PSL to clash with IPL again in 2027
Walee Technologies, which owns the media rights until 2029, is unhappy with the current window because of the lack of broadcasting revenue on offer after the month of Ramazan
Why ICC sees China as cricket's next big opportunity
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively pursuing a strategy to expand cricket in China, leveraging the sport's recent inclusion in the Olympics. Plans include establishing a Centre of Excellence, supporting a Tier 2 event, and promoting women's cricket, with significant investment and collaboration with the Chinese Cricket Association to embed the sport deeper into the country's sporting system.
After Impressive IPL 2026 With SRH, Shivang Kumar Calls India Cap 'ultimate Goal'
Madhya Pradesh Premier League: Sunrisers Hyderabad and Madhya Pradesh bowling all-rounder Shivang Kumar called an India cap his ultimate goal after putting up impressive performances in the IPL and in the domestic circuit. Shivang, the left-arm wrist spinner, picked up nine wickets in 13 matches in IPL 2026 and was recently with the Indian Test squad as a net bowler for the one-off Test against Afghanistan and then in Sri Lanka. However, an India cap remains his ultimate goal. It feels good, but right now I am not dwelling on the fact that I have played in the IPL and have served as India's net bowler - every player in the IPL is one of the best from their state or country, which is why the IPL is the best league in the world, he said, as quoted by Cricinfo. So going and performing there, it still takes a bit of time to sink in. But IPL is not the ultimate goal; India is the ultimate goal. There is still a long way to go, a lot of cricket to play. This was just the first season, and it was only the beginning, Shivang added. Shivang went to the pre-season camp with the SRH and straightaway got a hint that he would be a regular in IPL 2026 for them. I had received hints right from the first day of the pre-season camp that I was going to feature in the playing XI from the very first match, Shivang said about his SRH experience. The coaches were discussing strategies with me, setting up different scenarios for my bowling, and even telling me, 'you are our wicket-taker.' I had done well in the practice matches too, so I knew I would get an opportunity. I didn't get the chance in the opening match, but from the second match onwards, I became a regular. He didn't have a great start to his IPL career; however, he took crucial wickets in his third match against the Punjab Kings. The team management was very positive and confident that I would do well. Because of their confidence, I developed the self-belief that I could perform well even at this level, Shivang said. A new player needs exactly this kind of environment to grow and bring out their best. It works like magic, and you perform well. Whatever I could, I delivered this year, and hopefully, I will do even better next year. He also spoke on the support he received from head coach Daniel Vettori and bowling coach Varun Aaron. As a spinner himself, (head coach Daniel) Vettori understands a bowler's mindset. Sometimes, when I leaked runs and went wicketless for a couple of games, he would come up to me during the strategic timeouts and tell me, 'You are bowling well; even good balls can be hit for sixes, so don't think much about it.' That support meant a lot, making me feel that I could pull things back, he said on Vettori. If I didn't bowl well or went for runs in a match, Varun bhaiya never let me feel low. On those days, he would speak to me using very kind, positive words and would even tell me, 'You are bowling now at just 50% of your potential; you can do much better.' When a player who has represented the country in Test cricket tells you things like that, it gives you a massive boost, Shivang reflected on Aaron's support. Shivang already brings a rare left-arm wrist spin to the game, but he becomes even more unique as he can bat too. He did not get much chance with the SRH, but he has batted at a 180.22 strike rate in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh Premier League. If I didn't bowl well or went for runs in a match, Varun bhaiya never let me feel low. On those days, he would speak to me using very kind, positive words and would even tell me, 'You are bowling now at just 50% of your potential; you can do much better.' When a player who has represented the country in Test cricket tells you things like that, it gives you a massive boost, Shivang reflected on Aaron's support. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Current Players Need Freedom; Coaches Need To Adapt To Their Style'
Newly-appointed Karnataka head coach R Vinay Kumar believes his primary challenge will be understanding and adapting to the mindset of current generation players, who he feels 'need more freedom' to perform effectively.
India, Mumbai Indians Blasted As Ex-Cricketer Triggers Rohit Sharma Debate
While Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as India's captain last year during the white-ball tour of Australia, Hardik Pandya took over the reins at MI ahead of IPL 2024.
Legal deadlock leaves Arunachal Pradesh out of Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Ranji participation in doubt
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) In a major setback for grassroots cricket in the Northeast, young men cricketers from Arunachal Pradesh will miss out on the ongoing Vinoo Mankad Trophy, as the state association has failed to field a team due to an ongoing legal battle bringing cricket in the state to a complete standstill. Arunachal Pradesh was scheduled to open its campaign against Sikkim in the Plate Group of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy at the KIIT Cricket Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. But an internal power struggle and subsequent court stay order mean the team will forfeit the fixture, with the opposition likely to be awarded full points as per the BCCIs playing conditions. The impasse stems from a factional feud within the Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA), where six district bodies - Lower Siang, Upper Subansiri, Kamle, Tawang, West Siang, and Papum Pare - alleged widespread violations of rules during the state executive elections and demanded fresh polls. The legal challenge against president Nabam Vivek and other office-bearers subsequently led to an interim stay on the functioning of the body by the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to IANS about the legal deadlock in the ACA, which has also affected its participation in the U19 Womens T20 Trophy. There are two factions in the Arunachal Cricket Association, and they are having a litigation issue in the Guwahati High Court-Itanagar Bench. There was some stay order from the High Court about a couple of months ago on the boards functioning. So, due to the issue present in front of that bench, there is no functionary in the Arunachal Cricket Association. The matter was finally heard in the first week of September, but the judgment is yet to be delivered by the bench. So no board is in place there for quite some time and therefore, there was no preparation to constitute a team for this Vinoo Mankad Trophy, he said to IANS on Thursday. The administrative crisis now poses a serious threat to Arunachal Pradesh's participation in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, scheduled to begin on October 11. Placed in the Plate Group, Arunachal is scheduled to open its campaign against Nagaland at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, but their participation is shrouded in mystery. As a result, they could not field the team in the junior mens levels. I don't know what will happen over them playing in the Ranji Trophy, starting on October 11. Everybody is waiting for the outcome of the court's verdict. As the matter is sub-judice, the BCCI cannot also step in. Nobody is governing there because of this matter there in the court, added Saikia. A source tracking the developments told IANS that the complete absence of a recognised, functional state body has put Arunachal Pradesh in danger of missing out on the entire ongoing domestic season. It sounds bizarre, but two or three different factions are all claiming to be the legitimate Arunachal Cricket Association while fighting each other in the court. With no official body recognised to run operations, no official team can be fielded for BCCI-affiliated competitions. For the BCCI to connect with state representatives is virtually impossible because nobody has the authority to speak for Arunachal cricket right now it's a completely defunct organisation. Theres been a continuous tussle over who actually controls the association. Its strikingly similar to the administrative impasse the Bihar Cricket Association faced for years, which kept them out of national competitions for long before a functional body came in, added the source. The administrative tussle has triggered deep concern over the future of its mens and womens players across age groups. It is heartbreaking that our states young cricketers have been locked out of the U-19 men's and women's national tournaments. The players spend the entire year grinding on the field just to get a shot at representing Arunachal on the national stage, and this absence has hit them hard, said a local source to IANS. Arunachal Pradesh was granted full BCCI membership in 2018 alongside other Northeastern states following recommendations by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA). Lashing out at the ongoing administrative tussle, the source added, This is what happens when self-interest and the scramble for positions take precedence over the careers of young cricketers. The players are paying the ultimate price - their growth is stalled and their ambitions are being thrown away. But the truth will come out eventually. Those at the centre of this need to wake up to the damage being done and put the future of Arunachal's young talent ahead of their own interests. If we don't think about the future of these kids now, the state's cricketing future will be completely lost, stated the source.
Hopes, Haddin quit Punjab Kings for Australian coaching roles
James Hopes and Brad Haddin have resigned from their coaching positions with Punjab Kings to take on head coaching roles in Australia, with Hopes heading to Queensland and Brisbane Heat, and Haddin to New South Wales.
Dhananjaya De Silva Steps Down As Sri Lanka Test Captain
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO: Sri Lanka Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down from his role with immediate effect, the all-rounder confirmed. Its my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation, de Silva said in a letter he sent to Sri Lanka's selection committee. Meanwhile, the all-rounder confirmed that he remains available to represent the island nation as a player. Sri Lanka Cricket CEO, Ashley de Silva, wished his namesake well for the remainder of his career. Sri Lanka Cricket wishes him the very best for the remainder of his career and thanks him for the leadership he provided to our Test team, the SLC CEO said. De Silva was appointed as the Test captain in January 2024, replacing Dimuth Karunaratne. He led the island nation in 18 Tests, helping them win seven of those matches. As captain, de Silva made 1130 runs at an average of 36.45 and scored three centuries and seven half-centuries in those 18 matches. He also picked up nine wickets with a best innings haul of 2-13. De Silva began his captaincy tenure with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in February 2024, which they won by 10 wickets. He also captained them for the 2-0 sweep of Bangladesh away from home. The all-rounder helped Sri Lanka beat England at the Oval for their first Test win on English soil since 2014, although they lost the series 1-2. Sri Lanka also swept New Zealand at home 2-0 in another famous win under him. De Silva began his captaincy tenure with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in February 2024, which they won by 10 wickets. He also captained them for the 2-0 sweep of Bangladesh away from home. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Time for next generation': Dhananjaya quits Test captaincy
Dhananjaya de Silva has resigned as Sri Lanka's Test captain with immediate effect on Thursday, citing a desire to pass the leadership to the next generation. He will continue to be available for selection as a player. De Silva led Sri Lanka in 18 Tests, winning seven, and took over the captaincy in January 2024.
Australia Look To Bury Sandpaper Ghosts As They Return To South Africa
Cape Town Test: For the first time since that infamous incident shook Australian cricket and the world cricket on a broader scale, Australia return to South Africa for the first time for a Test series. Only six survivors from the 2018 series, which Australia lost 1-3, are still in the squad for the upcoming three-match series that starts on Friday in Durban. The famous pace trio (Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood), Nathan Lyon and their then-skipper and now stand-in captain Steve Smith are the five that played that infamous Cape Town Test, still present with the team. Renshaw is the sixth survivor from the series. Although he did not play in any of the first three Tests, he was sent an SOS call ahead of the fourth Test after the Aussies were rocked by the ball-tampering scandal during the Cape Town third Test. Coming into South Africa for the 2026 series, captain Cummins had warned his side of a possible hostility from the crowd but also believed that people would have moved on. There might be a little bit of hostility, Cummins had said during the Keepin' it Cricket podcast last month. (But) it can't be louder than an Ashes series Birmingham, the Hollies Stand at Edgbaston, that gets pretty rowdy. However, he believed that the dust would have settled by now, as focus will remain on cricket once the first ball is thrown. It (Sandpapergate) was kind of really spoken up (in past series), and it was almost a bit underwhelming, Cummins said about the reaction from Proteas fans. Everyone moves on. The good thing is, with three Tests, you get stuck in the cricket, and everyone just worries about the cricket pretty quickly. I'm sure there'll be some rowdy people in the crowd, and some articles or some media bring up stuff. But our group's moved on, he added. Like 2018, Australia remain largely dependent on the above five regulars, although Nathan Lyon's role has been limited off late. However, the pace trio and Smith still remain their lynchpins in 2026. Renshaw is likely to open with Travis Head. Marnus Labuschagne might have done enough with a century in the warm-up to hold his No.3, while Smith remains the No.4. The Aussies were hit with injury blows when Cameron Green and reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis were ruled out of the first test. The fast-bowling personnel is likely to be the same, with Scott Boland set to sit out again, while the Aussies are likely to go with Lyon ahead of Matthew Kuhnemann, or they can play both if the Durban surface dries out quickly. For South Africa, they have five players from that 2018 series that are still playing. Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada remain part of the South Africa squad. Rabada's availability remains uncertain as he is coming off a hamstring injury, and a call on his availability will be made as late as possible. For South Africa, they have five players from that 2018 series that are still playing. Temba Bavuma, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada remain part of the South Africa squad. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Virat Kohli Mourns Nana Patekar, Calls Him A 'True Legend Of Indian Cinema'
Virat Kohli reflected on the legacy Nana Patekar built in Hindi and Marathi cinema and the one he leaves behind, adding that his work will be cherished for generations.
PSL 12 dates revealed: What's new for next season?
The 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 12) will take place from March 18 to May 2 next year, maintaining its eight-team format. The dates were confirmed at a Governing Council meeting in London, paving the way for upcoming player signings and auctions.
Cricket Fraternity Mourns The Demise Of 'legend Of Indian Cinema' Nana Patekar
Vidhu Vinod Chopra: Cricket fraternity on Thursday condoled the passing of veteran actor and Padma Shri awardee Nana Patekar and recalled his powerful performances, honesty and simplicity, saying it will live on for generations. The acclaimed actor, known for his powerful performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away at the age of 75 in Goa, suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula in the early hours of Thursday. He was found unconscious and was subsequently rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him through continuous CPR. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and he was declared dead. I remember Nana Patekar as a very straightforward and grounded person. His work had that same honesty to it. Whether it was in Marathi or Hindi, he always brought something very real to the characters he played.Very sad to hear about his passing. My condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti, Tendulkar wrote. A true legend of Indian cinema. His work and legacy will live on for generations. Rest in peace, Nana Patekar ji. Om Shanti, Kohli posted on X. An era ends with the passing of a true legend. Nana Patekar jiyour powerful performances, honesty, and simplicity made you one of Indian cinemas most unforgettable artists. You will always be remembered, Suresh Raina said. Hamare baad ab mehfil mein afsane bayan honge, Baharein ham ko dhundhengi, na jaane ham kahan honge! Alvida Nana. Om Shanti! Danish Kaneria shared on X. Cinema has lost a true legend, one of the finest actors we have ever seen! I remember watching so many of his films and being mesmerised by his voice, his presence and his unforgettable performances. My condolences to his family, Yuvraj Singh wrote on X. Ajinkya Rahane saod, Nana Patekar ji was a truly remarkable actor whose work has inspired and entertained generations. Very sad to hear about his passing. May his soul rest in peace. Shikhar Dhawan said, Indian cinema has lost a truly special talent today. Nana Patekar saab, your work will continue to inspire generations. Nana Patekar made his Hindi film debut with Gaman in 1978. One of the defining milestones of Nana Patekar's career came with Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Parinda in 1989. His portrayal of the ruthless crime boss Anna earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. Shikhar Dhawan said, Indian cinema has lost a truly special talent today. Nana Patekar saab, your work will continue to inspire generations. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Lucky To Play All Cricket Under Him: Ex-India Star's Big Praise For MS Dhoni
The former pacer spent considerable time playing under MS Dhoni, both for India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and said he was fortunate to have the veteran wicketkeeper-batter as his captain for much of his international career.
Vaibhav's return? India face Samson selection dilemma
India's team management is considering pairing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with Abhishek Sharma for the second T20I against West Indies due to Sanju Samson's poor form. While the middle-order has performed well, Samson's consistent low scores are a concern. The article also discusses potential changes in the pace bowling combination and the West Indies' need for a higher total.
Hopes and Haddin depart Punjab Kings coaching staff
James Hopes and Brad Haddin are presently in charge of Queensland and New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield
Nabi's Got Something To Contribute In Formats He's Available For: Pybus
Zayed Cricket Stadium: Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus believes that seasoned campaigner Mohammad Nabi still has something to contribute to the team in the shorter format of the game, calling him a disciplined and meticulous player who conducts himself as a professional. Nabi has lost his place in Afghanistans T20I squad for their upcoming tri-nation against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, sparking speculations that it can well be the end of the senior player. ODI Tri-Nation Series involving Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will take place from October 1723 in the UAE. The first two matches of the series will be played in Abu Dhabi, before the action moves to Sharjah for the remaining two matches. I think Nabi's got something to contribute in the formats which he's available for, Pybus was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. He is an incredible cricketer and he keeps himself in absolutely fantastic shape. He's very disciplined, and obviously his record for Afghanistan stands out. He's hugely respected not only for what he's done in the past, but also the way that he just conducts himself as a professional. He's meticulous, he said. In terms of his physical conditioning, even though he's a mature cricketer, he really is in good shape and it was really positive to see. We get the data back when we're tracking the guys with the GPS and he held up really well, Pybus added. You know like any cricketer, you've got to consistently perform and he's as aware of that as anybody else but I really do think he still has plenty to contribute. I think the main thing as you get older is hunger and desire. I look forward to his career moving forward and I'm looking forward to working with him, he added. Before the Tri-series, Afghanistan will play a one-off Test match against Bangladesh from October 913 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pybus said the Test match against Bangladesh, who have had a historic Test series win over Australia in Darwin and ended the two-match series with 1-1 scoreline, will give his side a chance to check where they stand in Test cricket. Now coming and playing against Bangladesh, who are coming off a successful tour to Australia is a good opportunity for us to check in where we're at in Test format, said Pybus. What's been good for us is the guys coming out of playing in the first-class red-ball competition back in Afghanistan. So we've had plenty of guys playing the long format and getting that very particular type of cricket fitness and spending that time out in the field and on the wicket, he said. Now coming and playing against Bangladesh, who are coming off a successful tour to Australia is a good opportunity for us to check in where we're at in Test format, said Pybus. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pakistan Super League Announces March-May Window For 2027 Season, IPL Overlap Looms Large
The 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League will be held from March 18 to May 2 next year, with the tournament retaining its expanded eight-team format for a second successive season.
Hopes, Haddin Move On From Punjab Kings, Franchise To Search For Three Roles
Punjab Kings: Australian coaches James Hopes and Brad Haddin have moved on from IPL franchise Punjab Kings following Sairaj Bahutule's exit, IANS has learnt. Hopes served as the fast-bowling coach of the Ricky Ponting-led support staff, while Haddin was the fielding coach with the Kings. The two have landed jobs in state teams in Australia, and PBKS will now have to find three replacements before the next season after Bahutule also left his spin-bowling coach role to join the Indian team as spin coach under Gautam Gambhir. Yes, Haddin and Hopes have moved on from Punjab Kings. After IPL 2026, they joined local state teams in Australia as head coaches. Hopes has taken over as Queensland head coach and will hold the same position in BBL side Brisbane Heat. Haddin, meanwhile, has taken over as NSW men's head coach and could get a BBL coaching role, an IPL source told IANS. Meanwhile, the source added that the franchise will hunt for the coaches and a decision will be taken before the auction takes place in December. A call on three new PBKS coaches is expected to come before the IPL auction happens in December. They are looking at one Indian and two overseas coaches to complete their support staff for IPL 2027, it added. Hopes joined the PBKS set-up in late 2024 after Ponting was roped in as head coach. He was in Ponting's backroom staff in Delhi Capitals too. Meanwhile, Haddin was retained by the Kings when their support staff was changed. PBKS underwent a major coaching overhaul ahead of IPL 2025 as Ponting was appointed as the head coach, taking over from Trevor Bayliss. Hopes replaced Charl Langeveldt as the fast-bowling coach, while Bahutule was named the spin-bowling coach in place of Sunil Joshi, who went on to take up the role of spin-bowling coach at the BCCI CoE. Hopes joined the PBKS set-up in late 2024 after Ponting was roped in as head coach. He was in Ponting's backroom staff in Delhi Capitals too. Meanwhile, Haddin was retained by the Kings when their support staff was changed. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'If Virat Got Out Early, I Didn't Feel Like Eating': Nana Patekar's Viral Throwback Video
Nana Patekar was found unconscious at his home in Dona Paula, Goa, and was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where doctors tried to revive him for nearly 45 minutes before declaring him dead.
PSL 12 To Run From March 18 To May 2
The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday confirmed the window for the 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League, announcing that the tournament will run from March 18 to May 2 next year. This came after extensive consultation with all key stakeholders after the PSL Governing Council meeting held in London on 1 September 2026. The meeting was attended by the owners and representatives of the PSL franchises. The League will once again clash with the highly lucrative Indian Premier League, as has been the case since 2025. Earlier, there were reports that the PSL could be brought forward to January due to the limited advertising revenue in April-May, which falls after Ramazan, by when companies have spent big amounts of their marketing and ad budgets. However, that wasn't the case with the PSL continuing March-May window, which will test the revenue and the player availability too with the IPL set to run in a similar window too. With the PSL window confirmed, there will be several notable milestones coming ahead, which include the Direct Signings, Retention announcements, the Trade window and the Player Auction. Speaking on the window announcement, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that the organisers remain committed to delivering another strong season. HBL PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts. HBL PSL 12 will raise the bar further, Naqvi said. We are committed to delivering another outstanding season and look forward to seeing all eight franchises compete once again for the title, he added. Meanwhile, PSL CEO Salman Naseer also reflected on the window announcement. Last season changed what people expect from this league, and we intend to meet every one of those expectations in 2027. Todays announcement is only the first step; direct signings, retentions, the trade window and the auction will each bring their own excitement in the months ahead. Eight teams, eight squads hungry to go one better and millions of fans across Pakistan and the world already counting down the days. Naye Daur ka Aghaaz ho chuka hai. New Era, he said. The PSL was extended to eight teams last season with the introduction of Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. The other six teams are Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. Eight teams, eight squads hungry to go one better and millions of fans across Pakistan and the world already counting down the days. Naye Daur ka Aghaaz ho chuka hai. New Era, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Afghanistan look to tick boxes in rare Test outing against confident Bangladesh
The win in Darwin is still fresh in the memory but Bangladesh have more than one form concern, while Afghanistan will hope to start afresh under new captain Rahmat Shah
Nathan McSweeney - evolving in England, adapting in India
Nathan McSweeney battled the heat and India A's spinners to score a match-winning century for Australia A in their first one-day match against India A
Afghanistan head coach hails Mohammad Nabi, reflects on his importance in the squad
Afghanistan is gearing up for a stacked schedule ahead of their upcoming clashes. After a one-off Test match against Bangladesh on October 9th, Afghanistan will also be participating in a tri-series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh...
Ex-India Star Sends Big Mohammed Shami Message To BCCI Selectors
Former India pacer backed the return of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami to the Indian setup, following Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback in the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Indian veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja posted a cryptic comment hours after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Ajit Agarkar's exit as chief selector.
Kieron Pollard Parts Ways With MI, Set For New Chapter With Super Kings. Not In IPL
Kieron Pollard set to turn up for Super Kings in yellow colours after being a loyalist to Mumbai Indians and its sister franchises across franchise cricket for over a decade.
'Nana Patekar Entertained Generations': Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane Lead Tributes
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan condoled the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar on Thursday, describing him as a ruly special talent whose work would continue to inspire generations.
Was Cricket Played In France In 1478? The Fascinating Story Of Liettres
Visitors to the chateau in the tiny village of Liettres in northern France heard some unfamiliar terminology this weekend, at an international cricket tournament. Howzat! cried the players from France and Belgium taking part in the 11th edition of the Liettres Challenge 1478. The tournament, the brainchild of Lille Cricket Club, was launched in 2015 to celebrate the hamlet's unlikely place in cricket history. According to organisers, Liettres was the site of the earliest recorded cricket match. A letter written to King Louis XI in 1478 mentions an argument which broke out between a poor gunner at the Liettres castle called Estievenet Le Grant and a man called Cotaine Le Brasseur, who was playing criquet with others. Words led to blows, Le Brasseur was stabbed in the arm with a javelin, and later died from his wound. This reference pre-dates by around a century the first known mention of cricket in English sources, in court papers from 1589 mentioning that a pupil from Royal Grammar School in Guildford had been playing creckett. To celebrate the fact, the village contacted Philippe Dethoor, who was Lille president at the time, to ask if they would come down to put on a cricket workshop. The club had other ideas and decided to create a tournament. They secured access to a farmer's field, rolled it and laid out a portable plastic wicket. Lille invited a team from Belgium, 12 Stars Brussels, and another one from Whitstable in Kent. The English team were bowled out for 13 runs, James Worstead, who was the Lille secretary at the time but now runs the leisure section at Viperes de Valenciennes, one of the invitees to the 2026 Liettres Challenge, told AFP. Lille beat them for the loss of one wicket. - Cricket connoisseurs - Since then, the local authorities agreed to move the annual tournament to a bumpy field behind the castle and have also created a medieval fair around it including jugglers, fire-eaters, pony rides, axe throwing, a javelin tournament, Viking battles and, of course, a bouncy castle. Initially, there were all these entertainment activities to attract people, said Franck Pailleux, from the regional Bethune-Bruay tourism office. But since the tournament was launched, we've noticed ever more interest in the game and people actually come to watch the matches -- and they are connoisseurs. When the tournament was launched in 2015, it was widely covered in the British press, and even by one Indian media outlet. Historians claim cricket was invented by the FRENCH, screamed the Daily Mail in an article from August 30, 2015. But Dethoor insists that was not the case. We never said that cricket was invented in France, he said. We know that cricket was codified in England. As far as we know -- and it wasn't contradicted at the time -- it's the first written trace referring to a cricket match. Worstead, who is an English teacher in nearby Valenciennes, said that there was a good-humoured ambiguity to the suggestion that cricket could have been invented in France. There's something quite iconoclastic about that, he said. Serious cricket historians do trace cricket back to Flanders and shepherds playing it. So, it's not quite as outrageous as it might seem. But of course, for a tabloid headline, it's: 'The frogs say they've invented cricket'. However, some experts in the field dispute the idea that the criquet in the letter to King Louis XI relates to the game. - Stretching the truth? - Neil Robinson, head of heritage and collections at Marylebone Cricket Club, the guardians of the laws of the game, pointed to an article in the April 1973 issue of the Journal of the Society of Archivists. It includes a detailed analysis of the handwriting and concludes that the word criquet is in fact etiquet and refers to a stake being used in a game, which was probably not cricket. I think it's a pretty solid rebuttal and I think most historians who looked at it closely would probably agree with that, said Robinson. It's obviously a great story from the French point of view, but like so many other things in cricket history, I don't think it happens to be true. Still, there is a certain charm to the idea that a tiny hamlet of little more than 300 people could have a claim to a piece of cricket history. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I love to believe it because it gives them (the French) a certain belongingness to the game itself, said Judson Daniel Raj Moses, the tour manager at 12 Stars Brussels, who this year lost to Lille in the final.
Guptill and Adams to assist Brownlie on New Zealand's T20I tour of Australia
Former cricketers Martin Guptill and Andre Adams will fill in for assistant coach Craig McMillan, who is recovering after a back surgery
Sandpapergate Memories Resurface As South Africa And Australia Meet In Durban
World Test champions South Africa meet current championship leaders Australia in Durban on Friday at the start of the first Test series between the two countries in South Africa since the controversial Sandpapergate tour of 2017/18. Apart from the scandal of the Australians being caught using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball, the 2017/18 series was the first won by South Africa on home soil against their arch-rivals in 48 years. South Africa defeated Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lords in London last year but their batting line-up is relatively inexperienced, while their fast bowling stocks have been depleted by what coach Shukri Conrad described as a pandemic of hamstring injuries. Star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is a particular concern, having not bowled in an official match since May. He took part in a two-day intra-squad match last weekend and reportedly came through without any problems. Batting coach Ashwell Prince said a final decision on Rabada would be delayed as late as possible. The Rabada issue is complicated by the likelihood that South Africa will field two spin bowlers, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, at a venue which has favoured spin in recent seasons. This would leave room for only one specialist fast bowler to support left-armer Marco Jansen which would make the team vulnerable to any injury breakdown. Australia have already ruled out batsmen Josh Inglis with a broken finger and Cameron Green with an abdominal injury. Australia will also have to make a call on the balance of their attack if the conditions favour spin, although the quartet of captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood and off-spinner Nathan Lyon remains intact from the 2017/18 series. Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood were the beneficiaries of the sandpaper-augmented managing of the ball which enabled sharp reverse swing, particularly in the first Test in Durban, eight years ago, although none has been implicated in the actions that led to lengthy bans for then-captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. Both camps have been cautious about recalling the events of 2017/18. It was a long time ago and I dont think there is much more to add, Cummins said before the tour. Conrad said it was not an issue that had been raised in South Africas team meetings. Were hell-bent on beating them with our skills, said Conrad. But the coach said he expected South African supporters to remind the Australians of the incident. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I would like the fans to give them some stick but respectfully so, said Conrad.
The stage is set for the Indian team to continue their ongoing T20I series against the West Indies. The two sides are slated to take on each other in the second T20I of the series...
New Zealand announce BJ Watling as new Test team batting coach
NZC (New Zealand Cricket) recently came forward and announced the appointment of former cricketer BJ Watling as the Test sides new batting coach. The former wicketkeeper-batter will be replacing Luke Ronchi in the role. His...
Several reports have suggested that Bhuvneshwar's selection is because the BCCI selectors are not confident about the current bowling line-up leading up to the ODI World Cup 2027 in Africa
Weatherald subbed out with concussion after fielding incident
Discarded Test opener suffered delayed concussion after hitting his head on the boundary fence while fielding on day one of the season at the Junction Oval in SA's clash with Victoria
Karthik upsets Kamboj; Manish, Vaidehee reach quarters at Fenesta Open
The top five players in the womens singles draw also booked their spots in the quarterfinals. Vaidehee Chaudhari defeated 16-year-old Ahaan Ahaan 6-4, 6-1, while Shruti Ahlawat beat Parthsarthi Mundhe 6-2, 6-2
Rohan Bopanna returns to action, will represent Gurgaon Grand Slammers in TPL
Argentina's world No. 60 Roman Burruchaga, representing the Kolkata Thunder Blades, will be the highest-ranked singles player in the league
AFG vs BAN One-off Test Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs
AFG vs BAN One-off Test, Cricket Tips: Bangladesh and Afghanistan will compete in an ODI tri-series, along with Zimbabwe. But before that, these two sides will face each other in the one-off test, starting on October 9. This contest will start at 11 AM IST at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Rahmat Shah will replace Hasmatullah Shahidi as the test captain for Afghanistan. He will lead the Afghan side, which has made some changes to their squad as compared to the one against India a few months back. Bangladesh are coming off a 1-1 draw series in Australia. They will be high on confidence about their performance. AFG vs BAN: Match Details Date : October 09-13, 2026 (Friday-Tuesday) Time : 11 AM IST Venue : Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi AFG vs BAN: Live Streaming Details The live action of the one-off test will be available on the FanCode mobile app or website for the Indian fans. AFG vs BAN: Head-to-Head in Tests Total Matches : 2 Afghanistan : 1 Bangladesh : 1 No-result : 0 AFG vs BAN: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Abu Dhabi is slow and low, which will offer good help for the slow bowlers. The batters can score well for the first few days, but the wicket will deteriorate, and it will be a tough task for the batters. AFG vs BAN: Possible XIs Afghanistan : Abdul Malik, Sediq Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah , Ismat Alam, Afsar Zazai (wk), Shahidullah Kamal, Zia Ur Rahman, Qais Ahmad, Md. Saleem Safi, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi West Indies : Tanzid Hasan, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto , Musfiqur Rahim, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain AFG vs BAN: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Najmul Hossain Shanto and Rahmat Shah are two experienced batters for their sides. They will be key for their respective teams. Probable Best Bowler Taijul Islam and Qais Ahmad will be tough bowlers on this surface. Especially with the old ball, they will get a good turn and grip. Today Match Prediction: Afghanistan are inconsistent in this format. Hence, we predict Bangladesh to win this game in Abu Dhabi. AFG vs BAN Match One-off Test, Today Match AFG vs BAN, AFG vs BAN Prediction, AFG vs BAN Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories 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.
Has Franchise Cricket Taken the Sting Out of Test Battles?
Simon Harmer believes franchise T20 cricket has softened the fierce Australia-South Africa rivalry by turning international opponents into teammates, though he expects intense competition in the Test series.
SA20 auction: JSK sign Pollard, Rowles; MICT pick Hetmyer and Boult
Jason Rowles, an 18-year-old allrounder, commanded a bid of R 2.9 million from JSK, who also picked up Faf du Plessis
Bihar Announces Squad For First Two Ranji Trophy Matches
The Bihar Cricket Association: The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has announced the state squad for the first two matches of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27. The team was selected under the supervision of observers appointed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is on national duty with the Indian T20 team, Following the selection process, 17 players have been named in the main squad, while six players have been kept on standby. Bihar will begin its Ranji Trophy campaign against Uttar Pradesh on October 11. The match will be played at the newly constructed International Cricket Stadium in Rajgir. The fixture will also mark the beginning of the new domestic cricket season in Bihar. The selection of players for the Ranji Trophy squad was conducted under the supervision of BCCI-nominated selectors Harvinder Singh, S. Sharath, and Amitabh Vijayvargiya. The selectors assessed the players based on their performances and current level of preparation before finalising the squad for the first two matches. The list issued by the Bihar Cricket Association includes the main squad, standby players and support staff. The October 11 clash against Uttar Pradesh will be a special occasion for Bihar cricket. Bihar will take the field for a Ranji Trophy match for the first time at the newly constructed International Cricket Stadium in Rajgir. There is considerable excitement among cricket fans across Bihar ahead of the historic fixture. The Bihar Cricket Association is making preparations in full swing for the new Ranji Trophy season. The team will now turn its focus to the campaign beginning on October 11, with Bihar aiming to start the season on a winning note against Uttar Pradesh at its home venue. The selection trials for the Ranji and U-23 teams were conducted under the supervision of selectors invited by the BCCI. The selectors assessed the players on various parameters, including performance, technical ability, fitness, discipline and their ability to perform under match situations. Players were given opportunities to showcase their skills in batting, bowling, fielding and other aspects of the game. The BCA had earlier released the list of players for the camp. Based on this list, the players participated in the selection process. Following the trials, players will be selected for the Ranji and U-23 teams based on their performances. The U-23 selection process was conducted over two days, October 5 and 6, 2026, while the Ranji selection process was held on October 6. Bihar squad for the first two matches: Sakibul Gani (captain), Ayush Loharuka, Mangal Maharour, Naman Gaurav, Piyush Singh, Bipin Kumar Saurabh (wk), Sarman Nigrodh (wk), Akash Raj, Prithvi Raj, Himanshu Singh (VC), Khalid Alam, Suraj Kumar Kashyap, Shakib Hussain, MD Izhar, Shabbir Khan, Raghavendra Singh, Amod Yadav Standby players: Nawaz Khan, Malay Rai, Danish Alam, Tanu Kumar Singh, Sachin Kumar Singh, Prashant Kumar Singh Support staff: Nawaz Khan, Malay Rai, Danish Alam, Tanu Kumar Singh, Sachin Kumar Singh, Prashant Kumar Singh Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
New Zealand T20Is Could Be Bhuvi's ODI World Cup Audition: Ashwin
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that a strong performance by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand could pave his way back into the Indian ODI team and secure a spot for the next year's 50-over World Cup. Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar's unique ability to swing the ball and his decent pace as crucial assets, especially in conditions like South Africa and Australia. He also stressed the importance of the pacer maintaining his fitness.
BJ Watling appointed New Zealand men's batting coach
Watling will take over from Luke Ronchi following the conclusion of New Zealand's Test series against India in December
Fantastic Move: 1983 World Cup Winner Praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India Return
Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned a recall to the Indian team after four years, with the experienced pacer named in the squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Rabada puts himself through the paces as South Africa weigh Test return
Two days ahead of the first Test against Australia, Rabada initially bowled off two paces and then moved to nine, and looked relaxed throughout.
Kieron Pollards association with the MI family began in 2010. He has served the franchise for over a decade and is currently the batting coach of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. However, he...
Bengal Pick Abhishek Porel For Ranji Trophy Opener Days After Bail In Sexual Assault Case
Controversial wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel was on Wednesday included in Bengal's Ranji Trophy squad for their season opener against Delhi at Kalyani.
'We Have A Strong Desire To Get The Better Of Them: South Africa's Bavuma Ahead Of Australia Test
World Test Championship: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expects another fiercely contested battle against Australia when the two sides begin their Test series in Durban on Friday, with the Proteas looking to build on their World Test Championship triumph. South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 WTC Final at Lords to claim the title and will now face the reigning world champions in a home series as they look to strengthen their position in the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Bavuma believes the rivalry brings out the competitive edge in both teams and expects another intense contest. When you play against Australia, you dont just play against those individuals; you play against what it means to be Australian. Its always a clash we look forward to. It tends to at least bring out the competitive edge of both teams. We have a strong desire to get the better of them, Bavuma told Cricinfo. We give them a lot of respect, but we also take confidence in that weve been able to get the better of them. The respect lies in the fact that theyve been very dominant over the years, he added. South Africas memorable WTC final victory came after they overcame a 74-run first-innings deficit, with Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada playing key roles in securing the title. Bavuma, who battled an injury during the final, said the team has developed the resilience required to remain competitive even when faced with difficult circumstances. The Proteas have also strengthened their pace attack for the Australia series, with Anrich Nortje returning to Test cricket after more than three years and Gerald Coetzee making his comeback after a two-year absence. They will join Corbin Bosch and Marco Jansen in the squad. Part of it is bringing back the aspect of fast bowlers. Countries or players must know when they come into South Africa, theyre going to deal with fast bowling, Bavuma said. The captain believes the upcoming season could prove particularly important for South Africa, with the team set to face Australia, England and other major challenges ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup on home soil. Every season always feels like a big season, and maybe this one feels a little bit more. I wouldnt want to put too much pressure on myself to say or define who I am as a cricketer. Ive had over ten years of international cricket, and youd hate to think that one moment will dictate everything about it, he said. But this year weve got the opportunity to play against the big three teams, and, from a competitive point of view, thats definitely going to get us going. We want to see ourselves on the right side of the result, Bavuma added. The South Africa skipper also acknowledged that Australia remain a formidable opponent despite changes in their approach. Theyre not as in-your-face. They still play their cricket hard. Theyve still got guys like Travis Head at the top, who look to put you under pressure. And then they still have that quartet of a bowling attack always putting you under pressure, he said. But theyre probably not as brash and in your face as I think of 2016, when we toured Australia. They made you feel uncomfortable. From a cricketing point of view, they havent lost a great deal. Its still as tough as Australia that we know, he added. The South Africa skipper also acknowledged that Australia remain a formidable opponent despite changes in their approach. Theyre not as in-your-face. They still play their cricket hard. Theyve still got guys like Travis Head at the top, who look to put you under pressure. And then they still have that quartet of a bowling attack always putting you under pressure, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
BCCI's Unmissable Post On Ajit Agarkar After His tenure As Chief Selector Ends
The Board of Control for Cricket in India lauded outgoing chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar for showing commitment, conviction and contribution in his role over the last three years
Rape Case Accused Abhishek Porel Named in Bengal Ranji Squad
Controversial wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has been included in Bengal's Ranji Trophy squad for their season opener against Delhi at Kalyani, following his recent bail in a rape case. The squad also features India pacers Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep.
Captaincy Taught Me To Stand On The Frontline And Take Responsibility: Harmanpreet Kaur
ODI World Cup: Former India womens captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the lessons she learned while leading the national side for more than a decade, saying the responsibility taught her to face both criticism and success head-on while remaining committed to the teams progress. Harmanpreet, who took over the captaincy in 2012 and recently stepped down after leading India at the Asian Games, said leadership had taught her to take responsibility through every phase of the teams journey. The criticism came with the expectations people had of us. Sometimes it does hurt when you dont meet your own expectations as a team, and of course, when the people watching and supporting you are also expecting you to do well. Captaincy taught me to stand on the frontline and take responsibility, not just for the criticism, but also for the victories. It taught me that leadership is about standing with your team through every phase, learning from every experience and continuing to move forward, Harmanpreet told IANS exclusively. Harmanpreets captaincy tenure encompassed some of the most significant moments in the growth of Indian womens cricket, including the teams World Cup triumph. Looking back, she said the position was never about personal stature but about using her experience and ideas to contribute to the development of the team and the sport. For over a decade, since the responsibility of captaincy first came to me in 2012, I have cherished the opportunity and made several plans towards the development of Indian womens cricket. It was never about an individual position. I simply wanted to use my instincts, experience and ideas to help the sport grow, encourage talent and fill the spaces that needed to be filled. Over the years, I have also realised that you may not achieve everything you set out to, and that is the nature of a team sport. Every day is different, and every player has a different journey, she added. Her leadership, she said, also came with an understanding that personal objectives could sometimes take a back seat when the larger interests of the team demanded it. As a player, you have a certain freedom to make choices, but as a captain, there are times when you have to put aside your personal dilemmas and move forward because you have a team following you. I wouldnt say I had to compromise on my personal performances, but yes, sometimes my personal goals and targets had to take a back seat. I have always put my batting first, even during my captaincy, but now I want to approach my game with even more clarity understanding my role, executing it well and, most importantly, enjoying every bit of cricket, she stated. Harmanpreet also spoke about the importance of developing leadership qualities within the entire squad rather than allowing responsibility to rest solely with the captain. I feel responsibility, captaincy and leadership will always remain a part of me, and I believe that leadership should evolve in every player who represents the country and has goals to achieve. I have always wanted to plant that seed of leadership in every player because it teaches you to be responsible, accountable, empathetic, giving and kind, while also making you sharper and more decisive, the ODI World Cup-winning skipper said. For Harmanpreet, the end of her captaincy is therefore not a rejection of leadership, but a change in the way she contributes to the side. With Smriti Mandhana now taking charge, she said she is looking forward to supporting a teammate with whom she has shared a long cricketing journey. Now, as a player, I am looking forward to seeing someone else lead from the front and create an environment for the team. And I am very happy that it is Smriti, who has been alongside me for more than a decade. We have shared the same table, made decisions together and seen Indian cricket evolve, so I know that understanding will continue to be valuable, she stated. The decision to step away, Harmanpreet stressed, was not prompted by a particular setback or tournament. Instead, it was part of her own assessment of where she wanted her career to go next. Winning the World Cup was one big dream I wanted to live. And thankfully, it came in the early years of my journey as the ODI captain. Today, what stays with me is immense satisfaction and gratitude. There are no regrets. It hasnt been as easy as we sometimes make it sound, but it also hasnt been as difficult as it may seem from the outside. I am simply grateful for the journey and for everything we have achieved together, Harman expressed. Today, what stays with me is immense satisfaction and gratitude. There are no regrets. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Can Shami Emulate Bhuvneshwar's Comeback Story?
The article explores Mohammed Shami's potential return to the Indian cricket team, drawing parallels with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent comeback. It details Bhuvneshwar's impressive IPL performances and mentoring role, contrasting them with Shami's strong domestic cricket form since late 2024, and highlights the Bengal pacer's continued motivation for national selection.
I Know Smriti Will Take This Team Forward: Harmanpreet Backs Her Long-time Teammate For New Role
ODI World Cup: Former India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur believes that her team is in safe hands with Smriti Mandhana taking over the captaincy baton, backing her long-time teammate to take the team forward after a leadership journey that spanned more than a decade. Harmanpreet, who took over the responsibility of leading India in 2012, stepped down as captain across all formats on Tuesday, bringing an end to a significant chapter of her career. Her decision came after Indias Asian Games campaign, where the team won the gold medal, but Harmanpreet made it clear that the move was not prompted by one particular tournament or result. Instead, she said the decision was driven by her desire to enjoy the game more, focus on her own cricket and make time for family and friends, while continuing to contribute to the team through her experience and mentorship. The 37-year-old, who led India to their maiden ODI World Cup title, also spoke about her relationship with Mandhana, with whom she has shared the Indian dressing room for more than a decade. Harmanpreet said their long-standing understanding would continue to be valuable as they move into a new phase, with Mandhana now leading the side. In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Harmanpreet opened up about her decision to step down, what captaincy taught her, her relationship with Mandhana and her ambitions as a player going forward. IANS: You have said this decision was about putting the team and its future ahead of an individual position. When did you first begin to feel that Indian cricket needed a new voice in the captaincy, and what finally convinced you that the time had come? Harmanpreet Kaur: For over a decade, since the responsibility of captaincy first came to me in 2012, I have cherished the opportunity and made several plans towards the development of Indian womens cricket. It was never about an individual position. I simply wanted to use my instincts, experience and ideas to help the sport grow, encourage talent and fill the spaces that needed to be filled. Over the years, I have also realised that you may not achieve everything you set out to, and that is the nature of a team sport. Every day is different, and every player has a different journey. Whatever championships we have won as a team have added to our collective pride. This decision to step down is purely based on how I see my own growth in the sport I love. I wanted to pass on the baton for my own reasons to play with more enjoyment, while continuing to be there for my team with my experience, quality and mentorship. IANS: For almost a decade, captaincy has been intertwined with your identity as a cricketer. Now that responsibility is gone, what part of Harmanpreet Kaur do you think the captaincy had forced you to suppress, and are you looking forward to rediscovering that player? Harmanpreet: Throughout my tenure, I served my team and my country, and it was never about me. It was always about bringing the team together, winning together, and celebrating every moment as a collective victory. Even on days when things didnt go our way, we stood by each other. I feel responsibility, captaincy, and leadership will always remain a part of me, and I believe that leadership should evolve in every player who represents the country and has goals to achieve. I have always wanted to plant that seed of leadership in every player because it teaches you to be responsible, accountable, empathetic, giving, and kind, while also making you sharper and more decisive. Now, as a player, I am looking forward to seeing someone else lead from the front and create an environment for the team. And I am very happy that it is Smriti, who has been alongside me for more than a decade. We have shared the same table, made decisions together and seen Indian cricket evolve, so I know that understanding will continue to be valuable. IANS: You have spoken about putting your own game and personal ambitions aside for the team. In hindsight, do you feel captaincy came at a cost to Harmanpreet the batter, and is one reason for stepping away to give yourself a chance to put your batting first again? Harmanpreet: As a player, you have a certain freedom to make choices, but as a captain, there are times when you have to put aside your personal dilemmas and move forward because you have a team following you. I wouldnt say I had to compromise on my personal performances, but yes, sometimes my personal goals and targets had to take a back seat. I have always put my batting first, even during my captaincy, but now I want to approach my game with even more clarity understanding my role, executing it well and, most importantly, enjoying every bit of cricket. IANS: You leave the captaincy as the first Indian woman to win an ODI World Cup. Does that triumph make it easier to walk away, because you feel you have completed the one unfinished chapter that followed you for years? Harmanpreet: Winning the World Cup was one big dream I wanted to live. And thankfully, it came in the early years of my journey as the ODI captain. Today, what stays with me is immense satisfaction and gratitude. There are no regrets. It hasnt been as easy as we sometimes make it sound, but it also hasnt been as difficult as it may seem from the outside. I am simply grateful for the journey and for everything we have achieved together. IANS: Your decision came immediately after the Asian Games, where you led India to another gold. Was that the moment that gave you a sense of closure, that you could hand over the team while leaving it in a position you genuinely trusted? Harmanpreet: The Asian Games gold was another very special moment for us as a team. Every championship and every medal has its own significance, and winning that gold gave me a lot of happiness and pride. But my decision was not based on one particular tournament or one particular result. It was a decision I arrived at after giving it a lot of thought and understanding what I wanted for myself and for my journey as a cricketer. I feel very confident about the team and the players we have today. There is a lot of talent, hunger and experience within the group, and that gives me great confidence about the future of Indian womens cricket. IANS: There is a difference between being the senior-most player in a dressing room and being the person responsible for every decision. How do you see your relationship with Smriti Mandhana changing now from captain and vice-captain to two senior players sharing responsibility for the same team? Harmanpreet: Smriti and I have spent our peak years in this journey together. From training together and being at the NCA, to eating together and even playing video games, we have seen it all. Most importantly, we have always had a strong understanding of each other, and I believe that will benefit us even more now. I will be very happy to support her and stand alongside her as she performs her role as captain. We have built this team together over the years, so I am sure that the energy, trust and understanding between us will remain the same going forward. IANS: You have experienced the criticism, the near-misses, the World Cup heartbreaks and finally the World Cup victory. Looking back, what did captaincy teach you about Indian womens cricket that you could never have learnt simply by being a player? Harmanpreet: The criticism came with the expectations people had of us. Sometimes it does hurt when you dont meet your own expectations as a team, and of course, when the people watching and supporting you are also expecting you to do well. Captaincy taught me to stand on the frontline and take responsibility not just for the criticism, but also for the victories. It taught me that leadership is about standing with your team through every phase, learning from every experience and continuing to move forward. IANS: Do you think Indian womens cricket has now reached a stage where the captain no longer needs to carry the emotional weight of the entire team, and was that also part of your thinking in deciding to step aside? Harmanpreet: The team is in a very good place, but that doesnt mean the captain has any less responsibility. Every day brings new challenges and decisions that have to be made in the best interest of the team, and that part will never change. For me, stepping aside was not about feeling any burden. It was purely based on my personal desire to enjoy cricket and life at the same time, and to find more time for my family, friends and the things I have wanted to do. IANS: You have said, Captaincy ends. The journey continues. What does that journey look like now? Is there a different kind of ambition you want to pursue as a player, without the responsibility of having to think about the next selection, the next combination or the next result? Harmanpreet: The journey looks no different to me as a cricketer, except that my role as captain has changed. The leadership within me will always remain, and I will continue to make my personal decisions with greater clarity while helping the team wherever my experience and inputs can add value. And the dream is definitely not over. The trophies are not finished either. I am still hungry to contribute, perform and win more trophies for my country and for all the fans who have shown me constant love and support over the years. IANS: If you could speak to the Harmanpreet who first captained India in 2012, when the opportunity came almost unexpectedly, what would you tell her about the decade that followed, and about knowing when it is time to let someone else lead? Harmanpreet: When the baton was passed on to me, I took it with full responsibility and gave it everything I had. Somewhere along the way, I always knew that one day I would have to pass that baton on to someone else. I would tell that younger Harmanpreet to enjoy the journey, embrace every challenge, and never be afraid of change. This is not the end of a journey. It is simply another beginning another opportunity for an athlete to achieve goals, make memories and continue contributing to the team. I am happy and grateful that whatever I could do for my country during my tenure has been celebrated, and that my journey has been able to inspire people. IANS: Lastly, girls have grown up watching Harmanpreet Kaur, the all-rounder. With you getting time to focus purely and solely on yourself and your game, will we be seeing the all-rounder in you return? Will you be taking up the ball more regularly now? Harmanpreet: When the baton was passed on to me, I took it with full responsibility and gave it everything I had. Somewhere along the way, I always knew that one day I would have to pass that baton on to someone else. I would tell that younger Harmanpreet to enjoy the journey, embrace every challenge, and never be afraid of change. This is not the end of a journey. It is simply another beginning another opportunity for an athlete to achieve goals, make memories and continue contributing to the team. I am happy and grateful that whatever I could do for my country during my tenure has been celebrated, and that my journey has been able to inspire people. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
ECB hints at NOC u-turn even as APL doubts emerge
ECB chairman Richard Thompson appeared to partially row back on the board's stance, though he suggested the board are wary of restricting players' movements unlawfully.
Pakistan's Hasan Nawaz Opens Up on Painful India Defeat
Pakistan batter Hasan Nawaz expressed his disappointment over losing the Asian Games gold medal match against India, citing small mistakes as the reason for their defeat. Despite scoring 96 runs in the final, Nawaz felt the team could have won and highlighted the challenge of playing against India. He also spoke about his personal comeback and future aspirations in cricket.
CRICKET | History will be kinder to you: Gambhir to Agarkar
SA20 Auction 2027 LIVE Updates: Big Names To Go Under The Hammer As 4 Teams Aim To Complete Squad
SA20 Auction 2027 LIVE Updates: The event brings plenty of thrill, hype and buzz, with four franchises left to spend USD 2.10 million on 19 available slots.
BCCI Pays Tribute To Ajit Agarkar After Tenure As Chief Selector Ends
ODI World Cup: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday paid tribute to Ajit Agarkar, thanking the former chairman of the senior mens selection committee for his contribution to a successful period in Indian cricket. Agarkars tenure officially ended on Tuesday after the BCCI invited applications to fill the vacant position in the five-member selection panel. A tenure marked by some truly special moments for Indian cricket three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, along with a run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the BCCI said in a post on X. Thank you, Mr Ajit Agarkar, for your commitment, conviction and contribution as Chairman of the Mens Selection Committee. Wishing you the very best for the journey ahead, it added. Agarkar took charge as chairman in July 2023 and oversaw a period in which India reached the 2023 ODI World Cup final before going on to win the 2024 T20 World Cup, 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup. His tenure also included Indias two Asia Cup triumphs and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, while the national side continued to remain a dominant force across formats. Agarkars final assignment as chairman was the selection of Indias white-ball squads for the ongoing series against the West Indies. Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has taken charge as the acting chairman of the selection committee and presided over the squad selection for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand and three India A games. The current panel also comprises Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh. As per BCCI protocol, the selector with the most Test appearances assumes the chairmanship, with Ojha, who played 24 Tests for India, currently the senior-most member of the panel. The BCCI has invited applications for Agarkars replacement from the West Zone. The new selector will be involved in long-term squad planning, talent identification, monitoring domestic cricket and strategy meetings. The current panel also comprises Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and RP Singh. As per BCCI protocol, the selector with the most Test appearances assumes the chairmanship, with Ojha, who played 24 Tests for India, currently the senior-most member of the panel. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'A tenure marked by some truly special moments': BCCI hails Agarkar
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and head coach Gautam Gambhir have lauded former chief selector Ajit Agarkar for his highly successful three-year tenure, which saw India win three ICC trophies and achieve significant white-ball dominance.
All-round Taylor powers West Indies' clean sweep over Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe opener Kelis Ndhlovu's 48-ball 63 went in vain as the tourists romped home with eight wickets and 18 balls to spare
SA20 Auction LIVE: Kieron Pollard, Faf du Plessis, Trent Boult among others set to go under hammer
The SA20 Season 5 auction is set to begin with four franchises still to fill 19 squad positions after the salary cap was raised to USD 2.54 million. Joburg Super Kings enter the auction with...
SA20 2027 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast
The stage is set for the SA20 Season 5 player auction as four franchises prepare to battle it out for 19 available squad slots with a total purse of USD 2.10 million.
IND u-19 vs AUS u-19 | Baloda scalps a record-breaking 14 in India u-19s dominant win
The hosts bowl out Australia under-19 for 151 to set up an 11-run chase; Cattles lone battle only delays the inevitable as Yashbardhan & Co. clinch the series 2-0
Head Launches Fiery Attack on Former Australia Players
Travis Head launched a fiery defence of Australia's Test team, lambasting former players for unfair criticism while backing Nic Maddinson's recall and dismissing doubts over his opening role.
Cricket Historian From Kerala Pays Musical Tribute To Smriti Mandhana
Cricket World Cup: The elevation of star opener Smriti Mandhana as captain of the Indian womens cricket team has inspired a musical tribute from Kerala, with a cricket historian penning a song celebrating her remarkable career. Professor Vasisht, a cricket historian from Kerala and an ardent admirer of Mandhana, has written the lyrics for the song, while his former student Silu Fathima has composed the music and lent her voice to it. The song has been released on social media and has been attracting attention among cricket followers. Mandhana, one of the most popular women sportspersons in the Indian subcontinent, has already assembled an impressive collection of honours. She was part of the Indian team that won the 2025 Womens Cricket World Cup and has also been a member of Indias victorious Womens Asia Cup teams in 2016 and 2022. Mandhana has won gold medals at the 2022 and 2026 Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She has also won two Women's Premier League titles. Her batting record has made her one of the defining figures in women's international cricket. Mandhana is among the leading run-scorers in international womens cricket and holds several major batting records. She is the first Indian woman to score an international century in all three formats: Test, ODI and T20I. Mandhana added another feather to her illustrious cap as she became the first women's cricketer to complete 11,000 runs in international cricket during the Asian Games final against Sri Lanka For Professor Vasisht, the song is the latest expression of a long-standing admiration for the Indian star. He has earlier compiled booklets on Mandhana and organised photo exhibitions dedicated to her at various womens colleges in Kerala. The professor believes Mandhanas elevation as captain could usher in another successful phase for Indian womens cricket. He hopes she will lead India to a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return to the Olympic programme. The song, written in English, captures Mandhanas journey from a celebrated batter to the leader of the Indian womens team. Fathima, who was once Vasishts student, has given musical form to his tribute. The song, written in English, captures Mandhanas journey from a celebrated batter to the leader of the Indian womens team. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Iyer rises to career-best seventh in T20I rankings; Gill consolidates No.1 position in ODI list
Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma continue to occupy the top two spots, with Tilak Varma at 10th, giving India four batters in the top 10
SA20 2026 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast
The stage is set for the SA20 Season 5 player auction as four franchises prepare to battle it out for 19 available squad slots with a total purse of USD 2.10 million.
Mandhana Hails Harmanpreet's 'Fantastic' Ten-Year Journey
Smriti Mandhana, the newly-appointed India women's cricket team captain, praised Harmanpreet Kaur's fantastic decade-long leadership after Kaur stepped down from the role. Mandhana expressed her desire to continue their journey together, while Harmanpreet will remain a part of the team for the upcoming Zimbabwe series.
Naman Dhir had a great T20I debut on Tuesday. Playing in the first T20I of a five-match series against the West Indies, Dhir picked up 3/31
Smriti Mandhana, Indias new captain has earned her job
The 30-year-old, who is the most experienced player in the side after Harmanpreet, has also led RCB to two WPL titles; the southpaws immediate task will be to strengthen the team in the shortest format
Dhirs impact with the ball was decisive in the first T20I
'Conversation With Abhishek Nayar Helped Me A Lot,' Says Shreyas Iyer After Maiden T20I Ton
BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: India captain Shreyas Iyer credited his long-time mentor and former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar for helping him improve and correct his mistakes and produce a match-winning performance after smashing his maiden T20I century against West Indies in the opening game of the five-match series on Tuesday. Iyer struck an unbeaten 102 off just 43 balls, including 10 fours and six sixes, as India chased down 172 in only 14.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium. The knock came at an important juncture for Iyer, who had been struggling to convert starts into substantial scores and had breached the 50-run mark only twice since taking over as Indias T20I captain in June. Reflecting on his innings in a BCCI video, Iyer revealed that a recent conversation with Nayar, who has shared a long-standing coach-mentor relationship with him through Mumbai domestic cricket, Kolkata Knight Riders and the national team setup, proved valuable. I had a brief interaction with Abhishek Nayar in that period where we were talking about cricket. I think that conversation with him helped me a lot in todays performance, Iyer said in a video released by BCCI. The India skipper said the key to his innings was preparing himself before every delivery and finding his rhythm early. The key that I observed in my batting today was setting myself before the delivery of the ball, and that worked perfectly. So creating that momentum and rhythm was essential at the start of the innings, and it worked out pretty well, he said. Nayar has earlier worked closely with Iyer on technical aspects of his batting as well as during different phases of his comeback in domestic and international cricket. Iyer also spoke about the challenge of returning from Japan and immediately adapting to the demands of international cricket. Im very happy; its a great start. And especially coming after Japan, forming a solid XI here. It was kind of challenging, but I must say that thats what we look for when we are playing at this level. We love challenges, and we want to make sure that we are at the top of our game and leave the excuses aside, he said. Iyers century was the fastest by an Indian against the West Indies in T20Is and made him the third Indian captain to score a century in the format after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. With India now leading the series 1-0, Iyer said the teams immediate objective was to maintain the momentum and complete a series victory. I would be extremely happy if we win the series. Obviously we started on a great note, and if we finish with a victory going forward in the next four games, that is what our main goal and target is at the moment, he said. Iyers century was the fastest by an Indian against the West Indies in T20Is and made him the third Indian captain to score a century in the format after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Amid Reports Of Rift, Smriti Mandhana Pens Heartfelt Tribute For Harmanpreet Kaur
India's newly appointed skipper Smriti Mandhana on Wednesday congratulated outgoing captain Harmanpreet Kaur at the end of a highly successful captaincy stint.
Bomb Threat at Narendra Modi Stadium During India Vs Australia U-19 Match
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad received a bomb threat email during an India Under-19 vs Australia Under-19 cricket match, with the sender claiming association with the 'Khalistan National Army' and also warning of blasts at upcoming Diljit Dosanjh concerts.
Ganguly Backs Pant to Find His Mojo in Delhi Capitals Middle-Order
Newly-appointed Delhi Capitals head coach Sourav Ganguly expresses confidence in Rishabh Pant's return to form and his perfect fit in the team's middle order for the upcoming IPL season. Ganguly also outlines his vision for the team, aiming to lead them to success after a period away from the franchise.
Smriti And Jemimah Pay Rich Tributes To Outgoing India Womens Skipper Harmanpreet
T20 World Cup: Newly appointed India women's cricket team captain Smriti Mandhana and middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues on Wednesday paid rich tributes to outgoing skipper Harmanpreet Kaur following her decision to step down from leadership across all formats. The BCCI on Tuesday named Smriti as the new captain of the women's national team after Harmanpreet resigned from the position. Harmanpreets leadership future came under scrutiny at a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati on Monday following India's second successive group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in England in June. It has been a pleasure playing with you for so many years. Ten years of your leadership have been fantastic, and together, we will strive to bring many more laurels for our nation, Smriti, who will take over the reins starting with Indias white-ball series against Zimbabwe from October 16, wrote on her Instagram stories. Signing off on a high after guiding India to winning a gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan, Harmanpreet will always be remembered for captaining India to its maiden women's global championship title at last year's ODI World Cup. In all, Harmanpreet captained India in five Tests, 51 ODIs, and 155 T20Is. Echoing similar sentiments, Jemimah, who is recovering from a high-grade hamstring tear sustained while playing The Hundred in England, posted on Instagram, Congratulations on everything you've achieved. Thanks for the years of leadership and for everything you did for the team! Smritis elevation to full-time national captaincy marks a new chapter in her international career. Smriti has represented India in nine Tests, 120 ODIs, and 179 T20Is since her debut in 2013, and has been the backbone of the batting line-up alongside Harmanpreet. Echoing similar sentiments, Jemimah, who is recovering from a high-grade hamstring tear sustained while playing The Hundred in England, posted on Instagram, Congratulations on everything you've achieved. Thanks for the years of leadership and for everything you did for the team! Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Tammy Beaumont to Blaze away for two more years
Move follows international retirement at the end of the first Women's Test at Lord's, against India in July
Delhi Capitals Head Coach Sourav Ganguly Clarifies Rishabh Pant's Role In Team
Newly-appointed Delhi Capitals head coach Sourav Ganguly is confident that embattled wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will fit perfectly in the team's middle order.
Shreyas Iyer climbs to seven in men's T20I ranking, KL Rahul enters top 10 in ODIs
Shreyas Iyer made a major jump in the latest ICC men's T20I batting rankings after his unbeaten century against West Indies in Lucknow. He jumped 18 places to a career-high seventh position. His 43-ball 102 not out in Indias series opener against the Caribbeans marked his first hundred in T20I cricket and lifted him to third among Indian batters in the rankings. Ishan Kishan remains at the summit, while Abhishek Sharma occupies second place following a good Asian Games.
ILT20 Season 5 Desert Vipers To Begin Title Defence From November 21 vs MI Emirates
Defending champions Desert Vipers will take on last year's finalists and Season 2 champions MI Emirates in the opening match of the DP World International League T20 Season 5 at the Dubai International Stadium
From the time Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches in IPL 2026 - the highest by an Indian in this year's edition - there were growing murmurs about the seamer's continued absence from the national side
Indian Premier League: Newly-appointed Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday said he is excited to take on his new role and pledged to give his best to make the franchise successful in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Ganguly shares a long-standing association with DC across various capacities. The former India captain served as DC's mentor during the 2019 season before stepping away to assume the role of BCCI President. After that, Ganguly was subsequently appointed as JSW's director of cricket in 2024. Ganguly, whos also the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), made his formal coaching debut with Pretoria Capitals in the 2025 SA20 season and has also been actively involved with the DC setup in the Women's Premier League (WPL). Well, I'm very, very excited. I've been with them for two seasons, both as director of cricket. The first season in 2019, we lost in the semis and then I went away as BCCI president. So I'm really, really excited for the season ahead. It's the next year, IPL, and Delhi is a very good team. This is a very good side, and I'll be giving my best to make the side successful, Ganguly said in a video shared on the franchise's official YouTube channel on Wednesday. Asked on what clicked for him to be DC head coach, Ganguly said, I wanted to experience the mindset of a coach because it's not the same as a player. It's a bit different. You need to understand things. You need to be relaxed. You still need to find a way to get the best out of players and work with the players because players are different. It's not you batting or you bowling anymore. It's about somebody else batting and bowling and winning cricket matches. So it's important that you sync with them and understand what they want, how they can get better, and work with them, which is very important, he explained. Addressing his lingering drive to guide DC to a championship win, Ganguly insisted that the current group possesses the talent required to go head-to-head with any side in the competition. Motivation to take Delhi to the top, we did in 2019. In 2020, Delhi was a very good team. I was involved in making the team, but then I left and became the BCCI president. So from that point of view, that motivation will always remain to take that squad to a different level. I think that's what I will be looking out for the players because there's enormous talent in the dressing room. When you go man-to-man with some of the best teams in the competition, Delhi is no way behind. Hopefully with this squad, we'll be able to reach newer heights in the years to come, he asserted. Hailing the squad's core, Ganguly highlighted the key addition of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant via a trade earlier this year, alongside a star-studded lineup featuring KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Mitchell Starc, and David Miller. We needed a middle-order Indian batter, and Pant fits it perfectly. He was with us. He played well for us in the past. Hopefully this year, next year, when he turns up again, I think he'll use the time and space and the matches to become a better player. He enjoys batting at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, and hopefully we'll see the best of Pant in the years to come for the Delhi shirt. It's a good team - KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Stark, Lungi Ngidi, Ashutosh, Miller, Stubbs. So it's a pretty strong team, man and I hope we play to our potential. I hope everyone understands how good they are and goes and expresses themselves. So that's very important for the squad, he noted. On the tactical front, Ganguly underlined that T20 cricket demands an uncompromising, aggressive approach while adapting to conditions at their home venue, the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Well, in T20 cricket, it's only one brand. Keep hitting sixes and keep hitting fours. So that's what the brand is all about and you play accordingly. It's a good wicket at Feroz Shah Kotla. You play according to the situation, you play the game and react to the situation, which is most important in sport. So from that point of view, that's the brand we are going to play. We're going to play to win. That's always been the case and hopefully with the squad we have, we'll become successful, he said. Calling on the squad to deliver for the franchise management and fans, Ganguly admitted that the team's track record over the last 18 years needs significant improvement. Parth (Jindal, co-owner) is like my young brother and my relationship with him just goes beyond Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals is just a part and with Kiran (Kumar Grandhi, co-owner), I was there in 2019. I know he's a gentleman. As they call in the sport, a gentle giant. So as I said, the team deserves better performances. The owners deserve much better than what this franchise has done over the last 17, 18 years. Getting to the final in 2020 and semifinal in 2019, eight years before and four years after that, it hasn't been good. Calling on the squad to deliver for the franchise management and fans, Ganguly admitted that the team's track record over the last 18 years needs significant improvement. Parth (Jindal, co-owner) is like my young brother and my relationship with him just goes beyond Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals is just a part and with Kiran (Kumar Grandhi, co-owner), I was there in 2019. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'So Happy To See One Of India's Finest': Suresh Raina Welcomes Bhuvneshwars India Call-back
Suresh Raina has welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumars return to Indias T20I setup after the experienced seamer was included in the 16-member squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, beginning October 22. Bhuvneshwar, who last played a T20I for India in November 2022, has been recalled to a largely unchanged squad led by Shreyas Iyer, with his ability to extract swing expected to be particularly useful in New Zealand conditions. The selection brings an end to a lengthy wait for the right-arm pacer, who has remained a popular figure among Indian cricket supporters despite his prolonged absence from the international setup. His recall was met with an enthusiastic response from Raina, who took to X to celebrate the veteran fast bowlers return. Welcome back, Bhuvi! So happy to see one of Indias finest and most skilful bowlers getting his recognition again. The discipline, hard work and resilience he has shown over the years is truly inspiring. From Uttar Pradesh to the IPL, and now back in the Indian T20 side, this comeback is thoroughly deserved. Keep inspiring, @BhuviOfficial. Your journey is a reminder that hard work always finds its way back, Suresh Raina wrote on X. Bhuvneshwars recall comes with India preparing for a tour where conditions could offer assistance to a bowler of his skill set. The New Zealand leg begins with the first T20I on October 22, followed by four more matches in the series. For Raina, however, the significance of the selection extends beyond the conditions or the numbers. His message focused on the journey that has taken Bhuvneshwar from his early cricketing days in Uttar Pradesh through years of IPL and international cricket before earning another opportunity with India. The 36-year-old seamer has considerable experience in the shortest format for the national side. Bhuvneshwar has played 87 T20Is for India and has taken 90 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 6.96 and an average of 23.10. For Raina, however, the significance of the selection extends beyond the conditions or the numbers. His message focused on the journey that has taken Bhuvneshwar from his early cricketing days in Uttar Pradesh through years of IPL and international cricket before earning another opportunity with India. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Sourav Ganguly has rejected questions over a potential conflict of interest linked to his appointment as Delhi Capitals head coach. He said that an order issued by the BCCI ombudsman addresses his position while he...
Baloda spins Australia out as India U-19 sweep series
India U-19 cricket team defeated Australia by 10 wickets on day three of the second Youth Test in Ahmedabad, securing a 2-0 series victory. Left-arm spinner Tanmay Baloda was the star performer, taking an impressive 14 wickets in the match, including 8/41 in the second innings. Australia were bowled out for 151, setting India a target of just 11 runs, which they chased down quickly.
'I Dont Mind Playing Second Fiddle: Ishan Lauds Iyer's Approach In Maiden T20I Ton
Ekana Cricket Stadium: India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan credited skipper Shreyas Iyers attacking approach and praised debutant Naman Dhirs fearless bowling after India opened their five-match T20I series against the West Indies with an eight-wicket victory at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. While Iyers unbeaten 102 powered a successful chase of 172, Dhirs three-wicket haul helped India restrict the visitors to 171. Kishan remained unbeaten on 37 from 27 deliveries and shared an unbroken 137-run stand with Iyer for the third wicket. With India losing both openers inside the first four overs, the partnership became the defining passage of the chase, with Iyer taking charge and Kishan providing the support required to keep the innings moving. Rather than viewing his supporting role as a compromise, Kishan said it was the sensible approach once he recognised that his captain was seeing the ball exceptionally well. As a batter, when Im not looking in that great of a touch and the batter at the other end is looking in great form and is connecting the ball well, in this case Shreyas Iyer, then I dont mind playing second fiddle at all. He was scoring the bulk of the runs in our partnership, and when hes batting beautifully, its my job to let him punish the opposition bowlers. He did that job remarkably, and, in the end, we executed the run chase successfully. The plan was simple. We had a target in mind, and we broke it down into small parts. Whenever the bowler bowled in my zone, I looked to score. On the other end, Shreyas was in full flow, so we just kept the scoreboard moving. There was no panic because we knew one good over would change the game. That is what happened, and we got over the line, Kishan told JioStar. Iyers innings, which contained 10 fours and six sixes, saw him bring up his maiden T20I century off 42 balls. India completed the chase in 14.4 overs, taking an early 1-0 lead in the series. Earlier, Dhir had provided India with the breakthrough they needed during the West Indies innings. The all-rounder finished with 3/31 on debut, dismissing Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer. His response after being hit for a six particularly impressed Kishan. Having seen Dhir bowl during their Mumbai Indians association, Kishan noted the difference in the youngsters approach and said his willingness to attack despite the setback was an indication of the work he had put into his bowling. I have seen Naman bowl during my Mumbai Indians days and at that time I would say he was more of a part-time bowler. But looking at how he was bowling in this match and the confidence he had, after getting hit for a six, on your debut, you tend to go more defensive. But Naman didnt do that and kept on giving that extra flight to the opposition batters, which helped him get a couple of wickets in his debut game. Him not going defensive and attacking the batters is something that makes you understand that this player has actually worked hard on his bowling, on his skill. It shows he has the mindset to take wickets and not just survive. If he keeps bowling like this, he will go a long way, the keeper-batter added. I have seen Naman bowl during my Mumbai Indians days and at that time I would say he was more of a part-time bowler. But looking at how he was bowling in this match and the confidence he had, after getting hit for a six, on your debut, you tend to go more defensive. But Naman didnt do that and kept on giving that extra flight to the opposition batters, which helped him get a couple of wickets in his debut game. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
How Rohit Sharma's Captaincy Shaped Tilak Varma's Leadership Skills
Now serving as deputy to T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma noted that the vice-captaincy brings a broader responsibility that extends well beyond on-field tactics - it goes into off-field team bonding and player management.
Very Satisfying To Be Honest, God Listens If You Work Hard,' Says Naman Dhir On Dream T20I Debut
Naman Dhir: In a matter of three weeks, batting all-rounder Naman Dhir completed a fairytale introduction to international cricket and after having a memorable T20I debut against the West Indies, he attributed this very satisfying feeling to honest hard work and God listening to his prayers. Having featured in all three ODIs against the West Indies, Dhir was drafted into the T20I squad at the eleventh hour, with Washington Sundar released to play the Ranji Trophy. In India's eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in Lucknow on Tuesday, operating as the fifth bowling option, Dhir claimed three crucial wickets on his T20I debut. It is very satisfying to be honest. If you had asked me two or three weeks ago if I was playing for India or if I was debuting in both formats I might not have believed you. But like I told you during the ODI debut, if you work hard with honesty, God will listen to you one day. So I guess this is the day for me, Dhir said in a video posted on bcci.tv on Wednesday. Demonstrating exceptional temperament, Dhir adjusted his line, length, and pace whenever put under pressure to execute his off-spin bowling. Interestingly, Dhir picked up all three of his wickets on the very next ball after being hit for a six. Reflecting on his bowling strategy, Dhir revealed that observing left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel during the Powerplay helped him assess the surface conditions effectively. I saw Axar bhai in powerplay and he was throwing a slower ball and was getting a bit of grip. So my plan was to throw a slow ball and the wicket was a bit damp which was helpful for the spinners. If I could throw a slower ball and get a bit of grip, then I guess I benefited a lot, he said. Dhir revealed that disciplined preparation across domestic and franchise cricket provided him with the composure required on the big stage. Preparation is the most important thing for me. If I am playing a match, whether its in the IPL or for the Indian team or in the Ranji Trophy, then preparation is very important for me - be it batting or bowling. So I guess it helps me to stay calm. If you are well prepared only then you can be confident otherwise you cannot be. Preparation is very important for me. Obviously, there were a few nerves but as compared to the one day debut it was much less because that is when you play your first international game. So there were a lot of nerves but as compared to that it was much less. I enjoyed my T20 debut a lot. So I am very grateful, he added. State teammate and India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who presented Dhir with his T20I cap prior to the match, praised the all-rounder's fearless approach and steady growth over the years. First of all, it's an honour to hand over the cap number 125 to Naman Dhir. First time, I've seen him in under 16 days and after that whenever I've seen him, he has always improved and he has shown his A game. So I guess it helps me to stay calm. If you are well prepared only then you can be confident otherwise you cannot be. Preparation is very important for me. Obviously, there were a few nerves but as compared to the one day debut it was much less because that is when you play your first international game. So there were a lot of nerves but as compared to that it was much less. I enjoyed my T20 debut a lot. So I am very grateful, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Welcome back, Bhuvi!': Raina, Srikanth celebrate Bhuvi's India return
Former India batter Suresh Raina has lauded seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian T20I side after a four-year hiatus, praising his discipline, hard work, and resilience as 'truly inspiring'.
Shreyas Iyer's Explosive Ton vs West Indies Triggers Massive ICC Rankings Jump
India T20 captain Shreyas Iyer on Wednesday climbed to a career-best seventh spot in the latest ICC rankings for the shortest format, while ODI skipper Shubman Gill retained the top position in the 50-over batting list
