Cricket

King's T20I return highlights Australia's selection crunch

The legspinner claimed three wickets in the first match against West Indies but may still be forced out of the XI at the World Cup

Indian Open Squash: Abhay, Veer Chotrani, Anahat, Tanvi Khanna Storm Into Semis (Ld)

Ibrahim El Kabbani: India made an impressive showing in the mens and womens quarterfinals of the Indian Open squash championships on Friday, with multiple Indian players delivering dominant performances to secure semifinal berths. India enjoyed an impressive outing in the mens quarterfinals as second seed Abhay Singh and fourth seed Veer Chotrani produced dominant performances to storm into the semifinals. In the last four stage, Singh will take on Malaysias Ameeshenraj Chandaran, while Chotrani is set to face another Malaysian challenger, Sanjay Jeeva. Jeeva secured his semifinal berth with a commanding 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-8) victory over Egypts Ibrahim El Kabbani in the quarterfinals. Chandaran, meanwhile, advanced after defeating compatriot Duncan Lee in an all-Malaysian contest. Singh was in excellent touch as he brushed aside Egypts Yassin Shohdy 3-1 (11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7). The Indian made a confident start, taking the initiative early and holding off Shohdys challenge to clinch the opening game 11-8. Shohdy, however, responded strongly in the second game, stepping up the intensity to claim it 11-7 and draw level in the match. The setback proved only temporary for Singh, who quickly regained control with his aggressive play and sharp court coverage. He dominated the next two games, winning them 11-5 and 11-7 to seal a deserved place in the semifinals. Earlier, Chotrani produced a composed performance to defeat Egypts Mohamed Sharaf 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-2). Despite the straight-games victory, Sharaf put up a spirited fight, especially in the opening two games, where both players matched each other shot for shot. The Egyptians led for much of the first game before Chotrani fought back to level the score at 8-8 and eventually edge ahead to secure the game. Chotrani carried that momentum into the second game, taking a narrow lead at 4-3 and maintaining the advantage to move 2-0 ahead. Sharaf appeared to run out of steam in the third game as the Indian dominated proceedings to close out the match comfortably and book his place in the last four. Anahat, Tanvi advance Top seed Anahat Singh and unseeded compatriot Tanvi Khanna ensured a strong Indian presence in the womens singles semifinals after winning their respective quarterfinal matches. However, local favourite Joshna Chinappa bowed out of the competition following a 13 defeat to Egypts Nadien El Hammamy, which proved to be the only setback for Indian fans during the day. In another quarterfinal clash, second seed Hana Moataz fought hard to edge past eighth seed Yasshmita Jadishkumar of Malaysia in a five-game thriller, winning 32 (11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8). Saturdays semifinals will feature an all-Indian showdown between Anahat and Tanvi, while Moataz will square off against El Hammamy for a place in the final. Anahat underlined her status as one of the top contenders for the title with a dominant 30 (11-2, 11-6, 11-4) victory over Malaysias Sehveetrraa Kumar. The top seed raced through the opening game with ease, taking it 11-2 without breaking much sweat. Kumar offered a stronger challenge in the second game, but Anahats blend of power and clever deception helped her maintain control and clinch it 11-6. The third game followed a similar pattern, with Anahat dictating the pace and cruising to an emphatic 11-4 win to seal a comfortable passage into the last four. Anahat underlined her status as one of the top contenders for the title with a dominant 30 (11-2, 11-6, 11-4) victory over Malaysias Sehveetrraa Kumar. The top seed raced through the opening game with ease, taking it 11-2 without breaking much sweat. Kumar offered a stronger challenge in the second game, but Anahats blend of power and clever deception helped her maintain control and clinch it 11-6. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, Joshna began confidently against El Hammamy but gradually found it difficult to counter the Egyptians deceptive movement and sharp cross-court shots. After a closely contested start and a strong comeback in the second game, Joshna lost momentum as El Hammamy raised her intensity to clinch the final two games. Earlier, Joshna began confidently against El Hammamy but gradually found it difficult to counter the Egyptians deceptive movement and sharp cross-court shots. After a closely contested start and a strong comeback in the second game, Joshna lost momentum as El Hammamy raised her intensity to clinch the final two games and seal the match. Article Source: IANS

Ireland to host Afghanistan men for ODIs despite 'moral discomfort'

Cricket Ireland has also extended an invitation to the exiled Afghanistan women's team to play fixtures in Ireland

IPL 2026: The Batting Group That We Have This Year Is Amazing, Says KKR Captain Rahane

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane struck a confident yet measured tone, emphasising positivity, adaptability, and belief in a well-rounded squad as the franchise eyes another strong campaign in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Addressing the media alongside head coach Abhishek Nayar, assistant coach Shane Watson, and mentor Dwayne Bravo, Rahane highlighted the depth in KKRs batting unit. The batting group that we have this year is amazing. Most of the batters, including the overseas batters, are coming in with good form and had a very good World Cup as well. Were excited for the season, and well see how our combinations play out, he said. Under the pressures of leadership, Rahane remained composed. Every season brings its own expectations and challenges, whether you are a player or a captain. For me, the key has always been to stay positive. Ive been leading the team since last year, and Im really grateful to the franchise for giving me this responsibility. Im taking everything in my stride. When there are challenges, there is also an opportunity. Ive learned over the years to look at challenges as opportunities to grow and contribute. My mindset has always been like that throughout my career, and Ill always try to give my best as a player and a captain. Looking back at areas of improvement, the KKR skipper stressed the importance of momentum. As a team, wed like to start really well and build momentum. Its a long tournament, so you dont want to peak too early. As a unit, we want to play a positive brand of cricket. Weve got international and domestic players coming into the team, having been in good form. So, as a team management, were really confident that the team will do really well this season. The presence of all-rounders like Cameron Green adds flexibility to the squad, and Rahane confirmed that clarity around roles will evolve. Well have detailed discussions with Cameron Green to define his role and responsibilities. Hes a quality player who can bat in any position and contribute with some overs as well. Over the next few practice games, well get a better idea of how to utilise him most effectively within our combinations. Watson, meanwhile, pointed to the abundance of options as both a strength and a challenge. The beauty of this KKR squad is in the amount of incredible batting options that we have this season. Its an abundance of riches with the cavalry of players we have. Where they all fit in is the ultimate challenge, and for us to be able to get that first combination right as quickly as we can and then make little adjustments in the tournament. Obviously, with Cameron Green and the quality he brings as an all-rounder, wherever he gets the opportunity, we want him to make the most of that. Weve got some serious players with a great blend of experience and youthful energy as well. So, its very exciting to be able to see how thats going to play out throughout the tournament. With the potential absence of Andre Russell in the finishing role, Nayar sees an opportunity for others to step up. Andre Russell has been a flag bearer for this franchise for many years. What hes done over the years in T20 cricket is going to be hard to replicate. However, this is a season of opportunities. We have Rinku and Ramandeep who can step up and do something for the franchise, as they have before. Theres pressure when playing in the IPL, but we want our players to be true to their potential and make a name for themselves. There are a lot of young cricketers in our setup who can cement their name in the franchises legacy. Rinku has taken that responsibility for India and KKR, and Ramandeeps also done it for us in the season when we won the championship. So, were hopeful that they can replicate those performances and create something special for this franchise. Nayar also reflected on his role within a star-studded support group. The beauty of the IPL is the opportunity to work with legends like Watto (Watson), DJ (Bravo), Tim Southee, and Dre Russ (Russell), also coming in. The players are going to enjoy the luxury of having the level of input these guys can provide. For me, the designation might have changed, but not a lot has changed. The roles are a bit similar; you just take more criticism for what happens. But I think, besides that, to have these guys sitting next to me and being reliant on them, who have been very successful in this format, is exceptional. With such a leadership group, both Ajinkya and I know that we can rely on the entire support group to make sure we overcome the little challenges we face throughout the season. On the importance of a strong start, especially with an opening clash against the Mumbai Indians, Nayar emphasised process over pressure. Theres a quote that someone mentioned to me You must always keep your head where your feet are. Right now, were at Eden Gardens, so our focus is on the practice match were playing for our preparation towards the first game in Mumbai. We want to make sure the team is well prepared. As a support group, were still understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the team. We want to ensure were best prepared to allow this team to do well. The expectations are there, but the process of reaching Mumbai in the headspace to take the game on is more important than thinking about what might happen there. For us, it doesnt matter who were playing, as long as we play the best cricket that we can play. Watson also weighed in on the evolution of T20 batting. A big part of this evolution comes down to the combinations and the calibre you have in the team. We saw in the last season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Even when conditions changed a bit at their home ground, they were just trying to bat their way to a big total, which made it more challenging and higher risk. However, cricket hasnt evolved that much. Yes, theres been more high risk from a few batters, but in the end, you do have to assess the conditions and make the most of understanding what you can do to score as quickly as you can, while not taking on the top risks when you dont need to. With the batters we have in our team, there is no question that they can push for higher scores. In the end, you want to have a batting unit that bats at its very best and scores one more run than the opposition. Rahane echoed that sentiment. Weve seen recently that the numbers are pushing upwards, but I completely agree with Watson. As a batting unit, you still need to go there and assess the conditions to try to play accordingly. You cant think about scoring 250 even before the game starts. Its about keeping it simple, respecting the opposition, and giving it our best. The game is evolving, but the basics remain the same. On the bowling front, Bravo remained optimistic despite injury concerns. In any tournament, once you lose your key bowlers, its not something you can plan for but have to accept. The good thing at the moment, especially about Indian cricket, is that there is a lot of depth. They have some guys who can definitely fill the spots. There are Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi, who have represented India at some point in time and played in the IPL before. Theyre still young and exciting talents. So, Im excited to work with this group of fast bowlers. We have the best spin duo in the competition. So, from a bowling point of view, we will be fine. Vaibhav had a fantastic season last year and has been the leader of the attack as well. Weve lost some key players, but we feel comfortable knowing that we have what it takes to replace those guys. For Nayar, the immediate challenge lies in getting the combinations right. I dont know how the tournament will pan out, but initially, its about making sure that we get a fit playing eleven and get our combinations right. When you have new combinations in the IPL, its important to position them well enough to succeed. I think that will be our challenge, and the rest well see how it comes. Once the foundation is in place, we can build momentum as the tournament progresses. On the bowling front, Bravo remained optimistic despite injury concerns. In any tournament, once you lose your key bowlers, its not something you can plan for but have to accept. The good thing at the moment, especially about Indian cricket, is that there is a lot of depth. They have some guys who can definitely fill the spots. There are Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi, who have represented India at some point in time and played in the IPL before. Theyre still young and exciting talents. So, Im excited to work with this group of fast bowlers. We have the best spin duo in the competition. So, from a bowling point of view, we will be fine. Vaibhav had a fantastic season last year and has been the leader of the attack as well. Weve lost some key players, but we feel comfortable knowing that we have what it takes to replace those guys. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Following their opener, KKR will return home to the Eden Gardens, where they are slated to play evening fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. Article Source: IANS

Indian Open Squash: Anahat, Tanvi Storm Ahead As Semi-final Line-up Takes Shape

Nadien El Hammamy: Top seed Anahat Singh and unseeded compatriot Tanvi Khanna ensured a strong Indian presence in the womens singles semifinals of the Indian Open squash championship being played at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) courts in Mumbai after winning their respective quarterfinal matches on Friday. However, local favourite Joshna Chinappa bowed out of the competition following a 13 defeat to Egypts Nadien El Hammamy, which proved to be the only setback for Indian fans during the day. In another quarterfinal clash, second seed Hana Moataz fought hard to edge past eighth seed Yasshmita Jadishkumar of Malaysia in a five-game thriller, winning 32 (11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8). Saturdays semifinals will feature an all-Indian showdown between Anahat and Tanvi, while Moataz will square off against El Hammamy for a place in the final. Anahat underlined her status as one of the top contenders for the title with a dominant 30 (11-2, 11-6, 11-4) victory over Malaysias Sehveetrraa Kumar. The top seed raced through the opening game with ease, taking it 11-2 without breaking much sweat. Kumar offered a stronger challenge in the second game, but Anahats blend of power and clever deception helped her maintain control and clinch it 11-6. The third game followed a similar pattern, with Anahat dictating the pace and cruising to an emphatic 11-4 win to seal a comfortable passage into the last four. Meanwhile, Tanvi produced one of the standout performances of the day by upsetting fourth seed Ainaa Amani 31. The Indian started strongly, taking the opening game 11-6 before Amani levelled the match by winning the second 11-7. Tanvi, however, held her nerve in the remaining games, winning 11-5 and 11-8 to book her semifinal berth. Earlier, Joshna began confidently against El Hammamy but gradually found it difficult to counter the Egyptians deceptive movement and sharp cross-court shots. After a closely contested start and a strong comeback in the second game, Joshna lost momentum as El Hammamy raised her intensity to clinch the final two games and seal the match. Results: Earlier, Joshna began confidently against El Hammamy but gradually found it difficult to counter the Egyptians deceptive movement and sharp cross-court shots. After a closely contested start and a strong comeback in the second game, Joshna lost momentum as El Hammamy raised her intensity to clinch the final two games and seal the match. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Anahat Singh (IND) bt Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) 3-0 (11-2, 11-6, 11-4); Hana Moataz (EGY) bt Yasshmita Jadishkumar (MAS) 3-2 (11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8); Tanvi Khanna (IND) bt Ainaa Amani (MAS) 3-1 (11-6, 7-11, 11-5, 11-8); Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) bt Joshna Chinappa (IND) 3-1 (11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 11-1). Article Source: IANS

Gujarat's Aarya Desai Smashes 193 Off 81 Balls, In T20 Tourney In Surat; Considered Highest Score In The Format

Surat Cricket T20 League: Gujarat's Aarya Desai has made history in T20 cricket by scoring a sensational 193 in 81 balls in the Surat Cricket T20 Leaguea tournament recognised by the Gujarat Cricket Association -- and is being touted as the highest-ever individual score in the shorter version of the white-ball game. The 22-year-old player's breathtaking performance, which has caused a stir on social media after several local handles and the official Insta handle of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) projected it as the highest score ever scored in a T20 match, was confirmed to IANS by GCA Secretary Anil Patel. Desai, who has represented Gujarat in prestigious tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, showcased his sheer dominance by hammering 21 fours and 14 sixes during his blitzkrieg in the Surat Cricket T20 League, which is in its 6th year and features top state probables across all age groups from every district. Desai is a former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player and a regular at National Cricket Academy camps. At the state level, he is known for his steady rise with consistency, class, and confidence. GCA secretary Anil Patel described Aarya Desai's journey as a cricketer so far. I haven't seen anybody hit a ball in the way he did. This knock came in a tournament recognised by the Surat District Cricket Association and the Gujarat Cricket Association. All the probable players of the Gujarat Cricket Association from 11 districts are participating in the same tournament, Anil Patel told IANS via phone. He said that the tournament is running in its sixth season and is being organised on the same pattern. He added that the GCA also organises a women's tournament on the same pattern for the last three seasons. I haven't seen anybody hit a ball in the way he did. This knock came in a tournament recognised by the Surat District Cricket Association and the Gujarat Cricket Association. All the probable players of the Gujarat Cricket Association from 11 districts are participating in the same tournament, Anil Patel told IANS via phone. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Talking about Arya Desai, Patel said, He was a part of the KKR team in IPL before, and he is a very promising player. He has made more than 500 runs in the last Ranji Trophy season. He did a good job in both white-ball tournaments, also. Last time, he made it to the Duleep Trophy team and was even picked in the India U23 team for an Emerging Players Tournament. In all, we are looking for a good future for him, he said. Article Source: IANS

Ireland eye 2027 launch for 'Euro Nations Cup'

The tournament would evoke the Asia Cup, featuring a handful of European teams

Matheesha Pathirana set to miss early part of IPL 2026

KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar said that Pathirana will only be available from mid-April, while all but ruling Harshit Rana out of the tournament

Rwanda's Utagushimaninde becomes youngest centurion in women's T20Is

At 15 years and 223, Utagushimaninde also became the first woman to score a hundred on T20I debut

South Africa Are Very Inexperienced, But It's Not An Excuse, Says Maharaj

South Africa: After being outplayed by New Zealand through an eight-wicket defeat in third T20I, South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj admitted the sides inexperience showed in the loss, but insisted it was no excuse. Put in to batting first at Eden Park, South Africa struggled against disciplined bowling and slipped to 62/5 at the halfway mark, before ending up at 136/9. New Zealands chase was anchored by Tom Latham, who struck an unbeaten 63 after Devon Conway hit a brisk 39, as the hosts reached the target in 16.2 overs. We are very inexperienced so you can understand the inconsistencies, but it's not an excuse. We're all professional enough; we are representing our country, so we've just got to go look back at ourselves and find ways through it. We have to put away our egos when it comes to playing on these types of wickets, because it doesn't allow you to play with the freedom that you want at times. I wouldn't use it as an excuse, even though we have a very inexperienced squad. Guys are professional enough and mature enough to find ways to combat it, said Maharaj in the post-match press conference. What also stood out as a huge area of concern is South Africa's batters being dismissed while trying to go for big shots. It's definitely something we discussed They felt like the only way was to target the short boundary, but it was a bit disappointing to say the least. We have to put away our egos when it comes to playing on these types of wickets, because it doesn't allow you to play with the freedom that you want at times. I wouldn't use it as an excuse, even though we have a very inexperienced squad. Guys are professional enough and mature enough to find ways to combat it, said Maharaj in the post-match press conference. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The series now moves to Wellington for the fourth T20I on Sunday, with South Africa needing a sharper batting performance to stay alive in the series. Hopefully we can see a little bit of positives from that, but I think it's about focusing on ourselves and how we're going to go about our games. As much as the opposition changes, we're searching for the template as to how to go about our business, concluded Maharaj. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Nissanka, Mendis, Chameera Get NOCs; Hasaranga, Pathirana, Thushara, Malinga To Undergo Fitness Tests (Ld)

Sri Lanka Cricket: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on Friday that its players will only be cleared to participate in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) after completing mandatory physical performance tests. SLC added that Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis and Dushmantha Chameera have received their No Objection Certificates (NOCs), while the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Eshan Malinga will join their respective franchises after clearing their fitness tests, most probably in the coming week. Only those who successfully meet the required standards of the physical performance tests will be cleared to participate in the ongoing domestic tournament and also granted an NOC to take part in IPL 2026. Accordingly, Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, who have successfully completed their physical performance tests, have been issued NOCs to participate in the IPL. Nuwan Thusharas eligibility for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his Physical Performance Test. Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the Physical Performance Test, as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained. The respective players will undergo the tests upon completion of their recovery and rehabilitation programs, said SLC in a statement on Friday. With IPL 2026 to begin on March 28, Chameera and Nissanka will now link up with Delhi Capitals, while Mendis will join Sunrisers Hyderabad. Pathirana, who is to turn out for Kolkata Knight Riders, has been on the sidelines after a hamstring injury ruled him out of Sri Lankas campaign in the mid-way of 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants), Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad), and Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) also missed the World Cup at various stages due to injuries to hamstring, shoulder and broken left thumb. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to announce that players who have requested to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will be issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) only upon successfully passing SLCs mandatory Physical Performance Test. Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants), Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad), and Thushara (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) also missed the World Cup at various stages due to injuries to hamstring, shoulder and broken left thumb. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Along with this program, players are also undergoing the mandatory physical performance tests, a routine process followed to check the fitness standards of the players, added SLC. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: PBKS Captain Shreyas Iyer And Arshdeep Singh Say eyes Are On The IPL Trophy

Indian Premier League: With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 just around the corner, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer and fast bowler Arshdeep Singh shared their excitement and plans for the season. Speaking at a grand event in Mohali on Friday, to unveil the teams new jersey, the duo spoke about team bonding, overcoming personal challenges, and their deep connection with the franchise. A major focus for the team right now is building a strong bond off the field before the high-pressure games begin. Captain Shreyas Iyer explained that the time spent together in the team hotel is just as important as the practice sessions. This is the period where we live as a family for two months, Shreyas said. The more time we spend together, the more we get to know each other. Now is the time to build that camaraderie. We spend most of our time in the game room, playing FIFA and other games. The planning and plotting for matches usually happens a day or two before the game, but building this bond off the field helps us get better results eventually. Shreyas also spoke about his personal journey, returning to the field after a tough injury. It is always challenging to come back after an injury. I had lost around seven kilos, and it took a lot of effort to gain that weight back. But I love challenges. I am glad I overcame that part of my life, and I am back here proudly representing the team. Embracing the love from the Punjab fans, who have fondly given him the tag of 'Sarpanch Sahab', Shreyas was clear about his ultimate goal. Expectations are high, which is fun. I love the challenge. But the important thing is that whenever we step in, we have to win. My eye is on the trophy, he added. Local hero and star pacer Arshdeep Singh echoed his captains confident mindset, especially when talking about playing in front of their passionate home crowd in Mullanpur. When you feel the pressure, it is a privilege, Arshdeep smiled. It is a lot of fun when you get so much support from the crowd. When people cheer for you, you feel that 30,000 people are running with you at that time. We will try our best to win all our home matches this year. Reflecting on his journey with the team, the fast bowler expressed his deep gratitude for the franchise that backed him early in his career. The journey has been amazing, Arshdeep said. When I came here for the first time, they gave me full support and showed me my potential. They trusted me a lot when no other team did. I really appreciate that, and I want to stay here for a long time. I am looking forward to winning a lot of trophies for the team. Reflecting on his journey with the team, the fast bowler expressed his deep gratitude for the franchise that backed him early in his career. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The official jersey launch event was attended by key dignitaries, including Satish Menon, CEO, Punjab Kings, Saurabh Arora, Chief Commercial Officer, Punjab Kings, Anup Nair, Director - Strategy & Operations, CP PLUS, and Sanjay Gogia, Director - Sales, CP PLUS, alongside the two star cricketers. Article Source: IANS

'The Magic Of Crickets Greatest Icons Continues': Sunil Gavaskar On IML Season 2

International Masters League: Emphasising the lasting appeal of crickets legends, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said the second season of the International Masters League (IML) will look to build on the strong foundation laid by its debut edition while delivering an enhanced experience for fans. The upcoming season of the T20 league is scheduled to be held from October 24 to November 14, 2026, with matches set to be played across Mumbai, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam. The tournament will once again bring together some of the biggest names in world cricket, offering fans a blend of nostalgia and competitive action. Speaking about the return of the league, Gavaskar said, Season 1 of the IML reaffirmed that the magic of crickets greatest icons continues to resonate deeply with fans. As we return for Season 2, the focus is on elevating that experience, with greater competition, more unforgettable moments, and the same enduring passion for the game. Fans can look forward to seeing their heroes back in action, and I am confident it will be another truly memorable edition of the tournament. The inaugural season proved to be a major success, with India Masters emerging as champions. It featured a star-studded line-up that included legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Shane Watson, Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Kumar Sangakkara, drawing significant attention from cricket fans across the globe. In terms of viewership, the league made a strong impact, emerging as the second most-watched mens T20 competition in India, with a reach of 246 million across television and OTT platforms. The inaugural season proved to be a major success, with India Masters emerging as champions. It featured a star-studded line-up that included legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Shane Watson, Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Kumar Sangakkara, drawing significant attention from cricket fans across the globe. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Further details, including the full schedule, team rosters, and ticketing information, will be announced in the coming months as anticipation builds for the tournaments return. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Very Important For Sooryavanshi To Not Let Success Or Failure Get To His Head, Says Pathan

Indian Premier League: Former India left-arm fast bowler Irfan Pathan has urged caution in managing teenaged batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, adding that its very important for the left-hander to not let either success or failure get to his head. Sooryavanshi is yet to turn 15, but has already made big runs in his cricketing career so far, including being the fastest Indian batter to hit a century in the IPL (in just 35 balls), and was retained by Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Hes also coming on the back of being Player of the Tournament and Player of the Final in the 2026 Mens U19 World Cup, won by India. It is very important for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not to let success or failure get to his head. Its quite a sensitive age because he is just about 15 years old. At this stage, he potentially has a 20-year professional career ahead of him. In todays time, where longevity is not always a priority and careers can be short, you can still achieve a lot in 6 to 8 years. But Vaibhav could have a much longer journey. Naturally, it is important that someone consistently stays with him as a guide, a good mentor who can support him over time, the role Rahul Dravid played last year, said Pathan on JioStar. He also spoke about how Sooryavanshi needs to constantly improve his game to stay ahead of the oppositions plans to counter him. At the same time, he must keep improving his game constantly. It is possible that this season, teams may plan against him, like bowling consistently outside the off stump and keeping the ball away from his reach. He will need to counter that, even if it comes with the risk of getting out. Also, he might face the same challenges that Abhishek Sharma did, different types of bowling and constant variations in pace, so how he adapts and finds ways to score in those situations will be key. Ex-India opener Aakash Chopra said Sooryavanshis fearless approach must be tempered with consistency in IPLs high-pressure environment. If the first one is there to be hit, I will go for it is a very good philosophy. But if it happens three times that you go for the first ball and, God forbid, you dont connect properly and get out, that is when problems start. The IPL is a different beast. He will need to counter that, even if it comes with the risk of getting out. Also, he might face the same challenges that Abhishek Sharma did, different types of bowling and constant variations in pace, so how he adapts and finds ways to score in those situations will be key. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He got some exposure last year, when Rahul Dravid was there as well, and you could see tears in his eyes after getting out in one of the games. This time, there are expectations, and he will carry that burden. Even though we are talking about him, saying that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will come and score runs, so in that regard, it is a huge season for him, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: After Phenomenal SMAT, Anukul Roy Aims For A Regular Spot In KKR's Line-up

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Since 2018, the year Anukul Roy became a member of the Indian team that went on to win the Mens U19 World Cup in New Zealand, he has mainly been a bench player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Roy, a handy batter who also bowls left-arm orthodox spin, has only 12 IPL appearances four of which came in the 2023 and 2024 seasons for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). But after a phenomenal domestic season for Jharkhand, Roy believes 2026 is finally the year the wait ends for him to have a regular spot in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) line-up. I am feeling excited to play. This year has been good, and the domestic season went well. So, I am thinking that I can get a chance this year. We are preparing very well for that here in Kolkata, and have already done some preparation in Mumbai. So, it has been very good. I have been waiting to play (regularly) for many years - so, I have a huge excitement feeling about this, Roy tells IANS in an exclusive conversation from Kolkata. The case Roy has built is difficult to ignore for KKRs think-tank. In the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Roy scored 303 runs and took 18 wickets -- striking at 160.31 with the bat and an economy rate of 7.41 with the ball. Roy was adjudged as Player of the Tournament in Jharkhand, claiming their maiden SMAT title. Only Harshal Patel, who scored 374 runs and took 19 wickets in 2019-20, has previously scored 300-plus runs and taken 15-plus wickets in a single edition of the tournament. Roy also caught nine catches across eleven matches, making him only the fourth man in T20 history to achieve this unique treble in a single tournament. He scored 25-plus runs and took multiple wickets in the same match on seven occasions -- only two other men have managed to do that double in a T20 tournament. At KKR, Roy has long been viewed primarily as a spin-bowling option, but with Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine around, the chances to play havent come consistently. But with his batting returns for Jharkhand catching everyones notice, conversations with KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar during a pre-season camp in Mumbai were specifically focused on it. When I came to Mumbai, I spoke to Abhishek sir - I mean bhaiya. Like, what can you do as you can bat at any number? Then bowling came, especially in power-play and outside of it. So, that type of preparation started from there. When I went to Mumbai, I even managed to play in the DY Patil tournament like what to do in it, and what's more, I was there to learn. So all of the preparation started from there, and a lot of improvement is already visible. Now, we are ready for games, and we will get better after coming here. For Jharkhand in SMAT, Roy credited being pushed to number five as the key reason behind his strong batting returns. One of the standout knocks off his willow was an unbeaten 95 off 58 balls against Karnataka on November 28 -- when Jharkhand were gasping at 105/6 in the 13th over chasing 158, and Roy took them home with two wickets in hand. This time, my position was changed in batting. Earlier, I used to play at number seven, but I was made to play at number five. So, I got to play a lot, and one can change the match from there. That match was like that -- I had a lot of balls to play, but there weren't many wickets in hand. But I had a chance to hit in the gap from time to time. So, I had a lot of balls, and that meant I could give myself time. So, it was a challenge in that match, as I didn't have wickets in my hand. In batting, I was trying to implement what I used to do well in earlier matches. Earlier, I used to do well in two matches, but now, I do well in 7-8 matches. So, I was more focused on that like this year, I will have to do a lot for my team and myself -- only then I will get a chance, and someone will spot me. So, I was focused on all these things. The technical foundations, he insists, were always there, but what changed for Roy was the consistency in application with the bat. No, I kept it the same. My batting was like that from the beginning - I used to adjust myself in any position. Earlier, I used to bat higher, and for example, if the team lost 5-6 wickets at 50-60-75 runs, situations like that have happened to me many times. It would make me feel that I have to play now, build my innings slowly, and learn a lot about it in domestic cricket. So, I didn't change things much just that I did my batting according to the situation the team was in. While waiting for his time to play in KKR, sharing a nets session with Narine and Chakaravarthy is always a classroom in spin bowling for Roy, aiming to add layers to his bowling. Yes, I learn from them every time. Like, all three of us bowl in nets together. So, we talk a lot like what can we do? What is the situation at this time? Even from Sunil Narine like where to bowl, bowling the same deliveries, and how to send down the carrom ball and apply backspin on the balls. I keep asking these questions on the net, and we talk about everything on bowling. The years spent watching from the dugout and being under numerous KKR coaches have also accumulated into something useful for Roy. There has been a lot of growth. To sit and learn and work under GG sir, Abhishek bhaiya, and Chandu sir, who was there in between, as McCullum. By working under different coaches, I got to learn a lot, like sometimes around batting, bowling, discipline, sharpness of the mind, where and what you have to use in a game. So, I got to learn a lot, and it has helped me a lot in domestic as well. Moving straight from Ranji Trophy to SMAT left little time for adjustment, but Roy stated the fundamentals transfer was smooth. It was very good. We had very little time to prepare, as before that, we played Ranji Trophy matches. So, the basics were set, and we didn't have to make many changes or change positions and all. So, it was a little easier for us to go for the white ball games. Whenever we go for the white ball from the red ball, it feels good as you don't have to change that much -- you just have to hold the position while batting. In T20s, you have to bring some variation in bowling. In day matches, you have to bowl at the same place. In T20s, you have to mix both the lengths and lines. So, we just practised a little bit on it. Our support staff worked very hard, and Ishan (Kishan) was with me. He was also very good and led the team so well in all the league matches that we went very far in the competition. Everyone performed very well in the team. So, it felt very good that this was the first time we got to manage the SMAT Trophy for Jharkhand, he elaborated. A lot of players alongside Roy have gone on to play for the senior India team -- like Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, and Arshdeep Singh. All are now established names in IPL and international cricket. At 27, Roy is crystal clear about what a strong IPL 2026 could mean. Yes, it seems that the performance is good, whether it was one-day, T20, or red-ball games. So, there is a chance that my name could come up somewhere. If IPL goes well, there is a 100 percent chance that my name will come up somewhere (for the national team). So, this IPL is the most important, and I am focusing on that. Being on the sidelines can be tough for any player, but Roy manages it by being happy whenever someone in the KKR camp makes the team win. Whoever does well in this team, I would feel very happy. I would want us to be happy in his happiness so that someone will also be happy in my happiness. So, there is always a hunger for that like if I get to play, someone will say something good. Or they will think there's a friend like me who is always waiting for a chance to play - when will he play? And will he do well? So, there is always a hunger for that, and I keep waiting for it. But yes, whenever I get a chance, I will do well for the team and make them win. The goal, for now, is straightforward for Roy get chances and help KKR qualify for the playoffs quickly after missing the bus last time. Whatever chances I will get, even if I don't get to play, I want to be with the team forever. If I get to play, I want to win as many matches as possible. Firstly, we want to qualify for the playoffs. After that, we will see what happens. So, we are looking at the playoff qualifications first. We will take one match at a time, and it will be much better for us. If we quickly win 7-8 games out of the 14 matches, the sooner we will qualify, and we are focused on that. The goal, for now, is straightforward for Roy get chances and help KKR qualify for the playoffs quickly after missing the bus last time. Whatever chances I will get, even if I don't get to play, I want to be with the team forever. If I get to play, I want to win as many matches as possible. Firstly, we want to qualify for the playoffs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yes, this time, I think I might get chances. I have done well, and I am confident that whenever I get a chance -- I don't know when I will get it. But whenever I get a chance, I will do something good for the team this time. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Biggest Thing Is How You Handle Pressure In The Tournament, Says Irfan Pathan

Indian Premier League: Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan has said that coping with pressure is the defining challenge for young cricketers entering the Indian Premier League (IPL), especially for those carrying hefty price tags. IPL 2026 will see uncapped Indian players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma be under spotlight after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) snapped them for Rs 14 crore each in last years auction. The biggest thing is how you handle pressure. The IPL is a tournament where you can be a hero one day, and fade away the next. Weve seen so many players who earn huge money at an auction, but then dont perform the following season and dont even get picked again. I would want to see how a player like Prashant Veer, who has been paid in upwards of 14 crore, performs under pressure when given an opportunity. Especially in the last four overs, whether he is batting or bowling, when a breakthrough is needed and he is being attacked from both ends, how does he respond in that moment? said Pathan on JioStar. He also said part of succeeding in IPL for youngsters earning heavy paydays will be in how they deal with failure and bounce back in future. If I were part of the management, I would also observe what happens after a player fails under pressure in a few matches. How does he regroup, rebuild, and step back onto the field with confidence? Because if Ive invested such a big amount in a player at the auction, I obviously trust his ability, but along with that, attitude matters a lot too. Ex-India opener Aakash Chopra highlighted the off-field distractions that accompany the IPLs scale for which youngsters are never trained to deal with. What is truly unique about the IPL is something you dont experience when playing for your state, or even for India, because there you are surrounded by established superstars you can learn from, whereas here everything feels larger than life. How does he regroup, rebuild, and step back onto the field with confidence? Because if Ive invested such a big amount in a player at the auction, I obviously trust his ability, but along with that, attitude matters a lot too. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The challenge is that players are never really trained to deal with all this. They are trained to play cricket, how to face the ball and handle pressure on the field, but not how to manage these distractions. During the IPLs eight to nine-week window, this becomes constant and can be overwhelming, so it needs to be handled very carefully, he added. Article Source: IANS

South Africa Women To Host India And Australia For Multi-format Series

Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi: The South Africa women's team will host India and Australia in a busy schedule that includes multi-format matches, featuring two rare Test matches. Indias tour will kick off with a three-match ODI series, part of the ICC Women's Championship, starting on March 9 in Potchefstroom. The second ODI will take place in Bloemfontein, and then the teams will head to Newlands in Cape Town for the series finale. These ODIs are crucial for qualifying for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2029, making the competition even more significant. The tour will also include a one-off Test match at St Georges Park in Gqeberha from December 20 to 23. This will be only the fourth red-ball meeting between the two teams. India have won all three previous matches in 2002, 2014, and 2024. This match will coincide with the opening mens Test between the England and South Africa national cricket teams in Johannesburg, marking an important moment for cricket in the country. Next, the focus will shift to Australias historic visit; it will be their first full bilateral tour of South Africa since a planned trip in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19. The series will start with three T20Is from March 18 in Kimberley, followed by matches in Benoni and KuGompo City (East London). After that, the teams will play a three-match ODI series starting on March 27 in Gqeberha, then moving to Paarl, and ending in Durban on April 3. The last ODI will be recognised as a Black Day fixture, highlighting the ongoing fight against gender-based violence. The multi-format series will conclude with a one-off Test at the JB Marks Oval in North West from April 8 to 11. This will be only the second Womens Test between South Africa and Australia, following their earlier match in Perth in February 2024, where Australia won by an innings and 284 runs. Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki shared his excitement for the upcoming season, stating, We are delighted to host two of the world's top teams in India and Australia for what promises to be a thrilling home summer for the Proteas Women. These tours will showcase the very best of international women's cricket and boost the encouraging increase in fan attendance, as we continue to welcome growing crowds across the country to watch world-class players compete at some of our iconic venues. Schedule vs India 1st ODI - December 9, 2026, Potchefstroom 2nd ODI - December 12, 2026, Bloemfontein 3rd ODI - December 15, 2026, Cape Town One-off Test - December 20 to 23, 2026, Gqeberha vs Australia 1st T20I - March 18, 2027, Kimberley 2nd T20I - March 21, 2027, Benoni 3rd T20I - March 23, 2027, KuGompo City 1st ODI - March 27, 2027, Gqeberha 2nd ODI - March 31, 2027, Paarl 1st ODI - March 27, 2027, Gqeberha Also Read: Live Cricket Score One-off Test - April 8 to 11, 2027, Potchefstroom Article Source: IANS

Keshav Maharaj: 'We are very inexperienced, but it's not an excuse'

They currently trail a five-match T20I series 2-1 against New Zealand, with many first-choice players missing from their squad

3rd T20I: Bowlers Shine As NZ Seal 8-wicket Win Over South Africa

For South Africa: A superb bowling show followed by Tom Lathams unbeaten half-century powered New Zealand to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the third T20I played at Eden Park on Friday, helping the hosts take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first and produced a disciplined effort to restrict South Africa to 136/9 in 20 overs. The hosts then chased down the total easily in just 16.2 overs. South Africa were off to a poor start as they lost three crucial wickets in the powerplay, with Wiaan Mulder getting out on a duck while Tony de Zorzi and Connor Esterhuizen made starts but could not convert them into big scores. After the top order failure, the middle order also could not steady the innings, with Rubin Hermann and Dian Forrester unable to make an impact. Later, George Linde (23 off 19), Gerald Coetzee (16 off 8), and Nqobani Mokoena (26 off 20) added some useful runs, helping South Africa cross the 130-run mark, but the total remained below par. New Zealands bowlers kept things tight throughout. Mitchell Santner and Ben Sears picked up two wickets each, while Ferguson stood out with an economical spell, conceding just nine runs in his four overs. Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, and Cole McConchie also contributed to maintaining pressure. In reply, New Zealand chased down the target comfortably. Devon Conway and Latham provided a steady start, with Conway scoring 39 off 26 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. After Conways dismissal, Latham anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63 off 55 balls, ensuring there were no setbacks in the chase. Tim Robinson added 17 runs, while Nick Kelly finished the match. In reply, New Zealand chased down the target comfortably. Devon Conway and Latham provided a steady start, with Conway scoring 39 off 26 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: South Africa 136/9 in 20 overs (Nqobani Mokoena 26, George Linde 17; Mitchell Santner 2-21, Ben Sears 2-27) lost to New Zealand 137/2 in 16.2 overs (Tom Latham 63*, Devon Conway 39; Lutho Sipamla 1-26, Keshav Maharaj 1-30) by 8 wickets. Article Source: IANS

India, Australia tours highlight SA women's home summer

India will play one Test and three ODIs later in the year while Australia will visit SA for a full tour, which includes ODIs, T20Is and a Test

Ferguson, Santner, Latham help New Zealand take 2-1 series lead

Conway and Latham put on an opening stand of 96 in New Zealand's chase of 137

'I probably do lean towards the NZ20,' says Devine as New Zealand braces for winds of change

It's looking hopefully likely, having a New Zealand tournament and that's pretty exciting, says Lockie Ferguson

IPL 2026: 'A Lot Of RCB's Success Will Depend On Hazlewood's Availability,' Opines Du Plessis

Former South African: Former South African player Faf du Plessis has stressed the importance of Josh Hazlewood in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) chances ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, saying the teams success is closely linked to the availability of the Australian pacer. Hazlewood, who played a crucial role in RCB's triumphant campaign in the IPL 2025, has not played a match since injuring his hamstring in the Sheffield Shield on November 12 last year. The pacer also missed the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026 due to not attaining full recovery. The 35-year-old is currently managed by Cricket Australia and is set to miss the opening matches of the IPL 2026. His return date is yet to be confirmed. Du Plessis explained that Hazlewoods ability to deliver in crucial phases, both with the new ball and at the death, makes him a vital part of the bowling attack, and his absence leaves a significant gap in the side. When he was there, even when I was playing, we would have effective bowling attacks, and when you take him out, he leaves such a massive hole because he gets you wickets in the power play. He comes back, and he's excellent at depth. So I think a lot of his or a lot of the team's success goes hand in hand with Hazlewood's availability, Du Plessis was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. The former Proteas batter also pointed out that building a strong bowling unit has always been a challenge at the RCB's home ground, Chinnaswamy Stadium, due to its batting-friendly nature, making experienced bowlers even more crucial. For a long period of time, Chinnaswamy has been a very difficult home ground. In all the years that I was there as well, you can't, you try and plan for what you think are home conditions, but it's so different all the time, and it's so batter-friendly. So the only difference I've really picked up is that you need a quality finger spinner, which I wish we had in our time in terms of the guys we're talking about now, those guys, he said. Du Plessis added that having the right mix of bowlers, including quality spinners and experienced pacers like Hazlewood, is key for RCB to succeed in the upcoming IPL season. For a long period of time, Chinnaswamy has been a very difficult home ground. In all the years that I was there as well, you can't, you try and plan for what you think are home conditions, but it's so different all the time, and it's so batter-friendly. So the only difference I've really picked up is that you need a quality finger spinner, which I wish we had in our time in terms of the guys we're talking about now, those guys, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB will start their title defence on March 28, when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS

PBKS haven't Achieved Their Goal Yet, We Must Cross The Finish Line This Time: Suryansh Shedge

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Punjab Kings batting all-rounder Suryansh Shedge said the franchise hasnt achieved its goal yet of winning the title after becoming runners-up in IPL 2025, adding that the squad heads into the upcoming season with unfinished business firmly on their minds. PBKS reached only its second IPL final in 2025 but fell short by six runs to eventual champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Ahmedabad. We haven't achieved our goal yet. So I think we'll go in with the same mindset again this year. I think all of us talked to each other in some way or the other and brought that topic up. Directly nahi hoi wo baat (The talk didnt happen directly). But I think all of us have spoken to each other about the fact that we just fell short and how we have to cross the finish line this time, Shedge told IANS in an exclusive conversation, facilitated by JSW Sports. Shedge, who had five IPL appearances in the 2025 season (though he didnt get to post any noteworthy performance, wasted no time since the season ended. Playing domestic games for Mumbai in both senior and U23 teams has kept him sharp. It's like in the last month, I've played about three to four red-ball matches. So I'm trying to sneak in a lot of wide-ball sessions also in between. It's working well for now, but the preps started last year after the IPL ended, so I don't think I have to rush anything. It's like a process, so I think it's on the right track. Aside from being in a thriving PBKS atmosphere, Shedge had a memorable moment when he met his childhood idol Virat Kohli. From looking at him playing on the screen to sharing the ground with him, it was surreal and unbelievable a few times. But I think watching him go about his business, even in practice sessions, I learnt a lot about how professional he is and the energy he brings. But the first time when I met him, when I was shaking his hand, I couldn't believe it. I was jittery and had goosebumps because he's been my idol since I started playing cricket. So it was a very, it was a huge moment for me personally, in terms of my cricketing career, because I always dreamt of playing alongside him, and I think let's keep it at that. The pre-season camp in Udaipur earlier this year also gave Shedge time to spend with fellow Mumbaikar and new spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. So basically, I think we have a couple of guys who are new in the coaching staff. I know Sairaj sir really well because he's from Mumbai. It was really good to work with him in that camp. I had a lot of good interactions with him regarding my bowling and batting because he's been around the IPL circuit for a number of years now, and he has that experience in him. So it was great learning things from him. Secondly, because you meet your teammates after a year so I think it's good to have such camps because then you can rekindle and talk to your teammates and build that rapport with them again. Being in the high-pressure environment in the IPL gave tonnes of lessons to Shedge. I feel like controlling your emotions is one thing when you're playing a high-stakes game. It's like if your emotions go up and down, you might not perform at your best. So that's one thing I've learnt. Secondly, situational awareness I've always given 100 per cent to my team since I was a young child. But I hate losing so I think that final also taught us a lot as a team and me as an individual, he said. Though Shedge captained Mumbai on a tour of England and earned India A selection, Shedge said his internal preparation has been the real work in progress. I think life remains the same the preparations get tougher and you're a bit more hard on yourself because you can see that goal and that goal is in reach. You're so close yet so far. So I think you try to work harder, and I think it has helped me in that way. The acceptance part is accepting that you need to improve on something and these are your strengths; this is what you need to improve on. I think that has given me a lot of clarity of where I stand right now. The hyper, win-at-all-costs kid from Mumbai is being steadily replaced by steady patience, which Shedge said wasnt the case a few years ago. I don't think that was the case if you ask me two, three years back. I was always this hyper kid, and I've always wanted to win, as I said. So I didn't know how to control my emotions. I think once you grow up and you start to see what is working for you and what's not working for you, you try to inculcate some changes and work on the things that need to be worked on. I think accepting the fact that I need to work on something helped me a lot. Then, as soon as you notice something, you need to get to work asap. You can't just linger around and let it be for some other day. So I think getting things done in that instant has helped me a lot. I wouldn't say I'm a patient guy. There's a lot of scope of improvement right now, but I think I'm on the path to becoming a patient human being. Much of PBKS unlikely run to the final last year, Shedge believes, was built on a dressing room environment created by Ricky Ponting and captain Shreyas Iyer who share a good rapport from their Delhi Capitals days. When everyone on the team comes together and has one similar goal, beautiful things happen. Since we started getting together for camps before last year's IPL, I think the goal was pretty clear. When you have a support staff that is for the players, they want to support the players, and I think it makes a huge difference. The relationship of Ricky sir and Shreyas bhai also I think they go way back during the Delhi Capitals time also. So I think that helped us because they were familiar with each other and they were more often than not on the same page. The environment always was light because Arshdeep (Singh) paaji was also there. He likes having a few laughs, and it was always a good time. So that's why we did really well. For Shedge, who shot into the limelight by being a vital cog in Mumbai winning the 2024/25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he ended the recent domestic season without silverware and was candid about how he fared in it. Our goal was to lift all the three trophies, but that couldn't happen. Nevertheless, I think we performed very well as a group. Sometimes things just don't click so it's like it was one of those years. Everyone was on the same page and was working hard. There were a lot of contributions from each and every individual in different games. But sometimes it just doesn't happen. So now we know what we need to improve on, and we can go in better prepared for next season. Personally for me also, I feel like in whatever opportunities I got, I could have done better. So as I said, the acceptance part, and that's how we grow. I wouldn't call it losing or failing. We were just learning as a group and I as an individual. Everyone was on the same page and was working hard. There were a lot of contributions from each and every individual in different games. But sometimes it just doesn't happen. So now we know what we need to improve on, and we can go in better prepared for next season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Then, making an impact, contributing to my team's victory has always been very important, and I think I'll try to do that this year. In whichever way I can help my team, I'll try to help them, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Bharat Arun Has Been Adding A Lot Of Value,' Says Pant On LSG's Bowling Improvement

Skipper Rishabh Pant: Skipper Rishabh Pant has underlined the importance of improving Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowling unit ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, saying the addition of experienced coach Bharat Arun is already making a positive impact as they look to end the quest for the IPL trophy in the upcoming season. Pant explained that the team management identified bowling as a key area to strengthen after poor performance in the last season. He added that Aruns experience, clear communication, and ability to build trust with bowlers have helped create a more confident and open environment in the camp. The camp with the fast bowlers has been fantastic. Bharat Arun, sir, has come on board, and since he arrived, he has been adding a lot of value. We've had a lot of conversations about what I want from the bowlers and what he thinks he can add. The energy is pure. He is one of the best bowling coaches, and I have that trust, having worked with him when he was with the Indian cricket team. He brings that experience, Pant said on Jio Hotstar. The bowlers trust him and open up to him, which is exactly what you want from a bowling coach, adding value to the system. When we look back at last season, we felt we needed to add more to our bowling. He is definitely someone who can contribute a lot in that area, and I am really happy to have him, he added. Pant also spoke about the importance of maintaining a relaxed and enjoyable environment in the dressing room. He stressed that enjoying the game helps players perform better. I think everyone is fun-loving these days because the environment is already so stressful. Everyone wants to enjoy each other's company; you can feel that emotion, the love, the enjoyment. If you carry too much stress and dont enjoy yourself, sometimes you wont be able to give your best. You dont want to treat it as work. I say this a lot, as kids, why did we play cricket? Yes, there is a lot at stake, a lot to lose, and the stakes will keep getting higher, but you shouldnt stop enjoying the game and having fun. I think that is something that seems to be missing these days, and if players bring that back, they will be a lot happier, he said. Pant, who missed Indias ODI series against New Zealand in January due to a side strain and has not featured in a match since then, said he is in a positive mindset and is focused on improving every day. I think I am in a good space, physically and mentally. I like to work on myself every day, and I enjoy that, because you have to spend time with yourself to keep improving. As long as you are playing cricket, that matters. All the seniors I speak to tell me that in cricket, you can't take it lightly even for a day. Today could be your day, but tomorrow it might not be, and that could change again the day after. So, just keep working hard, he said. Pant, who missed Indias ODI series against New Zealand in January due to a side strain and has not featured in a match since then, said he is in a positive mindset and is focused on improving every day. Also Read: Live Cricket Score According to the 20 match schedule released by the BCCI, Pant led LSG will play their first match against the Delhi Capitals at their home ground Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, on April 1. Article Source: IANS

Hosting 2028 Indoor Athletics Worlds 'big Step Forward In Our Olympic Journey': Dhawan

World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze: As the World Athletics Council selected Odisha, India, to host the World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028, former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan called it a ig step forward in the Olympic journey, saying it reflects Indias growing stature on the global sporting stage. During the 240th World Athletics Council Meeting held in Torun, Poland, India was awarded the 2028 edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships, from March 3-5 2028, which will see India host a global track and field championship for the first time. India continues to grow as a global sporting destination. Hosting the 2028 World Indoor Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar is a proud moment and a big step forward in our Olympic journey and sports ecosystem, Dhawan shared on X. Members of the World Athletics Council inspected Bhubaneswars Kalinga Indoor Stadium in Odisha in January and were satisfied with the facilities. Odisha is one of the main destinations for track and field in the country. Apart from domestic competitions, Odisha has also been hosting international competitions. The 2017 Asian Athletics Championships was held at Bhubaneswars Kalinga Stadium. Odisha also conducted the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Level Competition last year in Bhubaneswar, which attracted more than 200 athletes from different parts of the globe. Members of the World Athletics Council inspected Bhubaneswars Kalinga Indoor Stadium in Odisha in January and were satisfied with the facilities. Odisha is one of the main destinations for track and field in the country. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Over the past decade, Odisha has made sport a central pillar of its development vision. Hosting the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2028 will further strengthen our commitment to building a vibrant sporting culture while inspiring the next generation of athletes across India, he had said. Article Source: IANS

'He's 25, Not 20 Anymore': ABD Urges Abhishek To Take More Responsibility Ahead Of IPL 2026

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former South Africa player AB de Villiers believes that India batter Abhishek Sharma has reached a stage in his career where he must take greater responsibility and deal better with pressure, especially after an inconsistent run in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Abhishek, who was struggling for runs in India's triumphant World Cup campaign, has been named vice- captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which will commence on March 28. Hes 25, not 20 anymore. So, this is definitely the phase where he has to start taking more responsibility. There will be media pressure and people asking him to become more consistent. We know he was a little inconsistent during the T20 World Cup, which was disappointing. He had a good finish in the final, but otherwise, it was a quiet tournament for him. He was erratic at times, De Villiers said on JioHotstar. De Villiers further pointed out that while Abhishek has already shown his talent, the next step is about maturity and consistency. He stressed that expectations will only grow, and handling them mentally will be key to success in IPL 2026. He had an unbelievable IPL 2025, scoring close to a 200 strike-rate and averaging in the 30s, which is good for an opening batter scoring over 400 runs in the tournament, but it could have been better. Once again, that word consistency comes to mind. Its a personal challenge he will have to overcome mentally. Being the number one international T20I batter in the world comes with expectation, and that is the most dangerous word in cricket, when you feel like the whole world is closing in on you, and its up to him to fight those mental battles throughout this coming season, de Villiers added. De Villiers also advised Abhishek to be smarter in reading situations instead of always attacking. Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star highlighted the importance of adapting to difficult bowlers and trusting his own plan, which could help him become more consistent. The answer to his success, and to the longevity of his career and consistency, lies in him understanding and respecting different match-ups. A bowler comes on, suppose its Bumrah, and the game is on the line. How do you handle that? Do you attack him, or do you respect it and get to the other end? That is where you have to be true to yourself as a batter. You have to feel, Theres a threat here, Im not comfortable, Im not going to give it away. Ill give it a couple of minutes and see if something else comes up.' I think that is the only missing link in his game still, De Villiers noted. De Villiers also advised Abhishek to be smarter in reading situations instead of always attacking. Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star highlighted the importance of adapting to difficult bowlers and trusting his own plan, which could help him become more consistent. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Abhishek will open the innings for SRH with Australian great Travis Head when they face the defending champions RCB in the tournament opener on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS

1st T20I: Mooney, King Shine As Australia Register 43-run Win Over West Indies

Opener Beth Mooney: Opener Beth Mooney struck a fluent 79 off 55 balls while Alana King picked up three wickets as Australia defeated the West Indies womens cricket team by 43 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series played at the Arnos Vale Ground on Friday. Coming to bat after winning the toss, Australia had a shaky start and were reduced to 34/2 inside the powerplay. Opener Georgia Voll fell early, followed by young star Phoebe Litchfield, leaving the visitors under pressure. Mooney then showed her experience and anchored the innings along with Ellyse Perry, who scored 36. The pair added 99 runs for the third wicket, shifting gears after a cautious beginning. Australia collected quick runs in the second half of the innings, with Mooney bringing up her half-century off 42 balls. Deandra Dottin finally broke the partnership in the 17th over by dismissing Perry. Mooney soon followed, scoring 79 runs. Despite back-to-back wickets, Australia had built a solid platform and went on to post 164/6 in 20 overs. West Indies made a steady start while chasing a challenging target, reaching 33 without loss in the powerplay courtesy of Australias fielding, which was far from sharp, with Hayley Matthews dropped twice early in the innings. King, who had earlier missed a return catch, made up for it by dismissing Matthews soon after the powerplay. Qiana Joseph kept the chase alive with a 39-ball 45, as West Indies reached 69/1 at the halfway stage. West Indies prime batter Shemaine Campbelle also survived multiple chances, with three catches put down by the Australians. Despite the sloppy fielding, the West Indies failed to build momentum. Joseph was eventually caught in the deep, while King trapped Campbell lbw to reduce the hosts to 76/3 in 12.2 overs. A brief rain interruption did little to change the course of the match, as King struck again immediately after play resumed to remove Dottin. Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton showed some fightback with a 45-run partnership, but they could not keep the required run rate in check and fell in the last over as the team finished on 121/6 in 20 overs, falling well short of the target. Joseph was eventually caught in the deep, while King trapped Campbell lbw to reduce the hosts to 76/3 in 12.2 overs. A brief rain interruption did little to change the course of the match, as King struck again immediately after play resumed to remove Dottin. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief scores: Australia 164/6 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 79, Elyssa Perry 36; Deandra Dottin 3-35, Chinelle Henry 2-28) beat West Indies 121/6 in 20 overs (Qiana Joseph 45, Stafanie Taylor 28; Alana King 3-14, Georgia Wareham 2-14) by 43 runs. Article Source: IANS

3rd T20I: Devine's Allround Effort Takes NZ To 2-1 Series Lead Over SA

Then Suzie Bates: Sophie Devine's 55 not out after her brilliant bowling effort powered New Zealand to a six-wicket win over South Africa in the third T20I here at Eden Park on Friday and took a 2-1 series lead in the five-match series with two games to go. After opting to bat first, the Proteas women were restricted to 149/7, with Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates picking up a couple of wickets each. In response, Devines half-century led the chase, with support from Amelia Kerr (30) and Maddy Green (34), as the hosts chased down the target in 18.4 overs to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Batting first, South Africa got off to a disastrous start as they were reduced to 9/2 within three overs when Rosemary Mair removed opener Tazmin Brits in the second over, and Jess Kerr joined the party in the next over to dismiss Sune Luus. Annerie Dercksen and skipper Laura Wolvaardt stitched together a crucial 51-run stand for the third wicket to steady the innings after early setbacks. The partnership, however, was broken by Sophie Devine, who dismissed Dercksen for 27. Then Suzie Bates removed Chloe Tryon before Sophie Devine struck again, dismissing Nadine de Klerk, as the visitors slipped to 101/5 in 15 overs, leaving them in a spot of bother. Kayla Reyneke (34 not out off 20) provided late momentum in the death overs, smashing two sixes and a four straight down the ground in the last over to lift South Africa to 149/7. Then Suzie Bates removed Chloe Tryon before Sophie Devine struck again, dismissing Nadine de Klerk, as the visitors slipped to 101/5 in 15 overs, leaving them in a spot of bother. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But Sophie Devine and Maddy Green signalled the shift in momentum with an unbeaten 84-run stand for the fifth wicket. When the partnership brought up its fifty, Green had contributed just 12 off 15 balls, with Devine doing the bulk of the scoring from the other end. She carried that dominance through to the finish as New Zealand wrapped up the chase with six wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. Article Source: IANS

New Zealand ask South Africa to bat in third T20I; Jacobs comes back, Sipamla comes in

This will be the last fixture of the series for Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson, who will all be rested for the remaining two matches

Devine's all-round masterclass hands New Zealand 2-1 series lead

Dercksen and Reyneke powered South Africa but a slowdown in between left them with an under par 149 for 7

After Hazlewood & Cummins, Starc Set To Miss Start Of IPL; Edwards Ruled Out With Injury

After Josh Hazlewood: After Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc is also set to miss the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL), beginning March 28, with Cricket Australia opting for a cautious approach towards its premier fast bowlers ahead of a packed international schedule. Meanwhile, Jack Edwards has been ruled out due to foot injury. Cummins has not played competitive cricket since the third Ashes Test in Adelaide in December 2025, after being out of action post the tour of the West Indies due to a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back. He was subsequently ruled out of the remaining Ashes matches and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup due to the same issue. Hazlewood, meanwhile, was out for the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles issues. Meanwhile, Starc played all five Ashes Tests and the back-end of the Big Bash League. He is, however, being managed by Cricket Australia after having bowled more balls in Test cricket than any other paceman over the course of the last 12 months. Cricket Australia is taking a cautious approach with their star multi-format bowlers given that the Test side will play up to 21 matches in a 12-month period, including tours of South Africa, India and England, before defending their ODI World Cup crown in late 2027. Starc (Delhi Capitals) and Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad) are set to leave holes in their respective teams' attacks to begin the tournament. In Cummins' absence, India wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan will lead (SRH). The trio's availability will depend on progress in their return-to-play protocols over the next few weeks, as per cricket.com.au. Moreover, SRH will also be missing Australian allrounder Jack Edwards after he picked up a foot injury. The 25-year-old allrounder was signed up by SRH for Rs 3 crore at the last auction and would have made his IPL debut this season. He was the only uncapped overseas player to be signed up at the 2025 auction. SRH will take part in the season opener on March 28 in Bengaluru, where they face off against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Meanwhile, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a big blow with pacer Nathan Ellis set to be ruled out of the competition after being unable to recover in time from a hamstring injury, the franchises CEO KS Viswanathan told reporters at an event in Chennai on Thursday. SRH will take part in the season opener on March 28 in Bengaluru, where they face off against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David are among the 16 Australians on IPL rosters for the 2026 season. Article Source: IANS

England Cricket Chiefs To Front Up To Media Over Ashes Flop

English cricket chiefs Rob Key and Richard Gould will speak to the media at Lord's on Monday regarding a post-Ashes review into the team's series loss in Australia. Key, the managing director of men's cricket, will appear alongside England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Gould to discuss events on and off the field during a woeful 4-1 reverse over five Tests 'Down Under' in 2025/26. In addition to their poor on-field performance, concerns about the culture of an England squad led by Ben Stokes and coached by former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum emerged during a break in Noosa, an Australian resort, where there were reports of excessive drinking by players. This was followed by revelations that vice-captain Harry Brook had had an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on the pre-Ashes visit to New Zealand. The ECB briefly attempted to block England contracted players from fielding questions about the tour at pre-season county media days, in the hope this would first allow team management to discusss the circumstances of a deeply disappointing trip. But following a public outcry, the ECB quickly reversed its position with the England trio of Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson all taking part in Surrey's event at the Oval earlier this week. While no formal review is expected to be published, Key and Gould are set to offer major conclusions ahead of a home season which could lead to a reset for the under-fire coaching regime. The position of McCullum, who reiterated his post Ashes desire to continue as England coach following the white ball team's semi-final exit at the recent T20 World Cup, remains a major talking point. McCullum has been angered by suggestions he runs a casual operation with the England hierarchy also facing widespread criticisms regarding the team's warm-up schedule, preparation and overall selection policy. There has also been mounting frustration within English county cricket concerning the seeming disregard the England management have for the first-class game. Pope, however, insisted winning back the hearts and minds of fans was important to the England side. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The misconception might be that we weren't as fussed as it came across, he said. Of course we want to be a well-liked team, on and off the pitch, and unfortunately our performance didn't allow that to happen in Australia.

SRH's Jack Edwards ruled out of IPL 2026 with foot injury

Jack Edwards's injury adds to the growing list of Australian quick bowlers who have been hit with injuries ahead of IPL 2026

BBL privatisation may not be an all-in decision as deadline looms

A model has been discussed whereby a sale of clubs could continue even if some opt against it

Hamstring injury expected to rule Nathan Ellis out of IPL 2026

CSK fast bowler Nathan Ellis has aggravated an old hamstring injury

King and Mooney star as Australia escape catching nightmare

The visitors spilled five chances but still emerged from the opening T20I as comfortable winners

Pakistan To Take Government Advice On Playing India In Hockey World Cup

Hockey World Cup: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) will take government advice on playing India in this year's FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, as the tension between the two countries has spilt over into sports, a news report said on Thursday. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been drawn in Pool D of the 16-team World Cup, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced while unveiling the draw of the event. However, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officials told Telecom Asia Sport that they will follow the government's decision on whether to take the field against India when they are scheduled to meet in a first-round match on August 19. The Men's Hockey World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 15 to 30. This will be Pakistan's first World Cup appearance since finishing 12th out of 16 teams in the event held in Bhubaneswar, India, in 2018. Pakistan had failed to qualify for the event in 2014 and 2022. Pakistan is a four-time world champion in field hockey, with their last title coming as far back as 1994. The PHF is under an interim arrangement whose management committee will meet on March 27 and will look into the matter. We know that Pakistan and India are drawn in the same pool, so that will be on the agenda in the working committee meeting on March 27, Olympian Samiullah told www.telecomasia.net. This is a serious matter, so we will have to take advice from the government. India has stalled bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, but the two countries play in multi-national events. But India refused to send the men's cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy last year following a military conflict between the two countries, following a terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan pulled out of last year's Asia Cup and Junior World Cup, both held in India, over political tension. India has stalled bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, but the two countries play in multi-national events. But India refused to send the men's cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy last year following a military conflict between the two countries, following a terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The last field hockey match between the two countries was in the Asian Games on September 30, 2022, when India won by a big margin of 10-2 at Hangzhou in China. India has won all five of its latest encounters against Pakistan. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Pant, Shami, Mayank, Avesh, Mohsin Sweat Hard In LSGs Warm-up Game

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) intensified their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 preparations by participating in a high-scoring practice match against UP T20 League side Kashi Rudras at the Sports Galaxy Cricket Academy on Thursday. Captain Rishabh Pant featured in batting roles for both the Super Giants side and the opposition team named KR XI as he looked to fine-tune his batting ahead of the upcoming season. Batting first, the Super Giants posted a formidable total driven by aggressive cameos from Pant, Arshin Kulkarni, and Shahbaz Ahmed. The Kashi Rudras' bowling attack had LSG pacers Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan turning out for them. The trio tested the LSG batsmen with a mix of disciplined swing and sharp bouncers. In the second half of the warm-up game, the Kashi Rudras displayed similar firepower. Pant, continuing his stint at the crease alongside his LSG team-mate Mukul Chaudhary, Shubham, and Abhishek, cleared the ropes frequently to leave the local crowd delighted. On the bowling front for LSG, young pacer Mayank Yadav and wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi were the standout performers, and were supported by economical spells from Shahbaz and Arjun Tendulkar. The match drew a significant number of young cricketers from the local academy, who gathered to cheer on them. Following the session, several LSG players interacted with the fans, signing autographs and participating in photo sessions. On the bowling front for LSG, young pacer Mayank Yadav and wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi were the standout performers, and were supported by economical spells from Shahbaz and Arjun Tendulkar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score LSG will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The franchise previously had a pre-season camp in Chennai at the Coaching Beyond academy ground. Article Source: IANS

ECB advertise for new Men's Selector as hierarchy prepares to face the music

New role could feature more accountability in wake of criticisms about communication with county game

ECB play down Dukes supply-chain fears ahead of county season

Manufacturer warns of major crisis as conflict in Gulf impacts freight costs

Sean Abbott returns to Surrey for fourth stint

The Australian allrounder is available for the first eight County Championship fixtures and the Vitality Blast

NZ vs SA 3rd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

NZ vs SA 3rd T20I , Cricket Tips :The second T20I between New Zealand and South Africa saw a thumping win for the hosts by a 68-run margin. Devon Conway scored his 13th T20I fifty and scored 60 off 49 balls. The remaining job was done by the bowling unit, where Lockie Ferguson (3/16) and Ben Sears (3/14) took three wickets each. New Zealand leveled the series, and the third T20I is all set to kick off on Friday. This match will be held at Eden Park in Auckland, starting at 11:45 AM IST. South Africa found it hard to get going against the disciplined Kiwi bowling unit. New Zealand have the momentum, and they will be eager to take his lead to 2-1. NZ vs SA: Match Details Date : March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 11:45 AM IST Venue : Eden Park, Auckland NZ vs SA: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the live action of the third T20I on the Sony Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the game on the Sony LIV app or website. NZ vs SA: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 22 New Zealand : 09 South Africa : 13 No result/Tied: 0 NZ vs SA: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Eden Park is good for batting. It is slow and there is not much in it for the bowlers. There will be some assistance with the new ball, but as the ball gets old, there won't be much help. The team that bats first will have better batting conditions. NZ vs SA: Possible XIs New Zealand : Tom Latham (wk), Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Josh Clarkson, Lockie Ferguson South Africa : Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann (wk), Connor Esterhuizen, Wiaan Mulder, Jason Smith, Gerald Coetzee, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj (c), Ottneil Baartman, Nqobani Mokoena NZ vs SA: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Devon Conway has the temperament to perform well, and he will like the batting conditions at Ben Sears. For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder holds the key. Because he has done well with the bat in recent matches. Probable Best Bowler Lockie Ferguson is the most experienced Kiwi pacer, and he showed the difference he makes. For South Africa, Gerlad Coetzee has been the go-to bowler for South Africa. Today Match Prediction : South Africa have an inexperienced side, and these conditions are new to some of their players. Hence, we predict New Zealand to win this game. NZ vs SA Match 3rd T20I, Today Match NZ vs SA, NZ vs SA Prediction, NZ vs SA Predicted XIs, Injury Update for NZ vs SA Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Mens T20 World Cup Champions India Set To Play A Series Against Ireland In June

ICC Future Tours Programme: Mens T20 World Cup holders India will play a series against Ireland in June ahead of their white-ball tour of England, confirmed Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland. The series is not part of the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), but it will serve as a warm-up for the England tour for India, where they will play five T20Is in Chester-le-Street, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, and Southampton, apart from three ODIs. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, clinched the Mens T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil for a record third time earlier this month with a commanding 96-run win over New Zealand in a one-sided final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. West confirmed the fixtures while announcing that veteran batter Paul Stirling had stepped down as T20I captain following the teams disappointing campaign at the World Cup, ending in a group stage exit. Paul has been an outstanding leader, combining his wealth of playing experience with exceptional man-management skills. He will continue to captain the ODI squad with the initial goal to successfully navigate qualification and lead the team in the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup next October-November. With qualification secured for the T20 World Cup in 2028, Pauls decision to stand down as T20 captain provides the opportunity for the new captain to begin implementing their style and methodology, starting with the India Series in June, he said. Paul has been an outstanding leader, combining his wealth of playing experience with exceptional man-management skills. He will continue to captain the ODI squad with the initial goal to successfully navigate qualification and lead the team in the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup next October-November. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India last toured Ireland in August 2023 for a three-match T20I series, with all fixtures staged at the Malahide Cricket Ground. India were led by ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and secured the series 20 after winning the opening two games, while the third and final match was washed out due to rain. Article Source: IANS

Sam Curran set to miss IPL 2026 with suspected injury

Curran moved from CSK to RR last November via a trade

Ferguson to miss early part of IPL 2026, committed to keep playing for New Zealand

The fast bowler plans to link up with Punjab Kings for the latter stages of the IPL

New Zealand and South Africa jostle for series lead in high-scoring Auckland

NZ do not have a great record at Eden Park but will hope the experience of playing here will help them overcome the SA challenge

Parag: 'Samson irreplaceable like Kohli or Rohit'

Parag reflected on RR's missed opportunities in 2025 and his journey to captaincy, and highlighted the need to protect Sooryavanshi from outside noise

Paul Stirling Steps Down As Ireland T20I Captain, To Continue With ODI Leadership

Ireland T20I: Veteran batter Paul Stirling has stepped down as Ireland's T20I captain as the team begins planning for the upcoming Mens T20 World Cup in 2028. However, the 35-year-old will continue to lead the side in the ODIs. Stirling was appointed ODI and T20I captain in October 2023 and led Ireland at the recently concluded ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026. Placed in Group B in the tournament held in India and Sri Lanka, Ireland finished fourth of the five teams, managing just three points. The European side registered only one win and suffered two losses in the group stage, and one match was washed out. The captaincy change will now result in Ireland Men having a dedicated captain for each of the three formats. With Andrew Balbirnie leading the side in Test, Stirling in ODIs, and the T20I captain will be announced later. It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do. Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and Im very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role, Stirling said in an official statement on Thursday. I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the wider support staff, and everyone involved with Cricket Ireland for the backing they have shown me throughout. Im also hugely appreciative of the support from fans who continue to follow and champion this team wherever we play. It has been a tremendous honour to lead Ireland in this format and something I have been incredibly proud to do. Captaining your country is a privilege that carries great responsibility, and Im very grateful for the trust and support I have received during my time in the role, Stirling said in an official statement on Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The 35-year-old played just two games in the T20 World Cup 2026 before ligament damage to his knee during Ireland's game against Australia drew a curtain on his campaign. Wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker took the reins in Stirling's absence for the remainder of the tournament. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals Skipper Parag Targets Better Planning For Finishing Games

Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag said the teams focus for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season would be on planning better and closing out matches, after narrow defeats led to them finishing at ninth place in IPL 2025. RR lost five matches in chases by margins of 11 runs or fewer, including a Super Over defeat against Delhi Capitals. To solve that issue, they have strengthened their finishing unit with the addition of all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, as well as trading in Donovan Ferreira, though hes recently returned to action after suffering a shoulder injury in this years SA20. This year, the focus is to plan better and finish games, which we couldnt do in the previous edition. I feel we have to plan well. Last year, there were about five or six games that we lost in the last over or even on the last ball. Had we been able to convert those, or had we calculated better, or even hit one more four or six, this question would not have been asked because we would have qualified (for the playoffs) by winning those matches. I think that in every T20 game, there are 3-4 decisions that you have to make that change the course of the game. I know in a 40-over game, there are a lot of small decisions, as well as major decisions like who will bat where, and what we will do after winning the toss. If we take those small decisions with strategy and planning, this year will be different, Parag said in a pre-season press conference on Thursday. Parag also spoke about the huge void left by Sanju Samsons departure to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), saying that replacing him in the side is akin to replacing batting stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Indian team. If you talk about Sanju bhaiya, we never think about replacing the kind of player he is. We can perhaps look for someone with a similar skillset or have someone bat in his position. Its like there is no replacement for Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, and in the same way, there is no replacement for Sanju bhaiya because he is such a good player, Parag added. Parag, 24, has played an ODI and nine T20Is for India in 2024 and revealed he has been managing a shoulder injury since going under the knife in the same year. In 2024, when I debuted for the country, I played three back-to-back tours. I don't know if you saw that, but right before the Indian team went to South Africa, there was a small note at the bottom of the team. When the Indian squad came out, I was left out due to a shoulder injury. Since then, I have not been at 100 percent with my shoulder. That is why I have not been in the Indian squad, or not been considered for it, because I would not like to play cricket for my country that way. I am pretty sure the BCCI knows it as well that till the time my shoulder is 100 percent fit, I would not be considered for the Indian team. That is why I have been left out. As far as coming back to it, firstly, I think about having a great season in the IPL - collectively as a team, not really thinking a lot about individual things or stats, or I need to get 600-700 runs. For me, leading this franchise, having so many years with them, so many connections, emotions, and just love for the franchise, and all I am trying to do this year is try to win the IPL. I think we have a team that can win the IPL, and that is my sole focus right now. Once that is over, I can think about my personal things, which is coming back to the Indian team and whatnot after that - so that is the plan, he said. Parag signed off by saying he was prepared to contribute with the ball if required. I feel we spoke about this last year before this league started. It was finding the right match-up for the wicket and the teams that I can go against. For me, leading this franchise, having so many years with them, so many connections, emotions, and just love for the franchise, and all I am trying to do this year is try to win the IPL. I think we have a team that can win the IPL, and that is my sole focus right now. Once that is over, I can think about my personal things, which is coming back to the Indian team and whatnot after that - so that is the plan, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So yes, this year again, when I'm leading, I won't prompt myself that it was because of the number of bowling overs, but on assessing conditions and game situations, if I need to bowl a couple of overs, I will do that. Article Source: IANS

English Cricket Faces A Potential Shortfall Of Dukes Balls Amid Gulf Shipping Disruption

British Cricket Balls Ltd: The upcoming English cricket season may face an unusual challenge due to a shortage of Dukes balls, which could affect preparations for both domestic and international matches. Delays in Gulf shipping routes, caused by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, have slowed the transportation of cricket balls from South Asia to the UK, posing logistical hurdles for the organisers. The English season is set to start on April 3, but officials report that stock levels of Dukes balls, used in home Tests and the County Championship involving all 18 first-class counties, are already reduced to about half the usual supply. With limited balls available, teams may need to ration their allocations at the beginning of the season. Dilip Jajodia, owner of British Cricket Balls Ltd, the manufacturer of Dukes balls, highlighted the impact of the Gulf conflict on freight and logistics. Weve got a major crisis right now with this bloody Gulf War nonsense. Weve got to ration clubs by giving them 50 per cent of their balls at the start of the season, and then manage the problem. Weve got plenty of stuff in the factories in the subcontinent ready to go, but the airlines are not taking the freight, because theres a logjam, he told Daily Mail. Jajodia further explained that the conflict has caused a sharp increase in transportation costs, as safety concerns and disrupted flight routes through the Middle East have driven up freight charges. The rates have gone up, too. A box of 120 cricket balls would be charged normally by airlines at about $5 a kilo. The last quote I got was $15 a kilo. Most of the stuff goes through the Middle East, but if youve suddenly got rockets flying around, youve got a major problem, he added. Despite the serious nature of the situation, Jajodia struck a humorous note, saying, If only I had known this was going to happen, Id have had a word with Donald Trump. Please dont attack anybody before the cricket season starts! An official from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) acknowledged that the supply disruption served as a wake-up call for the domestic industry. Despite the serious nature of the situation, Jajodia struck a humorous note, saying, If only I had known this was going to happen, Id have had a word with Donald Trump. Please dont attack anybody before the cricket season starts! Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the first round of matches just weeks away, English cricket authorities will have to navigate these supply constraints carefully to ensure the season proceeds smoothly. Article Source: IANS

Stirling steps down as T20I captain; Ireland confirm T20I series against India

Stirling will, however, continue to lead Ireland's ODI side as they target qualification for next year's World Cup

'Tigers Are Ready': Delhi Capitals Unveil New Jersey Ahead Of IPL 2026

Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals have unveiled their new jersey ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28, 2026. Capitals have maintained their iconic red and blue colour, but the centre pattern has changed. It is now a mixture of blue and red strips running from top to bottom. According to the franchise, the design draws inspiration from the fierce tiger spirit that defines both the team and the city it represents. In a video released by the franchise on Thursday, Delhi Capitals women's team captain Jemimah Rodrigues joined hands with the men's team skipper Axar Patel in unveiling the new jersey. The video captures the spirit of the city and also features middle-order batter Nitish Rana, who was added to the squad in the IPL 2026 Auction. Speaking on the occasion, the CEO of Delhi Capitals, Sunil Gupta, said, This jersey celebrates our city, identity, and the fearless mindset we bring to the field. In a first for an IPL jersey launch campaign, we are also proud to feature our Womens team captain, Jemimah Rodrigues, as it reflects our commitment to building a unified Delhi Capitals culture across teams. Our Tigers in blue and red are ready, and we are looking forward to an exciting season ahead, he added. With India's T20 World Cup 2026 champion Axar Patel as the leader, the Delhi Capitals team have experienced Indian players like KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav, along with Australia's premier bowler Mitchell Starc, who would give a tough fight to the opposition. In a first for an IPL jersey launch campaign, we are also proud to feature our Womens team captain, Jemimah Rodrigues, as it reflects our commitment to building a unified Delhi Capitals culture across teams. Our Tigers in blue and red are ready, and we are looking forward to an exciting season ahead, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score According to the 20-match schedule released by the BCCI, Delhi Capitals will start their campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 1. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: RR Have Addressed Quite A Few Of The Things Ahead Of Upcoming Season, Says Sangakkara

Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Kumar Sangakkara said the franchise had worked to strengthen several areas of the squad ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, including batting depth and having more options in the spin bowling department. RR had a forgettable time in IPL 2025, suffering 10 defeats and winning only four games to finish ninth in the points table. After releasing all their spinners before the 2026 season auction, RR found a bankable Indian spinner in Ravi Bishnoi, as well as getting all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran via a trade deal. Well, we needed to handle our skills outside in terms of a little bit of batting depth, local spin, all-rounders, and more options that we had to have in this bowling department -- so that we can also rejig the batting line-up. So, that's what we have tried to address. With the trades we have one and some of the auction buys, we managed to address the local spin department so that we can then start looking at different options in terms of overseas batters, overseas fast bowlers, and that gives us a little bit more flexibility. So, we have addressed quite a few of the things that we wanted to address, said Sangakkara, while replying to a query from IANS in the pre-season press conference on Thursday. The former Sri Lanka captain added that the focus now shifts to execution, as RR open their campaign against CSK at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on March 30. But again, we can have all the bases covered, everything done, and now it's really hard work where we try to get them all together, really believe in each other, and then really prepare well to start playing against the opposition. At the end of the day, the proof is in the pudding, and the strategy score is how they perform. But second to that, if everyone is here wanting to win, I do not doubt that -- whether it's Riyan and the team, or whether it's a different team, the real question is to try and really solve the how how are we going to do that? Then also, while doing that, I want this squad of players to have a wonderful time. You can't just concentrate on results and have just the results validate you. Players can have great seasons, good seasons, or bad seasons. However, that doesn't mean they're bad players, because the whole point of recruiting players is that we believe they're the best. Not just believe, the stats show that they are the best, and I want them to have a fantastic time with each other, really enjoy the ups and downs of the IPL, and really focus on playing the game at a time. I think once you try to break it down, the results will happen as they do, and we're hoping that the results will be more of them now than not before, he elaborated. On the appointment of Riyan Parag as RRs new captain post Samsons departure, Sangakkara said the decision was based on his leadership qualities rather than sticking to a regional identity. I am going to say one thing -- the homegrown part, whether he was from India or which part of India, there was nothing in our conversations about that. It was about finding the best person to captain and lead the part. I met Riyan when he was a teenager, and he is absolutely right. He has seen a lot, gone through a lot. The most striking thing for me was how reflective and mature he has become. So, Riyan Parag, the cricketer, I have always massively admired who he is. Even through the doubts, all I could see was where he could be, and that's right at the top. But more importantly, I really came to admire the person that Riyan Parag is. When we wanted to select a captain, once Sanju had decided to leave, it was really important that we explored all options. So, we had a short list of candidates, and we used a very strict interview process. We went through it, and Riyan knows it wasn't easy, he elaborated. The most striking thing for me was how reflective and mature he has become. So, Riyan Parag, the cricketer, I have always massively admired who he is. Even through the doubts, all I could see was where he could be, and that's right at the top. But more importantly, I really came to admire the person that Riyan Parag is. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It became very apparent that the right choice, the right person to lead Rajasthan Royals, was Riyan. We were extremely happy to make that decision. The most important thing is that the whole franchise, everybody involved in that process, the team, the coaches, everyone understands and backs it one hundred percent that the decision was made because Riyan Parag is absolutely the right candidate to captain and lead the Rajasthan Royals. Article Source: IANS

England Captain Sciver-Brunt Returns Home From SA Training Camp Due To Family Reasons

T20 World Cup: England Women's cricket team captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has left the intra-squad training series and returned home due to family reasons. Sciver-Brunt is expected to miss the remainder of the tour, which was seen as a key practice for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England from June 12 to July 5. Nat Sciver-Brunt has returned home from South Africa for family reasons. It is expected shell play no further part in the tour, the England Cricket Board said in a statement. England had originally planned for the squad to travel to the UAE earlier in March. However, the trip was cancelled after the security situation in the region deteriorated following US-Israeli air strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran across the Gulf. England Women then travelled to Pretoria for an extended training programme and a five-match intra-squad T20 series scheduled to run from March 10 to 27. England have not played any competitive cricket since October and do not have international fixtures scheduled this winter. For the camp, the players were divided into two squads that were competing against each other in the T20 series. Team Heyhoe Flint, named after England great Rachael Heyhoe Flint, is captained by England vice-captain Charlie Dean. The squad includes experienced players such as former skipper Heather Knight and leading spinner Sophie Ecclestone. England assistant coach Luke Williams will guide the side. For the camp, the players were divided into two squads that were competing against each other in the T20 series. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England are placed in a tough Group 2 in the Women's T20 World Cup. They will face the West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Ireland in the group stage. Article Source: IANS

Saurav Ghosal Named Sports Commissioner Of World Premier Squash

World Premier Squash: India's decorated squash player Saurav Ghosal has been appointed as Sports Commissioner of World Premier Squash (WPS), a new global league which counts down to its first edition this August. As Sports Commissioner for World Premier Squash, Ghosal will set and oversee the leagues complete sporting framework, spanning competition format, player qualification pathways and officiating standards. The appointment comes as squash approaches the most significant milestone in its history. The sport makes its Olympic debut at the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28), a moment driving global investment, rising participation, and renewed commercial attention across the sport. Ghosal previously served as the Mens President of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) and co-chair of the joint Athletes Commission of the PSA and World Squash, the sports global governing bodies. He is the only male player in history from India to reach the top 10 on the PSA World Rankings with 11 titles, 9 Asian Games medals, and 20 years of elite competition to his name. World Premier Squash combines elite professional competition with an open global pathway using multimodal AI on the edge. Of the 24 players in the league, including reserves, 8 will be elite professionals. He is the only male player in history from India to reach the top 10 on the PSA World Rankings with 11 titles, 9 Asian Games medals, and 20 years of elite competition to his name. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The best squash players in the world came through communities, clubs and courts far from the spotlight. World Premier Squash honours that by using AI-enabled challenges on the FSP platform to connect every corner of the global squash family, and giving the sports next great player, wherever they are, a genuine path to the top, said Ghosal. Article Source: IANS

Nat Sciver-Brunt heads home from South Africa for family reasons

England captain had led Team Brittin to victory in the first of five intra-squad trial games in Pretoria

Trying To Harness A Little Bit Of That: Gardner Channels Fearless Spirit Ahead Of Landmark 100th T20I

T20 World Cup: Australia vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner is revisiting the fearless approach that defined her early career as the team prepares for the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 in England. The all-rounder is aiming to regain her top form ahead of a marquee tournament, while reaching a personal milestone of 100 T20 Internationals. Gardner will become the seventh Australian woman to reach the century of T20Is when the team faces the West Indies in St Vincent. The milestone comes at a crucial juncture for Australia, who will be eager to reverse recent semi-final disappointments, a loss to hosts India in the ICC Womens World Cup 2025 and a similar exit against South Africa in the 2024 Womens T20 World Cup. I was someone that had no fear, and I guess as I've gotten older and more mature, I've gained more fear in the way that I approach life and just cricket in general, Gardner told Cricket Australia. It's trying to harness a little bit of that, not stepping over the line to just being completely reckless, but for me, the brand of cricket that I play, I try and take the game on. So when I'm under the pump, really trying to harness that and channel that. That's when I'm playing my best cricket, she added. The 28-year-old acknowledged the challenge of translating her stellar ODI performances, three centuries and three fifties at an average of 45.94 since early 2024, into the fast-paced T20 format. In this format, my role within the middle-order is challenging at times. You might come in when the team's on top, or you come in when we're not on top. It's summing up the situation really quickly, and finding my gears really fast, and it's probably something that I haven't done overly well in this format for a prolonged period of time, Gardner said. She has averaged 25.11 in T20Is while playing in the middle-order for Australia. Gardner sees the upcoming West Indies series as final preparation for the World Cup, drawing parallels to the teams transformative period following the 2017 World Cup. If I look back at that 2017 World Cup that we lost, we were just playing really timid cricket, and then we had that evolution of, 'let's try and take the game on, let's be really fearless'. We've bought into that ever since then, and it's almost an unwritten rule when you come into this side, that's the brand of cricket that you play, she noted. Gardner sees the upcoming West Indies series as final preparation for the World Cup, drawing parallels to the teams transformative period following the 2017 World Cup. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think just having a lot of belief and confidence that the personnel that are here are the right people to win those trophies. She had her own little imprint on the team through that Indian series, but now that she takes full reins, I'm super excited to see where she's going to take the team, she added. Article Source: IANS

'My Identity Has Been Weaponised': Gambhir Moves Delhi HC Over Misuse Of His Personality Rights

Delhi High Court: Former India cricketer and current head coach of the Indian mens team Gautam Gambhir has approached the Delhi High Court, seeking comprehensive protection of his personality and publicity rights against a coordinated campaign of digital impersonation, AI-generated deepfakes, and unauthorised commercial exploitation. The civil suit has been filed in the Commercial Division of the High Court, where Gambhir has sought an urgent injunction against multiple defendants, including social media accounts, e-commerce platforms and intermediaries. In the law suit, Gambhir's legal team documented a sharp and alarming increase in fabricated digital content across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Facebook. Multiple accounts deployed artificial intelligence, face-swapping, and voice-cloning technologies to create realistic videos falsely depicting Mr. Gambhir making statements he never made including a fraudulent esignation announcement that garnered over 29 lakh views, and a fabricated clip purporting to show him making remarks about senior cricketers' World Cup participation that drew over 17 lakh views. Beyond social media, major e-commerce platforms were facilitating the sale of posters and merchandise bearing his name and likeness without any authorisation, as per the release shared by Gambhir's team. The suit has been filed against 16 defendants, including identified social media accounts (JanKey Frames, Bhupendra Paintola, Legends Revolution, gustakhedits, cricket_memer45, GemsOfCrickets, Crickaith, Sunny Upadhyay, @imRavY_), e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart), platform intermediaries (Meta Platforms Inc., X Corp., Google LLC / YouTube), and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and Department of Telecommunications as proforma parties to facilitate implementation of any court order. My identity my name, my face, my voice has been weaponised by anonymous accounts to spread misinformation and generate revenue at my expense. This is not a matter of personal hurt; it is a matter of law, dignity, and the protection every public figure deserves in the age of artificial intelligence, Gambhir said in a statement. The plea has been filed under provisions of the Copyright Act, Trade Marks Act and Commercial Courts Act, and also refers to past rulings by the Delhi High Court that recognise personality rights, including cases involving Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Sunil Gavaskar. In the lawsuit, damages of Rs. 2.5 crore have been claimed, alongside prayers for rendition of accounts, permanent injunction, and takedown of all infringing content. The plea has been filed under provisions of the Copyright Act, Trade Marks Act and Commercial Courts Act, and also refers to past rulings by the Delhi High Court that recognise personality rights, including cases involving Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Sunil Gavaskar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score An urgent application for ex-parte ad-interim injunction has simultaneously been filed under Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2 CPC, requesting immediate takedown of all infringing content and a freeze on further dissemination pending final hearing. Article Source: IANS

'The Moment We've Waited For,' CSK Welcome 'Chettan' Samson In Chennai Ahead Of IPL 2026

WORLD CHAMPION SANJU SAMSON IS: India's World Cup-winning star Sanju Samson reached Chennai on Thursday to join the Chennai Super Kings camp ahead of his Indian Premier League (IPL) outing with the five-time champions. The IPL 2026 is set to begin on March 28. CSK's social media handle shared an image of Samson's arrival, writing, Chettan in Chennai. In another post, it shared, The moment we've waited for! WORLD CHAMPION SANJU SAMSON IS HERE. The franchise also shared a video of Samson arrival with a caption, Chennai feels Sanjus aura. CSK will play their campaign opener against Samsons former franchise, Rajasthan Royals, from whom they traded the wicketkeeper-batter in place of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Samson is in great form and is very likely to open the batting lineup alongside Indias U-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre to provide fiery starts for the franchise during the IPL season. CSK are entering the new season with a young team. Adding Samson is sure to strengthen CSK. It's well known that Samson has expressed his passion for the franchise and his wish to play for it. Since the transfer deal was finalised, with Jadeja and Curran moving to Rajasthan Royals, and Samson to CSK, the fans of the Yellow Army have supported him wholeheartedly. Samson is expected to hold a crucial position at the top of the batting order and could also assume wicketkeeping duties from MS Dhoni in one or two matches, should there be any injury issues with the 44-year-old veteran. Since the transfer deal was finalised, with Jadeja and Curran moving to Rajasthan Royals, and Samson to CSK, the fans of the Yellow Army have supported him wholeheartedly. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Expressing gratitude for the support he received from the Chennai audience during his stint in the T20 World Cup, Samson said, I was surprised by the support I got from the Chennai crowd during the World Cup. I think I am lucky. Maybe they see me as one of them. I will give my best for CSK. Article Source: IANS

Jos Buttler Ready To Continue England Career Despite 'Poor' T20 World Cup

Jos Buttler is refusing to accept his England career is over despite admitting he had a poor tournament at the recent T20 World Cup. Widely regarded as one of the outstanding white-ball batsmen of his generation, Buttler managed just 87 runs in eight innings at the tournament as England reached the semi-finals before losing to co-hosts and eventual champions India. Obviously I had a poor tournament, which is disappointing, Buttler, who remains on an England and Wales central contract, said on his For the Love of Cricket podcast with former England fast bowler Stuart Broad. But I have been playing some of the best cricket of my (career) in recent years, so hopefully I can get back to playing my best. I certainly have ambitions (to play for England again), but no longer being a captain, I am not a selector and whatever, so what will be, will be. Buttler, 35, is set to play for Gujarat Titans in the upcoming Indian Premier League and hopes time away after the World Cup up the mountains in France with his family will leave him feeling reinvigorated. I couldn't have been further away from cricket, which for me at the time was just perfect, said Buttler. It is exactly what I needed. Obviously the tournament didn't go personally how I would have liked it to go, and I just felt like I needed some space from cricket and not to think about the game, and I could not have been further away from cricket where I was in that week. Buttler, a member of England's 2019 one-day international World Cup-winning team and also the skipper for their T20 triumph in Australia three years later, added: It was really refreshing - I really enjoyed it, a complete sort of release, and slowly but surely, I would say at the start of this week, (I am) just starting to reflect a bit and have a few thoughts about what is important to me and my cricket, and why it probably didn't go quite as I would've liked. There's elements that I actually don't really know exactly. For all your best intentions and hard work and efforts to perform, it just didn't work, and sometimes that is OK as well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score That is something I have had to realise. It wasnt for a lack of effort, it just didn't quite happen.

'Ease Yourself Into Practice, I Like Relaxed Attitude,' Says Coach Sangakkara As RR Begin IPL Preparation

Indian Premier League: Head coach Kumar Sangakkara addressed the players and motivated them with his words as the Rajasthan Royals began preparations for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which will commence on March 28. Sangakkara explained his inclusive approach to coaching, where every player can speak about their concerns and give suggestions. According to the coach, the preparation camp gives a better opportunity to the team management and the players to know each other and work towards a common goal. Okay, guys, some of us have been here before, some for many years, some for one year, some of you are new, right? So first things first, it's a great opportunity to just start talking to each other and getting to know each other, right? That's how we start into a season. Number two is to ease yourself into practice, right? We'll introduce ourselves one-on-one tomorrow, but talk to the coaches, tell us what you need, we will tell you what you need or what we need from you, not what you need, but what we need from you, Sangakkara said in a video released by Rajasthan Royals on X. It's always a nice collaboration, it's a partnership, right? That's how we all do things, okay? I like a relaxed attitude, I like people having fun, I like people talking, smiling, but when you're doing work, remember we all need to get something out of the time we're here, he added. Former Sri Lankan batter advised the team to use the practice time smartly and also remained hopeful for an amazing season with a team having some new faces. Use it smartly; you don't need to practice too long, you don't need to be too short, you need to be right so that everyone gets what they want and what they need, but it's really great to see you, he said. I look forward to a wonderful season. I look forward to getting to know all of you, and we're going to be a tight, tight group. Okay, that's all I have, man, Sangakkara concluded. Use it smartly; you don't need to practice too long, you don't need to be too short, you need to be right so that everyone gets what they want and what they need, but it's really great to see you, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The inaugural champions will then have back-to-back home matches in Guwahati against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7 and 10, respectively. Article Source: IANS

LA Knight Riders to play MLC 2026 matches at own venue in Pomona, California

No MLC team has had its own venue before this, and the update comes even as preparations are on for cricket's reintroduction to the Olympic Games in 2028, in Los Angeles

'He Had Become The Face Of RR: Faf Calls Samson's Move To CSK Massive Thing For IPL

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Faf du Plessis reflected on the impact of Sanju Samsons departure, describing the India wicketkeeper-batsman as the face of the franchise for the last decade, and believes that RR losing Samson is a massive thing for the fans and the tournament. Samson was traded in from RR to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the auction in a major move as the five-time champions traded out Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan. The two sides will now face off in their respective campaign openers on March 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. If I look at the IPL and the teams, the iconic teams we see around the league, all of them have one marquee Indian player in common, someone who has been the face of the franchise for a period of time, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli. And Sanju Samson, for me, was that guy at Rajasthan Royals. Yes, he's of a newer generation, but he had become the face of that franchise. If I think of Rajasthan Royals, I think Sanju Samson. So, the fact that they've lost that face, I think, is a massive thing for the fans, for the IPL, and for the tournament, because he's played such a big role there, du Plessis told JioStar. Du Plessis also highlighted the challenge facing young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will have to adjust to new responsibilities in the batting line-up. The thing with Yashasvi Jaiswal is that he's had Sanju Samson, who has been such a huge, consistent performer within that batting line-up. So, when you have that consistency of runs from Sanju, it allows you to play your game. Now, you take that away, all of a sudden, people will look at him with more responsibility, he said. And for a player like him, you don't want him thinking about responsibility, you want him thinking, 'I want to take the game on. I want to hit as many sixes as possible.' So there's a learning curve that's going to come into his career this season, 'Am I true to the game that I've always played, or do I take up the senior player role to score the bulk of the runs?' So it'll be interesting to see how that goes. I think he'll still play in the way that he does. It would be silly not to, because he's such an attacking player, he added. The thing with Yashasvi Jaiswal is that he's had Sanju Samson, who has been such a huge, consistent performer within that batting line-up. So, when you have that consistency of runs from Sanju, it allows you to play your game. Now, you take that away, all of a sudden, people will look at him with more responsibility, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So the versatility that you get from Sam Curran is very crucial for the team because he gives you an over in the powerplay, bowls his cutters in the middle, and is really good at death bowling, whether with yorkers or slower balls. So you're getting a lot of skill sets there. Also, he's bringing experience and captaincy support to a young captain in that dressing room. The more leaders you have around you, the better the support will be for Riyan, he added. Article Source: IANS

'Never Seen PCB This Weak In My Life': Ahmed Shehzad Slams PCB For Lack Of Control

Pakistan Cricket Board: Former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), calling it a weak board and blaming it for giving too much power to a small group of people, which he believes has hurt the teams performance. Pakistan have failed to reach the knockout stage in their last four ICC tournaments, leading to growing criticism of both the players and the board. They crashed out of the Super 8s stage in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. Whenever you talk about any player, they start spinning stories. I have never seen the Pakistan Cricket Board this weak in my life, as weak as this PCB is. They have power, right? But in their decision-making, they appear to be kneeling before their players. This PCB cant do anything, Shehzad said on his YouTube channel. The work they were supposed to do, bringing in new faces, they didnt. What they do is, after every event, they try to pull a new trick, but the public has now caught their pattern, he added. Shehzad also questioned the PCBs focus on promoting a few players through the Pakistan Super League (PSL), saying it created an unhealthy system. The calibre of your players is not at that level, which was built up as a brand by the Pakistan Cricket Board for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 5 and 7 years ago. These 6-8 boys they are also the face of the PSL. They are also the face of our Pakistan team. Will they change Pakistans destiny? said Shehzad. He added that the board gave these players sponsorships, leadership roles, and too much control, but did not get results in return. You provided all the sponsorships to those boys, endorsed them, and invested money in them. You gave them captaincies in the PSL, right? You made them the thumb of the Pakistan team. You handed over the entire Pakistan cricket team to those 6 boys and their agents. And what have they done now? The fire they have lit in the jungle, the fun and parties they have had, the pockets they have filled, the enjoyment they have had they havent given Pakistan any wins by doing so, he added. He also criticised the players for not taking responsibility despite poor performance, which led to the country's downfall in cricket. You provided all the sponsorships to those boys, endorsed them, and invested money in them. You gave them captaincies in the PSL, right? You made them the thumb of the Pakistan team. You handed over the entire Pakistan cricket team to those 6 boys and their agents. And what have they done now? The fire they have lit in the jungle, the fun and parties they have had, the pockets they have filled, the enjoyment they have had they havent given Pakistan any wins by doing so, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Pakistan's poor stint continued after the T20 World Cup 2026 as they lost the three-match ODI series against a lower-ranked Bangladesh, adding more to their humiliation. Article Source: IANS

Lets Welcome New Beginnings With New Dreams: Sachin, Suryakumar Extend Gudi Padwa Wishes

T20 World Cup: Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Indias T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav extended heartfelt wishes to their friends and family on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, marking the Marathi New Year. Tendulkar shared his festive wishes on X, addressing his fans and wellwishers. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Gudi Padwa and Marathi New Year. May this New Year bring happiness, joy, and prosperity this is my heartfelt prayer. Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav also joined in the celebrations, posting warm greetings to his followers. Lets welcome new beginnings along with new dreams. Wishing everyone a very Happy Gudi Padwa! he wrote on his social media handle, capturing the festive spirit of renewal and optimism shared across Maharashtra and beyond. New year. New energy. One connection. We are connected to health, to tradition, to you. Happy Ugadi & Gudi Padwa, shared ex-spinner Harbhajan Singh on X. VVS Laxman said, One New Year. Many traditions. Happy Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh, Sajibu Nongma Panba. A celebration of unity in diversity. Wishing all new beginnings & endless possibilities. India batter Ajinkya Rahane shared, Heartfelt wishes on Gudi Padva! May the new year bring joy, success, and prosperity into your life. Former India spinner and coach Anil Kumble also shared warm wishes on social media, On this auspicious occasion of Ugadi, heartfelt New Year wishes to you and your family. India batter Ajinkya Rahane shared, Heartfelt wishes on Gudi Padva! May the new year bring joy, success, and prosperity into your life. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh, and Sajibu Nongma Panba are diverse, regional celebrations of the Hindu New Year falling on the same day (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), usually in March-April. Article Source: IANS

Agarkar Seeks Extension As BCCI Selection Committee Chair Until 2027 ODI WC: Report

T20 World Cup: After India successfully defended their T20 World Cup crown, chairman of the mens senior selection committee Ajit Agarkar has reportedly sought an extension to his tenure until the 2027 ODI World Cup. Agarkar, who has been chairman of the mens senior selection committee since June 2023, got his contract renewed before the start of IPL 2025 after Indias impressive performances, including victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. As per the Times of India report, a former Indian cricketer has approached the board for a further extension until the 2027 World Cup after India successfull defense of the T20 World Cup this month. The report claimed that the BCCI is currently engaged in discussions regarding the request, further suggesting that strong murmurs within BCCI corridors suggest that another former India cricketer from the West Zone was the front-runner to succeed Agarkar, but there has been no concrete development on that front. Under Agarkar's tenure, so far India has won three major ICC trophies: two T20 World Cups and one Champions Trophy. Despite these successes in limited-overs cricket, Indias Test performances have been inconsistent, with consecutive home series defeats and a loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy abroad. The report claimed that the BCCI is currently engaged in discussions regarding the request, further suggesting that strong murmurs within BCCI corridors suggest that another former India cricketer from the West Zone was the front-runner to succeed Agarkar, but there has been no concrete development on that front. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Agarkars tenure has also seen major changes, with veteran players like Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Virat Kohli announcing retirements in various formats. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to feature in ODIs, Ashwin has retired from all forms of international cricket. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals Appoint Former Ireland All-rounder John Mooney As Fielding Coach

ICC Cricket World Cups: Delhi Capitals have roped in former Ireland all-rounder John Mooney as their new fielding coach ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which will commence on March 28. He will join an experienced support staff of Delhi Capitals, which includes Hemang Badani as head coach, former Indian pacer Munaf Patel (bowling coach) and former England player Ian Bell (assistant coach). Venugopal Rao is the team's director in IPL 2026. Mooney, who holds Level 3, 2, and 1 coaching certificates from the England Cricket Board, took over from Gnaneswara Rao and Anton Roux, who both departed following the conclusion of 2025 season. The former Irish player had previously served as the Afghanistan fielding coach from 2018 to 2019, when they made their Test debut in India. He had also worked with the West Indies men's team in 2019 and has been a temporary coach for the Ireland women's team since January this year. He has represented Ireland in 91 international matches, including three ICC Cricket World Cups (2007, 2011, and 2015) and two ICC Men's T20 World Cups. A left-hand batter and right-arm quick during his playing days, 43-year-old Mooney played 64 ODIs and 27 T20Is for Ireland from 2006 to 2015. He had famously hit the winning runs in Ireland's historic win over England in the 2011 World Cup in Bengaluru. Delhi suffered a significant blow ahead of the start of the season as their mentor, Kevin Pietersen, withdrew from the tournament. A left-hand batter and right-arm quick during his playing days, 43-year-old Mooney played 64 ODIs and 27 T20Is for Ireland from 2006 to 2015. He had famously hit the winning runs in Ireland's historic win over England in the 2011 World Cup in Bengaluru. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals nearly missed a playoff berth in the last season. They finished in fifth position by registering seven wins in 14 matches. They have never won an IPL trophy, and the team will look to end their quest in the 19th season. Article Source: IANS

Dinesh Karthik And Wife Dipika Pallikal Welcome Baby Girl Raaha

World Doubles Squash Championships: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik and squash star Dipika Pallikal have announced the arrival of their baby girl, Raaha Pallikal Karthik, marking a heartwarming expansion of their family. The couple shared the news in a social media announcement that expressed their gratitude and joy as they introduced their baby girl as the younger sister of their twin sons, Kabir and Zian. With blessings in our hearts and gratitude beyond words, we joyfully welcome our precious girl into this world. Kabir and Zian are thrilled to introduce their baby sister, Raaha Pallikal Karthik. Love, Dipika & Dinesh The couple tied the knot on August 25, 2015 in traditional Hindu and Christian ceremonies and welcomed their twins in 2021. Karthik, a former Indian international cricketer, enjoyed a distinguished career behind the stumps and with the bat before transitioning into coaching and commentary roles following his retirement from competitive play. Over more than two decades, he featured in Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals, and later served as a mentor and batting coach for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dipika, meanwhile, etched her name in Indian squash history as the first Indian woman to break into the worlds top10 rankings. A recipient of the Padma Shri and multiple medals at Commonwealth and Asian Games, she remains one of the countrys most decorated athletes. She last competed at the Hangzhou Asian Games in October 2023, where she secured a gold medal in mixed doubles. After returning from maternity leave in early 2022, she made a successful comeback, capturing two titles at the World Doubles Squash Championships and earning a bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Dipika, meanwhile, etched her name in Indian squash history as the first Indian woman to break into the worlds top10 rankings. A recipient of the Padma Shri and multiple medals at Commonwealth and Asian Games, she remains one of the countrys most decorated athletes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The support staff also features Richard Halsall as assistant coach; Malolan Rangarajan as spin bowling coach and player identification manager; Basu Shanker as strength and conditioning coach; Evan Speechly and James Pipe as the team physios; Navnita Gautam as the athletic therapist; and Dr Shikha Dhaundiyal as the team doctor. Article Source: IANS

Afghanistan Cricketers And ACB Officials Visit Kabul Airstrike Victims In Hospital, Express Solidarity

Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital: Representatives of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), along with players from the national squad, visited hospitals in Kabul to check on those hurt in an alleged Pakistani airstrike targeting a medical facility. ODI and Test captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, along with teammates Gulbadin Naib and Qais Ahmad, went to Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital and Kabul Emergency Hospital, where they met with the injured, spoke to survivors, and conveyed their solidarity with the victims and their families. The hospital visits took place against a backdrop of rising frustration within Afghanistans cricket community, fuelled by reports of heavy civilian losses in Kabul. ACB officials and members of the #AfghanAtalan lineup paid a heartfelt visit to those injured in the recent airstrike carried out by the Pakistan Military Regime, offering support and condolences at Kabul Emergency and Wazir Akbar Khan Hospitals. Led by CEO Naseeb Khan, they inquired about the injureds health, condemned the attack, and expressed condolences. They assured aid would be organised and urged support from citizens and businesses during this difficult time, ACB wrote on X while sharing pictures from the visit. ACB officials and members of the #AfghanAtalan lineup paid a heartfelt visit to those injured in the recent airstrike carried out by the Pakistan Military Regime, offering support and condolences at Kabul Emergency and Wazir Akbar Khan Hospitals Led by CEO Naseeb Khan, they inquired about the injureds health, condemned the attack, and expressed condolences. They assured aid would be organized and urged support from citizens and businesses during this difficult time, it shared in another post. Earlier, the ACB had strongly condemned the Pakistani airstrike that allegedly killed over 400 people and injured at least 250, according to Taliban officials and local media. Calling the tragedy deeply heartbreaking, the board said what should have been a time of celebration during Ramadan and ahead of Eid turned into mourning for many Afghan families. Led by CEO Naseeb Khan, they inquired about the injureds health, condemned the attack, and expressed condolences. They assured aid would be organized and urged support from citizens and businesses during this difficult time, it shared in another post. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Afghan cricketers Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq condemned the reported strikes, calling attacks on civilian infrastructure a war crime and urging the United Nations and human rights organisations to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. Article Source: IANS

Indian Open Squash: Om Semwal Wins Five-game Thriller; Tanvi Khanna Cruises Into Second Round On Day 1

Suraj Kumar Chand: India's Om Semwal came up with a fine performance to win a five-game thriller in the men's section while Tanvi Khanna won her match in straight games in women's section on a mixed day for the hosts in the Indian Open 2026 squash championship that burst into action with high drama on Day 1 at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) courts at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. On an action-packed opening day headlined by a series of closely fought encounters, Om Semwal defeated Sebastian Salazar 3-2 (11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 10-12, 19-17) while Tanvi Khanna beat Maya Weishar 3-0 (15-13, 12-10, 7-11, 11-4). The hosts suffered some setbacks too, with top male player Suraj Kumar Chand, Unnati Tripathi, and Nirupama Dubey stumbling on the first day. Semwal delivered the standout performance of the day in a nail-biting five-game thriller against Sebastian Salazar from Mexico. In a match that swung both ways, Semwal held his nerve in the decisive moments to clinch a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Equally compelling was Egypts Yassin Shohdy, who staged a remarkable comeback after losing the opening set 10-12. Showing resilience and composure, Shohdy edged a tight second game 13-11 against Frances Manuel Paquemar before taking control to close out the match 3-1, underlining his fighting spirit. Another competitive fixture saw Switzerlands Ambre Allinckx overcome the Netherlands Tessa ter Sluis 3-1, while Egypts Ibrahim Elkabbani registered a solid 3-1 win against Indias Suraj Kumar Chand in a well-contested battle. The rest of the day saw a series of dominant performances from top contenders. Hong Kongs Chi Him Wong cruised past Ayaan Vaziralli 3-0, while Sofia Mateos secured a convincing straight-game win over Shameena Riaz. Matthew Lai and Danielle Ray were equally clinical, both registering comfortable 3-0 victories in their respective matches to kick off their campaigns in style. The excitement continues to build as Day 2 promises another thrilling line-up, with Indian stars Veer Chotrani, Joshna Chinappa, Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, and Ramit Tandon set to begin their campaigns, much to the anticipation of the home crowd. Results (Day 1): Sehveetrraa Kumar bt Unnati Tripathi 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-4); Farida Walid beat Nirupama Dubey 3-0 (11-7, 11-3, 11-4); Yassin Shohdy bt Manuel Paquemar 3-0 (10-12, 13-11, 11-5, 11-7); Matthew Lai bt Results (Day 1): Also Read: Live Cricket Score Shameena Riaz 3-0 (11-2, 11-8, 11-4); Yannik Omlor bt Yash Fadte 3-0 (13-11, 11-9, 12-10); Chi Him Wong bt Ayaan Vaziralli 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-3); Ambre Allinckx bt Tessa ter Sluis 3-1 (9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6); Breanne Flynn bt Lea Barbeau 3-0 (11-4, 11-2, 14-12); Ravindu Laksiri bt Duncan Lee 3-1 (9-11, 11-1, 11-5, 11-5); Ameeshenraj Chandaran bt Naoki Hayashi 3-1 (8-11, 13-11, 11-4, 11-9). Article Source: IANS

Hockey World Cup: India To Meet Pakistan On Aug 19; Women's Team To Start Against China On Aug 16

FIH Hockey World Cup: World No 8 India will meet archrivals Pakistan in a Pool D match at 6.30 pm IST on August 19 in the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen. India are clubbed together with neighbours and four-time World Cup winner Pakistan in Pool D, along with Wales and England in the four-team Pool from which the top-placed team will qualify for the quarterfinals, while the next two placed teams will figure in Cross-Over matches. After a thrilling draw ceremony held at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam on Tuesday, where participating teams and athletes discovered their opponents for the group stage, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has now confirmed the match schedule for the World Cup. The 1975 World Cup winner India will start their campaign in the 16-team men's competition against Wales on August 15, the opening day of the FIH Hockey World Cup, at 4.30 pm IST, and will run into fourth-ranked England on August 17 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen England will play Pakistan in another key match of Pool D on August 15. The first round matches will be held till August 20, and the knock-out stage matches will be played from August 21. Meanwhile, the Indian women's hockey team will start their campaign against World No.4 and Asian Champion China at the Wagner Stadium in Amsterdam on August 16. They will run into South Africa, the only team ranked lower than them in World Rankings, on August 18 before winding off their first round proceedings with a clash with World No. 7 England, the team to which they lost in the World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, India, on August 20. The Men's and Women's Hockey World Cups, being jointly held for the first time by Belgium and the Netherlands, will start with Australia women meeting Japan Women in the tournament opener on August 15. They will run into South Africa, the only team ranked lower than them in World Rankings, on August 18 before winding off their first round proceedings with a clash with World No. 7 England, the team to which they lost in the World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, India, on August 20. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India, along with the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Argentina, Spain, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa have qualified in both men's and women's sections of the competition. The Indian men made it by winning the Asia Cup, while the women's team made it by finishing second in the Qualifying tournament held in Hyderabad, Telangana. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: We Have To Win And Get That Fourth Star, Says KKR Head Coach Nayar

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar delivered a clear and unambiguous message to his squad ahead of day one of the sides practice session at the Eden Gardens - the skill is there, the talent is assembled, and now it is time to win their fourth title. Three-time IPL winners KKR will open their 2026 season against five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 29. I'm just going to leave you all with one message before the whole group arrives. We have prepared a lot, we have worked on our skills in the past couple of months. We have had a lot of discussions; we have spoken a lot. For me, what happens year on is how we tune whats between our ears. The skill is there, that's not going to change in the next 10 days. But what changes is our mentality. So every moment that we spend on this ground, every moment we spend with each other, with the coaches, amongst ourselves, there's one goal. We have to do one thing, we have to win, we have to get that fourth star and we do everything to prepare our minds before our body actually arrives at the first game on the 29th. We prepare here, we use this time to talk to each other, communicate, get stronger as a group. So we're ready for everything. Have a lot of fun, said Nayar in a video posted by KKR Knight Club. Nayar also used the occasion to welcome a clutch of new faces into the KKR fold, starting from assistant coach Shane Watson and fielding coach Dishant Yagnik. Guys, just a very formal welcome from me. A few new entrants, so I think I should start with introducing them. Everyone knows Shane Watson as a player, but I've known him as someone who's played under him as a player. I'm really, really happy, Watto, to have you with us. I think you've been a terrific addition, even in this small period that I've interacted with you. Tap into his experience, you will learn a lot. We've had a lot of good coaches, but I'm pretty sure that Shane Watson is going to add a lot of value to us. So, Watto, welcome to the KKR family. I tend to miss a lot of names, but I think the second addition to our family is Mr. Dishant Yagnik, a ball of energy. A lot of you all know him domestically, but I'm sure his energy and his love and passion is something that will come across for us. So, welcome, Yagi. We've got (Manvinder) Bisla and Biju (George) here who are our head of scouting and our scouting team, they're here to help us in the phase building up. On Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani, Nayar said, Blessing, you are a blessing in disguise for us. I know so far we've sort of folded you in the bus, but it's great to have you, the tallest member ever to be part of this KKR team. So welcome, I hope you have a great time with us and you enjoy the company of our boys. I tend to miss a lot of names, but I think the second addition to our family is Mr. Dishant Yagnik, a ball of energy. A lot of you all know him domestically, but I'm sure his energy and his love and passion is something that will come across for us. So, welcome, Yagi. We've got (Manvinder) Bisla and Biju (George) here who are our head of scouting and our scouting team, they're here to help us in the phase building up. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Now that that's out of the way and I hope I haven't forgotten anyone. Just one small thing, Rahul's not welcome here, as Rahul is back, and back to where he belongs. Rahul (Tripathi), welcome back. I know we've had a camp and it's pretty much the same group, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Lifting U19 Womens T20 WC Trophy For Second Time Felt Quite Special, Says Niki Prasad

U19 T20 World Cup: Niki Prasad says lifting the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup trophy for the second time as the sides captain - was an experience like no other and that has only sharpened her hunger to keep winning more titles for India in future. The 2025 U19 Womens T20 World Cup winning team was among the five champion sides felicitated by the BCCI at the recent annual awards in New Delhi on Sunday. All members and coaches received special medals from former players Sudha Shah and Shubhangi Kulkarni. I think that day was pretty special for all of us. Every kid dreams to play for India and for me it was playing for India U19 and also leading. So I think lifting the trophy for the second time felt quite special. Now as I look back at it, of course it's a really memorable day. Even coming over here, I was really excited to be around all the legends. So it was a pretty exciting day, said Niki in a video posted by the BCCI on their X account on Wednesday. With India winning the Women's ODI World Cup, Mens Champions Trophy, Mens U19 World Cup and Mens T20 World Cup, Niki said seeing the trophies won by India filled her with immense pride. Firstly I think I take pride in being Indian and I'm really proud to be Indian. Also I think it's really a very memorable and happy moment to be, not just sharing the U19 World Cup trophy with my own teammates, but also being part of the same calendar year, being part of seeing the women's team lifting the World Cup and then the men's one. So I think as an Indian and as a cricketer, I think it's a really proud moment for me, especially in this calendar year. Niki was keen to acknowledge that the BCCIs sustained investment in youth cricket is a key driver of that success. I think the BCCI plays a major role in the growth of the Indian team and also the future. They've put a lot of vision and a lot of investment in the youth. So I think that is obviously going to pay off and we've already done that in both men's and women's. It's really important to have that kind of support from the BCCI. I think we're just going to keep growing from here on. With Niki plying her trade for Delhi Capitals in WPL and Karnataka in domestic cricket, she said her aim is to get more trophies when she enters the senior team. For me, it's not just about playing for India, but it's about lifting the trophy again and again for India. So that's my ultimate goal for India. I think my first thought is going to be that we have one common thing - that all of us have one ICC trophy. She further talked about how she would chat with senior team captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Also I think the interaction was going to be quite interesting for me. To just ask about how their experience has been after winning in the T20s and the ODIs. So I think I would probably ask how they must have been feeling. With Niki plying her trade for Delhi Capitals in WPL and Karnataka in domestic cricket, she said her aim is to get more trophies when she enters the senior team. For me, it's not just about playing for India, but it's about lifting the trophy again and again for India. So that's my ultimate goal for India. I think my first thought is going to be that we have one common thing - that all of us have one ICC trophy. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So I think that would really help all the youngsters and all the current cricket players to go over there and keep training and keep evolving. So I think that plays a major role in the growth of the Indian cricket team. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan To Captain Sunrisers Hyderabad In Pat Cummins' Absence

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the first few matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, standing in for Australian legend Pat Cummins, who is yet to recover from a back injury, the franchise announced on Wednesday. SRH have also stated that No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma will be Kishan's deputy during this period. Pat Cummins will miss a few games while recovering from injury. Until he recovers, Ishan Kishan will be the Captain and Abhishek Sharma will be the Vice-Captain, SRH wrote in a post on X. Cummins has not played competitive cricket since the third Ashes Test in Adelaide in December 2025, after being out of action post the tour of West Indies due to a lumbar bone stress injury in his lower back. He was subsequently ruled out of the remaining Ashes matches and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup due to the same issue. The all-rounder is expected to join the team in the later stages of IPL 2026. Kishan, who has been in the SRH camp since the 2025 IPL, captained Jharkhand to winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in the recent domestic season and has strong credentials to lead the side in Cummins absence. He has never captained any team in the IPL, and it will be his first stint as a leader in the world's biggest cricket league. He was subsequently ruled out of the remaining Ashes matches and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup due to the same issue. The all-rounder is expected to join the team in the later stages of IPL 2026. Also Read: Live Cricket Score SRH, the IPL 2016 winners, will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28. Article Source: IANS

Kishan to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in Cummins' absence

Cummins, who is recuperating from a lumbar stress issue, is set to miss the early part of the season

Hopefully I Can Get Back To Playing My Best: Buttler Reflects On His England Future After T20 WC Exit

T20 World Cup: England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has expressed hope that the T20 World Cup semi-final loss to India was not the final chapter of his international career, though he acknowledged that there are no guarantees regarding selection for Englands upcoming white-ball series in July. Buttler endured a difficult World Cup, scoring just 87 runs across eight innings and managing only one half-century in his last four ICC events. Despite this, he remains optimistic about being part of Englands home summer, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs against India. I hope so. I don't know. Obviously, I had a poor tournament, which is disappointing, but I've been playing some of the best cricket of my (career) in recent years, so hopefully I can get back to playing my best. I certainly have ambitions (to continue playing for England) but no longer being a captain, I'm not a selector and whatever, so what will be will be. Yeah, we will see, Buttler said on his podcast For the Love of Cricket. Following the tournament, Buttler took time away from cricket, spending a week with his family in France to reset mentally before returning to India to prepare for the IPL season with the Gujarat Titans. I couldn't have been further away from cricket, which for me at the time was just perfect. It's exactly what I needed. Obviously the tournament didn't go personally how I'd have liked it to go, and I just felt like I needed some space from cricket and not to think about the game, and I could not have been further away from cricket where I was in that week, he stated. It was really refreshing - I really enjoyed it, a complete sort of release. And slowly but surely, I'd say at the start of this week, (I am) just starting to reflect a bit and have a few thoughts about what's important to me and my cricket, and why it probably didn't go quite as I would've liked. There's elements (to what went wrong) that I actually don't really know exactly. For all your best intentions and hard work and efforts to perform, it just didn't work, and sometimes that's okay as well. That's something I've had to realise. It wasn't for a lack of effort. It just didn't quite happen, he added. It was really refreshing - I really enjoyed it, a complete sort of release. And slowly but surely, I'd say at the start of this week, (I am) just starting to reflect a bit and have a few thoughts about what's important to me and my cricket, and why it probably didn't go quite as I would've liked. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Harry Brook and Brendon McCullum had created a fantastic environment at the World Cup. India were a serious team and worthy winners, Buttler said, recognising the quality of the opposition. Article Source: IANS

England's Smith Feels IPL Omission Could Prove To Be A Blessing In Disguise Ahead Of Home Summer

Indian Premier League: England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith believes missing out on a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 could prove to be a blessing in disguise, adding that time at home would give him a valuable block of red-ball preparation ahead of the Test summer starting in June against New Zealand. Smith had a difficult Ashes series, managing just 211 runs and a single half-century across five Tests as Australia won 4-1. After going unsold at last years IPL auction, Smith was subsequently dropped from England's white-ball squads for their tour to Sri Lanka and the Mens T20 World Cup. At the time, I would have definitely liked to have gone (to the IPL). It's an ambition of mine to strengthen all sides of my game, and I see the IPL as something that can really enhance the white-ball side and does have benefits for the red-ball (game). But in hindsight, yeah, it's fantastic to come here and have a block of red-ball (cricket) behind me. I felt that towards the back end of the summer and into the winter, technically, I felt a little bit out of kilter. It's been nice to come here (The Oval) and work on a couple of things, and then I'll be able to hopefully implement them, for six or seven (County Championship) games, and we'll see where we get to if there's any England stuff after that. But, yeah, it's nice to have a little block to try and get things right, Smith was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Wednesday. Smith's Ashes trip in Australia was not without its difficult moments. He dropped a straightforward chance of Travis Head as England slipped to a heavy defeat at the Gabba and drew widespread criticism for pulling a Marnus Labuschagne bouncer to deep extra cover in Sydney - a shot widely regarded as one of the more regrettable dismissals of the series. He was candid about the experience of playing in Australia, but stopped short of being overly self-critical, pointing to the cumulative toll of featuring in back-to-back long Test series. Mistakes are going to happen. The India series was physically and mentally very tough. It was my first five-Test series. Also, we were out in the field for 22 out of 25 days or something stupid, and all the Tests lasted (five days). By the end, it was just actual exhaustion: I was just knackered physically and mentally from all that had gone. From there, the learning was how to make sure that from the first to the last game, your standards are still as high as possible? It was similar in Australia, to be honest. I know a few of the games didn't last as long as people were expecting or wanting, but again, I don't feel like my standards were down too much, he added. Smith acknowledged his personal returns fell short of what was required of him, while also crediting Australia's performance across the series. It was tough. You go on a tour like that with high expectations of trying to do as well as you can, and it didn't pan out that way. It was similar in Australia, to be honest. I know a few of the games didn't last as long as people were expecting or wanting, but again, I don't feel like my standards were down too much, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You are playing against a world-class team as well, and I think sometimes that gets lost a little bit, how good the opposition is. It's learning, but I'm coming into (the season) fresh, and I love being back at Surrey and playing here, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

'Things Will Be Different For Virat This Season,' Says Pathan Ahead Of IPL 2026

Indian Premier League: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that the things will be different and more challenging for Indian stalwart Virat Kohli in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain is playing only ODI format and will play his first IPL after taking retirement from the tests last year. Pathan also added that despite Virat's great performance in the ODIs, even after the break, the same will not happen in the T20, as it will pose a different challenge for the charismatic batter. This time, things will be a little different for Kohli. For the first time, he will play the IPL having completely retired from Test cricket. He is playing only one format. It is not easy for anyone. But he has scored, and his performance has been brilliant. Even when he comes after a break, it has not been difficult for him in one-day cricket, Pathan said on his YouTube channel In T20S, when you play the aggressor and come in not having played a lot, it will be challenging. But he has faced many challenges before as well. I am very excited to see how he will go forward this season, he added. Pathan also said that Virat's approach of hitting from the onset with a high strike rate throughout the innings proved to be a big reason behind RCB's title win in 2025. In T20S, when you play the aggressor and come in not having played a lot, it will be challenging. But he has faced many challenges before as well. I am very excited to see how he will go forward this season, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Virat has joined the team ahead of the IPL 2026. He played a pivotal role in RCB's title-winning campaign last season, scoring 657 runs at a strike rate of 144.71 and a stunning average of 54.75, including eight fifties. The veteran batter would look to continue the form when for the franchise as they will march towards defending the title for the first time. Article Source: IANS

Buttler 'still has England ambitions' despite T20 World Cup slump

Former England captain has made one half-century in four ICC events, but is contracted for another 18 months

NZ Pacer Ferguson Credits Adaptability For Fightback In Hamilton T20I Against South Africa

Hamilton T20I: New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson said the Black Caps' adaptability factor was key to them staging a commanding fightback against South Africa in Hamilton, where the hosts levelled the five-match T20I series 1-1. Bowled out for a meagre 91 in the series opener in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, regrouped to post 175/6 on a testing Hamilton pitch, before sealing a 68-run victory in the second match. I think more than anything, we talk a lot about the Black Caps adapting to conditions. It's not always as easy as it sounds, but certainly when a wicket we expect to play well doesn't play as well as we think, it's important to try and work out what a good total on that is. Sometimes you don't get that right. But at the same time, I think (the Hamilton game) was a good example of us adapting very quickly. Probably, I thought 175 was an outstanding total on that. Although Dev (Devon Conway, who top-scored with 60) was probably not as fluid as he always looks, it was a challenging wicket, and he got the runs that we needed and posted a great total, Ferguson was quoted as saying by ICC on Wednesday. The match in Hamilton carried added significance for Ferguson, as he missed the initial part of the home summer due to injury and took some time out of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup for the birth of his first child. I really miss playing in New Zealand. It was unfortunate to start the summer with an injury. I was really looking forward to quite a lot of T20 cricket at home. I love playing in New Zealand in front of the home crowd, conditions I'm used to. So, stoked to get a game in last night. The bowling group as a collective were great, and they made my job a bit easier, the pressure from both ends, added Ferguson. Fellow pacer Ben Sears caught everyones eye through a three-wicket burst in Hamilton, something which Ferguson liked. He (Sears) has still got more pace in him, I think. But look, he's bowling well. It's good to see him get some consistent training time with us overseas. He was working on his game every training session. I saw him running in hard and working on different change-ups, different lines, asking the right questions. And it's that development that we've seen in the last few years, which will stand him well in the next few years and as long as his career goes. But a pleasure for me to watch from the side on, seeing him get extra bounce, scaring some of the batters certainly. And I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes at Eden Park in the third T20I too, he elaborated. I saw him running in hard and working on different change-ups, different lines, asking the right questions. And it's that development that we've seen in the last few years, which will stand him well in the next few years and as long as his career goes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The crowd feels like they're right on your back. But the thing we get at Auckland is we get a great crowd supporting us. We always have amazing games of cricket there. So I certainly love playing there, concluded Ferguson. Article Source: IANS

'Great Year In Terms Of Doing What I Could For The Team, Says Mandhana After 'Best International Cricketer' Honour

Best International Cricketer: Indias vice captain Smriti Mandhana celebrated a remarkable year after being honoured with the Best International Cricketer (Women) award at the BCCI Naman Awards. The left-handed batter reflected on both her individual contributions and the broader success of Indian cricket, particularly the Womens ODI World Cup victory. It's been a great year. Again, I can't really mention a lot about my own performance because of the way we played the World Cup and winning the World Cup, that was pretty special. But for me individually as well, it was a great year in terms of doing what I could for the team and I'm happy that I could contribute to that, Mandhana said in a BCCI video. The opening batter highlighted the significance of Indias resurgence on the global stage across men's and womens cricket, stating, As I mentioned in the speech, four World Cups and one Champions Trophy, that's pretty amazing. And for Indian cricket, we had a few years where there was no World Cup, and a lot of people had a lot of things to say. But to come back in the last two years and doing what the Indian cricket has done, it's just amazing. And just to be part of the evening and celebrating all the teams, it's just amazing. Mandhana also talked about how important it was to be ready and have support systems in place that helped India win. She praised Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary and current ICC chief, for all the work he did to help women's cricket grow. The opening batter highlighted the significance of Indias resurgence on the global stage across men's and womens cricket, stating, As I mentioned in the speech, four World Cups and one Champions Trophy, that's pretty amazing. And for Indian cricket, we had a few years where there was no World Cup, and a lot of people had a lot of things to say. But to come back in the last two years and doing what the Indian cricket has done, it's just amazing. And just to be part of the evening and celebrating all the teams, it's just amazing. Also Read: Live Cricket Score She further acknowledged the role of infrastructure and support staff in fostering a winning environment. Just the kind of support staff was provided, the kind of facilities which were provided, whatever was asked was given. So when you do those sort of things, those things right, the result comes. And the 19 women's winning the World Cup and as well as WPL creating stars and then us going on to win the World Cup. That's just the start of something really great, Mandhana said. Article Source: IANS

Jamie Smith: IPL omission can be blessing in disguise

Keeper-batter rues shortcomings in Australia but hopes to take lessons into new season

ICC Rankings: Mehidy Climbs To No. 2 Among ODI All-rounders; Santner Gains Big In T20I

Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz has made significant gains in the ODI charts following a string of impressive performances against Pakistan in the recently concluded three-match ODI series at home. Mehidy climbed nine places to move to joint seventh in the ODI bowlers rankings, while also improving two spots to rise to second in the ODI all-rounders list. Mehidy was among Bangladesh's best performers during the recent three-game ODI series against Pakistan at home, with the all-rounder collecting five wickets across three matches. Bangladesh's prime batter Tanzid Hasan, who scored his maiden century against Pakistan, also surged 31 places to 55th, while Litton Das moved up 10 spots to 82nd. Among bowlers, Taskin Ahmed climbed 12 places to 28th and Mustafizur Rahman gained 13 positions to reach 47th. Despite losing the series, Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha jumped nine places to joint ninth in the ODI batting rankings. He also improved three spots to be placed joint 10th among ODI all-rounders. Shaheen Shah Afridi advanced four places to be tied for 25th in the ODI all-rounders list after contributing with the ball. In T20Is, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner registered the biggest gains, continuing his strong form from the ICC Mens T20 World Cup into the ongoing home series against South Africa. Santner, who has picked up three wickets and scored 35 runs in the opening two matches of the five-game series, climbed 11 places to 13th in the T20I bowlers rankings. He also moved up two spots to joint seventh in the T20I all-rounders list, achieving a career-best rating. Among his teammates, Lockie Ferguson rose 18 places to 51st in the T20I bowling rankings, while Devon Conway gained four spots to reach 70th among batters. Indias Abhishek Sharma continues to lead the T20I batting rankings. Santner, who has picked up three wickets and scored 35 runs in the opening two matches of the five-game series, climbed 11 places to 13th in the T20I bowlers rankings. He also moved up two spots to joint seventh in the T20I all-rounders list, achieving a career-best rating. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Indian opener Abhishek Sharma maintained his top spot in the T20I batters' rankings with Varun Chakaravarthy also continuing in the second spot in the T20I bowling chart. Article Source: IANS

Bangladesh Sports Minister To Consult ICC On Team's Future, Investigate BCB Polls And T20 WC Absence

Sports Minister Aminul Haque: Bangladeshs Sports Minister Aminul Haque has confirmed that he will consult with the International Cricket Council (ICC) before making any final decisions regarding the future of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Additionally, he plans to establish a second committee to investigate the reasons behind Bangladeshs absence from this years mens T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Earlier, on March 11, the sports ministry established a committee to investigate allegations of irregularities, manipulation, and abuse of power in last years BCB elections. The board responded on Monday, claiming that the formation of the committee represented government interference in its affairs. Haque, a former Bangladesh football captain, stated on Tuesday that the five-member committee's findings, expected within 15 working days, will be reviewed before any further action is taken with the ICC. We are all aware of direct interference from our previous government in the BCB elections last year. I have spoken about it on a number of occasions. Following allegations from Dhaka clubs and the districts, we have formed an investigation committee. I will read their report, but my next step will come after I have spoken to the ICC, Haque was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. Allegations of election manipulation emerged during the polls, with former cricketer Tamim Iqbal and several Dhaka club officials claiming interference. There were also accusations against BCB president Aminul Islam before the elections, including a signed letter in which Aminul reportedly requested changes to the councillors from certain districts. Tamim also alleged that the BCB twice extended the deadline for filing nominations. Tamim withdrew his candidacy on October 1, while Aminul denied all allegations on October 5, a day before the elections. Haque stated that the investigation would examine how district administrators modified their nominations in reply to letters from the BCB leadership. The investigation committee will speak to the BCB election commissioners, the current board president, BCB directors and the CEO. It will also get in touch with the district administrators who nominated the BCB councillors. There is an allegation that many of these district administrators sent the name of a new councillor after having already nominated one, following receipt of a letter [from Aminul]. I believe there has to be a neutral investigation of these matters, Haque explained. Haque stated that the investigation would examine how district administrators modified their nominations in reply to letters from the BCB leadership. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We will try to find out why we didn't go to the World Cup. We have to understand why our sports diplomacy fell short. We will form an investigation committee on this subject after Eid. We have to strengthen our sports diplomacy and make sure we don't repeat this mistake in the future, he said. Article Source: IANS

'It's Amazing To Be Recognised Among Legends,' Says Gill After Winning Polly Umrigar Award

Polly Umrigar Award: India's test captain Shubman Gill expressed immense pride and gratitude after being named the winner of the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for 2025 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the Naman Awards. Gill said that being recognised alongside some of the legends and idols who have previously won the award made the achievement even more special. Obviously, it feels quite amazing to be recognised among cricketers, among the legends and idols that have won this award before me. Its truly a great honour every time you step on the field to represent your country in a sport that Ive spent my entire life playing, and to do well in that sport and be recognised by the BCCI is an immense honour, Gill said in a video released by the BCCI on X. Reflecting on Indias performances over the past year, Gill said that it was an amazing journey, highlighting the teams resilience during the England series, where they fought back to draw after a difficult start. I think its been an amazing journey so far. Going into the England series and coming back to draw the series from where we were after the first Test match, and even after that, playing in the West Indies and the Asia Cup its been a truly great year, he noted. Looking ahead, Gill emphasised the importance of the upcoming Test calendar, with India set to face Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia in crucial series that could determine their chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The team are currently placed at the sixth position with only four wins and a draw in nine matches. Weve got some really crucial Test series coming up. Hopefully we are able to win most of our matches and qualify for the finals, he said. Gill credited the collective effort of the teams support staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir along with the broader coaching unit and staff at the Centre of Excellence (CoE), for shaping India into one of the most fearless teams in world cricket. Its efforts by everyone whether its Gauti bhai, the batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach; they all work tirelessly to make this group what it is today. Thats why we are recognised as one of the most fearless teams in the world, and wherever we go, we are looked upon as favourites. That tag doesnt come easy, he added. The 26-year-old also acknowledged the support from the BCCI's current leadership and former secretary Jay Shah for providing world-class facilities and infrastructure that have contributed to players growth and performance. The support that we have got from the BCCI, especially Jay bhai and all the office bearers, has been great. The initiatives theyve taken to take our cricket forward have really helped us immensely. Even when I got injured, the training, practice and facilities played a huge role in performance, Gill said. Gill further downplayed discussions around legacy, instead stressing the importance of building a team identity in Test cricket. The support that we have got from the BCCI, especially Jay bhai and all the office bearers, has been great. The initiatives theyve taken to take our cricket forward have really helped us immensely. Even when I got injured, the training, practice and facilities played a huge role in performance, Gill said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gill's performance in India's five-Test series in England was the central reason for the award. He scored 754 runs in ten innings at an average of 75.40 with four centuries and a highest score of 269. Gill finished as the highest run-getter in the test for 2025 with 983 runs in nine matches at an average of 70.21. Article Source: IANS

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

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

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

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

Virat Kohli Reaches Bengaluru Ahead Of IPL 2026, Netizens Say, 'The King Arrived In His Kingdom'

Karnataka State Cricket Association: India's talismanic batter Virat Kohli has arrived here in the city to join the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to commence on March 28. Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB's title-winning campaign last season, scoring 657 runs at a strike rate of 144.71 and a stunning average of 54.75, including eight fifties. The veteran batter would look to continue the form for the franchise as they will march towards defending the title for the first time. RCB shared a video of Virat's arrival on its social media, showing the former captain at the airport and in a cab, with a traffic signal displaying his jersey number 18, with the KGF theme in the background. You dont have to see him to know hes coming! Check the calendar. There will be signs, RCB wrote in the caption. Natiezens can contain their excitement, as one fan wrote on X, The king kohli arrived in his kingdom. Another user wrote, The King has arrived to reclaim his throne once again, and we are all seated to witness him smash the opponents for fun and he could not come at a better day, Its the 18th day of the month. Another user added, 18 march and jersey number 18 is here. while a fan said, RCB isnt complete without the King Kohli. Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament; he has scored 8,661 runs from 267 matches at an average of 39.54. The 37-year-old has eight tons, the most for a player, as well as 63 half-centuries. Kohli made his debut in 2008, and since then, he has played for only one franchise. The former captain recently shared a video of a practice session in London where he was looking in great touch. Meanwhile, the defending champions RCB will return to their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, to play the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) received official permission from the Government of Karnataka to host the matches. The former captain recently shared a video of a practice session in London where he was looking in great touch. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB's clash against Rajasthan will happen in Guwahati before they hit the road again to take on Mumbai at the Wankhede. Article Source: IANS

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

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