Cricket History and Facts

Shahid Afridi, known for his aggressive batting style, holds the record for hitting the most sixes against India in ODI cricket. Younis Khan and Salman Butt are more classical batsmen. Misbah-ul-Haq is also a skilled batsman but not known for maximum sixes.

M.S. Dhoni captained the Indian cricket team to victory in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007. Yuvraj Singh was a key player but not captain, Rahul Dravid had stepped down from captaincy earlier that year, and Sourav Ganguly was the previous ODI captain.

The full version of the Indian National Anthem takes approximately 52 seconds to perform when sung at the proper tempo. This is the standard duration for the complete five-stanza version.

The short version of the Indian National Anthem takes approximately 20 seconds to perform. This abbreviated version is commonly used for official ceremonies and events where time constraints exist.

Amol Muzumdar broke the record held by Amarjeet Kaypee (7,623 runs)

The BCCI expelled Services from this year’s Ranji Trophy cricket tournament after they forfeited their first-round match against Jammu and Kashmir at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar citing security reasons. The Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) cricket team was scheduled to play a Ranji Trophy game against Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) at Srinagar from Nov. 3 to 6, 2009.

The BCCI expelled Services from this year's Ranji Trophy cricket tournament after they forfeited their first-round match against Jammu and Kashmir at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar citing security reasons. The Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) cricket team was scheduled to play a Ranji Trophy game against Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) at Srinagar from Nov 3 to 6, 2009.

Mohammad Azharuddin made a unique record by scoring centuries in his first three Test matches (100, 105, and 122) against England in 1984-85. This remains a world record for consecutive centuries on debut.

In the inaugural 2009 Champions League Twenty20, only 3 IPL teams participated - Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Deccan Chargers (the 2008 IPL finalists and winner). This was because the tournament was limited to top teams from domestic competitions.

Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket - 400 not out against England in 2004. This surpassed his own previous record of 375. Hayden scored 380, but Lara's 400* remains the highest.

ESPN acquired Cricinfo from Wisden Group in 2007. Wisden Group had owned Cricinfo since they acquired it in 2005. The acquisition strengthened ESPN's digital sports presence in cricket markets.