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In this final episode of The Cricket Pod before taking a break, we look back at the remarkable season that 2018/19 was for fans in the UAE. What has been the secret of the T10 League's success, and can it change the way the game is played? How has the UAE national team's season been, and what is in store for them – and other Associate Nations – in 2019/20? Host Chitrabhanu Kadalayil talks to long-time colleagues – sports editor Graham Caygill and sports writer Paul Radley – about what stood out for them over the past year and what they expect in the immediate future. Also this week: Kadalayil, Caygill and Radley pick out their favourite memories watching and covering this beautiful game during their decade-long stints at The National. Caygill talks about how Pakistan have built their game with a little help from the UAE. We also hear from regular contributors – former Cricket Hong Kong CEO Tim Cutler and CricBuzz writer Kritika Naidu – on their takeaways from the previous season and wishlists for the immediate future.

Subscribe for free to receive new episodes every week: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Audioboom | Spotify | RSS This week on The Cricket Pod, Chitrabhanu Kadalayil and Graham Caygill discuss Mohammed Amir's decision to retire from the Test format in his bid to extend his limited-overs international career. There is a strong case to be made for why the talented 27-year-old fast bowler made the right decision, in that a fit and confident Amir will only bolster Pakistan's chances of winning the 2023 World Cup in India – so long as the 1992 champions can sort out issues with their batting in the interim period. Also this week: We talk about Ashes 2019. Can newly-crowned world champions England take back the urn from holders Australia, especially given the context of their come-from-behind victory against Ireland at Lord's? Will limited-overs specialists Jason Roy and Jofra Archer be able to make the upgrade to Test cricket? Also, should the fans around the world put behind them the 2018 ball-tampering scandal once and for all, and just focus on watching Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft in action again? Kadalayil has conversations with Caygill and cricket analyst Freddie Wilde about what they expect to see from the five Test matches.

This week on The Cricket Pod, cricket analyst and statsman Freddie Wilde talks about the growing importance of analytics in the game today. Wilde addresses the question whether there is a risk of data over-complicating what is already a complex sport, even as it undoubtedly helps to raise its competitive level. While explaining the nature of his work in collaboration with news services, as well as team managements, he also lists out his takeaways from the recently-concluded Cricket World Cup and what surprised him about the tournament.

This week on The Cricket Pod, Paul Radley describes what it felt like to watch the 2019 Cricket World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday. What struck him the most was how the game, usually a source of interest for a few, tapped into the consciousness of the wider British public. But can the powers that run cricket in the country take advantage of England's first ever World Cup victory and grow the sport there - given the tournament was played at home, the final was made free-to-air for television viewers and the title was clinched in dramatic circumstances? That is something for us to wait and see between now and the launch of 'The 100' competition next year. Also in this episode: Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil discuss the legacy of England captain Eoin Morgan. Radley and Kadalayil are surprised to find much commonality in their respective World Cup XIs. Kadalayil provides his take on whether the ICC should take another look at the format of the knockout stage. Subscribe for free to receive new episodes every week: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Audioboom | Spotify | RSS

Subscribe for free to receive new episodes every week: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Audioboom | Spotify | RSS This week on The Cricket Pod, sports editor Graham Caygill explains why 'net run rate' is not the right parameter to judge which teams should qualify for the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup. Is it fair on teams such as Pakistan, for instance, whose run to the last four was severely affected by inclement weather? Also, does it not complicate matters for fans who have to reach out for their calculators to figure out what their teams need to do reach the knockout stage? Also in this episode: We look at the upcoming semi-finals and final to see if New Zealand are strong enough to beat India at Old Trafford on Tuesday, and whether England will be better prepared to face Australia at Edgbaston on Thursday. We compare notes on who were the tournament's breakout stars, which of the retiring players will be missed the most, and what the most memorable moments were at CWC19. Kadalayil provides his take on who came out looking better in the spat between Ravindra Jadeja Sanjay Manjrekar.

This week on The Cricket Pod, sports writer Kritika Naidu talks in depth about England's Cricket World Cup victory against India at Edgbaston on Sunday – and what both teams can learn from the match going forward. Have the tournament hosts regained momentum ahead of this week's must-win match against New Zealand? Is there a risk of India losing steam at a crucial stage of the competition? Have England found their ideal XI, or would they go with a 'horses for courses' policy while picking sides? And must India have a think on their batting order? Also in this episode: What must Pakistan do to edge past England or New Zealand and reach the last four? Can we expect teams to play Twenty20-style cricket as net run-rates come into play? And will Bangladesh fancy their chances of doing the improbable? Sports editor Graham Caygill and host Chitrabhanu Kadalayil discuss the most likely semi-final scenarios Kadalayil provides his take on why veteran India wicketkeeper MS Dhoni should retire after the World Cup.

This week on The Cricket Pod, journalist/broadcaster Brian Murgatroyd talks in depth about Australia's upcoming Cricket World Cup matches against England and New Zealand. With the sport's flagship tournament past the halfway mark and semi-final spots still far from guaranteed, this week's key clashes will almost certainly give the winners a big boost while setting back the losers. The defending champions will be severely tested. But Murgatroyd, who previously worked as media manager with Cricket Australia, has little doubt they are being well prepared by two of the toughest characters in the game - head coach Justin Langer and batting coach Ricky Ponting, former batting stalwarts he was associated with at a time when Australia were dominating the cricket landscape. Meanwhile, Murgatroyd predicts who will reach the last four at the tournament. Also in this episode: Co-hosts Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil discuss the best of the rest: what next for South Africa; has Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga proved skills indeed trump his "six pack"; and what to make of the latest heated debate over the contraction of the 2019 World Cup? Kadalayil provides his take on why low-scoring matches make for exciting cricket. Subscribe for free to receive new episodes every week: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Audioboom | Spotify | RSS

This week on The Cricket Pod, writer/broadcaster Chetan Narula points to the reasons why India have once again beaten arch-rivals Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup. Plenty of things went wrong for Pakistan during their 89-run loss at Old Trafford on Sunday, such as team selection and tactics (should they not have opted to bat first after winning the toss?) But there are bigger, structural challenges that Pakistan cricket faces which have had a direct impact on their performances on the field, especially against a side of India's quality. The onset of the Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition has catapulted Virat Kohli's team to a whole new level in every respect, from fitness to mental toughness to the quality of cricket being played, even as the Pakistan Super League struggles to catch up. So, is there hope yet for Pakistan cricket? Listen in to find out. Also in this episode: Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil discuss the best of the rest: what is ailing Afghanistan cricket; are we beginning to see the top four teams pull away; and are there long-term solutions to the rain problem? Kadalayil provides his take on whether a well-behaved Kohli has indeed turned over a new leaf. Subscribe for free to receive new episodes every week: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Audioboom | Spotify | RSS  

This week on The Cricket Pod, former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed reflects on his memories playing India at the Cricket World Cup. Aaqib also gives insight into Pakistan's poor head-to-head record against their arch-rivals on the game's biggest stage (they have lost all six matches) and how they can break the jinx at Old Trafford on Sunday. The trick, the former UAE coach says, is to win the toss and bat first. But, the question is whether Sarfaraz Ahmed's men can get rid of what Aaqib describes as a "mind block" against the men in blue. Also in this episode: Paul Radley, Graham Caygill and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil discuss key statistics from previous India-Pakistan cup matches that need consideration as the two rivals lock horns for the seventh time at the World Cup. Kadalayil provides his take on why Indian supporters need to take a chill pill ahead of the big match. Subscribe for free to receive new episodes every week: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts | Audioboom | Spotify | RSS

This week on The Cricket Pod, Sports Editor Graham Caygill and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil talk to Paul Radley, on the phone from the UK, about why there has not been a lot of enthusiasm for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in the country. One of the reasons for this could be the attention other sporting events, such as the Uefa Champions League final, have garnered. But with them being out of the way, there is hope yet fans will shift their focus to cricket. It is in this context that the Ben Stokes catch in England's win over South Africa is important, in that it could possibly help draw more attention the tournament deserves. Listen here Also in this episode: Afghanistan duo Hamid Hassan and Mohammed Nabi have been on an incredible cricketing journey? Radley gives you a lowdown on their story. Should the media and the public continue to criticise the ICC for reducing the World Cup? Kadalayil gives you his take.

This week on The Cricket Pod, Sports Editor Graham Caygill, Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil break down the chances of the five top-ranked one-day international sides at the World Cup, which starts in England and Wales on May 30. The hosts, ranked No 1 in ODIs, are hot favourites to win the title for the first time - although they have had a few injury worries lately. Meanwhile, India are also contenders. But even as they boast the strongest bowling attack in the tournament, there are causes for concern in the batting department. And what to make of Virat Kohli who has sounded rather circumspect in the build-up? Also in this episode: Can a fearless South African side finally break the jinx and win the tournament, or is too soon for them? Could trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand pull off a repeat of their 2015 World Cup run? We tell you what we would like to see happen in the competition - aside from our favourite teams winning.

This week on The Cricket Pod, writer and presenter Zainab Abbas talks to Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil about Pakistan's chances at the Cricket World Cup. Abbas says Pakistan have issues in the bowling department but believes the possible recall of out-of-form fast bowler Mohammed Amir, and the return of leg-spinner Shadab Khan, recovering from illness, will raise the team's prospects at the game's showpiece event. We also do quick fire takes on four other contenders: West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan.

This week on The Cricket Pod: Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil talk to Jon Turner about the cracking Indian Premier League final which Mumbai Indians won by one run against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. If there was a theme to pick out of the summit clash, it was that "old is gold" as the game's veteran players used their considerable experience to change the fortunes of their sides during what was a topsy-turvy - and very nervy - match. Radley and Kadalayil also compare notes while discussing their respective teams of the season. Also in this episode: Could anyone else have pulled off what Lasith Malinga did in the last over? A tribute to the veteran seamer. How dangerous is Fakhar Zaman in one-day international cricket, especially in England? Watch out for him. What must the promising Delhi Capitals do to finally win an IPL trophy? Kadalayil gives us his take.

This week on The Cricket Pod: has the ICC missed a trick by limiting the 2019 World Cup to just 10 teams? Sports Editor Graham Caygill has a passionate discussion with co-hosts Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil on why the game's flagship tournament will be much less exciting without the second-tier teams, such as the UAE and Nepal, and their star players competing in it.

This week on The Cricket Pod: was the England and Wales Cricket Board spot-on with its decision to drop opener Alex Hales from the World Cup squad? Sports Editor Graham Caygill tells co-hosts Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil how the decision will likely benefit the team in the short term and the player himself in the long term.

This week on The Cricket Pod, co-hosts Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil discuss the glaring omissions from the some of the squads picked to play in the upcoming World Cup. How unlucky are Dinesh Chandimal, Mohammed Amir and Peter Handsomb to miss the cut? And should England give Jofra Archer a go, especially given he has not represented the national team yet? Also, does the glut of Twenty20 leagues around the world help national selectors cast a wider net? Also in this episode:  Dale Steyn's Indian Premier League bow is exciting for the competition, but is too little, too late for RCB? The UAE Under 19 players have plenty of potential. Their transition to the senior team has its challenges. Ajinkya Rahane's performance for Rajasthan shows his international limited-overs career is far from over.

This week on The Cricket Pod, co-hosts Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil discuss the composition of India's Cricket World Cup squad. Was Rishabh Pant's exclusion in favour of the more experienced but ageing Dinesh Karthik harsh? Also, what to make of Lokesh Rahul's selection ahead of Ambati Rayudu? Why was Ravindra Jadeja, who eventually got picked, not a shoo-in?

This week on The Cricket Pod, Bangalore-based sports writer Kritika Naidu shares her thoughts on the ongoing Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition. Are comparisons between Andre Russell Chris Gayle justified, where have Royal Challengers Bangalore gone wrong, and are Sunrisers Hyderabad title favourites this year? Also in this episode:  A look at how UAE cricket might benefit from some 'insider knowledge' on their Zimbabwe tour. Why is Graeme Cremer helping the UAE prepare for their Zimbabwe tour? Will it help? Paul Radley explains. What about Imran Haider has impressed Cremer, fellow leg-spinner and Dubai resident? Paul Radley finds out. Is the IPL helping thaw the ice between feuding players? Chitrabhanu Kadalayil gives you his take.

This week on The Cricket Pod, co-hosts Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil discuss the highlights of the busiest season in UAE cricket history. What were the highs and lows, and who were the winners and losers?  Also in this episode: Despite the ODI series outcome, both winners Australia and losers Pakistan will need to take it into perspective. There is much to look forward to when the UAE national team embark on their tours of Oman and Zimbabwe. It is far too early to get excited about a Sanju Samson resurgence despite a remarkable hundred in the IPL. 

This week on The Cricket Pod, co-hosts Paul Radley and Chitrabhanu Kadalayil talk about the Indian Premier League opener on Saturday. What to make of Harbhajan Singh's three-wicket haul for Chennai Super Kings against Royal Challengers Bangalore? Was he genuinely outstanding? Did he benefit from a pitch that evidently helped spinners? Did Bangalore's batsmen play that badly? Also, does Harbhajan's performance prove age is no longer a factor in Twenty20 cricket? Also in this episode:  Has the IPL helped to raise the standards of batting and bowling? Here is Kadalayil's take. Who is Will Jacks – the 20-year-old who scored the first century in a T10 match? Radley finds out. What could the UAE learn from their T10 series win last week? Coach Dougie Brown has his say.