LONDON: Reminiscing about his gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis said the inclusion of women’s cricket in the quadrennial event is fantastic news as it will provide the players with much needed exposure.
Women’s cricket is set to be part of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games after the Commonwealth Games Federation nominated its inclusion in the 2022 edition.
The nomination was made at the Executive Board meeting of the CGF in Birmingham. The decision, however, is yet to be ratified by the CGF members.
“It’s fantastic news that women’s T20 cricket could be returning to the Commonwealth Games, it’s been far too long,” Kallis wrote in his column for the ICC.
Cricket has made just one appearance at the CWG previously, with 16 men’s teams playing the ODI format in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
“Even back in 1998 there was talk about the event being a 20-over competition, so it’s finally come true it seems.”
With Cricket enjoying a strong fan base in the Commonwealth nations, including Australia, India, South Africa and New Zealand, Kallis feels the T20 will fit perfectly in the CWG.
“That format of T20 lends itself perfectly to an event like the Commonwealth Games, which is over in a couple of weeks. And cricket is so loved in the Commonwealth too,” Kallis wrote.
“It’s a great idea to get it back in the event and give the sport and the women’s players that exposure. I just hope cricket will now establish itself at the event.”
In 1998, South Africa had stood top of the podium. Australia had clinched the silver medal while New Zealand had bagged the bronze.
“I was only a youngster and I just remember being really excited to get the call-up. Our team was captained by Shaun Pollock and included the likes of Makhaya Ntini, Mark Boucher and Hershelle Gibbs,” Kallis recollects.
“When you look back at the team now it was the core of players that took South Africa forward in the next few years.”
Kallis considers returning home with the gold medal as one of the highlights of his career and said the podium finish helped boost confidence of the team that went on to win the Champions Trophy later that year.
“When I look back on my career that chance to play for South Africa at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur is right up there. Winning a gold gave us loads of confidence and we won the Champions Trophy in Bangladesh later that year too,” he wrote.
Chasing 183 to win against Australia in the final, Kallis’ watchful knock off 44 from 96 balls saw South Africa through to 184/6 with four overs to spare.
“The final against Australia was magnificent and I’ve very fond memories of getting the gold medal. It certainly ranks right up there in all of my cricket memories.” (AGENCIES)
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MENTAL HAI KYA-TITLE-CHANGE
‘Mental Hai Kya’ becomes ‘Judgementall Hai Kya’ after uproar
MUMBAI, June 29:
Balaji Telefilms on Saturday said that it has decided to change the title of its upcoming feature “Mental Hai Kya” after the censor board reportedly raised objections.
The Prakash Kovelamudi-directed thriller, starring Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut, has been at the receiving end for quite some time with many people calling the title derogatory and insensitive to mentally-challenged persons.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the banner said the film’s title has been changed to “Judgementall Hai Kya”.
“Given the sensitivity attached to the issue of mental health and our intention of not offending or hurting anyone’s sentiments, the makers have decided to change the title of the film ‘Mental Hai Kya’ to ‘Judgementall Hai Kya’.
“Both Kangana and Rajkummar have outdone themselves in this thriller and we can’t wait for audiences to witness it on the big screen,” the spokesperson said.
The representative added that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had raised minor objections to the film while giving it a U/A certificate and the producers have complied with them.
“With the CBFC clearance, the film is all set to release on July 26,” the spokesperson said.
On Thursday, Kangana had confirmed that the film’s title will be changed.
“There will be a mild, small change in the title of the film. Because they find it a bit too harsh. And we are more than happy to do that. Other than that there are absolutely no cuts. They were rather thrilled to see the film,” Kangana had told reporters.
Earlier, Members of the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) had written a letter to the
CBFC seeking a change in the title, stating that they find it derogatory and demeaning to the mentally ill people.
The makers had denied that the film discriminates against people battling mental health issues and in fact, encourages the audience to embrace their individuality.
Producer Ekta Kapoor had recently defended the film’s title, saying it doesn’t intend to offend or disregard anyone’s sentiments. (agencies)
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