All-rounder quits international cricket, Kohli recommended for prestigious award, and more - Cricket News Today - 17 September 2018

The world of cricket was abuzz today with news regarding the Asia Cup, Virat Kohli's absence from India's Asia Cup squad, and more.

A South African all-rounder decided to call it quits from international cricket and go the Kolpak way as well.

Let's take a look at today's trending cricket news:

#5 Emails between Star and BCCI leaked

A couple of days ago, reports had emerged regarding a rift between Star Sports and BCCI due to Virat Kohli's absence from India's Asia Cup squad.

Today, an email exchange between the two bodies was leaked, about the same issue.

Star mentioned that Kohli's absence from the squad would affect their revenues from the tournament.

Sunil Manohar from Star had written the email:

“In our view, this announcement about the absence of one of the world’s best batsmen from Asia Cup, only 15 days before the commencement of the Asia Cup, is a serious dent to us and will severely impact our ability to monetize and generate revenues from the tournament."

“In light of the ACC’s contractual obligations under the MRA as highlighted above and the serious ramifications on our business on account of the absence of the best available Indian team, we hereby request you to get in touch with BCCI at the earliest to ensure that the ACC’s obligations under the MRA are met."

“We would like to bring to your notice that our media rights agreement dated June 29, 2017, with the ACC requires that the ACC ensures that the best available teams from each participating nation, including India, should form a part of the Asia Cup."

This was the reply by BCCI CEO Rahul Johri:

“Please also take note that selection of the best available team for participation in a tournament is the sole prerogative of the selection committee of BCCI. It is not open for Asian Cricket Council or its broadcaster to insist on the selection of any particular player and/or to question the expert opinion of the Selection Committee as to which is the best available team for a particular tournament.”

“Needless to add, this email is being issued without prejudice to BCCI’s rights and contentions in law, all of which are expressly reserved.”

“Virat Kohli has been the most prolific run scorer in world cricket in the recent past. His presence in the Indian team and his aggressive captaincy has a dramatic impact on the outcome of each event," the Star official maintained.

#4 Wayne Parnell quits international cricket and goes the Kolpak way

South African international cricketer Wayne Parnell decided to call it quits from international cricket and go the Kolpak way.

He will join Worcestershire - the club with which he played for in the Vitality T20 Blast.

He last played a match for South Africa against Bangladesh in October 2017.

He joins a long list of South African cricketers who have done the same.

"This is probably the toughest decision I've had to make in my career," Parnell told ESPNcricinfo. "Of course this wasn't an overnight decision, it's a very difficult decision and I am fully aware and understand the pros and cons of it. I have always enjoyed playing for my country since making my debut. I'd like to thank everybody who has supported me through thick and thin, my family, my friends.

#3 Rohit Sharma addresses India's middle-order problems

Team India's stand-in captain Rohit Sharma spoke about India's middle-order prior to their first Asia Cup encounter against Honk Kong on September 18.

He said that their aim will be to identify players for the number four and six slot during the tournament.

"Lot of spots are up for grabs like Nos 3, 4 and 6. All these guys (Kedar, Manish, Rayudu) are eyeing for those slots. We want to give chances to as many guys for this particular series. In this tournament, we need to seal the batting slot Nos 4 and 6,"

Rohit also spoke about the two players making a comeback to the side - Ambati Rayudu and Kedar Jadhav.

"They are both important members of this team. Rayudu was originally part of England series and similarly Kedar before his injury. It was unfortunate that they couldn't play for some time and I am very happy that both are back in the team. I expect them to win matches for India," said Rayudu.

#2 Virat Kohli recommended for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award

A huge achievement for Indian captain Virat Kohli as he has been recommended for the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

Along with world champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, Kohli was recommended for the sporting honour.

"Yes, Virat Kohli and Mirabai Chanu's names have been by the awards committee," a top source told The Times of India.

If the recommendation goes through, Kohli will be the third cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni to receive the honour.

#1 Wasim Akram and Sunil Gavaskar discuss Kohli's absence from Asia Cup

Speaking at an event called "Salaam Cricket 2018", former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Wasim Akram spoke about Virat Kohli's absence from India's Asia Cup squad.

"Kohli has been rested and that is the right decision. When Gavaskar, Azhar and Tendulkar did not play, I was high on confidence. The Pakistan bowlers will be psychologically boosted with Kohli being rested," Akram said at the first session, named 'Diggajon Ki Nazar Se' of the event.

Gavaskar felt that Kohli might have been the one to ask for the break.

"Virat's absence will be crucial," felt Gavaskar.

Maybe Virat himself suggested he himself be given a break from this. The tiredness is mental more than physical. Mentally, maybe with what happened in England, maybe the better idea is for Virat to take a break and take it easy," he continued.