Australia.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan on Monday admitted that the planned series between the two nations in the United Arab Emirates in December is in 'real danger' and said that he plans to travel to India next month to discuss the issue.
'He has shown how consistent he is.'
Indian Cricket Board feel that President-elect Sourav Ganguly's cordial relations with both players and officials in Bangladesh cricket might help in salvaging the situation.
Lauding the affable demeanour of the Kane Williamson-led side, Kohli said they are great ambassadors for the sport.
Ganguly said Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has confirmed her presence at Eden Gardens
The 34-year-old replaced Iftikhar Ahmed, who managed only 44 runs in four innings in the recent tour of Australia where Pakistan lost both Tests.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said that it would file a compensation claim against the Board of Control for Cricket in India with the International Cricket Council's disputes resolution committee in January next year.
England Lions cricketer Ben Duckett was suspended for pouring a drink on a senior England player reported to be paceman James Anderson after an argument in a Perth bar.
West Indies batsman Darren Sammy and Ireland pace bowler John Mooney were each fined 30 percent of their match fee for swearing during their World Cup match in New Zealand on Monday.
Disgraced Australia former vice-captain David Warner's wife Candice blamed herself for her husband's part in the ball-tampering scandal, adding that the taunts they faced in South Africa took a huge toll.
It was a letter of April 2014 sent by the then Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Narayanaswami Srinivasan to Pakistan Cricket Board which bound India to a commitment to play Pakistan this month, leading to the present dilemma in the establishment.
BJP sources said Gambhir may be fielded from the New Delhi constituency, currently represented by the party's Meenakshi Lekhi.
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