Google releases experimental features for the ICC World T20 2016

The thrill, the challenge, the excitement..all the ingredients needed for a competitive tournament in cricket's own paradise—India! With the ICC World Twenty20 now in full swing, Google has launched two two new experimental features in Search to make keeping up with all the cricket news easier —   fresh content directly from your favorite cricket players, personalities and commentators, and a new live sports commentary panel.

Want to read Captain Cool MS Dhoni’s latest match reflections? Or see what Virat Kohli’s been up to on and off the pitch? During the ICC World T20, people will now be able to hear from your favorite cricketers more easily. Now if you search for Ravindra Jadeja, in addition to the news articles, tweets and links you’re used to seeing in Google Search, you’ll also see posts, match photos, or videos directly from him.

See live sports commentary in Google Search

Google is also making it easier for you to find commentary from a wide range of players, commentators and experts right from Search. Now, when you search for cricket and ICC World Twenty20 related queries like “T20” or team names during and after matches, you’ll see real-time commentary on the match from a range of cricket stars. That way you can catch Akash Chopra’s most recent quip or Boria Majumdar’s anecdotes on cricketing history.

Tune into the following matches to see real-time commentary: 

These commentary panels will launch just in time for today’s highly anticipated India vs New Zealand match and will be available for the ICC T20 games listed below.

These new Search features are experimental and running only during the ICC World T20 2016. They follow on from the launch of score updates and match schedules in Search last week. We hope you’re enjoying them and making the most of the front row seat to all the games that you have in the palm of your hand.

See curated content directly from the following players, teams and commentators throughout the ICC World T20

'Shame on you' Javed Miandad lashes out at Afridi

Boom Boom Shahid Afridi has caused uproar among his countrymen when he said he is loved by Indian crowds more than crowds back home in Pakistan. Team Pakistan reached India amidst high security on Saturday after getting permission from their government to play in the tournament.

Afridi and Miandad in 2010. Image: Getty

The Pakistan versus India match which was originally scheduled at Dharamshala (security concerns) has been relocated to Kolkata.

Attempting to play down, Afridi said: "We are cricketers and not politicians. "We have always enjoyed playing in India and have been loved by Indian crowds more than crowds back home in Pakistan," he added, with fellow veteran Shoaib Malik reportedly echoing the sentiment. "Cricket has always brought people together and I think politics should be kept away from cricket."

"These cricketers should be ashamed of themselves for saying such a thing. Shame on you," Miandad said on the Aaj TV network.  "What have the Indians given us? Speak the truth even while in India. "For the last five years what have they given us or done with Pakistan cricket? "Having served Pakistan cricket for so many years I am shocked and hurt to hear such comments from our players." India and Pakistan square off in Kolkata this Saturday, March 19.

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Royal Stag Barrel Select Perfect Strokes Season 3

The thrill, the challenge, the excitement..all the ingredients needed for a competitive tournament in cricket's own paradise—India!  With the T20 World Cup round the corner, the Indian cricket team carries the anticipation of more than 1.2 billion fans to reclaim the T20 World Cup. Kicking off the excitement, Royal Stag Barrel Select Perfect Strokes Season 3 hosted a talk show with cricket champions Virender Sehwag, Mahela Jayawardene & Dwayne Bravo at an event in Mumbai. 

Royal Stag Barrel Select Perfect Strokes is a platform that talks about ‘Perfection’.  Ace Indian opener Virender Sehwag shared his insights on how team India created the perfect magical amalgamation that inspired them to only take the World Cup home but how they had to rework their strategy to win the previous titles. The raging debate was further boosted by All-rounder, right handed batsman, Dwayne Bravo who shared his keen insights on what all goes into the making of a perfect team for victory. On an inspiring note, the impeccable moments and success mantras of Former Sri Lankan cricketer and Captain, Mahela Jayawardene in the game set the tone for this season. 

Royal Stag Barrel Select Perfect Strokes explored the art of perfecting the game of cricket with Gary Kirsten and Mohinder Amarnath. While Season 2 decoded the art of perfecting cinema with eminent Bollywood celebrities Javed Akhtar, Raju Hirani, Imtiaz Ali, Zoya Akhtar and Tabu. Season 3 is back to unfold the ‘Perfect Strokes’ in the game of cricket.