Cricket News Today: All-Star game unlikely to happen before start of IPL, Virat Kohli’s men on the verge of creating record and more - 20th February 2020

Hello and welcome to the daily round-up of all the major stories happening in the cricketing world today.

First up is the IPL All-Star game getting called off, followed by the Indian team on the verge of creating another record. Neil Wagner has been ruled out of the first Test versus India while Kane Williamson to reveal the playing XI after one last look at the pitch. And lastly, Umar Akhal getting suspended under PCB’s anti-corruption code.

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Here is a look at those stories in detail.

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#1 All-Star game unlikely to happen before start of IPL

2019 IPL Final - Mumbai v Chennai

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly's brainchild, an IPL All-Star game, which was scheduled to be held on March 25th at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has been called off and is unlikely to take place before the start of the new IPL season.

IPL franchises from Northern and Eastern India (Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals) were to form a team to take on players from franchises belonging to Southern and Western India (Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad).

However, due to the franchises' continued reluctance and lack of communication between them and the BCCI have resulted in it being scrapped off before the start of IPL 2020.

“It is at least not happening before the start of the IPL.”

Full article: IPL 2020 | All-Star game unlikely to happen before the start of the tournament

#2 Virat Kohli’s men on the verge of creating record

If India manage to win the Wellington Test, they will win eight games on the trot

Virat Kohli's men will be taking on the Kiwis in Wellington as they look to break their record of winning seven consecutive Tests, by winning their eighth.

If India can achieve the feat, they will stand fourth in the list of longest winning streaks by teams in Test match cricket, the highest being the famous 16 wins achieved by the Australian team under former captains Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting.

India's record at Wellington has been far from impressive, winning one, drawing two, and losing four matches.

Full article: New Zealand vs India 2020: Virat Kohli’s men on the verge of creating record ahead of Wellington Test

#3 Neil Wagner ruled out of the first Test versus India

Neil Wagner has been in superb form for the Kiwis

New Zealand will miss the services of Test specialist Neil Wagner for the first Test against India as he is awaiting the birth of his child, as per the reports. Matt Henry has been called in as a replacement for the 33-year-old veteran.

Wagner was set to join the Kiwi bowling duet of Tim Southee and Trent Boult and will now join them in the second Test beginning February 29 in Christchurch.

In 47 Tests, Wagner has claimed 204 wickets at an impressive average of 26.63 with nine five-wicket hauls.

Full article: New Zealand vs India 2020: Neil Wagner ruled out of the first Test against India

#4 Williamson to confirm playing XI after having last look at pitch

Kane Williamson will have the final say on the playing XI on the day of the game after looking at the pitch

After two whitewashes going either way in the T20I and ODI series, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson hasn't revealed his cards as he wants to have a last look at the pitch in Wellington before the match starts on February 21.

With Neil Wagner ruled out of the first Test due to family reasons, Williamson isn't sure of the playing XI and wants to be sure of the wicket before revealing his cards. Either Kylie Jamieson or Matt Henry will complete the fast-bowling unit that comprises of Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

“We just want to have another look at this surface."

“It’s got a different look to what we’re used to seeing here at the Basin.”

“The qualities that he (Wagner) brings are quite unique but you then bring in a guy (Jamieson) who targets slightly different areas, coming from a slightly different height as well."

Full article: New Zealand vs India 2020: Kane Williamson to confirm playing XI after having one last look at the pitch

#5 Umar Akmal suspended by PCB

Umar Akmal

One of Pakistan's most controversial cricketers, Umar Akmal has been suspended by Pakistan Cricket Board's anti-corruption unit under article 4.7.1.

The suspension means that Akmal will miss the fifth edition Pakistan Super League where he was set to represent reigning champions Quetta Gladiators. The details of the matter are yet to be disclosed by PCB.

Article 4.7.1 of PCB’s anti-corruption code says,

“The board shall have the discretion, in circumstances where it considers that the integrity of the sport could otherwise be seriously undermined, to Provisionally Suspend the Participant pending the Anti-Corruption Tribunals determination of whether he/she has committed an offense.”

Full article: Umar Akmal suspended under PCB’s anti-corruption code