IPL 2026: Gavaskar Praises Next Gen Arya And Mhatre For Fearless Batting Approach
Chennai Super Kings: Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and Cheteshwar Pujara heaped praise on young batters Ayush Mhatre and Priyansh Arya for fearless batting approach and not dwelling on the past. Priyansh Arya ignited the chase with an impressive start, setting the tone for Punjab Kings pursuit of 210 against Chennai Super Kings. Brought in as a substitute, Arya made his intentions clear. He attacked Khaleel Ahmed right from the beginning. A sharp, straight drive for four, followed by a powerful six over midwicket, marked his entrance. While Khaleel managed some movement against Prabhsimran Singh, he still gave away 14 runs in the first over. There was no break in the second over as Arya attacked Matt Henry, hitting 4, 6, and 4 to reach 25 off just six balls. By the time PBKS scored their fifty in an incredible 3.2 overs, Arya had already piled up 27 off eight balls, easily finding the boundary. This was a bold, modern T20 strategy. Seeing a target of over 200, he went all out in the power play to take control of the chase. His 39 off 11 at a strike rate of 355 may not have been a match-winning innings by itself, but it clearly represented the role of an aggressive opener today: deal maximum damage early and establish a platform. Priyansh Arya is picking the length very early. On that pitch, whenever the ball was slightly short, he didnt miss out and often hit it for six. We saw that against bowlers like Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed, he is not missing the fuller deliveries either, which means the margin for error for bowlers becomes very small. He is strong on the leg side but also comfortable on the off side, and that makes him a very difficult batter to bowl to, Cheteshwar Pujara told JioStar. There was no break in the second over as Arya attacked Matt Henry, hitting 4, 6, and 4 to reach 25 off just six balls. By the time PBKS scored their fifty in an incredible 3.2 overs, Arya had already piled up 27 off eight balls, easily finding the boundary. This was a bold, modern T20 strategy. Seeing a target of over 200, he went all out in the power play to take control of the chase. His 39 off 11 at a strike rate of 355 may not have been a match-winning innings by itself, but it clearly represented the role of an aggressive opener today: deal maximum damage early and establish a platform. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For CSK, Mhatre set up the target with sensation batting show, scoring 73 off 43 deliveries. On Mhatre's best-suited batting position and mindset of the fearless prodigies, Gavaskar said, I believe Number 3 is a good position for Ayush Mhatre. He has batted lower down the order in the Under-19 setup, but three could suit him well. He was dismissed first ball in the previous game but showed no signs of being affected by it. Thats the beauty of the 'Gen Next' mindset, they dont dwell too much on the past and focus on the present. Its a fantastic attitude. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Two Innings Don't Define An Area Of Concern, CSK Head Coach Fleming Backs Samson
Chennai Super Kings: There may have been some doubts about Sanju Samson's start with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), but head coach Stephen Fleming is sure that the star batter will soon get back into the swing of things. Samson's form has come under fire after he scored 6 and 7 in his first two games of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. This is especially true after his high-profile move from the Rajasthan Royals and his recent success in India's T20 World Cup win. Fleming, on the other hand, dismissed the worries and supported the experienced batter's ability to bounce back strongly. He is not going to score every time. It's T20 cricket and he just nicked one today. But, he is in good form. He is training well. And when he gets going, he is often a match-winner. So, two innings don't define an area of concern, Fleming said after CSKs loss to Punjab Kings. Samson's first two dismissals, first to Nandre Burger in Guwahati and then to Xavier Bartlett at Chepauk, show that he had a rough start with only 13 runs in two innings. But there isn't much panic in the CSK camp because the team trusts his ability to turn things around after slow starts. Samson has gotten a lot of attention, but CSK's biggest worry is their bowling. Even though they scored a strong 209/5, they couldn't protect the total after Punjab Kings chased it down easily, thanks to Priyansh Arya's explosive start and Shreyas Iyer's calm half-century. Fleming said that the team could have done better with the ball, but when asked about their auction strategy, especially why they didn't spend a lot of money on experienced pacers, he was careful not to say too much. Im trying to think back to the auction process around all those names that you talked about were mentioned. I dont, I cant remember the dynamics. There was a large list of bowlers that we looked at and missed out on that might have been out of form at the time but are in form now. Trust me, we went over everything. I cant remember those dynamics, he said. CSKs squad overhaul has also raised questions about balance, particularly the lack of specialist finishers. But Fleming believes the modern T20 game has evolved beyond traditional roles. Im trying to think back to the auction process around all those names that you talked about were mentioned. I dont, I cant remember the dynamics. There was a large list of bowlers that we looked at and missed out on that might have been out of form at the time but are in form now. Trust me, we went over everything. I cant remember those dynamics, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Its just a more aggressive approach to get 240. So you actually have to have players all the way through that are going to be aggressive and thats certainly the team that weve got. Keep in mind weve got (Dewald) Brevis on the sideline and youve got one of the best finishers in the MS (Dhoni) and theres some power there but Brevis is in the middle. Im really content with the pace that we can go, Fleming added. Article Source: IANS
DC vs MI Playing 11, IPL 2026 Today Match: Mumbai, Delhi confident after opening wins
IPL 2026: 'Didn't Have Guts To Talk To Him In First Meeting' - RCB's Ostwal On The Kohli Effect
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Vicky Ostwal had a dream of sharing the dressing room with Virat Kohli. But when it actually happened during the practice sessions of defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of IPL 2026, the left-arm spin bowling all-rounder froze. Neither on the pitch, nor with the ball in his hand. But in the dressing room - where the man he had watched and admired for his talismanic skills was suddenly just a few feet away from him. Ostwal, 23, is in his debut season with RCB after having spent three years with Delhi Capitals. He had heard all about RCB - the robust culture, good people in the set-up, and fans shouting Aar-cee-bee in chorus at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the first game (and soon against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday night). Ostwal was ready for most of it, but was not quite ready for his meeting with Kohli. For me, just seeing him for the first time was surreal. I didn't have the guts to talk to him in the first meeting. But as we practiced together, I spoke to him a lot about my tactical bowling mindset and how I should be bowling in T20 games and what balls work against him and what he does to counter the bowlers very well. Also, what can a bowler do to counter the batter, said Ostwal, in an exclusive conversation with IANS, facilitated by JSW Sports. It did not stay that way for long. Practice has a way of breaking the ice between stalwarts and youngsters, and as Ostwal began bowling to Kohli in the nets, the conversations started. I have had some great chats with him regarding this mindset and tactic thing and he has been helping me a lot about that. Whenever I bowl to him, I just try and have a chat after my bowling is finished. Then he gives me insights of what went wrong with you and what you could have done better and what you did good as well. I had some good healthy chats with him and that helps me a lot, he added. The arrangement that usually followed was Ostwal would bowl to Kohli and the debrief would happen right after that. The central idea, Ostwal says, from Kohli is about being proactive rather than reactive and thinking one step ahead of what a batter would aim to do. In things like T20, when you are bowling against a good player, you always need to be one step ahead. So, I used to always ask him - how can you be ahead of the game always? He used to give me insights like, Just see how the batter is playing and what kind of shots he wants to play against you. So, you observe that and you don't bowl the ball that he wants you to bowl. You bowl something different, back yourself to bowl that ball and then you deliver it and you try to execute it on that given time. By doing that thing, you can be one step ahead. If you think that you don't know, then you stick to your basics. You back your strength; you back yourself that whatever you have done up till now is the best. That's why you are here - so, you do that and then the batsman will play his own shot. If you think that you have got your batter in a zone where you want him to be, then you back yourself and bowl the ball that he doesn't want to play much. So, that I think helps a lot, especially in a T20 game, when you have to be accurate every ball or you have to be proactive every ball. So, that is the kind of conversation we usually have, he elaborated. Kohli isn't the only senior pro reshaping Ostwal, who terms being a bowling all-rounder as his best version. Krunal Pandya, his senior left-arm spin bowling all-rounder and multiple IPL winner with a reputation for rising exactly when the pressure peaks, has become another figure Ostwal studies closely. He knows what it takes to win the IPL and what performances you need to put in to win the game and how can you be clutch in those moments and how can you perform in crunch situations? He is a player who shines under pressure and that's what a good player can do for your team or that's what a team looks for in you. That is the kind of thing I want to learn from him and how can he do these kind of things under pressure. In crunch situations, he always steps up and brings his A game. So, that is something I really admire about him and that's what I want to learn, he said. What Ostwal finds most fascinating about Krunal, though, is not the experience, but bringing the imagination in bowling either a yorker, bouncer or even a round-arm slinging ball. He is very creative about those things. Even last year, we have seen him bowling bouncers - that is not very regular. So, he is very creative and he knows that IPL is such a game that even if you get one ball of your quota of overs (is a dot ball), it's just like gold. So, he knows that something or the other way, he will do something to trick the batsman into his trap and he will get a wicket or he can get a dot ball. So, I think he is very creative and he is very smart in those kind of things, he said. Away from serious cricket conversations, Ostwal has found an unlikely off-field friend in Venkatesh Iyer. Despite him being a very senior guy to me, he is very friendly and very open. He likes to have fun around with me and we get along well. We also play table tennis or PS5 together sometimes. So, him being a senior, I was a little hesitant talking to him in the initial days. But when I got to know him more than how good of a guy he is, I got along with him much better and then we started to hang out more. Ostwal's path to RCB was built across years of domestic toil. Being the leading wicket-taker in India winning the U-19 Asia Cup and 2022 U-19 World Cup is something he terms as one of the biggest moments of my life. It opened the door for Ostwal to be in DC's setup. But the years between that high and now were not all smooth. There was a difficult period of uncertainty as he tried to establish himself at the senior level. His answer was to go bag wickets and make big runs in the U-23 circuit, with Ostwal recently earning the MA Chidambaram Award for being the leading wicket-taker in the CK Nayudu Trophy in 2024/25. The U-23 games had a big, big role in my life because after the U19 World Cup, I did struggle for a year or so to make my mark in the senior team. But last season when I played U-23, I had a complete motto of dominating and being the highest wicket-taker in India. I had thought about that since when I started playing the games. I was very grateful and happy that I could pick wickets and was the highest wicket-taker. Also, I scored 100s and 250s and that's what gave me this full run for the Maharashtra Ranji team this year. That form carried into the Ranji Trophy, where he picked up 23 wickets in seven games, supplemented by eight and seven scalps in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy respectively. Playing all three formats every game this year was a big thing for me and that's the kind of thing that as a player you want from your association to do. I was grateful this year that I got the opportunity to play all three formats and got a complete run in the whole season. Also, I don't think I did anything extraordinary. But yes, I did well for my team. I picked some fifers in the red ball and was very accurate in T20 and one-day, where I was very good and economical. In the red ball, I also picked some fifers and was in the top wicket takers for Maharashtra. So, all in all, it was a good season for me. The question hovering over Ostwal is when he gets to play an IPL game and he spoke how it is a matter of grabbing the chance at the right time. I have spoken about this too a lot and everybody says that everyone has his own destiny. You just keep working hard and one day or the other, you will get your chance and when you get it, you just try and grab it with both hands. So, I am not rushing into things. I am not being fuzzy about it, but I just want to work hard and I believe that my time will come and whenever it comes, I will grab it with both hands. For now, the focus is entirely on RCB - a franchise he describes being a part of as a genuine blessing and a dressing room that challenges him daily, on and off the field. He joined a side that won the trophy last year. Now Ostwal wants to be part of one that wins it again. With Kohli in his corner, breaking down his game ball by ball, he may just be in the right place at the right time. It's a big blessing for me that I am a part of such a good franchise and such a good team surrounded by great players and great coaches. For now, the focus is entirely on RCB - a franchise he describes being a part of as a genuine blessing and a dressing room that challenges him daily, on and off the field. He joined a side that won the trophy last year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There are many aspects to work on yourself when you are around these great people. So, it always helps me and I always try to have some conversation with all of them and try to improve myself. Yes, 100 percent that (winning the trophy again) is the dream and motto. Article Source: IANS
'Everyone is going at a rate of knots'; CSK still in the noughts
After CSK's second successive loss in IPL 2026, Stephen Fleming looks back at the auction strategy, the players they have let go of, and where the team might be lagging behind
Shreyas: 'We want to impress each other, not others outside'
The PBKS captain top-scored with 50 as his team chased down 210 with eight balls to spare
Indian Premier League: Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer credited his sides explosive start and collective batting effort for chasing down a 200-plus total against Chennai Super Kings, highlighting the confidence within the group and a dressing-room mindset focused on internal standards rather than external expectations. PBKS once again proved why they are the masters of 200-plus chases in the IPL, pulling off the feat for the ninth time as Priyansh Arya and Shreyas Iyer dismantled the Chennai Super Kings attack. Arya set the tone with a blistering start, racing to 33 off just 9 balls as PBKS brought up their fifty in no time, while Iyer anchored the chase with a calm yet commanding knock, accelerating from 4 off 5 to a 26-ball fifty. Obviously, there is a worry before getting onto the field. But the way we started today, I think it was an exceptional start. Priyansh and Prabh are doing the job at the start and setting the bench for us to go inside. I feel that the way they have been batting for years now stabilises the rhythm for us. I am glad that everyone is getting to bat in the first two games. It gives us confidence. Whenever we are stuck in a pressure situation, people know how to go about it. It is not planned. But we just decided inside the dressing room that we want to impress each other rather than anyone outside. A certain sort of clarity as well, said Iyer after the match. In contrast, CSK remain winless after two games, and the bigger concern will be being outplayed in conditions that should have favoured them. Despite posting a strong 209 for 5 on a surface suited to their batting strength, their bowling once again failed to hold up, exposing a key weakness early in the season. Priyansh Arya ignited the chase with an impressive start, setting the tone for Punjab Kings pursuit of 210 against Chennai Super Kings. Brought in as a substitute, Arya made his intentions clear. He attacked Khaleel Ahmed right from the beginning. A sharp, straight drive for four, followed by a powerful six over midwicket, marked his entrance. While Khaleel managed some movement against Prabhsimran Singh, he still gave away 14 runs in the first over. There was no break in the second over as Arya attacked Matt Henry, hitting 4, 6, and 4 to reach 25 off just six balls. By the time PBKS scored their fifty in an incredible 3.2 overs, Arya had already piled up 27 off eight balls, easily finding the boundary. This was a bold, modern T20 strategy. Seeing a target of over 200, he went all out in the power play to take control of the chase. His 39 off 11 at a strike rate of 355 may not have been a match-winning innings by itself, but it clearly represented the role of an aggressive opener today: deal maximum damage early and establish a platform. Priyansh Arya ignited the chase with an impressive start, setting the tone for Punjab Kings pursuit of 210 against Chennai Super Kings. Brought in as a substitute, Arya made his intentions clear. He attacked Khaleel Ahmed right from the beginning. A sharp, straight drive for four, followed by a powerful six over midwicket, marked his entrance. While Khaleel managed some movement against Prabhsimran Singh, he still gave away 14 runs in the first over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Praising senior spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, Iyer said, I feel that we all know how good Dube is against spin. There were many domestic players who are good against spin. Yuzi, we know how impressive he has been over the years. He is one of the best bowlers in IPL. Whenever I am in doubt, I go to him. Article Source: IANS
Jack White rocks Glamorgan on long-awaited return to Division One
Ingram-Kellaway stand helps repel Yorkshire on rain-shortened season opener in Cardiff
Arya and Shreyas star as PBKS breach CSK's fortress again
Mhatre and Sarfaraz led CSK to 209 but that total didn't prove enough to test PBKS' chase masters
IPL 2026: Skipper Iyers Fifty, Aryas Opening Blitz Guide PBKS To Second Victory
Skipper Shreyas Iyer: Priyansh Aryas opening blitz of 39 off 11 balls and skipper Shreyas Iyers fifty propelled Punjab Kings to their second victory in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, beating Chennai Super Kings by five wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Priyansh Arya ignited the chase with an impressive start, setting the tone for Punjab Kings pursuit of 210 against Chennai Super Kings. Brought in as a substitute, Arya made his intentions clear. He attacked Khaleel Ahmed right from the beginning. A sharp, straight drive for four, followed by a powerful six over midwicket, marked his entrance. While Khaleel managed some movement against Prabhsimran Singh, he still gave away 14 runs in the first over. There was no break in the second over as Arya attacked Matt Henry, hitting 4, 6, and 4 to reach 25 off just six balls. By the time PBKS scored their fifty in an incredible 3.2 overs, Arya had already piled up 27 off eight balls, easily finding the boundary. This was a bold, modern T20 strategy. Seeing a target of over 200, he went all out in the power play to take control of the chase. His 39 off 11 at a strike rate of 355 may not have been a match-winning innings by itself, but it clearly represented the role of an aggressive opener today: deal maximum damage early and establish a platform. At the other end, Prabhsimran kept the momentum going, but CSK tried to regain control with spin by bringing in Noor Ahmad and adding Rahul Chahar as an impact bowler. However, PBKS kept pushing, with Cooper Connolly showing intent against spin. However, a costly mistake on a low-risk second call cost PBKS their momentum at a crucial time, when Shreyas Iyer walked confidently to the crease with a chance to score runs. Noor Ahmad sprinted from midwicket to intercept the ball, while Sarfaraz Khan made an excellent backup play and threw an accurate ball to the non-strikers end to catch Prabhsimran (43) out after Connolly returned him. Conolly holed out off a full toss, which he couldnt quite hit past mid-off. That was a missed opportunity, and one hell regret on the long walk back. With 83 runs needed off 49 balls, PBKS still has Shreyas Iyer and Nehal Wadhera at the crease to steady the chase. CSK, on the other hand, has limited spin left. They have just one over from Noor Ahmad and two from Rahul Chahar. After that, it will be up to the pacers, who have given away runs all evening, to finish the job. Ayush Mhatre starred with a sensational 73 off 43 as late cameos from Sarfaraz Khan (32 off 12) and Shivam Dube (45* off 27) powered Chennai Super Kings to 209/5. CSKs innings had a shaky start, with Sanju Samson (7) falling early yet again, exposing his struggles against movement. Amid the early setbacks, Mhatre took charge, showing great intent and preparation, especially against short balls. Having worked on his pull shot, he confidently took on the pacers, racing to 59 off 32 balls inside nine overs, including four fours and five sixes. While Mhatre dominated, Ruturaj Gaikwad (28 off 22) struggled to accelerate, falling at a time when CSK needed momentum. Mhatre, however, continued to dictate terms even after the Power-play, cleverly countering the wide yorker strategy with smart placement and quick adjustments. His dismissal proved to be a turning point. At 123, Mhatre had scored 73 of those runs nearly 60% highlighting CSKs over-reliance on him as the rest of the batting managed just 38 off 32 balls, with 12 extras. Sarfaraz then injected late momentum with an inventive cameo, using ramps and deft touches to counter both pace and yorkers, striking at 266. Though Dube initially struggled, he finished strongly, anchoring the death overs with a composed unbeaten 45. CSKs 209/5 also marked their first 200-plus total at Chepauk since April 2024, signalling a return to their high-scoring best. Shreyas Iyer displayed unwavering poise throughout his innings by shifting gears from 4 off 5 to 50 off 26 flawlessly. He held the situation in check as the PBKS captain by choosing his shots carefully and keeping the chase on course. Yet just as everything seemed to be going PBKS' way and Iyer was batting fabulously, CSK responded with two wickets off consecutive deliveries by taking Iyer out and having Nehal Wadhera swing the momentum back their way. However, Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis made sure there are no more hiccups as PBKS closed the match, winning it by five wickets. Shreyas Iyer displayed unwavering poise throughout his innings by shifting gears from 4 off 5 to 50 off 26 flawlessly. He held the situation in check as the PBKS captain by choosing his shots carefully and keeping the chase on course. Yet just as everything seemed to be going PBKS' way and Iyer was batting fabulously, CSK responded with two wickets off consecutive deliveries by taking Iyer out and having Nehal Wadhera swing the momentum back their way. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai Super Kings 209/5 in 20 overs (Ayush Mhatre 73, Shivam Dube 45 not out; Vyshak Vijaykumar 2-38, Yuzvendra Chahal 1-21) lost to Punjab Kings 210/5 in 18.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 50, Prabhsimran Singh 43, Priyansh Arya 39; Matt Henry 2-54, Anshul Kamboj 2-47) by five wickets. Article Source: IANS
Gay cruises to first century of season as Crawley fails again
Durham take the opening-day spoils before England opener falls cheaply
Bohannon, Wells set up Lancashire on hard-fought day
Harry Conway and Ben Sanderson strive to keep Northants in contest
Foakes, Lawes enter folklore as record stand rescues Surrey
Warwickshire lose grip after six early wickets in season opener at Edgbaston
Du Plooy 98* puts Middlesex on front foot
Skipper underpins solid batting effort with support from James Cracknell
Andersson on song again as Derbyshire rack them up
Allrounder's hundred, with fifties from Reece, Jewell and Came, sets seal on hosts' day
Abell, Rew script familiar tale of frustration for Nottinghamshire
Somerset's middle-order pairing to the rescue again on dank opening day
If Cameron Green: Cameron Green's unavailability to bowl for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) because of workload management imposed by Cricket Australia is blowing up into a big controversy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with many former India players commenting on this issue. After KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and former India opener Wasim Jaffer, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on the issue, advising KKR to consider bringing in another specialist to make up for the imbalance in the squad. Green, who was signed for Rs 25.20 crore for his all-round capabilities, has yet to bowl in the tournament, including in the opening clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI), where his side conceded a hefty 221 runs, and their second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where they conceded 226 runs. His limited role has sparked debate over team balance and utilisation. Speaking on Star Sports Amul Cricket Live, JioStar experts Sunil Gavaskar discussed Greens role in the team and said they should consider recruiting a specialist to make up for the loss. KKR will need to think about their combination if Cameron Green is not going to bowl. If he isnt contributing with the ball, then they might have to consider bringing in another specialist batter. We know he has scored a hundred in the IPL and that he can bat well, but his form hasnt been great recently. Yes, he scored a hundred in a red-ball game in Australia not long ago, but this is where the team needs to look closely at the numbers. Green at No. 4 is fine, but the bigger concern seems to be the No. 5 and No. 6 positions, where they appear to be struggling a bit, said Gavaskar. Jaffer took to X to voice his opinion on the matter, stressing that franchises should have full control over how players are used once they are part of a privately run competition. Cam Green not bowling is unfair for KKR. Once youre playing in a private league, it shouldnt be your country that decides what you can and cannot do during that league. If thats the case, you might as well not play. Teams pay huge amounts to acquire players with certain skill sets, and not using one of the skill sets, not because of injury, but because of workload management, is unfair to the franchise, he wrote. Earlier, speaking after the Mumbai match, captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested that decisions regarding Greens bowling were influenced by Cricket Australia, indicating that the matter was not entirely in the teams hands. Cricket Australia later confirmed that Greens workload is being carefully managed due to a lower back concern, with the franchise reportedly informed about the restriction ahead of the tournament. Earlier, speaking after the Mumbai match, captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested that decisions regarding Greens bowling were influenced by Cricket Australia, indicating that the matter was not entirely in the teams hands. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Green's outing with the bat has also not been up to the mark in the ongoing season. He scored just 18 runs in KKR's first match against Mumbai and got run out at a crucial time against SRH after scoring only two runs. Due to his poor batting, KKR has lost both matches and currently sit in ninth position in the points table. Article Source: IANS
Critchley, Allison steer Essex after early Abbott strikes
Unbroken stand worth 152 lifts Essex, who also became the first county to substitute a player for injury
IPL 2026: Ayush Mhatres 73, Late Cameo By Dube Guide CSK To 209/5 Vs PBKS
Chennai Super Kings: Youngster Ayush Mhatre played a sensational knock of 73 off 43 deliveries while Sarfaraz Khan (32 off 12) and Shivam Dube (45 off 27*) played late cameos to guide Chennai Super Kings to 209/5 in 20 overs against Punjab Kings in the seventh match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Chennai Super Kings innings started with a mix of early troubles and bold counterattacks. Ayush Mhatre stepped up to boost the score, even as the team lost key wickets during the Power-play. The atmosphere on the ground became tense when Sanju Samson (7), one of CSKs star players, went out cheaply once more. Fans expected him to deliver strong starts, but he continued to struggle against the moving ball this season. Xavier Bartlett delivered a challenging outswinger that caught a thick outside edge, which the wicketkeeper easily caught. Samson has usually succeeded by standing tall and hitting through the line when the ball comes straight at him. However, even slight lateral movement has revealed a weakness, leading to yet another single-digit score. At the opposite end of the wicket, Ayush showed his commitment to shifting the momentum; he had spent a great deal of time hitting the pull shot before the game and clearly displayed that he was confident against the short balls that he received early on in his innings. Not only were his early boundaries a result of instinct, but they were all well-constructed plans; even after Mhatre hit his first boundary off a full-length delivery over mid-on, he was able to force the bowlers to adjust their lengths and then used a controlled swivel pull shot to punish the opponent's efforts. That tactical awareness helped him race to 29 off 19, capitalising on pace while the field was up. Mhatres promotion from the IPL to CSK has been well documented. His ability with 22 deliveries before this match gives him a limited amount of experience against spinners. He continued his aggressive batting through the first nine overs, posting 59 runs from 32 balls with four boundaries and five sixes. Many of his runs came from boundaries, while he smashed several sixes off pace bowlers. While Mhatre produced these great runs, Ruturaj Gaikwad struggled to match his pace. His 28 runs from 22 balls of play were produced at a time when the game needed to speed up, and when he was dismissed, he had no choice but to either push on with his innings or get dismissed. Ruturaj finished the game with only 8 runs off his last 5 balls while batting in an important area of the innings. Mhatre continued to control the game after the Power-play. He utilised the wide yorker strategy to his advantage. As Vyshak targeted his wide line, Mhatre quickly produced solutions first with a single on the wide line before expertly placing the second wide delivery for a boundary through the backward point. Mhatre demonstrated excellent batting and adjusted his game in the moment. With Shivam Dube walking in to loud chants and CSK reaching 94 for 1 after nine overs, the platform was set. Ayush Mhatres dismissal was a major turning point in CSKs innings. It showed how much scoring responsibility he had taken on. When he left the field, Mhatre had scored 73 runs out of the team's total of 123, which was almost 60% of the runs. In comparison, the rest of the batting lineup struggled. They managed just 38 runs off 32 balls, while 12 runs came from extras. Losing Mhatre not only halted their momentum but also revealed CSKs heavy dependence on a single batter to lead the innings. In between the 12th and 14th overs, there was a remarkable run of events that allowed Punjab Kings to claw their way back in the match. They took wickets consistently while giving up many extras and having very few scoring shots, thereby weakening the run-scoring and reversing the momentum. Sarfaraz Khan provided a much-needed spark with an impressive performance. He showed his unique talent with a series of skilful dabs and bold ramps, particularly against Arshdeep Singh. While Shivam Dube struggled to find his rhythm at the other end, Sarfaraz kept the score moving, hitting 32 runs off just 12 balls at a strike rate of 266. His swift innings, filled with smart improvisation against both short balls and yorkers, temporarily boosted CSK until Vyshak ended his innings in the 17th over. Dube provided the brief, late came playing a fiery knock of 45 off 27 deliveries as CSK reached 209/5 in their respective 20 overs. The total also marked a significant return to high-scoring ways at Chepauk, with CSK crossing the 200 mark at home for the first time since April 2024 against SRH, taking their tally to 15 such totals at the venue. However, with Punjab Kings boasting a long and dangerous batting line-up and a proven record in chasing big targets, the contest remains finely poised. For PBKS, Vyshak Vijaykumar took two wickets as Chahal, Bartlett, and Jansen picked a wicket each. Dube provided the brief, late came playing a fiery knock of 45 off 27 deliveries as CSK reached 209/5 in their respective 20 overs. The total also marked a significant return to high-scoring ways at Chepauk, with CSK crossing the 200 mark at home for the first time since April 2024 against SRH, taking their tally to 15 such totals at the venue. However, with Punjab Kings boasting a long and dangerous batting line-up and a proven record in chasing big targets, the contest remains finely poised. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai Super Kings 209/5 in 20 overs (Ayush Mhatre 73, Shivam Dube 45 not out; Vyshak Vijaykumar 2-38, Yuzvendra Chahal1-21) against Punjab Kings Article Source: IANS
Bodhana Sivanandan becomes Englands top female chess player at 11
She has also entered the worlds top 100 women, ranking 72nd
IPL franchises are top-tier global sports properties, says Delhi Capitals CEO
The franchise is positioning itself as a sports and entertainment brand while expanding fan engagement initiatives
Thain becomes county cricket's first injury substitute after Essex captain Westley breaks finger
Essex skipper substituted under trial ruling, but like-for-like replacement won't be permitted to bowl
Mighty MI meet revamped DC with rain in the air
MI look overwhelming favourites given their record against DC, but expect a close contest
Unchanged PBKS bowl, Prashant Veer debuts for CSK
CSK have left out Matthew Short
IPL 2026: Prashant Veer Set To Debut As PBKS Ask CSK To Bat In Chennai
Chennai Super Kings: Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the toss and elected to bowl against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the seventh match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. We are going to bowl first, said PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer. Since it is their first match at home, I think it is a fresh wicket. It would be a great thing to know how it plays. Based on that, I have made this decision. Speaking of his hand injury, Iyer said, It is fresh. I just want to be positive in the way I talk. I just feel that if I say anything negative, it rubs off on my body. Just want to keep it cool. It gives us immense confidence. The motivation we got from the last game will rub off today. We just want to play to the best of our abilities. On his batting, he said, I feel that I just like to take on bowlers when the chips are down. That's the mindset shift I did last season. This season, I came with a similar mindset. The players clear the boundaries easily these days. That rubs off on everyone in the team. We are going with an unchanged team. Saying he is happy to bat first, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said, I think for me, it looks a bit on the drier side. Don't think it will change too much. It will remain the same. It's early April. Dew will be a factor. Runs on the board, and you can defend on this track. On their batting collapse in the last match against the Rajasthan Royals, Gaikwad said, You just accept we had tough conditions to face. One of those games where you try to go positive and make mistakes. What has gone is gone. You just focus on this game and be better prepared. It's about taking it game by game. That is the key for CSK as a franchise, having that top order. Opening partnerships has given us a lot of success. Nothing better than having Sanju open with me. We have one change tonight. Prashant Veer comes in place of Matt Short. Playing XIs: Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Impact substitutes: Suryansh Shedge, Priyansh Arya, Vishnu Vinod, Pravin Dubey, Hemant Brar Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Jamie Overton, Rahul Chahar, Matthew Short, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh Article Source: IANS
Contrasting top orders clash as GT face RR and Sooryavanshi
GT play their first home game of the season, facing some pressure over their old-school batting approach
IPL 2026: DC Are Aiming To Win At Least Five Out Of Seven Home Games, Says Kuldeep Yadav
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Delhi Capitals' (DC) left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav said the teams target in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is to make their home games count by winning at least five of the seven matches scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. After beating Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets, DC will begin their home leg of IPL 2026 by taking on five-time champions Mumbai Indians on Saturday afternoon. In IPL 2025, DC had a torrid time in New Delhi, winning just one out of five games and a win percentage standing at just 20, as they missed out on a spot in the playoffs. If we play good cricket, we can definitely aim to win five out of five (seven games) at home. We didnt discuss much about home records from last season. This time, we expect to perform well across all seven matches at home. We want to play good cricket, give our fans something to cheer about, and aim to win at least five out of seven games, said Kuldeep, while replying to a query from IANS in the pre-match press conference on Friday. Kuldeep has been a steady performer in the IPL since 2025, picking up 17 wickets in 14 innings at an economy rate of 7.1 and a strike rate of 19. Against a formidable MI batting line-up, however, Kuldeeps returns have been modest -- 10 wickets in 12 innings coming at a higher economy rate of 8.8 and a strike rate of 25. They are a strong team with a very solid batting lineup. They performed well in the first match, too. With players like Rohit bhai, Surya, Hardik, and Tilak, they have a lot of experience and quality. Indian players have consistently done well for MI over the years. We will plan accordingly and try to get them out as early as possible, he said. Kuldeep also spoke about operating under a bowling captain in left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel. My primary role is in the field. Most of my discussions also happen there. Axar is a senior player, and with KL bhai as wicketkeeper-batter, the communication between bowlers is very good. Weve just played one match, and its been a good start. We are not under any pressure regarding our bowling unit. As the tournament progresses, we will learn more, improve, and look to put opposition teams under pressure, he said. On the batting order, Kuldeep backed the top-order players to come good after they were dismissed cheaply by LSG pacers. Nitish (Rana) has been around for a long time and is an experienced IPL player. He has delivered consistently. Pathum is a quality player as well, so theres no need to panic at the top. It was just the first match. Everyone wants a good start, but sometimes it doesnt happen. We are confident that we will perform well in the upcoming matches, he said. On the batting order, Kuldeep backed the top-order players to come good after they were dismissed cheaply by LSG pacers. Nitish (Rana) has been around for a long time and is an experienced IPL player. He has delivered consistently. Also Read: Live Cricket Score David Miller has played that role many times, but he probably felt Stubbs could provide more stability at that stage and build a partnership with Sameer, and it was a good move. As the game progresses, Miller becomes more dangerous in those situations. That was likely the thinking behind the decision, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
GT vs RR Match 9, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
GT vs RR Match 9, Cricket Tips :The inaugural season winner, Rajasthan Royals, had a great first game. They humiliated Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati in all departments. Nandra Burger, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jofra Archer took two wickets each, and then it was Vaibhav Suryavanshi's show. The 15-year-old slammed a 15-ball half-century. RR will now play an away game against Gujarat Titans. This contest will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 PM IST. GT had a defeat to start the new season. They were outplayed by Punjab Kings after a poor batting display. Their batting is something they need to work on because the time has gone when 165-175 were good scores in T20 cricket. GT vs RR: Match Details Date: April 04, 2026 (Saturday) Time: 7:30 PM IST Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad GT vs RR Live Streaming Details To watch the GT vs RR on TV, Indian fans can tune into the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also switch to the Jio Hotstar app or website for the live stream. GT vs RR Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 08 GT : 06 RR : 02 No-Result : 00 GT vs RR: Ground Pitch Report Narendra Modi Stadium is also a good venue for the batters. India recently scored 250+ in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026. The wicket offers good bounce with pace, making it easier to execute big shots. There is not much movement off the wicket, which is why it is important to use cutters here. GT vs RR Possible XIs GT: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidhn Krishna, Mohammed Siraj RR : Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Ravindra Jadeja, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma GT vs RR: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Vaibhav Suryavnashi will be the one to watch out for. Because if he plays 20-22 balls, the match will be in favor of RR. For GT, it is important for Shubman Gill to play a big innings to set the platform for the other batters. Probable Best Bowler Nandre Burger will get good bounce from this wicket, and he can be nippy with the new ball. For GT, Mohammed Siraj can swing the ball, and he is also bowling a tight line. Today Match Prediction : GT can do well in home conditions, but RR are too good for them at this moment. Hence, we predict RR to win this contest. GT vs RR Match 9, IPL 2026, Today GT vs RR Match, GT vs RR Prediction, GT vs RR Predicted XIs, Injury Update for GT vs RR Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
IPL 2026: Delhi LG Meets MI And DC Players Ahead Of Saturday's Double-header
Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu: Ahead of Saturday's double-header clash between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu visited the Arun Jaitley Stadium and interacted with players from both sides, extending his best wishes for a spirited contest while highlighting the unifying power of sport and its role in fostering national pride. Visited the Arun Jaitley Stadium today and interacted with players ahead of tomorrows much-anticipated IPL encounter between @DelhiCapitals and @mipaltan. Met @akshar2026, Captain of Delhi Capitals, along with the team, to extend my best wishes for a sportsmanlike and spirited performance as they play their second match of the season at their home ground. Also interacted with @ImRo45 and @surya_14kumar from the Mumbai Indians squad. It is always encouraging to see such world-class talent and experience representing the very best of Indian cricket. Beyond the competition, sports remain a powerful medium to foster unity and a shared sense of national pride. May the match be a celebration of true sportsmanship and a thrilling experience for all fans in the National Capital, LG Delhi posted on X, formerly Twitter. Both teams come after winning their opening encounters. On Saturday afternoon, it will be more than just another league game in IPL 2026. The first game of the tournament's opening double-header is a high-stakes contest between a side seeking winning consistency at home and a five-time champion side that has historically thrived in New Delhi. Since 2022, MI have won five of seven encounters between the two sides, including both meetings last season. Even at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, MI have prevailed in three of the last four games against DC. On Saturday afternoon, it will be more than just another league game in IPL 2026. The first game of the tournament's opening double-header is a high-stakes contest between a side seeking winning consistency at home and a five-time champion side that has historically thrived in New Delhi. Also Read: Live Cricket Score DC managed just one home win here in five attempts last season, and the urgency to change that begins now. DC's fortunes with the bat will hinge significantly on KL Rahul, who bagged a golden duck against Lucknow Super Giants. Article Source: IANS
DC vs MI Match 8, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
DC vs MIMatch 8, Cricket Tips :Delhi Capitals have ticked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a win over Lucknow Super Giants. They had a brilliant bowling performance, led by Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan. Then, Sameer Rizvi bailed them out with a match-winning knock. The top order struggled for DC, but they had an unbeaten 119-run stand between Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs. Now, DC will be up against Mumbai Indians on Saturday. This contest will start at 3:30 PM IST at Arun Jaitley Stadium. MI had a tremendous win over KKR, where they registered their highest IPL chase. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton were unstoppable and added close to 150 runs within 12 overs. MI have broken the jinx and won the opening game of the season for the first time since 2013. DC vs MI: Match Details Date: April 04, 2026 (Saturday) Time: 3:30 PM IST Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi DC vs MI Live Streaming Details The live action of the DC vs MI clash on Saturday will be available on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the live stream through the Jio Hotstar app or website. DC vs MI Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 37 DC : 16 MI : 21 No-Result : 00 DC vs MI: Ground Pitch Report Arun Jaitley Stadium offers a belter wicket, which generally doesn't have any help for the bowlers. This is a high-scoring game, where big totals are chased easily. The toss will have a big role here because the team that bowls first will have an upper hand. DC vs MI Possible XIs DC: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar PBKS : Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Sherfane Rutherford, Hardik Pandya (c), Shardul Thakur, Naman Dhir, AM Ghazanfar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah DC vs MI: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter KL Rahul has the best numbers against MI in the IPL, and he will look to carry on his good form against them. Rohit Sharma has looked at his vintage best, and he will like playing at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Probable Best Bowler Jasprit Bumrah is someone who can contain the batters even on this flat wicket in Delhi. For DC, Lungi Ngidi will be key because he has improved as a T20 bowler, and he showed it in the first game. Today Match Prediction : DC have a good squad, but MI probably have the best combination in this tournament. Hence, we predict MI to win this game in Delhi. DC vs MI Match 8, IPL 2026, Today DC vs MI Match, DC vs MI Prediction, DC vs MI Predicted XIs, Injury Update for DC vs MI Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene lauded Rohit Sharmas preparation ahead of their clash against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, saying the veteran right-handed opener had a clear plan and vision to get himself ready for the tournament despite limited competitive cricket in recent months. In MIs first game against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, Rohit smacked a 38-ball 78 and was at his vintage best to show the cricketing world that he still has the skill and mindset to thrive in a high-intensity tournament. At MIs practice session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, a lean-looking Rohit batted for more than an hour and was practising hard against the bowlers. Well, I think credit to him, he had a plan and vision obviously. A few of our guys who are in our setup were involved in this training, and one of them wanted to do so. Also, to get to a fitness level that he was comfortable with, he knew what he needed to do. Even though he hasn't played much competitive cricket, he did quite a bit of skill work off-season whenever he had the time. Then he joined us on our first day of the camp, and we had a chat on how we wanted to start. We did a lot of simulations and had quite a few practice matches that we played. So he was part of all that, said Jayawardene in the pre-match press conference on Friday. He added that Rohits involvement in practice matches and simulations during MIs camp helped him regain rhythm and be at his blistering best in the opening game, which the side won by six wickets. I mean, for someone who has played the game for such a long time, it's in the veins, muscle memory, and how he wanted to go about. He will react much better out there in the middle in situations. Even though he didn't have competitive cricket behind him, he knew that. I knew when I watched him batting in the nets that he was in pretty good nick. His hand speed was pretty good, and that was how he wanted to approach. It was a good start for him in the first game, and hopefully, he can continue that. I feel it's a bit tough, the tournament. But he's focused, he's relaxed. He's contributed in a very positive way in the camps, which was great for us, added Jayawardene. He further threw light on how Rohits preparation was slightly different compared to other Indian regulars like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Yadav, who were constantly playing for the Indian team, especially in the recent T20 World Cup win. Well, I think Jasprit, Hardik, Sky, and all that, they are part of the Indian set-up. Regularly, they play white-ball cricket and are under the NCA (BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru). They have been monitored throughout by them, and we get a handover before the IPL. Rohit probably was a bit different because he hadn't played much cricket. So, he played in November (and then in January this year in ODIs against New Zealand). After that, he spoke to them about what he wanted to do with the fitness side of things. So, he took those two months to get his fitness right, and then he started doing skill work. Well, I think Jasprit, Hardik, Sky, and all that, they are part of the Indian set-up. Regularly, they play white-ball cricket and are under the NCA (BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru). They have been monitored throughout by them, and we get a handover before the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It's just the guys who are not with their national set-ups or the players who are with their state teams and some of them are not playing cricket - then we will try in their free time, we'll get them to a camp and do some skill work or whatever we need to do with them is how we get involved with our entire squad. So, that's how it goes, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Uppal confident that Indian women have enough depth to make it to playoffs
The captain admits that the pressure is entirely different while representing the country; New Zealand and Indonesia are expected to pose tough challenge to the host nation
'They Look Committed': Yuvraj Urges Clarity For Rohit-Kohli Ahead Of 2027 WC
ODI World Cup: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has called for greater clarity over the futures of senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as the team begins shaping its plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Both Rohit and Kohli have stepped away from Test and T20I, but the veteran duo remain integral to Indias 50-over setup. However, their long-term roles continue to be a subject of discussion amid an ongoing transition phase in the national side. Speaking to Sports Tak, Yuvraj emphasised that while the two stalwarts appear keen to feature in the next World Cup, the final call will depend on a collective decision involving the players and selectors. I dont know what is going on in their minds. They look committed to playing the World Cup, but I think that decision lies with them and the selectors, who will have to decide the future, Yuvraj said. The 2011 World Cup hero also highlighted the importance of transparent communication between the team management and the players. My point is that they are such great players, there has to be clarity. You should be able to sit in a room and discuss things openly. It is difficult, especially at that stage of your career, Yuvraj added. He further pointed out that while such conversations may be uncomfortable, they are necessary for both the players and the teams future planning. You may not like hearing that the team is looking ahead, but a year later, you will appreciate that at least someone told you the truth to your face. That does not really happen in Indian cricket, Yuvraj said. Meanwhile, Kohli has shown strong form in recent months, returning to the top two of the ICC ODI rankings following a prolific run, including an outstanding series against South Africa, where he scored 302 runs. While Rohit, too, continues to play a pivotal role as India balances experience with emerging talent ahead of the next tournament. Yuvraj also apologised to India's ODI world cup winning captains MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev for his father Yograj Singh's controversial remarks. Meanwhile, Kohli has shown strong form in recent months, returning to the top two of the ICC ODI rankings following a prolific run, including an outstanding series against South Africa, where he scored 302 runs. While Rohit, too, continues to play a pivotal role as India balances experience with emerging talent ahead of the next tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yuvraj further clarified that he has always maintained a professional relationship with Dhoni and even sought the former captains perspective to gain clarity on past events. Article Source: IANS
Irfan Pathan Helped Me Make My Debut For J&K: Aquib Nabi
Irfan Pathan: Auqib Nabi, the Jammu and Kashmir speedster, recounted his humble beginnings, drawing inspiration from Parvez Rasool and Dale Steyn, and credited former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan for his debut for the state. Delhi Capitals pacer Auqib Nabi opened up on his childhood and what drove him to become a fast bowler. I started playing cricket with tennis balls when I was in 5th or 6th grade. There was no specific place in Baramulla for practice. So, we used to play on the road or on a small school ground. I used to watch Dale Steyn a lot when I was young. The way he swung the ball at such high pace inspired me to become a fast bowler and hopefully, play for India one day. I used to get scolded a lot by my father for constantly playing cricket because I didn't have his support. He wanted me to become a doctor, Nabi told 'JioStar'. On the inspiration he got from Parvez Rasool and Irfan Pathan, Nabi said, Parvez Rasool made his debut for India by performing well for RCB in the IPL. I was very motivated to play for India after seeing him do that. Parvez bhai is one of us, hailing from a local village in Jammu and Kashmir. I made my mark for the first time during my Under-19 days when I was chosen for trials of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team. I didn't have spiked shoes at that time, so I borrowed shoes from a senior. He had his trials in the first half, and I had mine in the second half. I made my junior debut for Jammu and Kashmir by wearing spikes that I had borrowed from a friend. When Irfan bhai joined as the mentor of Jammu and Kashmir, I was in the Under-23 team, and my performances there got his attention. He helped me make my debut for the Jammu and Kashmir senior team. He used to guide me a lot by giving me tips, and was very helpful. He is a legend of Team India, and I had a great experience with Irfan bhai, he said. Nabi was picked by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.2 crore in the mini auction held in Dubai last year. On the emotional moment of getting picked in the IPL auction after his Duleep Trophy heroics, Nabi said, This year, I made a rare record in the Duleep Trophy while representing the North Zone team. I picked up four wickets in four consecutive balls. After that, my name was all over the media. Once that happened, I got confidence that I might get picked in the IPL auction. On auction day, I was at home with my family, watching the auction. When my name came up, for a few seconds, no one picked up the paddle. So I thought it's okay, I will work hard and make sure I don't go unsold. But after a few seconds, the teams picked up the paddle. Everyone at home got emotional. It was years of hard work coming to fruition. The price tag pressure isn't there. I just wanted to play in the IPL and now want to make a name for myself and play for India, he added. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan recalled the first time he saw Nabi and what impressed him, I saw Auqib Nabi for the first time in 2018. When I was the mentor of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, we wanted to have a strong group of eight to ten fast bowlers. We wanted to make a big group, and Auqib was one of the key fast bowlers. When I saw him for the first time, the most important thing was that he used to bowl long spells, especially in Under-23 and junior cricket. He was very impressive. Secondly, his ability to move the ball late was very impressive. On auction day, I was at home with my family, watching the auction. When my name came up, for a few seconds, no one picked up the paddle. So I thought it's okay, I will work hard and make sure I don't go unsold. But after a few seconds, the teams picked up the paddle. Everyone at home got emotional. It was years of hard work coming to fruition. The price tag pressure isn't there. I just wanted to play in the IPL and now want to make a name for myself and play for India, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The zero-seam position, especially with the new ball, generates a lot of movement. Since his wrist position is amazing, he bowls with a straight seam. Many international bowlers have a straight seam, including the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Auqib Nabi may not have a speed of 140 kmph, but the way he bowls, it quickens off the surface after pitching. Bowling close to the stumps, he can swing it away consistently and also surprise batters with the one that comes in, and that is a major strength of Auqib Nabi, he said. Article Source: IANS
Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said it was an easy decision for them to start with South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton as their opener alongside Rohit Sharma in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, mainly because Quinton de Kocks role in the side is that of a back-up overseas wicketkeeper. There were a few raised eyebrows when Rickelton was picked to open alongside Rohit over the more experienced de Kock, but he justified his selection by hitting a stroke-filled 83 in the Mumbai Indians' six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), including hitting eight sixes. With MI set to play their first afternoon game of IPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, Rickelton will be keen to make use of Arun Jaitley Stadiums short square boundaries and give the five-time champions another blistering start in the competition. Well, when we bought Ryan at the big auction, we knew the potential. We knew what he was capable of. We have him in our SA team as well. So, the last two years, what he has done domestically and internationally has been phenomenal. When he and Ro had a great combination last year, it was very successful for us. What we did with bringing Quinny back was we saw an opportunity. It was a skeleton thing for us because the local Indian wicketkeeper-batters went for a crazy price in the small auction. So we needed a backup -- we only had Minzy (Robin Minz). We pivoted and said that we'll have an overseas backup, and Quinny fitted in brilliantly, said Jayawardene, while replying to a question from IANS, in the pre-match press conference on Friday. In the IPL, Rickelton has featured in 15 innings, scoring 469 runs at an average of 33.5 and a blistering strike rate of 156, including hitting four half-centuries. In 2026, Rickelton has been in prolific touch amassing 632 runs in 19 innings at an average of 42.1 and an even higher strike rate of 163, including three fifties and a century. Jayawardene further stressed that the franchise valued stability in its playing eleven, which meant slotting in Rickelton was a no-brainer. He knows us, and he's been scoring runs. So we've had good options depth-wise. That's something that we looked at. But I don't see that we've ever considered changing that combination. You guys know that we as a franchise have that continuity, which is very important for us. The whole group is important, and the players do buy into that. I think Quinny is not upset by anything that he's not playing. He's part of a structure, and we felt that Ryan was batting really well, and we didn't want to change something when it's not broken. So Ryan has a great way of complementing Rohit out there in the middle, and it was an easier decision for us to start with Ryan and have that continuity and back our players to the hilt, he elaborated. On the upcoming clash against DC, who are also coming off after beating Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets, Jayawardene felt the Axar Patel-led side will be formidable challengers at their home turf. It should be a good match. I think they are a very good team. I think in the IPL, every team at home is a challenge, and that's how we will look at it. First game for them here as well, so that's probably a slight advantage for us. We will still try to play to our strength, that's what we have been doing. Obviously, tactically we will have to think a few things differently for the conditions. We will prepare in the best way we can, not think too much about the opponent, but at the same time have the respect and play our best cricket, he added. Jayawardene also backed young Afghanistan mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar to come good after he conceded 51 runs against KKR, calling him a long-term prospect. I think he is one for the future. We feel that with his height, what we have seen, and what he can do, he will improve. He needs more game time. Obviously, leading up to the IPL, he didn't have much game time. He was supposed to play against Sri Lanka, but that got cancelled in the UAE. So, I mean, I am not worried. I think he bowled well. He had 4-5 bad deliveries in that entire match. So we do analyse things differently. His execution, ball speed, and everything were quite good. But we played on a really good wicket. On the same wicket, Narine went for 35-40 runs in 2-3 overs, and then Varun went for 48 as well. Obviously, leading up to the IPL, he didn't have much game time. He was supposed to play against Sri Lanka, but that got cancelled in the UAE. So, I mean, I am not worried. I think he bowled well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Maybe later in the tournament, we will have all those options available on slower wickets. So, that's something that we looked at. But definitely, we feel that he is a great asset to have, and that's the reason why we have him at this point, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Rashid Khan Offers Prayers At Mosque Ahead Of GT's Clash Against RR
Indian Premier League: Gujarat Titans star spinner Rashid Khan took the time off from the practice to offer prayers at a mosque ahead of the team's second match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at their home ground Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday. Rashid, who was retained by GT ahead of IPL 2026, was seen arriving at the mosque during his stay in the city. The spinner quietly participated in namaz, reflecting a moment of calm and devotion amid the pressure of winning in the IPL. The Afghanistan spinner boasts a strong record in the IPL, where he has taken 159 wickets in 137 matches. He has also taken two four-wicket hauls in the tournament's history. Rashid made his debut in IPL 2017 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and since then, he has become a core member of the team he represents in the league. However, the 27-year-old had a poor season last year, where he was missing lengths after coming back from an injury. The former Afghanistan captain recorded only nine wickets in 15 matches at an expensive economy rate of 9.34 (his highest in an IPL season) and conceded 33 sixes, the highest by any bowler in a single IPL season. The Afghanistan spinner boasts a strong record in the IPL, where he has taken 159 wickets in 137 matches. He has also taken two four-wicket hauls in the tournament's history. Rashid made his debut in IPL 2017 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and since then, he has become a core member of the team he represents in the league. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rashid is again expected to play a big role as the Titans eye a comeback with a win against RR on Saturday. Article Source: IANS
Asian Boxing C'ships: India Assure Three Medals As Nikhat, Priya, Preeti Enter SF
World Boxing Cup Finals: India confirmed three medals at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026 as Nikhat Zareen, Priya, and Preeti Pawar registered impressive victories to advance to the semifinals on Day 5 here on Friday. Leading the charge, Nikhat was in complete control in the womens 51kg quarterfinal, sealing a first-round RSC victory over Xian Baguhin (PHI) in a dominant outing. She now faces her toughest test yet against Chinas Wu Yu, the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medallist, in the semifinals. In the womens 60kg category, Priya showcased composure and tactical maturity to defeat Chinas Chengyu Yang by 4-1, continuing her impressive run in the tournament. She will next take on Mongolias Namuun Monkhor for a place in the final. Meanwhile, in the womens 54kg category, Preeti Pawar, the gold medallist at the World Boxing Cup Finals, delivered one of the most clinical performances of the day, outclassing Munguntsetseng (MGL) with a 5-0 unanimous decision victory. Preeti is set to face a formidable opponent in Koreas Im Aeji, the Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and 2025 World Championships bronze medallist, in what promises to be a gripping semifinal clash. In the mens 70kg category, Deepak exited the competition following a 1-4 defeat to Jordans Zeyad Eashash in the quarterfinals. With three medals already secured and a place in the finals at stake, Indias campaign continues to gather momentum at the continental showpiece. Earlier on Thursday, competing in the mens 65kg category, the reigning national champion Aditya outclassed Saudi Arabias Mousa Alhawsaw with a 5-0 unanimous decision win, maintaining control and precision throughout the bout. With three medals already secured and a place in the finals at stake, Indias campaign continues to gather momentum at the continental showpiece. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He will take on Uzbekistans Abdulloh Madaminov in what is expected to be a closely contested bout. Article Source: IANS
Brook to sit out April, Root set for three Yorkshire appearances
Six players involved on the Ashes tour were in action on the opening day of the County Championship
'This Is Not The End Of The World For Us': Rahane Motivates KKR Players After Loss Against SRH
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane motivated the players after the three-time champions suffered a 65-run loss against 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Despite the second consecutive loss at the start of the tournament, Rahane spoke about the positives in the dressing room. He said that losing two matches in a row does not mean that they are out of the tournament. KKR skipper also praised the bowling effort, especially after the ten overs, when the team made a strong comeback and made the SRH batters struggle for runs. This is not the end of the world for us, so there are positives, so many positives in the game, especially after 10 overs, how well we bowled, how well we came back in the game was amazing. For me, what is important is what we think about every day inside the dressing, that's what matters. For me, effort matters a lot. What I saw today, after 10 overs, the effort from our bowlers was amazing, Rahane said in a video released by KKR on X. Rahane also told players to believe in themselves, as anyone can be match winners for the team. You guys, every individual here, the match winners, every one of you can win the match for us from any situation. Let's have that belief. It's always about what ability we have, how we can win the matches for our team. I have that belief in every individual. He also praised the batting intent shown by the batters from the start while chasing a big total, while accepting that the team cannot win all matches. As I said, a lot of positives from the game. The way we battled, that intent, from ball number 1, we used that intent; it's going to happen. There will be times when we will win the matches, 3 games, that's decided. I just want to see the same intent, let's not lose anything, he said. He also praised the batting intent shown by the batters from the start while chasing a big total, while accepting that the team cannot win all matches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR suffered two defeats in their first two games - only the second time in KKR's history have they had such a poor start to a season. They will have to bounce back when they host the Punjab Kings on April 6, and the Lucknow Super Giants come on April 9. Article Source: IANS
IPLs $19 bn growth story: Valuation to more than double by 2030, says Kotak MF
Reliance, Sun TV, RPSG, Tata Motors, CEAT, Hero MotoCorp, and consumption plays like Zomato, Swiggy, Airtel in focus
'National Boards Shouldn't Decide...': Jaffer Questions Green's 'non-bowling' Role In IPL
Indian Premier League: Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has raised concerns over overseas all-rounders being restricted by national boards in franchise leagues, pointing to Australian allrounder Cameron Green not bowling with the ball in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 as a key example. Green, who was signed for Rs 25.20 crore for his all-round capabilities, has yet to bowl in the tournament, including in the opening clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI), where his side conceded a hefty 221 runs, and their second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where they conceded 226 runs. His limited role has sparked debate over team balance and utilisation. Jaffer took to X to voice his opinion on the matter, stressing that franchises should have full control over how players are used once they are part of a privately run competition. Cam Green not bowling is unfair for KKR. Once youre playing in a private league, it shouldnt be your country who decides what you can and cannot do during that league. If thats the case, you might as well not play. Teams pay huge amounts to acquire players with certain skill sets, and not using one of the skill sets, not because of injury, but because of workload management, is unfair to the franchise, he wrote. Earlier, speaking after the Mumbai match, captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested that decisions regarding Greens bowling were influenced by Cricket Australia, indicating that the matter was not entirely in the teams hands. Cricket Australia later confirmed that Greens workload is being carefully managed due to a lower back concern, with the franchise reportedly informed about the restriction ahead of the tournament. Earlier, speaking after the Mumbai match, captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested that decisions regarding Greens bowling were influenced by Cricket Australia, indicating that the matter was not entirely in the teams hands. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Green's outing with the bat has also not been up to the mark in the ongoing season. He scored just 18 runs in KKR's first match against Mumbai and got run out at a crucial time against SRH after scoring only two runs. Due to his poor batting, KKR has lost both matches and currently sit at ninth position in the points table. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Kevin Pietersen Predicts Top 4 Teams After First Round Matches
Indian Premier League: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has made an early prediction of the four teams that can make it into the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after watching the first round matches, where every franchise played a minimum of one match. The former Delhi Capitals mentor feels that the Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) could face each other in the playoffs. He also added that unexpected player injuries could change these standings. Having watched the first round of matches in the IPL this season, as it stands, just on observations, this could be the top 4. MI, DC, RR, PUNJAB. This can all change with injuries, etc., but thats how I see it atm, Pietersen wrote in a post on X. The biggest exclusion from his playoffs list is the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who started off their campaign with a dominant win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). According to Pietersen, RCB's middle order form and Hazelwood's fitness are the main reasons behind keeping the 2025 champions out. My concern with RCB is their middle overs and spinners. And Hazlewoods fitness. Remember - bowlers win you championships, He wrote on X. Pietersen also feels that no target is safe in this season after seeing RCB and Mumbai Indians chasing 200 plus total easily. According to him, toss has become very important. The mad thing, though, about this season, is batters dont know how hard to go in the first innings. Whats a good score? Averaging it out, can you actually win most of your games batting first? The toss is as important as your team! he added. According to the 45-year-old, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and 2016 title winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have to do something extraordinary and bring massive change to be title contenders. The toss is as important as your team! he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, after six matches Rajasthan Royals are at the top spot in the points table with a massive 4.171 net run rate, while the RCB sits at the second position. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians also have two points after winning their opening matches. Hyderabad also opened their account after defeating KKR in their second match. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'We Have Learned From Our Mistakes,' Says Klaasen On SRH's Approach
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad's explosive batter Heinrich Klaasen said that the team has learned from their past mistakes of throwing away the wickets by swinging the bat from the onset after they registered a dominant 65-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their second match of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens. Klaasen, known for his attacking mindset, took a different approach in the match when he came to bat at number four. Former South African wicketkeeper batter started the innings on a slow note and didn't take any risks, while rotating the strike to put pressure on the opposition. Speaking about his approach, Klaasen said that he has learned from the mistakes of past years. He also lauded Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head for giving a good start, which takes off the pressure from the middle order. Thats the beauty of batting behind Abhishek and Travis, when you walk in, and the run rate is already at 14 or 15, you dont feel the need to start swinging straight away. But weve learned from our mistakes over the last couple of years, and it allows you to settle in first and catch up later instead of forcing it from ball one, Klaasen told Jio Hotstar. Speaking about his approach, Klaasen said that he has learned from the mistakes of past years. He also lauded Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head for giving a good start, which takes off the pressure from the middle order. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The target proved to be big for the three-time champions KKR as they were bundled out for just 161 runs in 16 overs, with Nitish also contributing with the ball by taking two crucial wickets. He was supported by Jaydev Unadkat and Eshan Malinga, who also took two wickets each. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: DC Eyes Victory On Home Turf Against Formidable MI In High-stakes Clash (Preview)
When Delhi Capitals: When Delhi Capitals take on Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, it will be more than just another league game in IPL 2026. The first game of the tournament's opening double-header is a high-stakes contest between a side seeking winning consistency at home and a five-time champion side who have historically thrived in New Delhi. Since 2022, MI have won five of seven encounters between the two sides, including both meetings last season. Even at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, MI have prevailed in three of the last four games against DC. With the Met Department issuing a yellow alert for Saturday, Axar Patel's men provided the rain stays away - will need to script something different to begin their home leg on a high. DC managed just one home win here in five attempts last season, and the urgency to change that begins now. DC's fortunes with the bat will hinge significantly on KL Rahul, who bagged a golden duck against Lucknow Super Giants. Against MI, however, Rahul has been in a class of his own - averaging 69.7 across 20 innings with six half-centuries and three hundreds. He needs just 24 more runs to complete 1,000 IPL runs against this opposition, though the threats are real. Trent Boult has dismissed him thrice in the IPL, and Jasprit Bumrah, despite a wicketless first outing, has taken him out twice. Bumrah remains MI's most potent weapon against DC, having claimed 30 IPL wickets against them, the most scalps for any bowler against a single franchise. But Bumrah does carry one vulnerability in New Delhi: an economy rate of 9.4, his joint-highest at any IPL venue. Beyond Rahul, DC will look to Axar, Pathum Nissanka and Nitish Rana for sizeable contributions, while Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs provide the side an assured look lower down the order. Rizvi, used as an impact player against LSG, began cautiously before exploding to hit an unbeaten 70 off 47 balls. His authority against spin sets up a fascinating contest against MI's slow-bowling options, particularly if Mitchell Santner returns to the playing eleven. Stubbs, meanwhile, brought composure when DC were in trouble and anchored the chase with a measured 39 not out off 32 balls. At a ground where he averages 54.6 and has a strike-rate of 194, the South African could once again prove to be the difference in a close finish. With the ball, DC's spin trio of Axar, Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam will need to produce their most disciplined effort to contain MI's batting line-up. Pacer Lungi Ngidi has been in the form of his life - 23 wickets in T20 games in 2026 - and has mastered the pace-off delivery with telling effect, as Nicholas Pooran discovered this week. That variation, which has fetched him 11 wickets at an economy rate of 6.6, poses a genuine challenge to MI's aggressive top order. T Natarajan, returning after an injury-hit 2025, announced himself by picking three wickets against LSG and will be vital at the back end for DC. MI, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by their first opening game victory after 13 seasons. Rickelton's power-hitting at the top alongside the elegance of Rohit Sharma has already made them a feared combination, and the Arun Jaitley Stadium's short square boundaries will only encourage both openers to consistently hit a flurry of boundaries. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, captain Hardik Pandya and Sherfane Rutherford give their middle order formidable depth. But their bowling, despite Shardul Thakur's impressive three-wicket haul, carries question marks. Five bowlers used in the powerplay and 78 runs conceded in six overs against KKR is not a template MI can persist with. Hardik has taken no powerplay wickets since the start of last season at an economy of 14.3, making Boult's role upfront. Whether Boult continues to be used in the middle overs is a key tactical call to be made for Pandya. At a venue where chasing sides have won five of six matches this year, the toss could yet prove to be decisive. But time alone will tell if DC can get a winning start in their quest to make Qila Kotla a fortress or will MI depart with another win in their bag. When: Saturday, April 4, 3:30PM IST Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (captain), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Trent Boult, AM Ghazanfar, Mayank Markande, Danish Malewar, Robin Minz (wk), Atharva Ankolekar, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Mitchell Santner, Ashwani Kumar, Mohammad Izhar, and Raghu Sharma Article Source: IANS
I Want To Prove That Winning IPL Trophy Last Season Was Not A One-off, Says RCB Wicketkeeper Jitesh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma said last seasons title has only strengthened the teams hunger to build something lasting at the franchise. Jitesh continues to be an integral part of the RCB. Not just with the bat has he been impressive in the last season, but his heroics with the gloves have been equally brilliant. Jitesh continues to be an integral part of the RCB. Not just with the bat has he been impressive in the last season, but his heroics with the gloves have been equally brilliant. This is not a one-year thing. We are here to dominate. I want to prove that what happened last season was not a one-off. Winning the first trophy for RCB was a magical feeling. The biggest satisfaction was knowing that I had contributed to it. That is a moment I will always be proud of, Jitesh said on the RCB Podcast. On his crucial 24 off 10 in the 2025 final, Jitesh said his focus was on making a decisive impact. My only thought in the final was to make a difference. I did not want to just survive the situation; I wanted to shift the game. The last over of the final felt like the longest six balls of my life. We wanted that moment so badly, he said. On the loss of his father, Jitesh said it is something he continues to carry with him. When you lose your father, that void never really goes away. I am not trying to forget it. I want to carry that emotion with me and keep moving forward. He also spoke about what it meant that his father had seen him represent India and lift the trophy for RCB. I am proud that my father saw me wear the India jersey and saw me lift the trophy for RCB. That means everything to me. On returning to the RCB setup after a difficult phase, Jitesh said the environment helped him reset. When I walked back into Chinnaswamy and saw the red and blue again, I felt reborn. Being back in that environment made me feel like myself again. He also credited Dinesh Karthik for helping shape his growth over the past year. A lot of the credit for my growth goes to DK 'anna'. He helped me understand my game better, use my strengths properly and improve mentally. DK asked me to take a break, put the bat away for a while and spend time with my family and friends. That helped me reset. Speaking about his batting approach, Jitesh said he has simplified everything to one core thought. For me, it comes down to one thing: watch the ball. If you are present and watching the ball well, everything else takes care of itself. Speaking about his role as a cricketer, Jitesh said he now sees himself in broader terms. I do not see myself only as a wicketkeeper now. I see myself as a finisher and a fielder as well. My job is to find a way into the team, whatever role that requires. On missing out on India selection, he said the larger ambition remains unchanged. Playing for India is still the ultimate goal. I felt I did my part, so I have no regrets. Now it is about staying ready and finding the next opportunity. On missing out on India selection, he said the larger ambition remains unchanged. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With RCB entering the new season as defending champions, Jitesh said he is ready for the challenge ahead. Teams will come harder at us this season, and that excites me. I enjoy that challenge. I want people to come hard at me, because I will come hard at them too. Article Source: IANS
Umesh Yadav Visits Mahakaleshwar Temple In Ujjain, Attends Bhasma Aarti
Umesh Yadav: Indian pacer Umesh Yadav visited the iconic Mahakaleshwar Temple with his wife Tanya Wadhwa on Friday morning, where the couple attended the Bhasma Aarti. After the visit, Yadav said that he frequently comes to the temple to seek blessings and believes that no one can come here without being called by Lord Mahakal. The experience was very good. I keep coming here often, and as they say, you cant come here without being called, the feeling this time was truly special. It felt wonderful to visit and have Babas darshan. I sought Babas blessings for everything I have planned and for what lies ahead. I just hope my life continues to improve and that all my work goes well. I also pray for the well-being of everyone in the world may Babas blessings always be upon all, he said. Umesh broke into the Indian team in 2010 and went on to establish himself as a dependable fast bowler across all three formats of the game. Over the course of his international career, he has featured in 141 matches, picking up 288 wickets at an average of 31.62, with best bowling figures of 6/88 in an innings. Yadav has registered three five-wicket hauls in international cricket and also boasts a ten-wicket match haul, underlining his impact in longer formats. In 57 Tests, he has claimed 170 wickets at an average of 30.95, often providing crucial breakthroughs alongside Indias frontline spin attack. Umesh broke into the Indian team in 2010 and went on to establish himself as a dependable fast bowler across all three formats of the game. Over the course of his international career, he has featured in 141 matches, picking up 288 wickets at an average of 31.62, with best bowling figures of 6/88 in an innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The pacer last represented India in 2023, featuring in a Test match against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil. Article Source: IANS
Anneke Bosch: 'Not overcomplicate or overthink' should do the job for South Africa
When you do get chances, you want to use them, Anneke Bosch says of the career-best 91 in the second ODI against New Zealand in what was her international comeback
RCB Sold for $1.78 Billion: Full Story Behind IPLs Biggest Franchise Deal
Just before the start of the IPL 2026, the takeover of two Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises was top news on the sports as well as business and economy pages. Let us talk about Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the time being. A consortium led by David Blitzer acquired RCB for $ 1.78 billion (INR 16,660 crore). His Bolt Ventures are joined by private equity firm Blackstone, the Aditya Birla Group, and The Times of India Group in the new ownership group, and they take over from previous owners Diageo, who had acquired RCB from United Spirits between 2012 and 2014. RBC is one of the most popular IPL sides, although they have won only one title, that too, in 2025, but have a vast fan base. This inspired the consortium to enter into a record transaction for a team playing in a single T20 cricket competition. Since its launch in 2008, the IPL has transformed not into just the most lucrative competition in world cricket but one of the most valuable properties in world sport. The amount now paid is almost double the amount paid for the Lucknow Supergiants in 2021, the last franchise sold by BCCI. This all raises a very interesting question: how was RCB created and acquired from BCCI originally and at what cost? Whosoever is reported as the owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on paper, now or in future, they shall always be known as Vijay Mallyas team. The name Royal Challengers belonged to him and now, while he is no longer associated with this franchise, RCB has become such a big brand that new owners have also decided to go with it and the team will remain RCB. You will be surprised to note that when in 2008 BCCI was in the process of selling the franchise for the IPL, the Bengaluru (as the city is known now) franchise was not the first choice for Vijay Mallyas United Breweries Group. They had bid for 7 out of 11 cities on offer and this included Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi, each priced at $111.6 million. He was not interested in Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Cuttack and ultimately out of these four, only Jaipur emerged as a choice to form a team. The Mumbai franchise was his first choice, but in the auction held on January 24, 2008, to sell the eight franchises to kick-start the IPL, they lost the same to Reliance. Another surprise: his bid was lower to Reliance by only $0.3 million (approx. Rs 1.2 crore at that time), as if an auction scene from the Hindi film Trishul was being witnessed in the BCCI auction. Reliance took away the Mumbai franchise through a bid of $111.9 million. Now Vijay Mallyas UB Group was the front-runner for the Bengaluru as well as the Delhi franchise in the IPL. They opted for Bengaluru, in view of Vijay Mallyas connection with the city. So a $111.6 million franchise is now acquired for $1.78 billion, i.e. 1595 times more value. The United Spirits Limited (USL) started disinvestment around 2012 and by 2014, Diageo India had become a major shareholder of the Co. and simultaneously got the subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, which had RCB. Since then, the brand value of RCB has seen significant upward movement, further added by the addition of the Womens Premier League (WIL) franchise for the city. Now the whole package is sold for $1.78 billion (approx. Rs 16,660 core). At present, it has become the biggest sports entity in India by valuation. Although the Mumbai franchise is being valued at $2.4 billion, this value is not tested in the market. After the RCB won its maiden title, in June 2025, it was projected that it would catapult the teams brand value past $140 million. People often miss that RCB is not just a cricket team. Theyre a brand, a lifestyle. While most teams show up for two months and then disappear, RCB stays in the spotlight year-round : Jersey, Mech, RCB Bar & Caf, RCB Innovation Lab to push Indias sports tech narrative and 'Hustle by RCB', their fitness content initiative keeps fans engaged. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As such, the bid of $1.78 billion to acquire the RCB came as no surprise.
Alana Kings 5-Wicket Haul Powers Australia to 3-0 ODI Series Whitewash Over West Indies
Alana King claimed her second-best ODI bowling figures as Australia registered a commanding nine-wicket win over the West Indies in the third ODI here at Warner Park and wrapped up a 3-0 whitewash. Led by a five-wicket haul 5-19 from leg-spinner King, Australia bowled the West Indies out for a paltry 136 before chasing the total down with more than 30 overs to spare. King's 5-19 isher her second best bowling figures, after her 7-18 against South Africa at last year's ODI World Cup. Opting to bat first, the West Indies started well by scoring 49/1 in the Powerplay. However, things change drastically as they were reduced to 78/5 by the 19th over. Apart from the 38-run opening stand, the only other notable partnership was the 37-run stand between Realeanna Grimmond and Chinelle Henry. Grimmond was dismissed by King in the 27th over, after which the innings fell apart quickly as the lower order offered little resistance. Henry was left without support and stayed unbeaten on 42, as West Indies were bowled out for 136 in 35.4 overs. In reply, Australia got off to perfect start in the chase swiftly with a 50-run opening stand between Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield setting the tone. Voll was the only batter to be dismissed following which an 87-run stand between Litchfield and Ellyse Perry completed the chase in 19.4 overs. Litchfield remained unbeaten on 68, while Perry was 33 not out. In reply, Australia got off to perfect start in the chase swiftly with a 50-run opening stand between Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield setting the tone. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: West Indies 136 all-out in 35.4 overs (Chinelle Henry 42*, Hayley Matthews 34; Alana King 5-19, Ashleigh Gardner 2-29) lost to Australia 137/1 in 19.4 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 68*, Ellyse Perry 33*; Ashmini Munisar 1-35) by nine wickets. Article Source: IANS
Rahane 'messed it up' for Varun by giving him powerplay over, says Pathan
At the moment [Varun] doesn't inspire a lot of confidence, Sanjay Bangar says
IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Fined, Handed Demerit Point For Code Of Conduct Breach
Code Of Conduct: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Abhishek Sharma received a 25 per cent match-fee fine and a demerit following a Code of Conduct breach during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The match referee deemed Abhishek to have breached Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which covers he use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene and/or profane (in any language) and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing public whether by way of the stump-microphone or otherwise. This conduct may include, for example, swearing in frustration at one's own play or fortune. Abhishek Sharma, All-rounder, Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team's match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday, IPL said in a statement. Abhishek has accepted the punishment from the IPL and accepted the sanctions. He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding, read the statement from the IPL. Abhishek soared back to form in the match, scoring 48 runs off 21 balls, courtesy of four sixes and as many boundaries. In the process, he entered the history books by becoming the first Indian to hit 100 sixes in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Abhishek has accepted the punishment from the IPL and accepted the sanctions. He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding, read the statement from the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score SRH posted a mammoth 226 for 8 before their disciplined bowling attack dismantled the hosts for 161. Notably, this comprehensive triumph makes Sunrisers Hyderabad the first team this season to successfully defend a total, breaking the early tournament trend of chasing teams dominating the results. Article Source: IANS
Shoaib Bashir Retains England 'Ambition' Despite Ashes Snub
Shoaib Bashir retains a massive ambition to become England's go-to spinner despite being overlooked by selectors during a troubled tour of Australia. Bashir was named as England's only frontline spinner for the tour Down Under but was not selected for any of the five Test matches as the tourists lost 4-1. Instead all-rounder Will Jacks acted as the spin option for Ben Stokes' side in four of the five matches after an all-seam attack was selected for the opening Test. I've got a massive ambition to play for England, said Bashir, who has switched counties from Somerset to Derbyshire to secure more playing time. It's the most special thing and the most honourable thing that you can do, so I'll do anything in my powers to try and improve. Derbyshire head coach Mickey Arthur, who has overseen Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, hailed the 22-year-old as one of the best spinners he has seen at that age. I've been very fortunate to see a lot of spinners, some in the subcontinent, I haven't seen a spinner that is as consistent as what Shoaib is at the same age, Arthur said. The growth is going to be massive and what we do is give them the roots to grow and the wings to fly. From what I've seen with Shoaib, the world is going to be his oyster. Bashir was plucked from obscurity by England two years ago and claimed 68 wickets in 19 Tests. He continued to be backed by the England set up despite inconsistent displays and Jack Leach being preferred to him at Somerset. Obviously it was very situational and the team was selected on a game-to-game basis and spin didn't play a massive part in the Ashes, Bashir said. I'm in communication with the England management a lot and I definitely feel that they're keeping an eye on me and seeing how I'm improving and tracking the things that I'm learning. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England host New Zealand in a three-Test series in June before facing Pakistan for three more Tests in August and September.
Strike-rate criticism: Rahane attacks detractors for 'a certain agenda' against him
It's not compulsory to bowl four overs. If he's struggling, you've got to accept that he is struggling, Ajinkya Rahane says of giving Varun Chakravarthy just two overs against SRH
Vlaeminck set for return after long injury recovery
The fast bowler has not played since dislocating her shoulder in the opening of the 2024 T20 World Cup
Azam Khan's rampage takes unbeaten Karachi Kings to nervy win
His brutal 34-ball 74 led the way in a chase of 198, after an excellent Hasan Ali had ripped out a three-for in the death for Kings
IPL 2026: I Was Just Happy To See All Of Them Putting Their Effort, Says Kishan
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Ishan Kishan praised his teams collective commitment after their emphatic 65-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Eden Gardens, saying he was delighted to see every player contribute to the sides first victory of the season. Not at the way I played, but the way the rest of the team. Its always the team. So, really happy the way they were committed on the ground and everyone was putting their energy, and that was something I asked for before the game. I was just happy to see all of them putting their effort, said Kishan at the conclusion of the game. He credited Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma for setting the tone with a blistering Power-play through an 82-run partnership. No, I dont think the pitch was that good, to be very honest. I think Head and Abhishek played beautiful knocks out there, and getting those all 80 runs in the power play made the game easy for us because I think every batter got that extra time to take singles and understand how the pitch is playing. So, to be very honest, I give credit to both the batters and Klassy taking it to the end, Nitesh playing a lovely knock. So, it was overall a team effort, I feel. On the bowling front, Kishan highlighted the importance of early breakthroughs, just like how Harsh Dubey took out Finn Allen. Our plan was to take wickets, you know, and we all know when Finn goes, its hard to stop him, but at the same time, we were just looking for wickets. Harsh just bowled that ball, and we were lucky enough to get his wicket. But Im really happy with the bowlers, the way they performed, and the way they were executing their plans. Harsh has been doing well for his domestic team as well. Now, he is keeping his nerves down, as you said. Hes been calm in tough situations as well. He also singled out debutant Shivang Kumar for his fearless approach. But I would love to talk about Shivang today because, you know, coming here, playing against KKR, not so big ground, good wicket in the second innings, he bowled exceptionally well, I feel. So, that is something; his hard work paid off. He was working a lot. He was in touch with all the coaches. He was trying to understand how this game works here. You can see how he was bowling with a big heart against Rinku, bowling those flighted balls. So, that is something you always want to see from a young bowler who comes into the team, and he did the job for us. Kishan admitted that fielding remains an area of concern. I think we are getting to know about the areas in every game. So, fielding is something we need to work on as a team. We cannot be giving 20-odd runs in each game. So, we will have to work there because in IPL, 20 or 10 runs make a huge difference in a T20 game. So, well work on it as a team. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said KKRs chase faltered in the middle overs. I thought we did a couple of big partnerships. Guys who were set needed to take it deep in the end with the ball (bat). I thought we came back really well for 7-8 overs. Within the (10) overs, I thought they were 130, 140-odd. But with the ball, I thought we came back really well. In batting, when you're chasing the target, you know you need that partnership. We couldn't get that. On conditions, Rahane said, I thought the second innings, I felt the ball was slightly stopping. The slower balls were gripping a lot more than in the first innings. We thought the wicket would get better, but the ball was a little stopping. But again, see, no excuses. We got a good start. I thought the first six overs we were 78. We lost that one extra wicket, and Green was run out. But apart from that, we were going really well. As I said, the middle overs were the crucial time for us. We needed that partnership from the set batters. That just didn't happen. I thought SRH bowlers executed the slower balls, and the angles that they used were really good. On conditions, Rahane said, I thought the second innings, I felt the ball was slightly stopping. The slower balls were gripping a lot more than in the first innings. We thought the wicket would get better, but the ball was a little stopping. But again, see, no excuses. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But again, we got 3-4 days. We don't want to think too much. I think guys are doing really well. Just one off day with the bat. Last game we did really well. Just needed those small partnerships. I think if the batters can have that positive mindset and this extra awareness while batting, I think we'll be fine. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: It's The Match-winning Performance I Was Waiting For A Long Time, Says Reddy
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said he was relieved to finally deliver a decisive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, adding that his all-round efforts in the 65-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders were something he was itching to dish out on the field. Reddy hit 39 off 24 deliveries and shared an 82-run stand with Heinrich Klaasen while taking 2-17 with the ball as SRH got their first win of the competition. It's the match-winning performance I was waiting for a long time. Thankfully, it came at the right time, and even my bowling has given me confidence. Just trying to be positive. There have been too many negative thoughts in my mind because the last season didn't go my way, and I couldn't bowl last season. I've worked really hard on my bowling, and it's paying off, and that really makes you feel happy, and I am happy now. Thanks to the trainers and physios, my body is fully fit now, said Reddy at the conclusion of the game, after being given the Player of the Match award. SRH had earlier posted 226/8, the highest total of the season, before bowling out KKR for 161 to secure their first win of the competition. Senior pacer Jaydev Unadkat, who finished with figures of 3-21 and currently holds the Purple Cap, also reflected on his performance. Its very early in the season, but I'm happy to get this whenever I can. I feel experience counts. Its about not worrying about what people on the outside say. Whatever works on the day works. Cutters were working today, so we stuck to that. We bowled into the pitch, got some good wickets in between, got a lucky breakthrough, and got that run out. So, pretty happy with the bowling performance. We didnt bowl well in the first game. I think we didnt execute our plans, but today was a good performance overall, he said. Unadkat added that communication with the batters during the innings helped the bowlers adapt to conditions. I think while our batting innings were going on, and obviously the feedback from our batters was that the wicket is double-paced, the ball was sticking on the pitch. So, always working together and the communication worked. Cutters were working today, so we stuck to that. We bowled into the pitch, got some good wickets in between, got a lucky breakthrough, and got that run out. So, pretty happy with the bowling performance. We didnt bowl well in the first game. I think we didnt execute our plans, but today was a good performance overall, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Changing the angles, trying to keep the batsman guessing all the time. Its obviously the pitches and the grounds make you feel like you get hit on good balls as well. So, just keep doing different stuff and make the batsman guess all the time. I think thats what worked for me today, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Klaasen fifty, Travishek onslaught hand SRH first points of the season
KKR faded away after flying start and Raghuvanshi's fifty in 227 chase to remain winless
IPL 2026: Klaasen, Bowlers Help SRH Get First Win Of Season, Beat KKR By 65 Runs (ld)
Kolkata Knight Riders: Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat returned with impressive figures of 3-21 as Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a commanding bowling performance to crush Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs and secure their first victory of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. After SRH posted 226/8, the highest total of the competition so far, thanks to Heinrich Klaasen hitting 52 and Abhishek Sharma smashing 48, Unadkats spell was the highlight of their successful defence. He was well supported by Eshan Malinga, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harsh Dubey, who maintained relentless pressure throughout as KKR were bowled out for 161 all out in 16 overs, after being 110/3 at one point. The victory was significant not only because it gave SRH their first two points of the campaign, but also because it marked the first successful defence of a total in this years tournament. Barring Angkrish Raghuvanshis 52, KKR faltered against the disciplined SRH attack, with the pacers using slower balls very well. As a result, they never really threatened to chase down the uphill target. KKRs chase began explosively as Finn Allen smashed 28 off just seven balls, including four boundaries and two sixes in the 25-run opening over bowled by David Payne. But Dubey struck a crucial blow by dismissing Allen through a sharp caught and bowled chance. Ajinkya Rahane and Raghuvanshi carried the momentum through a 37-run stand for the second wicket, with the latter looking sublime in his strokeplay. But SRH soon made a comeback as Unadkat removed Rahane with a slower ball, which he hit to mid-wicket, while Cameron Green was run out on the last ball of the sixth over, leaving KKR at 74/3. Raghuvanshi continued to attack and reached his second consecutive fifty in 27 balls, before being run out for 52 in the 11th over. Nitish, on the money with his lines, accounted for Anukul Roy and Rinku Singh in quick succession to derail KKRs chase. Despite a brief counterattack from Sunil Narine, who struck two sixes in his 12-run cameo, Malinga dismissed him and Ramandeep Singh in successive overs. Unadkat then returned to remove Kartik Tyagi and Varun Chakaravarthy to end with figures of 3-21 and get their first win of the competition. Previously, blistering knocks from Abhishek and Klaasen helped SRH post the highest total of the season. For KKR, pacer Blessing Muzarabani ended with 4-41, and despite the side not conceding much in the back-end overs, they still had an uphill mountain to climb. After being put in to bat, SRH got off to a flying start, with Abhishek and Travis Head tearing into the new-ball attack, who erred in bowling too full and short. Head smashed 46 off 21 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes, while Abhishek struck 48 off 21 deliveries, including four fours and as many sixes. The pair added 82 runs in under five overs, setting the tone for a mammoth score. After Head was taken out by Tyagi, Muzarabani pulled things back for KKR with a double strike in the eighth over - removing Abhishek and a belligerent Ishan Kishan in quick succession. Though Narine and Chakaravarthy were expensive, Anukul Roy managed to hold his own by accounting for Aniket Verma, leaving SRH at 118/4 in 9.2 overs. Klaasen and Reddy (39 off 24 balls) steadied the innings with a crucial 82-run stand for the fifth wicket, the second-highest partnership for SRH in IPL history at that position. Whenever the bowlers erred, the duo were quick to send the ball over the boundary ropes with Reddy also given a reprieve by Chakaravarthy. Though Nitish and Salil Arora fell to Vaibhav Arora, Klaasen carried on and maintained his composure to complete a fluent half-century his first of this season. His 52 off 35 balls featured four boundaries and a six, ensuring SRH maintained momentum despite regular wickets. Dubey chipped in with a brisk cameo, striking successive boundaries off Arora in the 19th over. Muzarabani returned to claim two more wickets in the final, including Klaasen, to finish with his first four-fer in the IPL. Despite the late strikes, SRH crossed the 220-mark, which was more than sufficient to get them off the mark on the points table. Though Nitish and Salil Arora fell to Vaibhav Arora, Klaasen carried on and maintained his composure to complete a fluent half-century his first of this season. His 52 off 35 balls featured four boundaries and a six, ensuring SRH maintained momentum despite regular wickets. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad 226/8 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Abhishek Sharma 48; Blessing Muzarabani 4-41, Vaibhav Arora 2-47) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 161 all out in 16 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 52, Rinku Singh 35; Jaydev Unadkat 3-21, Eshan Malinga 2-14) by 65 runs Article Source: IANS
CSK vs PBKS Match 7, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
CSK vs PBKSMatch 7, Cricket Tips :Chennai Super Kings had a tough beginning to the IPL 2026, and they suffered a defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Now, they will be back at home and will face Punjab Kings. This contest has a scheduled start of 7:30 PM IST on Friday, taking place at Chapauk Stadium. CSK need this win to open their account and get going in this tournament. They looked below-par in the opening encounter and need to relook at the areas they failed. PBKS are coming off a win in their opening game against Gujarat Titans. They have done well against CSK in recent seasons and will be confident of doing it again. CSK vs PBKS: Match Details Date: April 03, 2026 (Friday) Time: 7:30 PM IST Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai CSK vs PBKS Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the CSK vs PBKS clash live on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also enjoy the live action on the Jio Hotstar app or website. CSK vs PBKS Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 32 CSK : 16 PBKS : 16 No-Result : 00 CSK vs PBKS: Ground Pitch Report Chepauk Stadium has offered good batting wickets in recent years. The batters have dominated here, and some good totals were scored in the T20 World Cup 2026 here. Teams have done well here in the chase, and there are chances that there will be dew, which makes it tough for the batting side. CSK vs PBKS Possible XIs CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Matt Short, Ayush Mhatre, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Kartik Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed PBKS : Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal CSK vs PBKS: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Sanju Samson missed in the first game, but with the form he is in, he will be a dangerous batter for PBKS. Prabhsimran Singh showed that he is carrying good form in the IPL and will be a difficult bowler to face. Probable Best Bowler Noor Ahmad will be a tough bowler to face in the conditions in Chennai. For PBKS, the spell of Yuzvendra Chahal will be crucial, because he will get good purchase from the wicket. Today Match Prediction : CSK are playing at home, but they are not in good form. The injuries have also not helped them either. But PBKS have a good combination, and we predict them to win this game. CSK vs PBKS Match 7, IPL 2026, Today CSK vs PBKS Match, CSK vs PBKS Prediction, CSK vs PBKS Predicted XIs, Injury Update for CSK vs PBKS Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
IPL 2026: Young CSK Batters Will Improve With More Game Time, Says Gaikwad
Young Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings captain (CSK) Ruturaj Gaikwad backed his young batting line-up to improve as the season progresses after his side faltered against Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of the 2026 IPL, adding that they will see them become better with more game time. CSK were bowled out for 127 by Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, as they slumped to an eight-wicket loss. The wicket was slightly tougher, and we had to bat first, put up a score, and they had two really good new-ball bowlers. So that really put us on the back foot. In T20 games, we are not really used to playing on such pitches. So maybe we dont actually have that experience where players will adapt and play accordingly. But its a new group, a new batch, so you know they will learn slowly. The more games they get, they will get better and better, said Gaikwad in the pre-match press conference. Gaikwad also felt conditions at Chepauk could vary depending on the weather, with dew and moisture likely to affect the pitch at night, especially after pitches during the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup turned out to be batting-friendly. Regarding pitches, a lot depends here on the weather. And whatever World Cup games happened, they happened in February. So not much of dew. With the best weather and best conditions, usually the Chennai wicket plays really well. But, at night, sometimes, if there is excessive dew and a bit more moisture in the wicket, it tends to change a bit, especially the second half of the innings. So, not really sure about how it will go this year. We have to adapt accordingly and take the experience. We have seven games, and hopefully, whatever the pitch, we will try to make use of however much ever we can, he said. If the pitch is indeed on the flatter side, Gaikwad stated that young batter Kartik Sharma, who scored 18 from 15 balls on his IPL debut, can come good. Well, really confident with what skill set we have. Kartik is someone who has a really good six-hitting ability. I have not seen many right-handers who have that six-hitting ability. So he is one of the greatest additions to our squad. But, at night, sometimes, if there is excessive dew and a bit more moisture in the wicket, it tends to change a bit, especially the second half of the innings. So, not really sure about how it will go this year. We have to adapt accordingly and take the experience. We have seven games, and hopefully, whatever the pitch, we will try to make use of however much ever we can, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In IPL, there is a lot of pressure from families, media, team members, everyone. So, to cope with that and to just get into that IPL performance mode, it takes time. It is about giving them time. When this batting lineup starts clicking, I think that is the one to look up, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
PSL upholds Fakhar Zaman's ball-tampering ban
Lahore Qalandars batter to miss two games after PSL technical committee uphold's match referee's decision
PCB Committee Upholds Two-match Ban On Fakhar Zaman For Ball Tampering
Mr Syed Ali Naqi: A three-member Appellate Committee rejected the appeal filed by Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman against the two-match ban for ball tampering, saying there was not enough proof and thus upheld the punishment, a news report said on Thursday. The decision was on expected lines as there was enough proof against Fakhar Zaman changing the condition of the ball during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match last week, Telecom Asia Sport reported on Thursday. Fakhar Zaman appealed the decision of the Match Referee to suspend him for two PSL matches for breaching Article 2.14 of the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings match on Sunday, 29 March at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, said a PCB release. The appeal was heard today by the PSL Technical Committee comprising Professor Javed Malik, Dr Mumraiz Naqshband, and Mr Syed Ali Naqi. Pursuant to conducting a de novo inquiry, reviewing all evidence, and hearing submissions from relevant individuals, the Committee has dismissed the appeal and upheld the two-match ban imposed by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama, the report quoted the release as saying. As per Article 2.14, it relates to Changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions. Commission of a Level 3 offence for the first time carries a minimum penalty of one match ban and maximum penalty of two match ban, said the decision. In accordance with the Code of Conduct, any decision made by the PSL Technical Committee shall be the full, final, and complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties. The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition. The ball was subsequently replaced before the final over of Karachi Kings innings. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied wrongdoing and opted to challenge the allegation during a formal disciplinary hearing, as permitted under the Code of Conduct. The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition. The ball was subsequently replaced before the final over of Karachi Kings innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lahore Qalandars are set to play their upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on Friday, April 3, at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a clash with Islamabad United on Thursday (April 9) at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Everyone Got A Taste Of The Maturity He Has With The Bat, Says PBKS' Haddin On Connolly
Chennai Super Kings: Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin said young batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly showed remarkable maturity in his debut IPL outing, as the side prepares to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Connolly struck an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls and held his nerve in a chase of 163 after PBKS suffered a middle-order wobble against Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh. Weve known about Cooper Connolly in Australia for some time. We were pretty keen to get him early in the auction and spoke early in our preparation about bringing him in before everyone could get a real look at how good he was. I think everyone got a taste of the maturity he has with the bat and saw the way he controlled the innings in the first game. It was his first IPL game under pressure with things going on around him, but weve known about that ability for a long time, and I think everyone got the opportunity to see his skills, said Haddin in the pre-match press conference. Haddin also provided a fitness update on skipper Shreyas Iyer, who injured his hand in the previous match after being hit by a shot from Connolly. Theres no break (in the bone), which is a good thing. Now its just about getting the swelling down and getting the movement back in the hand, so he should be right for tomorrow, he said. Haddin said PBKS had worked hard in the preparation period to build flexibility in their squad and adapt to varying pitches. Weve got great flexibility in our squad. Weve spent a lot of time over the last two years trying to get that balance right so we can cover different surfaces in the IPL. On assessing the conditions at Chepauk, where the pitchs nature is flat, Haddin said, Well look at all the numbers around the surface here. Theres a lot of data on how it plays and whether you need to play an extra spinner. The wicket has become a bit flatter over time, and theres more grass on it at the moment than weve seen previously, so well probably make a judgment call after training today. But as I said before, were very lucky with the flexibility in our squad, so were not too worried about what surface well get. On pacer Xavier Bartletts progress, Haddin noted his evolution as both a bowler and lower-order batter. If you look closely at Xavier Bartletts game, hes improved a lot over the last 12 months. The wicket has become a bit flatter over time, and theres more grass on it at the moment than weve seen previously, so well probably make a judgment call after training today. But as I said before, were very lucky with the flexibility in our squad, so were not too worried about what surface well get. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Haddin signed off by saying PBKS was happy to get off the mark in the tournament with a win. Were very happy. Its important to get your tournament started in the right way. Theres room for improvement in what we did in the first game, but were very pleased with the way the game panned out in the end. Article Source: IANS
Gujarat: Metro Services To Run Till Midnight On IPL Match Days, Says GMRC
The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation: The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has extended metro train services in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on selected dates to facilitate passenger movement during the IPL 2026 day-night matches scheduled at Narendra Modi Stadium. In a statement issued on Thursday, the corporation said metro services will operate beyond normal hours on April 4, April 17, April 20, April 26, April 30, May 3 and May 12. On these days, services will run until 12:30 a.m. to accommodate spectators attending matches at the stadium. Under the regular timetable, metro services in Ahmedabad operate between 06:20 a.m. and 10 p.m., while services on the Gandhinagar corridor from Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir run from 07:30 a.m. to 07:40 p.m. On match days, additional late-night services will be introduced after 10 p.m. Trains will run from Motera Stadium to APMC between 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. and from Old High Court Interchange to Vastral Gam and Thaltej Gam between 10 p.m. and 12:50 a.m. Two additional services from Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir will operate at 11:40 p.m. and 12:10 a.m. Passengers travelling after matches will be permitted to board trains only from Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations, from where connectivity will be available to all operational stations on both Ahmedabad corridors, as well as on the Gandhinagar route up to Mahatma Mandir. To manage the expected footfall, GMRC has introduced a special paper ticket for return journeys on match days. The ticket will be priced at a flat Rs 50 per person and will be valid for travel from Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations to all operational stations in Ahmedabad, and between Motera Stadium and Mahatma Mandir during extended hours. The corporation stated that regular ticketing options, including contactless smart tokens, smart cards, National Common Mobility Cards and QR-based tickets, will remain valid only until 10 p.m. on these days. Tickets purchased in advance for return journeys through kiosks, ticket vending machines, counters or the mobile application will not be valid after that time. After 10 p.m., entry at Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations will be permitted only with the special paper ticket. The special tickets will be available for advance purchase on match days at multiple stations including Nirant Cross Road, Rabari Colony, Apparel Park, Kalupur, Old High Court, Thaltej, Motera, Sabarmati, Ranip, Vadaj, Jivraj Park, GNLU, Infocity, Sector-1 and Mahatma Mandir to reduce congestion after matches. The announcement comes as Ahmedabad prepares to host fixtures of the IPL season. According to the schedule, the stadium will start with Gujarat Titans versus Rajasthan Royals on April 4 in an evening fixture. The announcement comes as Ahmedabad prepares to host fixtures of the IPL season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket venue in the world, has regularly hosted high-profile IPL fixtures, including playoff matches in previous seasons, and is expected to draw large crowds during the current tournament. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Klaasen, Abhishek Help SRH Reach Highest Total Of The Season Against KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) rode on blistering knocks by Abhishek Sharma (48) and Heinrich Klaasen (52) to post the highest total of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season by finishing at 226/8 in their 20 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. For KKR, pacer Blessing Muzarabani ended with 4-41, and despite the side not conceding much in the back-end overs, they still have an uphill mountain to climb as they need to complete the chase at 11.3 runs per over. Asked to bat first, SRH got off to a flying start, with Abhishek and Travis Head tearing into the new-ball attack, who erred in bowling too full and short. Head smashed 46 off 21 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes, while Abhishek struck 48 off 21, including four fours and as many sixes. The pair added 82 runs in under five overs, setting the tone for a mammoth score. After Head was taken out by Kartik Tyagi, Muzarabani pulled things back for KKR with a double strike in the eighth over - removing Abhishek and a belligerent Ishan Kishan in quick succession. Though Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy were expensive, Anukul Roy managed to hold his own by accounting for Aniket Verma, leaving SRH at 118/4 in 9.2 overs. Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy (39 off 24 balls) steadied the innings with a crucial 82-run stand for the fifth wicket, the second-highest for SRH in IPL history at that position. Whenever the bowlers erred, the duo were quick to send the ball over the boundary ropes with Reddy also given a reprieve by Chakaravarthy. Though Nitish and Salil Arora fell to Vaibhav Arora, Klaasen carried on and maintained his composure to complete a fluent half-century his first of this season. His 52 off 35 balls featured four boundaries and a six, ensuring SRH maintained momentum despite regular wickets. Harsh Dubey chipped in with a brisk cameo, striking successive boundaries off Arora in the 19th over. Muzarabani returned to claim two more wickets in the final, including Klaasen, to finish with his first four-fer in the IPL. Despite the late strikes, SRH crossed the 220-mark on a pitch that has aided strokeplay. Though Nitish and Salil Arora fell to Vaibhav Arora, Klaasen carried on and maintained his composure to complete a fluent half-century his first of this season. His 52 off 35 balls featured four boundaries and a six, ensuring SRH maintained momentum despite regular wickets. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad 226/8 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Abhishek Sharma 48; Blessing Muzarabani 4-41, Vaibhav Arora 2-47) against Kolkata Knight Riders Article Source: IANS
BCB vs Dhaka clubs standoff leaves players in the lurch
The most important domestic cricket competition in Bangladesh is on hold, and the players are suffering
IPL 2026: Santner Joins Mumbai Indians Squad Ahead Of Clash With Delhi Capitals
Arun Jaitley Stadium: New Zealands left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner has joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The five-time champion posted a video on their social media accounts, where Santners arrival in New Delhi was confirmed. It also means Santner is expected to be available for their next fixture against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Santner, who missed MIs six-wicket win over three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, adds depth to the sides spin bowling attack and also strengthens their lower middle order, giving the Hardik Pandya-led side a huge boost. Santner has been a consistent performer for New Zealand in limited-overs cricket. In the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, Santner picked up two wickets at an economy rate of 6.60 while scoring 120 runs at a strike rate of 142.85, as he led New Zealand to a runners-up finish in the competition. Santner, who missed MIs six-wicket win over three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, adds depth to the sides spin bowling attack and also strengthens their lower middle order, giving the Hardik Pandya-led side a huge boost. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai Indians are also awaiting the arrival of off-spin bowling all-rounder Will Jacks, who has taken some time off due to personal reasons. Santner has prior IPL experience with Chennai Super Kings, where he featured in their 2023 title-winning campaign. After playing their clash against DC in New Delhi, MI will travel to Guwahati to take on the Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium on Tuesday. He missed the first match played by the Mumbai Indians against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. Article Source: IANS
CSK aim to rebuild their fortress as PBKS come calling
Shreyas Iyer has been declared fit for the clash, while CSK are likely to be without Dewald Brevis and MS Dhoni
Yuvraj Singh Lauds IGPLs Team Format As Squads Are Announced For Ten High-powered Franchises
The Indian Golf Premier League: Some of the top players made the grade as the India Golf Premier League (IGPL) on Thursday announced the complete squads for all ten of its franchises in New Delhi. The finalisation of the ten squads marks a defining moment in IGPLs journey for professional golfers from across the globe as they join their respective teams for the season. The teams were announced at a glittering function at The Oberoi, New Delhi, by cricket legend Yuvraj Singh and the CEO of the IGPL, Uttam Singh Mundy. As Mundy highlighted the need to promote golf to boost both player development and tourism in India, Yuvraj hailed the team component in a sport that has traditionally been an individual game. Amidst the announcements, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism, Government of India, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the IGPL for its landmark commitment to mobilise US$2 billion in investment towards the development of world-class golf tourism destinations across India. The Minister described the commitment as a watershed moment for Indian sports tourism and a resounding endorsement of India's emergence as a high-value global destination. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Shekhawat said, The Indian Golf Premier Leagues pledge to bring two billion dollars of investment into golf tourism infrastructure is not merely a sporting initiativeit is a strategic contribution to Brand India. Nations like Mauritius, Vietnam, and South Africa have demonstrated how golf can transform landscapes into internationally coveted destinations, attracting high-net-worth visitors and year-round tourism revenue. IGPL is now positioning India to lead that story in Asia. Prime Minister Modis vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 demands that we build infrastructure that attracts global capital and creates enduring employment. 15 events in 2026 The season will feature 15 events; ten will be held in India across the franchises' respective home cities, and five will be held internationally. The first three international venues will include Mauritius, South Africa, and Congo later this month. Each team consists of four players. At each event, players will compete for individual prizes from a pool of 1.5 crore while simultaneously representing their team. The two best scores from each team every day will count towards the team placings. Points will be accumulated over the season, at the end of which the top three teams will be decided and rewarded. Yuvraj Singh, co-founder of IGPL, said: The team component will make the game exciting with its fast pace. I am thrilled by the plans to grow the game, which holds so much potential. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO of IGPL, said: We are hosting 15 events spread out over the year. The periods between IGPL events will allow our players to compete in international events on the International Series, Asian Tour, and other global Tours. Our goal is to see them reach the highest levels, including the International Series and the LIV Golf League. He also emphasised that the hallmark of the IGPL is its commitment to growing the game. He added, We will enhance the golf ecosystem by increasing the number of golf courses and driving ranges to make the sport accessible to all. Our Golf on Wheels programme will see large vehicles equipped with gear and coaches visiting schools to promote the game at the grassroots level. The IGPL franchise squads are as follows: Atri Mumbai GC: Aman Raj, Udayan Mane, Aadil Bedi, and Tushar Pannu Auro Realty Goa GC: Varun Chopra, Saarthak Chhibber, Aalaap I L, and Kanav Chauhan Flying Man Kolkata GC: Varun Parikh, Sukhman Singh, Syed Saqib Ahmed, and Kartik Sharma Green Fuels Vizag GC: Manav Shah, Dharma M, Milind Soni, and Danish Verma Golf Konnekt Bengaluru: Veer Ganapathy, Sunhit Bishnoi, Trishul Chinnappa, and Sudhir Sharma Honer Homes Gurugram GC: Pukhraj Singh Gill, Shaurya Binu, Shat Mishra, and Digraj Singh Gill Krishna Punjab GC: Karandeep Singh Kochhar, Kapil Kumar, Harendra Gupta, and C Muniyappa Phoenix Hyderabad GC: Sachin Baisoya, Raghav Chugh, Arjun Bhatti, and Ranjit Singh Krishna Punjab GC: Karandeep Singh Kochhar, Kapil Kumar, Harendra Gupta, and C Muniyappa Also Read: Live Cricket Score Vimtra Chennai GC: Gaganjeet Bhullar, Yashas Chandra M S, Samarth Dwivedi, and Harshjeet Singh Sethie. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch CSK Vs PBKS, Know All Details
Chennai Super Kings: Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on last seasons finalists Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. CSK endured a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, finishing at the bottom of the table, and would have aimed for a fresh start this year. However, their campaign began on a poor note as they suffered a heavy defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. After being bowled out for just 127 in 19.4 overs, CSK saw Rajasthan chase down the target comfortably in only 12.1 overs, losing just two wickets. In contrast, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) opened their season with a hard-fought win against the Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS restricted their opponents to 162/6 on a challenging pitch. Despite a shaky middle-order performance, Punjab managed to cross the finish line in 19.1 overs with three wickets in hand. Punjab Kings have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between the two sides, winning six of their last seven encounters against CSK. That said, the overall head-to-head record remains perfectly balanced, with both teams winning 16 matches each out of 32 played. CSK had claimed victory in their first-ever clash back in April 2008, while PBKS emerged victorious in their most recent meeting in April 2025. When: Friday, April 3, 7:30 PM IST Where: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Where to watch: The CSK vs PBKS match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The CSK vs PBKS match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson(w), Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Urvil Patel, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Akeal Hosein, Sarfaraz Khan, MS Dhoni, Dewald Brevis, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Aman Khan, Gurjapneet Singh, Zakary Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer Article Source: IANS
Shivang Kumar debuts for SRH; unchanged KKR bowl
Both teams are looking to open their account, having lost their opening games despite scoring 200-plus
IPL 2026: Unchanged KKR Elect To Bowl First Against SRH, Shivang Gets Debut Cap
Unchanged Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, with the hosts fielding an unchanged side. Both KKR and SRH smashed 200-plus totals in their first game of the competition, but ended up on the losing side due to lacklustre bowling performances. We are going to bowl first. There is always room for improvement, but there were a lot of positives. We generally don't see so much grass, rain around, and that's why we wanted to bowl first. Not sure about the dew as there's a breeze going around. It should be good for 40 overs. He (Cam Green) is doing everything he needs to do. He should bowl soon, said Rahane after winning the toss. SRH skipper Ishan Kishan said left-arm wrist-spin bowling all-rounder Shivang Kumar will make his IPL debut. We would have bowled first. But batting first, we have to see the ball and play accordingly. We have to come up with the best game for us. You have to go out and do the basics right. Only one point I would say is execution, we need to calm down, even if we are not in a very good situation. We will look to keep it simple in this game. I don't know yet, but he (Pat Cummins) should be ready soon; he makes a big difference, with the bat as well. Shivang comes in to keep the wicket-taking options open. He has bowled well in the nets, and we are giving him an opportunity, he said. Playing XIs: Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, and Blessing Muzarabani Impact Substitutes: Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Saurabh Dubey, and Rovman Powell Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, and Blessing Muzarabani Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Substitutes: Harshal Patel, Liam Livingstone, Eshan Malinga, R Smaran, and Sakib Hussain Article Source: IANS
MPCA Announces Monthly Financial Assistance For Ex-women Cricketers
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association: The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has announced that it will provide monthly financial aid to former women cricketers from the state who are not covered under the Board of Control for Cricket in Indias (BCCI) pension scheme. Under the new scheme approved by the MPCA after the proposals were put forward in its managing committee meeting on March 31, former international players hailing from the state will receive Rs 12,500 per month, while domestic cricketers will be eligible for support ranging from Rs 6,000 to 10,000 depending on the number of matches played under the Womens Cricket Association of India (WCAI) or BCCI. When we came here with the new committee, we had been thinking about this for a long time - that the women's pension scheme should be opened for ex-cricketers. Our committee came in September last year, and we have been working on this since then. Now to see it become a reality, this is the achievement of our whole committee, in which there was a lot of support from Mahanaaryaman Scindia ji, said Arundhati Kirkire, the MPCA Joint Secretary, to IANS on Thursday. Beneficiaries above 75 years will receive an additional 7,500 rupees, with the players required to apply for the scheme. The scheme will be effective April 1, adding to similar pension programmes already in place for former women cricketers in Karnataka (who will offer Rs 15,000 pension to players above 55), Bengal, Gujarat, Baroda, and Vidarbha. The minimum slab is Rs 7000-10,000. If someone is getting nothing and then gets Rs 7000 per month through this initiative, then she will get some financial support, as compared to the times when there was no money in it, and they would still play purely for the passion of the game. Everyone is very happy. Some people used to think that an initiative like this might never happen. But everybody is happy that this has happened very soon. They might not be expecting it so soon, but I'm glad that this decision was made very fast. We are also very happy to see the reception since this news came out. We are also very happy that this has been going on for a long time and that the dream has come true, added Arundhati, who played a Test and 30 ODIs for India. MPCA has also approved revised pensions for retired male cricketers and umpires not covered under the BCCI scheme. Former players will now receive Rs 7,000 rupees for up to four matches, Rs 10,000 rupees for 5-14 matches, and Rs 12,500 rupees for 15-24 matches. Retired BCCI-level umpires from the state will be entitled to Rs 10,000 per month, while state-level umpires will get Rs 6,500. Those above 75 years will receive an additional Rs 7,500. Honorariums for match officials and selectors have also been increased. Umpires in inter-divisional games will earn Rs 5,000 per match, while scorers will get 2,500 rupees per day, and selectors are set to get Rs 9,000. Incentives for coaches have also been revised. MPCA has also approved the extension of ex-India wicketkeeper-batter Chandrakant Pandits term as Director of Cricket for the next two years, while okaying the construction of Pavilion blocks in Morena and Narmadapuram grounds. MPCA financial scheme for ex-women cricketers International Cricketers (Test & ODI only) - Rs 12,500 Played only under WCAI 8-15 matches - Rs 6,000 16-20 matches Rs 7,500 21 or more matches Rs 10,000 Played under WCAI + BCCI 15-20 matches Rs 6,000 21-25 matches Rs 7,500 25 or more matches Rs 10,000 Played only under BCCI 20-25 matches Rs 6,000 Played only under BCCI Also Read: Live Cricket Score 35 or more matches Rs 10,000 Article Source: IANS
Sri Lanka Appoints Van Niekerk, Gregory As Bowling And Fielding Coaches
Sri Lanka National Men: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Thursday announced the appointment of Ryan van Niekerk as the new bowling coach and Jordan Gregory as fielding and spin bowling Coach, effective from April 15. According to an official statement, both coaches will oversee their respective disciplines across all national squads, including the senior mens team, with a focus on strengthening core skill areas. Van Niekerk, who previously worked with the Netherlands national cricket team as bowling coach and later as interim head coach from 2023 to 2026, will be responsible for managing fast bowling programmes across Sri Lankas national set-up. Before stepping into the interim head coach role, he also served as assistant coach and bowling coach with the Dutch side. During his tenure, he contributed to the teams participation in major ICC events, including the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2023 and multiple editions of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup. He will begin his two-year term with Sri Lanka starting April 15, 2026. Gregory, who has previously worked as a fielding consultant with the Netherlands Cricket, will handle fielding and spin bowling development across all formats and age groups. His experience includes involvement in several international tournaments and bilateral series. He will also commence his two-year stint on April 15, as part of SLCs broader efforts to build a robust high-performance environment. Niekerk and Gregorys primary responsibilities will be guiding the Sri Lanka National Men's Team in its preparation and campaign for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. He will also commence his two-year stint on April 15, as part of SLCs broader efforts to build a robust high-performance environment. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After the tournament, their former head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, who took over the role soon after the T20 World Cup 2024, stepped down from the post. Article Source: IANS
Minhas, Shadab seal comfortable win for Islamabad United
The pair put on an unbeaten 128 off 68 balls, with both players scoring half-centuries as United made light work of the 184 chase
Nuwan Thushara files lawsuit against SLC for IPL NOC
RCB bowler's argument is that his SLC contract ended on March 31, making the enforcement of an NOC unreasonable and a barrier to his livelihood
IPL 2026: 'The Beginning Of The Road To Redemption,' Says Pujara On Shami's Spell Vs DC
Lucknow Super Giants: Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara believes that India's star and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowler Mohammed Shami has begun his road to redemption after a brilliant spell in LSG's campaign opener in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Delhi Capitals (DC) played at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. Despite returning figures of 1-28, Shami made a decisive impact during the Power-play, setting the tone for his side with early control and tactical precision. This season of the IPL is very important for Mohammed Shami, and the way he started off the tournament with this performance against DC shows he means business. Yes, his figures read 1 for 28, but it was Shami who played a crucial role in helping his side get off to a strong start in the powerplay, Pujara told Jio Hotstar. The experienced seamer struck on the very first ball of the run chase, dismissing KL Rahul with a well-planned delivery. He first got rid of KL Rahul on the very first ball of the run chase, and full credit to Shami. He knew that Rahul loves to play the inside-out shot, so he bowled a wide delivery. Rahul played the inside-out shot, but it went straight into the hands of the deep point fielder, he explained. Beyond the wicket, Pujara highlighted Shamis ability to apply pressure by maintaining tight lines and restricting scoring opportunities. Then, he restricted the run flow by bowling tight lines and did not allow the batters to score runs, he added. Pujara also pointed to Shamis consistent performances in domestic cricket over the past year as a key factor behind his strong start to the season. Then, he restricted the run flow by bowling tight lines and did not allow the batters to score runs, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite Shami's brilliant spell, Delhi Capitals chased down the 142-run target in just 17.1 overs and handed a 6-wicket defeat to LSG. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'Bowlers Get Confused When We Bat Together,' Says Jitesh On Pairing With Shepherd
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finishers Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd spoke about their on-field chemistry, highlighting how their contrasting styles make them a challenging pair for bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they gear up for their second match to be played against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. Jitesh underlined the tactical advantage of their partnership, noting how their differing strengths complicate field placements for the opposition. I feel when we play together, the bowler might be confused. When I can use all the angles, he can hit the ball with power. So it's confusing for the bowler to place the field, he said in a video released by RCB on X. Shepherd, meanwhile, emphasised the confidence he derives from batting alongside Jitesh, crediting him for creating a positive environment in the middle. Whenever I'm batting with him, I feel confident because he always makes me feel like I'm the best. Also, he makes me feel like I can hit every ball for six. So that's something that, you know, he gives me the confidence to go there and play my shots, he said. Despite his own aggressive approach, Jitesh admitted that matching Shepherds power is no easy task. I can't gain the power that I want. I think if I try to gain that power, I might not be a cricketer; I might be a bodybuilder or something else. But I think it's very difficult to get his power, he added. Shepherd also praised Jiteshs composure and versatility, particularly in pressure situations, which helps him remain calm at the other end. Whenever you're batting with someone like Jitesh, what Jitesh does well in the end, you know, is hold his composure, stay calm, and you know, you have all the shots. So it's easy for him to actually go to one of his funky shots, you know, one of the scoops or something like that. In T20 cricket, that's all you want, he said. Shepherd also praised Jiteshs composure and versatility, particularly in pressure situations, which helps him remain calm at the other end. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jitesh and Shepherd played a huge role in RCB's triumph last year. Jitesh scored 261 runs in 15 matches, while Shepherd hit 151 runs in just 8 matches and also scored a 14-ball fifty against CSK. Article Source: IANS
Tom Smith joins England Women as spin-bowling coach
Former Gloucestershire spinner to work with Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith before T20 World Cup
Nuwan Thushara Moves Court Against SLC Over IPL 2026 NOC Denial: Report
News Wire Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has moved the Colombo District Court seeking legal intervention after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) declined to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in the Indian Premier League 2026. The matter came up for hearing on Thursday, with the court scheduling the next proceedings for April 9. In his petition, Thushara has named SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake, treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants. The pacer had secured a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026, having previously featured in the tournament in the last two seasons with the boards approval. However, SLC is understood to have withheld the NOC this time, citing his failure to meet required fitness benchmarks, according to News Wire Sri Lanka. Thushara has contested the decision, stating that his central contract with the board expires on March 31, 2026, and that he had already communicated his intention not to renew it. He further claimed that he has effectively been out of national selection plans, making the boards stance on fitness grounds inconsistent and unjustified. In his plea, the bowler maintained that his fitness levels remain in line with those of previous years, during which he was granted NOCs to participate in overseas leagues, including the IPL. He argued that the refusal to issue the clearance now lacks merit, especially given the absence of any change in his physical condition. Thushara has contested the decision, stating that his central contract with the board expires on March 31, 2026, and that he had already communicated his intention not to renew it. He further claimed that he has effectively been out of national selection plans, making the boards stance on fitness grounds inconsistent and unjustified. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Thushara has sought judicial relief in the form of a declaration affirming his right to receive the NOC, along with interim and permanent orders directing SLC to grant him permission to compete in the IPL and other international leagues. The case will next be heard on April 9, as the dispute between the player and the national board continues to unfold. Article Source: IANS
Zimbabwe To Host Australia For ODI Series In September
ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni: Zimbabwe Cricket has announced that they will host Australia for a three-match ODI series in September, marking Australias first ODI visit to the country in more than a decade. The last time the two sides met on Zimbabwean soil in this format was during a triangular series in August/September 2014, which also featured South Africa. The series will commence on September 15, with the second and third matches scheduled to be played on September 18 and 20. All fixtures will be played at Harare Sports Club. The series forms a key part of Zimbabwe's build-up to the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2027, which Zimbabwe will co-host alongside South Africa and Namibia. ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the tour comes at an important stage for the team. We are delighted to welcome Australia back to Zimbabwe for what promises to be a highly competitive ODI series, he said. Fixtures of this calibre are vital for our growth as a team. With the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon, this tour provides invaluable preparation as we build towards hosting the tournament alongside South Africa and Namibia. It is also a fantastic opportunity for our fans to experience top-level international cricket at home, and we look forward to strong support at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe has consistently proven to be a thorn in the side for Australian outfits in recent times. Most recently, Australia's T20 outfit was left chastened by a 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe at this year's T20 World Cup in February enroute to an embarrassing group stage exit. It is also a fantastic opportunity for our fans to experience top-level international cricket at home, and we look forward to strong support at Harare Sports Club. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For Zimbabwe, Australia's visit will follow three T20s in the country against India, while they will also be heading to India in Janaury 2027 for three ODIs. Article Source: IANS
Australia to tour Zimbabwe for three ODIs in September
The ODIs, which will end an eight-year absence for Australia in Zimbabwe, are set to be played at the Harare Sports Club
My Role Is To Understand What Each Individual Needs And Prepare Them For Match Situations: DK
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who has transitioned into a batting coaching role at Royal Challengers Bengaluru after formerly representing the franchise, opened up on his role, saying that his job is to understand every player's needs and help them prepare for tough situations in the match. His influence was evident as the team started their 2026 IPL campaign by making history with the fastest 200-plus chase in the IPL, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in just 15.4 overs, an achievement that underscores the team's strong preparation and effective execution under pressure. In our team, we have players at very different stages of their careers. All of them are eager to learn, and my role is to understand what each individual needs while ultimately preparing them for match situations. Where they bat and the challenges they face are very different. For example, someone like Phil Salt will often deal with the new ball swinging, whereas for someone like Romario Shepherd, swing is rarely a factor at that stage. So, its about helping them understand those scenarios, what positions to get into, what to look for and then observing and giving them feedback accordingly. Coaching is as much about understanding the person as it is about the skill, Karthik said, reflecting on his coaching philosophy. Drawing from his playing career and broadcasting experience, Karthik highlights the importance of clarity, brevity, and trust to help players make well-informed decisions under pressure. These are elite players who are already dominating world cricket, so you dont need to overcoach. Its about giving them the right inputs and trusting them to make the best decisions. My experience in broadcasting has been very helpful. You travel, watch different teams and players closely, and analyse both their strengths and weaknesses. As a commentator, youre constantly observing and breaking the game down, which helps later in coaching. Its also taught me to communicate clearly and concisely, and that really helps when working with players, Karthik added. This season, RCBs batting has shown a consistent structure and adaptability throughout different phases. A crucial part of Karthiks role has been customising preparations for each player, enabling them to foresee and react to particular match situations. As a commentator, youre constantly observing and breaking the game down, which helps later in coaching. Its also taught me to communicate clearly and concisely, and that really helps when working with players, Karthik added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We try to simulate match situations in training and identify the shots hes most comfortable with and also the areas where he feels he can improve. Then its about designing drills around that, Karthik said. Article Source: IANS
Lucknow Super Giants: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has heaped praise on young batter Sameer Rizvi after his unbeaten 70 off 47 balls powered Delhi Capitals (DC) to a thumping six-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Pietersen, who worked as a mentor with the DC last year, revealed that he watched Rizvi closely last season and was impressed with the skillset the Indian batter possesses. He urged DC's management to keep backing Rizvi, and he will pay back with match-winning knocks. He played the situation beautifully, and I'm not surprised. I spent a lot of time with Sameer last season, watched him closely. He scored a hundred in a warm-up game but, unfortunately, couldn't find a place in the first half of the tournament. However, when he got his opportunity later in the season, he showed what he was about, and everybody looked up and said, This kid is a proper player, and we probably need to invest in him for a period of time, Pietersen told Jio Hotstar. When you invest in a young player, you need that trust that the player can pay you back, and he has done exactly that in this game. He really delivered under pressure. Once you get your team over the line in a big game, especially the first game of the IPL, in a tense situation and a lot of eyeballs on you, not being in the first XI, winning that game makes you feel far better than just scoring a hundred in a high-scoring match, he added. Pietersen also supported Delhi Capitals' coach decision of sending Tristan Stubbs ahead of experienced batter David Miller, as according to the former England opener, Miller is best suited as a finisher, and Stubbs, who plays at number three in Tests, can better absorb the pressure. When you invest in a young player, you need that trust that the player can pay you back, and he has done exactly that in this game. He really delivered under pressure. Once you get your team over the line in a big game, especially the first game of the IPL, in a tense situation and a lot of eyeballs on you, not being in the first XI, winning that game makes you feel far better than just scoring a hundred in a high-scoring match, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Youve got a player in Tristan Stubbs who is full of confidence. You're making it sound like it's the best decision ever made. But when you're four down for 20, and it's between Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, who are you sending in? You're sending in Tristan Stubbs, he added. Article Source: IANS
CSA charge Beyers Swanepoel with bringing game into disrepute
Allrounder's stint with Worcestershire set to be canned as board withhold No-Objection Certificate
'Pant Puts Himself Under Tremendous Pressure By Opening The Batting': Pietersen
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has disagreed with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant's decision to open the innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after the skippers brief outing at the top order against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. Pant promoted himself to the opening slot against Delhi Capitals, but his stay at the crease was cut short due to an unfortunate run-out at the non-strikers end. The dismissal came after a drive from Mitchell Marsh ricocheted off the bowlers hand and deflected onto the stumps. According to Pietersen, Pant, who struggled for runs in the last season, has increased the pressure on himself after deciding to open the innings for the team. He believes that Pant should not force himself at the top and focus on enjoying the position that he bats in. When you look at the strength and depth of LSG's batting, is Rishabh Pant really an opening batter? I think he might have gone a little too far ahead of where he was in the line-up compared to last year. Last year, he moved down the order, and now suddenly it's, I'm going to come up to the top, Pieterson told Jio Hotstar. I think he just needs to go out and enjoy his cricket. Dont force yourself into batting at three; enjoy the luxury of that position. I think he puts himself under tremendous pressure by opening the batting, he added. Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament's history last year when LSG secured the wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 27 crore. However, his performance with the bat failed to justify his price tag. Although he scored a century, his overall performance remained underwhelming, as the ton came when LSG were already out of the race for the playoffs. I think he just needs to go out and enjoy his cricket. Dont force yourself into batting at three; enjoy the luxury of that position. I think he puts himself under tremendous pressure by opening the batting, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, LSG lost their first match after Delhi Capitals chased down an easy target of 142 runs in just 17.1 overs. Pant's batting position will again be a talking point when LSG face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match on April 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Article Source: IANS
SAs Rassie Van Der Dussen Announces Retirement From International Cricket
Cricket South Africa: South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him emerge as one of the countrys most dependable white-ball performers. The 35-year-old made the announcement through a statement on social media, expressing gratitude for his journey with the Proteas. It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket. To wear the Proteas jersey is a feat that demands a level of resilience and dedication that both Tests, and rewards you in the most incredible way. To have played for my country has been the greatest honour of my life. This journey has been paved with years of sacrifice, but the privilege of representing South Africa was worth every moment, he said in a statement. Van der Dussen debuted at age 29 in a T20I against Zimbabwe after a strong domestic and global T20 record across various leagues and countries. His steady domestic cricket performances, including notable seasons in South Africas first-class cricket, led to his selection for the national team. Although he has appeared in 18 Tests since his debut against England in 2019, van der Dussen excelled in the ODI format. He was instrumental in South Africas 2019 World Cup run and subsequently became a regular in the middle order. His ODI stats are impressive, with 2657 runs in 71 matches at an average above 50, making him the second-best among South Africans after AB de Villiers. Reflecting on those who supported his journey, van der Dussen added, Thank you to Cricket South Africa, Enoch Nkwe, and all the Proteas coaches and managers throughout the years for affording me the platform to wear the Proteas jersey. He also acknowledged the support of his wife and the South African fans, recalling iconic moments such as walking out to bat at the Wanderers Stadium. To my wife, Lara; you have been by my side every single step of the way. You have ridden the waves of incredible highs and difficult lows with empathy, grace and strength, and you have been my biggest cheerleader, whom I could not have done this without. To the people of South Africa and the fans; thank you. There is no feeling quite like hearing MaThousand called out in the streets, or the spine-tingling experience of walking out to bat at a packed Wanderers Stadium to the deafening roar of Fokofpolisiekars Antibiotika. Those moments of connection is difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever, Van der Dussen added. Across formats, he ends his career with 905 runs from 18 Tests (six 50s), 2657 runs from 71 ODIs (six 100s, 17 50s) and 1406 runs from 57 T20Is (10 50s). Despite stepping away from international cricket, van der Dussen confirmed that he will continue to play domestic cricket and contribute to the games future. To the people of South Africa and the fans; thank you. There is no feeling quite like hearing MaThousand called out in the streets, or the spine-tingling experience of walking out to bat at a packed Wanderers Stadium to the deafening roar of Fokofpolisiekars Antibiotika. Those moments of connection is difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever, Van der Dussen added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While my time in a Proteas shirt has come to an end, my journey is not over. I will continue to play for my beloved Lions, and I am committed to giving back to this beautiful game by teaching and mentoring the next generation of South African cricketers. I love South Africa, and I love cricket. Thank you for everything, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report, Stats & Records (Mullanpur)
India boasts more than 50 active cricket venuesmore than any other cricket-playing nation. Among the newest additions is the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium , a modern facility that has quickly gained attention in Indian cricket. Also known as theNew Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) StadiumorMYS International Cricket Stadium, this venue was built in 2021 and is owned and operated by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). It is named after Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, the ninth and last ruling Maharaja of Patiala. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern amenities, this stadium is emerging as one of Indias premier cricket venues. Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium Key Details Located inMullanpur, New Chandigarh (Punjab), the stadium is approximately: 20 minutes from Mohali 30 minutes from Chandigarh International Airport Address:Mullanpur, District Mohali, Punjab 140901 The stadium has aseating capacity of around 38,000, making it one of the largest cricket venues in India. It features: Advanced drainage system Covered stands VIP lounges & media facilities Modern player dressing rooms LED floodlights for day-night matches Pitch Report Batting or Bowling Friendly? The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium is made using a mix ofred and black soil, which ensures firmness and durability. Overall, it is considered abalanced surface with a slight advantage for batters. Powerplay:Fast bowlers get swing and seam movement with the new ball Middle overs:Pitch settles, allowing batters to play freely Death overs:Slower balls and cutters become effective Spinners:Get grip and turn as the pitch wears Unlike extremely flat tracks like Wankhede or Chinnaswamy, this surface still offers enough assistance to bowlers, making it competitive.
MCA Chief Ajinkya Naik Meets Maha CM Fadnavis Over Proposed 1-lakh Capacity Stadium In MMR
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: President of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Ajinkya Naik has met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to advance the development of a world-class cricket stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The proposed stadium, with a planned seating capacity of 100,000 spectators, is envisioned to be among the largest cricket venues globally. Designed as a state-of-the-art facility, the project aims to set new benchmarks in sporting infrastructure, fan experience, and integrated urban development. The strategic initiative was undertaken under the leadership of CM Fadnavis to advance the development of a world-class cricket stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Naik also engaged in detailed discussions with Vijay Singhal, Managing Director of CIDCO to chart the roadmap for the landmark infrastructure project. This initiative marks a defining moment for Maharashtras sporting ecosystem. A 1-lakh-capacity stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will not only elevate Mumbai cricket but also firmly position Maharashtra on the global sporting map. This world-class infrastructure will create unparalleled opportunities for player development, provide critical exposure to emerging talent, and strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across all levels, Naik said. This initiative by the Maharashtra CM underscores the states forward-looking approach to sports-led development and infrastructure innovation. The stadium is expected to serve as a catalyst for sports tourism, attract marquee international events, and enhance the regions global sporting footprint. This world-class infrastructure will create unparalleled opportunities for player development, provide critical exposure to emerging talent, and strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across all levels, Naik said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In 2025, CM Devendra Fadnavis promised his govt will allot a piece of land to the MCA to build a new stadium in the city which can accommodate 1,00,000 spectators. Last year, (Amol) Kale (late MCA president) and Ajinkya Naik (MCA president) had come to me with a request that the MCA needed to build one more stadium of minimum 1,00,000-crowd capacity. I'm assuring Ajinkya that if you come with a proposal, the Maharashtra govt will give you an appropriate, good piece of land for MCA to build its own big stadium which can seat 1,00,000 spectators, he had said during a ceremony in which MCA named a stand each at Wankhede Stadium after Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar. Article Source: IANS
