Aaron Jones To Miss World Cup Over Anti-Corruption Code
Former USA captain Aaron Jones has been provisionally suspended following multiple charges under the ICC’s anti-corruption code. The charges centre on alleged match-fixing and non-cooperation with investigators, delivering a major blow to the USA cricket programme. Following his provisional suspension, Jones is ineligible for selection. The cricketer was booked under five offences of ICC anti-corruption codes and Cricket West Indies. The allegations are associated with the Bim10 tournament during the 2023-24 season, under CWI jurisdiction. Two of the charges pertain to international matches under the ICC Code. The ICC, in an official release, confirmed that Jones’ suspension takes effect immediately. “These charges are part of a wider investigation which is likely to result in further charges being issued against other participants in due course,” the ICC issued. “Jones has been provisionally suspended from all cricket with immediate effect and has 14 days from 28 January 2026 to respond to the charges.” The ICC has accused Jones of attempting to fix or improperly influence matches. He allegedly failed to report corrupt approaches. He is also charged with refusing to cooperate with investigators. The ICC further alleges that he obstructed the investigation by concealing or tampering with information. The 31-year-old was recently part of an 18-member USA training group in Sri Lanka. The camp was part of preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. USA Cricket is yet to announce its final squad.
‘Everybody is a Cricket Expert’; Saikia Opens Up About Gambhir’s Dismissal
Gautam Gambhir has been the centre of much criticism and rumours of being sacked since the team’s poor performance and ODI loss against the Kiwis. However, recently in an interview, Devajit Saikia, a BCCI secretary, dismissed these rumours in a rather humorous way. In a recent interview with Sportstar, Saikia stated, “India is a country of 140 crore people, and everybody is a cricket expert. Everybody will have an opinion. It is a democratic country, and we cannot gag anybody.” He emphasised, “All the opinion makers are free to give their opinions, including the media. There is a lot of speculated news in the domain, and also various ex-cricketers, cricketers, or other people are also giving opinions. In social media, it is full of them.” “But the thing is that we have a cricket committee in the BCCI, who are ex-cricketers. They are dedicated and make all the decisions. On the other hand, for team selection, we have five selectors. They also have to qualify to get into that position. They are the people who take that also. For every decision, there can be a counter-opinion.” He added, “So, those opinions we have to address, and we have to consider. But the final decision is always taken by the cricket committee as well as the selectors.” The cricket fraternity is not on Gambhir’s side. As previously, Manoj Tiwari smashed Gambhir, stating BCCI should sack the coach if the team fails to secure a T20 World Cup 2026. The former cricket star stated, “If Gautam Gambhir fails to win the T20 World Cup 2026, then BCCI should take a big and difficult decision. BCCI secretary has said that we will pursue with Gambhir till his contract expires. But if the T20 World Cup 2026 doesn’t give a result to Gambhir, I think BCCI will take a big call and will remove him.”
