(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India pacer Umran Malik is all set to replace Shivam Mavi for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled in Hangzhou, from September 23 to October 8. Mavi, who was earlier announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the squad for the tournament, is currently injured and unfit to play.
Mavi has played only six T20Is for India, taking seven wickets. He made his debut for India in January 2023 and last played in February against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.
According to an Indian Express report, BCCI selectors had preferred to send Yash Thakur, a 24-year-old right-arm pacer, who played for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, and had a good season. However, Thakur is also dealing with an injury, leaving selectors with no choice but to consider selecting Umran.
Umran, who has represented India in 10 ODIs and eight T20Is, has claimed 13 and 11 wickets respectively. He was dropped from the T20I team recently but is now set to participate in the upcoming Asian Games.
Notably, this will be the first time that India will send their cricket team to participate in the Asian Games. The team will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad along with head coach VVS Laxman.
All the matches will be played in the T20I format at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have already qualified for the quarter-finals due to their rankings. India’s first match in the Asian Games is on October 3.