Update on IPL 2019 schedule, Neesham's response to Dhoni run-out and more - Cricket News Today, 3rd February 2019

Welcome to Sportskeeda's Cricket News Today, a section that summarizes trending news topics of the day from the world of cricket.

There seems to be no shortage of cricketing action across the globe - India completed a comprehensive 4-1 ODI win against NZ, while West Indies continued their good work against England in the whites. Elsewhere, T20s are in full flow in Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa.

At Sportskeeda, fans will always be in touch with the sport. Be it match day or even a boring, non-match day, there's loads to catch up on the cricketing front.

Here are some of the headlines from the world of cricket:

Reports: IPL schedule to be released on February 4

The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League is less than a month and a half away, but the BCCI has still not released the entire schedule of the T20 tournament. If recent reports in the Mumbai Mirror are to be believed, the BCCI will release a 'provisional' schedule, which could be subject to change.

There was a lot of buzz surrounding IPL 2019's venue, especially because of the upcoming General Elections that will coincide with the usual dates of the IPL. In the past, the IPL has been held in South Africa and the UAE (partially) due to clashes with voting dates.

The 2019 season is set to begin on March 23.

# Neesham responds to Dhoni run-out on Twitter

Neesham reacts after being run-out in the 5th ODI

New Zealand's James Neesham, known for his dry humour on Twitter as much for his all-round cricketing skills, was at it again, this time while responding to tweets regarding his dismissal in the 5th India-New Zealand ODI.

Neesham was run-out by Dhoni in bizarre fashion - when the fielding team was busy appealing for an LBW decision, Dhoni collected the ball and hit the stumps, finding Neesham, who had ventured out of his batting crease, short.

In no time, Neesham was on Twitter, responding to some of the messages on his dismissal.

Thanks for all the advice. Figure out where the ball is, then run. Gotcha 👍

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) February 3, 2019

Oh the replay showed that I saw the ball? Amazing cameras they have these days to see my eyeballs 🙄 https://t.co/8Ym6w9Kct6

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) February 3, 2019

Always a sport, Jimmy Neesham.

# Sachin Tendulkar picks his World Cup 2019 favourites

Sachin during the ICC Champions Trophy last in 2017

A few days after Rahul Dravid stated that India are definite favourites for the 2019 World Cup, his former teammate Sachin Tendulkar picked his top contenders for the tournament.

Calling India as one of the favourites, Tendulkar told PTI that England and New Zealand can also turn out to be tough contenders.

“I have gone on record saying that we have a perfect balance in the team where we will be competitive in any part of the world or on any surface. As far as our chances are concerned, I will not hesitate in saying that we are the favourites,”

“It’s all about getting the early momentum. My judgement on the toughest contenders would be England, while New Zealand would be the dark horse,” he added.

# Security concerns force swap of India-Australia T20Is

India won the recent ODI series in Australia

Owing to security concerns, the Bengaluru T20I of the upcoming India-Australia T20I series has been shifted from 24th to 27th February, with Visakhapatnam now set to host the game on 24th.

In a statement, KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya said:

“The BCCI has agreed for the change in the dates. The Andhra Cricket Association also has agreed to swap the match. Hence, Bengaluru will be hosting the match on February 27 instead of 24”.

The Aero India 2019 air show, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, will end on the 24th, the original date of the 1st T20I. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to be present for the closing day, the KSCA requested a change of date for the T20 game.