Is Virat Kohli Retiring From Test Cricket?
Virat Kohli is likely to retire from Test cricket soon, while the PSL has been postponed indefinitely due to the India-Pakistan war tensions and foreign players’ safety concerns.
Last week, ISH News reported that Indian captain Rohit Sharma has retired from Test cricket and will now only play One Day Internationals (ODIs). Now, another big shock has come as Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he also wants to retire from Test cricket.
Kohli has reportedly shared this decision with BCCI before the five-match Test series in England, which is set to begin on 20th June. He has been discussing this with BCCI officials for the past one month. The board is trying to convince him to play the England series, but Kohli is standing firm on his decision.
According to sources, a very senior and influential person in Indian cricket — a former BCCI official — is expected to talk to Kohli and try to change his mind. This same person had also spoken to Rohit Sharma before his retirement from Test cricket.
While Kohli has not given any official reason, reports say his poor performance in Test matches in recent years could be the reason behind his decision. No official statement has been made by Kohli yet, and a final decision is expected before the team selection meeting next week.
If Kohli decides to retire, it will mark the end of a brilliant Test career that lasted 14 years.
PSL Postponed Indefinitely Due to War Situation; UAE Refuses to Host
ISH News had earlier reported that due to the war-like situation between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was planned to be shifted to the UAE. But now, fresh reports say that the PSL has been postponed indefinitely as the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has refused to host the tournament.
First, the ECB denied permission to use the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Later, they quoted a very high price, which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), already facing financial issues, could not afford.
According to media reports, the ECB's decision was influenced by its strong ties with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). These ties became stronger during the COVID-19 period when IPL matches were played in the UAE. An ECB official even said, “We owe it to the BCCI and Jay Bhai.”
Meanwhile, several foreign players in the PSL were very scared due to rising tensions. Australian players Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Ashton Turner, and Mitch Owen were taken out of Islamabad on a special flight to Dubai. Just hours after their flight, Indian forces reportedly struck the same military base they had left.
Bangladeshi cricketer Rishad Hossain shared how stressful the experience was for many players. He confirmed that all foreign players have now safely reached the UAE. He said England's Tom Curran “started crying like a little child” and New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell said he would “never go to Pakistan again.” Other players like Sam Billings, Kusal Perera, and David Wiese were also very scared by the sudden tensions.
IPL Suspended for a Week
As ISH News reported earlier, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has also been suspended for one week due to the tense situation. A final decision about the remaining matches will be announced soon.
Keep watching ISH News for all the latest updates.
