Cricket beyond the scorecard. Cricktake dives into the stories, histories, and legacies that shaped the sport. New episode every 10 days.

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Does military-style boot camp training actually benefit elite sports teams, or does it do more harm than good? In this episode of Cricktake, we sit down with former US Army Captain Michael Morford to explore the intersection of cricket and military science. We break down iconic historical examples - from Australia’s 2006 Outback boot camp preceding their 5-0 Ashes victory, to Pakistan’s 2016 Kakul military training camp under Misbah-ul-Haq and their subsequent 2024 campaign. We cover military psychology, shared trauma, leadership, and why treating professional athletes like army recruits often backfires. Michael Morford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwmorford/ 00:00 - Introduction &amp; Historical Camps01:47 - Guest Intro: US Army Captain Michael Morford06:00 - What Basic Training Really Teaches11:53 - Australia’s 2006 Outback Camp13:16 - Does Boot Camp Improve On-Field Performance?18:11 - Shared Trauma &amp; Building Team Cohesion22:08 - Military Leadership vs. Athletic Performance27:03 - Applying &#34;Terrain Walks&#34; to Cricket Strategy31:01 - Better Alternatives to Brutal Army Camps35:48 - Designing the Ideal Army Camp for Athletes 🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #cricketmindset #militarytraining #usarmy #pakistancricket #australiancricket

US Army Vet Breaks Down Cricket’s Military Bootcamps | Australian Outback, Kakul & More

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Sanaa Hazratjee joins Cricktake to pull back the curtain on the sacrifices behind professional cricket. While USA national team batter Shayan Jahangir spends 40 to 45 weeks a year competing across the globe, Sanaa anchors the home front - raising their daughter Dahlia, advancing her career as a family law paralegal, and navigating life as an associate &#34;cricket widow&#34;.  From $200 weekend games and managing fast-food stores to surreal tournament awards, 10-hour home visits, viral World Cup backlash, and franchise league realities, this conversation explores the resilience required to support an international athlete while protecting your own identity. 00:00 - Intro  01:04 - Who is Sanaa?  06:26 - Meeting Shayan  12:20 - Early Associate Grind  24:11 - The &#34;Cricket Widow&#34;  29:08 - Solo Parenting &amp; Dahlia  38:59 - De Facto Coach &amp; Franchise Life  48:27 - Viral Backlash &amp; Trolling  53:41 - Advice for Athletes&#39; Spouses 🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #usacricket #ShayanJahangir #cricketpodcast #seattleorcas #minewyork  #hyderabadkingsmen #mlc #CricketWidow #psl #cricktake

Cricket Widow | Sanaa Hazratjee | Shayan Jahangir’s Wife on USA Cricket

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Can data models predict the World Test Championship, and will algorithms eventually replace on-field captaincy instinct?   In Part 2 of our deep dive on Cricktake, data analyst and entrepreneur Soumajit Chail shares break down of his real-world cricket analytics projects - from building WTC dynamic race bar charts and simulation models to optimizing IPL match scheduling and broadcast revenue using Excel solvers.   We also debate the clash between data-informed and data-driven captaincy, the commercial reality of league cricket, and why too much data can lead to dangerous &#34;analysis paralysis&#34; for international players under extreme pressure.   Special Guest:Soumajit Chail – Data Analyst &amp; EntrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumajitchail/ WTC Simulation &amp; Race Bar Chart: https://lnkd.in/p/g2naTQ7ahttps://lnkd.in/dpCzCafP IPL Schedule Optimization Model: https://lnkd.in/p/gwAS7ExRhttps://lnkd.in/g5WuvBsX Watch Part 1 (The Roadmap &amp; Fundamentals): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGxUjF92YR4&amp;t=1s 00:00 - Introduction &amp; Recap00:57 - WTC Simulation &amp; Race Bar Chart06:17 - IPL Schedule Optimization Model10:21 - Travel Fatigue &amp; Multimodal Modeling14:22 - League Cricket &amp; Sports Economics18:57 - Data-Informed vs Data-Driven Captains22:16 - Will AI Replace Cricket Captains?30:34 - Analysis Paralysis &amp; Player Psychology38:17 - Outro &amp; Final Thoughts   🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #cricketanalytics #sportsanalytics #wtc #ipl #dataanalytics #cricktake #machinelearning #cricketpodcast #cricktake

Cricket x Analytics: How Data is Changing Cricket Tactics & Captaincy ft. Soumajit Chail

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How do IPL teams like RCB leverage data to win titles, and what does it actually take to break into sports analytics?  In Part 1 of this deep dive on Cricktake, we sit down with data analyst and entrepreneur Soumajit Chail to demystify the world of cricket analytics - from the four core branches of analytics to how artificial neural networks simulate on-field player matchups.  We break down real-world bowling tactics against AB de Villiers, the technical stack you need (Python, SQL, Power BI, SPSS), and an actionable step-by-step roadmap to land analyst roles in IPL franchises, tech providers, and global media houses.   Special Guest:Soumajit Chail – Data Analyst &amp; EntrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumajitchail/   Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:38 - Meet Soumajit Chail03:57 - What is Sports Analytics?06:16 - The 4 Analytics Branches13:35 - Neural Networks in Cricket21:20 - Career Roadmap &amp; Portfolio25:37 - How to Land an Analyst Role32:51 - Tech Stack &amp; Must-Learn Tools37:41 - Outro &amp; Part 2 Preview   🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #cricketanalytics #sportsanalytics #ipl #dataanalytics #cricktake #python #machinelearning #careerinsports

Cricket x Analytics: What It Is & How to Build a Career in It ft. Soumajit Chail

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Shreyas Iyer started his T20I captaincy stint for India with a brutal 0-6 streak. In this episode of CrickTake, our cross-border panel of 2 Pakistani and 2 Indian cricket analysts sit down to break down what went wrong, whether Shreyas was ever truly ready for the captaincy role, and where Indian cricket goes from here.From heavy reliance on Jasprit Bumrah to questionable selection calls like resting Sanju Samson, we dissect the internal challenges facing Team India, the dynamic between the head coach and the captain, and what the future holds for Shreyas&#39; leadership.Special Guest:Abu Bakar from Cricwick - Host &amp; Creator joining us for a deep dive into Pakistan cricket! 🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #indiancricket #t20icaptain #gautamgambhir #sarpanchsaab #rohitsharma

Shreyas Iyer is 0-6 😬 Was He Ever Ready to Captain India? ft. @abubakartararofficial | 2🇵🇰 & 2🇮🇳

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Babar Azam’s Test captaincy reappointment has triggered intense debate across the cricket world! Is PCB running out of options, or is Babar genuinely the best leader to take Pakistan Test cricket forward?In this episode of Cricktake, our 4-panel debate featuring 2 Indian and 2 Pakistani voices dives deep into the leadership vacuum, squad dynamics, and what this decision means for the Pakistan National Cricket Team ahead of the Test series. Special Guest:Abu Bakar from Cricwick - Host &amp; Creator joining us for a deep dive into Pakistan cricket! 🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #babarazamcaptain #pakistancricket #pakvswi #pakvseng #worldtestchampionship #Cricktake

Babar is Captain Again 😳 “No Other Name Came Up” | 2🇵🇰's & 2🇮🇳's react

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Zimbabwean cricket isn’t just a story of the 1990s triumphs, it is a machine forged in a deep, hidden history of colonial and minority struggles.In this episode of Cricktake, we breaCricktakee unknown stories that defined the early game - the shadow leagues, the forgotten legends, and the structural blueprints that set the stage for independent Zimbabwe&#39;s rise.00:00 - Introduction: The Colonial Era02:03 - The Currie Cup Furnace03:34 - Shadow Minority Leagues05:20 - Duncan Fletcher’s Blueprints06:37 - Football &amp; Athletics Ecosystems09:24 - The Indian Diaspora Influx13:48 - The Oriental Cricket Club15:45 - Segregated Club Realities20:15 - The Ramabhai Trophy23:16 - The 1959 Sunrise Club Split28:17 - UDI &amp; Global Isolation35:06 - Systemic Facility Divides37:21 - Lancaster House &amp; Mugabe39:06 - ICC Membership &amp; Outro 🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #ZimbabweCricket #CricketHistory #Cricktake

Banned From World Cricket. Banned Its Own People. | Zimbabwe Part 1

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The 2026 ICC Women&#39;s T20 World Cup gave us a few stories that we believe defined the tournament.In this episode of Cricktake, we break down the underdog stories that stood out - the performances, the turning points, and the players who made this tournament unforgettable.00:00 - Introduction: The Unsung Stories of the World Cup01:54 - Caroline de Lange: The Doctor Who Chased a Dream07:01 - Orla Prendergast &amp; Ireland&#39;s Historic 21-Match Streak-Breaker10:32 - Shreyanka Patil: Injury, Resilience, &amp; Breaking Mental Health Taboos16:34 - Juairiya Ferdous: Bangladesh&#39;s Multi-Sport Gold Medalist Prodigy19:18 - Darcey Carter: The 19-Year-Old Chasing Down the World&#39;s Best22:21 - Nilakshi De Silva: Leading from the Front &amp; middle-order Rescues27:26 - Bonus Story: Sophie Molineux&#39;s Journey From Dark Rehab to World Cup Glory29:21 - Fatima Sana: True Strength &amp; Pure Passion33:14 - Final Thoughts: How the ICC Must Market the Women&#39;s Game Better 🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium.#womenst20worldcup2026 #cricketpodcast #underdogstories #Cricktake #womenincricket

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Underdog Stories

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The dust has settled on IPL 2026, and it’s time to pick our Team of the Tournament 🔥In this episode of Cricktake, we select our Best XI based purely on performances throughout the season - consistency, impact, and match-winning moments. From explosive batters to clutch bowlers, these are the players who truly defined IPL 2026.🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #ipl2026 #bestxi #teamofthetournament #rajatpatidar #viratkohli #bhuvneshwarkumar #ishankishan #vaibhavsuryavanshi  #tataipl #krunalpandya #sunilnarine

Cricktake's IPL 2026 Best XI | Team of the Tournament Picks

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In this episode of Cricktake, Sharan and Abhishek break down RCB’s championship run from every angle, specifically, the underlying system that helped them defend their IPL &#39;25 title.We go deep into RCB’s season across multiple dimensions, from management decisions and auction strategy to team culture and dressing room environment. We also break down batting consistency, bowling execution under pressure, fielding standards, overall intent, and the key moments that defined their championship run.Was this win the result of key individual execution, or did RCB field a structurally stronger team than they did last year?This episode analyzes the specific strategies behind RCB&#39;s championship win. 🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #ipl2026 #royalchallengersbengaluru #rajatpatidar #viratkohli #dineshkarthik #mobobat #andyflower #tataipl #ipl2026winner

RCB's Championship Blueprint | From Strategy to Execution | Full Season Breakdown | IPL 2026

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The T20 World Cup 2026 is over. We cover four topics: Bumrah&#39;s legacy and what his career numbers mean for pace bowling, New Zealand&#39;s collapse pattern compared to the Proteas, cricket&#39;s Olympic inclusion and the distribution of benefits, and the ICC&#39;s finance model for associate nations.#T20WorldCup2026 #CricketPodcast #JaspritBumrah #NewZealandCricket #Proteas #CricketOlympics #AssociateCricket #ICC #T20Cricket #Cricktake

Post T20 WC 2026: Bumrah's Legacy, Kiwi Collapse, Olympic Gold, and the Associate Finance Gap

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Pakistan cricket has gone through constant captaincy changes over the last decade across formats, players, and management regimes.In this URDU episode of Cricktake, we look at how these frequent changes have impacted team stability, decision-making, and overall performance. Instead of reacting to one recent change, we step back and look at the bigger pattern.We also discuss how management decisions have played a role, and whether Pakistan cricket can realistically move towards a more stable leadership structure.🎧 Listen, Read, Follow: https://ecosystem.cricktake.com/ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Instagram, TikTok, Substack &amp; Medium. #pakistan #pakcricket #pcb #babarazam #salmanaliagha #shaheenafridi #saudshakeel #mohammadrizwan #pakistancaptain #pakistancricketteamcaptain #پاکستان_کرکٹ #پی_سی_بی #کپتان #کپتانی #کرکٹ_تجزیہ #پاکستان_ٹیم

پاکستان کرکٹ: اب کپتان کون بنے گا؟ [اردو]

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Netherlands’ performance review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. In this episode, we break down where the Dutch excelled, where they fell short, and what this campaign says about the future of associate cricket. We analyse the all-round brilliance of Bas de Leede, the bowling consistency led by Logan van Beek, and the areas of concern including middle-order fragility, catching lapses, and over-reliance on key individuals. We also discuss emerging talent like Zach Lion-Cachet, structural growth in Dutch cricket, and whether the Netherlands can transition from giant-killers to consistent contenders in global tournaments. Is this the beginning of a long-term Dutch blueprint or are deeper systemic changes still needed?<a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/netherlandscricket" rel="nofollow">#netherlandscricket</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/basdeleede" rel="nofollow">#basdeleede</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/loganvanbeek" rel="nofollow">#loganvanbeek</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/roelofvandermerwe" rel="nofollow">#roelofvandermerwe</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/aryandutt" rel="nofollow">#aryandutt</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/tkcricket" rel="nofollow">#TKcricket</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/t20worldcup2026" rel="nofollow">#t20worldcup2026</a>

The Dutch Blueprint: Netherlands T20 World Cup Review

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Nepal’s group-stage campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was anything but linear.In this episode of Cricktake, we review Nepal’s performances against England, Italy, West Indies, and Scotland - analyzing their batting breakthroughs, bowling inconsistencies, and elite fielding standards.#nepalcricket #cricketassociationofnepal #nepalpremierleague #dipendrasinghairee #lamichhane #icc #t20worldcup2026

Everest to the World: The Nepal T20 Review

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England’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.We analyse England’s explosive batting depth led by Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, their aggressive approach, and the impact of IPL exposure in subcontinent conditions.We also examine concerns around spin depth beyond Adil Rashid, death bowling consistency, and how Harry Brook handles captaincy pressure in a World Cup year.With a favourable group but tactical questions to answer, can England turn attacking intent into tournament success? 01:21 - Strengths04:12 - Weak spots07:26 - Opportunities10:22 - Threats #icct20worldcup2026 #josbuttler #philsalt #adilrashid #englandcricket

ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 | England Squad Review

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Afghanistan’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.We break down Afghanistan’s biggest strengths, including their elite spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Noor Ahmad, along with their explosive top order.We also examine middle-order concerns, fielding lapses, over-reliance on Rashid Khan, and the tactical questions surrounding their Plan B.With matches in spin-friendly conditions and a “group of death” featuring South Africa and New Zealand, can Afghanistan once again play the role of giant killers? 00:34 – Strengths  02:49 – Weaknesses / Weak Spots  04:48 – Tactical Concerns  06:38 – Threats (Group of Death &amp; Over-Reliance)  07:58 – Best XI  #afghanistancricket #icct20worldcup2026 #rashidkhan #rahmanullahgurbaz #azmatullahomarzai

ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 | Afghanistan Squad Review

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Sri Lanka’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.We analyse Sri Lanka’s batting structure, recurring middle-order issues, and their reliance on spin-heavy bowling in home conditions. The discussion also covers recent form, leadership pressure, and whether Sri Lanka can finally translate home advantage into tournament success.00:45 – Batting strengths &amp; top order  01:45 – Middle-order concerns  04:30 – Spin bowling strength &amp; conditions  07:20 – Bowling balance &amp; fifth bowler question  08:24 – Recent form, pressure &amp; expectations #t20worldcup2026 #icct20worldcup #icc #srilankacricket #sanathjayasuriya #hasaranga #shanaka #maheeshtheekshana #pathirana

ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 | Sri Lanka Squad Review

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Australia’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.We discuss Australia’s strengths, mentality, explosive top order, and their challenges against spin in subcontinent conditions. The episode also looks at bowling balance, over-reliance on key players, bench strength, and settles on a best possible XI.Note: This episode was recorded before the latest squad update. At the time of recording, Josh Hazlewood was part of the squad. He has since been dropped from the final group, a decision that directly relates to several concerns discussed in this episode regarding balance, fitness, and fast-bowling depth.02:15 - Batting firepower &amp; all-rounders05:35 - Weakness against spin07:46 - Fast bowling &amp; Hazlewood 14:05 - Best XI #t20worldcup2026 #icct20worldcup #cricketaustralia #australiacricket #travishead #adamzampa #mitchellmarsh #maxwell #joshhazlewood #squadreview

ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 | Australia Squad Review

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Pakistan’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.We break down the full squad composition, batting and bowling depth, role clarity, and selection balance. The discussion focuses on batting combinations, Babar Azam’s ideal role and position, and why Pakistan’s spin attack could be a major advantage in Sri Lankan conditions.01:07 – Openers and Middle Order07:39 – Babar Azam and his role in the team14:38 – Wicket-keeping batters  22:41 – Bowlers  26:05 – Best XI   #t20worldcup2026 #icct20worldcup #icc #pakistancricket #pcb #babarazam #salmanaliagha #saimayub #faheemashraf

ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 | Pakistan Squad Review

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India’s squad review for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. We break down the selected players, balance, roles, and key selection calls heading into the tournament.Note: This episode was recorded before the final squad update. At the time, Mohammad Siraj was not part of the announced squad. Following Harshit Rana’s injury, Siraj has since been added to the team.00:23 - Strengths04:49 - Weak Spots06:49 - Opportunities08:42 - Threats12:15 - Best XI #t20worldcup2026 #icct20worldcup #icc #teamindia #indiancricket #suryakumaryadav #dspsiraj #hardikpandya

ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 | India Squad Review

Cricktake is a cricket podcast founded by supply chain students at Purdue, shaped by contributors living in cities as varied as Toronto, Dublin, Islamabad and Visakhapatnam. Each episode looks at the past, present and future of the game, mixing sharp analysis with fresh perspectives and honest conversation beyond scores and headlines.