No Kohli for Asia Cup, Bangladesh star banned and more - Cricket News Today, 1st September 2018

Both India and Sri Lanka have announced their respective 16-member squads for the upcoming Asia Cup. With Virat Kohli rested due to workload concerns, Rohit Sharma will captain India. On the other hand, Sri Lanka have recalled experienced pacer Lasith Malinga.

In other news, Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman has received a six-month ban for allegedly threatening a fan on social media. Kerala Cricket Association has suspended five players and fined eight more for rebelling against captain Sachin Baby.

Here are all of today's important developments from the cricket world.

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Kerala Cricket Association suspends five players and fines eight more

Sanju Samson is among the eight players fined by the KCA

Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) have suspended five of the state players and imposed fine on eight more for showing dissent against captain Sachin Baby. For their role in a 'signature campaign' against their skipper, the quintet of Raiphi Gomez, Sandeep Warrier, Rohan Prem, Asif K and Mohammed Azharuddeen have been suspended for three matches in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Aside from the above-mentioned quintet, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Mohan, Akshay KC, Fabid Farook Ahmed, Nidheesh M D, Salman Nizar, Sijomon Joseph and VA Jagadeesh are the other eight players who received fines of three match fees.

KCA Secretary Sreejith Nair stated, "There was a deliberate intention to defame the captain as well as KCA. Hence, it was unanimously decided to impose a suspension on five and fines upon eight others for their misconduct."

Sabbir Rahman handed six-month ban from international cricket

Sabbir Rahman is under immense scrutiny for his conduct off the field

Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman has received a six-month ban from all international cricket. The Disciplinary Committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recommended the decision following the 26-year old's string of disciplinary issues off the field.

Sabbir's latest indiscretion, that has attracted the suspension, was a controversy involving social media wherein he allegedly abused a fan. The incident occurred during Bangladesh's ODI series in West Indies in July.

BCB Director Ismail Haider said, "We recommended a six month ban from international cricket and it will be implemented from tomorrow. He (Sabbir) is yet to play domestic cricket for his earlier ban that is expected to end this September. But today we had taken this decision for his Facebook post. Though he said that it was hacked, we don't have the mechanism to verify that."

Schedule announced for England's tour of West Indies

England will begin their tour of West Indies with a three-Test series

Cricket West Indies (CWI) have announced the complete schedule of England's tour of the Caribbean early next year. The visitors will play a solitary warm-up match ahead of the three-Test series spanning across January and February.

Following the conclusion of the third Test in St Lucia, England will take on West Indies for five ODIs. Barbados and Grenada will host two ODIs each. A three-match T20I series between the two teams will bring the tour to a close.

Full Schedule

January 15-18: Warm-up match - The Three Ws Oval in Barbados

January 23-27: 1st Test - Kensington Oval in Barbados

January 31-February 4: 2nd Test - Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua

February 9-13: 3rd Test - Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia

February 17: Warm-up match - The Three Ws Oval in Barbados

February 20: 1st ODI - Kensington Oval in Barbados

February 22: 2nd ODI - Kensington Oval in Barbados

February 25: 3rd ODI - National Cricket Stadium in Grenada

February 27: 4th ODI - National Cricket Stadium in Grenada

March 2: 5th ODI - Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia

March 5: 1st T20I - Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia

March 8: 2nd T20I - Warner Park in St Kitts

March 10: 3rd T20I - Warner Park in St Kitts

Sri Lanka recall Lasith Malinga for Asia Cup

Lasith Malinga's previous ODI appearance came against India during September 2017

Sri Lanka have offered a recall to veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga for their campaign in the 2018 Asia Cup. The 35-year old, whose last ODI appearance came against India during last September, finds a place in the 16-member squad.

Angelo Mathews leads a strong contingent featuring four specialist pacers and two seam bowling all-rounders. While Dinesh Chandimal returns after spending the South Africa series on the sidelines due to a four-match ban, Danushka Gunathilaka also makes a comeback into the squad following a six-match suspension.

Sri Lanka Squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhanajaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera and Lasith Malinga

Rohit Sharma to lead India in Asia Cup

Rohit Sharma will captain India in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli

India have rested regular skipper and batting mainstay Virat Kohli for the upcoming Asia Cup. Rohit Sharma will lead their 16-member squad for the tournament to be held in the United Arab Emirates. Fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan has been named vice-captain.

Promising left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has received his maiden call-up to the senior squad. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will return to action after recovering sufficiently from a back injury. Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Manish Pandey will compete for middle-order spots upon coming back into the ODI team.

India Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed and Shardul Thakur