Cricket news round-up – December 11: Hardik Pandya sets India comeback date

Hardik Pandya, the India all-rounder, sidelined with a back problem since the World Cup, has revealed his comeback plans. Elsewhere, Nasir Jamshed, the former Pakistan batsman, has pleaded guilty to corruption, and ICC chairman Shashank Manohar is “not interested” in extending his role.

Hardik Pandya sets comeback date

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is aiming to return to the field “midway” through India’s clash against New Zealand, starting at the end of January.

Pandya underwent a back surgery in October, and is in rehabilitation. As per his return plan, he is expected to feature in New Zealand to a certain degree, before playing the full IPL in order to be ready for the T20 World Cup in October.

Pandya revealed he had been carrying the injury for five years, but decided to have the surgery as his performances were being affected. “I could have done the surgery a month later, but it would not have helped me in any way,” he said. “I was feeling the difference in my back and wasn’t able to take it.”

Nasir Jamshed pleads guilty to PSL bribery

Nasir Jamshed, the former Pakistan batsman, has pleased guilty to attempting to bribe fellow cricketers in the PSL. He will be sentenced in February.

Jamshed, banned for 10 years by the PCB in August, was arrested in February 2017 on charges of corruption in the PSL. He is standing trial at Manchester Crown Court, and on Tuesday, decided to change his not-guilty plea to guilty.

Jamshed played seven Tests, 48 ODIs and 18 T20Is for Pakistan between 2012 and 2015.

Bryce Parsons named South Africa captain for U19 World Cup

Bryce Parsons, the 17-year-old all-rounder, has been named captain of South Africa’s 15-man squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 at home.

Gerald Coetzee, who played the previous edition of the tournament, also features in the side, along with Khanya Cotani, the right-hand batsman and vice-captain.

Squad: Bryce Parsons (c), Khanya Cotani (vc), Luke Beaufort, Jonathan Bird, Merrick Brett, Achille Cloete, Gerald Coetzee, Tyrese Karelse, Mondli Khumalo, Jack Lees, Andrew Louw, Levert Manje, Odirile Modimokoane, Pheko Moletsane, Tiaan van Vuuren

Shashank Manohar will not seek re-election as ICC chairman

Shashank Manohar, the ICC chairman, has indicated he will not seek to continue in the role once his term ends in May 2020.

Manohar has the option of serving for another two years, but according to The Hindu, he said: “I am not interested in continuing for another two-year term.”

“Majority of directors have requested me to continue but I have told them that I do not wish to,” Manohar said. “I have been the chairman for nearly five years. I am very clear, I do not want to continue from June 2020. My successor will be known next May. He has to be elected in May to take charge after me at the annual conference.”