David Warner mocked, Windies not allowed to train in India, and more - Cricket News Today, 24 September 2018

Despite no matches taking place today in the Asia Cup, the cricketing world was abuzz with a lot of news from around the world.

There were reports about a bookie approaching an Afghanistan cricketer, update about Moeen Ali's 'Osama' allegation, amongst much other news.

The Vijay Hazare Trophy continued today as well, however, most of the matches were washed out due to incessant rains in Mumbai.

Let's take a look at the trending news from today:

#5 Angelo Matthews hits back at Sri Lanka cricket

Angelo Matthews, who was asked to give up his captaincy after Sri Lanka's dismal performance in the Asia Cup, hit back at his cricketing board, saying that he was made the scapegoat for Sri Lanka's performances in the cup.

He was the captain of the side from 2013 to 2017 but had stepped down after that. The Board tried out a lot of captains since then, none of whom were able to garner a lot of success. Hence, Matthews was made the captain for the Asia Cup.

Here is what he said in his letter to the Sri Lankan Cricket board:

"Though I was initially surprised, it was immediately felt that I have been made the scapegoat in this entire saga of Sri Lanka's dismal performances against Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. "I'm willing to take part of the blame but at the same time, feel betrayed and let down if the blame is solely put on me.

As you know all decisions are taken through a mutual understanding with the Selectors and the Head Coach. And though I do not agree with the reasoning that the losses should be accrued single handed to the captaincy, I however eagerly and wholeheartedly respect the request of the selection committee and the head coach in asking me to step down and do so with immediate effect," wrote in his resignation letter obtained by ESPNCricinfo.

#4 David Warner mocked for his celebration following century

Australian cricketer David Warner, who was banned for his involvement in the Sandpaper Gate saga, is currently playing club cricket in Australia.

In the New South Wales Premier Cricket tournament, Warner scored a 155 run knock to help his side clinch victory.

After reaching his century, he celebrated in his trademark fashion - jumping in the air before kissing his helmet.

However, former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum mocked him by saying he took it a little too seriously.

"Geez Davey! This celebration is the equivalent of Sir Ed Hillary giving it large climbing his front steps, post-Everest! Hahaha. @davidwarner." said McCullum in a tweet.

Geez Davey! This celebration is the equivalent of Sir Ed Hillary giving it large climbing his front steps, post Everest! Hahaha. @davidwarner https://t.co/uNq81O8JgT

— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) September 23, 2018

The Barmy Army, too, mocked his celebration.

#3 Cricket Australia closes investigation into Moeen Ali claim

A few days ago, Moeen Ali had claimed that he was called 'Osama' during the Ashes of 2015. He recalled the incident in his upcoming Autobiography.

Cricket Australia decided to take the matter forward and launch an investigation. However, after not finding enough evidence, they decided to close the matter. Moeen Ali too, felt that it happened a long time ago and decided to let things go.

"I'm not going to make too much of it, it was bloody three years ago, let's move on. [Cricket Australia] can do what they like I suppose, everyone has sort of forgotten about it and moved on since then. I don't see it as any real big deal. It was a hard-fought series. But no, I thought [relations after that point] were OK. You're not party to what goes on out on the field and certainly, nothing else was reported or anything through that series so we just left it at that,” Moeen said to the Daily Telegraph.

#2 Adil Rashid signs one year contract with Yorkshire

Adil Rashid, who recently made a comeback to Test cricket, signed a one-year all-format contract with county club Yorkshire.

Earlier this year, Rashid wanted to solely focus on white ball cricket. However, after playing in the Test series against India, he was told that he has to play 4-day cricket in order to be eligible for selection into the Test squad in 2019

"There's been a lot of talk and speculation but Adil is a very valuable cricketer for us," said Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon.

"Now he's in the Test team, how much he'll be available for us next season is unclear. But when he is available we'd be delighted to have him and for him to be part of what would hopefully be a successful summer.

"For now, it will just be for a year because it's still not clear what career path he's going to take. He's back in the Test team and continues to do well, so we'll see where that takes us. Obviously going into 2020 and with the new competition, players are waiting to see how that will affect contracts.

#1 Windies not allowed to train in India

The West Indies cricket team, who are due to tour India next month, were not allowed to practise in India. Instead, the BCCI have told them to practice in Dubai.

West Indies' coach Stuart Law lamented the move.

"We tried to get to India but we were told that there weren’t any places available for us. It would have been nice to be in India. There would have been less travel,” Law said to The Times of India.

“The ICC Global Academy said they have cricket going on and thus offered us to come over here. But what you have to take we have got. We are enjoying ourselves,” he added.

However, BCCI defended their action by saying that it is difficult to accommodate them given the number of domestic teams playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

“We have so many teams this season. To accommodate them at a time when the domestic season has got underway would always be difficult”.