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Ravi Shastri Urges BCCI to Back Shubman Gill as Captain: ‘Avoid Chop and Change, Even If He Fails’

June 29, 2025, 5:01 pm

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has called on the BCCI to back newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill for at least three years, even if the team loses the ongoing series against England. Speaking to Wisden, Shastri said the young cricketer has matured and deserves a consistent leadership role to prove himself.

‘Let Him Lead for Three Years’

“He’s matured a lot. The way he handles the media, the way he talks at press conferences, at tosses—he’s matured a lot. Let him be there for three years. Don’t chop and change irrespective of what happens in the series. Stick with him for three years, and I think he will deliver for you,” Shastri said.

Gill’s leadership debut in the first Test was notable for his century, though India eventually lost the match by five wickets after England chased down a 371-run target. The defeat sparked debates over Gill’s captaincy tactics.

High Expectations from Gill’s Batting Prowess

Shastri expressed confidence that Gill could become one of the modern greats of the game. “I’ll be disappointed if Gill doesn’t go places. Languid, lazy elegance, and he’s got a regal element of being regal out there when he’s batting. If he can learn with exposure and adapt to conditions, I think that’s the one name I can see,” he added.

Challenges Ahead at Edgbaston

Gill faces a challenging second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham—a venue where India has historically struggled, winning just one out of eight matches. To make matters more difficult, Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for workload management, putting more pressure on India’s inexperienced bowling attack and Gill’s strategic acumen.

The young captain will need to adapt his tactics and lead from the front if India hopes to level the series and silence critics questioning his early captaincy credentials.

Rajeev Shukla Set to Become Interim BCCI President as Roger Binny Nears Age Limit

June 2, 2025, 2:40 pm

Seasoned cricket administrator Rajeev Shukla will take over as the interim president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The transition follows because BCCI president and ex-India cricketer Roger Binny is nearing the age of 70 — the age cap for office-bearers according to the board’s constitution.

Age Cap Triggers Change, Rajeev Shukla Named Interim Chief

Binny, who celebrates his birthday on July 19 at the age of 70, will be out of office to occupy any position in the BCCI, as per the board’s constitution, which has a clause stating no one can hold office after reaching the age of 70. The president’s seat being vacant, the rules explicitly mention, “The vice-president shall also exercise such functions and duties as he may be empowered by the General Body of the Apex Council.”

This clause opens the door for Rajeev Shukla, the present vice-president, to assume charge and drive operations as an interim president. His interim period is likely to continue until September, when the board will hold elections to elect its next crop of office-bearers.

Rich Cricket Administration Experience of Rajiv Shukla

Shukla, a veteran Rajya Sabha MP from the Congress Party, has a long-standing connection to Indian cricket. The 65-year-old, who began his career as a journalist before turning politician, has held several major positions in the BCCI for over two decades. He served as the IPL commissioner between 2011 and 2017, won the BCCI vice-president post unopposed in 2020, and secured re-election in 2022.

Characterized by most as the cricket board’s “man for all seasons,” Shukla also has a lot of administrative experience to bring to the role in this period of transition.

Recent Similar Precedent

In 2023, the BCCI faced a similar situation when Jay Shah stepped down as secretary after his appointment as ICC chairman. Joint secretary Devajit Saikia then took charge as acting secretary until the board conducted new elections.

With Shukla assuming charge in a caretaker role, the BCCI is likely to have continuity at the helm before its general elections later this year.

BCCI to Honour Indian Armed Forces at IPL 2025 Closing Ceremony in Tribute to Op Sindoor

May 27, 2025, 11:58 am

The Indian Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has released a special tribute to the Indian Armed Forces at the closing ceremony of IPL 2025. The tribute is the acknowledgment of the valiancy of the military in Operation Sindoor, which was initiated in reaction to the new terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Operation Sindoor: A Context of Courage

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was aimed at precision military attacks on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a clear reaction to the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The immediate and targeted revenge demonstrated the determination of the armed forces towards national security.

BCCI’s Patriotic Gesture

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia verified the tribute in an India Today interview, affirming that the IPL 2025 closing ceremony will be committed to the Indian Armed Forces. “BCCI respects the valor, gallantry, and selfless dedication of our armed forces, whoseheroic initiatives under Operation Sindoor still safeguard and motivate the nation,” asserted Saikia.

He further said, “In honor, we have decided to dedicate the closing ceremony to the armed forces and pay tribute to our heroes. While cricket is a national obsession, there is nothing more important than the nation and sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country.”

Celebrating National Heroes on Cricket’s Grandest Stage

The BCCI’s decision blends sport and patriotism by using the IPL platform to highlight the sacrifices made by military personnel. This tribute aims to remind the nation of the unyielding courage of its soldiers and the unity that defines India during times of crisis.

Moreover, the IPL 2025 closing ceremony is expected to feature special segments celebrating the armed forces’ valor, including performances and acknowledgements that pay homage to their service.

Jasprit Bumrah Informs BCCI He Can’t Play All Five England Tests, Rookie Pacer Likely in Squad: Report

May 23, 2025, 10:44 pm

According to The Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah will only play three of the five Tests against England. “Jasprit Jasprit Bumrah has already informed the board that his body can’t take the toll of more than three Test matches,” the report claimed.

Captaincy Hopes of Jasprit Bumrah Dented by Injury

All this practically puts him out of the captaincy contention. Jasprit Bumrah, now India’s vice-captain in Tests, had captained India twice in Australia, and if he did not injure his back during the Sydney Test, he was first choice to succeed Rohit Sharma as the next Test captain. But the return of a back injury that had kept him away from cricket for over one year has altered the situation.

Selectors did not want a captain uncertain about playing all matches because of workload management. Thus, Shubman Gill was said to become the leading candidate for the Test captaincy.

No Surprise in Partial Absence of Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah’s absence for all five Tests, though, should not be a big surprise. Following what transpired in Australia a couple of months back, it was but inevitable that India would not expose their fast bowlers in all forms in all five Tests of a series.

Besides Bumrah’s absence, Mohammed Shami’s fitness is also a concern for India. The experienced fast bowler, who had remained out of the T20 World Cup and the Australia tour because of an ankle injury, is not said to be fit to bowl long spells in red-ball cricket and hence, may not feature in the Test team.

“Shami is bowling four overs in IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad but the board and selectors don’t know whether he can bowl more than 10 overs in a day. Test matches in England may demand longer spells from the pacers and we can’t take chances,” a source in the board informed The Indian Express.

New Pacers Likely for England Tour

Tests, India would need to select a couple of additional fast bowlers. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has been immensely impressive with the new ball in white-ball cricket and has also gained exposure of red-ball cricket with Kent in England, is most likely to be awarded his first Test call. Haryana fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, who has been included in the India A squad, is another likely candidate to be selected in the final squad of India.

This is the first high-profile announcement of the squad after retirement announcements made by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Ajit Agarkar, who is the chairman of selectors, is understood to make the announcement of the squad, which will be made up of 16 or 17 players. B Sai Sudharsan will be the new face in the Test squad as a rookie.

Mamata sees red as BCCI shifts IPL final to Ahmedabad

May 23, 2025, 1:09 am

The Mamata Banerjee government is bristling at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to shift the IPL final and a play- off match from Kolkata to Ahmedabad, in contravention of conventions that dictate that the final is played at the home city of last year’s winners.

The playoff match is scheduled for June 1, and the final on June 3. Aroop Biswas, West Ben- gal Sports Minister and a close aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday accused the BJP of engaging in “cheap poli- tics” following the BCCI’s decision to relocate an IPL playoff match and the final away from Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Addressing a press conference along with Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, Biswas expressed displeasure over the revised schedule, which he said has “deprived” Kolkata of hosting the IPL final.

The final has been shifted to Ahmedabad, while the Mullanpur Stadium in Punjab will host one playoff match. Aroop Biswas pointed to discrepancies between the reasons cited by a BJP leader and the BCCI. “BJP leader and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar posted on X that the matches have been shifted due to law and order problems.

The BCCI and IPL’s governing body have claimed that a new venue for the playoff match and final has been decided based on the weather’s condition. Who is telling the truth – BJP or BCCI? It is totally a politically motivated decision,” he said.

Biswas refuted claims of law and order issues or adverse weather conditions as reasons for the shift, calling them “lame excuses” He added: “100 percent of matches in Kolkata have been played without a single incident.” City police commissioner Manoj Verma said: “Nine matches were scheduled to be played in Kolkata. A post on X pointed out that the match has been shifted due to law and order issues.

As the Commissioner of Police, I am here to say that seven matches have been played here, no incident has been reported. These matches saw a footfall of more than 60,000.” Verma claimed that neither the general public nor organizers had raised any concerns about law and order. He also noted that the BCCI’s official communication did not cite law and order as a reason for the change, suggesting “there could be another intention”.

He recalled one instance during Ram Navami when a match date was rescheduled—from May 6 to May 8—so it could be played in Kolkata. “It shows there is no problem related to law and order in the city,” he said.

Biswas further challenged the weather-related justification, presenting documents indicating that specific weather forecasts for Kolkata between May 20-30 would only be available after May 14, and forecasts for June 1-4 only after May 26. “No forecast has been issued for the first week of June in 2025 in the public domain. Since when did the BCCI become a weather expert?” “We register our protest. The CAB (Cricket Association of Bengal) should have raised their voice against it,” Biswas said, adding: “It is the IPL’s rule that last year’s champions’ home ground will host the final. But now there is an unwritten rule that the finals will be played in Ahmedabad. In the last four years, the finals have been played at the Ahmedabad stadium thrice.”

Suresh Raina Appeals for Bharat Ratna & Urges BCCI for Farewell Match to Virat Kohli

May 18, 2025, 4:41 pm

Suresh Raina, a former Indian cricket player, has urged the BCCI to set up a final match for Virat Kohli in Delhi and urged the Indian government to award him the Bharat Ratna. Suresh Raina’s remarks follow Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket, which ended his incredible 14-year career with over 9,000 runs and 40 victories as captain. Suresh Suresh Raina insisted that Kohli should receive the highest civilian honor in the country for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket.

Additionally, he emphasized that Virat Kohli ought to have received a dignified farewell at his home field in front of his coach and family. Even though a farewell now seems unlikely, tributes have already started. During an IPL match, Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium honored Kohli.

Suresh Raina Pushes for Bharat Ratna Honour

Suresh Raina stated on Star Sports that Virat Kohli is deserving of India’s highest civilian honor. He mentioned Virat Kohli’s accomplishments both on and off the field, as well as his contributions to Indian cricket.

“The number of achievements Virat Kohli has accomplished, and whatever he has done for India and Indian cricket, for that he should be honoured with the Bharat Ratna,” Raina stated.

🗣 “BOHOT BADA BRAND HAI VO” @ImRaina shares memories of #ViratKohli’s Test career and their time together in Indian colours 🙌

📺📲 Watch the special tribute: 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧 👉 https://t.co/rp4Dvb3SkG pic.twitter.com/cST8Lp6YDI

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 13, 2025

The only athlete to win the Bharat Ratna to date is Sachin Tendulkar. However, Virat Kohli has already received a number of noteworthy honors. These include the Arjuna Award in 2013, Padma Shri in 2017, and the Khel Ratna in 2018.

A Farewell Game in Delhi

Suresh Raina also urged Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium to host Virat Kohli’s final Test match. He emphasized the significance of allowing Kohli to play one final game in front of his family and Raj Kumar Sharma, his childhood coach.

“His family and coach would have been there to support him… After doing so much for the country, you communicate with him because he deserves a retirement match,” Raina said.

But it now appears doubtful that a farewell Test will be held. With immediate effect, Virat Kohli has already ended his red-ball career. Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium honored during an IPL game in spite of the rain.

Virat Kohli’s Stunning Career in Tests

In an Instagram post, Virat Kohli declared his retirement from Test cricket. In 123 Test matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. Thirty-one fifties and thirty hundreds are included in his total. In addition, he captained India for 68 games, winning 40 of them, the most of any Indian captain.

Only a few weeks before the England vs. India Test series, the announcement shocked fans. A week prior, Rohit Sharma, Kohli’s teammate, had announced his retirement from Test cricket. Both contemporary legends left without playing their final games in white.

Rohit and Kohli had both previously resigned from T20Is. They now want to concentrate on ODIs, especially the ICC World Cup in South Africa in 2027. Raina’s request to give Kohli the lavish farewell he so richly deserves is a reflection of a larger sentiment as India gets ready for the future.

India A Team Announced for England Tour: Key Players and Schedule Revealed

May 16, 2025, 10:22 pm

Karun Nair and Ishan Kishan were picked in the India A team for the England tour, whereas the team would be captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran. The team also had Yashasvi Jaiswal, whereas Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan would be arriving before their second match. Dhruv Jurel was appointed as the vice-captain, whereas Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur were also picked in the team. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was injured and missed IPL 2025, and Sarfaraz Khan were also added.

Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan to Join India A Squad Later

Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will be added to the team before the second match, as per the BCCI media release. The two games will be on May 30 and June 6.

India A will be playing two first-class games against the England Lions in Canterbury and Northampton. The tour will end with a game against Team India (Senior Men).

Karun Nair’s Impressive Form Amidst India A Tour Selection

Nair, who had hit a triple hundred against England in Chennai in December 2016, had 863 runs at 53.93 in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy-winning 2024/25 season and finished as the fourth-highest run-getter of the tournament.

He also played for Northamptonshire in the Division 1 County Championships during the previous two seasons. In 14 matches, he made 736 runs at a rate of 56.61, scoring two centuries and a top score of 202 not out.

Significance of Nair and Easwaran’s Performance

Nair and Easwaran’s show will be of great interest to the Indian team management and the Ajit Agarkar-headed selection committee, who are keen to plug the massive voids in the top-order batting after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

The Other Test players in the India ‘A’ team are Dhruv Jurel, who has been named the vice-captain of the side, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, and Sarfaraz Khan, who was unavailable due to suffering a rib injury during the 2024/25 tour of Australia.

Uncapped Players Added to the Squad

Uncapped players such as Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Anshul Kamboj, Tushar Deshpande, and Harsh Dubey, top wicket-taker and Player of the Tournament in the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy, also get a spot. Khaleel Ahmed and Ruturaj Gaikwad, having represented India in white-ball matches, also join the party for the England tour.

India A team for England tour: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (VC) (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey.

Captaincy Hint Then U-Turn: Did BCCI Betray Virat Kohli?

May 16, 2025, 10:00 pm

Indian cricket team star batter Virat Kohli shocked everybody by announcing his retirement from Test cricket. Kohli, regarded as among the best batter of contemporary cricket, retired from the longest form of the game as India’s effective captain. Overall, he was the fourth most-effective Test captain in the world before saying goodbye to the format.

BCCI Reportedly Hinted at Return of Virat Kohli as Captain

While much speculation already surrounds Kohli’s decision, a Sports Today report stated that the BCCI hinted at making him captain again but chose not to pursue the call. Virat was apparently given a hint that he can become captain again while they were playing against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the report added.

“At least people close to him do seem to suggest that he was given sort of a hint that he would be getting captaincy after Adelaide. But then things changed,” the report said.

BCCI’s U-Turn After Australia Series Loss

But after India’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Australia in the five-match series, BCCI did a total flip-flop and reportedly went ahead with the process to find a young captain.

In accordance with the report, Kohli had been hoping to once again become the captain and that was part of the key reasons why he went ahead and played the Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Railways, as directed by the BCCI.

IPL Resumes Amid Border Tensions With Spotlight on Virat Kohli

And while the IPL itself was paused due to the recent India-Pakistan border tensions, it will now resume on Saturday when Royal Challengers Bengaluru play host to Kolkata Knight Riders in an intense game where the limelight will strongly rest on Virat Kohli after his recent Test retirement.

The unplanned 10-day hiatus has left both the RCB and the KKR with diverse objectives to meet and shared hurdles to overcome.

The RCB are placed second on the table with 16 points from 11 games, and a victory here can take them to the playoffs.

KKR are placed sixth on the table with 11 points from 12 matches, and a blunder will put paid to the defending champions’ hopes of reaching the knockouts.

BCCI Faces Backlash Over Sudden Test Retirement of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

May 13, 2025, 10:18 pm

Former India cricketer Anil Kumble questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), demanding the poor management of the Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The two veteran batters brought curtains down on their career in the longest form within a period of five days, with the announcement made less than a week and a half before the planned selection meeting to select the squad for the forthcoming Test tour of England.

Calls for a Proper On-Field Farewell from BCCI

Talking to ESPNCricinfo, Kumble believed both Kohli and Rohit were owed a dignified farewell from Test cricket and therefore requested the concerned department of BCCI to consider why both the duo of Indian cricket stalwarts and the fans were deprived of the moment.

“Right now, Rohit Sharma, a few days ago and then Virat Kohli, I think all three of them deserved a proper send-off on the field. I strongly believe people who matter need to address that. I know it is a social media age, yes, the fans want to be there, there would have been plenty of fans and have a roaring send-off,” he said.

BCCI Under Fire for Handling Test Leadership and Timing

Kumble also raised eyebrows about the huge void created in the Indian Test side with the retirements of Kohli and Rohit, particularly with the important tour of England looming large, a nation where India have struggled to win a series in the past decade.

“Rohit has retired, he had been captain for a while and Virat is probably the most accomplished captain for India and you would have wanted one of the guys to be around. England is going to be tough, it is a five-Test… I think it must have come as a surprise to the selectors as well. I’m sure the selectors would have looked to pursue him,” he added.

A New Era Set to Begin in England

In their absence, India will not just have a new captain, supposedly to be Shubman Gill, but will also have a new-look batting line-up. The five-Test tour, which will signal the start of the 2025/27 World Test Championship cycle, will start on June 20.

Virat Kohli Leaves the Field, Enters Faith: Spiritual Sojourn Follows Cricket Farewell

May 13, 2025, 3:11 pm

One of the biggest stars of modern cricket, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, this week formally announced his retirement from Test cricket and closed the curtain on an out-of-the-box red-ball career that lasted for more than 14 years. The erstwhile India captain earned renown for his zeal, punctuality, and aggressive leadership culture. Kohli played 123 Tests and compiled 9,230 runs that included 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

Kohli announced his retirement on Instagram, expressing gratitude toward fans, fellow players, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their blessings during his lifetime. The surprising move, popularly known as the “Reverse Retirement,” sealed the fate of an era for Indian cricket.

A Spiritual Shift: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Return to Premanand Ji Maharaj Again

A day after taking this historic decision, Virat Kohli visited Shri RadhaKeliKunj Ashram in Vrindavan with his wife, actress Anushka Sharma. It was their third visit there to take the blessings of Premanand Ji Maharaj, a spiritualist revered for his sagacity and affinity with godly teachings.

Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma से पूज्य महाराज जी की क्या वार्तालाप हुई ? Bhajan Marg pic.twitter.com/7IWWjIfJHB

— Bhajan Marg (@RadhaKeliKunj) May 13, 2025

Kohli and Anushka remained at the ashram for close to three hours, having lengthy conversations with Maharaj Ji. Reports indicated that Kohli was questioned by the spiritual guru, asking him if he was happy to which Kohli answered affirmatively, stating, “Yes, I am fine.” The duo listened carefully as Maharaj Ji lectured them on the essence of inner peace, detachment, and spiritual connection.

A Pattern of Seeking Peace in Silence

This visit was not an isolated spiritual experience. Kohli and Anushka had earlier visited the same ashram during a rough patch in Kohli’s form, just before he made a stunning comeback in the Champions Trophy, including a memorable century against Pakistan. The couple has also visited other holy sites such as Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, Neem Karoli Baba’s Ashram in Uttarakhand, and Vrindavan in January 2024.

These regular visits spot light Kohli’s changing life journey — from a fire-brand cricketer to a individual deeply concerned about self-introspection and spirituality.

‘God’s Grace Transforms Inner Thoughts’

In their recent encounter, Premanand Ji Maharaj imparted this strong message:
“God’s grace is neither wealth nor prestige. It is the change of your inner thought. When this changes, you break millions of cycles of birth and death and move closer towards liberation.”

This resonates with Kohli’s transformation. From chasing runs and records, the athlete now seems to be pursuing inner peace and purpose beyond the cricket field.

A New Chapter Begins

As Kohli sets out on this new chapter of life, he seems intent on balancing his private transformation with his public image. Whether he returns to white-ball cricket or takes another step into spiritual discovery is unclear. What is clear, though, is that Kohli’s path — from cricket to spirituality — is encouraging a generation of fans to turn inward and redefine success.

Virat Kohli Walks Away from Tests—India and the World Struggle to Say Goodbye

May 12, 2025, 1:29 pm

Virat Kohli, the pillar of India’s Test batting strength for more than a decade, caught fans and pundits by surprise on Monday morning when he declared his Test retirement. In an Instagram post, the erstwhile India captain looked back on his 14-year whites career, posting, “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Genuinely, I never thought the ride this format would take me on. It’s pushed me, molded me, and learned me lessons I’ll carry for life.”

In a sentimental tweet, Virat Kohli highlighted the emotional richness the format has. “There’s something intensely personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I move away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

He wrapped up with a words of appreciation, saying, “I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”

A Glittering Test Career Comes to an End

Kohli’s career numbers are as iconic as his on-field presence. He played 123 Tests for India, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. With 30 centuries and 31 fifties, Kohli retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format, behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

He also led India in 68 Tests, penning a golden page in the history of Indian cricket. Kohli guided India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia in 2018-19 and cemented India’s dominance at home with series victories over top teams like South Africa, England, and Australia.

Even though he resigned from captaincy in 2022, his contribution to India’s red-ball resurgence will always be remembered.

Tributes Flow In Across the Cricketing World

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also initiated the tributes, issuing the following message on X: “????? ???, ????? ?????! An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! @imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket. His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished”

????? ???, ????? ?????! ?

An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! ??@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.

His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! ? ? pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025

Former Indian cricketers had a combination of shock and pride. Wasim Jaffer posted, “I feel he had at least 3 more years in him, but his choice must be respected. Test cricket was never dull with Virat in. His presence alone attracted millions of eyeballs.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Yashasvi Jaiswal (@yashasvijaiswal28)

Sanjay Manjrekar, often critical of Kohli’s struggles in English conditions, also acknowledged his stature. “The biggest brand of the modern cricket era, who gave it all for cricket’s oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli,” he posted.

Biggest brand of the modern cricket era who gave it all for cricket’s oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli. ???

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 12, 2025

Kevin Pietersen, too, reacted with disbelief, dropping several shocked emojis on X with a simple “Virat.”

Virat?!?! ????????

— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) May 12, 2025

End of an Era, But the Impact Endures

Despite criticism and controversy, Kohli’s love for Test cricket never waned. His passion, aggression, and relentless pursuit of excellence made him a fan favorite and a respected opponent globally. As the face of a new era of Indian Test cricket, he instilled a fierce attitude in the squad, focusing on fitness, intensity, and consistency.

Though most feel he had a few more years to go, Kohli departs on his own terms—a commendable move in an era where most stick around too long.

Test cricket will miss his vigor, iconic celebrations, and never-say-die attitude to win. But as Kohli aptly put it, “I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.”

BCCI to Discuss IPL 2025 Restart, Return of Foreign Players in Crucial Sunday Meeting

May 11, 2025, 2:07 pm

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold an important meeting on Sunday to consider the resumption of the Indian Premier League’s 18th edition, suspended for a week on Friday, amid increased military hostilities between India and Pakistan.

Ceasefire Brings Temporary Relief

The summit follows a day after India agreed to a ceasefire offer proposed by Pakistan and brokered by the United States. The deal called for both countries to cease all military operations from 5 PM on Saturday onwards.

The war has halted. Under the new scenario BCCI office-bearers, officials and IPL Governing Council, will take up the issue tomorrow (Sunday) and take a decision. We will try to figure out which can be the best possible schedule to finish the tournament,” BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla told PTI.

BCCI Targets Speedy Resumption

Senior BCCI members such as secretary Devajit Saikia and president Roger Binny are the immediate ones to tackle the job of reviving the league by Thursday or Friday, that is, at the end of the suspension period. The truce first brought relief for both the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who also suspended the Pakistan Super League on the same day.

Yet, new tensions arose after Pakistan allegedly breached the ceasefire within hours, raising questions about the durability of the truce. The latest hostilities cast doubt on whether the IPL can be resumed safely without further disruption.

Southern Venues Under Consideration

As a precaution against security threats, the BCCI had already considered relocating the balance of the matches to southern Indian cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad—territory deemed beyond reach of Pakistani military attacks, including shelling and drone assaults.

“That was a choice while there was war. There are several choices which have been mulled. The ceasefire has only been declared, give us some time, we will talk and then only a decision will be made,” Shukla said.

If the ceasefire is maintained, this contingency plan might not be required. Yet, with renewed hostilities, the BCCI might be forced to adopt this strategy to guarantee the season’s completion by the end of the month.

Double-Headers and Availability of Players Under the Spotlight

To make up for the delay, the BCCI can start double-headers to complete the 12 remaining league matches. The count does not include the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match, which was abandoned midway in Dharamsala when hostilities rose.

A key challenge is still in the return of foreign players, some of whom departed India following the suspension. The board will also have to assure players and their respective boards of safety in the midst of continued geopolitical tensions.

Compounding the issue, some of the foreign players might look to rest after playing in the league for more than a month. Others might be out of action because of national duty, especially with Australia and South Africa set to clash in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s on June 11.

Test Farewell Incoming? Virat Kohli Reportedly Informs BCCI of Retirement Plan

May 10, 2025, 10:02 am

Indian cricket is at a crossroads. Former skipper Virat Kohli has allegedly told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he wants to retire from Test cricket ahead of the highly awaited tour of England, which commences on June 20. Kohli informed the BCCI about his decision a few days ago and is not expected to play in the five-match Test series, according to a report in the Indian Express.

This news arrives in the wake of captain Rohit Sharma’s abrupt Test retirement, compounding the vacuum of experience in India’s batting line-up. Although a senior BCCI official has urged Virat Kohli to reconsider, the star batter appears resolute. If Kohli follows through, India’s Test squad will be left in the hands of younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill.

Recent Form of Virat Kohli Adds to the Speculation

Virat Kohli’s move does not happen in isolation. His last few appearances in the 2024–25 season of Tests, particularly in Australia, have drawn criticism. Kohli could muster only 190 runs in five Tests. Despite scoring a century in the first Test at Perth, he could muster only 85 runs in the other four games. His vulnerability against the swinging ball was evident—eight of his ten dismissals were taken in the slip cordon.

Concerns over whether he could switch to confronting new red-ball issues gained strength. As Kohli spoke of his possible Australia tour farewell, claiming, “I might not have another Australia tour in me, so I am at peace with whatever happened in the past,” he did not go as far as declaring an out-and-out Test retirement.

However, former wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta defended Kohli’s performance, attributing it to a “perfect storm” of factors. “People are talking about 8 out of 10 dismissals. Among those, there were four or five deliveries that were genuinely very good—you have to give credit to the bowlers,” Dasgupta said, suggesting that only a few dismissals were avoidable.

IPL Form of Virat Kohli and Selection Conundrum

Interestingly, Kohli exhibited a hint of his signature consistency in IPL 2025, scoring 505 runs in 11 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore before the tournament was halted. This difference in performance between formats makes the story around his retirement more complex.

With BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirming that the Test squad will be selected before the last week of May, Kohli’s final decision will weigh heavily on the selection committee’s strategy as India kicks off a new World Test Championship cycle.

The Road Ahead for Indian Test Cricket

India’s Test team, so long characterized by the twin pillars of Kohli and Rohit, is entering a new era. Their concurrent departure would represent not only the end of an era but a drastic shift in leadership and temperament as well. The onus will now lie on a relatively young but promising group of players to ensure India’s continued supremacy in red-ball cricket.

Whether Kohli finally changes his mind about retirement is unclear. But the mere prospect is a turning point in Indian cricket, one that requires self-reflection and courageous forward planning.

IPL 2025 May Shift to England as ECB Offers to Host Remaining Matches: Report

May 10, 2025, 12:04 am

The Indian Premier League 2025 may be staged in England, if reports emanating from the United Kingdom are anything to go by. Barely hours after the IPL was put on hold for a week, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with an offer to stage the tournament.

ECB Offers to Host Postponed IPL 2025

Popular English cricket magazine The Cricketer broke the news late on Friday, May 9, evening. The Indian cricket board had to postpone the tournament for a week due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The BCCI made the announcement on Friday, May 9, and even organized chartered flights for all the foreign players to return home safely.

Michael Vaughan Backs UK Hosting Plan

Earlier during the day, ex-England cricketer Michael Vaughan had also suggested the same. Vaughan went on X to say that it could be in India’s interest to stage the IPL in the UK since they are playing England in a 5-match Test series immediately after.

The IPL 2025 has been postponed for a week following escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The move followed when the May 8 Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match was suddenly stopped mid-match because of blackout protocols at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

UK Relocation Could Benefit Indian Team Scheduling

In reaction to the suspension, former England captain Michael Vaughan proposed a potential loophole. On X, he threw around the possibility of moving the rest of the IPL to the UK, where India is to start a five-Test series against England from June 20.

“I wonder if it’s possible to finish the IPL in the UK… We have all the venues and the Indian players can then stay on for the Test series… Just a thought,” Vaughan wrote.

The Test series, which runs through early August, could potentially be followed by a rescheduled IPL. The BCCI may consider using the Asia Cup window for this purpose though that tournament itself remains uncertain in light of the current geopolitical situation.

IPL 2025 Suspended for One Week Amid India-Pakistan Tensions, Confirms BCCI

May 9, 2025, 3:18 pm

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has abruptly been suspended, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ordering a one-week stoppage of the tournament with effect from immediately. The move, made in the wake of increasing military tensions between India and Pakistan, is indicative of the seriousness of the events unfolding at the borders.

BCCI Acts in Response to National Mood

In a Friday media release, BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia said, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week.” The IPL Governing Council decided after discussions with franchise owners, players, broadcasters, and sponsors. The consensus of stakeholders was that national interest had to take precedence over everything else.

“While the BCCI has complete faith in the tenacity and readiness of our armed forces, the Board thought it wise to take precautions in the interest of all concerned,” Saikia said. “At this pivotal moment, the BCCI stands with the nation.”

Security Concerns After Air Raid Alerts

There was uncertainty right from Thursday night when the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match at Dharamsala was cut short in the middle after air raid alarms in adjoining Jammu and Pathankot. The sudden stoppage of the match caused a wave in the cricket world with the first reaction being the safety of players and suitability of continuing entertainment activities during a national crisis.

One BCCI official quoted by PTI categorically said, “It does not look nice that cricket goes on while the country is at war.”

Operation Sindoor and National Unity

The Board, while assuring solidarity with the Indian government and armed forces, recognized the continuing military operation against the aggression of Pakistan. “The Board salutes the valour, courage, and unselfish service of our armed forces, whose magnificent efforts under Operation Sindoor continue to safeguard and inspire the nation,” the statement further added.

This powerful display of solidarity was not confined to the BCCI alone. Broadcaster Jiostar, title sponsor TATA, and other stakeholders also used the same words, reiterating the faith that cricket can take a backseat when national security is concerned.

Players Sent Home, Public Figures React

In the meantime, players from teams like Lucknow Super Giants, who were meant to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, were observed returning home. The suspension not only derailed team operations but also placed a cloud of uncertainty regarding the schedule and future venues of the tournament.

Influential Indian players like Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, and Suryakumar Yadav used social media to put across their sentiments, highlighting the psychological burden of the decision on the cricket fraternity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

I can’t even comprehend what our families at the borders are going through right now. I stand with my people and I empathise with the families at the borders. India stands united not in hate, but in unwavering belief that justice must prevail. We are a nation that cherishes…

— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 9, 2025

BCCI Didn’t Pressure Rohit Sharma to Retire from Tests, Says Rajeev Shukla

May 9, 2025, 1:05 am

Neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor the choice committee was involved in Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement. It was entirely his personal decision, asserted BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla.

Rohit Sharma had announced his retirement on Wednesday prior to the five-match Test series in England that starts on June 20, further stating that he would remain available for the ODIs the only cricketing format since he had already declared his retirement from T20Is after guiding India to last year’s World Cup.

No Pressure from BCCI says Rajiv Shukla

Rajiv Shukla maintained that BCCI did not pressure Rohit to retire from Test cricket. “As far as Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket is concerned, he has made his own decision.

“It is our policy that the players who take the decision of retirement we do not put any pressure on them, nor do we suggest anything, nor do we say anything,” Shukla told PTI Videos.

Shukla Hails Rohit’s Contribution

Rohit Sharma is a proven white-ball master, but could not carry that form to the 67 Tests he appeared in. Shukla asserted his input to the five-day game was huge.

“The more we praise him, the less it is. He is a great batsman. The good thing is that he has not yet decided to retire from cricket (will play only ODIs). So we will definitely take advantage of his experience and talent,” said Shukla.

Rohit Sharma’s Record as Test Batter

Rohit’s home Test record is good, with 2,535 runs scored in 34 Tests at 51.73, with 10 hundreds and eight fifties in 55 innings, with a best of 212.

Away from home, with two ICC World Test Championship final matches played at neutral grounds in UK, Rohit’s lackluster record stands at 1,766 runs in 33 Tests and 61 innings at 30.98 average. He has just two away centuries and 10 fifties with a highest score of 127.

His top performance as an overseas batsman is in the West Indies, where he has scored 290 runs in four Tests and five innings at 58.00, a century and two half-centuries.

Vande Bharat Deployed to Evacuate PBKS, DC Squads After IPL Match Called Off | Watch

May 9, 2025, 12:48 am

In the wake of tensions with Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) quickly canceled the IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on May 7 in Dharamshala. The move came after repeated cross-border attacks by Pakistan, including drone attacks and missile launches in northern India, which also hit Jammu and Punjab.

“Very very scary” – Cheer leader’s SHOCKING video from Punjab Kings Vs Delhi Capitals IPL match in Dharamshala. pic.twitter.com/S830aDKer3

— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) May 8, 2025

The game was suspended during the 11th over of Punjab Kings’ innings when one of the floodlight towers at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium suddenly lost power. Fans initially thought it was a technical malfunction, but two other towers went dark immediately afterward, leaving the stadium dark and forcing officials to clear the stands.

#WATCH | Dharamshala: Sudhir, a cricket fan says, “The match has been called off because of security reasons. What do we have to be afraid of? We are in our country. If anyone, it should be Pakistan who should be afraid. Bharat Mata ki Jai.” https://t.co/N3YDWolW07 pic.twitter.com/QjiNCQn9sZ

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025

Emergency Evacuation via Vande Bharat

In a swift action, the BCCI organized a special Vande Bharat train to carry both teams, support staff, and match officials from Una station to Delhi. The priority movement secures the safe departure of everyone from Dharamshala in the face of unstable regional security situations.

IPL Chairman requesting fans to leave the Dharamshala Stadium. pic.twitter.com/NhX03h0Ys3

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 8, 2025

“Today’s situation is not safe, and hence we cancelled the match for today, not only in Dharamsala, but because tensions from the neighboring country have escalated,” said BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia to India Today. “Our concern is to ensure the security of players, fans, and support staff. We will act in the best interests of the concerned nations. We are keeping a close watch on the situation and will take further decisions accordingly.”

India Reacts to Provocations

The cancellation is in tandem with India’s air defense systems intercepting rockets launched from across the border, shooting down several drones and one Pakistan F-16 jet. Particularly, drones were neutralized at Udhampur, Jaisalmer, and Poonch, two among them being Kamikaze drones.

With the security of civilians and players in jeopardy, cricket was put on the back burner as the BCCI, armed forces, and civil authorities worked together to prevent further danger.

Operation Sindoor Impacts IPL 2025: Airport Closures Disrupt Team Travel to Dharamsala

May 7, 2025, 1:52 pm

The effects of India’s pre-dawn retaliatory air strikes during Operation Sindoor are now carrying over into the sporting arena, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) encountering logistical challenges as a result of airspace shutdowns. Following precision air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, various major airports along the India-Pakistan border have been temporarily closed, taking a severe toll on flight operations.

Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot’s airports will remain shut until May 10 at 5:30 am IST, disrupting services of airlines as well as their customers. Numerous airlines have gone into advisories and suspended their services due to the fast-paced nature of geopolitical changes.

Dharamsala-based IPL Teams Encounter Serious Travel Issues

The schedule of these shutdowns is particularly inconvenient for IPL teams. With two matches lined up in Dharamsala this week, Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Mumbai Indians’ (MI) travel itineraries are now badly hit. While PBKS and DC are already there for their May 8 match, Mumbai Indians, under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, are to take off later this week for their May 11 match.

The airspace closure has effectively severed the most convenient access routes to Dharamsala. With even Chandigarh and Amritsar airports closed, squads could be compelled to fly into Delhi and cover a long road journey — no easy feat given the congested IPL schedule.

BCCI Keeping Close Watch

“We will have to wait and watch for now. There is no choice because even the Chandigarh airport is closed, so we have to find out what can be done. Two teams are already present, and MI is to come later this week for their game on May 11. The closest choice is the Delhi airport, but that would involve a long road trip for the teams. We are tracking government advisories and will take the call as necessary,” said a senior BCCI official.

While PBKS and DC have not received any fresh communication from the Indian cricket board, MI’s travel arrangements could likely be modified. Although there’s no official confirmation yet on flight cancellations, that possibility looms large if the shutdown persists.

While the country struggles to come to terms with the fallout from a high-risk military intervention, even the IPL — typically sheltered from political shocks — is now having to adjust.

BCCI in Court After IPL Robotic Dog Named ‘Champak’ Sparks Controversy

May 1, 2025, 4:40 pm

The Delhi High Court has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to respond to a plea filed by the publishers of the popular children’s comic book Champak, alleging trademark infringement over the naming of the IPL’s AI robot dog “Champak”. Justice Saurabh Banerjee, hearing the case, noted that the Champak brand name was decades old, and he asked the BCCI and the Indian Premier League (IPL) to submit written statements in reply within four weeks. The case will be heard again on July 9, 2025.

Champak Publishers Seek Protection Against IPL’s Robotic Dog Naming

Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Pvt Ltd, the owner of Champak, approached the court after the IPL introduced an AI-created robotic dog with the name “Champak” during a match. The introduction of the robotic dog on April 20, 2025, created a controversy with the publishers claiming that it is an infringement of their trademark because Champak is an internationally recognized children’s magazine. The Champak magazine has been on the stands since 1968 and is a recognized brand in India.

Plaintiff’s advocate Amit Gupta argued that the application of the name “Champak” to an entertainment feature of the IPL, a high-profile tournament telecast to more than 200 million viewers, had caused irreparable damage to their well-established trademark. Gupta contended that the use of the name for the robot dog watered down the brand’s uniqueness and spoiled its goodwill. He asserted, “This constitutes dilution by way of tarnishment, causing injury to the distinctiveness and positive public perception painstakingly built by the plaintiff over decades.”

IPL’s Robotic Dog Sparks Public Outrage

The publishers’ plea also mentioned that the choice of the name for the robotic dog was based on a social media poll, where the name “Champak” was favored immensely because of the brand’s recognition and goodwill. The publishers claimed that the continuous promotion of the name through various media platforms, such as news channels and social media, was aggravating the harm caused to their trademark. In doing so, they also sought an injunction restraining future use of the name and prayed for Rs 2 crore damages for the erosion of distinctiveness of their brand, goodwill, reputation, as well as injury due to trademark dilution.

BCCI Resists Trademark Infringement Petition

In the court hearings, senior lawyer J Sai Deepak, appearing for the BCCI, argued against the plea. He claimed that the term “Champak” was also the name of a flower and that the public would most probably connect the robotic dog with a character from a well-known TV show rather than the Champak magazine. Deepak further said, “Champak” as a name does not exclusively connote the plaintiff’s brand.

The case also raised an interesting point of contention when the court observed that the publishers have not taken any action against Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, whose nickname “Cheeku” is named after a Champak character. Justice Banerjee said, “When did you know about it? It is one of the characteristics of Champak. But you did not act against him, you have not taken any action against him.”

To this, the legal representative of Champak explained that Champak character names were informally used as nicknames, but that the matter at hand was one of the IPL’s commercial exploitation of their registered trademark. Gupta stressed, “Today my issue is the use of the word Champak, which is my registered trademark.”

Trademark Infringement and Its Impact on Well-Known Brands

The lawyers of the publishers then went on to state that the use of the name “Champak” for the robot dog by IPL was a conscious effort to utilize the established goodwill of the Champak brand for commercial gains. Since IPL matches receive huge viewership and social media platforms have such a broad reach, the plaintiffs are of the opinion that this usage constitutes an infringement of their intellectual property rights. They have called upon the court to take legal action against the IPL and BCCI in order to prevent their brand’s reputation and goodwill from suffering any more harm.

What’s Next for the Trademark Infringement Case on BCCI?

With the next hearing on July 9, 2025, the case continues to develop with implications for the resolution of trademark disputes in the entertainment and sports industries. As both sides prepare for additional legal action, the decision in this case could establish a major precedent for trademark protection in the era of digital media and commercial alliances between sports leagues and entertainment venues.

Towhid Hridoy Ban for Four Matches After Repeated Code Violations

April 28, 2025, 10:28 am

Four-match ban on Towhid Hridoy has spotlighted Bangladesh cricket’s disciplinary difficulties yet again. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced on April 27 that Hridoy, who is leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in the current Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL), will be suspended with immediate effect. The move comes after repeated breaches of the BCB Code of Conduct, highlighting an issue of concern concerning player behavior and administrative management.

Ongoing Offenses Sully Reputation of Towhid Hridoy

On April 26, during the match between DPDCL and Gazi Group Cricketers at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Towhid Hridoy protested after getting dismissed. By on-field umpires Moniruzzaman Tinku and Ali Arman Rajon, third umpire Muhammad Kamruzzaman, and fourth official ATM Ikram, Hridoy remained at the crease protesting rather than departing. Even though he was informed in advance, Hridoy missed the disciplinary hearing, prompting the Match Referee Akhtar Ahmad to fine him Taka 10,000 and award an additional demerit point.

Hridoy had received a one-match suspension, which was subsequently suspended in the face of player opposition. But the current outburst of his offers no scope for clemency. With eight demerit points carried on his account—seven for prior indiscretions—he now risks automatic suspension of four matches by Clause 5.2.6 of the DPDCL 2024-25 Code of Conduct.

Leniency of BCB In the Dock

The BCB’s initial decision to put off Hridoy’s ban now seems to have boomeranged. Rather than taming indiscipline, it potentially encouraged repeated offences. Questions are now being raised over whether the cricket board’s disciplinary system is stringent enough to uphold the standards warranted at the professional level. Most former players and commentators feel that sterner, more uniform sanctions are the need of the hour to set a clear-cut example for up-and-coming cricketers.

A Wake-Up Call for Bangladesh Cricket

Hridoy’s suspension not only affects Mohammedan Sporting Club’s campaign but also serves as a stern warning across the domestic cricketing scene. As Bangladesh hopes for more on the international front, professionalism, discipline, and respect for the officials must become the non-negotiable norms. The BCB needs to make sure the players know what the consequences are of misconduct if it wants to establish a sustainable and respected culture of cricket.

‘Terrorism Cannot Be Tolerated’: Sourav Ganguly Calls for Cutting Cricket Ties with Pakistan

April 26, 2025, 11:26 am

Ex-India skipper Sourav Ganguly has once again brought up the topic of India Pakistan cricket relations. After the Pahalgam terror attack, Ganguly demanded severing all cricketing relations with Pakistan saying ‘Terrorism Cannot Be Tolerated’. On Tuesday, at least 26 individuals were killed in a heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Sourav Ganguly’s statement followed Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami suggesting the same.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reaffirmed it would adhere to the foreign policy of the Indian government. The board also quashed reports it had requested that the ICC segregate India and Pakistan in coming tournaments. However, Sourav Ganguly remains adamant more action is necessary.

“Terrorism Cannot Be Tolerated,” Says Ganguly

Speaking on Friday, Sourav Ganguly delivered a clear message: India needs to stand firm. “100 per cent, this should be done,” he replied when asked whether they would cut ties. “Strict action is needed. It is no joke that such things occur every year. Terrorism cannot be accepted.”

#PahalgamTerroristAttack | Kolkata, West Bengal: Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly says, “100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated.” pic.twitter.com/J4v4HX3TZJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2025

Sourav Ganguly’s remarks mirror public opinion that intensifies with each border attack. He feels sporting relations with Pakistan convey the wrong message at such times.

BCCI Stands Firm, Treads Government Line

The BCCI so far has not made independent steps. Officials confirmed that they would adhere to the central government’s directive. There has been no bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2012. They have only competed against each other in international tournaments under ICC or ACC.

Additionally, BCCI vehemently denied requesting the ICC to keep India and Pakistan in different groups. The board explained that it has not made any such segregation requests prior to future ICC events.

Symbolic or Strategic Step?

Sourav Ganguly’s observation lends credence to the expanding chorus against playing Pakistan on the cricket pitch. Critics say that sports and politics must be kept apart. Nonetheless, in India’s context, cricket is something more than sport—it is national sentiment.

The break would perhaps not end terror. But Ganguly, Goswami, and countless other citizens believe that it would drive home a telling point: sporting diplomacy can always take a second seat to national security.

India Pakistan Cricket

With elections and diplomatic pressure increasing, the impulse to shun Pakistan in international arenas—including cricket—will gain strength. Ganguly’s aggressive statement lends moral force to that cause.

At present, BCCI will await the call of the government. But the intensifying public and political pressure might soon compel an unequivocal ruling on the future of India Pakistan cricket relations.

‘No Bilaterals with Pakistan’: BCCI VP Shukla Stands Firm Amid Rising Tensions

April 24, 2025, 2:45 pm

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in which at least 26 people were killed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reaffirmed its stand of not taking part in any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan. The declaration was made by BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla, who made it clear that although India will continue to boycott bilateral matches, involvement in ICC events is based on international commitments.

India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13, their cricketing match-ups restricted to international ICC tournaments. Their latest confrontation was witnessed in February when the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was played in Dubai. India had been adamant on not going to Pakistan for the tournament, and it was only because of this that the ICC introduced a hybrid model, where India played all their matches in Dubai.

‘No Bilateral Cricket With Pakistan’: Rajiv Shukla

In an interview with Sports Tak, Rajiv Shukla made India’s stance and support for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack clear.

“We are with the victims and we condemn it. Whatever our government will say, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to ICC event we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware whatever is happening they will to it,” he maintained.

The remarks were made in reaction to popular demands and growing national sentiment against any sporting relationship with Pakistan after the horrific attack.

BCCI Secretary Deplores ‘Cowardly’ Attack

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia seconded the sentiment, strongly denouncing the attack and voicing the cricket board’s solidarity with the victims.

“The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in the gruesome terror attack at Pahalgam yesterday. On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy,” Saikia said.

Ex-Cricketer Demands Total Boycott

Ex-Bengal and KKR cricketer Shreevats Goswami also added his voice to the chorus, calling for a total boycott of Pakistan in international cricket. He put up an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “SAY NO TO CRICKET ! And this is exactly why I say – you don’t play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Not ever. When BCCI or the government refused to send India to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some had the audacity to say, ‘Oh, but sport should rise above politics.’ Really? Because from where I stand, murdering innocent Indians seems to be their national sport. And if that’s how they play – then it’s time we respond in a language they truly understand. Not with bats and balls. But with resolve. With dignity. With zero tolerance.”

ENOUGH!!!! pic.twitter.com/1fF6XUhgng

— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) April 22, 2025

Goswami, having recently traveled to Pahalgam for the Legends League, reminisced over the tragic upturn of peace in the region.

“I’m furious. I’m devastated. Just a few months ago, I was in Kashmir for the Legends League – I walked through Pahalgam, met the locals, saw hope returning to their eyes. It felt like peace had finally found its way back. And now… this bloodshed again. It breaks something inside you,” he wrote.

While the nation mourns, India’s cricket establishment is unyielding in its stance, both in consonance with the government’s policy and in larger calls for national unity.

BCCI Drops a Bombshell with 2024-25 Central Contracts — Some Returns Raise Eyebrows

April 21, 2025, 3:16 pm

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared its central contracts for the year 2024–25, with significant returns and first-time inclusions. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who were left out last year because of disciplinary reasons, have returned.

Only four players have been named in the elite A+ category — Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite retiring from T20 Internationals, the trio of Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja retained their positions in the top bracket, which offers an annual salary of ₹7 crore.

Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan Back on BCCI’s Radar

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were omitted from the 2023–24 contract list due to disciplinary problems. But Iyer’s good form, particularly in India’s Champions Trophy victory campaign, helped him to find a spot in the Grade B category (₹3 crore). Kishan, coming in good form in the current IPL 2025, came back in the Grade C segment (₹1 crore).

? ???? ?

BCCI announces annual player retainership 2024-25 – Team India (Senior Men)#TeamIndia

Details ?https://t.co/lMjl2Ici3P pic.twitter.com/CsJHaLSeho

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 21, 2025

Rishabh Pant Promoted, New Faces Get Maiden Contracts

BCCI has upgraded wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to Grade A, earning him a ₹5 crore annual salary. Emerging stars such as Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Abhishek Sharma have received their first BCCI contracts under Grade C.

Central Contracts List 2024-25

Grade A+ (₹7 crore):

Rohit Sharma
Virat Kohli
Jasprit Bumrah
Ravindra Jadeja

Grade A (₹5 crore):

Siraj
KL Rahul
Shubman Gill
Hardik Pandya
Shami
Rishabh Pant

Grade B (₹3 crore):

Suryakumar Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav
Axar Patel
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shreyas Iyer

Grade C (₹1 crore):

Rinku Singh, Tilak Verma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana

The system of central contracts still gives back rewards for performances and consistency in all formats, and also provides a platform to fresh talent to flourish.

Abhishek Nayar Removed as India Assistant Coach by BCCI

April 18, 2025, 8:33 am

The BCCI has ended the contract of Abhishek Nayar, less than a year since he was hired as the assistant coach of the India men’s national team.

Exit of Abhishek Nayar After Test Cricket Review

Last July’s appointee Nayar became the first major victim of the review conducted by the BCCI to evaluate India’s dismal record in Test cricket towards the latter part of last year, which started with the 3-0 home series loss against New Zealand and was followed by the 3-1 series loss in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Shortly after India’s return from Australia, the BCCI held a comprehensive review meeting in consultation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir. Also attending that first review meeting held in Mumbai were India Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, selectors’ chairman Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

Gambhir’s Role in Appointment of Abhishek Nayar

Nayar, an accomplished allrounder with Mumbai and three-time ODI player for India, was specifically chosen by Gambhir for the role after the latter was made head coach. While Gambhir was offered a three-year contract – until the 2027 ODI World Cup – Nayar’s stay could not be determined.

Gambhir and Nayar collaborated for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024 and were the architects of the franchise winning their third IPL championship, the first in a decade. Though Nayar has not coached in the domestic league, he has been one-on-one coach to various international and uncapped Indian cricketers such as Rohit, Dinesh Karthik, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

KL Rahul’s Praise for Abhishek Nayar

KL Rahul also recently attributed his white-ball success to Nayar, stating, “Big shoutout to Abhishek Nayar. I’ve worked a lot with him ever since he’s come into the Indian team.”

Questions were raised about Nayar’s future towards the end of January when the BCCI appointed former Saurashtra batsman Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach for the upcoming white-ball home series against England. Kotak and Nayar, along with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip, had also gone to the Champions Trophy as part of Gambhir’s support staff.

Adrian Le Roux to Join as Trainer

Adrian Le Roux, who worked with the India men’s team as a trainer for a year in the early 2000s, is set to join in the same position. It is understood that Le Roux, who is currently with Punjab Kings in the IPL, has accepted the offer the BCCI made recently. Le Roux is set to replace Soham Desai, who has been the strength and conditioning coach for India since 2019.

After his stint as consultant for India during the tour of South Africa in 2001-02, Le Roux signed a one-year contract to be trainer for India, and that continued up to the World Cup in 2003. He then rejected the one-year extension offered by the BCCI, terming it “a personal decision” to remain in South Africa ahead of joining the South Africa men’s team as a trainer. Le Roux also teamed up with Andrew Leipus, who was India’s physiotherapist at that time, and the two of them made a huge impact on the fitness level of players.

Shreyas Iyer Set to Return to BCCI Central Contract

April 17, 2025, 9:00 am

The Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah trio are all set to remain in their A+ grade in the BCCI central contract list, as per a report published in Sports Tak. The BCCI is said to release the final list of the central contracts in the last week of this week. With players like Shreyas Iyer making a comeback but a few names are likely to be added on to the list subsequent to the five-Test series against England.

Shreyas Iyer Set to Return to Central Contract

The report also asserted that Shreyas Iyer will be back in the central contract list following the superb performance in the Champions Trophy 2025. Ishan Kishan, however, might not receive the central contract even after some good performances in domestic cricket.

“We have almost finalised the new contract for players in all categories, and it will be issued in the public domain soon in a day or two,” a top source from BCCI told Sports Tak on the condition of anonymity.

“After the England tour, a new contract will be formalised, keeping in mind the recent performance of the player’s,” the source added.

“It’s likely to be the same, and a few new arrivals may be added on a later date. The source added that the coach and selectors have given their opinion, and we will close it soon,” the source also said.

Rohit Sharma Optimistic Ahead of England Series

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was optimistic regarding having a fully healthy team in front of the five-match Test series against England.

Addressing the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Rohit stressed how crucial it is for player fitness in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“We need some of these guys to be 100 per cent fit. We just have to make sure they come out of the IPL really well. This is the most challenging one I know it’s only four overs, but you play today, you travel tomorrow, and then you play again. That’s the tough part, because you’re travelling all across the country and playing so many games,” Rohit said, given the demanding schedule of the IPL.

Rohit Sharma’s Focus on Key Players’ Fitness

He notably touched upon the significance of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami remaining injury-free, stating that a fully fit team would provide India a good chance of success in the series.

“I hope that these two guys, along with the others, finish the IPL without any concerns. If we have a fully fit team going to England, we’ll have a great series there,” said Rohit.

What Does a BCCI Central Contract Offer? Salary, Grades & Perks

April 3, 2025, 12:31 pm

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will declare its retainership for the year in April. There are some major changes lined up in the new contracts, with the return of Shreyas Iyer being one of them. The captain of the Punjab Kings was left out of the list last year following several controversies but is likely to be included after a dramatic domestic and international season.

Shreyas Iyer was among India’s perennial performers in the Champions Trophy 2025. He made decisive knocks throughout the tournament in guiding India to successive 50-over ICC titles. But first, what are the BCCI annual retainerships and how does it operate?

BCCI central contracts represent an every year retainership system classifying and incentivizing senior male cricketers with respect to performance and commitment towards the Indian cricketing space. The individuals are classified in the four grades of A+, A, B, and C. In 30 athletes in all, were conferred central contracts last year by the Indian board.

The BCCI contract players are provided for by the board. For instance, any player on a central contract can have their recovery done at the National Cricket Academy without cost. They are also provided with travel allowances and the benefit of the state-of-the-art training facility at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The core contract is awarded to players who have either played 3 Test matches or 8 ODIs or 10 T20Is. Meeting any of the conditions makes you a retainership eligible.

How Much Money do BCCI Centrally Contracted Players Make?

A+: Rs. 7 crore

A:Rs. 5 crore

B: Rs. 3 crore

C:Rs. 1 crore

Fees structure for Team India Players

Test: Rs. 15 lakh

ODI: Rs. 6 lakh

T20I: Rs. 3 lakh

BCCI Contracts for 2023-24 Season

Grade A+: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja.

Grade A: R Ashwin, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya.

Grade B: Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Grade C: Rinku Singh, Tilak Verma, Ruturaj Gaekwad, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, KS Bharat, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan and Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel.

Sharmila Tagore Reacts to BCCI Retiring the Pataudi Trophy

April 3, 2025, 10:21 am

Sharmila Tagore has broken her silence on BCCI retiring the Pataudi Trophy named after Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi while speaking to a media outlet.

The veteran actress said, “If the BCCI wants to or does not want to remember Tiger’s legacy, it is for them to decide.”

Sharmila Tagore on Her Inter-Faith Marriage

Sharmila Tagore was married to ace cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and in an interview with Simi Grewal on her talk show, she spoke about her inter-faith marriage. The actress had embraced Islam, adopting the name Ayesha.

Tagore said, “It wasn’t easy nor was it very difficult. It had to be faced and understood. You couldn’t be very flippant about it. Before that, I wasn’t terribly religious. Now, I think I know more about Hinduism and Islam.”

When asked about her name Ayesha, Mansoor said that he suggested the name.

Meeting Her Mother-in-Law

She then spoke about her mother-in-law, Nawab Begum of Bhopal, and said, “The first time I met Amma, I was, of course, very nervous. She asked what do you think about my son? I said I like him and she said then what do you intend to do? And I said I don’t know yet I just met him, I am very fond of him and at this point you have known him for longer.”

Signing Films for Various Reasons

In a recent interview with India Today, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore spoke about how actors did films in their careers for money, to pay rent, or even help a colleague.

She said, “Well, we as professionals, sometimes we sign a film for money, just to pay the rent. Sometimes we help a colleague or somebody who thinks if I’m in the project, the project will do well. So I’ve made films for many reasons.”

WPL Growth Strong, But No Plans for Expansion Yet: Arun Dhumal

March 27, 2025, 10:35 am

Women’s Premier League (WPL) has seen huge growth over the last three years, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not looking to expand the current five teams anytime soon, according to IPL chairman and member of the WPL committee Arun Dhumal.

The WPL committee, headed by BCCI president Roger Binny, had originally wanted to expand the league after three seasons. But the board now wishes to strengthen and consolidate the tournament before increasing new teams.

“To further strengthen this tournament for the present, we wish to consolidate first before we decide on the further addition of any team. There are no plans (to add teams) in the immediate future,” said Dhumal to PTI.

Despite this, Dhumal was content with the growth of WPL at a rapid pace.

“So, in three editions, WPL has phenomenally grown in terms of traction for in-stadium turnout. All the broadcast figures are very, very encouraging. It has also given new momentum to women’s cricket across the world.

“So, we are hoping this keeps growing. And this bodes very well for not just the tournament but women’s cricket as a whole,” he added.

WPL Still to Have Home-and-Away Format

Contrary to the Indian Premier League (IPL), the WPL is yet to have a home-and-away format. Rather, the BCCI has held matches at designated grounds, such as Baroda, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The most recent edition ended on March 15, with Mumbai Indians claiming their second title in three years by beating Delhi Capitals in the final.

WPL’s Financial Success

The BCCI earned Rs 4670 crore through the auction of the five Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, UP, and Gujarat teams. The media rights were also auctioned for Rs 951 crore, making WPL the world’s second-largest women’s league even before the first ball was bowled.

Crowd Turnout and Future Prospects

During the 2024 season, decent crowd turnout was witnessed, testifying to the increasing popularity of the league. Nevertheless, the main aim is to promote women’s cricket in India and find new talent. Although there is room for further improvement, the WPL still proves to be a game-changer for women’s cricket on both the national and international fronts.

BCCI Shortlists Five Venues for Women’s World Cup 2025, Here’s the List

March 22, 2025, 8:08 pm

India will be hosting the subsequent two major events of the International Cricket Council (ICC), beginning with the Women’s World Cup 2025 and followed by the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted with Sri Lanka. With India ready to stage these international events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in the dock regarding the choice of venues.

Five Venues For Women’s World Cup 2025

The Women’s World Cup 2025, which is set to take place in September, has five venues shortlisted by Sportstar. The tournament’s opening ceremony and inaugural match will be held in Visakhapatnam, whereas Mullanpur, Indore, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati will be the other host cities.

The final is likely to be held in Indore or Guwahati. Interestingly, none of these cities hosted any match during the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, although Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati hosted warm-up matches.

The report also points out that Mumbai and Vadodara were initially in the running but were eliminated because of fears about the monsoon season impacting matches. The BCCI decided on a five-venue format to simplify logistics. These venue choices have been forwarded to the ICC for approval, and once that is done, an official confirmation and site visits will be conducted.

This is India’s first time in 12 years hosting the Women’s World Cup, with the previous instance being in 2013 when there were matches in Mumbai and Cuttack.

Indian men’s cricket team, however, is not short of work as it will host West Indies and South Africa. West Indies will play two Tests against India, whereas South Africa will tour for two Tests, three T20Is, and five ODIs. It is reported that at a BCCI apex council meeting, conducted prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener, it was agreed that Guwahati will host a Test match for the first time when India plays South Africa. Delhi will host the series opener and Mohali and Kolkata will host the red-ball matches against West Indies.