Cops alert ahead of India-Pakistan clash, Ponting's warning and more - Cricket News Today, 18th September 2018

India have finally begun their Asia Cup 2018 campaign but it is their upcoming clash against India-Pakistan that is making all the headlines. Cops in Bengaluru are on high alert with bookies attempting to cash in on the high-profile clash between the two fierce rivals.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed isn't a happy camper while Ravichandran Ashwin still harbours hopes of being in India's World Cup 2019 squad and a warning from former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.

Here are all of today's important developments from the cricket world.

Cops on high alert ahead of India-Pakistan clash

While everyone is eagerly awaiting for the India-Pakistan clash, cops in Bengaluru are also on high alert with betting activities slated to rise. The police are going the extra mile as well in an attempt to clamp down on the bookies, who will be looking to cash in on the highly-anticipated clash.

“Betting has not been so rampant in the city after continuous clamp-downs during the recent IPL matches. However, an India versus Pakistan match is being played after a long time and we are sure punters and bookies in the city will not let the opportunity go waste,” said a senior officer from the Central Crime Branch (CCB).

City police commissioner Suneel Kumar has alerted all the police stations to have their eyes wide open. “We have been receiving information about WhatsApp groups being formed to co-ordinate betting and also some of the regular bookies’ mobiles are suddenly active. So we are keeping an eye on all the old-time bookies, even though we know that Bengaluru might really not be the epicentre for betting rackets,” the officer said.

Ashwin hoping to play in World Cup 2019

Ashwin still hopeful of an ODI comeback

Ravichandran Ashwin may not have featured for India in limited-overs cricket this year but the off-spinner hasn't given up hopes of featuring for India in next year's World Cup. While he praised both Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep, he admitted that he is hopeful of making a comeback to the ODI side.

Speaking about his chances of making a comeback to the ODI side, Ashwin told India Today: "I do feel there will be a time for me at some stage. Because I didn't go out on account of bad performances. I'm always hopeful of what I can achieve in any given game. Like most of the others, I believe I can crack a game open with the way I bowl because I'm a very brave bowler. Keeping all these things in mind, World Cup is something which every cricketer wants to play and I do want to play it".

"If there is an opportunity and a window and if it does come my way I will have to be extremely prepared and extremely humble about the whole situation to be able to take it with both hands. Which I think I find myself in that space today and if it presents itself and India needs it, then why not. I'm still hopeful of it," added Ashwin.

Sarfraz unhappy with India's schedule

India were initially scheduled to play a few Super 4 matches in Abu Dhabi and the group games in Dubai but all of India's matches have been shifted to Dubai after BCCI's request. Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed isn't happy with this move.

“Even if India lose their matches, they will play in Dubai. If you have to travel during matches for one and a half hour. It is difficult. And then train in this weather… It should be even for all teams. If there are matches in Abu Dhabi, all teams should play there,” Sarfraz told Sport 360.

Ricky Ponting's warning for India

Ponting doesn't believe that it will be plain sailing for India in Australia

Ricky Ponting doesn't believe that this is the weakest Australian team and had a warning for India ahead of their tour Down Under. After a disappointing 4-1 loss to England, the former Australian captain believes that the nature wickets will determine how well India fare when they tour Australia.

While Ponting admitted that it is tough to point out an area in which India failed in England, he singled out Virat Kohli for praise and added that comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar are hard to make.

Speaking about India's chances to The Hindu, Ponting said: “I don't think it is the weakest Australian team. When India comes here we might have Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood back and that should help even though we will miss Warner and Smith at the top of the order. Most importantly, if the wickets help the pacers and the ball moves around, India will struggle. But if the wickets are flat like last summer during The Ashes, then India will be right in the equation.”