February 20 Evening Brief: Today's top news and headlines from the cricketing world

1. ‘500 balls per day’ - Coach reveals how Sarfaraz Khan honed his batting skills against spin bowling

One of the coaches who has seen Sarfaraz Khan’s growth from close quarters revealed that the 26-year-old used to play 500 deliveries each day and travelled a lot to play in diverse conditions. (READ MORE)

2. "Cameron Green buy made huge difference to their auction strategy" - Mike Hesson questions RCB's strategy for IPL 2024 auction

According to Mike Hesson, former Director of Cricket at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one move significantly changed the auction dynamics for the franchise. RCB's decision to acquire Australian all-rounder Cameron Green from Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade deal for a staggering ₹17.50 crore didn't convince Hesson much. (READ MORE)

3. 'Depends on the will of a player' - Mohammad Hafeez comes hard at Pakistani pacers citing workload management

Former Pakistani batter Mohammad Hafeez has criticised the decision by Pakistan's bowlers to prioritise workload management during his stint as team director. (READ MORE)

4. Nepal to tour India for a T20 tri-series ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

To fine-tune their skills for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the Nepal senior men's cricket team is all set to tour India for a T20 tri-series. (READ MORE)

5. ICC condoles former South African all-rounder Mike Procter’s demise

In a statement, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice remembered Procter as a great player and as one of the earliest full-time members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. (READ MORE) 

6. You have to be a guru and have to have a mindset of stillness: Matthew Hayden offers insights on surviving in Tests in India

Legendary Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden believes that India's comeback will pose a greater challenge for the Ben Stokes-led side. (READ MORE) 

7. "Tu baahar mil" - Manoj Tiwary recalls verbal spat with 'immature' Gautam Gambhir

Veteran batter Manoj Tiwary took a dig at Gautam Gambhir and called out his 'immature' behaviour during their verbal altercation in 2015. (READ MORE)

8. IND vs ENG 2024: Ravindra Jadeja dedicates Player of the Match award to wife Rivaba days after father's controversial claims

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja dedicated the Player of the Match award he received in the third Test against England in Rajkot to his spouse Rivaba. Jadeja made this endearing gesture days after his father, Anirudhsinh, said that the cricketer began acting differently with his family after his marriage. (READ MORE)

9. Kartik Aaryan, Sidharth Malhotra to perform at the opening ceremony of WPL 2024

The second edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 is all set to kick off with a glamorous opening ceremony featuring Bollywood stars Sidharth Malhotra and Kartik Aaryan. (READ MORE)  

10. BCCI planning to start IPL 2024 from March 22, reveals chairman Arun Dhamal

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to start the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024 from Friday, March 22. The chairman of the governing council of the IPL, Arun Dhamal recently revealed that the schedule of the cash-rich league will be announced in two halves. (READ MORE)