Cricket

'KKRs Top Order Definitely Needs To Fire This Season', Opines L Balaji Ahead Of IPL 2026

Indian Premier League: Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, former India pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji has stressed the importance of Kolkata Knight Riders top order performing consistently if the three-time champions are to challenge for the title. With key players departing after the 2025 season, KKRs batting lineup faces fresh scrutiny, and Balaji believes the responsibility will largely fall on skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Cameron Green, and the teams overseas openers. Balaji suggested a reshuffled batting order could maximise KKRs potential. I always feel that KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane should bat in the top order. He shouldnt bat at anything less than number three. He has done phenomenally well with CSK at number three and scored a lot of runs. So, he batting one down would be good for both him and KKR. Cameron Green can come out to bat at number four. That will give him time to settle down and then start going after the bowlers. So, a top four of Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Ajinkya Rahane and Cameron Green is going to be the go-to one, he told JioStar. With key players departing after the 2025 season, KKRs batting lineup faces fresh scrutiny, and Balaji believes the responsibility will largely fall on skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Cameron Green, and the teams overseas openers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The 19th edition of the cash-rich event is set to commence on March 28, with KKR scheduled to play the second game of the tournament, against five-time champions Mumbai Indians, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Aim Is To Maintain My Mindset And Win As Many Games As I Can For KKR, Says Angkrish Raghuvanshi

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Angkrish Raghuvanshi is well-aware the T20 game is rapidly evolving. Since entering the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) camp in their triumphant 2024 season, where he wowed everyone with his ramp, reverse-sweep and scoop shots to make 163 runs in ten matches, Raghuvanshi had a productive IPL 2025 making 300 runs in 12 games. With IPL 2026 now 10 days away, the element of surprise that served Raghuvanshi, who hit a rapid 54 off 27 balls on his tournament debut, so well will be replaced by something more demanding expectation of stepping up more frequently with the bat when the season begins. Ask Raghuvanshi about his goal heading into IPL 2026 and the answer from the soft-spoken right-handed batter is very simple. I think my mindset is still the same. It's always to win games for my team and it will always continue to be that. As for the role I'm asked to play, that I'll find out during this IPL and I will give my 100 percent for it. But my aim is to maintain my mindset and win as many games as I can for the team, said Raghuvanshi in an exclusive conversation with IANS, facilitated by JSW Sports. Life after IPL 2025 hasnt been straightforward for Raghuvanshi he was absent from Mumbais Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in the recent domestic season. But in the Vijay Hazare Trophy he underlined his worth, finishing as Mumbais second-highest run-scorer behind Sarfaraz Khan with 280 runs in seven outings. His red-ball opportunities with Mumbai have been scarce - just four first-class appearances so far and is coming off playing for the U23 team in the Col CK Nayudu Trophy. But Raghuvanshi, the leading run-getter in Indias 2022 U19 World Cup triumph, has nothing but gratitude for the chance to constantly play the sport he loves the most. I think I love this sport and I'm just grateful for the opportunity that I get to play this sport. So I don't take too much pressure on myself. I'm just enjoying the journey and trying to do as well as I can, he said. If there is one relationship that has shaped Raghuvanshis life and career, it is with Abhishek Nayar, who is taking charge as KKRs head coach after being in an assistant role for a long time. Raghuvanshi first encountered Nayar at his academy as an 11-year-old at Wilson College Gymkhana in Mumbai after coming from New Delhi and that bond has just gone stronger with every passing year. That famous post IPL 2024 trophy photograph with Nayar pinned on his Instagram profile says it all. It was a dream come true for me. I got an opportunity to practice at his academy and I'd been practicing there for a month. Then he showed up and he started coaching me. I guess he felt that I was dedicated and I wanted to learn as much as I could. He could see how much love I had for the sport. I guess he decided to take me on then. He's taught me how to be a better cricketer and a better person. Just everything I've learned in life, I've learned from him. So I think he's a great cricketing mind and a great person and we will have a great season under him, Raghuvanshi said. On the technical front, Nayar's influence shows up clearly in Raghuvanshi's willingness to play the usual and unorthodox shots that require both skill and nerve. The methodology behind it is straightforward, as per Raghuvanshi. It's because Abhishek sir makes me practice as hard as anyone can. His main motto is that if you practice very hard, put yourself under pressure in practice and you train as hard as you can, then matches become easy and that's what I also felt worked for me, he said. Ask Raghuvanshi on what is the secret behind the dynamic environment in KKR and he points not to the stars in the dressing room or coaching staff, but to the franchises academy that keeps players connected through the year. It's largely because of the KKR academy as well, because we practice with each other throughout the year. So I think when the tournament finally comes around, we all know each other very well. I think it's one of the environments where everyone wants each other to do well. It's a very rare environment and it's a great, amazing atmosphere to be a part of. Everyone's motivated and want to do well (this season). In every game we just try to do as well as we can. Every game we give it our all and obviously it's different outcomes for every game. But for every game, the mindset is the same - that is to try to help the team to win and whatever the team needs, he said. The biggest takeaway from Raghuvanshis IPL experiences has been about not stagnating as a player. My biggest learning is that everyone is growing and learning all the time, so you always have to improve. Every day you go out to play or go out to practice, you just always learn and try to get better because everyone around you is always getting better, he said. IPL 2026 will bring new international teammates for Raghuvanshi at KKR and he has already identified the people he wants to learn from a lot about cricket - Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra and assistant coach Shane Watson are all on his radar. I'm just looking forward to working with every one of them so I can pick their brains as to how they go about their cricket and I can learn from them and get better. They've done well a lot of times and that's why they're one of the best players in the world, he said. Through all of this, the support structure at home remains a constant for Raghuvanshi his father Avneesh played tennis, while mother Mallika represented India in basketball. Add to it, his brother Krishang dabbled into professional tennis. I think my parents are both very supportive, and I can't thank them enough for it. I'm very grateful for it. They just know that I enjoy the sport and they motivate me to work hard and just continue loving the game, he said. Through all of this, the support structure at home remains a constant for Raghuvanshi his father Avneesh played tennis, while mother Mallika represented India in basketball. Add to it, his brother Krishang dabbled into professional tennis. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Time will tell if KKR, who still face questions over their fast-bowling resources, are able to bounce back after a subdued 2025 season. For now, the IPL spotlight on Raghuvanshi will become brighter if runs keep coming for him if he continues to follow his mantra of staying grounded, always improving, and helping KKR win matches. Article Source: IANS

If I Were With KKR, Id Ask For A Spin-friendly Eden Pitch For Varun & Narine: Faf

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis has weighed in on Kolkata Knight Riders prospects for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, highlighting the crucial role their spin attack could play after a disappointing campaign last year. KKR, three-time IPL champions, are looking to regroup and rediscover their winning formula. According to du Plessis, much of that success will hinge on how effectively they utilise their two premier spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, particularly in home conditions at Eden Gardens. If I was part of the KKR team management, I would ask the groundsman at Eden Gardens to make the wicket spin-friendly. KKR are blessed to have two absolute cannons in Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine. They are two of the best T20 spinners in the game right now, du Plessis told JioStar. Both Varun and Narine have to be in the game. If they play on surfaces where they are not in contention, then you are losing those two cannons and your superpower. Yes, they can bowl well on any wicket and trouble batters. But for KKR to be successful this IPL, Varun and Narine need to fire. The pitch should be prepared keeping those two players in mind, he added. Beyond spin, du Plessis also turned his attention to KKRs squad composition, particularly the inclusion of Cameron Green, who has been brought in as a high-profile all-round option. Cameron Green is a highly talented guy who has a lot of potential in him to succeed. He is the multi-skilled marquee buy for KKR and the replacement for Andre Russell. Green is six-foot tall, a massive guy, he bowls well, has a good bouncer and yorker, can hit the ball out of the stadium easily and is a proper batter, he said, However, he also pointed out that expectations will be high, especially given the player's price tag. In short, he is a complete package. He balances KKRs team very well. In terms of IPL cricket, Green has a lot of potential. But form has not been on his side recently. With a price tag of INR 25.2 crores, there is a big price tag pressure he will carry. There is a lot of weight on his shoulders. The team will expect a lot from him. It will be interesting to see how he goes, he added. Du Plessis further assessed KKRs potential opening combination, suggesting a dynamic pairing at the top could strengthen their batting lineup. He pointed to Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, who have opened together for New Zealand in T20Is, noting that their aggressive approach aligns well with modern T20 demands. If KKR can find a way to fit Finn Allen and Tim Seifert together in the playing XI as openers, it will be really good for them. It will make their batting very strong. Allen and Seifert know each other quite well and have an established opening partnership between each other since they open for New Zealand in T20Is. We all saw the carnage they displayed in the T20 World Cup. That counts as a massive factor. Du Plessis further assessed KKRs potential opening combination, suggesting a dynamic pairing at the top could strengthen their batting lineup. He pointed to Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, who have opened together for New Zealand in T20Is, noting that their aggressive approach aligns well with modern T20 demands. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He did, however, flag concerns around the teams bowling depth, particularly in light of injury issues. But the question mark is their bowling. With the injuries they have, they almost need to pick an experienced player from the unsold list and bring that required experience into their bowling attack. Article Source: IANS

NSW Rope In Ex-Australia Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin As New Mens Head Coach

Cricket NSW Life Member: Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has been named the new head coach of New South Wales (NSW). The 48-year-old replaces Greg Shipperd, whose stint ended early despite having a year remaining on his contract. Haddin, whose decorated career as a wicketkeeper batter for Australia, NSW and the Sydney Sixers earned him Cricket NSW Life Member status in 2024, will commence in the role in June. His appointment signifies a return to the state setup more than ten years after his last appearance for the Blues in November 2014. Haddin, brings international coaching experience, having served as an assistant and fielding coach for Australia under Darren Lehmann and Justin Langer, will oversee all aspects of the Blues program, building on the strong foundations in place to embed a distinctive playing style, develop First-Class and Australian players and challenge for further titles. NSW cricket has been an integral part of my life and to rejoin the fold as Blues head coach is a proud moment for myself and my family. I am looking forward to working with our current crop of talented players to bring back an aura to NSW cricket and to have a team with a formidable and distinctive style of play we can all be proud of. Wearing the baggy blue was incredibly special and gave me some of the greatest memories of my career, Haddin said in an NSW statement. Haddins appointment as NSW Head Coach will see him pull on a Blues uniform for the first time in almost 12 years, having last represented the state in November 2014 during his final summer of First-Class and List-A cricket. Lee Germon, Cricket NSW CEO, said, I am delighted to welcome Brad Haddin back to Cricket NSW to drive our Blues program forward and challenge for further titles. Brad is a highly regarded coach with experience at international and franchise level, plus a deep understanding of the NSW way of playing. Haddins appointment as NSW Head Coach will see him pull on a Blues uniform for the first time in almost 12 years, having last represented the state in November 2014 during his final summer of First-Class and List-A cricket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While Haddin will lead the Blues, his duties will not extend to the Big Bash League sides Sydney Sixers or Sydney Thunder. Both franchises are in the process of appointing new head coaches after parting ways with Greg Shipperd and Trevor Bayliss, with James Hopes and Shane Watson among those linked to the vacancies. Article Source: IANS

Available And Looking Forward, Says Australia Captain Molinuex Gives Fitness Update Ahead Of WI T20Is

WI T20Is: Australia skipper Sophie Molineux has confirmed she is fit and eager to return to action ahead of the teams upcoming white-ball tour of the Caribbean against the West Indies, but the exact nature of her involvement has yet to be confirmed as she continues to manage a back injury. The all-rounder had been sidelined recently due to a back injury, which forced her to miss the latter part of Australias ODI series at home against India. However, she is now nearing full fitness and is expected to feature in the three-match T20I series starting this week. With the ICC Womens T20 World Cup in England just under three months away, Molineux shared an encouraging update on her recovery while speaking to the media in St Vincent. But, she did not clarify what role she would play beyond her availability, saying she would be assessed across the six-game white-ball tour. I'm looking forward to playing a role and getting back out there (we'll) see how we go, especially towards that back end with the one-dayers, we'll just keep assessing. I'm looking forward to getting back out there again with the girls, it was hard to watch that Test, especially not being a part of Alyssa Healy's last game for Australia. To be able to get my feet in behind the desk and lead the group, I'm looking forward to making the most of those opportunities, and especially just getting away and jumping on a plane together and connecting as a group again after what's been a big few months in Australia, Molineux told reporters. Although she is set to participate in the T20Is, it remains uncertain whether she will play all six matches on the tour. The left-arm spinner indicated she could sit out the subsequent ODI fixtures to carefully manage her workload and ensure she is fully prepared for the World Cup. There is also some uncertainty about her bowling readiness, even though she has already resumed batting and fielding during training sessions. Australias tour of the West Indies represents their final international assignment before the T20 World Cup, making it a crucial phase of preparation. Molineux emphasised the importance of maximising this opportunity to build momentum and strengthen team cohesion. There is also some uncertainty about her bowling readiness, even though she has already resumed batting and fielding during training sessions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I'm looking forward to making the most of those opportunities and especially just getting away and jumping on a plane together and connecting as a group again after what's been a few months in Australia. It's going to be really good for us, Molineux added. Article Source: IANS

Former Australian Test Wicketkeeper Haddin To Coach NSW

Former Australian Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was appointed head coach of New South Wales on Wednesday, vowing to bring an aura back to the struggling team. Haddin replaces Greg Shipperd who was sacked midway through the season with NSW failing to fire in the domestic Sheffield Shield. He got the nod after reportedly receiving high-level endorsements from former Test captains Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh. Wearing the baggy blue was incredibly special and gave me some of the greatest memories of my career, said Haddin of his playing time with NSW. I am looking forward to working with our current crop of talented players to bring back an aura to NSW cricket and to have a team with a formidable, distinctive style of play we can all be proud of. The appointment continues Haddin's rise through coaching ranks, having previously served as an assistant in the Australian teams under Darren Lehmann and Justin Langer. He also worked under Trevor Bayliss at Indian Premier League sides Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Haddin played 66 Tests and 126 ODIs before his retirement in 2015.

Bangladesh sports minister to consult ICC on future of BCB

Sports minister Aminul Haque said on Tuesday that once the five-member committee submits its report within 15 working days, he will discuss the matter with the ICC

Molineux set to return but full all-round role remains uncertain

Caution will be taken with Australia's new captain ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year

'Ashes series take a lot out of you' - Carey fatigued but excited for a Shield final

Carey said he is looking forward to a break but is highly motivated to help South Australia to back-to-back Shield titles against Victoria next week

Haddin named New South Wales head coach

The former wicketkeeper-batter takes over from Greg Shipperd after a messy few months for the state

Can England's regime change to meet post-Ashes realities?

Livingstone's explosive interview with ESPNcricinfo exposes issues within disjointed England set-up

Hard To Find Difference Between Israel And Pakistan, Says Naveen Ul Haq After Kabul Air Strikes

Naveen Ul Haq: Afghanistan cricketer Naveen Ul Haq has flayed Pakistan for the air strikes on Kabul that killed 400 people, and said it is hard to find any difference between the attack by Israel and the United States on Iran and that on his country's capital. Hard to find any difference between the Israel and Pakistan regimes. Period, Naveel Ul Haq wrote in a post on his Facebook wall on Tuesday. The Afghanistan pacer was reacting to air strikes by Pakistan forces on a hospital treating drug addicts in Kabul. Around 400 people died while 250 were injured in the air strikes. His comments drew sharp reactions from many people on social media. Naveen Ul Haq is among several Afghan cricketers who have condemned the air strikes in which several civilians have been killed. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan condemned the attacks, calling them sickening and deeply concerning and said he stands with the Afghan people in this difficult time. I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities, or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime. The sheer disregard for human lives, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is sickening and deeply concerning. It will only fuel division and hatred. I call upon the UN and other human rights agencies to thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators to account. I stand with my Afghan people in this difficult time. We shall heal, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah! Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan said in a post on X. Another Afghan cricketer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, also expressed anguish over the loss of 'innocent lives' in the attack by Pakistan and wondered how many more lives must be lost before the world speaks on these incidents.. A hospital was bombed in Afghanistan during Ramadan by PakistanWhere is international law now? Where is humanity now? How many innocent lives must be lost before the world speaks? wrote Gurbaz in his post on X, formerly Twitter. Several fans also supported the cricketers and condemned the attack by Pakistan that cost civilian lives. A hospital was bombed in Afghanistan during Ramadan by PakistanWhere is international law now? Where is humanity now? How many innocent lives must be lost before the world speaks? wrote Gurbaz in his post on X, formerly Twitter. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A few months back, Pakistan had bombed places across the border in Afghanistan, in which three domestic cricketers had died. As a result, the Afghanistan Cricket Board had pulled out its cricket team from a tri-series in Pakistan. Article Source: IANS

Ollie Pope Says Idea England 'Weren't Fussed' About The Ashes Was Tough To Take

Ollie Pope believes the idea England weren't fussed during their woeful Ashes tour of Australia was unfair on the squad but understands why the misperception became lodged in the minds of many fans and pundits. Ben Stokes' tourists went down to a 4-1 series loss to Australia over five Tests in 2025/26, with the troubled campaign still the subject of an England and Wales Cricket Board review. In addition to their poor on-field performance, concerns about the culture of the England squad emerged during a break in Noosa, an Australian resort, where there were reports of excessive drinking by players. This was followed by revelations that vice-captain Harry Brook had had an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on the pre-Ashes visit to New Zealand. Pope, however, insists England's were fully focused on regaining the Ashes and might have been more successful had they cemented an encouraging start to the first Test in Perth. Going into that series, there was a lot spoken about the preparation of it, Pope told reporters on Tuesday. As a team, the misconception might be that we weren't as fussed as it came across. The 28-year-old, speaking at county side Surrey's media day, added: The tough thing for everyone in that first game (Test) was the nature of it. Had we won that, and we'd done slightly better on day two, the idea is different. Of course we want to be a well-liked team, on and off the pitch, and unfortunately our performance didn't allow that to happen in Australia. - 'Take the pressure off' - I can understand why people felt that way, but at the same time the perception that we weren't fussed was probably the hard thing. All we wanted to do was go and win the Ashes...All anyone wanted to do was to win. And for us at times it was just trying to, in our minds, take the pressure off the actual Test match. Even before the trip started, questions were raised about a lack of preparation in Australian conditions, which consisted of a three-day match against the second-string England Lions at Lilac Hill in Perth. As we've done over the previous years, we tried to treat it like a normal series to get the best out of ourselves, said Pope. Unfortunately, it didn't quite go to plan. He added: I know what I need to be as ready as I can be. From a personal point, I felt as ready as I could have been for that first Test. Pope was dropped after the third Test after averaging only 20.83 runs across the first three games, with replacement Jacob Bethell going on to score a century in the fifth Test at Sydney. But Pope insisted he was determined to regain his England place, saying: I still feel like my best batting years are to come. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Surrey batsman was speaking after the England and Wales Cricket Board went back on a plan to stop its Ashes players speaking to the media ahead of the new county season while it conducts its review.

Pak Spinner Abrar Not Concerned By Backlash On The Hundred Signing By Indian Owners: Report

Indian Premier League: Pakistans mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed is not losing sleep over the possible backlash, specifically comments from former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar, on his signing by an Indian-owned franchise, Sunrisers Leeds, in the auction for the upcoming edition of The Hundred, a news report said on Tuesday. Abrar, ranked as high as number two in the ICC rankings until last month and now third, was signed by Sunrisers Leeds, which owns Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, for 190k Pounds Sterling last week. The franchise owners are facing severe backlash in India over the signing, but Abrar is not worried by comments over the move, Telecom Asia Sport said in a report. Gavaskar called the signing an indirect way to fund the Pakistan military, which, in turn, kills Indian soldiers. While the Pakistan Cricket Board and Abrar are tight-lipped on the backlash, sources said there are no concerns as the matter is between England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the franchise. The noise on Abrars signing is not unexpected, but he is not losing sleep over the uproar, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources told www.telecomasia.net. Abrar registered for The Hundred as he is ready to ply his trade in the leagues around the world and was signed as one of the top three bowlers in T20I rankings, which is well deserved, the report said, quoting sources. The coach of Sunrisers Leeds, Daniel Vettori, conveyed the signing to Abrar and advised him to be in touch and prepared to give his best, the sources said. Vettori, himself a spinner of repute who played 442 internationals for New Zealand across formats, backed the signing. Once we missed out on Adil Rashid [to Southern Brave], who was a priority early on, then we obviously jumped into the overseas spinner. There were four or five guys that we were looking at, and Abrar was one of them. Very pleased to get him, Daniel Vettori said after the conclusion of the auction. Abrars signing comes after the ECB threatened that The Hundred sides could face disciplinary action if there is evidence that Pakistan players are overlooked in the auction based on nationality, the Telecom Asia Sport report said on Tuesday. The warning followed after the BBC reported that the four Indian-owned teams - Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, and Sunrisers Leeds - will not consider Pakistan cricketers over a blanket ban on them due to strained relations between the two countries. The relations between the two countries hit their lowest point after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April last year. New Delhi accused the attacks of having the backing of Islamabad, a claim Pakistan denied. A four-day military conflict followed, with both sides claiming victory. The relations between the two countries hit their lowest point after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in April last year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This is absolutely ridiculous & should be condemned. How are these comments acceptable? I dont care how many runs you have scored. Vile stuff from Gavaskar, Rafiq wrote on social media platform X. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Working With Southee Will Improve My Skills, Says KKR's Vaibhav Arora

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ahead of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Vaibhav Arora is focused on evolving his game and sharpening his skillset as he prepares for the challenges ahead in the season. The 28-year-old pacer from Ambala, who made his debut for the franchise in 2023, has taken 36 wickets in 32 matches in his IPL career so far with an impressive strike rate of 17.72. He also played a key role in KKRs title-winning campaign in IPL 2024, claiming 11 wickets in 10 matches. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, Arora has been putting in extensive work during the training camp, focusing on improving different aspects of his bowling. Overall, the preparation is solid. We're playing practice matches and also honing our variations in the nets. As a fast bowler, you always want to prepare well and improve your skills so that you can execute them effectively in match situations, he said. Arora is particularly excited about the opportunity to work closely with former teammate Tim Southee, who has joined the franchise as bowling coach this season. The former New Zealand captain brings enormous experience to the role, having taken more than 700 international wickets and previously represented KKR for three seasons between 2021 and 2023. Reflecting on the chance to learn from Southee again, Arora said, Tim Southee is a legend with tons of experience. Weve been teammates with KKR before in 2023, and I learned a lot from him then. Now that hes our bowling coach, Ill get more time to work with him and learn from his experience to improve my skills. Theres a lot I can learn from him, and its going to be fun working with him. Known for his ability with the new ball, Arora is also looking to expand his repertoire and adapt to the conditions he is likely to face during the season. As you must have seen at Eden Gardens last year, the new ball swings only for the first three or four overs, maximum. After that, there is no swing because of the conditions and the nature of the wicket. So, the variations become very important in those situations, he explained. With that in mind, Arora has been working on refining his variations and improving his execution, something that worked well for him during the previous season. Last year, we had a bit of success while executing yorkers with the new ball. As a bowler, you must use the ground's dimensions to your advantage and choose deliveries wisely against each batter, he said. Known for his ability with the new ball, Arora is also looking to expand his repertoire and adapt to the conditions he is likely to face during the season. As you must have seen at Eden Gardens last year, the new ball swings only for the first three or four overs, maximum. After that, there is no swing because of the conditions and the nature of the wicket. So, the variations become very important in those situations, he explained. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Looking ahead, Arora said the teams focus remains on continuing their preparation and being ready for the upcoming phase of training in Kolkata. Our mindset is focused on going to the next camp in Kolkata and being mentally and physically prepared to give 110% there, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

There Is No Case To Be Made That This Was Not Out: MCC Issues Verdict On Salman Agha Run-out Controversy

The Marylebone Cricket Club: The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has clarified that the controversial run out of Salman Ali Agha during the second ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dhaka was correctly adjudged under the Laws of Cricket, while also noting that the fielding side could have chosen to withdraw the appeal in keeping with the Spirit of Cricket. The incident occurred when Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz attempted to field a shot played by Mohammad Rizwan. As Miraz moved across the pitch to collect the ball, he collided with Agha, who had backed up at the non-strikers end. In the confusion that followed, Agha bent down as if to pick up the ball and hand it back to the bowler, seemingly under the impression that play had come to a halt. However, Miraz quickly gathered the ball and deflected it onto the stumps while Agha was still outside his crease, leading to the Pakistan captains dismissal. After the match, Agha referenced the Spirit of Cricket, remarking that he would have chosen differently had he been the fielder and instead gone for sportsman spirit. In response to the debate over the incident, the MCC issued a statement confirming that the on-field decision was correct. Under Laws, there is little that either umpire could have done differently. The non-striker was clearly out of his ground when the wicket was broken, and the ball was in play. That is out, the statement said. The MCC also pointed out that Agha had put himself at greater risk by trying to handle the ball. It is also worth pointing out that the non-striker had left his ground when the ball was in play and had just started to attempt to regain his ground when he collided with Mehidy. Furthermore, no batter should attempt to pick the ball up without the consent of the fielding side, and had he done so, he would have been at risk of an Obstructing the field dismissal. In retrospect, he would have been better using that time to attempt to regain his ground, the statement read. Amid suggestions that the ball should have been declared dead after the collision, the MCC rejected that interpretation, stating that the Laws did not permit such a ruling in this situation. There have been some suggestions that the ball should have been treated as Dead. That is not viable under the Laws; the ball does not become dead when players collide - if it did, that would incentivise players to seek out collisions when the situation was advantageous. There was no question of a serious injury, so there could be no call of Dead ball for that. It could not have been clear to the umpire that all the players ceased to consider the ball to be in play, since Mehidy clearly believed it was live, even if Agha did not. And it cannot have been finally settled in the hands of the bowler or wicket-keeper, since it was on the ground. The MCC further explained that even the revised dead-ball law, scheduled to take effect in October, would not have changed the outcome of the incident. Under the new Laws, which will come into effect in October, an umpire will be able to determine that the ball is finally settled if it is stationary on the ground. However, it is hard to make an argument that the ball is finally settled if the nearest fielder to it is attempting to run the non-striker out, with that non-striker out of their ground. There is no case, therefore, to be made that this was Not Out under Law, nor that the Law could be rewritten to somehow make a situation like this Not out. While backing the dismissal's legality, the MCC acknowledged that Bangladesh could have recalled the batter if they wished to uphold the Spirit of Cricket. There is no case, therefore, to be made that this was Not Out under Law, nor that the Law could be rewritten to somehow make a situation like this Not out. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It certainly would have been possible for Mehidy, as Bangladesh captain, to withdraw his appeal. Agha clearly thought the ball was dead and was attempting to assist the fielding side after an unintentional collision, which made it harder for him to regain his ground. The Laws allow a withdrawal for incidents where the batter is out in Law, but the fielding side feels that it would be better, within the Spirit of Cricket, to allow them to continue. Article Source: IANS

Batty: Routes from county cricket to England team have 'misted over'

Surrey's head coach defends Championship as 'best breeding ground' in world game

Ashwell Prince rues lack of partnerships in South Africa's Hamilton defeat

The only box we ticked was George Linde, who played a really nice cameo towards the end, but we didn't get any partnerships going, the South Africa batting coach said

MCC on Agha run-out: 'No case to be made that this was not out'

The lawmaking body contended that the dismissal was fully in accordance with the Laws of the game

There Is More To Indian Cricket Than Just A Couple Of People, Says R. Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin: The realisation that it was time for him to retire from Test cricket dawned on former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin when the younger and less experienced Washington Sundar was preferred over him for a Test match in Australia. During India's tour of Australia in 2024, senior bowler Ashwin lost his place in the XI and decided to retire at the end of the series. At an event in Kolkata on Tuesday, Ashwin opened up about the moment he realised his time with the Indian team had come to an end. At Perth, I was the senior bowler. Washi (Washington Sundar) played that Test, and I realised that my time was up, he said. His retirement after the Brisbane Test prompted criticism of the team management, especially after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also stepped away following the series. Head coach Gautam Gambhir faced trolling on social media amid suggestions that senior players had been pushed towards retirement. Ashwin, however, dismissed that narrative and backed Gambhirs approach. I like Gautam, and many people may have different opinions about him, but he is someone who always puts the team ahead of individuals, Ashwin said. He credits the team, not individuals, and thats something I admire. Ashwin also spoke about the culture within the Indian dressing room and the importance of looking beyond individual stars. There is more to Indian cricket than just a couple of people, he said. Reflecting on his long association with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Ashwin highlighted the bond within the group during their years together. The best part about us was that none of us blamed each other. We all wanted India to win and make the country proud. We were motivated to do that, he said. Ashwin also spoke about the culture within the Indian dressing room and the importance of looking beyond individual stars. There is more to Indian cricket than just a couple of people, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bowling is not as effective as batting, and thats where the concern lies. Article Source: IANS

PSL 2026: Labuschagne appointed Hyderabad Kingsmen captain

Labuschagne will work with fellow Australian Jason Gillespie, who was appointed the franchise's coach

Sanju Samson Felicitated By Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan After T20 WC Win

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan honoured India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who played a pivotal role in Indias triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this month. Vijayan hosted the World Cup champion at his official residence, Cliff House, on Monday (March 16), to acknowledge his achievements. The 31-year-old Samson came dressed in traditional attire for the ceremony, during which Vijayan handed him a commemorative memento bearing the message, We salute Sanju Viswanath Samson. The keepsake also highlighted his crucial contributions during the tournaments knockout phase, including a 97 off 50 balls against the West Indies in the Super 8 stage, an 89 off 42 in the semifinal against England, and another 89 off 46 in the final versus New Zealand. Sharing the moment on X, Vijayan wrote, Had the pleasure of hosting India's pride and Kerala's own, Sanju Samson, at Cliff House yesterday. Conveyed the profound love and joy of the people of Kerala. May he draw strength from his recent achievements and continue to scale new heights. Wishing him the very best! Samsons journey in the tournament was not without challenges. He had initially been left out of Indias playing XI for their opening match, with the team management opting for Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper alongside opener Abhishek Sharma. His place in the squad had also come under scrutiny after he managed only 46 runs across five matches in a home T20I series against New Zealand ahead of the global event. Despite the early doubts, Samson turned the narrative around with a string of match-winning performances, emerging as one of the standout players in Indias successful campaign. Following the celebrations, the Kerala batter has now turned his attention to the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, where Samson will make his debut with Chennai Super Kings, five-time champions of the tournament. Despite the early doubts, Samson turned the narrative around with a string of match-winning performances, emerging as one of the standout players in Indias successful campaign. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai will be looking to bounce back strongly this season after finishing at the bottom of the table in IPL 2025 with just four wins from 14 matches. Article Source: IANS

Suryakumar: 'The percentage I tried to get in school and college, I'm getting in cricket'

India wanted to win the [2026 T20] World Cup in India, and we wanted to win it in the same stadium in Ahmedabad, which was more important for us, Suryakumar Yadav says

Gavaskar hits out at Sunrisers for signing Abrar Ahmed in Men's Hundred

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar calls franchise into question in scathing column in Indian newspaper

Devon Conway, bowlers star as New Zealand make it 1-1

Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson took six wickets between them in an incisive display of quick bowling for NZ

New Zealand Players Gain Big In Latest Womens T20I Rankings After Victory Over SA

The White Ferns: New Zealands top white-ball performers have reaped the rewards in the latest update to the ICC Womens Player Rankings, following a dominant showing in recent home series against South Africa and Zimbabwe. The White Ferns are currently hosting South Africa in a five-match T20I series and made a flying start with an emphatic 80-run victory at Mount Maunganui on Sunday. While skipper Melie Kerr led the charge with a blistering 78-run knock, earning the Player of the Match award, many of her teammates made significant gains in the updated ICC rankings. Hard-hitting opener Georgia Plimmer climbed nine spots to 41st in the T20I batters rankings after her impactful innings of 63. Meanwhile, Jess Kerr improved by 11 places to 23rd, achieving a new career-high rating among T20I bowlers. Adding to the White Ferns list of success stories, former New Zealand captain Sophie Devine jumped six places to 11th in the T20I all-rounders list, following a four-wicket haul against the Proteas. The veteran all-rounder continues to defy age, making a major impact with both bat and ball. The updated rankings also reflected New Zealands dominance in the recently completed three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, which the White Ferns swept 3-0. Maddy Green moved up five spots to 17th, while Melie Kerr climbed two places to equal 19th. Isabella Gaze also improved her position, rising three places to 61st in the ODI batters rankings. Adding to the White Ferns list of success stories, former New Zealand captain Sophie Devine jumped six places to 11th in the T20I all-rounders list, following a four-wicket haul against the Proteas. The veteran all-rounder continues to defy age, making a major impact with both bat and ball. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand and South Africa played out the second T20I of the five-match series on Tuesday, with the latter clinching an 18-run victory to level the series 1-1. Article Source: IANS

A Moment I Will Cherish For The Rest Of My Life, Says Pratika Rawal On Being Felicitated By DDCA

Delhi Sports Journalists Association: The Delhi & District Cricket Association honoured Indias World Cup champions, Pratika Rawal and Udhav Mohan, at the Sports Journalists Federation of India National Convention, hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association on Monday. The recognition ceremony was held as part of the SJFI convention's Golden Jubilee celebrations, bringing together administrators, journalists, and sportspeople to acknowledge achievements in Indian sports. During the event, DDCA awarded Rawal, a member of Indias historic womens ODI World Cup win in 2025, a cash prize of 11 lakh. Additionally, Mohan, who won the Under-19 World Cup with the national junior team, received a prize of Rs. 11 lakh. Speaking at the ceremony, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley said, It is always special to recognise players who have risen through the Delhi system and gone on to represent the country with distinction. Achievements like these inspire countless young cricketers who dream of following the same path. As an association, we believe recognition and encouragement are important in nurturing the next generation of talent. Rawal regarded the honour as a memorable milestone in her journey as a cricketer developed through Delhis system. It feels really good when you are recognised on such a big stage, especially by the DDCA and by Rohan sir. It is a very privileged moment for me. I have played a lot of cricket for Delhi, and this is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life, Rawal said. Speaking about the impact such gestures can have on young players entering the system, she added, When you perform at your best, recognition follows naturally, so its intertwined. When you receive that recognition it motivates you to perform even better the next time. It becomes a cycle where you perform well, get recognised and then feel encouraged to keep improving. I believe this will motivate many youngsters coming into the system, both girls and boys. For Mohan, this recognition marked an important milestone early in his career. The young Delhi cricketer, a member of Indias 2025/26 Under-19 World Cup winning team, trains at the West Delhi Cricket Academy under the guidance of renowned coach Rajkumar Sharma, who also mentored Indian cricket star Virat Kohli during his early development. First of all I am very thankful to DDCA. This is very motivating for us as cricketers because when we know our association supports us and stands behind our goals it pushes us to do even better. It encourages me to keep improving, play better cricket and make my state and country proud. At the end of the day, every cricketer wants to grow and improve, and here we get access to quality facilities, the opportunity to train and play on some of the best grounds, and an environment where we can make full use of those resources. We practise hard and try to become better players, Mohan said. Reflecting on his journey through the Delhi system, he added, I have always played for Delhi. I was picked in the Under 16 team and since then I have represented Delhi in Under 16 and Under 19 cricket before being part of the India Under 19 World Cup squad. Delhi has a very strong selection system where players have to prove themselves consistently and that helps bring the best talent forward. First of all I am very thankful to DDCA. This is very motivating for us as cricketers because when we know our association supports us and stands behind our goals it pushes us to do even better. It encourages me to keep improving, play better cricket and make my state and country proud. At the end of the day, every cricketer wants to grow and improve, and here we get access to quality facilities, the opportunity to train and play on some of the best grounds, and an environment where we can make full use of those resources. We practise hard and try to become better players, Mohan said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We are also on the lines of making another international stadium and one of the core ideas behind that concept is accessibility. The aim is to ensure that individuals with mobility challenges, speech or vision impairments and those with sensory sensitivities are able to come to an international arena and enjoy the sport comfortably. Cricket should be experienced by everyone, he said. Article Source: IANS

Western Australia cling on nine down as Shipperd denied farewell NSW victory

A late surge from Liam Hatcher and Sean Abbott blew the game open but the home side couldn't quite claim the final wicket

Im Confident Shreyas Can Replicate The Same Performance This Season: Irfan

Australians Cooper Connolly: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed confidence that Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer can replicate his impressive form from the IPL 2025 season, highlighting the middle-order batters proven ability in both franchise and international cricket. The team had a stellar run in the previous edition under Iyers leadership as they finished runners up. Ahead of IPL 2026, PBKS retained their core group and made some smart buys in Australians Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis at the auction table. Pathan believes that Iyer is a proven cricketer and has a shot at making it to Indias T20I setup. I'm not sure that Shreyas Iyer would be thinking of using the IPL as a stage to prove himself for a comeback into the T20I side. Shreyas Iyer is a proven cricketer. He's done really well in T20 cricket for Punjab Kings, yes, a different franchise, and he's done really well for Team India as well. He's a very important player in one-day cricket as far as the Indian team is concerned. I think there is a place for him in the T20 setup for Team India and he's aware of that, Pathan told JioStar. Pathan also recalled Iyers memorable performance against Mumbai Indians in the previous seasons playoffs, saying, That qualifier knock against Mumbai, I still remember that shot against Bumrah, gliding that yorker down towards third man with so much time. He has improved leaps and bounds. I'm really excited to see if he can replicate the same performance this season as well. I'm confident he will. On Punjab Kings overall team combination, Pathan expressed optimism, noting a balance between batting firepower and bowling depth. Pathan also recalled Iyers memorable performance against Mumbai Indians in the previous seasons playoffs, saying, That qualifier knock against Mumbai, I still remember that shot against Bumrah, gliding that yorker down towards third man with so much time. He has improved leaps and bounds. I'm really excited to see if he can replicate the same performance this season as well. I'm confident he will. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He further highlighted the franchises reliance on all-rounder Mitch Owen and the strength of the fast-bowling unit, stating, After that, they're trying to trust Mitch Owen, who is actually a powerhouse. If he clicks, picking the fast bowlers and the rest of the line-up will not be difficult. My eyes will be on this team's fast bowlers, Arshdeep, Marco Jansen and Ferguson, they are totally sorted. They have good backups as well. Article Source: IANS

Mumbai Indians Announce Tiered Ticket Sales For Home Matches

Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday released the ticket sale schedule for their home matches in the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, set to be played from March 28 to April 12. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026, in which Mumbai will play four matches. They will begin their campaign with a home clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, then get on the road for their next two away games against the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). The five-time champions will then return home for a mega rivalry clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Tickets, available exclusively as M-Tickets on the BookMyShow website and app, will be released in four phases with tiered access. In the first phase, Google Pay users (GPAY UPI) can book tickets from March 19, 12:00 IST to March 21, 12:00 IST. Phase two booking is for MI Gold, Silver, and Junior Members to gain early access, from March 21, 15:00 IST to March 22, 15:00 IST. In the third phase, MI Blue Members and pre-registered BookMyShow users can book from March 22, 17:00 IST to March 23, 17:00 IST, while sales open to the general public from March 23, 18:00 IST onwards as part of the fourth and final phase. The franchise clarified that members must have purchased their membership before 11:59 PM IST on March 19, 2026, to qualify for early access benefits. In the third phase, MI Blue Members and pre-registered BookMyShow users can book from March 22, 17:00 IST to March 23, 17:00 IST, while sales open to the general public from March 23, 18:00 IST onwards as part of the fourth and final phase. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The franchise officially kicked off their training camp on Monday, with veteran Rohit Sharma also uniting with the team ahead of the 19th edition of the cash-rich event. Article Source: IANS

Eid Hopes Turned Into Mourning: ACB Condemns Pakistan's acts Of Violence As Strike Kills 400 In Kabul

Eid Hopes Turned Into Mourning: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has expressed deep grief and condemnation after a Pakistani airstrike on a major addiction treatment hospital in Kabul killed more than 400 people and injured at least 250 others, Taliban officials and local media reported, in what could become one of the deadliest incidents in the Afghan capital. Eid Hopes Turned Into Mourning. Afghanistan Cricket Board's leadership, along with the #AfghanAtalan lineup and staff, strongly condemns all acts of violence against innocent people. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and our people during this difficult time. What should have been moments of joy and celebration have instead turned into grief and heartbreak. Lives that were looking forward to Eid, to healing, and to a brighter tomorrow were tragically cut short, leaving behind shattered dreams and grieving families, the ACB penned on X. Condemning the airstrike, the ACB added, The Pakistani regime's devastating attack on a rehabilitation facility, resulting in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and injuries to countless others, has deeply saddened us all. The occurrence of such a tragedy during Ramadan makes the pain even more profound. The board concluded by offering prayers for the victims and their families, stating, We ask the Almighty Allah to grant the victims the highest ranks in Jannah and bless their families with patience, strength, and peace. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. Earlier, Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan condemned the reported civilian casualties from recent airstrikes, calling the targeting of civilian infrastructure a war crime and urging international bodies to investigate the incident. The board concluded by offering prayers for the victims and their families, stating, We ask the Almighty Allah to grant the victims the highest ranks in Jannah and bless their families with patience, strength, and peace. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I am deeply saddened by the latest reports of civilian casualties as a result of Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. Targeting civilian homes, educational facilities or medical infrastructure, either intentional or by mistake, is a war crime. The sheer disregard for human lives, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is sickening and deeply concerning. It will only fuel division and hatred. I call upon the UN and other human rights agencies to thoroughly investigate this latest atrocity and hold the perpetrators to account. I stand with my Afghan people in this difficult time. We shall heal, and we will rise as a nation. We always do. Inshallah, he wrote. Article Source: IANS

Incredible: Riyan Parag Reflects On Premier League Experience

India Super Fan: Indian cricketer and Premier League India Super Fan Riyan Parag was in the UK for a week to get a firsthand look at the Leagues matches. The new Rajasthan Royals captain spent his time watching live Premier League games, meeting players, and immersing himself in the atmosphere, before rejoining his teammates for the upcoming IPL season. As the Premier League season approaches its end, Manchester City, eight-time champions, chase league leaders Arsenal. Parag experienced the thrill shared by countless fans while watching City face West Ham United live at the 62,500-capacity London Stadium. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Reflecting on his matchday experience, Parag said, The Premier League has a massive following in India and its something Ive followed since I was a kid. Being at the London Stadium and hearing the fans in full voice, the chants, the energy, the whole atmosphere, it was honestly incredible. The way the stadium echoes when everyone gets behind the team is something special. In India we feel that same emotion around cricket, so you immediately connect with it. Being there in person and to be living the dream of millions of fans back home was a great experience. Earlier this week, Parag had an immersive look into West Ham Uniteds preparations for the weekend match by visiting their training ground to observe the squad. During his visit, he met West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, and they discussed topics such as captaincy, managing pressure at the top level, and similarities in preparing for important game days. Reflecting on his matchday experience, Parag said, The Premier League has a massive following in India and its something Ive followed since I was a kid. Being at the London Stadium and hearing the fans in full voice, the chants, the energy, the whole atmosphere, it was honestly incredible. The way the stadium echoes when everyone gets behind the team is something special. In India we feel that same emotion around cricket, so you immediately connect with it. Being there in person and to be living the dream of millions of fans back home was a great experience. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Parag finished his week with a visit to the Premier League Productions studio in London, the central hub for broadcasting the Premier League across 189 countries worldwide. He observed all the behind-the-scenes activities and met with Premier League legend and Ballon dOr winner, Michael Owen. Article Source: IANS

Hard To Come In And Get Going Straight Away, Not Sure How She Did, Says Wolvaardt On Reynekes Batting Heroics

T20 World Cup: In a thrilling contest at Hamilton on Tuesday, South Africas young all-rounder Kayla Reyneke earned widespread praise from captain Laura Wolvaardt after her side levelled the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 1-1 with an 18-run victory. Reynekes explosive finishing act, three successive sixes off veteran Sophie Devine in the final over, lifted South Africa to a competitive 177/5 in the second T20I at Seddon Park. Though she scored just 28 not out from nine balls, her cameo proved decisive as New Zealand fell short while chasing the target. It was hard to sort of just come in and get going straight away, so I'm not too sure how Kayla did that. That was some really clean power hitting. It is really nice with the ball striking that we have in our lineup and to know that we have power like that still to come, Wolvaardt said after the match. Reyneke, who previously captained South Africa to the final of the ICC Womens Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2025, earned her first senior international call-up last month during a home T20I series against Pakistan. She had made a mark in that debut series with 29 not out and two wickets to claim the Player of the Match award. Against the White Ferns, she replicated her impact with a crucial late-innings flourish, further boosting her credentials for selection at this years ICC Womens T20 World Cup. It was hard to sort of just come in and get going straight away, so I'm not too sure how Kayla did that. That was some really clean power hitting. It is really nice with the ball striking that we have in our lineup and to know that we have power like that still to come, Wolvaardt said after the match. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Her performance not only swung the match in South Africas favour but also underlined the emergence of a promising talent who could become a key figure in the Proteas line-up for the upcoming global tournament. Article Source: IANS

Mulder in as SA bowl; Clarkson, Ferguson in for NZ

South Africa kept the same attack that bowled New Zealand out for 91 with no room for experienced quick Lutho Sipamla

IPL 2026: Langer, Moody Present LSG Jerseys To Groundsmen At Ekana

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Ahead of the 19th IPL season starting on March 28, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer and Director of Cricket Tom Moody presented jerseys to the groundsmen at their home ground, the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, on Tuesday. LSG will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign at home on April 1 against the Delhi Capitals before heading to Hyderabad for the second fixture against the Sunrisers on April 5. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced only part of the schedule, in which LSG are slated to play a total of four games. The Rishabh Pant-led side will also face the Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Edemn Gardens on April 9, before returning home to play the Gujarat Titans on April 12. With preparations already underway and players now joining camp and starting training, Langer and Moody demonstrated a kind gesture towards the ground staff by presenting them with the franchises newest jersey. Sharing pictures of the moment, the franchise wrote on X, For our groundsmen, straight from our heart. LSG began their training camp on Monday, with the franchise stating that Pant and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami are expected to join the squad on Tuesday, having arrived in the city late on Monday. During Monday's session, batters Akshat Raghuvanshi, Abdul Samad, and Himmat Singh, along with all-rounders Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Arshin Kulkarni, impressed in the nets. The pace attack of Arjun Tendulkar, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi earned praise from the coaching staff for their speed and accuracy. LSG began their training camp on Monday, with the franchise stating that Pant and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami are expected to join the squad on Tuesday, having arrived in the city late on Monday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Since their first appearance in 2022, LSG have reached the playoffs twice, in 2022 and 2023, and finished seventh in the points table in 2024 and 2025. Currently, LSG is the only active team to have never reached an IPL final. Article Source: IANS

Khaka, Mlaba Guide South Africa To Series-levelling Win Against New Zealand In 2nd T20I

South Africa Women: South Africa Women delivered a clinical all-round performance to beat New Zealand Women by 18 runs in the second T20I of the five-match series, relying on a strong batting display from the top-order batters and disciplined bowling by Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba to gain control of the match. Asked to bat first, South Africa got off to a brisk start through Sune Luus and Tazmin Brits, who stitched together a fluent 62-run opening stand. Luus was the early aggressor, striking 31 off 21 balls with five boundaries and a six before falling to Amelia Kerr. Brits then took charge, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 53 off 43 deliveries, laced with five fours and three sixes. Captain Laura Wolvaardt provided stability in the middle overs with a composed 41 off 33 balls, ensuring the innings did not lose momentum despite regular wickets. South Africa crossed the 100-run mark in the 11th over, but a brief slowdown followed as New Zealands spinners applied the brakes. However, a late flourish turned the tide decisively. Kayla Reyneke provided the finishing kick with a blistering unbeaten 28 off just nine balls, smashing three consecutive sixes in the final over off Sophie Devine. Her late onslaught propelled South Africa to a formidable 177/5 in their 20 overs. In response, New Zealand began on a positive note despite losing a couple of early wickets. Amelia Kerr counterattacked with a quickfire 32 off 18 balls, striking six boundaries, while Sophie Devine added 25 off 18 as the hosts raced to 71/3 inside seven overs. Just as New Zealand looked well-placed, South Africas bowlers triggered a collapse. Ayabonga Khaka led the charge with a superb spell, finishing with 4-27, removing key batters including Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday in quick succession. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba complemented her brilliantly, claiming 3-27 and breaking the crucial partnership by dismissing both Amelia Kerr and, later, Suzie Bates. The middle overs proved decisive as New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals, slipping from a promising position to 111/7. Despite a late effort from Izzy Sharp, who top-scored with 29, and a brief cameo from Jess Kerr (14), the required rate kept climbing. South Africa maintained composure in the death overs, with Khaka returning to pick up another wicket and seal the game. A run-out in the final over ended New Zealands innings at 159/9, falling 18 runs short. The middle overs proved decisive as New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals, slipping from a promising position to 111/7. Despite a late effort from Izzy Sharp, who top-scored with 29, and a brief cameo from Jess Kerr (14), the required rate kept climbing. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief scores: South Africa Women 177/5 in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 53, Laura Wolvaardt 41; Amelia Kerr 2-29, Jess Kerr 2-34) beat New Zealand Women 159/10 in 19.1 overs (Amelia Kerr 32, Izzy Sharp 29; Ayabonga Khaka 4-27, Nonkululeko Mlaba 3-27) by 18 runs. Article Source: IANS

Brits, Reyneke, Khaka and Mlaba headline South Africa's series-levelling win

Amelia Kerr put in an excellent all-round performance for New Zealand, but South Africa fired on all cylinders, with the bat and the ball and in the field, to run out 18-run victors

Out-Of-Favour Liam Livingstone Says 'No-One Cares' In England Set-Up

Liam Livingstone has slammed the England hierarchy following his exile from international cricket, saying no-one cares about you when you are dropped. The Lancashire all-rounder has exactly 100 caps for his country across all three formats but has not featured for over a year. In an interview with ESPN Cricinfo, the 32-year-old was highly critical of his treatment by England director of cricket Rob Key. He also described his time at last year's Champions Trophy as the worst experience I've had playing cricket and said he did not miss being involved in the recent T20 World Cup. The England and Wales Cricket Board's Ashes review, covering tour planning and preparation, individual performance and behaviours after the 4-1 thrashing in Australia, is still ongoing. Livingstone, reflecting on a lack of communication after his dropping in a brief phone call by England coach Brendon McCullum in May, said: I don't think it would have reached a minute. I asked why; they said they wanted to try someone else. That was off Baz (McCullum). Brooky (captain Harry Brook) sent me a text. Keysy said nothing, (he) said 'I'll speak to you in the summer'. I actually rang him one day, and he said he was busy at a Test camp at Loughborough and then I didn't hear off him until the end of September. That probably sums that group up as a collective. That was a bit of an eye-opening experience about the group and the regime: if you're in, you're in, and if you're not in, no-one cares about you. Livingstone, still in demand on the franchise circuit, with a 1 million ($1.32 million) IPL deal from Sunrisers Hyderabad and a 350,000 bid from London Spirit at last week's Hundred auction, insisted: I still believe I'm one of the best players in white-ball cricket in England. Just because I'm not playing for England, because of a couple of peoples opinions, it doesn't mean that I'm not good enough to do it. As for missing the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India, where Will Jacks performed well in Livingstone's old role of spinner and hard-hitting batsman, he said: I didn't miss it one bit. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There wasn't any part of me that was wishing I was playing in that team, to be honest.

Injury Setback Halts Dane Van Niekerk's Comeback Tour

Cricket South Africa: Dane van Niekerks long-awaited return to international cricket has faced an obstacle. The all-rounder will not join the South Africa women's national team on their ongoing tour of New Zealand due to a calf injury. The former captain reversed her international retirement last year but already missed the opening match and will take no further part in the series. Cricket South Africa confirmed the news in an official update. Proteas Women all-rounder Dan van Niekerk will miss the rest of the tour to New Zealand due to a right calf injury. Van Niekerk felt discomfort the day before the first T20 International (T20I). A scan showed the injury's extent, which will need rehabilitation. Fidelity Titans Anneke Bosch has been called up as her replacement, the Proteas Women posted on X. In her absence, Anneke Bosch rejoins the T20I setup, marking her first appearance in the format since November 2024. This injury is a significant setback for van Niekerk, who has been striving for a spot in South Africas squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 after missing the last two editions. Her journey back has not been easy. A veteran of 110 ODIs and 91 T20Is, van Niekerk was dropped in 2022 for not meeting fitness standards and announced her retirement in March 2023. Since then, she has worked hard to return through domestic cricket, playing for Western Province and earning a call-up to the national team in late 2025 during a home series against Ireland. In her absence, Anneke Bosch rejoins the T20I setup, marking her first appearance in the format since November 2024. This injury is a significant setback for van Niekerk, who has been striving for a spot in South Africas squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 after missing the last two editions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, the multi-format series in New Zealand, featuring five T20Is and three ODIs as part of the Womens Championship, has posed additional challenges for the visitors. Mens batter Jordan Hermann is also out due to a hamstring injury. Article Source: IANS

Selection In Focus As Australia Fine-tunes World Cup Plans In The Caribbean

T20 World Cup: Head coach Shelley Nitschke is using the upcoming tour of the Caribbean as an important audition for the Australia women's national cricket team ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England. With six white-ball matches scheduled against the West Indies women's national cricket team, this series provides a final chance to test combinations and finalize the squad for the tournament starting on June 12. Australia will be without star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who is being rested as part of a workload management plan. Nitschke, however, highlighted the broader context behind this decision. We all know how great Annabel is, and I certainly think she's going to be a key part of our T20 batting lineup at some point and offers us strong hitting down the order right now, she said. But her absence is part of a larger management plan. It also gives us opportunities to examine a few things we need to consider before heading to England to better understand our options and ideal makeup. Sutherland's absence opens opportunities for players like Nicola Carey, Lucy Hamilton, and Megan Schutt to make their case. Captain Sophie Molineux is expected to return after recovering from a back issue. Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry are also available after dealing with quad problems, providing Australia with nearly a full-strength pool to select from. Even with this experimentation, Nitschke made it clear that winning is still important. We are coming here to win these games, she said. I'm going to choose the team that's best for the conditions, and I think there will be chances for players. Weve got 15 or 14 players here right now, and I think some opportunities will arise in these three games. But, above all, we want to perform really well. At the top of the order, the pairing of Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll is likely to continue despite mixed results in the recent series against India, with Phoebe Litchfield expected to maintain her spot at number three. Nitschke indicated that only minor adjustments are needed as the team approaches its final lineup. I think we're really close to finalizing our best side, she noted. There was a lot of talk about the India series, but we didn't change much. Our top order has been pretty stable for a while. I believe we have just a couple of decisions to make and a few tweaks to figure out our best combinations too. I think we're really close to finalizing our best side, she noted. There was a lot of talk about the India series, but we didn't change much. Our top order has been pretty stable for a while. Also Read: Live Cricket Score She still provides us with strong hitting down the order. We all know what Grace can do; she has a unique advantage and remains part of the discussions about what the final squad will look like for the World Cup. Article Source: IANS

Calf injury rules van Niekerk out of New Zealand tour

Jordan Hermann is also out of the South Africa men's tour of New Zealand with a hamstring injury; Anneke Bosch comes in as Dane van Niekerk's replacement

Sutherland's absence means T20 batting role remains uncertain

Australia's three-match series in West Indies is crucial in the build-up to the T20 World Cup later this year

Harshit Rana set to miss bulk of IPL season after knee surgery

He is currently undergoing rehab and the BCCI medical team has not yet earmarked a date of return

DDCA Prez Jaitley Hands Pratika Rawal 51 Lakh Reward As SJFI's Golden Jubilee Convention Concludes

India Honorary Secretary General Virendra: The Golden Jubilee edition of the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) National Convention concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday, with Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley emphasising the importance of the relationship between sports administrators and journalists. The balance between cricket administration and journalistic reviews is very important. Whether it be criticism or feedback, for an administrator, it is exceptionally important. We need to realise where we are going wrong. It is important to know our mistakes. It is important to rectify them, said Jaitley. Jaitley also announced a cash prize of 5 lakh for the Akash Rawal-led North Zone team, the winners of the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Tournament. Since the North Zone has won, on behalf of the association, I would want to announce a cash prize of 5 lakh for the winning side, he added. On the occasion, the DDCA also felicitated India Womens World Cup-winning cricketer Pratika Rawal with a 51 lakh reward and honoured India U-19 Mens World Cup squad member Uddhav Mohan with a cash award of 11 lakh. The four-day Golden Jubilee convention, hosted by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA), brought together sports media professionals from across the country for meetings, competitions, and networking. On the first day of the Convention, Smt Raksha Khadse, Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao graced the occasion, addressing the visiting journalists from across the country. On Saturday, the journalists had a special interaction with Member of Parliament and former Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur. The programme also featured a major sports conclave with International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Rajiv Shukla, and Archery Association of India Honorary Secretary General Virendra Sachdeva. Several dignitaries and stakeholders from the sports and corporate ecosystems were felicitated during the Day 4 proceedings of the convention. Among those honoured were Svayam Founder Sminu Jindal, Adimazes Founder Akhilesh Yadav, WordsWork Communications Consulting Founder and CEO Neha Mathur Rastogi, RPL Industries Chairman Rakesh Mishra, and Rajasthan United Football Club (RUFC) Chairman Krishan Kumar Tak. The SJFI President and Secretary also honoured Sangeeta Baroova, the first woman President of the Sports Journalist Federation of India, and felicitated 18 state presidents and secretaries. Hosting the Golden Jubilee convention in the capital has been a monumental honour for the DSJA, said the President of the Delhi Sports Journalist Association, Abhishek Tripathi. Our goal was to create an environment where the fraternity could celebrate its legacy while also enjoying the sports we cover daily. The President of the Sports Journalist Federation of India, Saraju Chakraborty, added, Reaching fifty years is a testament to the resilience of sports journalism in India. This convention celebrated our history while setting a progressive tone for the future. Sabi Hussain, Secretary of the Delhi Sports Journalist Association, thanked the sponsors, stating that organising a four-day event of this magnitude would not have been possible without the support of partners from across the sports and corporate ecosystem. On the sporting front, North Zone won the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Tournament, defeating East Zone by 10 wickets. East Zone scored 135/6 in 20 overs, with Pranab Shil scoring an unbeaten 47. North Zone chased down the target in just 9.5 overs, led by Rishabh Singhs unbeaten 87. In another match, West Zone defeated South Zone by 10 wickets after bowling them out for 97. Sabi Hussain, Secretary of the Delhi Sports Journalist Association, thanked the sponsors, stating that organising a four-day event of this magnitude would not have been possible without the support of partners from across the sports and corporate ecosystem. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The evening concluded with a dinner hosted by DDCA President Rohan Jaitley, bringing the landmark Golden Jubilee convention to a celebratory close. Article Source: IANS

NZ vs SA 2nd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

NZ vs SA 2nd T20I , Cricket Tips :South Africa stunned New Zealand in the first game of the five-match T20I series, and they recorded a 7-wicket win. The Proteas took a 1-0 lead in the series and will be eyeing consecutive wins. South Africa and New Zealand will be up against each other in the second game on Tuesday. This contest will commence at 11:415 AM IST at Seddon Park in Hamilton. New Zealand will be disappointing after the way the first game ended. They were bowled out for their second lowest T20I total at home. Their batters had a poor collapse, and they need to back it up with a strong performance to level the series. NZ vs SA: Match Details Date : March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 11:45 AM IST Venue : Seddon Park, Hamilton NZ vs SA: Live Streaming Details In India, the live telecast of the second T20I will be available on the Sony Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the game on the Sony LIV app or website. NZ vs SA: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 21 New Zealand : 08 South Africa : 13 No result/Tied: 0 NZ vs SA: Ground Pitch Report Seddon Park is known to be a good batting venue. It has good bounce and pace, where batters can play their shots. The outfield is also very fast, which gives the batters full value for the shots. The toss will be crucial, because the best conditions to bowl will be in the first innings. NZ vs SA: Possible XIs New Zealand : Tom Latham (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, James Neesham, Bevon Jacobs, Zakary Foulkes, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson South Africa : Tony de Zorzi, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann (wk), Connor Esterhuizen, Wiaan Mulder, Jason Smith, Gerald Coetzee, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nqobani Mokoena NZ vs SA: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Connor Esterhuizen batted well and showed a good temperament under pressure. He must have earned confidence after that and will come with another good knock. For New Zealand, Tom Latham is the most experienced batter, and he can play a perfect anchor for the team. Probable Best Bowler Nqobani Mokoena won the Player of the Match award in his debut game. He bowled well up front and also produced wicket-taking balls. For New Zealand, Mitch Santner bowled an economical spell, and he is a difficult bowler to face. Today Match Prediction : South Africa had a good first game, and they looked good in the form. Hence, we predict South Africa to win the second game as well. NZ vs SA Match 2nd T20I, Today Match NZ vs SA, NZ vs SA Prediction, NZ vs SA Predicted XIs, Injury Update for NZ vs SA Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction 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.

Djokovic pulls out of Miami Open with shoulder injury

The 24-times Grand Slam champion has won the Miami Open six times, making him the most successful men's player in the tournament's history

IPL 2026: Abhishek, Ishan In Race To Captain SRH In Initial Games In Pat Cummins Absence

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Indias left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan are in the race to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their initial matches in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign, as regular captain Pat Cummins is unavailable as he is still recovering from a back injury. SRH, the IPL 2016 winners, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M, Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28. Cummins has not played competitive cricket since the third Ashes Test in Adelaide in December 2025, after being out of action post the tour of West Indies due to a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back. He was subsequently ruled out of the remaining Ashes matches and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup due to the same issue. IANS understands that Abhishek and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who were members of the Indian team that won the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, are in the race to lead SRH in Cummins absence. Kishan, who has been in the SRH camp since the 2025 IPL, captained Jharkhand to winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in the recent domestic season and has understandably strong credentials to lead the side in Cummins absence. Abhishek, meanwhile, joined SRH ahead of IPL 2019 and has been a mainstay with the side - forming an ultra-attacking opening partnership alongside Australias Travis Head. While the in-form Kishan hit three fifties in Indias triumphant T20 World Cup win, Abhishek finally found mojo to smash a half-century off just 18 balls in the final, which India won by 96 runs. Pat Cummins is recovering from the injury, but he mostly needs to clear his fitness tests, and then he will join the team. He is ready to play, but he has to clear the fitness tests and then join the SRH set-up. As Cummins will take more time, the team management is still deciding if either Ishan or Abhishek will lead SRH. If all goes well, then whoever is the interim SRH captain will attend the IPL 2026 captains and managers meet, to be held on March 25 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. A customary photoshoot of all ten captains with the tournaments trophy will also be held there, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Monday. If Abhishek becomes SRHs captain, this will be the first time he has captained an IPL side, which will also be the case if Kishan gets the leadership armband. But Cummins' absence for the initial IPL 2026 games is a huge blow for SRH. His absence deprives them of having both their leader and their most dependable bowler in what is already considered the side's most vulnerable department, despite having one of the most fearsome batting line-ups in the competition. If Abhishek becomes SRHs captain, this will be the first time he has captained an IPL side, which will also be the case if Kishan gets the leadership armband. But Cummins' absence for the initial IPL 2026 games is a huge blow for SRH. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Uncapped bowling options include Shivang Kumar, Krains Fuletra, Jack Edwards, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Amit Kumar, and Praful Hinge. After the highs of 2024, when they finished as runners-up, SRH misfired throughout the campaign to finish at sixth place in the points table in 2025. Article Source: IANS

Secretary Devajit Saikia Congratulates All Winners Of BCCI Naman Awards, Wishes Them More Success

Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement: Devajit Saikia, secretary, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Monday congratulated all the winners of the BCCI Naman Awards and wished more success to all the awardees feted at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi. Congratulations to all the winners of the BCCI Naman Awards. Your performances, commitment, and passion continue to raise the bar for Indian cricket and inspire millions. Wishing all the awardees more success to carry Indian cricket to even greater heights, Devajit LON Saikia wrote in a post on X on Monday. Celebrated the success & glory of Indian Cricket last evening, the BCCI secretary wrote in his post that was accompanied by photographs of the ceremony. The BCCI celebrated outstanding achievements across Indian cricket at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026, recognising excellence in international, domestic, and age-group cricket while honouring individuals who have made lasting contributions to the sport in India. Former India greats Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid received the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for their long-standing service to Indian cricket, while former India womens captain Mithali Raj was honoured with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in recognition of her immense role in elevating womens cricket in the country. Among other award winners were Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, who received the Polly Umrigar Award for the 202425 season, while Smriti Mandhana was honoured with the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time. Former India greats Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid received the prestigious Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for their long-standing service to Indian cricket, while former India womens captain Mithali Raj was honoured with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in recognition of her immense role in elevating womens cricket in the country. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of five Indian teams that recently won ICC titles, including victories in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, and the mens and womens ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup events, spotlighting a historic period of success for Indian cricket. Article Source: IANS

Skipper Shubman Gill Joins Gujarat Titans Camp Ahead Of IPL 2026

Miraj International Cricket Stadium: Captain Shubman Gill on Monday joined the Gujarat Titans squad as the team prepares for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with their preparations in full swing with a pre-season camp at Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara. With the schedule for the first phase of the season announced, the Gujarat Titans will begin their campaign with an away clash against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur in New Chandigarh on March 31. The Gill-led side will then return home to Ahmedabad to face the Rajasthan Royals on April 4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The team is also scheduled to feature in two more away fixtures against the Delhi Capitals on April 8 and against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 12. Gujarat Titans have been among the most consistent teams in the IPL, reaching the playoffs in three of their first four seasons and winning the title in their inaugural campaign in 2022. For the upcoming 2026 season, the Gujarat Titans have announced the appointment of former Australian great Matthew Hayden as their batting coach while picking former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya as an Assistant Coach, thus further strengthening the franchises coaching setup. A World Cup winner and one of the most dominant opening batters of his era, Hayden joins the Titans setup with an illustrious international career and expertise in modern-day T20 batting dynamics and will strengthen the franchises support staff as it prepares for the 2026 season with renewed vigour. For the upcoming 2026 season, the Gujarat Titans have announced the appointment of former Australian great Matthew Hayden as their batting coach while picking former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya as an Assistant Coach, thus further strengthening the franchises coaching setup. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Since making their debut in 2022, the Gujarat Titans have emerged as one of the most consistent teams in the IPL, reaching the playoffs in three of their first four seasons and winning the title in their inaugural campaign. With a strengthened coaching structure in place, the former champions will look to build on their strong track record as preparations for IPL 2026 gather momentum. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants Begin Training Camp In Lucknow, Pant And Shami To Join On Tuesday

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have commenced their training camp ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday. The franchise said captain, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami are due to link up with the squad on Tuesday after arriving in Lucknow in late hours on Monday. In the session held on Monday, batters Akshat Raghuvanshi, Abdul Samad, and Himmat Singh, along with all-rounders Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Arshin Kulkarni, impressed in the nets. The pace attack of Arjun Tendulkar, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi drew praise from the coaching staff for their speed and accuracy. LSGs Global Cricket Director Tom Moody and head coach Justin Langer provided technical guidance throughout the sessions, with assistant coaches Lance Klusener and Bharat Arun also working hard with the players. The franchise previously had a pre-season camp in Chennai at the Coaching Beyond Academy ground. LSG will open their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign against the Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Ekana Stadium. LSG also said that fans will be able to enter the venue on match days using digital tickets on their smartphones. Under the new system, spectators booking tickets starting from the April 1 clash against DC through BookMyShow will receive an M-ticket directly on their registered mobile number, which can be scanned at the stadium gates for entry. The franchise previously had a pre-season camp in Chennai at the Coaching Beyond Academy ground. LSG will open their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign against the Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Ekana Stadium. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Since the first appearance in 2022, LSG have reached the playoffs in two seasons -- 2022 and 2023 -- and finished seventh in the points table in 2024 and 2025. Currently, LSG are the only active team to have never reached an IPL final. Article Source: IANS

North Zone Win JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy, SJAM-1 Claim Table Tennis Title

AC Bali Table Tennis Tournament: North Zone claimed the JK Bose Inter-Zonal T20 Cricket Trophy without losing a single game throughout the tournament, while the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM-1) won the AC Bali Table Tennis Tournament team title at the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) National Convention's Golden Jubilee celebrations in New Delhi on Monday. North Zone sealed the cricket title with a crushing 10-wicket victory over East Zone at the Roshanara Cricket Ground, with opener Rishabh Singh blazing an unbeaten 87 off 40 balls and captain Akash Rawal finishing unbeaten on 31 as they overhauled East Zone's 135/6 in just 9.5 overs. Rishabh Singh finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 289 runs in the competition. East Zone had posted a competitive total on the back of Pranab Shil's explosive 47 not out off 23 balls and an unbeaten 39 from captain Abhishek, but North's batters made light work of the chase. In the other cricket fixture at the Delhi Police Ground, West Zone dismissed South Zone for 97 in 18.5 overs, with Deep Sudhakar taking 4-13 and Taus Rizvi claiming 3-13. West Zone then cruised to victory without loss in 13 overs, with Rizvi contributing an unbeaten 53 and Devendra Pandey remaining not out on 36. In the table tennis event at the Roshanara Club, SJAM-1's Amol Karhadkar and Ashwin Ferro defeated the Delhi Sports Journalists Association's (DSJA-1) trio of Bharat Sharma, Kushan Sarkar, and Norris Pritam to claim the team championship title. Karhadkar also dominated the individual events, winning the men's singles title ahead of Keerthi of the Tamil Nadu Sports Journalists Association, before combining with Ferro to win the men's doubles, with the DSJA pair of Sarkar and Sharma finishing runners-up. Meanwhile, Bengaluru emerged champions in the basketball competition with Indore finishing runners-up, while in the futsal (freekick) event, the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai-2 (SJAM-2) were crowned champions, and the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai-1 (SJAM-1) finished runners-up. Brief scores: Meanwhile, Bengaluru emerged champions in the basketball competition with Indore finishing runners-up, while in the futsal (freekick) event, the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai-2 (SJAM-2) were crowned champions, and the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai-1 (SJAM-1) finished runners-up. Also Read: Live Cricket Score East Zone 135/6 in 20 overs (Pranab Shil 47 not out, Abhishek 39 not out) lost to North Zone 136/0 in 9.5 overs (Rishabh Singh 87 not out, Akash Rawal 31 not out) by 10 wickets and won the title. Article Source: IANS

India Is Strongest Ever White-ball Team After Back-to-back Mens T20 WC Triumphs, Says Ricky Ponting

T20 World Cup: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has hailed India as the greatest white-ball team ever assembled after they became the first men's side to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title with an emphatic 96-run win over New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ponting said India's unbeaten run across ICC events since the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Men's Champions Trophy - interrupted only by a Super Eights defeat to South Africa in this years T20 World Cup -- spoke to a consistency no other side in the modern era had matched. Its really hard to argue a point against that. If you look at this, not just the T20I team but their white-ball record in ICC events over the last five or six years, its quite remarkable. A lot of people probably identified before this tournament started the depth and the strength that this current Indian team had, and also the experience that they have. This is a very, very strong Indian white-ball team, not just a T20 team. Back-to-back World Cups, hats off to them, said Ponting on The ICC Review show. He also felt the sheer volume of high-pressure cricket India had absorbed, both on the international stage and through the Indian Premier League (IPL), led to the creation of a team uniquely equipped for excelling in major tournaments. The one thing thats probably overlooked with this current team is the amount of experience and the amount of cricket a lot of these guys have played, whether its international cricket or even just the IPL. The IPL games are every bit as big as international games anyway, so this Indian team came in well primed with great balance and a great squad, he added. He also felt the sheer volume of high-pressure cricket India had absorbed, both on the international stage and through the Indian Premier League (IPL), led to the creation of a team uniquely equipped for excelling in major tournaments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Maybe it just allowed them to regroup, get together, and talk about the things that are important to them as a team. They solidified what they felt was their strongest playing XI and didnt make many changes at the back end of the tournament, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

'Contributes To Indian Casualties': Gavaskar Slams SRH Owners Over Abrar Deal In The Hundred Auction

Indian Premier League: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticised the decision of SunRisers Leeds to sign Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed in the 2026 auction of The Hundred, saying Indian franchise owners should avoid recruiting players from Pakistan due to the sensitive political relationship between the two nations. Gavaskar also questioned whether sporting success should outweigh national concerns, arguing that Indian-owned entities must remain mindful of the wider implications of such decisions, as the money earned by Abrar could be used against India. The furore created by the acquisition of a Pakistani player by the Indian owner of a franchise in The Hundred is hardly surprising. Ever since the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, Indian franchise owners have simply ignored Pakistani players for the IPL, Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day. Gavaskar suggested that the issue goes beyond cricketing merit. According to him, the financial trail, which starts from player payments to government tax revenue, creates a moral dilemma for Indian owners when dealing with Pakistani sportspersons. Although belated, the realisation that the fees that they pay to a Pakistani player, who then pays income tax to his government, which buys arms and weapons, indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians, is making Indian entities refrain from even considering having Pakistani artistes and sportspersons, he wrote. Whether it is an Indian entity or an overseas subsidiary of the entity that is making the payment, if the owner is Indian, then he or she is contributing to the Indian casualties. Its as simple as that, Gavaskar added. The former India opener also pointed out that while team management may look at signings purely from a cricketing perspective, franchise owners must weigh broader national implications before making such decisions. Daniel Vettori, the coach of the team in The Hundred who hails from New Zealand, may not understand this simple dynamic and so may have wanted some Pakistani players in his team, but surely the owner should have had an understanding of the situation and discouraged the purchase. Is winning a tournament in a format that no other country plays in much more important than Indian lives? he noted. SunRisers Leeds secured Abrar Ahmed for 190,000 (approximately Rs 2.34 crore) during the auction held in London on Thursday. The franchise is owned by the Sun Group, led by businessman Kalanithi Maran, with his daughter Kavya Maran representing the team at the auction table alongside head coach Daniel Vettori. The signing has sparked widespread criticism from fans in India, who have also termed the franchise as anti-national. SunRisers Leeds secured Abrar Ahmed for 190,000 (approximately Rs 2.34 crore) during the auction held in London on Thursday. The franchise is owned by the Sun Group, led by businessman Kalanithi Maran, with his daughter Kavya Maran representing the team at the auction table alongside head coach Daniel Vettori. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It won't be a surprise that for every game that this team plays, whether at home or away, there will be massive demonstrations by Indian fans protesting at this hard-to-believe buying. In fact, it won't be a surprise that despite having some of the most attractive stroke makers in their team, the crowds may stay away and show their disapproval of the decision, Gavaskar concluded. Article Source: IANS

James Foster named CSK fielding coach

Former England wicketkeeper won the ILT20 as Desert Vipers head coach in January

Bumrah Creates An Impact In Every Game, Guarantees You A Wicket, Says Aakash Chopra

Indian Premier League: Former India opener Aakash Chopra says pace ace Jasprit Bumrah is guaranteed to deliver in every match for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2026, but warned that the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions face a complex puzzle to solve to fit their array of overseas talent into their playing eleven. Bumrah picked 18 wickets in 12 games at an average of 17.56 and an economy rate of 6.68 in IPL 2025. MI will kick-start their campaign at home against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The side had reached Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025 before losing to eventual runners-up Punjab Kings. If your name is Jasprit Bumrah, the pressure comes automatically. He is that kind of bowler. He creates an impact in every game, guarantees you a wicket, and restricts the opposition. That responsibility brings a lot of pressure because his four overs are the most precious thing for MI. Bowl one over in the powerplay, keep one for the middle phase, and two at the death. That is Bumrah -- that pressure is not going anywhere. Whether Boult bowls well or Deepak Chahar is fully fit, Bumrah's pressure stays with him. But if Boult is fit, MI will want to continue with him. Fit, available, in form. They will want the new ball to move around a little with Boult and Deepak Chahar. Shardul Thakur is a capable replacement for Chahar, but it does not necessarily mean that he plays ahead of him. A fit Deepak Chahar, a fit Trent Boult, Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya will be MI's four starting pacers. Corbin Bosch is waiting in the wings. He is a very good all-rounder. But again, you cannot play all overseas players, said Chopra on JioStar. He also said Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock should reprise their formidable opening partnership, but added that finding room for Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, and Bosch alongside the overseas bowlers has made for an enviable selection headache. MI love their left and right-hand combination as openers. I am sure we will see Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock opening the innings. This pair helped them lift the trophy in 2019 and 2020. Then the bigger challenge is fitting Will Jacks in the line-up. Does he fit into the scheme of things? He also said Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock should reprise their formidable opening partnership, but added that finding room for Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, and Bosch alongside the overseas bowlers has made for an enviable selection headache. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The other part is that they need to feature at least two overseas bowlers. Trent Boult will play. Then one between Mitchell Santner and Allah Ghazanfar must play. Plus, there is Corbin Bosch as well. It is going to be a tough ask. But this is a problem of riches that most teams desire. MI has it. Now it is up to them to solve this riddle, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Varun, Sundar Meet Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin After T20 WC Triumph

ICC T20 World Cup: Key spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Washington Sundar, who were part of India's victorious campaign in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026, met the Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin on Monday. The spin duo, who hail from the state, also presented a signed jersey and a cap to the CM. Tamil Nadu's deputy chief minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, was also present on the occasion. Stalin hailed the visit through a post on X describing the meeting. He also wished Sundar and Varun well for future endeavours. Memorable moments with our spin twins from Tamil Nadu, Washington Sundar and Varun Chakaravarthy. Had a wonderful interaction with them on their journey, shaped by perseverance, discipline, and self-belief, he wrote on X. Wishing @Sundarwashi5 and @Chakaravarthy29 many more match-winning spells and proud moments ahead, Stalin added. Sundar quickly reacted to the post and thanked the CM for the meeting and inspiring words. Thank you so much, sir, for the love showered today. Always admire your infectious energy and it was wonderful to be in your presence, he wrote on X. Sundar quickly reacted to the post and thanked the CM for the meeting and inspiring words. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On the other side, Sundar, who joined the squad after recovering from the injury, played only one match in the T20 WC against South Africa, where he bowled two overs without taking a single wicket and also scored only 11 runs off 11 balls. Article Source: IANS

Getting A Lifetime Achievement Award Is Something Any Cricketer Would Cherish, Says Roger Binny

Lifetime Achievement Award: Former India all-rounder Roger Binny said receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent BCCI Awards ceremony was a moment of immense pride, calling it the culmination of a life devoted to cricket as a player, coach, and administrator. Well, I was very proud to hear from the BCCI that I'd been given this award. It's something that any cricketer would cherish - being a lifetime achievement (awardee). You work so much to achieve so many things in the game. It's not only just cricket, but it's also administration and coaching, and everything revolves around cricket. To me, it was a great honour, and I'm very proud to receive it, said Binny in a video released by the BCCI on Monday. Binny, a key member of India's historic 1983 ODI World Cup-winning side, reflected on the memories that defined his playing career. I was fortunate to be one of the players to play for India. Coming from a country whose population is so big, not many of us get a chance to represent the country. So, for me, representing the country was the biggest goal I achieved in cricket, and this is what growing up as a young kid, you want to achieve. You want to be on the television, and you want to be part of the winning teams. So, I achieved that. That was one of the greatest things that I cherish. We happened to win the World Cup and the World Championship of Cricket during my period. From 1983 to 1986-87, we won every single one-day competition in the world and in Asia at that time. After hanging up his boots, Binny said he quickly realised he still had much to offer the game and turned to coaching, as India won the 2000 Mens U19 World Cup. So, for me, it was a big time for me, and I was able to perform in these tournaments. When I finished my cricket, I thought I would just take a break from the game. Then I realised that I could contribute a lot more to the game. That's why I got into the coaching scene first from my home state, Karnataka. Then I did the Indian U19s coaching, and again, for me, it was a big boost because I was able to pass on what it means to be a cricketer and playing out there in the middle. I was able to pass on a lot of information to the younger generation of cricketers. So, I enjoyed it very much, and moreover, coaching the junior teams is always much, much more rewarding for you, and you get a lot of pleasure out of it. Binny said the pull of serving cricket then drew him into administration, a journey that eventually took him to being the BCCI President. So, that was one thing. When I finished up with my coaching, I realised that, you know, there was also some more cricket left in me for the administration. So, I got into the administration in my home state way back in 1999. Then I went through all the, from being what we used to call a committee member. Now, it's an ethics council. So, from a committee member, I moved up the ranks. I went to be the vice president and the president of the KSCA. Then, fortunately, after KSCA, I came into the BCCI and headed the BCCI for a period of time, which I enjoyed very much again, because in all these state and national postings, I was able to contribute again towards the game. So, I was very happy because I could still not play the game, but be a part of the system. Binny said the pull of serving cricket then drew him into administration, a journey that eventually took him to being the BCCI President. So, that was one thing. When I finished up with my coaching, I realised that, you know, there was also some more cricket left in me for the administration. So, I got into the administration in my home state way back in 1999. Then I went through all the, from being what we used to call a committee member. Now, it's an ethics council. Also Read: Live Cricket Score My parents are the ones who encouraged me when I started playing the game. They gave me the support and encouragement that any young cricketer needs. So, they are the ones to really admire. If they were alive today, they would admire my role in cricket. Article Source: IANS

Gujarat HC Disqualifies Kiran More, Three Others From Baroda Cricket Association Polls

The Gujarat High Court: The Gujarat High Court on Monday held that former India cricketer Kiran More and three others were not eligible to contest the elections to the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA), setting aside the returning officers decision to accept their nomination papers. The ruling came on a petition filed by residents Pradipsinh Solanki and Ramchandra Prajapati, who challenged the eligibility of four candidates -- More, Amul Jikar, Anant Indulkar and Amar Patiwala -- for posts in the association. The petitioners had also made the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Baroda Cricket Association parties to the case. After hearing the matter, the single-judge bench concluded that the nominations had been accepted in violation of the eligibility norms governing office-bearers in cricket associations. The court consequently set aside the returning officers decision and declared the four candidates ineligible to contest for positions in the BCA, which include key posts such as president, secretary and treasurer. The petitioners argued that the candidates had already completed the maximum tenure permitted under governance rules framed following directions of the Supreme Court of India. Under these rules, a person who has served a cumulative nine years in office must step down and observe a three-year cooling-off period after completing two consecutive terms before becoming eligible again. Accepting this contention, the High Court ruled that the provisions had been breached and that the nomination forms should not have been accepted. The court directed the election officer to declare the results of the BCA elections. However, at the request of the respondents, it granted two weeks interim protection to allow the disqualified candidates time to file an appeal before a division bench of the High Court. Until the results are officially declared, the existing BCA committee will continue to carry out routine administrative work in a temporary capacity but will refrain from taking major policy decisions. Polling for the BCA elections was held on February 15, in which 1,430 members voted out of around 1,900 eligible voters. The contest has largely been between the Royal Satyamev Jayate group associated with Samarjitsinh Gaekwad and the Revival Group. Polling for the BCA elections was held on February 15, in which 1,430 members voted out of around 1,900 eligible voters. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Until further orders, the present BCA committee will continue to function in an acting capacity. Article Source: IANS

Always Seen My Role As Just Carrying A Torch, Says Dravid On Getting Lifetime Achievement Honour

Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement: Legendary India batter Rahul Dravid said he was humbled to receive the Lifetime Achievement honour at the recent BCCI annual awards ceremony, adding that his life in cricket is akin to a torchbearer passing on the legacy of those who came before him. Dravid along with Roger Binny and Mithali Raj were given the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award in a glittering ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday night. I think that I've always just seen my role as just carrying a torch. I carried a torch from an earlier generation in whether I was a player or whether as a coach, I have just built on the good work that other people have done. I have had my time when I've had the opportunity to contribute and do the best that I can and I'm very proud and grateful to see the way the next generation continues to carry that on and the kind of successes that we have had is a great credit to the current management, the current team and everyone involved with Indian cricket. So we all have our time in the game and we have to do our bit and I've tried to do the best that I can and I've been inspired by generations before me and it's just amazing to see that generations ahead of us continue to in fact take it to another level, said Dravid in a video release by the BCCI on Monday. Dravid, who also has the rare distinction of captaining and coaching India, said getting the award was a moment of pure gratitude for him. I am very grateful to receive this award. I mean, I follow the earlier recipients of this award who are some of the greatest legends of the game in our country. It's really the people I have looked up to and admired and have been great inspirations to me as a player and as a coach and in all the other things that I've been involved in Indian cricket. Dravid, who also has the rare distinction of captaining and coaching India, said getting the award was a moment of pure gratitude for him. I am very grateful to receive this award. I mean, I follow the earlier recipients of this award who are some of the greatest legends of the game in our country. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, it's a great privilege. I am very grateful for this honour, very humbled and I think I am very appreciative of the fact that I've been able to be involved with Indian cricket for such a long time - since the time I'm a young boy, probably playing under 15 cricket for the first time to today and very grateful for the opportunities that I've got. So, I think I've been very lucky to be involved in Indian cricket. Article Source: IANS

Getting Lifetime Achievement Award Is Something Any Cricketer Would Cherish, Says Binny

ODI World Cup: Former India all-rounder Roger Binny said receiving the Lifetime Achievement award at the recent BCCI awards ceremony was a moment of immense pride, calling it the culmination of a life devoted to cricket as a player, coach and administrator. Well, I was very proud to hear from the BCCI that I'd been given this award. It's something that any cricketer would cherish - being a lifetime achievement (awardee). You work so much to achieve so many things in the game. It's not only just cricket, but it's also administration and coaching and everything revolves around cricket. To me, it was a great honour and I'm very proud to receive it, said Binny in a video release by the BCCI on Monday. Binny, a key member of India's historic 1983 ODI World Cup-winning side, reflected on the memories that defined his playing career. I was fortunate to be one of the players to play for India. Coming from a country whose population is so big, not many of us get a chance to represent the country. So, for me, representing the country was the biggest goal I achieved in cricket and this is what growing up as a young kid, you want to achieve. You want to be on the television and you want to be part of the winning teams. So, I achieved that. That was one of the greatest things which I cherish. We happened to win the World Cup and the World Championship of Cricket during my period. From 1983 to 1986-87, we won every single one-day competition in the world and in Asia at that time. After hanging up his boots, Binny said he quickly realised he still had much to offer the game and turned to coaching, as India won the 2000 Mens U19 World Cup. So, for me, it was a big time for me and I was able to perform in these tournaments. When I finished my cricket, I thought I would just take a break from the game. Then I realized that I could contribute a lot more to the game. That's why I got into the coaching scene first from my home state, Karnataka. Then I did the Indian U19s coaching and again, for me, was a big boost because I was able to pass on what it means being a cricketer and playing out there in the middle. I was able to pass on a lot of information to the younger generation of cricketers. So, I enjoyed it very much and moreover, coaching the junior teams is always much, much more rewarding for you and you get a lot of pleasure out of it. Binny said the pull of serving cricket then drew him into administration, a journey that eventually took him to being the BCCI President. So, that was one thing. When I finished up with my coaching, then I realized that, you know, there was also some more cricket left in me for the administration. So, I got into the administration in my home state way back in 1999. Then I went through all the, from being what we used to call a committee member. Now, it's an ethics council. So, from a committee member, I moved up the ranks. I went to be vice president and President of the KSCA. Then, fortunately, after KSCA, I came into the BCCI and headed the BCCI for a period of time, which I enjoyed very much again because in all these state and national postings, I was able to contribute again towards the game. So, I was very happy because I could still not play the game, but be a part of the system. Binny said the pull of serving cricket then drew him into administration, a journey that eventually took him to being the BCCI President. So, that was one thing. When I finished up with my coaching, then I realized that, you know, there was also some more cricket left in me for the administration. So, I got into the administration in my home state way back in 1999. Then I went through all the, from being what we used to call a committee member. Now, it's an ethics council. Also Read: Live Cricket Score My parents are the ones who encouraged me when I started playing the game. They gave me the support and encouragement which any young cricketer needs. So, they are the ones to really admire. If they were alive today, they would admire my role in cricket. Article Source: IANS

After Getting Lifetime Achievement Award, Mithali Hails BCCI's Role In Transforming Women's Cricket

Lifetime Achievement Award: Legendary India batter Mithali Raj has hailed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for driving a transformation in the women's game after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recently held annual awards ceremony. Mithali retired from international cricket in 2022 as the all-time leading run-scorer in womens cricket, after having played 12 Tests, 232 ODIs, and 89 T20Is for India in a 23-year career. I think there are so many people who played a huge role in my career, just not my parents. Of course, I've had a lot of support from other coaches, players, and various mentors. But as a sport, I've seen the evolution of women's cricket, and there are so many other people that I need to acknowledge. Like BCCI playing a very vital role and the support of BCCI and even Jay (Shah) sir, because in the last 4-5 years, there's been a huge transformation of the Indian women's cricket team, and that is because of that one person. The way his vision and commitment are towards, just not in a country but globally also, he's put in so much effort to enhance and promote women's cricket's profile. It shows that he's a visionary and he's so committed to this cause, and you can see the result, said Mithali in a video release by the BCCI on Monday. She also said the recent success of Indian cricket at all levels and across genders had been a source of immense pride. Then, the last 2-3 years, Indian cricket, men or women or the under-19 girls or boys, they've been doing immensely well, and it's a proud moment as a former cricketer to see the growth of Indian cricket, and for the longest time, I wanted Indian cricket to dominate, and the time has come. She also talked about taking inspiration from legendary batters Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid while meeting them in her playing days. Well, I think everything takes time. Even women's cricket had its own journey, so did men's cricket. But we've taken a lot of inspiration from the male cricketers. She also said the recent success of Indian cricket at all levels and across genders had been a source of immense pride. Then, the last 2-3 years, Indian cricket, men or women or the under-19 girls or boys, they've been doing immensely well, and it's a proud moment as a former cricketer to see the growth of Indian cricket, and for the longest time, I wanted Indian cricket to dominate, and the time has come. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In that context, both of them have been doing well. So, as a former cricketer, as I said, it's just that time where you just want to sit back and see and take pride in the evolution of women's cricket and see the current generation playing a fearless brand of cricket and getting the silverware. When walking through for the event, I've seen like four or five trophies, and it's so good to walk past that, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

KSCA Receives Government Nod To Host IPL 2026 Games At Chinnaswamy Stadium

Karnataka State Cricket Association: The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will return to their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28, as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has received official permission from the Government of Karnataka to host the matches. KSCA made the official announcement of permission on Monday after the meeting between KSCA officials, the state home minister, and the expert committee that inspected and reviewed the safety measures at the venue on March 13. We are pleased to inform that a meeting was held earlier today at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Home Minister of Karnataka, Dr. G. Parameshwar, with the Expert Committee and representatives of KSCA, RCB and DNA. During the meeting, the Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the KSCA stated in a media release. Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Hon'ble Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, the release added. After the clearance RCB will play five matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, while two of their home games will be held in Raipur as announced before by the franchise. Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Hon'ble Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, the release added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score According to the IPL 2026 first 20 matches schedule released by the BCCI, after clashing with SRH in the opener, the 2025 Champions will also face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their next home match on April 5. Article Source: IANS

Cricket Australia amends injury sub rule for Sheffield Shield final

Numerous boards have trailed new substitution rules with feedback being sent to ICC with a eye on Test cricket

Arundhati Reddy Among Three ICC Womens Player Of The Month Nominees For February

Arundhati Reddy: Sri Lankas reliable top-order batter Harshitha Samarawickrama had an outstanding ODI series in the Caribbean, playing a key part in Sri Lankas 2-1 series victory over the West Indies. The left-handed player ended as the top scorer in the series, accumulating 171 runs from three ODIs with an average of 57.00. Samarawickrama demonstrated steady performance throughout, scoring 66, 35, and 70, effectively supporting Sri Lankas batting lineup amid tough Caribbean conditions. Her contributions were crucial as Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2-1, and her performance as the opener earned her the Player of the Series award. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana excelled with both bat and ball against the Proteas, despite the series ending 2-1 in both formats. She was especially outstanding in the shortest format, finishing as the top scorer with 146 runs at an average of 73.00 and a striking rate of 184.81. Her notable highlight came in the opening T20I, where she scored an impressive 90. She later contributed with an unbeaten 47 and took 2/12 in the third match, earning the Player of the Match award. Additionally, Sana scored 52 and took two important wickets with the ball in the second ODI. Throughout the tour, she took a total of four wickets in the ODI series and two in the T20Is. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana excelled with both bat and ball against the Proteas, despite the series ending 2-1 in both formats. She was especially outstanding in the shortest format, finishing as the top scorer with 146 runs at an average of 73.00 and a striking rate of 184.81. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The right-arm seamer consistently delivered match-changing spells in each game, recording figures of 4/22, 2/30, and 2/35. Her ability to take wickets was crucial in maintaining pressure on Australia's batters, ultimately helping India secure the series 2-1. Article Source: IANS

Chinnaswamy stadium receives government clearance to host IPL 2026 final

The venue is set to host five RCB games in the league phase and two knockout games, including the final

Peake's rapid rise set to take in MLC, but first a Sheffield Shield final

The 19-year-old left hander has found first-class cricket tough after returning from Under-19 duty, but tuned up for the final with a half-century

Van Schalkwyk, Jacks, Farhan Nominated For ICC Player Of The Month February Award

International Cricket Council: Pakistans Sahibzada Farhan, the USAs Shadley van Schalkwyk, and Englands Will Jacks have been shortlisted for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Player of the Month award for February, following their exceptional performances in the recently concluded Mens T20 World Cup. Farhan emerged as the leading run-scorer at the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, delivering a sensational batting display for Pakistan throughout February. The right-handed opener broke the record for most runs in a single edition of the tournament, surpassing Virat Kohlis previous mark of 319 runs in 2014. Farhan amassed 383 runs at an impressive strike rate of 160.25, averaging 76.60. The Pakistan batter also recorded two centuries during the tournament, becoming the first player to score multiple tons in a single Mens T20 World Cup edition, with his hundreds coming against Namibia and Sri Lanka. His prolific run-scoring was instrumental in helping Pakistan reach the Super 8s, though they narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth. Shadley van Schalkwyk was a key performer with the ball for the USA during their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The right-arm pacer claimed 13 wickets, ranking among the tournaments top wicket-takers. Van Schalkwyk made an immediate impact, taking four wickets in the USAs opener against co-hosts India. He repeated his 4/25 figures in the group-stage clash against Pakistan at the Wankhede. Beyond his wicket-taking, he stood out for his disciplined bowling, conceding just 7.76 runs per over. Shadley van Schalkwyk was a key performer with the ball for the USA during their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The right-arm pacer claimed 13 wickets, ranking among the tournaments top wicket-takers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jacks became the first player to win four Player of the Match awards in a single Mens T20 World Cup edition. His standout performances in the Super 8s, including matches against co-hosts Sri Lanka and New Zealand, helped England finish at the top of Group 2. Article Source: IANS

Kuhnemann hits maiden fifty to give Tasmania control after fire alarm stops play

Half-centuries from Jordan Silk and Jake Doran built the home side's lead after an usual delay during the morning session

'Delhi Capitals Camp Mein Party Hogi': Munaf Patel Congratulates Kuldeep Yadav On Wedding

T20 World Cup: Former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel has congratulated Indias T20 World Cup 2026 champion Kuldeep Yadav after the left-arm wrist spinner married his childhood sweetheart Vanshika, calling the wedding as the most beautiful moment. Kuldeep, a key member of Indias white-ball setup and a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), began a new chapter in his personal life as he tied the knot with Vanshika in a private ceremony attended by close family members and friends at the Welcomhotel The Savoy on Saturday. Munaf, who is the bowling coach of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 wrote a heartfelt message on X and wished them lifetime happiness while also reminding Kuldeep of giving a party when he joins the DC camp for the IPL 2026. What a beautiful moment! Wishing the happy couple a lifetime of joy and togetherness. May your journey be filled with endless love and laughter. So happy for you both!, @imkuldeep18 @DelhiCapitals ke Camp main Party hogi, he wrote on X while sharing the photo of Kuldeep and his wife. Meanwhile, Kuldeep also shared photos of the wedding on Instagram with a message for her wife. 'Our forever begins now' he wrote in the caption. The wedding marks the culmination of a long-standing relationship. Kuldeep and Vanshika are childhood friends from Kanpur, where their families lived just three kilometres apart. Meanwhile, Kuldeep also shared photos of the wedding on Instagram with a message for her wife. 'Our forever begins now' he wrote in the caption. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kuldeep was retained by DC ahead of the IPL 2026. He is expected to join the camp soon for the preparation of the next season which will start from March 28. Delhi will play their first match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. Article Source: IANS

When You Dont Accept Your Mistakes: Ahmed Shehzad Delivers Scathing Criticism For PAK After Series Loss To BAN

Bangla National Cricket Stadium: Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad delivered a sharp critique of the national sides leadership following Pakistans 2-1 ODI series defeat to Bangladesh, warning that the teams standards were declining at an alarming rate. Pakistan suffered an 11-run defeat in the third and final ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, handing Bangladesh the series victory. The loss came under the captaincy of Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Mike Hesson serving as head coach. Reacting to the result, Shehzad criticised the team management for what he described as a failure to address deeper problems following Pakistans underwhelming performance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. After the pathetic T20 World Cup campaign, you did not make any changes. You brought youngsters out of nowhere. Now you have lost the series and you are giving excuses of having youngsters in the playing XI. When you dont accept your mistakes, you will never move ahead in life, Shehzad said on his YouTube channel. Pakistan entered the series without senior batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, though the reasons for their absence remained unclear. While Afridi and Hesson indicated the pair had been rested, chief selector Aaqib Javed later stated that both players were carrying injuries from the recent T20 World Cup. Shehzad also questioned Pakistans tactical approach in the series decider, particularly Afridis decision to bowl first after winning the toss, saying, When you won the toss, why did you decide to bowl? It was a good pitch. You should have batted and put runs on the board, then bowled under lights. When your senior players behave like this, what do you expect from the youngsters? Bangladeshs victory was set up by a composed century from Tanzid Hasan, who struck 107 off 107 deliveries to help the hosts post 290 for five. Pakistans response was anchored by Salman Ali Agha, who produced a determined 106, but the visitors were eventually bowled out for 279. Taskin Ahmed played a key role with the ball, claiming four wickets to seal the win for Bangladesh. The series defeat follows Pakistans disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the Super 8 stage, marking the fourth successive ICC tournament in which the team has failed to reach the semi-finals. Shehzad dismissed management's attempts to soften the criticism surrounding the teams recent results, stating, You say you beat Australia and South Africa, but they never played their full-strength teams. If you wanted to fix Pakistan cricket, you would have done it by now. The series defeat follows Pakistans disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the Super 8 stage, marking the fourth successive ICC tournament in which the team has failed to reach the semi-finals. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You are becoming an associate team. People are now treating Pakistan like Zimbabwe. And then you say we crashed out of the World Cup due to run rate. Have some shame, he said. Article Source: IANS

Australian cricket's huge call - BBL privatisation explainer: What is the debate and where is it at?

Debates around the future of the BBL have been going on since last year and a decision on the next steps could be made soon

Fringe players in focus as hosts look to respond in high-scoring Hamilton

After a tough outing in Mount Maunganui, which allowed only a total of 184 runs to be scored, New Zealand will hope Hamilton conditions spark a turnaround

Peake and Sutherland fifties bright spots on dull, damp day

Peake made 59 and Sutherland 51, while McSweeney took 3 for 18 on a day where only 28.2 overs were possible due to rain

The Taskin-Mustafizur-Rana combination gives Bangladesh 'more chance to win matches'

Taskin knows what to bowl in each situation, [and] Mustafiz never panicked, at crucial points in the deciding ODI against Pakistan, Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz says

You Plan To Steal The ICC Trophy?' Akmal Lambasts Pakistan After 2-1 Loss To Bangladesh

T20 World Cup: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal launched a scathing criticism of the national side after their defeat to Bangladesh in the three-match ODI series. Pakistan, led by Shaheen Afridi, lost the series 2-1 after suffering an 11-run defeat in the deciding match in Dhaka on Sunday. Pakistan entered the series without several senior players, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, as the team management opted to give younger players opportunities. It was later revealed that the duo had been dealing with injuries sustained during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. However, the relatively inexperienced lineup struggled to make the most of the opportunity and failed to handle the pressure in crucial moments. Reacting strongly to the outcome, Akmal expressed serious concerns over the state of Pakistan cricket and questioned the lack of accountability within the Pakistan Cricket Board. For god's sake, think about Pakistan cricket. Just see the levels we have gone down to. The Netherlands must be thinking that if they get to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan, they can attain Test status, as they can also beat us. You have made a mockery of your cricket. You people just don't care, Akmal said on the Game Plan show. Akmal also criticised the teams tactical decisions during the decisive encounter, stating, You have lost the match. What experiments are you doing? It was a good pitch. Why did you choose to bowl? Why didn't you bat? They would have scored 350. Litton Das was slow in the end, that's why Bangladesh got restricted to 290. It was a series decider. When you do not win the series against teams, how will you progress? ICC trophy chori karke leke aani hai? ( You plan to steal the ICC trophy?). Pakistans struggles have not been limited to the bilateral series in Bangladesh. The team also endured a disappointing campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, failing to progress to the semi-finals. During the tournament, the Men in Green lost their group-stage clash against India and later suffered another defeat to England in the Super 8 stage. Their Super 8 fixture against New Zealand was washed out due to rain. Akmal also criticised the teams tactical decisions during the decisive encounter, stating, You have lost the match. What experiments are you doing? It was a good pitch. Why did you choose to bowl? Why didn't you bat? They would have scored 350. Litton Das was slow in the end, that's why Bangladesh got restricted to 290. It was a series decider. When you do not win the series against teams, how will you progress? ICC trophy chori karke leke aani hai? ( You plan to steal the ICC trophy?). Also Read: Live Cricket Score The exit marked the fourth consecutive ICC tournament in which Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals, further intensifying scrutiny over the teams performances and long-term direction. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Begin Training Session Ahead Of Season Opener

Indian Premier League: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have begun preparing for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene led the first training session as the team gets ready for its opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the famous Wankhede Stadium on March 29. The franchise shared glimpses of the early preparations on social media. The first batch of players attending the camp includes Shardul Thakur, Mayank Markande, Allah Ghazanfar, Dhir, Raja Angad Bawa, Robin Minz, Sharma, Mayank Rawat, Malewar, Mohammad Izhar and Ashwani Kumar. Jayawardene oversaw the on-field session with a strong support staff that included bowling coaches Paras Mhambrey and Lasith Malinga, along with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson. The teams strength and conditioning and physiotherapy staff were also present as the squad began organized preparations for the new campaign. Theres always something special about the first day of pre-season. You see the players walk in, the energy builds, and the objective is to start strong, Jayawardene said. Weve got the boys who know this franchise inside out, and we have got some exciting new faces coming in. Day one sets the tone for the entire campaign. We wanted everyone to feel the intent from the very first session, in how we train, how we prepare, and how we show up for each other. He added that the opening session marks the beginning of serious work ahead of the tournament. The first session is always exciting, but its also the start of something serious and we know what were building towards, he said. Theres always something special about the first day of pre-season. You see the players walk in, the energy builds, and the objective is to start strong, Jayawardene said. Weve got the boys who know this franchise inside out, and we have got some exciting new faces coming in. Day one sets the tone for the entire campaign. We wanted everyone to feel the intent from the very first session, in how we train, how we prepare, and how we show up for each other. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The remainder of the squad is expected to join the camp in the coming days as preparations intensify ahead of the new IPL campaign. Article Source: IANS

Samson Reveals Sooryavanshis Hilarious Conversation With Dravid On IPL Debut

Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement: Indias T20 World Cupwinning cricketer Sanju Samson recently recounted a humorous incident from the Rajasthan Royals camp involving former head coach Rahul Dravid and 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Samson recalled Dravids interaction with the youngster ahead of his Indian Premier League debut last season and revealed the amusing response Sooryavanshi gave when asked about his approach going into his first match. Sooryavanshi went on to impress in his debut season, scoring 252 runs in seven matches for Rajasthan Royals at an impressive strike rate of 206.56. His standout performance came against the Gujarat Titans, where he produced a sensational innings of 101 off 38 balls, reaching his century in just 35 deliveries. Speaking at the BCCI Annual Awards, Sooryavanshi was asked whether he remembered his first conversation with Dravid and then-captain Samson prior to making his IPL debut. Just as Sooryavanshi began speaking, Samson interrupted and revealed exactly how the conversation went between Dravid and Sooryavanshi as he said, I was actually in a meeting at the time. Rahul Sir called him into the room and told me, 'Sanju, we need to talk to him. He's just a young kid; we need to guide him on how to go about things.' So Rahul Sir asked him, 'Vaibhav, what's the plan?' Vaibhav replied, 'Kuch nahi sir, hum to khelenge. ( (Nothing special, Sir. Ill just play). Then he asked What is your game plan? and Vaibhav was like Agar hume agar pehla mila to hum pehla hi uda denge (If I get the first ball, I'm just going to smash it), and I was like yeh alag video game hi khel raha hai (He is playing a completely different video game). Samson's distinctive take on Sooryavanshi caused a burst of laughter in the hall, even making the typically reserved Dravid lose control. Just as Sooryavanshi began speaking, Samson interrupted and revealed exactly how the conversation went between Dravid and Sooryavanshi as he said, I was actually in a meeting at the time. Rahul Sir called him into the room and told me, 'Sanju, we need to talk to him. He's just a young kid; we need to guide him on how to go about things.' So Rahul Sir asked him, 'Vaibhav, what's the plan?' Vaibhav replied, 'Kuch nahi sir, hum to khelenge. ( (Nothing special, Sir. Ill just play). Then he asked What is your game plan? and Vaibhav was like Agar hume agar pehla mila to hum pehla hi uda denge (If I get the first ball, I'm just going to smash it), and I was like yeh alag video game hi khel raha hai (He is playing a completely different video game). Also Read: Live Cricket Score The centre of attraction were former India cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid, 1983 World Cup winner and former BCCI president Roger Binny, and former India captain Mithali Raj as the three veterans were honoured with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Article Source: IANS

Kumble Congratulates Dravid, Binny And Other BCCI Naman Awards Winners

Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully hosted another edition of Naman, the annual awards ceremony that recognises the top performers and trailblazers of Indian cricket and former India cricketer Anil Kumble penned a note to congratulate his dear friend Rahul Dravid on receiving the lifetime achievement award. The awards ceremony took place on Sunday night in the presence of all the BCCI office bearers, as well as the former secretary of the board and the current chairman of the International Cricket Council, Jay Shah. Also present at the gala night were the winning members of the five recent ICC tournaments- U19 Mens World Cup, U19 Womens World Cup, Champions Trophy, Womens ODI World Cup, and Mens T20 World Cup. The centre of attraction were former India cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid, 1983 World Cup winner and former BCCI president Roger Binny, and former India captain Mithali Raj as the three veterans were honoured with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. A special awards night celebrating the journey of Indian cricket. Wonderful to see five ICC title-winning teams together at the BCCI Naman Awards. Delighted for my dear friend Rahul Dravid on receiving the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations also to my first captain Roger Binny, Mithali Raj, Shubman Gill, Smriti Mandhana and all the awardees, Kumble wrote on X. Among other notable award winners were Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, who received the Polly Umrigar Award (Best International Cricketer- Men) for the 202425 season, and Smriti Mandhana, who won the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time as well as the award for the top run-getter in ODIs. Her teammate, all-rounder Deepti Sharma, received the award for being the highest wicket-taker (2024-25) in ODIs. A special awards night celebrating the journey of Indian cricket. Wonderful to see five ICC title-winning teams together at the BCCI Naman Awards. Delighted for my dear friend Rahul Dravid on receiving the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations also to my first captain Roger Binny, Mithali Raj, Shubman Gill, Smriti Mandhana and all the awardees, Kumble wrote on X. Also Read: Live Cricket Score N Sree Charani and Harshit Rana received the Best International Debut award, while the Mumbai Cricket Association was awarded for Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments of 2024-25. Article Source: IANS

From Oval Invincibles to MI London: The Story Behind the Mumbai Indians Takeover

The day, ECB (England & Wales Cricket Board) approved the auctions of 49 per cent stakes in each of the eight teams (based in seven cities with two teams from London), playing in The Hundred, it was clear that the interest in both the London-based teams shall be massive. Surrey County Cricket Club had Oval Invincibles, based at The Oval while MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) had the London Spirit team based at Lords. It was expected that the Lords-based team will have the highest value of the eight and everyone knew that Mukesh Ambani, the wealthiest man in India and owner of Mumbai Indians plus three other teams viz MI Cape Town in the SA20, MI Emirates in the ILT20 and MI New York in MLC is keen to be got associated with Lords, since long. Naturally an opportunity was there and it was expected that he would outbid any rivals. Within no time, expressed keen interest in the London Spirit and became the preferred bidder for the same. The sharp financial minds associated with Reliance got busy in working out the bid for London Spirit, with plans to rebrand it as MI London. ECB knew that the London Spirit was the jewel in the crown of the Hundred, and expected to fetch bids, much more than some of the other franchises, even to the extent that this single team could bring a quarter of the sales revenue. The London Spirit is a star attraction for its Lords connection as well as being different from the other seven teams. This team was owned by the ECB, not by any county cricket club. While selling the 49% stake, the ECB gifted the remaining 51% stake to the MCC, the custodians of Lords. MCC decided to retain this share to have the control over the side. When London Spirit women lifted the trophy for the first time in 2025, beating Welsh Fire by four wickets in front of a record crowd for a womens The Hundred match of 22,000, the interest in the team increased more. Reliance, very intelligently, simultaneously started working on Plan B. What if someone outbids them for the London Spirit? They also received a feedback on the MCC disinterest in them, due to fears that the all-powerful Ambani family would dilute the MCCs grip on Lords. With the Ambani family on board, MCC feared that this may make the bidding process a one-sided event, with no one willing to go against them. Reliance, decided to move on from the bidding table for Lords. The Oval Invincibles, another London based team became the next sought-after side. The Ambanis zeroed in on the Invincibles more because here they had a chance to own the 100 per cent or controlling stake once Surrey county divests with its 51% share. The Reliance ultimately paid more than 60million for a stake in Oval Invincibles, at the valuation of 123 million for 49% stake. London Spirit, on the other hand, became the highest-valued entity and was valued at 295 million with the ECB getting 145 million, from a consortium of tech giants. For acquiring the Invincibles, the Reliance outbid the likes of CVC Capital, the owners of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, as the Cricket Investor Holdings Limited, which eventually went on to acquire the London Spirit. It has now emerged that the Oval was put up first for sale to placate the miffed Ambanis as it was feared that no other Indian business or franchise would like to incur their wrath by going against them in a bidding war. The Oval auction started at 120 million and ended at 123 million. Everyone believes that it is a bit of a steal and could have got more valuation. For Nita Ambani, Cricket is more than just a sport; its a passion that unites people across geographies and cultures. Welcoming Oval Invincibles into our Mumbai Indians family is a proud and special Ambani moment. With this partnership, we expand our MI fan base across India, New York, the UAE, South Africa, and now England ushering in a new chapter of our global cricketing journey, she added. At Mumbai Indians, we remain deeply committed to nurturing young talent, building champion teams, and bringing fans closer to the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Oval Invincibles have been rebranded as MI London in The Hundred, despite Surreys preference to remain a Surrey-branded team. The great takeover is complete.

Sodhi ruled out of South Africa series with broken thumb

The legspinner was struck during training ahead of the opening match

Medvedev hands Alcaraz his first loss of the year, heads to Indian Wells final against Sinner

Daniil Medvedev handed top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz his first loss of the year and advanced to the final at Indian Wells with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory

Pakistan lodge official complaint about Bangladesh's review at end of chase

Pakistan's contention is that Bangladesh took the review after the replay of the delivery flashed on the big screen at the ground

3rd ODI: Tanzid, Taskin, Mustafizur Shine As Bangladesh Beat Pakistan To Clinch Series

Shere Bangla National Stadium: Tanzid Hasan struck a superb maiden century while fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed (4-49) and Mustafizur Rahman (3-54) shared seven wickets between them as they propelled Bangladesh to a series-clinching 11-run win over Pakistan in a tense third and final ODI at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday. Bangladesh had won the series opener by dismissing Pakistan for 114 in Dhaka before the visitors came back strongly to win the second game easily. But the hosts had the last laugh in the decider. Chasing Bangladeshs challenging 290/5 built on a run-a-ball 107 by Tanzid Hasan, Pakistan lost 5 wickets with only 82 runs on the board as the hosts' pacers came up with a superb performance. Their top batters, Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, who scored a century in the second ODI, both fell cheaply, scoring just six runs each, while former skipper Mohammad Rizwan was out for 4, as Taksin Ahmad and Nahid Rana struck repeatedly. Pakistan were eventually all out for 279 in 50 overs, losing the match despite a fighting century by Salman Agha (106). Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's T20 captain, fought back for the visitors, scoring a 98-ball 106, blasting four sixes and nine fours to take the visitors close to the target with Saad Masoon (38) and skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi (37) playing vital hands. Pakistan needed 30 runs from the last 15 balls, and things could have gone their way. But the seasoned Taskin Ahmed returned to action and sent back Salman Agha, before Mustafizur and Rishad snuffed out the tail and claimed a memorable series victory for the hosts. For the hosts, Taskin Ahmed claimed 4-49 off his 10 overs while Mustafizur Rahman bagged 3-54. Nahid Rana ended with 2-62 to hamper Pakistan's progress. Earlier asked to bat by Pakistan, Bangladesh opener Tanzid produced a scintillating century to help the Tigers post a formidable total in the decider. Asked to bat first, Tanzid Hassan led the charge with a sparkling 107, hammering six fours and seven towering sixes. The left-hander laid the foundation for a big total with fellow opener Saif Hassan (36), raising a solid 105-run opening partnership after Bangladesh were asked to bat first. Tanzid dominated the Pakistan attack, putting together another vital partnership of 53 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27). After reaching his maiden century off 98 balls with a six, Tanzid was out just when he was looking to accelerate, falling to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1-49). After his departure, skipper Litton Das contributed 41 off 51 balls, while Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48 as Bangladesh posted a challenging total. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler with 3 wickets for 52 runs. Tanzid dominated the Pakistan attack, putting together another vital partnership of 53 runs with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27). After reaching his maiden century off 98 balls with a six, Tanzid was out just when he was looking to accelerate, falling to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1-49). Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bangladesh 290/5 in 50 overs (Tanzid Hasan 107, Towhid Hridoy 48 not out, Litton Das 41; Haris Rauf 3-52) beat Pakistan 279 all out (Salman Agha 106, Saad Masood 38, Shaheen Shah Afridi 37, Taskin Ahmed 4-49, Mustafizur Rahman 3-54, Nahid Rana 2-62) by 11 runs Article Source: IANS

Gill: 2027 ODI World Cup is the 'ultimate goal'

T20I captain Suryakumar calls 2024 T20 World Cup triumph as the spark that inspired the women team and men's teams to recent ICC titles

RCB's POCSO-accused Yash Dayal marries social media influencer Shweta Pundir in secret ceremony

RCB's Yash Dayal has married his longtime love interest Shweta Pundir in a secret marriage ceremony ahead of IPL 2026. Pundir is a social media influencer out of Delhi and recently shared a video of her and the RCB pacer on Instagram. Dayal has been under investigation after allegations of sexual assault.

India Is Going To Get World Cup Titles More And More Often, Says Sanju Samson

T20 World Cup: Sanju Samson, Indias Player of the Tournament in the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup triumph, said he still wakes up each morning struggling to believe the side won the trophy on home soil, but is certain the country's conveyor belt of talent means more days of winning trophies will come again and again in the years ahead. Not yet, I am still like, when I get up in the morning, I'm like, 'has it really happened'. So honestly, that's the feeling. But I feel that in the coming years, with the quality of players we have in our country, this is going to be repeated. The number of players who are coming up in India is definitely going to do this more and more often, said Samson to broadcasters on the sidelines of the BCCI awards in New Delhi on Sunday. Samson was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 321 runs at a strike rate of nearly 200 in just five innings despite not being part of the starting line-up. He delivered scores of 97 not out in the must-win Super Eight match against West Indies, before hitting 89 each in the semi-final against England and final against New Zealand. You can only dream where you want to go, but you can't definitely ride the path towards it. So my life or my career has been one of the best examples. I definitely wanted to do this a couple of years ago. I want to win a World Cup for my country, but it had its own plan, its own script. So, it's more like a movie. I enjoyed it. As I said before, I wanted to do something like this, then I got pulled out of my journey, and then suddenly, the team wanted me to come and contribute, and that's when I actually mentally flipped a bit... I think, before that, in the New Zealand series, the focus was all about me. But in the World Cup, the focus is all about the team, what the team requires. And in the Zimbabwe game, right from that moment, everyone wanted me to contribute. I had a role to play. So that's when the shift happened and the confidence that, okay, 'the team needs you, Sanju', and let's do what you can to the best. So that's where everything started from. As I said before, I wanted to do something like this, then I got pulled out of my journey, and then suddenly, the team wanted me to come and contribute, and that's when I actually mentally flipped a bit... I think, before that, in the New Zealand series, the focus was all about me. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Samson was not the only against-the-odds story to emerge from India's triumph. Pace bowler Mohammed Siraj was not part of the original squad and only joined as a replacement for the injured Harshit Rana, describing his own journey to a second T20 World Cup winners' medal in believable terms. I was not in the initial squad, then I got it, played a game, and now I have been part of two World Cup-winning squads. I would say it's a miracle for me, he said. Article Source: IANS

Naman Awards: Winning A World Cup In Any Format For The Country Is The Ultimate Goal, Says Shubman Gill

ODI World Cup: India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill said winning the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa is the thought that runs through his mind at times, adding that winning the global trophy is still the ultimate goal for him. India had come close to winning the 2023 Mens ODI World Cup, but finished runners-up to Australia. With the next edition of the mega event coming up next year, all eyes will be on whether Gill will be able to lead the team to glory in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Sometimes, definitely it does. I mean, that is the ultimate goal. I think we felt like we were so close last time when we were here in India. To be able to get another crack at it in South Africa, I think it's going to be a great opportunity for us. Winning a World Cup in any format for the country is the ultimate goal. So obviously that is something that sometimes runs in my mind, said Gill in a panel discussion during the BCCI's Naman Awards in New Delhi on Sunday. Gill also traced his own journey from a wide-eyed schoolboy watching India's 2013 Champions Trophy triumph in England to lifting the same trophy in Dubai in 2025 - a moment he described as nothing short of a dream becoming a reality. Definitely, watching that as a kid in 2013, all my idols, Virat bhai, Rohit bhai, Ash bhai, Mahi bhai, watching it on the screen and watching them win the final in England against England was a very special feeling. As a kid, you would want to replicate that feeling. When you think about playing for the country, you dream about winning ICC trophies for your country, and those are the moments that you really dream about. To be able to accomplish one of them obviously felt like a dream, and it was a very big moment for all of us. Winning the Champions Trophy, I think, after 12-odd years, would always be very special, he added. Definitely, watching that as a kid in 2013, all my idols, Virat bhai, Rohit bhai, Ash bhai, Mahi bhai, watching it on the screen and watching them win the final in England against England was a very special feeling. As a kid, you would want to replicate that feeling. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So I think if I'm able to score runs, then everything else falls in place. So that was my primary focus: how can I contribute to the team, how can I score runs? At the end of the day, you're playing the game to win the game, and you just have to focus on how you can make your team win the game. Article Source: IANS

Tried To Make As Few Changes As We Could Till The 2026 T20 World Cup Came, Says Suryakumar

T20 World Cup: India's 2026 Mens T20 World Cup winning captain Suryakumar Yadav said the bedrock of the recent title triumph was down to a deliberate policy of minimal selection changes and unflinching trust in a settled group of players. Speaking in a panel discussion at the BCCI Awards ceremony in New Delhi, Suryakumar laid out the thinking that underpinned two years of careful squad management. See, it was not that difficult. I think from where we left in 2024 under Rahul sir, from then, we knew that we needed to show a lot of trust, belief in the players. Because you see, sometimes in sport, you won't be seeing good things happening around. There'll be lots of ups and downs, but then you have to show a lot of trust in players, belief in them, and that's what we wanted to do when we started that new cycle for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Since then, till the T20 World Cup came, we tried to make as few changes as we could. When you come into a big tournament like this, I think it's really important to stand by the players who've done really well for you in the last two years. So you've got to stick with them, and we always knew that if we have created, as he always says, Gauti bhai, that we've created a super team, we've picked a super team, so let's stick to them, he said. That stability, Suryakumar said, was tested from the very first game of the tournament, when they had a batting collapse against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, before the Indian skipper rescued them with a fine 84. You rightly said we were favourites going into the tournament. But at the same time, when you know that you're going to play at home, in front of your home crowd, yes, there is going to be excitement. But there was a lot of pressure. We were having a lot of nerves, and you must have seen that in the first game when we started against the USA. But there was a lot of pressure. When you play at home, there is a lot of pressure. Suryakumar further credited the batting unit's collective selflessness as a key driver of totals that regularly breached 200, and singled out Sanju Samson's repeated willingness to sacrifice personal milestones for the team's cause to win. See, we were playing with eight batters. We always knew that someone or the other could do that job for us. But as I said, we played the same way in the last one and a half years. We tried to, whenever we got an opportunity, we tried to bat the side out. I think all the batters took their responsibilities. They didn't think about their personal milestones at 49s, 90s. If you had seen Sanju play, he got two 89s and one 97. He could have easily gotten a 100, but then he knew what responsibility he had towards the team and went for it. But all the batters had their own responsibilities, chipped in with good contributions. I think that helped us pass 200, 250 sometimes. On how quickly momentum can shift in T20 cricket, Suryakumar had a philosophical look. I mean, 10-15 minutes is still a long time. What you're saying changes in and over. But we tried to play our best cricket, put our best foot forward, and tried to keep things very simple and rest. I think the boys did it for me. Suryakumar also spoke warmly about the satisfaction of keeping head coach Gautam Gambhir smiling through a pressure-laden campaign. I think it was not that difficult. We tried our best throughout the tournament, which we played. Though not many games where he could smile and relax. But in the final post, we could see him smiling, but we tried our best to make him smile. With cricket set to feature at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Suryakumar made no secret of his ambitions of adding an Olympic gold to their growing collection of ICC silverware. I mean, it's a great thing that a big event is happening, and cricket is getting an entry into that. Of course, it will be a special thing. There are two events in that year. There's a T20 World Cup as well that time, Olympics as well - so why not? If you've done two in a row, why not three in a row in T20s and definitely the Olympic gold? With cricket set to feature at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Suryakumar made no secret of his ambitions of adding an Olympic gold to their growing collection of ICC silverware. I mean, it's a great thing that a big event is happening, and cricket is getting an entry into that. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think that one step was important. That taste was important for everyone to understand what it takes to win an ICC trophy. But now there's no looking back. If this wonderful thing has started, let's try to collect as many as possible. Article Source: IANS

Winning Womens ODI World Cup Meant A Lot, Had Dreamt About Lifting ICC Trophy: Harmanpreet

ODI World Cup: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said lifting the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup had fulfilled a dream that had driven every woman who had ever played cricket for the country and meant a lot to her team. In the final, India beat South Africa by 52 runs to lift the trophy for the first time at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Harmanpreet, who took the last catch of the final to seal the title in Indias favour, spoke with deep emotion about what the victory meant to a generation of cricketers who had waited years for the moment. It meant a lot to us because from the day women's cricket started, we have been dreaming about lifting the ICC trophy. All the women cricketers have been dreaming about that. But I think our team was able to do that, so I'm very, very proud of this team. So, I think it means a lot, and hopefully we'll continue winning ICC titles, and after winning, you feel amazed, and I think it's a great feeling. So, I'm really happy that as a team we were able to do that, she said in a panel discussion at the BCCI Awards in New Delhi on Sunday evening. She also recalled the nerve-shredding tension of the final moments before the win in the final was sealed. 100 percent. I think the last wicket that we were looking for, we were all just praying that we would just get that wicket. I think not only I, but everyone in the team, was waiting for that opportunity. I feel blessed that the last catch came to me. I took so many catches, but that was a catch that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I'm grateful that that last catch came to me. Harmanpreet also shed light on one of the more difficult tactical calls of the campaign - the decision to rest Jemimah Rodrigues for the clash against England in Indore. That was a very hard call for us because I think we knew that we had four, five batters, and all of them had to take the responsibility for the team. But when one batter is a little bit underconfident, and I think Amol (Muzumdar, head coach) sir and I, we had a very good discussion that sometimes that small break can always give you a lot of confidence. I think that was a great move, I would say, because I was still in a little bit of doubt whether we should give her rest or not, but I think Sir was very clear. I think that little break gave a lot of confidence because sometimes, as a batter, we overthink. I think that break gave her time to think about what she needs to do. I think after that, the way she came back, and I think the rest is the result. Credit goes to her for the way she handled the situation. I think as a player, we all have gone through this situation, and we know what we need to do for our team. I think all the credit goes to her and how she handled and how she performed when the team needed it the most. Looking beyond the trophy, Harmanpreet reflected on how dramatically the landscape had shifted for the next generation of women cricketers. Well, I think at least from now, girls don't need to go through the time that we went through in earlier days. We didn't know about women's cricket, but we were still playing cricket. But now, at least, there are so many opportunities, so many platforms. I hope that the time we went through, they are not going to go through that time. But now it's only about taking sport as a career and doing the things that you love. I think now opportunities are there. Now it's only about you going there and taking this sport seriously. On the role of the WPL in accelerating the transformation for womens cricket in the country, Harmanpreet said the tournament had been the catalyst in changing the entire landscape of women's cricket in India. I think that changed the entire women's sport. We were really waiting for that opportunity. But I think not only for us, but for all our domestic cricketers, I think it's a great platform for them. So we are really happy that we got this opportunity. I think we have seen in four years that we got the ICC title. Before that, we had been working hard, but sometimes you need that little push, and that little push really helped us. Now, as Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) said, there is no looking back, and hopefully we'll keep making the BCCI and our country proud. I think that changed the entire women's sport. We were really waiting for that opportunity. But I think not only for us, but for all our domestic cricketers, I think it's a great platform for them. So we are really happy that we got this opportunity. I think we have seen in four years that we got the ICC title. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He deferred it entirely, saying the women's team had earned the right to be judged on their own outstanding record. I mean, I think they've been doing so well. I don't think they need anyone's advice. They've been doing so well in the white ball, and we're very certain that they're going to do great in the World Cup as well. Article Source: IANS

Yash Dayal Marries Content Creator Shweta Pundir

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pace bowler Yash Dayal has married content creator Shweta Pundir in a private ceremony held in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, last month. According to media reports on Sunday, the wedding took place on February 4 and was attended only by close family members and relatives. The couple has not made any official announcement about the marriage on social media, though Pundir shared a short video reel featuring moments with Dayal on her Instagram account. Dayal's wife, Pundir, is a social media influencer and vlogger from Delhi, boasting over 587k followers on Instagram. She has also worked as a broadcaster for the Intercontinental Legends League and has built a substantial follower base. Dayal has steadily built a reputation as a reliable left-arm pacer in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). He first rose to prominence after being picked by the Gujarat Titans (GT) for the 2022 season, where he was part of the squad that lifted the title in the franchises debut campaign. The seamer later moved to RCB ahead of the 2024 season and has continued to feature in the teams pace attack. He was also part of the RCB squad that clinched its maiden IPL title last year. Dayal was retained by the franchise ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026, which will commence on March 28. His consistent performances also earned him a maiden call-up to the Indian squad for a home Test series against Bangladesh, although he is yet to make his international debut. The seamer later moved to RCB ahead of the 2024 season and has continued to feature in the teams pace attack. He was also part of the RCB squad that clinched its maiden IPL title last year. Dayal was retained by the franchise ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026, which will commence on March 28. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Dayal is expected to play a big role as RCB commences their title defence campaign in the IPL 2026 campaign opener to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. Article Source: IANS