Cricket

Farhan century floors Kingsmen and keeps them winless

Sultans overhauled Kingsmen's 226-run target with eight balls to spare to go top of the table

Pant says '50-50' call on opening for rest of season

Whether as opener or not, however, Pant is decided on playing in the top order

IPL 2026: Happy With The Bowling', Says Axar Patel After Making A Winning Start

Lucknow Super Giants: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel credited his sides awareness and execution with the ball for setting up a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants, highlighting how they made the most of helpful new-ball conditions before sealing the chase through a crucial middle-overs partnership. Game finished early, got close in the middle. The new ball was doing a bit, our chat was about a big partnership, and we finished well. Happy with bowling. We knew it swung and seamed at the start. We told that to all new bowlers, and they did well, said Axar Patel after the match. Mukesh Kumar set the tone with an exceptional new-ball spell, conceding less than a run a ball in the powerplay while extracting swing and seam and keeping Mitchell Marsh quiet outside off. Axar Patel then struck in trademark fashion, deceiving Aiden Markram with a skiddy, angled delivery soon after being hit for six, as DC restricted LSG to 48/2. The collapse continued with Ayush Badoni edging T Natarajan, before Lungi Ngidi produced a stunning slower ball to outfox Nicholas Pooran. Delhi tightened their grip as Marsh fell for 35 attempting to take on Kuldeep Yadav, while debutant Mukul Choudhary showed brief promise with a quick 14 before being undone by a googly. Abdul Samad offered resistance with 36 but was eventually dismissed by Natarajan, triggering a late collapse where the rest managed just three runs. Ngidi and Natarajan led the charge with three wickets each, while Kuldeep chipped in with two, sealing a dominant bowling performance for DC. During the strategic time-out, we passed on the same message that we were just one good partnership away from getting ourselves into a good position. Both of them finished off well in the end. There's a big boundary, and I felt that since the pitch was assisting pacers, I'd bowl them over me. The plan was to bring in Rizvi early. Ashutosh Sharma was also an option if the innings started well. Last year, Ashu proved himself in the first game, and this time, Rizvi. He's been excellent at practice, glad he pulled it off tonight, he added. Delhi tightened their grip as Marsh fell for 35 attempting to take on Kuldeep Yadav, while debutant Mukul Choudhary showed brief promise with a quick 14 before being undone by a googly. Abdul Samad offered resistance with 36 but was eventually dismissed by Natarajan, triggering a late collapse where the rest managed just three runs. Ngidi and Natarajan led the charge with three wickets each, while Kuldeep chipped in with two, sealing a dominant bowling performance for DC. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He took full advantage of the little spin available, attacking Shahbaz Ahmed and Aiden Markram aggressively, hitting four fours and a six in their overs. By reaching a well-earned fifty off 37 balls, Rizvis innings was key in shifting the momentum and putting DC in a strong position in a tough chase. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Pant Rues extra Runs For Close Defeat Against Delhi Capitals

Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant lamented the defeat, pointing to the extra runs conceded as the decisive factor in their loss to Delhi Capitals, who chased down 142 with relative comfort after early hiccups, winning the match by six wickets. When you score 140, you try too much if they play normal cricket, they win. A few extra wickets in the Power-play could have put them under pressure, said Pant after the match. The strategy of LSG revolved around the pace bowling attack from the onset; consequently, the four-pronged seam attack made it easy for them to force the Delhi Capitals to early on in their run chase of 142 runs. The seamers created plenty of opportunity for movement right from the first ball, which proved too much for KL Rahul (0), who sliced a full outswinger delivery of Mohammad Shami to deep backwards point. Nitish Rana also struggled, managing a few boundaries from loose deliveries but generally failing to find his timing before edging a ball from Mohsin Khan to the keeper after a hesitant stay. Prince Yadav was instrumental with the ball. After forcing Pathum Nissanka to play a top edge shot (which Rishabh Pant caught after running in at an angle and diving, thus causing him to collide with the fence), he then delivered the standout delivery of the Powerplay with one that swung late and hit Axar Patel's stumps after he attempted to flick the ball away on a fuller delivery that had previously swung away from him. Pant acknowledged that there was assistance for bowlers early on but felt his side failed to capitalise with the bat. There was help with the new ball, but we couldnt get a partnership going. When you dont have enough runs, you are forced to make certain calls, like using a batter to bowl a bit, he explained. Reflecting on his own dismissal, Pant chose to move on quickly. The best way to recover from it is to ignore it. You cant control it, and thinking about it puts you on the back foot, he said. Pant acknowledged that there was assistance for bowlers early on but felt his side failed to capitalise with the bat. There was help with the new ball, but we couldnt get a partnership going. When you dont have enough runs, you are forced to make certain calls, like using a batter to bowl a bit, he explained. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite the loss, Pant saw positives and hinted at his role going forward. Opening is a 50-50 call, but youll definitely see me in the top order, he signed off. Article Source: IANS

Sameer Rizvi's unbeaten 70 guides Delhi Capitals home in nervy chase

Alongside an unbeaten Tristan Stubbs, they forged a recovery from 26 for 4 to close out a chase of 142 with almost three overs to spare

Brook, Bethell receive warnings from Cricket Regulator after Wellington incident

No further action taken against Tongue, after incident in which England white-ball captain was hit by nightclub bouncer

IPL 2026: Ngidi, Natarajan Pick Three Each As DC Restrict LSG To 141

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana: Delhi Capitals (DC) produced a brilliant bowling effort as Lungi Ngidi and T. Natarajan picked three wickets each to haunt Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 141 in 18.4 overs at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Wednesday. Asked to bat first, LSG came up with a new opening batting pair as skipper Rishabh Pant promoted himself to the top order but was removed early in the innings of an unfortunate run out. A strange moment in what might have been a caught-and-bowled chance for Mitchell Marsh turned into a run-out. Mukesh Kumar got a slight touch on the ball, which hit the stumps at the non-strikers end, catching Pant short of his crease at seven runs. Earlier, Mukesh Kumar set the tone with an exceptional start with the new ball, conceding less than a run a ball in three overs during the powerplay; he also got some swing and seam movement, but most importantly, he did not give Mitchell Marsh much room to work with outside off stump. Skipper Axar Patel then brought himself on to bowl to the right-handers and struck in standard style by deceiving Aiden Markram (11) with a skiddy, angled delivery that cramped his room and bowled him out after hitting him for a six on the previous ball before. Delhi Capitals capped off a strong first phase of the match by restricting LSG to 48/2 at the conclusion of the powerplay. Ayush Badonis stay was brief as LSG slipped to 49/3 in the seventh over, with the batter edging a regulation length delivery of T Natarjan slanting away outside off to the keeper while attempting to free his arms and go over the infield. Ngidi recovered from a costly start to deliver a possible ball of the season. He tricked Nicholas Pooran (8) with a well-disguised dipping slower ball from round the wicket. The delivery angled into the stumps and completely confused Pooran. He committed early to the flick but realised too late that the ball hadnt reached him, leaving him unable to adjust in time. Capitals gained control of the game as Mitchell Marsh battled through a slow, tempered pitch, with the exception of a boundary when he hit a six over square leg off Kuldeep Yadav. Attempting to go against the wrong'un, he misjudged it, leading to an easy catch for the fielder at long-off, getting out on 35 runs from 28 balls. Debutant Mukul Choudhary (14) showed great intent early, hitting a reverse scoop four followed by another boundary behind the wicket to Kuldeep, and added 34 runs with Abdul Samad. However, he was removed in the next over as Kuldeep tricked him with a googly, only to edge it back to the bowler. Samad showed some fight till the end, but was removed by Natarajan for 36 as the rest of the batters fell for just three runs in the end. Ngidi and Natarjan starred with the ball for Delhi, picking three wickets each after Yadav picked two. Debutant Mukul Choudhary (14) showed great intent early, hitting a reverse scoop four followed by another boundary behind the wicket to Kuldeep, and added 34 runs with Abdul Samad. However, he was removed in the next over as Kuldeep tricked him with a googly, only to edge it back to the bowler. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lucknow Super Giants (Mitchell Marsh 35, Abdul Samad 36; T Natarajan 3-29, Lungi Ngidi 3-31, Kuldeep Yadav 2-31) against Delhi Capitals. Article Source: IANS

Eden test for off-colour attacks as SRH meet KKR in run-heavy clash

Narine and Varun, who have an excellent record at the ground but did not go well in the first game in Mumbai, will be in focus for KKR

India to tour Zimbabwe for three T20 matches

India will tour Zimbabwe for three T20 internationals in July, the country's cricket board said Wednesday, packing more matches into their already-busy calendar. The matches will all be played in Harare -- on July 23, 25 and 26 -- before the teams meet again in January next year for three ODI matches in India. India last toured Zimbabwe in 2024, winning a five-match T20 series 4-1. Top-ranked India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, won the T20 World Cup last month at home. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe are a lowly 11th in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings but were a surprise package at the World Cup, topping their group to make it through to the second stage.

Vettori: Captaincy will have positive effect on Kishan's batting and keeping

Kishan is leading SRH until Cummins is available to play in the second half of IPL 2026

IPL 2026: Just Unfortunate That Green Has Not Been Able To Bowl So Far, Says Nayar

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar said it was just unfortunate that Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has not been able to bowl so far in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), adding that the franchises long-term plan was for him to be identified as a replacement for Andre Russell. Green, purchased by KKR for a jaw-dropping Rs 25.2 crore at last years IPL auction, didn't bowl an over in their season opening six-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, with Cricket Australia (CA) confirming that his bowling duties are restricted at the moment due to a lower back injury and can resume it after 10-12 days. There are things that sometimes are very unfortunate; its not in your control, but thats the sport, and thats the beauty of the sport. So, we always consider best-case scenarios. Yes, you want back-ups; you pick players who do certain things. But when we went into the auction, very simple: if Russ wasnt there, who is the next best all-rounder that we felt in the world and could add a lot of value and could take that Russell legacy forward in a different role? We felt Cam Green could do that for us. Its just unfortunate that hes not been able to bowl so far, said Nayar in the pre-match press conference, ahead of their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. Nayar also said the franchise had considered injuries and fitness updates but ultimately invested in Greens overall skill set. See, the idea of picking a player in an auction is not always very short-sighted. There is obviously a horizon. You look at what a player has done over a number of years and the skill set he possesses. The sport is interesting in that way, in that a lot of times you pick a player with certain prowess, and sometimes they may even do the skill youre talking about and not perform. But for us, Cameron Green, the cricketer and the all-rounder, was really important. You take a lot of things into consideration at times, whether theres an injury, fitness updates. But eventually, I think when the auction happens and when the tournament happens, its not immediate. So whatever decision you make, you dont know what the future lies and what the future will hold. So in that aspect, we as a franchise always invest in the player and what the player at his best can bring to our table, and we know what Cam Green can do, he elaborated. Nayar further backed wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to come good, with him struggling to hit top form since the Super Eights of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. I honestly believe mentally he is in a very good space. Actually, in a better space than hes been in previous years in that regard. Is it his toughest challenge? I feel hes gone through a lot more than this. So whatever decision you make, you dont know what the future lies and what the future will hold. So in that aspect, we as a franchise always invest in the player and what the player at his best can bring to our table, and we know what Cam Green can do, he elaborated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But yes, teams are playing him well. Doesnt mean he cant come back - it just means that its another challenge in his life like hes had prior, and we are trying and we are hoping and in every way backing him, and I hope the fans and the world do too, for him to come back once again, either in this game or in the future. But its inevitable that he will bounce back as he has in the past, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

ECB consider new profit rules in light of Sussex financial woes

ECB chief executive Richard Gould considers mirroring Premier League regulations

IPL 2026 Opening Weekend Sets Record With 515 Million Reach Across All Platforms

IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has recorded its biggest-ever opening weekend, with a combined reach of more than 515 million viewers across television and digital platforms for the first two high-scoring games of the ten-team tournament. Tournament broadcaster JioStar said a combined watch-time of 32.6 billion minutes was reported for the first two games, which meant growth in this was 26 percent as compared to the last editions opening two matches. It further added that CTV reach grew by 30 percent and concurrency went up by 61 percent, while on linear television, the first two matches of the 2026 edition witnessed a TVR growth of 24 percent over the previous seasons. The start to the season has been extremely encouraging. The combination of high-quality cricket and enhanced viewing experiences is clearly resonating with fans across the country. The IPL has always been about pushing boundaries, and it is pleasing to see how the league continues to set new benchmarks in both sport and fan engagement. Our constant effort is to build on this momentum year after year and deliver a tournament that continues to raise the bar for cricket globally. The focus remains on innovation, competitiveness, and creating an experience that connects with fans at every level, said IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal in a statement. A key feature of this season has been differentiated viewing experiences, including a connected TV Hindi feed featuring former players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, and Irfan Pathan. The opening weekend numbers are a strong reflection of the deep and enduring connection that fans have with the IPL. What is particularly encouraging is not just the scale, but the quality of engagement we are witnessing across platforms. It reinforces our belief that the IPL continues to evolve with the expectations of a modern, diverse audience while staying true to the essence of the game. At the BCCI, our endeavour has always been to ensure that the IPL grows in scale, quality, and reach with every season. We remain committed to making the tournament bigger and better, both on the field and in the way fans experience the game, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. The strong opening, driven by two high-scoring run chases, sets the tone for what the broadcasters say could be the biggest IPL season yet in terms of viewership. TATA IPL 2026 has opened at record scale, with deeper engagement than ever before across all platforms. This reinforces both the unmatched scale of live cricket in India and JioStars position as the definitive home of cricket. At the BCCI, our endeavour has always been to ensure that the IPL grows in scale, quality, and reach with every season. We remain committed to making the tournament bigger and better, both on the field and in the way fans experience the game, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This scale and depth of engagement come from combining the strength of the large screen with the interactivity of digital, thus creating a truly immersive and personalised experience for fans. As the tournament progresses, we will continue to push the boundaries of consumer engagement and partner outcomes, said Ishan Chatterjee, CEO, Sports, JioStar. Article Source: IANS

Paul Farbrace to leave Sussex at end of season

Head coach signals departure on eve of campaign as Hove crisis deepens

DC opt to bowl; no Mayank Yadav for LSG

Axar Patel becomes the first away captain to win a toss this season

IPL 2026: Aquib Nabi Misses Out As Delhi Capitals Elect To Bowl Against LSG

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bowl against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the fifth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. We will bowl first. First game, red soil, so we want to see how the pitch plays, said DC captain Axar Patel after winning the toss. Obviously, the data is there that the second team wins more. The tournament is starting, we want to see how our bowling goes, and that's what we wanted to bowl. Last season, we started well, but we failed to qualify because of one match in the middle. We want to start well again, hope to see it go then. On his overseas pick, Patel said, three batters and a bowler. David Miller, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, and Lungi Ngidi. Rishabh Pant, Lucknow Super Giants captain, said, I think it doesn't matter in a wicket like this. It's always good to have what you want. The wicket won't change much apart from the dew. I think it's a completely new energy for sure. We have changed our colour, logo, and definitely our mindset over the last year. We are also working on the negative stuff for sure. We are feeling good, and I think that's the only thing I am going to say. I am feeling good and ready to roar. Well, definitely we have to improve from what we did last season. We need to look into the injuries as well. As a captain, you can't look into those things too much. The bowlers are really fit and waiting to just go out there and make an impact, he added. Playing XIs: Delhi Capitals: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav Impact substitutes: Sameer Rizvi, Karun Nair, Ashutosh Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Auqib Nabi Delhi Capitals: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akshat Raghuwanshi Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Chahal Is Very Smart, Taking Out Gill And Buttler Came At Right Time, Says Kumble

Yuzvendra Chahal: Legendary India leg-spinner Anil Kumble praised Yuzvendra Chahals tactical nous in helping Punjab Kings beat Gujarat Titans by three wickets in IPL 2026, adding that his taking out Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler came at the right time for the side to start their campaign on a high. Chahals spell of 2-28, along with Vijaykumar Vyshaks 3-34, ensured PBKS kept GT to 162/8, which they chased down with five balls to spare. Yuzvendra Chahal is very smart. He changes his line, length, varies his speeds, you name it. He didnt try too many variations in terms of how he set up the batter. He kept bowling slightly wider and was very smart in that sense. He looked at the conditions and then aimed for the bigger side of the ground. He knew that if someone had to take him on that side, they had to connect really well, which they couldnt. He got a wicket, and those wickets of Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler came at the right time for Punjab Kings, because Gill was looking good to capitalise on a strong start. Unfortunately for GT, their usual approach of having one batter anchor through 15 overs, which generally gives them an advantage, didnt quite work out, said Kumble on JioHotstar. Kumble also questioned GTs use of pacer Prasidh Krishna, who was introduced only in the 13th over, saying the Purple Cap holder from last years season should have been bowled earlier in the innings. It was very surprising that the Gujarat Titans brought in Prasidh Krishna, the Purple Cap holder, only in the 13th over. The first one, of course, was a lucky breakthrough. Shreyas Iyer had been hit on the hand a couple of balls earlier, so maybe there was a loss in concentration. Kumble also questioned GTs use of pacer Prasidh Krishna, who was introduced only in the 13th over, saying the Purple Cap holder from last years season should have been bowled earlier in the innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You cant hold him back like that, and thats why the last over of Prasidh Krishna went for 14 runs. For GTs sake, Prasidh should have possibly bowled at least one over between the 6th and 10th overs, because he was ideally suited to that surface, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch KKR Vs SRH, Know All Details

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders will aim to resolve key bowling issues, especially in their spin bowlers, when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL 2026 match at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The game features two batting-focused teams, but both sides have notable weaknesses in their bowling attacks. For KKR, this match marks the start of a vital home phase. With three fixtures scheduled within a week and another on April 19 before a lengthy break due to state elections, the three-time champions will be keen to capitalise on familiar conditions. Historically dominant at Eden Gardens, KKR have won 54 of their 95 matches at the venue, but their current campaign has begun on shaky ground. A lack of bowling depth has become a significant concern. Injuries to Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, along with the unavailability of Matheesha Pathirana and Cameron Green's limited role, have weakened their attack. These issues were evident in their opener, where they failed to defend a total of 220, conceding a large opening stand that highlighted their difficulties with the new ball. More concerning, however, has been the performance of their spin duo, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. Chakravarthy leaked runs without much success, while Narine was underutilised, raising questions about KKRs ability to control the middle overs. SRH encounters similar problems following their loss in the opening match. Although they have a strong top order with Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Travis Head, their bowling unit found it difficult to defend a score over 200. Pat Cummins's absence due to fitness issues has further weakened their lineup. After several bowlers underperformed in the opener, SRH must rely on both their key batsmen and bowlers to excel in what is expected to be a high-scoring match. When: Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 PM IST Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata Where to watch: The KKR vs SRH match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The KKR vs SRH match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan (c & wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Aniket Verma, Smaran Ravichandran, Salil Arora, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins, Liam Livingstone, Kamindu Mendis, Krains Fuletra, Brydon Carse, Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Jaydev Unadkat, Shivam Mavi, Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, David Payne, Harsh Dubey, Amit Kumar, Zeeshan Ansari Article Source: IANS

KKR vs SRH Match 6, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

KKR vs SRH Match 6, Cricket Tips :Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad recorded a defeat in their opening matches of the IPL 2026. KKR lost to Mumbai Indians while defending 220 runs, whereas SRH couldn't defend 201 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Both teams suffered humiliation because of poor bowling displays. As a result, both teams will be under pressure when they step on the field to face each other in Kolkata. These two will be in action on Thursday at Eden Gardens at 7:30 PM IST. Batting-wise, these sides have several options, but their bowling units look below-average. The team that can bowl well will get over the line on Thursday. KKR vs SRH: Match Details Date: April 02, 2026 (Thursday) Time: 7:30 PM IST Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata KKR vs SRH Live Streaming Details The KKR vs SRH clash will be televised on the Star Sports Networks in India. For the Indian fans, the live stream will be provided through the Jio Hotstar app or website. KKR vs SRH Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 30 KKR : 20 SRH : 10 No-Result : 00 KKR vs SRH: Ground Pitch Report Eden Gardens is another happy hunting venue for the batting side in India. The wicket here has nothing for the bowlers, and it is a high-scoring game. Teams have scored 200+ here consistently. Fast outfields and shorter boundaries play in the hands of the batters. KKR vs SRH Possible XIs KKR: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sunil Narine, Finn Allen, Cam Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani SRH : Ishan Kishan (c & wk), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Harsh Dubey, Aniket Verma, Nitish Reddy, Salil Arora, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, David Payne KKR vs SRH: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Finn Allen showed some glimpses of his ability against MI but got out at the wrong time. But he will like batting in Kolkata, and his 33-ball century against South Africa came at this venue. For SRH, stand-in captain Ishan Kishan is in good form, and he will be the big wicket. Probable Best Bowler Sunil Narine holds the key for KKR because of his experience in Kolkata. He can take wickets in the middle overs. For SRH, Harshal Patel is the all-phase bowler, and his team will expect him to perform well. Today Match Prediction : SRH have a weaker bowling unit, with not many wicket-taking options. Hence, we predict KKR, who are playing at home, to win this game. KKR vs SRH Match 6, IPL 2026, Today KKR vs SRH Match, KKR vs SRH Prediction, KKR vs SRH Predicted XIs, Injury Update for KKR vs SRH Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

IPL 2026: Woke Up With Little Bit Of Nerves, Ponting Kept Me Calm And Collected, Says Connolly

New Delhi: After dazzling with a match-winning 72 on his IPL debut to give Punjab Kings a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans, batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly said head coach Ricky Pontings guidance helped him stay calm and collected, which in turn cooled down the nerves he had on the morning of the clash. Connolly struck an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls and held his nerve in a chase of 163 after PBKS suffered a middle-order wobble. I woke up in the morning with a little bit of nerves, which I was really happy about, but yeah, I was really looking forward to getting out there and playing my part the best I can. Ricky Ponting just kept me calm and collected. He told me to play my game, go out there and dominate. It was a nice team performance. We were very strong with the ball and made things easier for ourselves. It was a really good day for us. I was looking forward to spending time out in the middle with Shreyas Iyer and just sort of picking his brains a little bit. Hes a world-class player. Ive played a little bit of cricket with him for Australia A and Australia. He is a great player for a reason, and hopefully, I can learn as much as I can, said Connolly on JioHotstar. Connollys successful debut for PBKS carried similarities of how his childhood hero Shaun Marsh fared in his very first IPL game. Both began their IPL journeys with PBKS, marked their first appearance with half-centuries, and came in successful run chases. Both stayed unbeaten to see their side home, and were named Player of the Match for their efforts. I was looking forward to spending time out in the middle with Shreyas Iyer and just sort of picking his brains a little bit. Hes a world-class player. Ive played a little bit of cricket with him for Australia A and Australia. He is a great player for a reason, and hopefully, I can learn as much as I can, said Connolly on JioHotstar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I looked up to him as a mentor and an idol and really enjoyed spending some time with him. Its nice to be among the runs. There are still plenty of games to go and I am really looking forward to the rest of the tournament, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Rabada Must Rediscover Yorker To Succeed In Death Over Bowling, Opines Rayudu

New Delhi: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Kagiso Rabada must rediscover his skill of bowling the yorker in order to regain effectiveness of bowling in the death overs in IPL 2026. Rabada, who won the purple cap in IPL 2020, has struggled in recent seasons - taking only 20 wickets in 21 matches in the last three editions. He began this season with figures of 1-34 in three overs for Gujarat Titans, who lost to Punjab Kings by three wickets in New Chandigarh. I think one thing we have noticed over the years about Rabada, you know, as you Dale Steyn) also used to bowl that cross-seam sort of an outswinger, a baseball sort of a thing, and he used to bowl a very good yorker early on when he was bowling seam-up. But has he started bowling too much of that cross-seam? He lost his yorker. I think that's the reason why we are seeing him not bowl so well in the death. But initially, he used to bowl really well in the death when he just started. Maybe that's something that he can get back into his game, said Rayudu on ESPNCricinfo. Steyn, the former South Africa pacer, felt saying Rabada was searching a little bit for wickets and had kind of lost that yorker a little bit in recent years. He also compared Rabadas trajectory with Marco Jansen, who returned with figures of 1-20 for PBKS in the same game. He had fantastic yorker and then there was a season or period where the South African bowling line-up kind of went back of a length and crossed the seam, and I think that's where he kind of lost that yorker a little bit, whereas Marco doesn't bowl a lot of yorkers, he uses a lot more variations. Steyn, the former South Africa pacer, felt saying Rabada was searching a little bit for wickets and had kind of lost that yorker a little bit in recent years. He also compared Rabadas trajectory with Marco Jansen, who returned with figures of 1-20 for PBKS in the same game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So KG is searching a little bit and Marco has kind of figured it out and you can tell by, what is it, ten balls per wicket versus 71 (in the death overs since the start of IPL 2025)? One guy searching the other one, he knows exactly what he wants to do, he added. Article Source: IANS

Abhishek, Kishan Retain Top Two Spots, SAs Esterhuizen Makes Major Gain

T20I Player Rankings: India's Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan stay in the top two positions, while South African batter Connor Esterhuizen has continued his upward momentum with significant progress in the latest ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings update after his recent performances against New Zealand. Esterhuizen made a strong start to his international career during South Africa's recent T20I series in New Zealand, scoring 200 runs and earning the Player of the Series award. He rose from outside the top 100 T20I batters to 39th overall, marking a strong fortnight for the powerful right-hander and the Proteas, who secured a close 3-2 series win. Esterhuizen's total of 200 runs was twice as much as anyone else in the five-game series. Additionally, New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Robinson, who moved up two places to tie for 32nd, also advanced on the T20I batting list after scoring 81 runs against the Proteas. England veteran Jos Buttler has moved up one spot to eighth, while New Zealand's Tim Seifert has dropped one place to ninth; these are the only top 20 players to change positions this week. The updated T20I bowler rankings remain led by Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, with several South African players emerging as big winners after their performances against New Zealand. The Pace trio of Gerald Coetzee (who moved up 36 spots to tie for 52nd), Ottneil Baartman (up 10 places to 56th), and George Linde (rising six positions to tie for 62nd) make notable progress. England veteran Jos Buttler has moved up one spot to eighth, while New Zealand's Tim Seifert has dropped one place to ninth; these are the only top 20 players to change positions this week. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza continues to lead the T20I all-rounders list. This week, Coetzee stands out by climbing 14 spots to tie for 72nd place after taking eight wickets and scoring 18 runs in the series against New Zealand. Article Source: IANS

India to tour Zimbabwe for three T20Is in July

Zimbabwe are also scheduled to tour India for three ODIs in January 2027, their first tour of India for a bilateral series since 2002

IPL 2026: 'Gills Captaincy Left A Bit To Be Desired,' Says Chopra After GT's Loss

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra was not happy with Shubman Gill's captaincy after Gujarat Titans (GT) suffered a three-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 played at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. PBKS defeated the 2022 champions by three wickets after chasing down a 163-run target in 19.1 overs. While the Shubman Gill-led side posed as a threat and kept adding pressure, Cooper Connollys unbeaten 44-ball 72-run knock sealed the deal for the Punjab-based franchise as they opened their campaign on a high. According to Chopra Gill's bowling plans were confusing and their prime bowler Mohammad Siraj's two overs still pending after the match finished is a example of the mismanagement. Chopra also believes that Prasidh Krishna, who took three crucial wickets, should have been brought in early in the game. The bowling plans were puzzling. Siraj still had two overs left when the game was almost done, and Prasidh Krishna was brought in quite late. Overall, Shubman Gills captaincy also left a bit to be desired, Chopra told Jio Hotstar. He also raised concerns about the heavy reliance on top-order batters as the middle and the lower order are not scoring the required runs for the Gujarat Titans. For Gujarat Titans, the top three will have to fire because they are not giving themselves the opportunity to figure out a different way. Not many would believe it, but Glenn Phillips 25 is actually his highest score in the IPL so far. You would want him to contribute more consistently, and Washington Sundar also needs to score at a quicker rate because he seemed a bit stuck, he said. They have continued with Shahrukh Khan, but I felt Kumar Kushagra also had a case for selection. GT need to rethink how their 4, 5, and 6 are structured, he added. Chopra advised Punjab Kings to be happy with the two points and not think much about the batting collapse during the chase, where the team lost four wickets in just four overs as at the end only points matter. According to the former opener, it is better to learn with a win than a loss. They have continued with Shahrukh Khan, but I felt Kumar Kushagra also had a case for selection. GT need to rethink how their 4, 5, and 6 are structured, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The captaincy was outstanding as well, using just five bowlers and rotating them smartly. Cooper Connolly, a young Australian batter, came in and took centre stage to guide the team home. Yes, they could have finished the game earlier, but in the end, its the two points that matter. By the end of the season, people will only talk about points and net run-rate, not how you got them, he added. Article Source: IANS

'Definitely No. 1' - Amelia Kerr 'fizzed' after record-breaking day

There wasn't run-rate pressure through that middle phase of the game as she was flying, Amelia Kerr says of Isabella Gaze, who scored 68 in 48 balls in the chase

Grew Up Watching Shaun Marsh, Honour To Play For PBKS He Did: Connolly

Debutant Cooper Connolly: Debutant Cooper Connolly described his match-winning outing for Punjab Kings as a special moment after guiding his side to a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 opener in New Chandigarh on Tuesday and said that it was an 'honour' to represent the same franchise as his idol Shaun Marsh. Connolly, who struck an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls, held his nerve in a tense chase of 163 after Punjab suffered a middle-order collapse. Having shared a 76-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh (37), the Australian all-rounder anchored the innings even as wickets fell in clusters, eventually steering the side home with five balls to spare. Reflecting on his debut and the opportunity to represent Punjab, Connolly said it carried personal significance. Shaun Marsh played for the Punjab Kings and I grew up watching him. It's sort of an honour to sort of play for the same franchise as him, and looking forward to the next game and looking forward as a team, he said in a video shared by IPL, adding that getting off to a winning start made the experience even more memorable. It's always nice to get the first win for the team on the board, but just super excited to spend some time out there and sort of start the season off with a win for Punjab and looking forward to the rest of the tournament, he added. The 22-year-old also spoke about the magnitude of the IPL stage, having been picked up at the auction earlier this year. You want to be a part of the biggest competitions in the world and IPL is certainly up there. It was just nice to, during the auction, get picked up and come in here with just an open mind and trying to learn and just trying to get better, he noted. Punjabs chase had appeared straightforward at 97/1 before Prasidh Krishna triggered a collapse, dismissing key batters including Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, and Marcus Stoinis. However, Connolly remained composed, bringing up his maiden IPL fifty in just 34 balls and finishing the chase alongside Xavier Bartlett. The 22-year-old also spoke about the magnitude of the IPL stage, having been picked up at the auction earlier this year. You want to be a part of the biggest competitions in the world and IPL is certainly up there. It was just nice to, during the auction, get picked up and come in here with just an open mind and trying to learn and just trying to get better, he noted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, Gujarat Titans posted 162/6, with Shubman Gill (39) and Jos Buttler (38) leading the scoring, while Vijaykumar Vyshak (3/34) starred with the ball for Punjab. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: BCCI President Mithun Manhas Congratulates PBKS On Their Season Opener Win

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas has congratulated Punjab Kings (PBKS) for starting off their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on a high note by beating the 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. In a post on X, the BCCI president shared the glimpses of the match where he was also present and took part in the post-match presentation. He congratulated Punjab on their first win at their home ground, while also trusting the Shubman Gill-led side to make a good comeback. Many congratulations to @PunjabKingsIPL for their first win at their home ground. @gujarat_titans are a formidable unit, and I am sure they will bounce back strongly, he wrote on X. Speaking of the match, Punjab Kings secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over GT, chasing down 163 with five balls to spare at home. PBKS were powered by a superb all-round team effort, headlined by Cameron Connollys match-winning unbeaten half-century on debut and a disciplined bowling display led by Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yuzvendra Chahal. After choosing to bowl, Punjab Kings ensured the innings never got away from them by striking at regular intervals. Vijaykumar Vyshak was particularly effective, returning figures of 3/34, while Yuzvendra Chahal once again delivered in key moments with 2/28. Their efforts, backed by disciplined execution across the bowling unit, restricted Gujarat Titans to 162/6 from their 20 overs. In reply, Punjab Kings made an assured start, moving to 55/1 in the powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh and debutant Cameron Connolly forged a superb second-wicket partnership to drive the chase. However, the hosts stuttered briefly, losing 4 wickets in a space of two overs. Connolly brought up an impressive maiden half-century. Even as wickets fell at the other end, the Australian all-rounder remained composed to guide the chase deep. In reply, Punjab Kings made an assured start, moving to 55/1 in the powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh and debutant Cameron Connolly forged a superb second-wicket partnership to drive the chase. However, the hosts stuttered briefly, losing 4 wickets in a space of two overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score PBKS will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. GT will clash with the 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals, at their home ground, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on April 4. Article Source: IANS

Amelia Kerr hits 139-ball 179* as New Zealand pull off record chase to level series

The match had a total of 696 runs in 99.4 overs, and when New Zealand got past South Africa's 346, it became the highest successful run chase in women's ODI history

2nd WODI: Amelias 179 Help NZ Clinch Record Chase Against SA To Level Series 1-1

Skipper Amelie Kerr: Skipper Amelie Kerr batting masterclass helped New Zealand pull off the highest successful run chase in womens ODI history, overhauling a daunting 347 target to defeat South Africa by two wickets in the second ODI here at Basin Reserve and levelling the three-match series 1-1. Amelia scored an amazing 179 not out from just 139 deliveries as New Zealand surpassed India's record for the highest successful run chase in women's ODIs as they chased down the Proteas' mammoth total of 346/6 with two balls remaining. Walking in after the early dismissal of Suzie Bates, Kerr ensured the required rate remained within reach throughout the chase. She found key allies along the way, most notably in Georgia Plimmer (23) in a stabilising 52-run stand and later Isabella Gaze (68). Gaze and Kerr combined for a 120-run stand, which proved crucial as the White Ferns survived through the middle overs. Gazes explosive 68 off 48 balls shifted the pressure back onto South Africa. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals late in the innings, Kerr guided the lower order with clarity. With 11 required off the final over, Kerr took charge against Nadine de Klerk, striking three boundaries to bring the equation to zero and seal the historic win with two balls to spare. Earlier, South Africa looked in control after posting a formidable total. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a fluent 69, while Anneke Bosch produced a commanding 91 off 90 balls. The pair built on a rapid start to lay a strong foundation. Valuable contributions followed from Sune Luus (40) and Chloe Tryon, who provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 52, propelled South Africa past the 300 mark. Although New Zealands bowlers toiled, Bree Illing stood out with three wickets, helping prevent an even bigger total. Valuable contributions followed from Sune Luus (40) and Chloe Tryon, who provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 52, propelled South Africa past the 300 mark. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: South Africa 346/6 in 50 overs (Anneke Bosch 91, Laura Wolvaardt 69; Bree Illing 3-60, Kayley Knight 2-65) lost to New Zealand 350/8 in 49.4 overs (Amelia Kerr 179*, Isabella Gaze 68; Ayabonga Khaka 3-51, Masabata Klaas 2-61) by 2 wickets. Article Source: IANS

Weatherald, Neser Included, Maxwell, Renshaw Dropped As Australia Unveil Central Contracts

Boxing Day Ashes Test: Cricket Australia has unveiled a streamlined 21-player central contract list for the 202627 season, reflecting a clear emphasis on red-ball cricket ahead of an unusually demanding Test schedule. With 15 Tests lined up over the next year, selectors have prioritised players suited to the longer format, resulting in several high-profile exclusions. Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett are among the notable inclusions, both securing their first full national contracts after making their debuts in the recent Ashes series. Weatheralds selection is especially noteworthy, indicating strong support from selectors for him to remain Australias Test opener. The 31-year-old is gearing up for a notable homecoming in Darwin during the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Additionally, he has confirmed he will play for Leicestershire in the County Championship, enhancing his credentials in red-ball cricket. Experienced players Michael Neser and Todd Murphy have been reinstated, highlighting Australias aim to strengthen their bowling resources. Murphys return comes at a vital moment, as the team gears up for a tough tour of India and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon recovers from hamstring surgery sustained during the Ashes. Matt Kuhnemann has kept his place as selectors bolster spin options for subcontinental conditions. However, the contract list also features several surprising omissions. Fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who recently returned to Test cricket in the Boxing Day Ashes Test, has been left out despite his comeback. He is set to play county cricket in England with Yorkshire. Fellow Western Australian quick Lance Morris, who has struggled with injuries and form, has also been excluded. Other players missing from the list include Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Sam Konstas, and Matthew Renshaw, the latter having featured across formats earlier in the season. Meanwhile, non-contracted players will still have opportunities to earn upgrades by participating in international matches over the coming year. The new contracts are also financially significant, with average earnings now exceeding AUD 1 million annually, excluding match payments and superannuation. This increase follows the ongoing pay agreement between Cricket Australia and the players union. Meanwhile, non-contracted players will still have opportunities to earn upgrades by participating in international matches over the coming year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cricket Australia men's contracts for 2026-27: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa Article Source: IANS

One Match Into IPL 2026, Shreyas Iyer Fined Rs 12 Lakh For Code Of Conduct Breach

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was fined Rs 12 lakh for a slow over-rate in their IPL 2026 win over Gujarat Titans, where PBKS chased 163 with five balls to spare.

Sooryavanshi: The Future Has Arrived Early

The impact of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's knock will travel beyond Guwahati, inspiring every kid who picks up a bat in the narrow, dusty gullies, or a cramped maidan like those in Mumbai.

Cricket Australia Axe 3-Time World Cup Winner From Central Contract List, Make Multiple Shock Omissions

Young opening batsman Sam Konstas and veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell were axed Wednesday as Cricket Australia announced a list of 21 nationally contracted players for the 2026-27 season.

Surreal to Watch: Shreyas Iyer Hails Cooper Connolly After Debut Heroics

Connolly brought up his half-century in just 34 balls, becoming the 25th player to score 50 or more on IPL debut.

Rabada has 'kind of lost that yorker a little bit' and must find it fast

Bowling more cross-seam deliveries and keeping the yorker away is the reason for Kagiso Rabada not doing well at the death, agree Ambati Rayudu and Dale Steyn

Maxwell DROPPED! Shock Cricket Australia contract shake-up

Cricket Australia has announced its contracted player list for 2026/27, with some notable changes including the omission of Glenn Maxwell and Sam Konstas, and the inclusion of Brendan Doggett.

Don't Have Cricketer Friends: Arjun Tendulkar Opens Up On Personal Life

Arjun Tendulkar, son of Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, shocked everyone as he revealed that he doesn't have many cricketer friends.

Rajasthan Royals Star Compared To Virat Kohli For 'Keeping Ego Aside'. Not Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Former Indian cricket team batter Aakash Chopra was all praise for Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rajasthan Royals registered a commanding win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 encounter.

Punjab Unearth Another Gem: Connolly's Dream Debut

Cooper Connolly's unbeaten 72 on IPL debut powered Punjab Kings to victory.

Gill lauds 'very valuable' Ashok Sharma after impressive debut

Making his IPL debut, Ashok Sharma returned figures of 1 for 31 from three overs

Ice-cool Connolly leads nervy PBKS home on IPL debut

Prasidh Krishna's wickets caused a late wobble, but Connolly's unbeaten 72 steered PBKS home

IPL 2026: He Was Calm And Composed, Says Shreyas Iyer On Connolly's Match-winning Knock Against GT

New International Cricket Stadium: Skipper Shreyas Iyer praised debutant Cooper Connolly for his calm and composed innings after Punjab Kings (PBKS) registered a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener at the PCA's New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Tuesday. Chasing 163, Punjab Kings rode on Connollys unbeaten 72 to cross the line in 19.1 overs despite losing wickets at regular intervals towards the end. Iyer, who got injured during the chase, also spoke about his fitness, saying, All I can say about the hand is that it's nice, same as it was before. I don't want to jinx anything. The Punjab skipper was full of praise for Connollys batting display. Some of the shots he played were surreal to watch, especially the one off Rashid, he said. Iyer admitted there was a tense moment during the chase when Punjab lost quick wickets. I was focused on my hand inside, icing it. Suddenly, we lost two wickets back-to-back; these things happen in the IPL. You have to stay composed, Cooper was there, he was composed and calm, he added. He also revealed how the team assessed the pitch early in the game. After the third over, we realised the wicket was slow. Arshdeep came and said it was holding a bit. We tried to make the ball old as soon as possible, Iyer said. The captain also lauded Vijaykumar Vyshak, who took three wickets for his performance with the ball. Vyshak is carrying forward the form he performed in the last season. He is a big match player, he noted. Iyer also shared a light moment from the game, saying he was surprised by an unusual field placement. I was surprised to see a short leg for me. I told Shubman I had never seen that before, it's good to see captains attacking, he said, referring to Shubman Gill. Player of the Match Connolly expressed his delight after his impressive debut performance. I was looking forward to the experience of playing with some world-class players, but to put that performance in tonight, I'm very happy. I spent some time with friends and family at home before this just to reset, he said. The Australian added that he prefers to play according to the situation. I'm just more of a tempo player, feel the flow of my hands, don't hit too many big sixes ... working with Ricky is great. Not a lot was said; we were quite relaxed, in a great position out there, nice to get the win with Xavier, looking forward to the rest of the tournament, he said. Player of the Match Connolly expressed his delight after his impressive debut performance. I was looking forward to the experience of playing with some world-class players, but to put that performance in tonight, I'm very happy. I spent some time with friends and family at home before this just to reset, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Punjab Kings will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: We Didnt Score Enough In The Last Five Overs, Says Gill After GT Loss Against PBKS

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Skipper Shubman Gill admitted that Gujarat Titans (GT) fell short with the bat and in the final overs despite a strong start, after they went down to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by three wickets in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Gill felt the pitch had enough in it for a bigger total, but his side could not capitalise. I think we bowled overs. Batting, it looked like a 210-220 wicket. We thought 175 would be a good score, but we kept losing wickets and didn't score much in the last 5 overs. Once the ball got older, it was difficult to hit it down the ground, he said in the post-match presentation. Gujarat Titans eventually managed 162/6 in their 20 overs despite a flying start from Gill and Sai Sudharsan, who had taken the team to 35/0 in three overs. However, regular wickets in the middle overs, including Gills dismissal for 39 and contributions from Jos Buttler (38) and Glenn Phillips (25), prevented them from reaching a bigger total. Gill also pointed out that conditions slightly eased for batting in the second innings due to rain. In the second innings, rain continued, making the ball wet, which slightly improved batting conditions, he added. Despite the defeat, the Gujarat skipper praised his bowling unit for keeping the contest alive, especially Prasidh Krishna, who picked up three wickets. Bowling was good, and we can't blame them. I could've (on delaying Prasidh's introduction), but he came at the right time, took wickets, and kept us in the game until the 17th and 18th over. All ifs and buts, but he was bowling well in the nets as well, he said. Gill also had words of praise for youngster Ashok Sharma, who finished with figures of 1-31, For Ashok, he works hard on the game, he's a good find for us. I met him at one of our camps a couple of months ago. He is doing well and I hope he continues to do well, he noted. Chasing 163, Punjab Kings rode on debutant Cooper Connollys unbeaten 72 to reach the target in 19.1 overs, despite a late fightback from Gujarat. Gill also had words of praise for youngster Ashok Sharma, who finished with figures of 1-31, For Ashok, he works hard on the game, he's a good find for us. I met him at one of our camps a couple of months ago. He is doing well and I hope he continues to do well, he noted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gujarat Titans will now face Rajasthan Royals at their home ground, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on Saturday. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Connollys Unbeaten 72 Guides PBKS To 3-wicket Win Over GT

New International Cricket Stadium: Debutant Cooper Connolly hit his maiden half-century as Punjab Kings chased down the target of 163 runs in 19.1 overs and registered a three-wicket win, quelling a great comeback by the Gujarat Titans in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the PCA's New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Tuesday. Chasing 163, the Punjab Kings had an early setback when impact player Priyansh Arya was dismissed for 7 off 8 balls in the second over by Kagiso Rabada. Opener Prabhsimran Singh then counter-attacked, hitting back-to-back sixes off Rabada in the fourth over. Connolly joined the charge, smashing two sixes as Punjab reached 55/1 at the end of the Power-play. The duo continued to score freely, adding 76 runs for the second wicket and taking the team close to 100. The partnership was broken in the 10th over when Rashid Khan dismissed Prabhsimran for a quick 37 off 24 balls. Captain Shreyas Iyer kept up the momentum with two sixes but was dismissed in the 13th over by Prasidh Krishna. Gujarat Titans fought back strongly with quick wickets, removing Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis, with Krishna and Washington Sundar among the wicket-takers. Despite the collapse at the other end, Connolly held his nerve and completed his maiden IPL fifty on debut in just 34 balls. He remained unbeaten on 72 off 44 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes, and guided Punjab home along with Xavier Bartlett (11 not out) with five balls to spare. Krishna was the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat, finishing with 3-29, while Rabada, Ashok Sharma, Rashid Khan, and Sundar took one wicket each. Earlier, fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak took three wickets while Yuzvendra Chahal took two as the Punjab Kings restricted the Gujarat Titans to 162/6 in 20 overs. Gujarat Titans made a strong start after being asked to bat first, with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan scoring freely to take the score to 35/0 in three overs. However, Punjab Kings struck early as Marco Jansen dismissed Sudharsan for 13. Gill then added stability alongside Jos Buttler, guiding the team to 54/1 at the end of the powerplay. While Gill initially played aggressively, he later slowed down to anchor the innings before being dismissed for 39 off 27 balls by Yuzvendra Chahal in the 10th over. Glenn Phillips looked to accelerate with a quick 25 off 17 balls, but fell to Vijaykumar Vyshak. Buttler continued to hold the innings together but was dismissed for 38 off 33 balls by Chahal in the 16th over. Washington Sundar struggled for fluency and managed 18 off 16 balls before getting out late in the innings. Vyshak was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-34 in four overs, while Chahal provided crucial support with two wickets. Punjab Kings disciplined bowling effort ensured Gujarat Titans were kept under control despite their strong start. Washington Sundar struggled for fluency and managed 18 off 16 balls before getting out late in the innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gujarat Titans 162/6 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 39, Jos Buttler 38; Vijaykumar Vyshak 3-34, Yuzvendra Chahal 2-28) lost to Punjab Kings 165/7 in 19.1 overs (Cooper Connolly 72*, Prabhsimran Singh 37; Prasidh Krishna 3-29, Washington Sundar 1-27) by 3 wickets. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'I Varied My Pace And Line To Put Them Under Pressure,' Says Chahal After PBKS Halt GT At 162/6

New International Cricket Stadium: Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal said smart variations and use of flight helped him control the middle overs as Punjab Kings (PBKS) halted Gujarat Titans (GT) at 162/6 in their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the PCA's New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Tuesday. Chahal was one of the standout performers with the ball, returning figures of 2-28 in his four overs and providing crucial breakthroughs at a key stage of the innings. His most important wicket came in the 10th over when he dismissed captain Shubman Gill, who was looking set after a steady start. The dismissal helped Punjab regain control after a strong power play from Gujarat. Reflecting on his approach, Chahal explained how he assessed the conditions early and adapted accordingly. Definitely, in the evening when I saw the wicket, I thought it'd be dry. And when the fast bowlers start bowling cutters, I like a little bit of grip. You need to beat the batters in the flight here. I varied my pace and line, starting with some wide deliveries and then moving to the stumps line. Then I took a chance to get Shubman and put them under pressure, he said. The leg-spinner also underlined the importance of the powerplay phase, noting how scoring becomes more difficult as the innings progresses. Power-play is very important, it's easy to score runs with the new ball and hitting becomes harder as the ball gets old, he added. Definitely, in the evening when I saw the wicket, I thought it'd be dry. And when the fast bowlers start bowling cutters, I like a little bit of grip. You need to beat the batters in the flight here. I varied my pace and line, starting with some wide deliveries and then moving to the stumps line. Then I took a chance to get Shubman and put them under pressure, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With this performance, Chahal further strengthened his record as the most successful bowler in the middle overs (7-15) in IPL history. He now has 138 wickets in this phase at an average of 25.34, ahead of Ravindra Jadeja (136), Piyush Chawla (132), Amit Mishra (126), and Rashid Khan (102). Article Source: IANS

Wet outfield abandons Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi game

Before the toss, a violent thunderstorm lashed Lahore, with heavy rain, strong winds and hailstones in parts of the city

Vyshak and Chahal restrict GT to 162

PBKS chipped away regularly at the wickets, as three of GT's top four got to 25 without any of them getting to 40

IPL 2026: Vyshak Takes Three As Punjab Kings Restrict Gujarat Titans To 162/6

New International Cricket Stadium: Fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak took three wickets as Punjab Kings (PBKS) restricted Gujarat Titans (GT) to 162/6 in 20 overs in their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, being played at the PCA's New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Tuesday. Asked to bat first after losing the toss, the Gujarat Titans got off to a strong start with captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan looking in good touch. The duo scored freely and took the team to 35/0 at the end of the third over, scoring at more than 10 runs per over. Punjab Kings struck early when Marco Jansen dismissed Sai Sudharsan in the fourth over with a short-pitched delivery. The opener made 13 off 11 balls. Gill continued the scoring alongside Jos Buttler, who started cautiously and rotated the strike well. Gujarat Titans reached 54/1 at the end of the Power-play. After the Power-play, Gill slowed down and took the role of anchoring the innings while keeping the scoreboard moving. The partnership was eventually broken in the 10th over when Gill was caught at mid-wicket by Cooper Connolly off Yuzvendra Chahal. Gill scored 39 off 27 balls, hitting six fours. Glenn Phillips, who missed last season due to injury, picked up the pace in the 12th over with a six and a four off Chahal. However, he could not convert his start and was dismissed in the 14th over by Vyshak, caught at long-off by Jansen. He scored 25 off 17 balls. At the other end, Buttler held the innings together but was dismissed in the 16th over by Chahal after scoring 38 off 33 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Washington Sundar struggled to get going and was dismissed for 18 off 16 balls in the 19th over. Vyshak was the standout bowler for Punjab Kings, finishing with figures of 3-34 in four overs, while Chahal supported well with two important wickets. At the other end, Buttler held the innings together but was dismissed in the 16th over by Chahal after scoring 38 off 33 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Washington Sundar struggled to get going and was dismissed for 18 off 16 balls in the 19th over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gujarat Titans 162/6 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 39, Jos Buttler 38; Vijaykumar Vyshak 3-34, Yuzvendra Chahal 2-28) against Punjab Kings Article Source: IANS

Miller omitted from CSA contracts; Bosch, Brevis handed first-time deals

A total of 18 men's and 15 women's contracts were awarded, as well as a hybrid contract for offspinner Simon Harmer

ECB unmoved by Ireland's Euro Nations Cup proposal

England's jam-packed schedule means involvement in mooted Asia Cup-style tournament unlikely

Scotland Women To Host Bangladesh, Netherlands In T20 Tri-series Ahead Of World Cup

T20 World Cup: Scotland Women's cricket team will step up their preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with a T20 tri-series against Bangladesh and the Netherlands at The Grange Club to be played in May and June. The series will mark Scotlands first home assignment since September 2022. Since then, the team has shown steady progress, qualifying for two successive Womens T20 World Cups and registering notable wins against full-member sides such as West Indies, Zimbabwe and Ireland in both ODI and T20 formats. After the series, Scotland will travel to England for two additional warm-up matches before beginning their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland at Old Trafford on June 13. Captain Kathryn Bryce said she is looking forward to playing in front of home fans in Edinburgh. Im incredibly excited for this opportunity for us to play in my hometown of Edinburgh. The last time we played there was in 2022, which feels so long ago, and I actually contracted Covid-19 at the time so ended up missing out on the series. This is going to be the first time that Ive played for Scotland in Edinburgh in my career, so its incredibly exciting, she said in a statement released by Scotland cricket. Theres a monumental few months coming up, given were then playing a T20 World Cup just down the road in England, so with the buzz and energy around that prospect, hopefully we can get lots of supporters along to watch us. Its been so rare for Scotland to play at home that its not often we get to have a big crowd thats able to see us in person and be on our side. Bangladesh and the Netherlands are both excellent sides, so the fixtures will be amazing preparation for us leading into the main event. I cant wait to pull on the thistle here in Scotland and run out in front of the home fans, she added. Head coach Craig Wallace said hosting the tri-series is an important step for the team. Being able to host two excellent cricketing nations in Bangladesh and the Netherlands here in Scotland is amazing, and a big step forward for our sport and the team. Given that we havent played at home since 2022, itll probably be quite an emotional occasion for everyone involved, given the hard work that the team have put in since then and the success theyve subsequently had, he said. Head coach Craig Wallace said hosting the tri-series is an important step for the team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The tri-series, to be held at The Grange Club, will begin on May 28 with Scotland taking on the Netherlands, followed by Scotland facing Bangladesh on May 30. Bangladesh will then meet the Netherlands on May 31. The action continues with Scotland playing Bangladesh again on June 2, before Scotland face the Netherlands on June 3. The final match of the series will see the Netherlands take on Bangladesh on June 4. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Always Wanna Come Here And Give My Best,' Says Marco Jansen

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: South African all-rounder Marco Jansen underlined his commitment to contributing to the teams success, saying his primary aim is always to give his best and help put the side in a winning position, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) start their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. For me personally, it's just about always wanna come here and give my best and put the team in a winning position, Jansen said ahead of the match. The South African all-rounder added that his break after the T20 World Cup allowed him to spend quality time with family before returning to India. It was good. I spent some time with the family, my sisters, my mom, my dad, obviously my brother as well. He was playing cricket back home. And then yeah, went to the farm for a few days, spent some time in the bush. And then yeah, got back here to India, he said. Jansen also credited his development to working with different coaches and learning from teammates in franchise cricket. I think the coaching staff has helped me a lot. Dealing with different coaches, having to work with different coaches across the world, picking their brains. And obviously, the domestic players here in the IPL last year, especially has helped me a lot, Arshdeep in particular and Shreyas Iyer from a captaincy point of view, he added. Having featured in multiple IPL seasons, Jansen believes his understanding of Indian conditions has improved significantly over time. I think that's (having played cricket in India) helped me a lot in terms of how to play better or be more consistent in Indian conditions. I remember previously, when I was younger, I just struggled quite a bit with the bounce and then with the spin as well. And I think spending time here playing in the IPL for numerous years now has helped a lot regarding that, he said. Having featured in multiple IPL seasons, Jansen believes his understanding of Indian conditions has improved significantly over time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jansen also had a good season with the ball in IPL 2025, where he took 16 wickets at an average of 27.13. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Boys In Good Place, Says Dushmantha Chameera As DC Set For Season's First Clash Vs LSG

With Delhi Capitals: With Delhi Capitals set to kick off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign with renewed focus and clarity, their Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera shed light on the teams readiness ahead of their opening clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. Coming into his second season with the franchise, Chameera spoke about the continuity within the group and the work put in during the lead-up to the tournament. We had good preparation for a few days, we had two practice games, and I think the boys are in a good place now. For me, its always special because playing in the IPL is a dream. I was with the team last year as well, and if I get the opportunity this season, I just want to contribute to the teams success, Chameera said on the eve of their opening match on Tuesday. Highlighting the demands of bowlers in a high-scoring format like T20, Chameera said, Its always tough for fast bowlers in India. The wickets are good for batting, and the grounds are small, so you have to be mentally very strong. Preparation is not just about skills; its also about how you handle pressure in these conditions. If we execute our plans well, we can still do well even in these situations. Speaking about the fast-moving evolution of T20's and the Tigers' efforts to be up to speed with it, Chameera added, Compared to a few years ago, now even if you go for 8-9 runs in an over, it can still be okay depending on the situation. We discuss these things as a group, work on our plans, and focus on what is best for the team in that moment. Highlighting the demands of bowlers in a high-scoring format like T20, Chameera said, Its always tough for fast bowlers in India. The wickets are good for batting, and the grounds are small, so you have to be mentally very strong. Preparation is not just about skills; its also about how you handle pressure in these conditions. If we execute our plans well, we can still do well even in these situations. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We have discussed everything in the bowling group, and we have individual plans for different batters. In these kinds of conditions, execution becomes very important, especially for fast bowlers, so that is something we have focused on in preparation, he added. Article Source: IANS

PBKS bowl against GT, Ashok and Connolly make IPL debut

Glenn Phillips, meanwhile, makes his franchise debut for GT

All eyes on fit-again Mayank as LSG kickstart season against DC

Rishabh Pant could bat at No. 3 for LSG, while Auqib Nabi is likely to make his IPL debut with DC

IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch LSG Vs DC, Know All Details

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will start their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Axar Patel's side, Delhi Capitals (DC), at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Both Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals endured underwhelming campaigns in IPL 2025, missing out on playoff qualification. Delhi narrowly fell short, finishing fifth and just one point away from the top four, while Lucknow ended seventh after managing six wins in their 14 league matches. LSG boast a formidable top order featuring Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh, complemented by a strong pace attack comprising Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan, all capable of maintaining high speeds consistently. In contrast, Delhi Capitals appear more settled overall, with a solid top order led by KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw and Pathum Nissanka. Their middle order includes experienced names like David Miller, Tristan Stubbs and Nitish Rana. However, their pace unit looks slightly vulnerable in the absence of Mitchell Starc, although Lungi Ngidi and Kyle Jamieson remain reliable options in this format. When: Wednesday, April 1, 7:30 PM IST Where: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow Where to watch: The LSG vs DC match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The LSG vs DC match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (C), KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Rana, Abishek Porel (WK), Ajay Mandal, Ashutosh Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair, Kuldeep Yadav, Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Sameer Rizvi, T Natarajan, Tripurana Vijay, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mukesh Kumar, David Miller, Ben Duckett, Auqib Nabi, Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi, Sahil Parikh, Prithvi Shaw and Kyle Jamieson. Article Source: IANS

Secretary, Sports, Urges Industry To Position India As A Global Hub For Sports Goods Manufacturing At ISGF 2026

India Sporting Goods Fair: The 4th edition of the India Sporting Goods Fair (ISGF) 2026 opened on Tuesday with a strong focus on transforming India into a global hub for sports goods manufacturing, exports, and trade. Addressing exhibitors, international buyers, and stakeholders, Secretary (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hari Ranjan Rao, stated, This is a golden period in the growth trajectory of Indias sports goods industry. Outlining an ambitious national vision, Rao highlighted that India aims to scale sports goods exports from approximately 3,000 crore to 80,000 crore. Emphasising the scale of transformation required, he said, If we have to move from 3,000 crore to 80,000 crore, every manufacturer will have to multiply their scale nearly 25 times. If you do not dream big, you will not be able to achieve it. Manufacturers were urged to scale aggressively, expand globally, and adopt a forward-looking approach driven by innovation and investment, with special emphasis on the role of youth and next-generation entrepreneurs in leading this expansion. Let us aim to host the worlds largest sports goods exhibition in India with participation from exhibitors across the globe, Rao said. Reaffirming the Governments commitment, Rao noted that 500 crore has already been allocated in the Union Budget for the sector. It was underlined that while the Government will provide full policy support, execution must be led by the industry. We would also like to see many more new manufacturers entering the sports manufacturing sector. The industry should actively explore joint ventures and international collaborations, and the Ministry will be happy to support such partnerships, the Secretary (Sports) said. Addressing the gathering, Joint Secretary (Sports), Vineel Krishna, highlighted the Governments broader vision and stated, The Government is very ambitious about expanding the sports goods manufacturing sector, not only to meet domestic demand but also to enhance Indias global export potential. We are hopeful that in the next couple of months we will be able to launch the sports goods manufacturing scheme after necessary approvals, he said. Joint Secretary (Sports) also highlighted the increasing interest shown by several State Governments in promoting the expansion of sports goods manufacturing in the country. The next decade is going to be transformational for the sports sector, and all of you will be part of this growth story, he added. We are hopeful that in the next couple of months we will be able to launch the sports goods manufacturing scheme after necessary approvals, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The 4th edition of ISGF features 75 exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products, including athletic goods, badminton and tennis equipment, boxing gear, cricket equipment, fitness equipment, sports apparel, indoor sports equipment, and toys. Article Source: IANS

BCCI Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Untimely Passing Of Veteran Broadcast Engineer Langford

The IPL Governing Council: The Board for Cricket Control of India (BCCI) has expressed deep sorrow following the untimely death of veteran broadcast engineer Ian William Langford, who was part of the Indian Premier Leagues (IPL) 2026 production crew in Mumbai. In an official statement, the board said, The IPL Governing Council and all stakeholders involved express their deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Mr. Ian Williams Langford, a dedicated broadcast engineer, who was an integral part of our broadcast operations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends back home. Reiterating its commitment to those working behind the scenes, the BCCI added, The IPL is committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to Mr. Langfords family during this incredibly difficult time. It further emphasised, The health, safety and overall security of every member involved in the smooth functioning of the IPL continues to remain of utmost importance. Langford, a 76-year-old British citizen, was in Mumbai for IPL broadcast operations. He had been staying at the Trident Hotel since March 24. According to Marine Drive police, hotel staff found him unconscious in his room on the morning of March 30. They had tried to contact him multiple times with no response. Hotel management quickly took him to Bombay Hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Langford, a 76-year-old British citizen, was in Mumbai for IPL broadcast operations. He had been staying at the Trident Hotel since March 24. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Langford returned to his room late on March 29 after finishing his work at an IPL match. When he did not respond the next morning, hotel staff notified the authorities, leading to the discovery. Langford was an experienced professional, seen as a key part of the broadcast team. He helped ensure smooth coverage of IPL matches. Article Source: IANS

Mitchell Perry ruled out of Lancashire stint with back stress injury

Australian seamer to begin rehab programme after routine MRI detected recurrence of problem

Fakhar Zaman Handed A Two-match Ban For Ball Tampering

The Pakistan Cricket Board: Fakhar Zaman has received a two-match suspension in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after being found guilty of a Level 3 breach under Article 2.14 of the tournaments Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the decision on Tuesday following the Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings fixture held on Sunday, March 29, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Article 2.14 addresses violations involving the alteration of the balls condition, specifically in contravention of clause 41.3 of the HBL PSL Playing Conditions. It states, The following actions shall, therefore, not be permitted (this list of actions is not exhaustive but included for illustrative purposes): (a) deliberately throwing the ball into the ground for the purpose of roughening it up; (b) applying any artificial substance to the ball; and applying any non-artificial substance for any purpose other than to polish the ball; (c) lifting or otherwise interfering with any of the seams of the ball; and (d) scratching the surface of the ball with finger or thumb nails or any implement. A first-time Level 3 offence can result in a suspension ranging from one to two matches. It also notes, Any appeal under this Article must be lodged with the HBL PSL Technical Committee within 48 hours of receipt of the written decision of the Match Referee. The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition. The ball was subsequently replaced before the final over of Karachi Kings innings. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied wrongdoing and opted to challenge the allegation during a formal disciplinary hearing, as permitted under the Code of Conduct. The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition. The ball was subsequently replaced before the final over of Karachi Kings innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lahore Qalandars are set to play their upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on Friday, April 3, at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a clash with Islamabad United on Thursday (April 9) at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Last Season Is History Now, We Start From Ball One,' Says Iyer Ahead Of GT Clash

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer urged his side to move on from last season and embrace a fresh start, as he laid down a clear message ahead of their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. See, last season is history now. We start from ball one. It's important that we stick to the present and see to it that we enjoy each and every moment, Iyer said in a video released by the IPL. Skipper also praised the love and support the team gets when they play at their home ground and expected the fans to continue cheering for them as they start their new season It certainly feels like home. The love and the support the home team got last season it was phenomenal. And I'm hoping to see a lot of them coming in numbers this season and cheering us up. It doesn't really feel like an away game, Iyer added. Punjab Kings enjoyed a stellar campaign in IPL 2025, finishing as runners-up and marking one of their best performances in the tournaments history. Looking ahead to the new season, Iyer highlighted the influence of head coach Ricky Ponting in shaping the teams approach and dressing room environment. Punjab Kings enjoyed a stellar campaign in IPL 2025, finishing as runners-up and marking one of their best performances in the tournaments history. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans have faced each other six times in IPL history, with both sides giving tough competition to each other, as the head-to-head record is tied with PBKS winning three encounters, and GT also came victorious on three occasions. Article Source: IANS

Fakhar Zaman handed two-match ban for ball tampering

He will miss Qalandars' matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 and Islamabad United on April 9.

Players Understand Their Roles, Each Other's Strengths And Weaknesses, Says Krunal On RCBs Environment

If Virat Kohli: RCB allrounder Krunal Pandya thinks that the clear environment within the team has enabled them to establish a more relaxed and confident rhythm after their championship win last season. I feel that this year there is a much calmer atmosphere. Last year it was a new team, and everyone got to know each other. This year, many players understand their roles and each other's strengths and weaknesses, he said. Krunal also credited captain Rajat Patidar at the helm, saying, Rajat has done a pretty amazing job captaining such a big franchise like RCB in his first season. The way he led the team last year was very special. He also emphasised the trust he has in wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps. A lot of credit goes to Jitesh behind the wickets as well. I feel very secure and trust him completely because wherever I bowl, he will grab the ball, he said. Krunal noted that the passion of RCB fans became clear to him shortly after joining the team, highlighting the strong bond between the team and its supporters. Last year, when we played our game against Chennai in the league stage and we were on the busI thought, People are so crazy about the team, and they want us to do well. We must win the trophy for the fans, he said. Krunal also discussed the example set by Virat Kohli within the group, stating, Virat is a classic example you can see that hunger; you can see that passion in how he sees the game and how much he wants that victory. If Virat Kohli had been born in any generation, he would still be one of the greats. He is not competing with anyone else. Krunal, the Player of the Match in last years final, discussed his strategy for managing pressure during crucial moments, emphasizing that staying present has been essential. When I get into the big occasions, I feel that if God has got you here, then there is a reason behind it. And sometimes I think that these big occasions are actually made for me. I feel the pressure, but I think about how I can be calm and in the present moment and do what is required Krunal thinks maintaining a long career in the sport relies on adapting to the changes in the game. What I've realised over a period of time is that to have longevity in any field, whether it's sport, whether it's business, you have to get better and you have to evolve. You can't be the same person or you can't have the same thought process to it. He also pointed to the IPL's evolution over the years. Every year IPL is evolving. You know what sort of batsmanship was there in 2016 and what it is in 2026, it's very different. Impact Player has played a massive role in the league in the last 3-4 years and that's why you see so many high-scoring games where now 200, 220 is actually chaseable. The game has gone from consistency to impact. At the end of the day what I've realised is that the basics of cricket remain the same. Yeah, I am an instinct player. But I do my research well. Although he has achieved success in franchise cricket, Krunal considers playing for India to be his ultimate goal. At the end of the day nothing beats playing for the country. Whenever I had the opportunity, I felt I performed well in both T20s and ODIs. Even now, representing India remains the ultimate goal. Although he has achieved success in franchise cricket, Krunal considers playing for India to be his ultimate goal. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I am a human being and sometimes it hurts that I have not played for the country for a long time. But it is part of the journey, and you keep doing your job. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'It's Going To Be A Cracker Of A Season For Sooryavanshi', Says Bangar

Indian Premier League: Vaibhav Sooryavanshis sensational start to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has already turned heads, with former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar predicting a blockbuster season for the teenage sensation after Rajasthan Royals dominant eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings on Monday. Dropped for nought, Sooryavanshi raced to a 15-ball fifty - the third fastest in IPL history - with four fours and five sixes, powering RR to 74 without loss in the Powerplay. Though he fell soon after for 52, the damage was done. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was a class apart. He dominated a good bowling attack. He took on Matt Henry, a new ball bowler, who challenges top batters internationally. He toyed with Khaleel Ahmed, who swings the ball both ways. He got the better of Anshul Kamboj, known for hitting the deck hard with good length deliveries. He even made life difficult for mystery bowler Noor Ahmad. At the age of 15, he dominated four quality bowlers with his fearless batting and forced them to move away from their strengths. Henry had to bowl slower balls. Khaleel had to try different things. He put pressure on all of them. That shows Vaibhav, with his fearless approach, is getting into the minds of established bowlers. I admired that quality in his innings. The start this wonder boy has had makes sure it's going to be a cracker of a season for him, Bangar said on Jio Star. Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim also heaped praise on the youngster, highlighting both his aggression and growing maturity at the crease. Vaibhav Suryavanshi started IPL 2026 from where he left off last season. It was yet another dominating show of aggressive batting. A joy to watch him execute the shots he played. He showed maturity in his knock, targeting the right deliveries, and he did that by batting at a strike-rate of more than 250. The more he progresses at this level, the better he will become. He is becoming very sagacious now and one can sense there is some kind of wisdom in the way he executes his shots. The intent remains the same. There is aggression. There is this intent of clearing the boundary whenever he gets an opportunity, be it against a pace bowler or even against a spin bowler, Karim said. While Suryavanshi stole the spotlight with the bat, Rajasthans bowlers laid the foundation earlier in the evening, with Nandre Burger playing a crucial role in dismantling CSKs top order. England pacer Jofra Archer began by swinging the ball both ways to trouble Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the opening over. Nandre Burger then made the first breakthrough by knocking over Samson for 6 with a delivery that shaped away and crashed into the off-stump. Archer returned to remove Gaikwad in his second over - the CSK skipper backed away to access the off-side but missed a straight ball and was bowled for six. Burger intensified the collapse in the third over as Ayush Mhatre fell for a golden duck - gloving a bouncer to keeper Dhruv Jurel, as RR got the decision in their favour on review. Karim explained what made the left-arm pacer so effective on the night. Nandre Burger is rapid and his line and length was quite impeccable. He bowled a special delivery to dismiss Sanju Samson. It was a natural variation that took the ball away from Samson. He took Ayush Mhatre by surprise with his sharp bouncer. Left-arm pacers in any case flourish bowling those kinds of deliveries. Plus, since he is so rapid, he tends to hurry the batter and catches them off guard with unexpected deliveries. On a Guwahati pitch that was in favour of the pacers, Burger stuck to the good length deliveries, and they worked in a wonderful manner for him. Bangar also pointed out how Rajasthans new-ball pairing of Burger and Jofra Archer set the tone early, removing key CSK batters in quick succession. Left-arm pacers in any case flourish bowling those kinds of deliveries. Plus, since he is so rapid, he tends to hurry the batter and catches them off guard with unexpected deliveries. On a Guwahati pitch that was in favour of the pacers, Burger stuck to the good length deliveries, and they worked in a wonderful manner for him. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Once you get Sanju Samson out and then immediately in the next over you get the wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad, it is icing on the cake. Those two are the most established batters of CSK, on whom the entire fulcrum of CSKs batting revolves. Getting those powerplay wickets is extremely critical for any bowler to stamp their authority and get ahead in the game. It went really well for RR. Article Source: IANS

Great Signs For Future Of South African Cricket, Says Sune Luus On Proteas Thrilling Win Over NZ

New Zealand Women: Sune Luus has hailed South Africas up-and-coming players as a promising sign for the future following a nerve-wracking victory over New Zealand Women in the opening ODI of their three-match series, which is a part of the ICC Womens Championship. The Proteas, runners-up at the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup 2025, clinched a dramatic two-wicket win in Christchurch, thanks largely to a fearless knock from 20-year-old Kayla Reyneke. The youngster finished unbeaten on 42 and sealed the contest in style with a last-ball six. Reflecting on the composure shown by the next generation, Luus expressed admiration for their confidence and maturity under pressure. Its great signs for the future of South African cricket. Its awesome just to see the players come in and just flourish like that, Luus said ahead of the second ODI. I think when we were younger, I cant remember being that confident or just coming in and hitting sixes for fun. Its really awesome to see how the womens game has grown and how Kayla just took responsibility and earned it, she added. South Africas victory was also built on a dominant bowling display from Ayabonga Khaka, who produced a career-best performance with six wickets to dismantle the White Ferns batting unit. She took wickets at crucial times. Shes been a senior bowler for us for a very long time and always takes responsibility and loves a good challenge. Im very happy for her. Its a great milestone to get a six-fer. Hopefully, she can just continue picking up all the wickets for the next couple of games, Luus shared. During the chase, Luus played a pivotal role with the bat, combining with Annerie Dercksen for a crucial 123-run partnership that steadied the innings and kept South Africa in contention. Derckie is an interesting one to bat with. I dont think she takes it very seriously. It was fun to bat with her. When shes in, the runs are just flowing. Shes a very powerful hitter of the ball. I think we were cruising when we came in, batting at a run-a-ball together. It was just important for us to stay calm and to have that long partnership, and just to take it as deep as possible. During the chase, Luus played a pivotal role with the bat, combining with Annerie Dercksen for a crucial 123-run partnership that steadied the innings and kept South Africa in contention. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With valuable points at stake in the ICC Womens Championship, Luus underlined the importance of building on the winning start as South Africa aim to secure direct qualification for the 2029 Womens World Cup. Article Source: IANS

Gatting leads calls for board resignations as anger at Middlesex grows

Group of prominent former players hits out at board ahead of AGM on April 15

Calls Grow For 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi To Make India Bow

There were growing calls Tuesday for teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi to be fast-tracked into India's senior national team after slamming a 17-ball 52 to launch his IPL season. The batsman turned 15 last week, making him eligible to represent India under International Cricket Council rules, having already starred for his country at youth level. On Monday he smacked four fours and five sixes as Rajasthan Royals chased down a target of 128 with 7.5 overs to spare against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. The teenager made history in last year's IPL in a dazzling debut season highlighted by a 35-ball century, the second fastest in the history of the T20 tournament. Spin bowling great Anil Kumble compared Suryavanshi to batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who made his full international debut aged 16. Yes, absolutely. If a player shows this level of consistency, he should be fasttracked, just like Sachin Tendulkar, Kumble said on JioHotstar. Suryavanshi has already made his mark at youth international level, hammering 175 off just 80 balls as India beat England in the Under-19 World Cup final in February. Former India batter Ambati Rayudu described Suryavanshi as a cut above a lot of youngsters in the country. He's a talent that will definitely do wonders for Indian cricket, Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo. I don't know when, but definitely in the future. Inside the Rajasthan Royals camp, the leadership group has been focused on shielding the prodigy from the pressures of early fame. What I tell him is that you're going to play 14 games (in this season's IPL) and regardless of what goes on in the game, it shouldn't bother you, captain Riyan Parag said. What goes around in the media shouldn't bother you. He added following Monday's latest eye-catching display: Like everyone in the stands, we also had this feeling of 'wow', wondering how he is able to do this. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He is a talent and I am very glad that he is in our team, and not the opponent's, he said.

Who is Raj Bawa? Mumbai Indians Young All-Rounder with a Golden Sporting Legacy

For its IPL 2026 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders, the impact subs named by Mumbai Indians were: Surya Kumar Yadav, Corbin Bosch, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa and Ashwani Kumar. Who is this Raj Bawa? Raj Angad Bawa, a young cricketer from Chandigarh, is a seam-bowling all-rounder (left-handed batting and right-arm medium-fast bowling). He was one of the stars of Indias successful 2022 ICC U19 World Cup campaign. He smashed 162* against Uganda (the highest score of the event). It also became the highest individual score by any Indian at the U-19 World Cup, surpassing Sheikh Dhawans previous record of 155 from 2004. He then claimed a historic match-winning 5/31 in the final against England. This was the best bowling performance in a U-19 World Cup final. It didnt take him long to begin his IPL journey as Punjab Kings secured him in the 2022 auction for Rs.2 crore after an intense bidding war. However, his tenure with them was marked by limited opportunities (he scored 11 runs in two outings in the 2022 season and was not used as a bowler) and injury and was released prior to the 2024 auction. Ahead of the 2025 Mega Auction, Mumbai Indians got him for Rs. 30 lacs. Although he scored 8* in the single outing in the three matches played (and was not used as a bowler), the team continued to place their faith in the left-hander and retained him for IPL 2026. This has given him another opportunity to share the dressing room with some of the finest T20 cricketers to polish his skills at the highest level. Raj Angad Bawa has another introduction also, as he has an exciting legacy. He is grandson of an Olympic gold medallist, Trilochan Singh Bawa. His playing for India in the ICC U19 World Cup and then IPL has added a chapter of glory to this proud legacy. Not only did his grandfathers achievement on the Olympic stage serve as an inspiration, he has carried forward a family tradition of sporting excellence. Trilochan Singh Bawa, was part of India's hockey team that won the gold medal at the 1948 Olympics in London. Not only this, his father, Sukhwinder Singh Bawa, is considered among the first coaches of Yuvraj Singh, and in particular, he is often credited for having advised Yuvraj to bowl spin rather than fast. The family nourished the pursuit of sporting excellence. Although Raj didnt see much of his Olympian grandfather as he lost him at the age of five, its natural that Raj Bawa has high hopes riding on him. Trilochan Singh Bawa:At the London 1948 Olympics hockey final, India defeated England to win gold, by 4-0 and Trilochan Bawa scored one goal, which was his second goal at the Olympics. The 1948 hockey gold is considered as the start of Indian sporting glory as this was the first for India after independence. Sukhwinder Bawa:He was a renowned cricket coach, moulded India internationals like Yuvraj Singh and VR Singh. He played both hockey and cricket while young, but a spine injury in his 20s, forced him to concentrate on coaching. Raj Bawa:He has already earned a name for himself with his fine display and played a starring role in India winning the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2022 for a record fifth time. He was born in Nahan (HP) but grew up in Chandigarh. He grew up listening to the stories of his grandfather from his grandmother and father, and they have stayed with him. Whenever I see that gold medal, it gives me goosebumps. I can only imagine how important an achievement it must have been, back then, Raj Bawa remembers. This medal has worked as a catalyst for Raj Bawa to live up to the sporting legacy of the family. Raj joined Sukhwinders coaching academy. Yuvraj Singh also trained here and was a hero for Raj. It is believed that Raj became a left-handed bat after watching Yuvraj. The 2022 U-19 World Cup brought success for Raj Bawa (who scored 252 runs and claimed nine wickets in six outings). He plays Ranji Trophy also. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Raj Bawa knows that he has a long way to go as quite a number of players have not been able to carry forward their under-19 success to the highest level, but he has the genes of an Olympic champion in him, so everyone is hopeful of his success. It will not be out of order to add here that India player Reetinder Singh Sodhi (18 ODIs) is Raj Babas cousin. He was also the hero and man of the match during the U-19 World Cup final in 2000, when India beat Sri Lanka.

Georgia Voll Tops T20I Rankings, Ends Mooneys 26-month Reign

T20I Rankings: Georgia Voll jumped eight spots to overtake fellow Australian Beth Mooney as the No. 1 ICC Womens T20I batter after scoring her first T20I century in the third and final match against the West Indies, helping her team to a 3-0 series sweep. Volls innings lifted her above 800 ratings points to a personal best of 815, securing her first top spot in the batting rankings, as Australia won the rain-affected match by 40 runs using the DLS method. Mooneys tenure, starting in January 2024 after replacing Tahlia McGrath, concluded when Voll scored a 52-ball century during their sweep of the hosts at Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This was a solid result, just 72 days before the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 opener in England and Wales. Amelia Kerr, New Zealand's captain, maintained her exceptional all-round form during their home series against South Africa. She has now become the fourth Kiwi to lead the womens all-rounders rankings, joining Rebecca Steele, Aimee Watkins, and Sophie Devine. Kerr replaced West Indies captain Hayley Matthews at the top of the list after scoring 105 and taking two wickets for only six runs in Christchurch's final T20I, leading to a 95-run win over the visitors. She also rose to sixth among batters and tenth among bowlers. Matthews had held the number one all-rounder spot since October 2023 when she first overtook Ash Gardner. There have also been significant changes in the Womens ODI Player Rankings after the first ODI between the White Ferns and the Proteas in Christchurch. Maddie Green advanced four spots to 13th on the batters list after scoring 85 runs in her teams losing effort. They were defeated by the tourists in a tense final-ball finish, with South Africas debutant, Kayla Reyneke, hitting a six to secure a two-wicket win in the end. South Africas Annerie Dercksen scored 72 off 93 balls, moving up nine places to 42nd among batters. Meanwhile, her teammate Ayabonga Khaka achieved her career-best ODI performance with six for 56, climbing three spots to 17th among bowlers. Amelia and her sister Jessica Kerr each took two wickets in the first match. Amelia moved up two places to ninth, while Jessica stayed in 13th. In St. Kitts and Nevis, Australia has established an unbeatable 2-0 lead in their three-match series against the West Indies, winning by 103 runs in the first match and by 90 runs in the second. Despite the team's poor results, Stefanie Taylors undefeated century (105 off 129 balls) brought some joy to the West Indies, as she jumped 10 spots to 28th in the ICC Womens ODI Batting Rankings. In St. Kitts and Nevis, Australia has established an unbeatable 2-0 lead in their three-match series against the West Indies, winning by 103 runs in the first match and by 90 runs in the second. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Finally, Australias Georgia Wareham moved up eight places to rank 16th among all-rounders after scoring 81 runs and taking four wickets in the first two ODIs against the West Indies. Article Source: IANS

Ponting: PBKS 'stronger' than last season, don't think there are any gaps

Ponting also explained how Cooper Connolly's inclusion helps achieve balance in the squad

Sooryavanshi Is Too Good To Not Play For India: Ashwin

Chennai Super Kings: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin heaped rich praise on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his breathtaking innings powered Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a commanding eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2026 opener in Guwahati on Monday, and mentioned that he must not be hurried into Indias international setup. Sooryavanshi's explosive 52 off just 17 balls, which saw him make a 15-ball half-century, dismantled CSKs bowling attack and set up the chase after RR had earlier restricted the five-time champions to a below-par total of 127. The youngsters fearless strokeplay in the powerplay, where RR raced to 74 without loss, left the opposition with no way back. Ashwin urged patience in handling the 15-year-old prodigy and cautioned against rushing his progression. Dont give him such a target. He is not even a guy, he is a kid. If MS Dhoni is playing till 45 (44), and if Sooryavanshi plays till 40, he has two and a half decades left in cricket. Leave him alone, he will come on his own when the time is right. He is too good to not play for India. He will play anyway eventually. When will he play? For that, we might have to wait a bit. Why are we always in a hurry? Ashwin said while speaking on his YouTube channel. Ashwin urged patience in handling the 15-year-old prodigy and cautioned against rushing his progression. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RR began their IPL 2026 campaign in dominant fashion with a victory over CSK. Sooryavanshi was the stand-out performer, hitting the third fastest fifty in IPL history. After Sooryavanshis dismissal, Yashasvi Jaiswal (38*) and skipper Riyan Parag (14*) comfortably guided the team home with 47 balls remaining. Article Source: IANS

Leaving CSK Was Very Emotional, But Changes Are Part Of The Journey: Jadeja

Chennai Super Kings: All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja reflected on an emotional outing against his former side, Chennai Super Kings, after playing a key role in Rajasthan Royals (RR) emphatic eight-wicket win in their IPL 2026 opener at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. Facing CSK for the first time following a high-profile trade that also involved Sam Curran moving to RR and Sanju Samson heading the other way, Jadeja admitted the transition had not been easy. Im liking the pink colour. The yellow had started to feel a bit old, but Im just joking. Obviously, leaving a franchise like CSK, where I had played for 12-13 years, was a little difficult initially. It was very emotional. But I told myself that changes like these are also part of the journey. The good thing was that Im now with the team where I had first won an IPL title, Jadeja told JioStar. That memory has always stayed with me, that after the Under-19 World Cup, I started my IPL career there and won the title in my very first season. I have carried those memories along with a positive mindset, and my aim is to learn as much as I can with the new group and also share my experience with the team, he added. Jadejas impact was felt with the ball as RR bundled CSK out for 127, setting up a comfortable chase that was headlined by a blistering knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Speaking about the conditions at the ACA Stadium, Jadeja highlighted how the surface played to his strengths. The wicket was a bit sticky, so it suited my kind of bowling. My job was simply to bowl in the right areas. When you hit the right areas on a wicket that is holding up slightly, the ball tends to grip and come slower, which feels good as a bowler. Getting such a surface to bowl on in the very first match boosts your confidence as a bowler. I was thinking of bowling it at the stumps, as I wanted to take a chance in case he didnt middle it. But when he hit me for a six, I quickly changed my strategy to bowling wide, as he would have kept hitting me on a straight line. So, I decided to finish on the fifth-sixth-stump line, thinking that if he went across, he might not get his timing right, and that's what happened. Luckily, he did not get the elevation he was looking for, and it was a big wicket for us. A key moment in the innings was his dismissal of Shivam Dube, a known power-hitter who could have shifted momentum. Jadeja also explained the thinking behind his animated celebration after the wicket. I was thinking of bowling it at the stumps, as I wanted to take a chance in case he didnt middle it. But when he hit me for a six, I quickly changed my strategy to bowling wide, as he would have kept hitting me on a straight line. So, I decided to finish on the fifth-sixth-stump line, thinking that if he went across, he might not get his timing right, and that's what happened. Luckily, he did not get the elevation he was looking for, and it was a big wicket for us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jadejas all-round display, coupled with RRs clinical performance, marked a strong start for the franchise as they opened their IPL 2026 campaign with a statement victory over their former stalwarts side. Article Source: IANS

'Silent Contributors: BCCI Secy Saikia Lauds Groundsmen For Defying Rain At Barsapara Stadium For RR V CSK Game

BCCI Secy Saikia: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia lauded the efforts of ground staff and organisers after the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) commenced on schedule despite challenging weather conditions. The match, held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium (ACA), was marred by persistent rainfall in the days leading up to the fixture, along with showers just hours before the scheduled start. Saikia praised the unsung heroes working behind the scenes, crediting their dedication and efficiency for ensuring the game proceeded without delay. His remarks highlighted the crucial role played by ground staff in maintaining match readiness under pressure. Kudos to the unsung heroes behind the scenes! Despite relentless rainfall over the past several daysand even showers till just about an hour before the scheduled startthe match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium commenced right on time yesterday. This remarkable feat is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts of our curators and groundsmen. Their professionalism ensured that the playing conditions were match-ready against all odds. A big salute to these silent contributors who make the game possiblerain or shine, Saikia wrote on X. Saikia praised the unsung heroes working behind the scenes, crediting their dedication and efficiency for ensuring the game proceeded without delay. His remarks highlighted the crucial role played by ground staff in maintaining match readiness under pressure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After Sooryavanshis dismissal, Yashasvi Jaiswal (38*) and skipper Riyan Parag (14*) comfortably guided the team home with 47 balls remaining. Earlier, RRs disciplined bowling attack restricted the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side to a below-par total of 127, setting up a one-sided contest that highlighted both their bowling control and explosive batting firepower. Article Source: IANS

Canterbury take Plunket Shield title after tight race needs second tie-breaker

Otago's victory over Wellington in the final round wasn't enough to clinch top spot

Karn Sharma: The Lucky Charm Spinner with 3 IPL Titles

One of the news after the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi, was that Karn Sharma (left-hand batsman and leg break bowler) went unsold. The world didnt pay any significant attention to this veteran leg-spinner with base price Rs. 50 lacs, remaining unsold, but anyone who knows him, realised that all 10 teams missed a chance to include this lucky charm in their side. He has so far represented SunRisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru and believes that, in an IPL career of only 90 matches, he has won 3 IPL titles. He is particularly remembered for being a superstar for MI in the 2017 season as he claimed 13 wickets in nine innings at an economy of 6.97 and played an instrumental role in powering them to their third IPL title (including a spectacular 4/16 in Qualifier 2). In IPL 2025, he didnt do badly and picked up seven wickets in six at an economy of 8.53 and was successful in containing the opposition batters with his firki, leading MI to victories, before getting injured. Probably his 38+ age and fitness factor went against him, and even they were not interested in him for 2026. He has so far played in 12 out of a total of 18 seasons and in 3 of them has won a winners' medal and that too winning back-to-back IPL trophies. This is a rare IPL achievement, difficult to match for anyone. Further, he did it with three different franchises, which looks like a crazy fact: 2016: won the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad but was released. 2017: Bought by Mumbai Indians, won the title and, despite an incredible performance, he was not retained. 2018: Bought by Chennai Super Kings and this time they won the title. Meerut continued giving fine bowlers to cricket but, unlike Praveen Kumar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Karn Sharma is a leg spinner. As an uncapped cricketer, he featured for RCB in 2009 (1 match) under a contract of Rs. 20 lacs and after that he was a forgotten man. In 2013, SRH brought him for Rs. 30 lacs under an uncapped contract, and he claimed 11 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 6.60 and formed a lethal pair with India leg spinner Amit Mishra, and they took SRH to the semi-finals in their first season. He was under the hammer for the first time in 2014 and bagged an IPL contract for Rs 3.75 crore from Sunrisers Hyderabad, which was the highest amount spent on a domestic uncapped player in that auction. Took 15 wickets at 25.06 and the last two-season performance earned him not only an India A call, within four months he debuted for India in all the three formats. T20I debut against England in September 2014: Played 1 match and took 1 wicket. ODI debut against Sri Lanka in November 2014: Played only 2 matches without a wicket. Test debut against Australia in December 2014: Played only one Test, took 4 wickets and got out his IPL teammate David Warner in both innings. Quickest to Debut for India Men across formats: 14 days - Mukesh Kumar, 44 - T Natarajan, 59 - Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 76 - Harshit Rana and 93 - Karn Sharma. He is one of the five men who have played four international matches (covering all three formats): Naman Ojha from India (one Test, one ODI and two T20Is) Karn Sharma from India (1-2-1) Scott Borthwick from England (1-2-1) Charlton Tshuma from Zimbabwe (1-2-1) Mohammad Saleem from Afghanistan (1-2-1) Only Nonkhululeko Peaceful Thabethe, South Africa's women cricketer, has the better record and on the India tour in 2014, she made her debut in all the three formats and didnt add to her match tally after that. In 2015, Karn was the lead spin bowler for SRH and in the 2016 season, he won the IPL with them. Incidentally, SRH is the only IPL side who has used Karn Sharma for 10 or more matches in a season. IPL 2017: MI brought him for Rs. 3.2 crores, and he won his second IPL title (in the final, conceded only 18 runs in 4 overs, including 12 dot balls). IPL 2018: Brought by the CSK for Rs.5 crores and went on to win the title. Also Read: Live Cricket Score CSK, although it retained him, didnt use him. This impacted his mark and he was absent from IPL 2021 and 2022. He was bought by the RCB and played in the 2023 and 2024 seasons with them. Then it was the turn of MI to remember him again for IPL 2025.

Robinson, Sears Among 9 Int'l Players Named In NZ 'A' Squads For SL Tour

Selection Manager Gavin Larsen: Nine players with international experience have been named across the New Zealand A (NZ A) squads to tour Sri Lanka later this month. The tour comprises three 50-over matches and two four-day matches across Galle and Hambantota, starting April 5. Eight BlackCaps feature in the NZ 'A' 50-over squad in Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Mitch Hay, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Ben Sears, and Tim Robinson. Abbas, Ashok, Clarke, and Sears will depart the A tour to join the ODI squad in Bangladesh, with Robinson also departing after the first red-ball game to join the BlackCaps T20I squad. The red-ball squad will be bolstered by four pace-bowlers in New Zealand's latest Test debutant Michael Rae, Otagos Jarrod McKay, and Canterburys Fraser Sheat, along with allrounders Auckland Aces RyanHarrison and Wellington Firebirds Peter Younghusband. Maiden NZ A call-ups have been earned by Harrison, McKay, Sheat, and Younghusband, as well as Auckland Aces Rohit Gulati, after impressive performances for their provinces throughout the season. Selection Manager Gavin Larsen said it was exciting to reward players with opportunities to continue their development. Being able to offer some of our best performing domestic players opportunities to work on their game overseas is crucial to the success of ourhighperformanceprogramme. Weve seen some incredible successes during the summer, with series wins against England, the West Indies, India away, and South Africa, all while relying heavily on our stocks in our domestic system, he said. The 50-Over squad depart to Sri Lanka on Friday 3 April, followed by the four-day squad members on 10 April. Squads: The 50-Over squad depart to Sri Lanka on Friday 3 April, followed by the four-day squad members on 10 April. Also Read: Live Cricket Score NZ A to Sri Lanka four-day: Matthew Boyle, Max Chu, Rohit Gulati, Ryan Harrison, Mitch Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Simon Keene, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Jarrod McKay, Dale Phillips, Tim Pringle, Michael Rae, Tim Robinson, Fraser Sheat, Peter Younghusband Article Source: IANS

Sooryavanshi 'definitely in the race' for higher honours

If he plays like that, would love to see him fast-tracked, Piyush Chawla says after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed 52 in 17 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings

'We know he's good enough' - Green given long-term backing for Test role

The allrounder had a lean Ashes but is likely to remain part of the side when Australia's Test cricket resumes in August

Sooryavanshi, Archer, Burger demolish CSK

Burger, Archer and Jadeja share six wickets to dismiss new-look CSK for 127

Fisher, O'Rourke, Tickner Return To NZ Squad For Bangladesh White-ball Series

New Delhi: New Zealand has strengthened their pace attack with the return of Matt Fisher, Will ORourke, and Blair Tickner. All three have been named in the Blackcaps squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh later this month. These fast bowlers are making their comeback after injuries disrupted their home summer. O'Rourke returns from a back issue to join the ODI squad. Fisher is back from a shin injury for the T20Is, while Tickner, who had an ankle problem, is included in both formats. Blackcaps head coach Rob Walter welcomed their return and highlighted their hard work. Will, Blair, and Matt have been working very hard over the past few months to get themselves back on the field and in contention for selection, and were pleased to have them back in the group. With the amount of cricket being played today, having depth in our bowling is crucial. Having players of this quality return is great for our side. The squads also include off-spinning allrounder Dean Foxcroft, who is back in the white-ball setup for the first time since April 2024. Playing for the Central Stags in the 202526 domestic season, Foxcroft played a significant role in their run to the Ford Trophy final, finishing as the competition's fourth-highest run-scorer. With regular white-ball captain Mitch Santner occupied with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Test skipper Tom Latham will lead both squads. Several players earned their spots after strong performances for New Zealand A in Sri Lanka. This includes Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, and Ben Sears. Clarke and Jayden Lennox particularly impressed during New Zealands historic ODI series win in India earlier this year. The coaching staff will have Walter supported by Jonny Bassett-Graham, Brendon Donkers, and Josh Tasman-Jones for the tour. The Blackcaps are set to leave New Zealand on April 13, with the first ODI scheduled for April 17. Squads: ODI: Tom Latham (C), Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Dean Foxcroft, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will ORourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young ODI: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Tom Latham (C), Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Dane Cleaver, Matt Fisher, Dean Foxcroft, Bevon Jacobs, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: I Think Everyone Executed Plans Really Nicely, Says RR Skipper Parag

Chennai Super Kings: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag hailed his sides collective execution after they crushed Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets in their IPL 2026 opening game at the ACA Stadium on Monday. I got lucky with the toss, but I think the way we executed it, we had like a couple of days' practice, I think, before CSK arrived, and it was a red-soil wicket, but then it was a lot of rain as well, so we knew the moisture was going to play a part. I think everyone executed plans really nicely. Definitely like this better. A lot of preparation has gone into this. I know me being captain is one part which I should be happy about and I should thank the franchise for it, but then the goal this year is to win the trophy, and we've put in a lot of time towards planning, strategizing. I've said this in an interview before that we want to be a team that plays smart cricket. We want to assess conditions really well and adapt to it and I think that we did that pretty well today, said Parag at the conclusion of the game. RR bowled out CSK for just 127 before Vaibhav Sooryavanshis fireworks 52 off 17 balls - ensured the chase was wrapped up in just 12.1 overs, giving Parag a perfect start to his tenure as full-time captain. Parag praised the pace duo of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger for their fiery spells, lauded Sandeep Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja for their control, and singled out debutant Brijesh Sharma for his composure in front of a packed Guwahati crowd. Everyone who came in, Jof and Nandre, we expect that from them every single time, they were rapid. Sandy bhaiya doing his job. Jaddu bhaiya coming in, I think Guwahati suited him a little bit more. Then Brijesh, the youngster, I think him coming in first game against CSK with the packed crowd, what he did was insane, so I'm really looking forward to the season. Asked on his conversations with Sooryavanshi, Parag said, What I tell him is that you're going to play 14 games and regardless of what goes on in the game, it shouldn't bother you. What goes around in the media shouldn't bother you. You just go out there. He loves to bat. I've made sure I've told the coaches that he gets as much batting as he wants and he goes and does some things like that. So I think me and Dhruv, when we were sitting there till the fourth over, we were just in awe. Like, what is happening? Like, how is he doing this? But then I'm really happy to have him in my team. With Jurel coming at three, Parag said this is going to be RR's batting order. Yes, that is what we've been planning on. Dhruv comes in at three, Hetty (Hetmyer) bats at five, because I think we need that lefty-righty in the later half of the innings as well. So hopefully this sticks and we win a few games with this batting line-up, he said. CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said conditions were tough but stressed the need for improvement. I felt the conditions at the start were really tough, especially when facing Jofra and Burger. They bowled brilliant lengths and even after that, to a medium-pacer it was slightly tough. You could see even the spinners were getting some assistance as well. Yes, we would have been better in batting, we would have taken the game deep, showed some batsmanship, maybe take the game till 150-160. But, nowadays, you never know what's a good score, so you just have to keep going. So I think it just one of those days where the wicket was slightly on the tougher side. So not frustrated at all, he said. Asked on how CSK will reassess the loss as a group, Gaikwad said, You just put it behind and move on. We've got a game in another three days. Make sure that everyone is in a good headspace. One good thing is, a lot of youngsters in the group. So, probably a nervy start for everyone, but good to get a game behind and good to start with lot of mistakes. But, nowadays, you never know what's a good score, so you just have to keep going. So I think it just one of those days where the wicket was slightly on the tougher side. So not frustrated at all, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So I think it's just about backing yourself, backing your game for the batsmen. If you have it in your area, just make sure you go for it. Today it didn't work but we can be better in batsmanship. You just have to be positive, especially when you're batting first. If conditions are good, you never know, the same batting line-up can put a good score, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Plan Was To Control The Game In The Powerplay, Says Sooryavanshi

Chennai Super Kings: Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who lit up the ACA Stadium with a blistering 52 off 17 balls in Rajasthan Royals securing an eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings, said the teams focus was on dominating the powerplay in a modest chase of 128 at the ACA Stadium. I didnt really do anything outside - there was supposed to be a cake cutting, but I went to sleep early to avoid the cake-smearing (on how he celebrated his birthday last week). The plan today was simply to execute well in the powerplay - initially the wicket felt a bit sticky, but as the ball got older, it started coming onto the bat nicely. I do think about defence, but today our plan was to control the game in the powerplay because in a small chase, that phase is crucial - if the bowling team does well there, the game can tilt their way, but our powerplay went really well, he said at the conclusion of the game. His explosive knock, also the third fastest fifty in IPL history, ensured RRs chase of 128 was virtually sealed inside the first six overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Riyan Parag later completed the formalities with 47 balls to spare and capped off a dominant performance that began with incisive spells from Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Ravindra Jadeja to bowl out CSK for 127. Asked about guidance from coaches and fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi said, The coaches didnt specifically say that bowlers would attack me - everyone else was already saying that - but they just told me that they back me and that I should stick to my natural game and play according to the situation. My opening partner (Jaiswal) keeps communicating with me after every ball - he tells me when to take singles, keeps giving me the strike, and encourages me to keep playing my shots if the ball is coming nicely onto the bat (on partnership understanding), he said. Player of the Match Nandre Burger, who picked 2-26, credited his sides strong start with the ball leading to their win. Firstly, all glory to God - it feels great to contribute to a win for the team and get us off to a good start. Watching the previous games with big scores, you naturally prepare for chasing something big, so winning the toss and getting the ball first was massive for us and helped us get off to a strong start. My opening partner (Jaiswal) keeps communicating with me after every ball - he tells me when to take singles, keeps giving me the strike, and encourages me to keep playing my shots if the ball is coming nicely onto the bat (on partnership understanding), he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The dressing room feels pretty similar to before - there are a few new faces and changes like the coach and captain, but the energy is good, everyone is smiling, and hopefully this is a positive start so we can keep that momentum going, he said. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi, Bowlers Power RR To Thumping Eight-wicket Win Over CSK (Ld)

Chennai Super Kings: Built on incisive new-ball spells from Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, a double-strike from Ravindra Jadeja, and a blistering 52 from teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals launched their IPL 2026 campaign with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium on Monday. CSK, missing MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis, were bundled out for just 127 after being rocked early on a red-soil pitch offering swing and seam to Archer and Burger. Jadeja struck twice in his first over and marked a successful return to RR after 17 years, while debutant Brijesh Sharma chipped in with a breakthrough. Only Jamie Overton showed resistance, counterattacking at number eight to hit 43 off 36 balls to drag CSK past 120 from 84/8 and save them from the ignominy of being bowled out for below 100, though the end total was still below-par. In reply, Sooryavanshi turned the chase into a one-man exhibition. Dropped for nought, he raced to a 15-ball fifty - the third fastest in IPL history - with four fours and five sixes, powering RR to 74 without loss in the Powerplay. Though he fell soon after for 52, the damage was done. Yashasvi Jaiswal (38 not out) and skipper Riyan Parag (14 not out) calmly finished the chase with 47 balls to spare. Archer began by swinging the ball both ways to trouble Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the opening over. Nandre Burger then made the first breakthrough by knocking over Samson for 6 with a delivery that shaped away and crashed into the off-stump. Archer returned to remove Gaikwad in his second over - the CSK skipper backed away to access the off-side but missed a straight ball and was bowled for six. Burger intensified the collapse in the third over as Ayush Mhatre fell for a golden duck - gloving a bouncer to keeper Dhruv Jurel, as RR got the decision in their favour on review. Sarfaraz Khan came in as the impact substitute and began his resistance by pulling Burger for four and six in successive balls. After debutant Brijesh Sharma impressed by conceding only six runs in the fourth over, Sarfaraz kept counterattacking to keep the scoreboard ticking. Sandeep Sharma struck immediately in the final over of power-play as Matthew Short, who struggled to get going, chipped a slower ball straight to mid-wicket for two, as CSK closed the power-play at 41/4. Post that, CSK suffered two major blows - Sarfaraz attempted a sweep off ex-CSK stalwart Ravindra Jadeja, but missed it and was trapped lbw for 17, while Shivam Dube holed out to long-off. CSKs slide continued as Brijesh Sharma beat Kartiks inside edge, and trapped him plumb lbw for 18, while Noor Ahmed edged behind to Jurel off Archer and Ravi Bishnoi took a sharp caught and bowled chance after foxing Matt Henry with a googly. But thanks to Jamie Overton nailing boundaries alongside Anshul Kamboj, CSK were able to cross the 120-mark, before a complete confusion resulted in the former being run-out. RR had a flying start as Matt Henrys opening over went for 18 runs, with Sooryavanshi pulling and driving for boundaries (including Kartik Sharma dropping him for zero) while Jaiswal glanced him fine for four. Khaleel Ahmed thought he had Sooryavanshi lbw on the first ball of his spell, but review showed the ball going over leg stump. Jaiswal played watchfully even as Sooryavanshi continued to attack to keep the runs flowing. Henrys second over was taken apart by Sooryavanshi - slashing a slower ball over backward point for six, while Jaiswal muscled Khaleel straight over mid-off for four. Anshul Kamboj was greeted with three boundaries as Sooryavanshi ramped and tickled him over third man and fine leg before smashing a six over long-on, as RR crossed the fifty-run mark. Noor Ahmads introduction did little to stem the flow as Sooryavanshi launched consecutive sixes over long-on to bring up a blistering fifty off just 15 balls, as 19 runs came off the sixth over to take RR to 74/0 at the end of the power-play. But just after that, Sooryavanshi attempted to flay a length ball over cover but Sarfaraz Khan ran in from the deep and completed a diving catch at deep extra cover to dismiss him for 52. Noor Ahmads introduction did little to stem the flow as Sooryavanshi launched consecutive sixes over long-on to bring up a blistering fifty off just 15 balls, as 19 runs came off the sixth over to take RR to 74/0 at the end of the power-play. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 127 in 19.4 overs (Jamie Overton 43, Kartik Sharma 18; Ravindra Jadeja 2-18, Jofra Archer 2-19) lost to Rajasthan Royals 128/2 in 12.1 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 52, Yashasvi Jaiswal 38 not out; Anshul Kamboj 2-27) by eight wickets Article Source: IANS

Fisher, O'Rourke, Tickner return from injuries for white-ball tour of Bangladesh

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IPL 2026: Why did MS Dhoni skip RR vs CSK match?

MS Dhoni skips Chennai Super Kings' opening IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals due to a calf injury sustained during pre-season. He is expected to be out for at least the first two weeks of the tournament, with the possibility of missing the entire first half.

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshis Blistering 52 Helps RR Register Eight-wicket Win Over CSK

Chennai Super Kings: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed a blistering 52 off just 17 balls as Rajasthan Royals launched their IPL 2026 campaign with a thumping eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium on Monday. Sooryavanshis fifty came in only 15 deliveries, the third fastest in IPL history, to set up the win for RR. His knock, laced with four fours and five sixes, propelled RR to 74 without loss in the power-play, effectively sealing the contest in their favour. Though he fell soon after, Yashasvi Jaiswal (38 not out) and skipper Riyan Parag (14 not out) calmly completed the formalities to complete the chase with 47 balls to spare and cap off a dominant performance that began with a disciplined bowling effort to bowl CSK out for 127. RR had a flying start as Matt Henrys opening over went for 18 runs, with Sooryavanshi pulling and driving for boundaries (including Kartik Sharma dropping him for zero) while Jaiswal glanced him fine for four. Khaleel Ahmed thought he had Sooryavanshi lbw on the first ball of his spell, but review showed the ball going over leg stump. Jaiswal played watchfully even as Sooryavanshi continued to attack to keep the runs flowing. Henrys second over was taken apart by Sooryavanshi - slashing a slower ball over backward point for six, while Jaiswal muscled Khaleel straight over mid-off for four. Anshul Kamboj was greeted with three boundaries as Sooryavanshi ramped and tickled him over third man and fine leg before smashing a six over long-on, as RR crossed the fifty-run mark. Noor Ahmads introduction did little to stem the flow as Sooryavanshi launched consecutive sixes over long-on to bring up a blistering fifty off just 15 balls, as 19 runs came off the sixth over to take RR to 74/0 at the end of the power-play. But just after that, Sooryavanshi attempted to flay a length ball over cover but Sarfaraz Khan ran in from the deep and completed a diving catch at deep extra cover to dismiss him for 52. Noor Ahmads introduction did little to stem the flow as Sooryavanshi launched consecutive sixes over long-on to bring up a blistering fifty off just 15 balls, as 19 runs came off the sixth over to take RR to 74/0 at the end of the power-play. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 127 in 19.4 overs (Jamie Overton 43, Kartik Sharma 18; Ravindra Jadeja 2-18, Jofra Archer 2-19) lost to Rajasthan Royals 128/2 in 12.1 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 52, Yashasvi Jaiswal 38 not out; Anshul Kamboj 2-27) by eight wickets Article Source: IANS

Rajasthan: RCA Elections Soon, Says New Convener

Jodhpur District Cricket Association: The newly appointed Convener of the Rajasthan Cricket Associations (RCA) Ad-hoc Committee, Mohit Yadav, has signalled sweeping reforms, stating that long-pending RCA elections will be held at the earliest. Yadav said the responsibility entrusted by the state government would be carried out with seriousness and commitment. Our focus is to improve both the functioning and direction of the RCA. Positive results will soon be visible, he said. Addressing the dispute with former convener Deendayal Kumawat, Yadav acknowledged differences but maintained that cricketing activities should not suffer. Our working styles differed, but the objective remained the same. Some targets could not be achieved earlier, but we will now accomplish them with the new team, he added. The newly constituted Ad-hoc Committee includes Mohit Yadav, Dhananjay Singh Khimsar, Ashish Tiwari, Arisht Singhvi, and Arjun Beniwal, all of whom have taken charge. Yadav emphasised that conducting RCA elections, which have been pending for nearly two years, would be the top priority. We will expedite the process to ensure the association gets a permanent, democratically elected leadership, he said. He also expressed dissatisfaction over Rajasthan being allotted only four IPL matches this season, calling it inadequate. Yadav assured better planning to secure more matches for the state next year and said efforts would also be made to organise the Rajasthan Premier League (RPL) locally. Dhananjay Singh Khimsar, a senior committee member and president of the Jodhpur District Cricket Association, expressed confidence in the new leadership. Quoting a couplet, he said, Let us leave yesterday behind; now is the time to write a new story together. He added, Under Mohit Yadavs leadership, we are confident that elections will be completed soon and a new chapter will begin. Referring to ongoing disputes, Khimsar remarked, Truth may face setbacks, but it can never be defeated, signalling a move to move past controversies. Responding to criticism by former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot regarding the presence of politicians sons in the setup, committee member Ashish Tiwari defended the appointments. Referring to ongoing disputes, Khimsar remarked, Truth may face setbacks, but it can never be defeated, signalling a move to move past controversies. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the new Ad-hoc Committee in place, expectations have risen for early elections and improved cricket administration in Rajasthan, potentially ushering in a new phase for the sport in the state. Article Source: IANS

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Naseem Shah Fined Rs 20 Million For Violation Of PCBs Central Contract Terms: Report

PCB Social Media Guidelines: Young fast bowler Naseem Shah has been fined Rs 20 million (US 7100 dollars) for a derogatory tweet on chief minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and directed to terminate his social media influencer. Naseem had shown ignorance over a tweet asking why Ms Nawaz was treated like a Queen of Lords at the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League on Thursday, sources told Telecom Asia Sport. Sources said Ms Nawaz had accepted Naseems apology and was ready to pardon the youngster for his offence but the disciplinary committee was not ready to forgive Naseem. Naseems stance that his tweeter account was hacked was not accepted, said sources. The disciplinary committee proceedings pertaining to breaches of various clauses of Naseem Shah's Central Contract and the PCB Social Media Guidelines., said PCB. The PCB had issued a show cause notice dated 27th March 2026 outlining the violations and sought a response for Naseem. A personal hearing was then held by a three member Disciplinary Committee on 30th March 2025 after Naseem Shah's reply had been received and reviewed. Pursuant to the hearing and evaluation of Naseem's submissions the Committee has determined as under: Whilst noting the unconditional apology tendered, Naseem is found to have breached various clauses of his Central Contract and a fine of PKR 2 crores has been imposed. Pursuant to the hearing and evaluation of Naseem's submissions the Committee has determined as under: Also Read: Live Cricket Score The PCB remains committed to upholding professional standards, contractual obligations and the integrity of the game. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: I Think Pink Looks Good On Me, Says Jadeja On Return To Rajasthan Royals

Chennai Super Kings: Veteran left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja marked his comeback in Rajasthan Royals (RR) colours after 17 years with a double-wicket blow against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the ACA Stadium and said he felt pink looks good on him. Jadejas spell of 2/18 where he extracted turn, and brought in subtle changes of pace - helped RR tighten their grip on the contest after Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger had rocked CSK early. Mondays match also saw Jadeja set a new IPL record for longest gap between appearances for the same franchise. I think pink looks good on me, I guess. Ive known Shivam Dube for a long time - Ive bowled to him in the nets, so I understand how he approaches spinners. I was prepared for that and tried to bowl outside off, because I knew he would look to play big shots against me, said Jadeja in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters. Jadejas dismissal of impact substitute Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube proved to be pivotal as inaugural champions RR bowled out five-time winners CSK for 127. Jadeja had given Dube a fiery send-off, a moment that quickly was taken note of by social media followers. I think pink looks good on me, I guess. Ive known Shivam Dube for a long time - Ive bowled to him in the nets, so I understand how he approaches spinners. I was prepared for that and tried to bowl outside off, because I knew he would look to play big shots against me, said Jadeja in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He further felt chasing 128 will demand hard work from RRs young batting line-up. You cant take anything for granted in cricket; no matter the target, you have to work hard, play your shots, and give your 100 percent. Article Source: IANS