Shivam Mavi injured ahead of Asian Games; Umran Malik likely to be replacement | Cricket News

The Indian cricket team for the upcoming Asian Games has already had a casualty before the team gathers in Bangalore for a short camp. Pacer Shivam Mavi suffered an injury a few days ago and is all set to miss the continental games to be held next month in Hangzhou.

The nature of injury to Mavi is not known. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) senior selection committee will be picking his replacement in the coming days. The Indian Express understands that the selector wanted to send Yash Thakur, who was kept among the stand players, but the Vidarbha pacer has also injured his back. The selection committee is likely to pick Umran Malik as a replacement for Mavi.
The Indian team won’t be flying with reserve players due to strict rules followed the Indian contingent at the Asian Games village. The Indian team players have been called to Bangalore for a two week camp which will be monitored the National Cricket Academy (NCA). VVS Laxman will be coaching the second string Indian team along with Sariaj Bahutule as bowling coach and Munish Bali as fielding coach.
The Asian Games is to be held in China’s Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8 and the Indian team will be led Ruturaj Gaikwad. The BCCI earlier had cited prior commitments to skip Asian Games, however, later did a rethink and decided to field both men’s and women’s teams.
The men’s team will be a B squad because the main team will be in the midst of the 50-over World Cup to be played at home. The women’s cricket competition will take place from September 19-28 while the men’s competition will start from September 28-October 8. Both the competitions will be played in the T20 format.
Change in selection committee
The Indian board will witness one change in the senior selection committee going ahead. The Indian Express understands that former India pacer Salil Ankola, one of the selectors from West Zone, will have to make a way out of the current committee.
Most Read
1
Apple iPhone 2023 event highlights: The biggest announcements

2
India vs Sri Lanka Highlights, Asia Cup 2023: India beat Sri Lanka 41 runs to seal spot in final

See More

The board felt it can’t have two selectors from one zone. A few months ago, the body had appointed former India and Mumbai captain Ajit Agarkar as the new chairman of the selection committee.
As both Agarkar and Ankola hail from West Zone, the BCCI felt it will be better if Ankola’s term is not renewed after he completes his one year as senior selector.
The Indian board had given a one year contract to present selectors and they will have to re-apply in December this year. The current selection committee comprises Agarkar, SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, S Sharath and Ankola. It is learnt that during its annual general body meeting to be held in Goa, the BCCI will get it approved from the house that they will be inviting applications once the term gets over. At the same time, the board will place a revised pay cheque for the selection committee.