Find the latest cricket news globally on Wisden’s daily wrap of stories and updates from the cricketing world for January 10, 2024.

Rahul Dravid clarifies Ishan Kishan’s omission from AFG T20Is not due to disciplinary reasons

Ishan Kishan’s absence from the T20Is against Afghanistan led to plenty of question marks with no clarity over why the opener was dropped. Reports later emerged that Kishan was not picked due to disciplinary issues. According to various news outlets, Kishan requested a break from the South Africa Test series due to mental fatigue and to spend time with his family instead. Videos of him partying in Dubai reportedly irked the management, who did not select Kishan for the Afghanistan series, for which he made himself available.

Dravid, however, clarified: “No, [it is] absolutely not [a disciplinary issue]. Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested a break, which we agreed on in South Africa. We supported it. He has not yet made himself available.”

Dinesh Karthik signs up as batting consultant for England Lions

Dinesh Karthik will join the England Lions team as a batting consultant for nine days ahead of their series against India A. England A will play four red-ball games against India A, which will begin on January 12. The England Lions will be coached by Neil Killeen, Richard Dawson, Carl Hopkinson, Ian Bell and Graeme Swann.

Reports: Babar Azam likely to bat in the middle order in NZ T20Is

Pakistan are likely to play with a new opening pair in the New Zealand T20Is, with Mohammad Rizwan partnering Saim Ayub in the first game on January 12. Babar, who has opened in 77 of his 98 innings is likely to bat at No.3. Reports also suggest the management were keen to push Rizwan down the order, but the wicketkeeper managed to keep his place at the top.

ICC men’s Test rankings: Kohli rises to No.6, highest since March 2022

Virat Kohli has regained his best Test ranking since March 2022, climbing to No.6 after scoring 172 runs in four innings against South Africa. India skipper Rohit Sharma climbed into the top 10 with the batting list led by Kane Williamson.

Usman Khawaja displays dove and olive branch symbols on kits in BBL

After being stopped from wearing shoes with a humanitarian message raising awareness of the Gaza conflict by the ICC, Usman Khawaja wore a shoe with the dove symbol and carried a bat with the symbols as well during the BBL game against Perth Scorchers. Khawaja was denied from sporting the symbols during the Pakistan Test series by the ICC due to their clause on messages related to political, religious or racial activities or causes. The ICC has no say in matters in the BBL with it being a domestic tournament.

Reports: WPL to be played in Delhi, Bengaluru

According to reports, the second edition of the Women’s Premier League will be played in Delhi and Bengaluru. After the first edition was held in Mumbai last year, the BCCI is looking to expand the league, a BCCI source told ANI. The 2024 WPL is likely to begin in the last week of February.

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