Former CSK star retires from cricket, Hardik Pandya in trouble and more - Cricket News Today, 9th January 2019 

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Hardik Pandya in trouble for his comments on Koffee With Karan

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been heavily criticized from all quarters on social media for his actions on the latest episode of Koffee With Karan in which he himself and his Indian teammate KL Rahul were the guests.

Hardik has been termed as a "sexist", "racist" and "misogynist" as he made some outrageous comments about women and his sexual activities. Realizing his mistake, the all-rounder immediately apologized for his actions as he put up a statement on his social media accounts.

"After reflecting on my comments on Koffee with Karan, I would like to apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in any way. Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone's sentiments. Respect," he posted.

However, the BCCI is not impressed with this as one senior official said that his apology won't get this issue to an end and asked Hardik to understand the duties and responsibilities of an international cricketer.

“This attempt at an apology does in no way bring the issue to closure. This merely shows how lightly he takes the gravely serious issue of respecting women. His conduct was unacceptable. He needs to understand the impact the utterances of an international cricketer have in this country but more importantly, he needs to learn how to differentiate between the right and the wrong. Right now he seems to merely respond to the outrage and not to his own thought process and conduct,” the senior BCCI official said.

Soon after, both Hardik and Rahul were given a show cause notice by the BCCI.

Pakistan's squad for South Africa series announced

Mohammad Amir

Pakistan have recalled fast bowler Mohammad Amir into the ODI squad for their upcoming five-match series in South Africa. Also returning to the 16-member squad is wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan. The squad will also have fresh faces in Hussain Talat, Shan Masood while Asif Ali and Junaid are not included in the side. Batsman Haris Sohail was not considered for selection after suffering an injury last month.

Pakistan will take on South Africa in a five-match ODI series that gets underway in Port Elizabeth on January 19, after the completion of the third match, which will start on January 11 at The Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Pakistan ODI Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c) (wk), Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Shoaib Malik and Usman Khan Shinwari

Teams to play just three home matches in IPL

IPL trophy

Yesterday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the IPL 2019 will be held in India despite the General Elections scheduled in April and also announced that the tournament is likely to get underway on March 23.

However, the tournament will not take place in the same format as it used to in the past as there will be a certain change in the schedules this time around. Each team might get only three home matches and they might have to play their remaining matches in neutral venues. The governing body will nominate several neutral venues to deny any clashing during the elections. The 2019 IPL schedule will be announced after the election dates are released.

It is expected that the tournament will go on till the third week of May, with the World Cup starting on May 30.

Albie Morkel announces retirement

Albie Morkel

South African all-rounder Albie Morkel has announced his retirement from cricket with immediate effect. This comes as a shock to many as he played in the recently-concluded Mzansi T20 league last month and was looking fit as a fiddle. The ex-Chennai Super Kings man made the decision public through social media and said that he will enjoy the game from the other side.

Morkel played 58 ODIs, 50 T20Is, and a solitary Test in an international career which was spread over a decade and he last represented South Africa in 2015, during a T20I against India. In the IPL, he has played for Chennai Superkings, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Rising Pune Supergiant.

"That’s the end for me and what a journey it’s been! Plenty of memories good and bad, but I was blessed with a very long career. Thanks @Titans_Cricket @OfficialCSA, will enjoy the game now from the other side," he said.