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• West Indies can rekindle magic of 2012 and 2016 at T20 World Cup, says Pooran

  Nicholas Pooran says West Indies are desperate to recapture the magic of 2012 and 2016 at this year's T20 World Cup, as they target a third title at the tournament.

  The Windies are one of only two teams, alongside England (2010 and 2022) to win multiple 20-over world crowns, having gone back-to-back when now-head coach Daren Sammy was captain in 2012 and 2016.

  They will co-host this year's tournament alongside the United States, with Papua New Guinea their opponents for their opening Group C match on Sunday.

  West Indies failed to advance beyond the first round when Pooran was skipper at the 2022 tournament, finishing bottom of a group containing Zimbabwe, Ireland and Scotland.

  Pooran is no longer captain, having passed that honour onto Rovman Powell, but he is determined to play a part in bringing back the feel-good factor.

  "Coming back in here after two years, everybody wants to get that special feeling we had when we won those two T20 World Cups," Pooran told ESPNcricinfo.

  "I feel like everybody wants that moment again. They want to be a part of that winning feeling. Doing it in front of our fans is even more special."

  Pooran's 1,848 T20I runs are the most accumulated by any player to make the Windies' squad for this year's World Cup, as are his 88 T20I matches played.

  He is certain they have improved since the last edition of the tournament, adding: "We all have grown as players, as team-mates as well. 

  "When we played in Australia where we didn't qualify, everyone was hurt. I resigned from captaincy after that. Everyone was hurt, but we are no longer that group of guys.

  "We all know what's at stake here. We all know that we have an opportunity to redeem ourselves, to make our cricket fans in the Caribbean and our cricket fans all over the world proud of us. 

  "This time around we are much better players as well. Most of our guys that play franchise cricket, they understand what is needed to be a professional."

  Pooran enters the tournament after scoring 499 runs in this season's Indian Premier League for Lucknow Super Giants.

  He scored those runs at a superb average of 62.37, which was the best mark achieved by any player, and had a strike-rate of 178.21, helped by smashing 36 sixes.

• Karthik announces retirement from cricket

  Dinesh Karthik has announced he is retiring from all cricket, bringing an end to his nearly 20-year career.

  Karthik represented India in 180 matches across all formats, making his debut in September 2004, but has not played for his national side since the 2022 T20 World Cup.

  He has been a part of the Indian Premier League since its inaugural season in 2008, representing six teams, including two spells at Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

  His most recent stint with RCB saw him play a vital role in their run to the playoffs, where they ultimately lost to Rajasthan Royals.

  In a social media post on Saturday, his 39th birthday, Karthik announced his decision to retire from the sport.

  "Having given it plenty of thought for some time now, I have decided to move on from playing representative cricket," Karthik said in his statement.

  "I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead.

  "I'd like to thank all my coaches, captains, selectors, teammates and members of the support staff who have made this long journey pleasant and enjoyable. Among the millions that play the sport in our country, I consider myself among the lucky few to have had the chance to represent the nation, and luckier still to have earned the goodwill of so many fans and friends.

  "My parents have been pillars of strength and support over all these years, and I wouldn't be what I am without their blessings. I also owe plenty to Dipika [Pallikal], herself a professional sportsperson who often put her career on hold to walk my journey with me.

  "Of course, to all the fans and followers of our great game, a massive thank you! Cricket and cricketers wouldn't be the same without your support and good wishes."

  Karthik is one of just seven players to feature in every edition of the IPL so far, playing 256 games across that run.

  He also played for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders.

  Overall, Karthik scored 4816 runs, striking at over 135 with 22 half-centuries. As a keeper, he is second only to MS Dhoni in overall dismissals (172) as well as stumpings (36).

• Captains light up iconic Rockefeller Centre Building as ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 set to begin Saturday

  World Cup cricket has officially arrived in the United States, with the historic opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 between USA and Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium set to open the ninth edition of the event on Saturday.

  The final 24 hours ahead of the opening match in Texas saw cricket being beamed to new audiences across America like never before as the country prepares to co-host an ICC World Cup event for the first time.

  Headlining the excitement, was a lighting projection show that featured all 20 captains of the largest ICC Men's T20 World Cup ever on to the Rockefeller Centre Building in New York City. Each of the captains from the four groups were featured above the busy streets of Manhattan on the facade of 30 Rockefeller.

  Ahead of the NBA Finals Series, Bangladesh and India captains Rohit Sharma and Najmul Shanto were able to pick-up the famous Larry O'Brien Trophy as part of a collaboration with the league.

  Both captains were getting their first look at the 34,000 seat Nassau County International Stadium ahead of Saturday's warm-up fixture at the same venue.