Gill would have preferred ODIs before T20Is on New Zealand tour
India captain Shubman Gill says playing the ODIs at the start would have given them the chance to play a full-strength squad to prepare for the World Cup
Conway Out of First ODI vs India After Training Collision
New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the first One-Day International against India after sustaining a head injury during a training session collision with fast bowler Matt Henry.
2nd Unofficial Test: Jaiswal, Rathod Hit Tons As India 'A' Secure Draw Against NZ 'A'
Unofficial Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yash Rathod produced an impressive batting display on the final day to secure a draw for India A against New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test, stitching together an unbeaten 247-run partnership after an early collapse threatened to put the visitors under pressure. Jaiswal finished unbeaten on 155, while Rathod brought up his 11th first-class century, remaining not out on 100 as India A reached 282/2 in their second innings. With the match heading towards an inevitable stalemate, the teams called it a day shortly after Tea, four deliveries after Rathod completed his hundred. The morning began with rain and drizzle that delayed the proceedings, but New Zealand A made the most of the conditions once play resumed. India As overnight position quickly turned precarious as Sai Sudharsan departed in the opening over, caught by Tim Robinson at leg gully off Jarrod McKay. The visitors suffered another setback almost immediately when Brett Randell dismissed Devdutt Padikkal for a first-ball duck, bowling the right-hander with a delivery that moved back in after pitching. With India A reduced to 35/2, Jaiswal took responsibility for rebuilding the innings. The left-hander, who had endured a relatively quiet run of scores coming into the contest and managed only a duck in the first innings, responded with an assured knock that combined patience with calculated aggression. Rathod provided equally valuable support at the other end. Having failed to make an impact in the first innings with just 13 runs, he settled into the innings and gradually accelerated alongside Jaiswal. The duo not only erased New Zealand As 78-run first-innings advantage but also ensured there was no further opportunity for the visitors to threaten a result. New Zealand As bowling resources were already depleted, with Fraser Sheat sidelined by a side strain and Jayden Lennox unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Jaiswal exploited the situation, particularly against the spinners, using his feet effectively and finding the boundary regularly. One of his standout strokes was a slog-swept six off Dean Foxcroft. He also had a brief interruption when a Jarrod McKay bouncer struck his helmet, prompting a concussion assessment before he continued his innings. Jaiswal subsequently brought up his century from 119 deliveries, clearing the ropes with another slog-sweep over the cow corner. The India opener remained in control thereafter, finishing with 15 fours and five sixes. Rathod, meanwhile, reached his half-century from 63 balls and continued to build on the partnership as the pair added 237 runs during the 40 overs between the resumption of play and Tea. Rathod returned after the interval on 95 and needed just four deliveries to complete his century. With India A firmly in control and the surface offering little prospect of a late breakthrough, both teams agreed to end the contest. Earlier, New Zealand A had established a 78-run first-innings lead after posting 424 in response to India As 346. Matthew Boyle led their effort with 110, while Dean Foxcroft contributed 93. Mukesh Kumar claimed five wickets for 87 runs, with Mohammed Siraj picking up four for 118. Dhruv Jurel had earlier anchored Indias first innings with a century of his own, scoring 105. Rathod returned after the interval on 95 and needed just four deliveries to complete his century. With India A firmly in control and the surface offering little prospect of a late breakthrough, both teams agreed to end the contest. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Devon Conway ruled out of upcoming ODI series against India due to collision with pacer in training
In a major blow to NZC (New Zealand Cricket), the board recently came forward and announced that star batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against the Indian team. It...
Indian Premier League 2027: MIs Hardik Pandya set for a swap with PBKSs Arshdeep Singh
Hardik Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians in an all-cash trade from Gujarat Titans ahead of IPL 2024, following a successful two-season stint with the franchise, which he had captained to the title in 2022. His subsequent three seasons as MI captain yielded little success
'Our Top Four Is Set, All Right-handers': Gill Reveals India's Batting Order For NZ ODIs
ODI World Cup: India captain Shubman Gill on Tuesday revealed the team's batting plans for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins in Auckland on Wednesday, stating that the top four are set with all right-handers, which includes him, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Speaking ahead of the series opener, Gill said the team will adopt a flexible approach for No. 5 and No. 6 batters, with two left-handers KL Rahul and Axar Patel sharing responsibilities depending on the match situation. We will have a floating approach for No. 5 and No.6. Our top four is set, all right-handers. So if lefty is needed, Axar bhai goes and depending on match situation even KL bhai can go. So bit flexible, Gill said at the pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI. Gill, who will lead the side in the first three ODIs before being released from the squad to prepare for the two-Test series later this month, also reflected on Hardik Pandya's return, saying the star allrounder would have to play domestic cricket before returning to the India squad. Whenever Hardik bhai comes back, No. 7-8 will also be taken care of. Happy with batting group leading up to the ODI World Cup. He (Hardik) is a great all-rounder. Not many players in the world have his skill set. As a bowler, you can use him in the different facets of the game. He can bowl with the new ball and the old ball. We have had multiple conversations. He is unfortunate with his injuries. He hasn't played since the IPL. Hopefully, he will come back soon. He will play some domestic cricket. And hopefully we will get him back in the Indian team soon, he said. Gill, who suffered a cervical disc bulge and neck spasm that affected his nerves in November 2025 and kept him out of international cricket for nearly a month, dismissed concerns about his neck. No issue... I batted for close to one and a half hours and did my fielding without any trouble too. No issue at all, he added. Gill, who suffered a cervical disc bulge and neck spasm that affected his nerves in November 2025 and kept him out of international cricket for nearly a month, dismissed concerns about his neck. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India A vs New Zealand A, 2nd Unofficial Test Day 4 Highlights: Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal reassured the Indian team management with a fine century after his recent dip in form ahead of the Test series, as India A drew the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A on Tuesday.
The legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been at their menacing best recently in ODIs and it remains to be seen how the New Zealand bowlers can stop them.
Record 8.4 Million Ticket Requests For India-Pakistan World Cup Clash
Organisers have received nearly 8.4 million ticket applications for the India and Pakistan group-stage clash at the 2027 ODI World Cup in Johannesburg, with almost eight million requests for the final.
IND A vs NZ A unofficial Test: Jaiswal roars back to form with unbeaten 155, match drawn
The match ended just after Rathod completed his century, with the left-hander sharing an unbroken 247-run stand with Jaiswal for the third wicket
Conway ruled out of opening ODI after collision with Henry
The opener took a blow to the head and was
Ireland's Rebecca Stokell admits to breaching ICC's anti-doping code
She
'It's Probably A Time...': Maxwell Calls Time On His 14-year International Career (Ld)
T20I World Cup: Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced his retirement from international cricket, calling time on his career that spanned 14 years. The 38-year-old, who retired from ODI cricket in June last year, represented Australia across 149 ODIs, 130 T20Is and 7 Tests, won two ICC Men's Cricket World Cups (2015 and 2023) and one ICC Men's T20 World Cup (2021). We probably had numerous discussions before and after the T20 World Cup, Maxwell said on the Final Word podcast. And it was pretty open-ended. There wasn't any pressure from (Australia team management), and we decided to sort of leave the door open. There was a couple of series that were coming up (in which) they were going to look to the future, and we saw that in Bangladesh with guys getting their opportunity and performing really well. It's probably a time where I need to spend a little bit more time investing in the body to make sure I can get through the remaining couple of tournaments I've got in my career, he said. Maxwell, who last appeared for Australia in their final match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 against Oman, was the oldest player in Australia's disappointing T20I World Cup campaign. The allrounder leaves T20I cricket as Australia's third-highest run scorer (2,897) behind David Warner and Aaron Finch, and as one of just two batters, alongside India's Rohit Sharma, to have scored five T20I centuries. A dynamite with the bat, Maxwell was a powerhouse in the Australian batting order, especially in white-ball cricket. His ODI double hundred, which came in a remarkable chase against Afghanistan in the 2023 CWC, was a testament to the all-rounder's qualities and character. Maxwell scored 3990 runs at a strike rate of 126.7 in ODIs, in addition to his 2897 runs at a strike rate of 154.4 in the shortest format of the game. With ten international hundreds and 136 international wickets to his name, Maxwell is one of Australia's finest all-rounders. One of the turning points of his career was the 2023 ODI World Cup league-stage game with Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With cramps, Maxwell scored an incredible 201 not out off only 128 balls as Australia defeated Afghanistan by three wickets while chasing 292. Maxwell's last Test for Australia was in 2017, with the Australia batsman having played 7 matches. He has largely been confined to limited-overs cricket since and has been significantly more successful in that format. He will continue to play in Big Bash title with the Melbourne Stars, with whom he is contracted until the end of the 2027-28 season. Maxwell most recently turned out for Victoria in a couple of one-day matches but has also called stumps on his List A career. He has not played a first-class match since 2023. Maxwell's last Test for Australia was in 2017, with the Australia batsman having played 7 matches. He has largely been confined to limited-overs cricket since and has been significantly more successful in that format. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Jaiswal Roars Back To Form With Century; Helps India A Draw Against New Zealand A
Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 155, returning to form with a blistering century, as the second unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A ended in a draw on Day 4 in Christchurch. Yash Rathod also scored a hundred, helping India A recover from early wickets.
Glenn Maxwell retires from international cricket after farewell hopes dashed
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, known as 'The Big Show' for his explosive batting, has announced his retirement from international cricket and domestic 50-over and four-day games for Victoria, citing a need to invest more time in his body.
Mohammad Amir Responds To Reports Linking Him With IPL Entry
Mohammad Amir on Monday registered for the Afghanistan Premier League as a British citizen.
Australias Glenn Maxwell calls time on international career
Glenn Maxwell, who had not played a Test since 2017, called time on his one-day career last year but kept the door open for T20s
IND-A vs NZ-A Test: New Zealands gritty lower-order puts the team in front
Replying to India-As first innings score of 346, New Zealand-A, which was reduced to 338 for eight, finished its first innings at 424; the last two wickets added 86 runs to provide the hosts a handy lead
'The Big Show' Signs Off: Glenn Maxwell Retires From International Cricket
Glenn Maxwell, the star Australian all-rounder, announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday
Glenn Maxwell retires from international cricket
The 38-year-old Australian also calls time on his first-class and List A career but remains available for Melbourne Stars in the BBL
Glenn Maxwell Announces Retirement From International Cricket: Report
The Big Show: Australia's explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, bringing the curtain down on a career spanning more than a decade across all three formats. According to ESPNcricinfo, Maxwell, who represented Australia in 286 international matches, scored 7,226 runs and claimed 136 wickets during his career. Nicknamed 'The Big Show', the 38-year-old was a key member of Australia's successful campaigns in the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups and the 2021 T20 World Cup. After making his International debut in an ODI against Afghanistan in 2012, Maxwell went onto become one of the most destructive white-ball batters of his generation, known for his unorthodox stroke-play, power-hitting and how he can change the course of a game. Maxwell is also the joint holder of most T20I centuries five with India's Rohit Sharma. One of the turning points of his career was the 2023 ODI World Cup league-stage game with Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With cramps and his movement, Maxwell scored an incredible 201 not out off only 128 balls as Australia defeated Afghanistan by three wickets while chasing 292. Before Maxwell's miraculous innings, Australia had been 91/7 and seemingly on the brink of defeat in the seventh over. Maxwell's last Test for Australia was in 2017, with the Australia batsman having played 7 matches. He has largely been confined to limited-overs cricket since and has been significantly more successful in that format. He had earlier declared his quit from ODI cricket after the 2025 Champions Trophy, with a parting shot of 3,990 runs in the format. His last T20I was against Oman in February this year. Maxwell's last Test for Australia was in 2017, with the Australia batsman having played 7 matches. He has largely been confined to limited-overs cricket since and has been significantly more successful in that format. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
England's white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum is determined to shape a team capable of challenging for major trophies, with next year's 50-over World Cup firmly on his radar, as he prepares to return to Australia for a three-match ODI series.
ICC Receives 120 Million Ticket Requests For 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup
2.8 million unique fans from 193 countries have registered for the opportunity to purchase tickets for the 14th edition of ODI cricket's showpiece event, according to ICC Media release.
India A vs New Zealand A Live Score, 2nd Unofficial Test Day 4 Live Updates
India A vs New Zealand A Live Score, 2nd Unofficial Test Day 4 Live Updates: India A's bowlers were made to work hard for their wickets as New Zealand A's lower order turned the contest around on Day...
Australian allrounder Glenn Maxwell announces retirement from international cricket
Australian allrounder Glenn Maxwell on Monday announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to his over a decade-long career. Known for his aggressive style of play, the 38-year-old had represented Australia across all three...
McCullum Eyes World Cup Glory, Says England Want To Play 'high-octane, Robust' Cricket
Western Australia XI: England's white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum is determined to shape a team capable of challenging for major trophies, with next year's 50-over World Cup firmly on his radar, as he prepares to return to Australia for a three-match ODI series. McCullum, who was sacked as England's Test head coach midway through the English summer following a disappointing Ashes campaign last winter, said his focus was now firmly on improving the white-ball sides and building towards the World Cup. You can't really go back on the four years that you've had. You're just grateful for the opportunity that you got. With 12 months to go into a World Cup, it's a great opportunity to zero in and laser your focus on exactly where you think the areas are that you can get some improvement into these guys. And winning a World Cup would be amazing, but we know we're going to have to get better between now and then, McCullum said. England will begin their three-match ODI series against Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium on November 13, returning to the venue where their disastrous Ashes campaign began with a two-day defeat in the opening Test last year. However, McCullum insisted that his attention was firmly on the challenges ahead, describing the Australian tour as an opportunity for his inexperienced squad to test its methods and continue developing in the build-up to the World Cup. Firstly, it's nice to be back. An Australia tour is always a great tour. The cricket's always pretty competitive. We'll play at some great stadiums, against a good side, and continue to test our methods, towards the one-day World Cup. We know we need to keep getting better, but we've been presented with some good opportunities, and this will be one of those the next couple of weeks, he said. McCullum also outlined the aggressive approach he wants England to adopt, stressing that the demands of their playing style would require a greater emphasis on fitness and preparation. We want to play a high-octane, robust style of play, which demands fitness elements to it. So for us, this is a great opportunity to have a little fitness block in and around the demand of this series, he added. England will also play a 50-over warm-up against a Western Australia XI at the WACA on November 7 as part of their preparations for the series. The former New Zealand captain acknowledged the challenge of adjusting to the pace and bounce of the Optus Stadium surface, describing it as having a 'trampoline bounce', but preferred to focus on the broader preparation for the tour. England head into the Australia series after a disappointing campaign in the Pakistan tri-series, where they finished at the bottom of the standings after losing three of their four matches, missing out on the final. Despite the disappointment, McCullum felt the experience would benefit a relatively inexperienced squad as it continues to build towards next year's global event. Yeah, it was disappointing. Obviously, it was great to play in the tri-series. With the view towards the World Cup, the ability to be able to bounce between games, and different tactics, and different oppositions was good. We obviously didn't quite achieve what we wanted to, but we played some really good cricket and learned some great lessons. They should hold you in good stead in 12 months, he said. We've got a pretty inexperienced team. These guys haven't played a lot of one-day cricket, so any opportunity to get experience and education, and those pressure moments, so that you can start to just understand a little bit better, it's going to be good. England have won 11 and lost 11 of their last 22 ODIs since Harry Brook replaced Jos Buttler as captain, highlighting the work still required to establish consistency in the format. McCullum, meanwhile, was reluctant to revisit England's Ashes disappointment, acknowledging that opportunities had been missed but insisting that his priorities had shifted. I like to focus on what's coming and I think this is a very different side. This is a different form of the game. The Test stuff, I had a great time while I was there, but my focus is very much on trying to make this cricket team the very best team that we can be, and to challenge seriously for trophies, he said. Reflecting on his four-year stint with the Test team, McCullum described it as one of the most rewarding experiences of his cricketing career and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to now help shape England's white-ball future. I loved the four years that I had with the Test team. It was one of the greatest experiences I've had in the game and I'm forever grateful for the chance. But the good thing is, I get the opportunity to try, alongside Brookie (Harry Brook) and some key people, to help shape the one-day side and the T20 side moving forward. And that's very much where my focus is, he added. Reflecting on his four-year stint with the Test team, McCullum described it as one of the most rewarding experiences of his cricketing career and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to now help shape England's white-ball future. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
McCullum puts focus on ODI preparation as England return to scene of Ashes calamity
Head coach wants to use build-up to first ODI at Optus Stadium to focus on squad's fitness
Bowled Through The Gate: Mohammed Shami Cleans Up Prithvi Shaw In Ranji Trophy Faceoff
Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami got the better of Prithvi Shaw in Bengal's match against Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy.
Whenever A Team Comes Out, I Have Expectations, Says Sarfaraz Khan On India A Snub
Sarfaraz Khan: Overlooked for the India A tour of New Zealand, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan has admitted he had hoped for a call-up, but said he would keep scoring runs in domestic cricket and leave selection to the selectors. Sarfaraz, who last played for India nearly two years ago against New Zealand in the 2024 Test at the Wankhede Stadium, made 55 on day one of Mumbais Ranji Trophy match against Railways at the Brabourne Stadium on Monday. Obviously. Whenever a team comes out, I have expectations. But its okay. Its in their (selectors) hands whether to select me or not. My job is to play cricket, Sarfaraz told reporters in a post-day chat. Sarfaraz was recalled to the Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka in August as a replacement for the injured Sai Sudharsan, but did not get a game. It was in that dressing room, he said, that he learnt how the selectors viewed him. The selectors didnt say it to me directly, but when I went to the Indian team recently, I heard that they are looking at me more for Indian conditions, he said. Sarfaraz questioned that thinking, pointing to his record overseas. But still I have a question, that when I went to (South) Africa, I scored runs (for India A). When I went to England, I scored. So sometimes when you make a comeback and you get a rank turner in India, suddenly you cant perform very well on a difficult wicket after scoring in domestic cricket. Or if you do, then 30-40-50 runs are enough on it. But it is not that I have not scored runs outside (India). I have scored outside too. So its okay. Ye unka nazariya hai (This is the selectors perspective). My job is to play cricket. And I will play. The numbers back him up. In seven first-class matches for India A in overseas conditions, Sarfaraz has scored 300 runs at an average of exactly 50, with three half-centuries. Those games came in South Africa in 2021 and 2023, Bangladesh in 2022 and England in May 2025. After his Test team recall, Sarfaraz was then named vice-captain of the Rest of India side for the Irani Cup against Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir a month ago, scoring 45 and 0. Back in the Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz has scores of 1, 154, 40 and 55 this season, at an average of 62.50. But more than a decade after his Ranji debut in 2014, he said starting over every season had not been easy. Its very difficult to score runs every season. I think I am still doing the same thing that I did with my father in the beginning. Its the same thing. I dont take off in the off-season, and I practice and keep batting. I dont know how many runs I am going to make. But when I came to Ranji Trophy 10-11 years ago, I worked hard the same way. I have the same routine. Everyone knows If you want to meet Sarfaraz Khan, you dont have to go to his house, you can meet him at Azad Maidan or Cross Maidan at 6 in the morning. Its very difficult to restart every year, come every year and work hard. Sometimes you get success, sometimes you dont. But this is my job, I can't do anything, he added. Having already realised his dream of an India cap in 2024, Sarfaraz said his father Naushad Khan remains his biggest source of motivation. So many things have happened. I am not thinking much. I wake up every morning and ask myself the same question, why should I work harder? I have played for India, but I wake up at 5 in the morning and go (to train). I can play for Ranji Trophy with normal hard work. Im still scoring 30, 40, 50, 100. So sometimes I get these questions in my head. But its okay. When I see that my father is working hard, he is sweating it out, then its okay. I will go and score for him. It motivates me to wake up every morning. Everyone knows that I dont have (any other) support in my life. If I have support, its only from my father. No one has supported me in my life. But its okay. I worked hard; I fulfilled my fathers dream (by playing for India). Its not easy to play for India, especially in this generation. And its not like I scored once or twice and played for India. I scored 300, 200, 250 (in domestic cricket) and worked hard and played for India. Motivation is to play cricket, thats it. Wherever I get a chance, I will play cricket. When its off-season, I dont like to sit at home. I think Im made for cricket. Wherever I get an opportunity (If) Ranji Trophy, Mushtaq Ali, Vijay Hazare, IPL, Indian team calls me, I will go. If India A calls me, I will go. I want to play cricket, he elaborated. After being dropped from the Test side in 2024, Sarfaraz went on a strict diet and exercise regime last year and brought his weight down from 97 kg to 77 kg. Pictures of the transformation went viral on social media, though Sarfaraz said nobody in the India or Mumbai set-ups had asked him to slim down. No one told me that I have to lose weight. But whatever I heard on social media, or from someone, that maybe I should lose weight. So I did it. Because whatever I hear, that I should work on something, I am doing that in my life. I cant do anything more than that. In reality, I was overweight. There is no doubt about that. After being dropped from the Test side in 2024, Sarfaraz went on a strict diet and exercise regime last year and brought his weight down from 97 kg to 77 kg. Pictures of the transformation went viral on social media, though Sarfaraz said nobody in the India or Mumbai set-ups had asked him to slim down. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pradoshs sweeping success against Chandigarh
Rohit Sharma On Cusp Of 5 Massive Milestones In India vs New Zealand ODI Series
Rohit Sharma will have plenty of records to break and milestones to climb as India awaits the New Zealand challenge in a high-octane five-match ODI series.
BCCI Extends IPL 2027 Retention Deadline To November 17 Due To India-NZ Fifth ODI Clash
Lucknow Super Giants: The BCCI has given all ten IPL franchises two more days to submit their retention lists, as they moved the deadline to November 17. The 2027 IPL player auction will go ahead as planned on December 16 in Goa. IANS understands that the BCCI informed all ten franchises of the two-day extension in an official communication on Monday. The original retention deadline of November 15 clashed with the fifth and final ODI between India and New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. It is understood that the clash with the mens ODI match would have affected the retention announcement and its subsequent coverage, and that prompted the board to move the deadline to November 17. The player registration for the IPL 2027 auction opened on Monday and will end on November 23. It gives players worldwide three weeks to put their names forward for the auction. The entire process, from the opening of registration to the auction, will run for a little over six weeks. Interestingly, the auction day also clashes with an international fixture India will host Sri Lanka in the second mens ODI at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. As of now, theres no sign of moving the auction date, or changing the date on which the ODI game in Bengaluru will happen. The remaining steps follow in quick succession - once registration closes, the auction register will be finalised on November 24. Teams will have time until November 27, to put in requests for additional players, and allow them to ask for names not on the initial register to be added to the pool. Franchises must submit their player auction lists by December 1. The final auction list, along with the sets in which players will go under the hammer, is scheduled to be unveiled on December 3. That leaves a gap of nearly two weeks between the release of the final player list and the auction itself on December 16 for teams to work out their respective strategies. Two trades have been completed so far ahead of the 2027 IPL mini auction. Delhi Capitals (DC) brought back their former captain, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav moving to Lucknow. DC also sent left-arm fast bowler T Natarajan back to 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in exchange for leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari. The dates for the 2027 IPL season are yet to be confirmed. When the IPL announced the windows for three seasons in 2024, it earmarked March 14 to May 30 as the time to host the 2027 season. In September, after the BCCIs annual general meeting (AGM), board secretary Devajit Saikia indicated the tournament could get under way around the end of March. Delhi Capitals (DC) brought back their former captain, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), with left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav moving to Lucknow. DC also sent left-arm fast bowler T Natarajan back to 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in exchange for leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pradoshs unbeaten century powers TN
Siraj excited to operate in helpful conditions
The pacer says he wants to keep working hard and win matches for the country
Gujarat Govt Awards Over Rs 9.27 Crore To 18 Asian Games, Para Asian Games Athletes
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi: The Gujarat government on Monday announced cash awards totalling more than Rs 9.27 crore for 18 athletes who represented India at the Asian Games and Para Asian Games, with para-athletes among the biggest beneficiaries. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi presented the awards to medal winners and participating athletes at a felicitation ceremony in Gandhinagar, recognising their performances at international sporting events. Among the recipients, para-athlete Anjanaben Rohitbhai Bumbadiya received Rs two crore for winning a gold medal at the Para Asian Games. Nimisha C.S. was awarded Rs one crore for her silver medal in long jump, while Tejalben Damor received a total of Rs 1.5 crore for winning silver and bronze medals. Rakeshbhai Bhatt was awarded Rs one crore for winning two bronze medals in the 100-metre and 200-metre races. In para table tennis, Bhavinaben Patel received Rs 75 lakh for winning two bronze medals, while Sonalben Patel was awarded Rs 50 lakh for a bronze medal. Manush Shah, who won a bronze medal in table tennis, received Rs 25 lakh. The Indian men's cricket team players Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel were each awarded Rs 66 lakh, while women's team cricketer Radha Yadav also received Rs 66 lakh. The government also extended financial assistance to athletes who participated in various sporting events. Manav Thakkar received Rs 5 lakh, Harmeet Desai Rs 2.5 lakh, Aryan Nehra Rs 5 lakh, Ankita Raina Rs 2.5 lakh, Aniket Patel Rs 2.5 lakh, Mitwa Chaudhary Rs 5 lakh, Bhavikkumar Bharwad Rs 5 lakh and Vishnu Vaghela Rs 1.65 lakh. Speaking at the ceremony, Sanghavi said: Gujarat's young athletes have made the country proud through their determination and hard work on the international stage. Their achievements will inspire future generations and strengthen India's commitment to sports. The state government is committed to providing athletes with the best training, facilities and support. The government said the incentive amounts for athletes who could not attend the ceremony because of sporting commitments or other reasons would be transferred directly to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Speaking at the ceremony, Sanghavi said: Gujarat's young athletes have made the country proud through their determination and hard work on the international stage. Their achievements will inspire future generations and strengthen India's commitment to sports. The state government is committed to providing athletes with the best training, facilities and support. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Sarfaraz Khan: 'Everyday I ask myself why I should work harder'
The Mumbai batter last played for India two years ago but remains unfazed, as he still churns out runs in the domestic circuit
Paliwal takes inspiration from Dogras journey
IPL 2027 Retention Deadline Extended, Report Claims New Date
The IPL 2027 auction, which will be held in Goa on December 16, will reportedly see an extension of its retention deadline
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir continues to face criticism over his decision to drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the 4th and 5th T20Is against New Zealand.
Ranji Trophy: Services stages recovery via Paliwals unbeaten ton
Sarfaraz Khan: The only person who supported me was my father, nobody else
Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Ritesh and Shikhar do it for Karnataka
The visitor bowls out Assam for 135 before reaching 180 for two
Ranji Trophy: Late strikes help Railways keep Mumbai in check on day one
The home team claims three wickets in the final session to reduce the heavyweight to 247 for six at close; Raghuvanshi and Safrfaraz score half-centuries
Harsh Dubeys nine-wicket haul helps Vidarbha spin out Madhya Pradesh for 209
Ranji Trophy: Bengal batters come a cropper on a truncated opening day
The host is skittled out for 143 as Maharashtra bowlers Dadhe, Sanghavi, Hangargekar and Veer hit the right areas to strike consistently; Shami impresses with a late burst
Sivaramakrishnan Appointed Spin Bowling Coach At Assam Cricket Association Academy
Assam Cricket Association: Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has been appointed as the spin bowling coach at the Assam Cricket Associations (ACA) cricket academy on a one-year contract starting this month. Sivaramakrishnan, who made a name for himself with big, looping leg-breaks, googlies and top-spinners, will work with young and promising spinners at the ACA Cricket Academy in Fulung, North Guwahati, where he will run a structured coaching programme, the association said in a statement on Monday, issued by its secretary, Sanatan Das. The appointment gives the academys spinners the chance to learn the craft of leg-spin from one of its best-known Indian exponents. Chennai-based Sivaramakrishnan enjoyed a successful career in both Test and ODI cricket for India. He was instrumental in the teams successful run at the Benson & Hedges World Championship of Cricket, held in Australia in 1985. He made his international debut as a teenager and went on to play nine Tests and 16 ODIs, taking 26 and 15 wickets respectively. His best Test figures of 6-64 came against England in Mumbai in 1984. After his playing days, he became a prominent commentator, known for his insights on spin bowling and the game. The former leg-spinner also served as a player representative on the ICC Cricket Committee. Sivaramakrishnan, 60, has already visited the academy - on October 18, he took a session at the ACA Cricket Academy on the finer nuances of leg-spin bowling. The appointment comes after the 60-year-old publicly expressed his interest in joining IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a coach. In a post on X addressed to LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, he offered his services and said he was confident he could make a difference to the franchises spin attack. The former leg-spinner also served as a player representative on the ICC Cricket Committee. Sivaramakrishnan, 60, has already visited the academy - on October 18, he took a session at the ACA Cricket Academy on the finer nuances of leg-spin bowling. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Railways Stage Dramatic Fightback Vs Mumbai
Railways staged a strong comeback on Day One of their Ranji Trophy Group D clash against Mumbai, taking three quick wickets late in the day to leave Mumbai at 247/6 at stumps. Mumbai had built a strong foundation with Angkrish Raghuvanshi scoring 78 and Sarfaraz Khan adding 55, but Himanshu Sangwan and Adarsh Singh led the Railways' fightback.
Ranji Trophy: Dubey Picks Nine Scalps As Vidarbha Bowl Out Madhya Pradesh For 209
For Central Zone: Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey rewrote the Vidarbha record books on Monday by claiming 9-53 to bowl out Madhya Pradesh for 209 on an eventful opening day of their Ranji Trophy match at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha. Dubey became the first bowler from Vidarbha to claim a nine-wicket haul in an innings of the Ranji Trophy. The previous best figures for the side was Arun Ogirals 8-39 in 1967-68, which ironically came against Madhya Pradesh. Dubey is now the 30th bowler overall to take nine or more wickets in an innings in the Ranji Trophy. It was Vidarbha all-rounder Nachiket Bhute, though, who made the first breakthrough by removing opener Yash Dubey. From there onwards, the innings belonged to Harsh. He opened his account in the 17th over and kept chipping away, leaving Madhya Pradesh at 64/5 in the 29th over. Atharva Mahajan and Saransh Jain resisted with a 72-run stand. It lasted nearly 18 overs before Dubey returned to break it, and the lower order did not survive long after that. The last nine-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy came from Gujarats left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai, who took 9-36 against Uttarakhand in 2024-25. Mondays spell adds to a big year for Dubey, who made his ODI debut against Afghanistan in June and took four wickets in two matches. He then toured Sri Lanka with India A, taking three wickets and scoring 59 runs across two innings. For Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy, he took eight wickets and made 27 and 24 against East Zone. He has carried that form into the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, with 23 wickets in seven innings so far. Elsewhere, Karnatakas Ritesh Bhatkal (5-35) and Shikhar Shetty (5-53) shared 10 wickets to bowl Assam out for 135 inside 49 overs in Guwahati. Rohan Patil then hit 89 off 87 balls, with 13 fours and a six, and added 129 for the opening wicket with Mayank Agarwal, who was unbeaten on 57, as Karnataka got a 45-run lead. In Dharamsala, 20 wickets fell on the opening day. Rajasthan chose to bat and were shot out for 78, with Abhishek Kumar taking five wickets for Himachal Pradesh. Sahil Dhiwan replied with a five-wicket haul for Rajasthan, but Himachal still made 153 for a lead of 75. Mayank Mishra took 6-57 as Uttarakhand bowled out Haryana for 153 after they elected to bat. In Chandigarh, Pradosh Ranjan Pauls unbeaten 138 powered Tamil Nadu to 320/4 against the hosts. N Jagadeesan (52) and Baba Indrajith (51) also scored fifties. Punjab recovered from 71/5 to reach 276/5 against Andhra, thanks to an unbroken 205-run stand for the sixth wicket between Salil Arora (111 not out) and Sanvir Singh (100 not out). In Ahmedabad, Aarya Desai fell five short of a century as Gujarat crossed 300 against Kerala. He added 116 with Abhishek Desai, and after Gujarat slipped to 182/4, Urvil Patel (63 not out) and Vishal Jayswal (50 not out) put on an unbeaten 111-run stand. Opener Dhruv Patel made 124 to lift Baroda to 269/6 in Kanpur. He added 88 with Shashwat Rawat (47) and 108 with Mitesh Patel (49) after Baroda were 54/2. His dismissal set off a late wobble, with three wickets falling on 249 in four deliveries across two overs. Services captain Rajat Paliwal came in at number five with his side at 27/3 and made an unbeaten 111 to take them to 266 in 88 overs against Delhi at Palam. Snehal Kauthankars unbeaten 116 rescued Goa from 54/4 after they chose to bat against Bihar at home, as they ended day one at 288/6 in 87 overs. At the CCI in Mumbai, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (78) and Sarfaraz Khan (55) struck half-centuries and captain Siddesh Lad made 47 as Mumbai reached 247/6 in 83 overs after being put in by Railways. Sridam Pauls 86 led Tripuras fightback against Saurashtra as the hosts reached 219/7 at stumps at the MBB Stadium. Put in to bat after Saurashtra won the toss, Tripura slumped to 28/5 inside 19 overs. Paul then added 125 for the sixth wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Sentu Sarkar, who made 46. Manisankar Murasingh (33) and Bikram Debnath (32) were unbeaten at the close, after Tripura had batted 74.3 overs. Parth Bhut was the pick of the Saurashtra bowlers with 3-52 in 19 overs, including two maidens. Chetan Sakariya took two wickets, while Yuvraj Dodiya and Sammar Gajjar claimed one each. Sridam Pauls 86 led Tripuras fightback against Saurashtra as the hosts reached 219/7 at stumps at the MBB Stadium. Put in to bat after Saurashtra won the toss, Tripura slumped to 28/5 inside 19 overs. Paul then added 125 for the sixth wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Sentu Sarkar, who made 46. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India Face Resurgent New Zealand After T20I Setback
A clean sweep in New Zealand would have been a significant statement. Now, India's ODI team will have to deliver that statement, points out K R Nayar.
IPL 2027 retention deadline moved to November 17
The retention deadline was earlier supposed to be on November 15
Ireland Batter Rebecca Stokell Accepts Voluntary Suspension Over Anti-doping Breach
The International Cricket Council: Ireland womens batter Rebecca Stokell has accepted a voluntary suspension after admitting to an anti-doping rule violation linked to her use of prescription medication. Rebecca is now awaiting the outcome of an International Cricket Council (ICC) investigation. Rebecca has accepted responsibility for an inadvertent breach of the reporting requirements around the use of prescription medication. While the breach was unintentional and the substance has been acknowledged as non-performance enhancing, she has admitted that she did not comply with the regulations and accepts that she is likely to be suspended from the game. The sample was collected during an in-competition test on June 23, and her suspension has been in effect since October 23. Any sanction will be decided once the ICCs disciplinary process has run its course. The International Cricket Council has announced that Ireland batter Rebecca Stokell has been notified of an alleged anti-doping rule violation after a sample she provided during an in-competition test on 23 June 2026 returned an adverse finding for a Specified Substance. Following receipt of the notification, Ms Stokell has admitted the violation (which arose from her use of prescription medication) and accepted a voluntary suspension effective 23 October 2026 pending the outcome of the disciplinary process. The ICC will not make any further comment until the matter is finally resolved, said the ICC in a statement on Monday. On her part, Rebecca, who has played 29 ODIs and 80 T20Is, said she had accepted her error and hoped to return soon. I fully accept my mistake and have voluntarily entered into a period of suspension ahead of the findings being returned. While this was not performance related in any way, I understand that I am responsible for following the Anti-Doping Guidelines and I hope that I can be back playing for Ireland as soon as possible, she said in a statement by Cricket Ireland. Cricket Ireland said it has stood by Rebecca, but said the case carried a message for the rest of its squad. While we feel very sorry for Rebecca and have provided the level of support appropriate in these circumstances, this incident does serve as a reminder to all our international players that the Anti-Doping Rules are in place to protect both the sport and the athletes themselves. While this was not performance related in any way, I understand that I am responsible for following the Anti-Doping Guidelines and I hope that I can be back playing for Ireland as soon as possible, she said in a statement by Cricket Ireland. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Urvil and Vishal boost Gujarat
The two carry the host to 300 for five as Kerala squanders advantage on the opening day
'Only for Home Tests?' Sarfaraz Khan Opens Up on India Snub
Middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan has claimed that the Indian team is considering him only for Test matches played at home, despite his strong performances in intra-squad matches abroad. He expressed perplexity over his non-inclusion in away tour squads.
Delhi's Chaudhary Stars With 4 Wickets in Ranji Clash Vs Services
Young left-arm spinner Aman Chaudhary took four wickets for Delhi, helping them bowl out Services for 266 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy match, despite a valiant unbeaten century from Services skipper Rajat Paliwal. Elsewhere, Mohammed Shami made an impact for Bengal, Gujarat posted a strong total against Kerala, and Jharkhand struggled against Odisha.
Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Anuj and Vikalp hold strong after Hyderabad strikes early
The Chhattisgarh duos 93-run partnership puts the team in control after Milind & Co. have the side reeling at 94 for four; the opener gets two reprieves in his 133-ball 72
South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince and player Kyle Verreynne have been handed official reprimands for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on the third day of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town.
Harshit Rana picked in India A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup
Tilak Varma leads a star-studded 50-over squad which includes Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Just 11 ODIs Between Them! India's Bowling Gamble In NZ
The Indian cricket team faces a significant challenge in their upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with a largely inexperienced bowling attack featuring Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi, and Yash Thakur, who collectively have played only 11 ODIs.
India Unleash Abhishek, Sooryavanshi for Rising Stars Asia Cup
India A has announced a 15-member squad for the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, featuring Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Tilak Varma will captain the side, with Rajat Patidar as his deputy. The tournament runs from November 19 to 29, with India A placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal, and UAE.
Spinner Harsh Dubey's sensational spell of nine for 53 headlined a dramatic opening day as 14 wickets fell in the Elite Group A Ranji Trophy clash between Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha, with the hosts struggling at 56 for four after bowling out the visitors for 209.
Ranji Trophy: Vidarbha's Dubey Shreds MP With Nine-Wicket Haul
Spinner Harsh Dubey delivered a sensational spell of nine for 53, headlining a dramatic opening day in the Elite Group A Ranji Trophy clash between Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha in Nagpur. Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 209, with Atharva Mahajan scoring 85. In response, Vidarbha struggled, ending the day at 56 for four, trailing by 153 runs, as Kumar Kartikeya picked up three wickets for Madhya Pradesh.
Wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil To Lead Afghanistan A In 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup
Rising Stars Asia Cup: Wicketkeeper-batter Ikram Alikhil will lead Afghanistan A at the Rising Stars Asia Cup, with the Afghanistan Cricket Boards (ACB) national selection committee naming a 15-member squad, along with three reserve players. The tournament will be played in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29. Alikhil, who has played three Tests and 33 ODIs, leads a side that features several notable names like Ijaz Ahmadzai, AM Ghazanfar, Darwish Rasooli, Hassan Eisakhil, Qais Ahmad, Bilal Sami and Qais Ahmad. Fast bowler Sami was recently a part of the ODI tri-series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. The selectors have turned to Ahmadzai, who has shown plenty of promise in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe. He made the cut on the back of successive half-centuries in the first two matches. With Alikhil set to be primary wicketkeeper while leading the side, Mohammad Ishaq has been picked as the second wicketkeeper in the squad. Afghanistan A have been placed in Pool A along with Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A and Hong Kong, China. The other group comprises India A, Pakistan A, the UAE and Nepal. Top two sides from each group will progress to the semi-finals. In last years edition, Afghanistan didnt enter the knockouts after finishing third in Group A. Afghanistan A will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka A on November 19, the opening day of the tournament, before taking on Bangladesh A on November 21. They will then round off their group-stage commitments against Hong Kong, China on November 23. The semi-finals will be played on November 26 and 27, with the final scheduled for Sunday, November 29. All the matches, including the knockout games, will be held in Doha. Besides the main squad, the selectors have named three reserves in Abdullah Tarakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Izharulhaq Naveed, who will be on standby for the tournament. Afghanistan A squad: Ikram Alikhil (captain & wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Hassan Eisakhil, Imran Mir, Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, Darwish Rasooli, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Baheer Shah Mahbooob, Farmanullah Safi, Qais Ahmad, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil, AM Ghazanfar, Bilal Sami, Bashir Ahmad, and Naveed Zadran. The semi-finals will be played on November 26 and 27, with the final scheduled for Sunday, November 29. All the matches, including the knockout games, will be held in Doha. Besides the main squad, the selectors have named three reserves in Abdullah Tarakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Izharulhaq Naveed, who will be on standby for the tournament. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 announced, Tilak Varma named captain
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) came forward and announced India As squad for the upcoming edition of the ACC Mens Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026. The tournament will be held in...
Tilak to lead India A in 2026 Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, Patidar named vice-captain
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma will captain India A at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Mens Rising Stars Asia Cup with two-time IPL winning skipper Rajat Patidar named as his deputy in the 15-member squad picked by the mens selection committee. The tournament will run from November 19 to 29 in Doha, Qatar. Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra are the two wicketkeepers in a squad that also includes Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rinku Singh, Prince Yadav, Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed and Harsh Dubey. Seam-bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana, who has been recovering from a rectus femoris strain while bowling during a match simulation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on September 7, after initially reporting there for hamstring injury rehab, has been named in the squad. Other members who complete the squad include Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam, and Arshad Khan. It also means that the aforementioned players will miss a large part of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for their respective states. The squad for the upcoming tournament marks a sweeping change from the 2025 India A side who took part in the previous edition of the competition in Doha. Tilak and Patidar take over the leadership duties from Jitesh Sharma and Naman Dhir, who were captain and vice-captain last year. Sooryavanshi, Shedge, and Dubey are the only retained from the 2025 squad, while the omissions are Jitesh, Dhir, Priyansh Arya, Abishek Porel, Ashutosh Sharma, Nehal Wadhera, Ramandeep Singh, Suyash Sharma, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Yash Thakur and Vijaykumar Vyshak. India A have been drawn in Group B with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal and Pakistan A. Group A features Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China. India A will open their campaign against Nepal on November 20, at the West End Park International Stadium. They will take on Pakistan A at the same venue on November 22, before ending the group stage against the UAE at the University of Doha for Science and Technology on November 24. Top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, to be played on November 26 and 27 respectively. The final is scheduled to be played on November 29. India A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Tilak Varma (captain), Rajat Patidar (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, and Arshad Khan
Surprised Kuldeep Yadav Didnt Get To Play In Five T20Is Against NZ, Says Venkatapathy Raju
Surprised Kuldeep Yadav: Former India left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju said he was surprised that wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav did not get a game in the recently concluded five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which the visitors won 3-2, and urged the team management to give him more game time ahead of next years ODI World Cup. India has played 35 matches in SENA countries in the last 24 months under the current team management, and Kuldeep has featured in only three games. Its surprising. We are all former cricketers who sit here. We do commentary and then we have our own interactions. When you take Kuldeep, why are you not making him play? We all know wrist spinners are such an asset in white-ball cricket, right? And then, when you have him in all three formats and sitting on the bench, its quite surprising. Or you allow him to go play domestic cricket. Because any spinner might be wrist, left-arm, whatever the more matches they play, the more control they have. Because now we are already seeing New Zealand team batters, or any batter who is playing against India, they just attack nowadays because now we dont have the variations. The skill is there, but the variations are lacking in the present set-up. Thats why I think Kuldeep has to be given more and more chances. Because we are trying with different medium-fast bowlers. But then, I think they are lacking that experience. So, I think if you pick Kuldeep, he should be playing. We might lose a couple of matches. But then, bowling in those tight situations in international games, he can be one of those guys who can adjust. Because he is hardly playing any domestic cricket and then he is hardly playing any international cricket. So, for me, as a spinner, I feel very surprised that he has not been put in and did not to find a game in five T20s, especially after the series was won, Raju told IANS in a select virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network, ahead of the India-New Zealand ODI series starting on Wednesday. Taking note of head coach Gauta Gambhirs remark that he was not there to please everyone, Raju felt the team management was not being asked to please anyone, but to make full use of its match-winners. Raju, who has also served as a national selector, questioned why Kuldeep continued to be picked across formats without getting any game time. Even now, sometimes we feel really surprised. Why is Kuldeep there in the team? We all know he is such a brilliant bowler, and he hardly gets to play. But they pick him in all three formats T20s, 50s and Test matches. But then, he hardly plays, because the wrist spinner plays a very important role. We all know that, right? Then he has to be playing more games to be match-fit. So, experience-wise, we dont have to bother about (Virat) Kohli or Rohit (Sharma) as long as they are fit enough, they are always an asset for a team. Raju further stated the lack of quality spin-bowling have cost India in pursuit of defending totals, even as the side chased well in the T20Is in New Zealand. The only concern for me is the all-rounders, again because what we have seen in T20s in New Zealand, we were very good chasers. But of late, we have not been able to restrict, right? We are not able to restrict teams when we put a total on board. We are not able to restrict that because of the lack of good-quality spinners. Asked about Axar Patel, who was expensive for much of the T20I series, Raju said the all-rounder needed to rediscover his variations and lacked having a wicket-taking partner at the other end. Axar has been there for a long time. He has been the main all-rounder for us. But then, T20s you cant say much about T20s. But in 50 overs, it is that extra overs where you have to bowl. So, he is a very big asset. But of late, those variations are missing a bit from his bowling. The moment he sorts that out quickly (is important) because we all know about his fielding, and capability with the bat. But then, of late, we dont have those spin twins like Chahal or Kuldeep. When they were there, they were match-winners on their own, right? But now, Axar doesnt have much support. When we add Ashwin or somebody else, their combination was brilliant, like Jadeja and Ashwin. I think Axar also needs a wicket-taking bowler in between, which we are lacking in. He also knows that he is a very important and key player in any set-up, whether he is playing Test matches, 50 overs or T20 games. He is a very crucial figure, because we are going for all-rounders. Then, there are a lot of guys who are injured, somebody like Washington Sundar and all. Most of them are on the injury list. So, Axar has to pull up his socks and take that responsibility, he elaborated. With Ravindra Jadeja not picked in the ODI side since the series against the West Indies, Raju said it appeared India had moved on from him. It looks like, because we have Axar Patel. If you see the similarities between Jadeja and Axar, right? Both are brilliant fielders. Both of them can contribute with the bat. But then, the bowling part slowly, we are seeing little of that rushness in Axars bowling, right? So, again, if you see the 2011 World Cup, you had Sachin Tendulkar, right? Then players like Laxman and all these guys were already turning into 30s 38, 39. So, I think they made a brilliant call by having one or two experienced players and then there were a lot of young guys who had the experience of playing more than 75 ODI games. So, I think now the time has come where you have to really, really find those people who are going to play find those players who play more games. Raju also said the experience of batting stalwarts Rohit and Kohli was not a concern, and the two should play as many matches as possible before the ODI World Cup takes place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21, 2027. Because if you see, we never had many all-rounders in T20s, and there was not much experience in this bowling line-up. But, like, we are talking about the World Cup coming in then, mostly, people will talk about Virat and Rohit, right? Like, we need a lot of experience when you play outside India and these guys have been there. They play only one format nowadays. So, probably they should be playing as many matches as possible till the World Cup comes in. For Rohit and Kohli, we dont have to talk much, because they both have been there for such a long time. They both have been match-winners. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj are in Indias Test squad and will be released for the last two ODIs for the two-game series preparations. It will put more of the load on Rohit, Kohli and those who have played less ODI cricket to win the last two matches. India lost ODI series in England this year and to Australia last year, and their last ODI series win in New Zealand came in 2018/19. Raju said Indias pace resources had been hit by injuries at a time when rival teams were fielding tall, hit-the-deck bowlers. If you see all the white-ball playing nations nowadays - like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand they are all having very tall bowlers and hit-the-deck bowlers. Where are we lacking in that? Because most of the guys who had that ability are on the injury list. So, the most important thing is how you adapt to them. See, we are bound to lose a couple of matches. But then, before the World Cup, if you can get your things and combination right because here we are lacking in spin, fast bowlers also and those all-rounders who are getting injured. So, its not only the batting - I think bowling is going to be our main concern. So, you might lose a couple of bilateral series. But probably, I think the selectors and the (team) management, I think they have to find a combination. Then, try to see that you take care of them before the World Cup. So, the most important thing is how you adapt to them. See, we are bound to lose a couple of matches. But then, before the World Cup, if you can get your things and combination right because here we are lacking in spin, fast bowlers also and those all-rounders who are getting injured. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Two Five-Wicket Hauls, Two Fifties Put Karnataka in Command
Rohan Patil and Mayank Agarwal scored contrasting half-centuries, building a crucial 129-run partnership, after Karnataka's bowlers dismantled Assam's batting line-up, giving their team a commanding lead on day one of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match.
Ranji Trophy: Salil and Sanvirbail Punjab out on the opening day
The two add 205 for the unbroken sixth wicket to take the home side to 276 for five after Andhra pacers Raju and Sai Teja wreak havoc in the first session
Former India cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth is not totally impressed with Tilak Varma, amid Mumbai Indians' captaincy conundrum.
Rishabh Pant To Undergo Another Fitness Test Before New Zealand Series After Failing One
Captain Dhruv Jurel: India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant will have the chance to prove his fitness once more as the batter is set to undertake another test before he can leave for New Zealand ahead of the Test series. Pant suffered a side strain during the Irani Cup match while leading Rest of India and Jammu and Kashmir. He has been at the BCCI CoE for around 10 days and failed a fitness test on Sunday. As per a report in Cricinfo, he will take another fitness test in two days before he is cleared to play in New Zealand. If he manages to clear the test this time around, he will be joining the Indian A side for the third multi-day game against New Zealand A, which begins on November 7 in Lincoln. Pant was named in India A's squad for the three four-day games, which were preparatory matches for the visiting side. However, his availability was subject to fitness clearance. The wicketkeeper batter was ruled out of the first two matches due to his recovery, with Kumar Kushagra named his replacement. Captain Dhruv Jurel kept the wickets in the first two matches as Kushagra did not get to play. Pant was also named in India's squads for the two-match Test series against the Blackcaps, which begins on November 19; however, his participation in the series was also subject to fitness clearance. The same report also added that India speedster Jasprit Bumrah has left for New Zealand and is likely to play the third multi-day game against New Zealand A to prepare for the Test series. Bumrah was rested for India's white-ball series against the West Indies at home and the away T20I and ODI series against New Zealand. This was due to the BCCI wanting to keep their talisman pacer in a cotton wool ahead of the New Zealand Test series, which is considered to be an important one for India's chances for the World Test Championship final. The same report also added that India speedster Jasprit Bumrah has left for New Zealand and is likely to play the third multi-day game against New Zealand A to prepare for the Test series. Bumrah was rested for India's white-ball series against the West Indies at home and the away T20I and ODI series against New Zealand. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India Sweep Both PD, Wheelchair T20I Series 2-0 Against Sri Lanka As Rain Washes Out Final Day
Sewa Niketan Foundation IND: India completed a clean sweep in both the Physical Disability (PD) and Wheelchair T20I series against Sri Lanka, winning both 2-0 in the Sewa Niketan Foundation IND vs SL T20I Beyond Limit Trophy 2026, after rain washed out the third and final day's matches at the CSK Ground, Navalur, on Monday. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, recording four victories in as many completed matches across the two formats. The PD team registered victories by 75 and 86 runs, while the Wheelchair team secured wins by seven and eight wickets. Persistent rain prevented play in either of Monday's scheduled matches, bringing the three-day tournament to an early conclusion with India having already sealed both series on the first two days. Winning both series 2-0 is a proud moment for Indian disability cricket. Our PD and Wheelchair teams were outstanding, and Sri Lanka competed with great spirit. This first joint tour shows what all disability formats can achieve when they work together. Thank you to everyone who supported us in Chennai, said Ravi Chauhan, General Secretary of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI). India's PD team began its campaign with a convincing 75-run victory on October 31. After posting 179/6 in 20 overs, India bowled Sri Lanka out for 104 in 19.2 overs. Sainath Reddy was named Player of the Match for his 36 off 16 deliveries. In the Wheelchair encounter on the opening day, India bowled Sri Lanka out for 62 before chasing down the target at 65/3 in the 10th over to register a seven-wicket win. Romaisar Wani was adjudged Player of the Match for his spell of 2/3 in 2.3 overs. India continued their dominant run on the second day, winning the PD match by 86 runs. After being asked to bat, India posted 140/8 in 20 overs, with A. Shanmugam top-scoring with an unbeaten 32, while Shivashankar G.S. contributed 31 and Vikramjeet made 24. The Indian bowlers then dismantled the Sri Lankan batting line-up for just 54 in 14.3 overs. Radhika Prasad returned impressive figures of 4/13 in four overs, while Vintoo Yadav claimed 3/7 to secure the emphatic victory. The Wheelchair team also completed its second successive win on November 1, registering an eight-wicket victory under captain Somjeet Singh. Saurabh Malik contributed an unbeaten 36 and picked up two wickets for six runs, while Shiva Prasad remained unbeaten on 37. Tournament chairman Dr William congratulated both Indian teams on their series victories and acknowledged the contribution of the visiting Sri Lankan contingent and those involved in organising the event. The Wheelchair team also completed its second successive win on November 1, registering an eight-wicket victory under captain Somjeet Singh. Saurabh Malik contributed an unbeaten 36 and picked up two wickets for six runs, while Shiva Prasad remained unbeaten on 37. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
In a major blow for CSA (Cricket South Africa), the sides star player, Kyle Verreynne, and batting coach, Ashwell Prince, have been found in breach of the ICCs Code of Conduct and have been handed...
Rishabh Pant To Undergo Crucial BCCI Fitness Test With New Zealand Tour On Line: Report
Rishabh Pant has been given another opportunity to clear his fitness test ahead of India's upcoming tour of New Zealand after failing to pass the assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Sunday
Pant's New Zealand Test Hopes Hang on Crucial Fitness Assessment
Rishabh Pant gets another opportunity to clear his fitness test within two days and join India A for the New Zealand warm-up game ahead of the two-Test series.
Lalit Modi Bats To Identify Best IPL Window Between October And April
Lalit Modi: IPL's founding chairman Lalit Modi has called for a change of the IPL window from March-May to a window between October and April, suggesting the start of the lucrative tournament from January and increasing number of matches to 94. Modi also drew a comparison to how football leagues run over months, and he also asked ICC chairman Jay Shah to help facilitate the calendar. The IPL founder stressed that when the tournament was launched in 2008, April and May were the only available opportunity at that time. You are looking at the IPL today and applying that certainty to the circumstances in which I created it. When I started, there was enormous resistance and scepticism. I took a window nobody wanted and built a competition people wanted to watch. The success we see today was not handed to us. April-May was the opportunity available then. It was never a declaration that these were the ideal months for Indian cricket for all time. We began with eight teams and a 59-match schedule. The BCCI subsequently expanded the league to 10 teams. A complete home-and-away competition for 10 teams means 90 league matches and four playoffs. That is 94 matches - 35 more than the original format, an increase of almost 60%, he said as quoted by Cricbuzz. The 62-year-old further argued that the organisers must create better experience through sensible timings to accommodate the increased number of matches. How do you accommodate that growth in essentially the same compressed period without putting more pressure on players, spectators and everyone delivering the tournament? For families, of course, the holiday period was an advantage. But families follow teams, players and compelling cricket. Their interest is not confined to two months. We should build a better experience through sensible timings, weekends and comfortable stadium conditions, while taking school calendars into account. I created the IPL to grow. I did not create it to stand still, he added. Meanwhile, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, while speaking to a sports magazine earlier this year, had also suggested dividing the tournament into two windows to get more matches. As per Modi's suggestion, a January start would be a major tweak to the international calendar and also to domestic cricket for India, changing the Test cricket schedule and domestic schedule. It would require changes. That is precisely why this discussion belongs in the new FTP, Modi admitted. My broader position is that we should identify the best window from October to the end of April. January is a concrete starting proposal within that range. I am not asking for seven uninterrupted months of exclusive IPL cricket. We need to sit down with the actual fixtures, venues, travel requirements and player commitments and design the season properly. International cricket needs protected blocks. Domestic cricket needs a coherent programme. Players need preparation and genuine rest. You cannot fit a Test tour into a few spare weekdays. But the calendar would have to change cannot be the final answer to every proposal. The purpose of planning a new calendar is to improve it, he added. Currently, India doesn't have a problem giving up their international schedule for franchise cricket, and they are able to freely host the international game and then also the IPL. Modi felt that the economics trend is likely to change for international cricket. Then assess the economics properly. My assessment is that bilateral and ICC rights income faces pressure in the coming cycle. The IPL is the BCCIs principal commercial engine and, in my view, its lifeline for future growth. The BCCI should be planning ahead of that risk. A change in dates does not automatically mean combining the rights packages or abandoning valuable international cricket. It means deciding how the whole year should work. Calculate the additional IPL opportunity, the international income affected, the costs and the arrangements needed with other boards. Look at the net benefit to cricket. Keeping two income streams separate is useful. Keeping the calendar unchanged regardless of how those income streams develop is not a business strategy, he added. He also argued that heat and humidity trouble the players, spectators and other stakeholders during the latter part of IPL, further asking the tournament to be moved to the October-April period by choosing dates and venues intelligently. Conditions differ across India, and April itself can be very hot. That is a reason for detailed planning. We must consider the experience of everyone on the ground. The IPL currently has 74 matches scheduled, and increasing it to 94 can also create fatigue among players and viewers. Modi emphasised the problem. Fatigue is precisely one of the problems I want us to address. There is a difference between spreading a season sensibly and asking viewers to consume more and more cricket on consecutive days. The 94-match figure comes from a clear sporting proposition: 10 teams, every opponent at home and away, followed by four playoffs. Each team would have nine home and nine away league fixtures. Supporters would get to see every opponent in their own city. The BCCI expanded the league. The calendar should allow the full competition to develop properly. A longer season gives us room to create a recognisable weekly rhythm, build anticipation and leave breathing space. It also requires us to manage the players entire year. More weeks alone will not create rest if we fill every gap with another commitment, he argued. Modi also asked ICC chair Shah to help facilitate the tournament, asking him to find a settlement where IPL can be strengthened and giving certainty to the wider game. His responsibility to world cricket is exactly why I am asking him to use his good offices. BCCI can develop an IPL proposal. Securing an international agreement around it requires someone who understands Indias commercial importance and the legitimate interests of the other boards. Jay has the experience to help bring those interests together. He has already contributed to the IPLs commercial growth. At the ICC, he has the opportunity to help translate that strength into an arrangement the wider game can support. That means listening to other boards, protecting important international cricket and examining fair arrangements for player release and development. The countries producing overseas talent must have a reason to support the outcome. Modi also asked ICC chair Shah to help facilitate the tournament, asking him to find a settlement where IPL can be strengthened and giving certainty to the wider game. His responsibility to world cricket is exactly why I am asking him to use his good offices. BCCI can develop an IPL proposal. Securing an international agreement around it requires someone who understands Indias commercial importance and the legitimate interests of the other boards. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pakistan fined for slow over rate in tri-series final win against Sri Lanka
Pakistan were found one over short after time allowances were taken into consideration
Used To Get Smashed A Lot: India Great Delivers Unfiltered Judgment On Mumbai Indians' New Coaches
Mumbai Indians have revamped their coaching staff ahead of IPL 2027, with Kieron Pollard being appointed head coach, Robin Uthappa batting coach and Mitchell McClenaghan bowling coach.
Afghanistan climb to sixth, achieve highest-ever position in ODI rankings
They recently beat Ireland 4-0 in an away series before going unbeaten in the UAE tri-series
With IPL Owners On Board, SA20 Targets Next Level Of Growth
On Wednesday, SA20 will hold its fifth player auction ahead of the fifth season of the T20 league, starting in January
Proteas look to cement No 1 Test spot as Bangladesh beckon
South Africa have recalled batters Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza to their squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, while seamer Lungi Ngidi remains sidelined due to injury.
Arshdeep Defends Girlfriend From Trolls
Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh defends girlfriend Samreen Kaur after she fiercely responded to online trolls criticising their relationship.
Verreynne, Prince handed official reprimands and one demerit point each
They breached Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct in Cape Town for showing dissent after Marques Ackerman's dismissal in the second innings
SA Womens Historic Home Tour Vs AUS Pushed By A Week To Fit In Inaugural Champions Trophy
Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium: South Africas maiden home series against Australia women has been rescheduled to run from March 24 to April 18, 2027, following the confirmation of the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy, which will be held from February 14 to 28. The landmark bilateral tour will feature three T20 Internationals, three One-Day Internationals and a one-off Test, with matches scheduled across seven venues in South Africa. The T20I leg will begin in Kimberley on March 24, followed by matches in Benoni on March 27 and Potchefstroom on March 30. The teams will then move to the 50-over format, with ODIs scheduled in Durban (April 3), Paarl (April 7) and Gqeberha (April 10). The tour will conclude with a historic four-day Test from April 15 to 18 at Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium in KuGompo City, which will host a womens Test for the first time. The ODI series will also carry added significance, forming part of the ICC Womens Championship 2026-29, through which teams compete for qualification to the 2029 ICC Womens Cricket World Cup. The opening ODI in Durban on April 3 will coincide with the sixth edition of the Black Day ODI, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki welcomed the revised schedule and highlighted the significance of hosting the Australian side for the first time. Hosting a heralded team like Australia will always be a special occasion, let alone doing so for the first time. We are very appreciative of the work put in by both Cricket South Africa and Cricket Australia to ensure the tours new dates were confirmed following the scheduling of the ICC Womens Champions Trophy, Moseki said in a statement. This is an exciting opportunity for fans across South Africa to get behind the Proteas as they take on the defending T20 World Cup champions at seven venues nationwide. The tour builds towards a historic finale in KuGompo City with the first womens Test between South Africa and Australia on South African soil. Its a landmark occasion for womens cricket, and we look forward to seeing supporters fill the stands. Hosting a heralded team like Australia will always be a special occasion, let alone doing so for the first time. We are very appreciative of the work put in by both Cricket South Africa and Cricket Australia to ensure the tours new dates were confirmed following the scheduling of the ICC Womens Champions Trophy, Moseki said in a statement. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Afghanistan make history, climb to 6th in ICC ODI Rankings
Afghanistan has achieved its highest-ever position in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, climbing to 6th spot and surpassing Sri Lanka, following impressive performances including a 4-0 series win over Ireland and an unbeaten tri-series campaign.
Tony de Zorzi returns to South Africa squad for Bangladesh Tests
South Africa also picked Zubayr Hamza and Anrich Nortje after he recovered from a groin injury
Ebola outbreak: Kenya trip scuttles Tribe's tour of the West Indies with England Lions
Asa Tribe was in Kenya recently to represent Jersey in the CWC Challenge League Group A matches, and Kenya announced its first Ebola cases last month
Clayton 'thankful' for Khawaja's Test backing as Shield runs flow
Victoria lead by 163 going into what could be a fascinating final day at the Gabba
Expected Something New? Team India Questioned Over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Return For 5th T20I
The T20I series against New Zealand turned out to be a forgettable outing for veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had returned to the national side after four years.
Afghanistan Attain All-time High Sixth Spot In ICC ODI Rankings
ODI Team Rankings: Afghanistan have reached a new landmark in their cricketing journey, climbing to sixth place in the latest ICC Mens ODI Team Rankings to register their best-ever position in the format. The rise sees Afghanistan move past Sri Lanka, adding another significant achievement to the rapid progress they have made since entering international one-day cricket in 2009. They are now ranked ahead of several established cricketing nations, having already moved above Bangladesh, England and the West Indies. The latest rankings milestone reflects Afghanistans growing consistency in the 50-over format. They have won 96 of their 191 ODIs, maintaining an impressive win-loss ratio of 1.09. Their emergence as a formidable side has been particularly evident in major international competitions. At the 2023 ICC Mens Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan registered landmark victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka, underlining their ability to challenge teams with considerably greater experience at the highest level. Their progress has also extended to the shortest format, where they reached the semi-finals of the 2024 ICC Mens T20 World Cup for the first time. Recent results have further strengthened their credentials. Afghanistan completed a 4-0 series sweep against Ireland in Ireland before going through the recently concluded tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh without suffering a defeat. Their momentum has continued in T20Is, with a comprehensive 3-0 series victory over Zimbabwe in Sharjah on Sunday. Afghanistan wrapped up the final match with a seven-wicket win after dismissing the hosts for just 79. Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad delivered a career-best performance, claiming 5/13 to dismantle Zimbabwes middle and lower order. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Abdullah Tarakhail had also contributed with early breakthroughs as Zimbabwe struggled to recover from losing three wickets for 13 runs. Afghanistans chase was completed in 11.4 overs, with Ibrahim Zadran remaining unbeaten on 25 and Omarzai contributing an unbeaten 18. Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad delivered a career-best performance, claiming 5/13 to dismantle Zimbabwes middle and lower order. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Abdullah Tarakhail had also contributed with early breakthroughs as Zimbabwe struggled to recover from losing three wickets for 13 runs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
ICC Reprimands SA Batting Coach Prince, Wicketkeeper Verreynne For Code Of Conduct Breach
Emirates ICC Elite Panel: South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince and player Kyle Verreynne have been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct on the third day of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town. Prince and Verreynne were reprimanded for the same incident, which occurred after the dismissal of opener Marques Ackerman in South Africas second innings. Ackerman tried to review the caught verdict, but the umpires ruled that his appeal for a review did not come within the prescribed 15 seconds and thus could not be taken. As the batter walked towards the boundary line, Prince shouted repeatedly at the umpires that there was still time left for the appeal to be taken, while Verreynne, who was not in the playing eleven, asked Ackerman to remain inside the boundary line, which caused a delay in him leaving the field. Prince and Verreynne were found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match, ICC said in a statement. It added, One demerit point has been added to each of their disciplinary records, as these were their first offences in a 24-month period. Prince and Verreynne admitted their offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for formal hearings. On-field umpires Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Chris Gaffaney, and fourth umpire Lubabalo Gcuma levelled the charges. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a players match fee, and one or two demerit points. A stellar fightback on Day 4, backed by a hostile bowling performance on the final day of the Cape Town Test, guided South Africa to a famous 2-1 series win over Australia. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a players match fee, and one or two demerit points. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Irfan, Boucher, Waqar among support staff for inaugural Afghanistan Premier League
International stars like Wanindu Hasaranga, Reeza Hendricks, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell and Imran Tahir are part of the Draft, to be held on November 3
