Cricket News

Bhuvneshwar's return opens the door: Is Shami next in India's plans?

Can Mohammed Shami emulate Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make an India comeback? The question has been ringing across the country's cricketing landscape since Bhuvneshwar's return to India squad after a four-year hiatus, for the away T20I series against New Zealand. But the situation is far too complex once the layer of hope is peeled off. There was a huge outcry to call the Bhuvneshwar back once he grabbed 45 wickets from 30 IPL matches in 2025 and 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. But Shami has largely remained a forgotten figure in the last two seasons of IPL, taking just 18 wickets from 22 matches at an average economy rate of 10. In theory, Bhuvneshwar, who bowls at a gentle pace on flat decks, has less chance than Shami to succeed in T20s. However, the Meerut pacer tides over the lack of pace with his ability to prodigiously swing the new ball in the Power Play, and endless variations -- from an accurate yorker to a befuddling slow bouncer -- in the death overs. RCB assistant c

BCCI applauds Agarkar for his contribution and conviction as chief selector

The Board of Control for Cricket in India lauded outgoing chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar for showing commitment, conviction and contribution in his role over the last three years. Agarkar's tenure ended last month and the BCCI on Tuesday invited applications to fill the vacant post. This was after weeks of speculation over whether he would be considered for an extension. "A tenure marked by some truly special moments for Indian cricket - three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games Gold medals, along with a run to the 2023 ODI World Cup final," the BCCI posted on its official X account. "Thank you, Mr Ajit Agarkar for your commitment, conviction and contribution as Chairman of the Men's Selection Committee. Wishing you the very best for the journey ahead," the country's apex cricket governing body added. India won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup, along with the 2025 Champions Trophy during Agarkar's tenure, during which he handled a transition that invol

Eight teams, six-week window: PSL 12 set to run from March 18 to May 2

The 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League will be held from March 18 to May 2 next year, with the tournament retaining its expanded eight-team format for a second successive season. The dates were finalised at the PSL Governing Council meeting in London on September 1, attended by owners and representatives of all eight franchises. The eight-team format was introduced in PSL 11, which also marked the league's first players' auction, replacing the draft system. The final at Gaddafi Stadium drew 32,461 spectators, with Peshawar Zalmi ending a nine-year wait for the title by beating Hyderabad Kingsmen in May. The announcement of the dates will now set the ball rolling for a series of key events, including direct signings, retention announcements, the trade window and the players' auction. "PSL 11 showed the world what this league is capable of -- thrilling moments that had the whole nation transfixed, record crowds, record broadcasts. PSL 12 will raise the bar further," said Paki

SA20 2027 auction: JSK ropes in Kieron Pollard; Rowles most expensive buy

A total of 19 players went under the hammer, with JSK and MICT signing six players each, followed by PC with five and SEC with two

Gambhir praises Agarkar as his stint as BCCI chief selector comes to an end

Gambhir paid tribute to Agarkar in a post on social media platform X, describing it as an "absolute honour" to work with the former India pacer

BCCI names Smriti Mandhana new captain of India women's cricket team

Senior opener Smriti Mandhana was on Tuesday appointed captain of the Indian women's cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from the role. Harmanpreet announced her decision to step down as India captain in a social media post, following a review meeting with the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, women's team head coach Amol Muzumdar, and Mandhana in Guwahati on Monday. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announces the appointment of Smriti Mandhana as the captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team," the BCCI said on their website. "Smriti has been one of the leading figures in Indian women's cricket over the years and has played a key role in the team's progress across formats. An experienced international cricketer, she has also demonstrated her leadership qualities in domestic and franchise cricket, most recently leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women's Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026." "Having been part of the Indian team since 2013, Smriti

Jaiswal, Rahul among 11 Test stars selected for India A Tests sqaud vs NZ

Senior team vice-captain KL Rahul, his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, one down batter Devdutt Padikkal are among 11 Test players picked in the 15-member India A squad that will play three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A starting October 24. However, the short BCCI press release didn't clarify how many of the three 'Tests' would the likes of Rahul, Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, who are also part of the Indian ODI set-up, play in New Zealand. The first 'Test' will be played from October 24 to 28 in Lincoln followed by the second game in Christchurch starting October 31-November 3. The last 'Test', again in Lincoln, will be held from November 7-10. Now the first three ODI matches against New Zealand will be held on November 4, 7 and 10. So it is nearly impossible for Rahul, Washington and Jaiswal to be available for all the 'A' Tests. The squad also features Rishabh Pant, whose participation is subject to fitness, along with his Test understudy Dhruv Jurel, reserve opener Sai

Dreams do come true, says Iyer after maiden T20I century vs West Indies

Shreyas Iyer overcame fatigue and jet lag to score his maiden T20I hundred and said he did not want to use the travel exertions as an excuse, terming his match-winning knock that gave India a dominant eight-wicket win over West Indies a dream come true. Iyer and his teammates had returned from Japan following their Asian Games gold-medal triumph ahead of the five-match T20I series against West Indies, but the long travel did little to affect their performance in the opening game. "After the exhausting travel, didn't realise where I was. Everyday I need to wake up like this! Bowling first helped us a lot. We just didn't look at jetlag as an excuse. "We saw the excitement of India vs West Indies in the ODIs and how amazing that was. It was important to stick to the process. Exultant! Was thinking about my first century and dreams do come true." Sent in to bat, West Indies were all out for 171, a total easily overhauled by India in 14.4 overs, riding on skipper Iyer's unbeaten 102, to

IND vs WI: Iyer-Naman shine as India edge past West Indies in 1st T20I

Skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a maiden T20I century after all-rounder Naman Dhir made a dream debut with three wickets as India comfortably defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the first match here on Tuesday. Dhir picked up three wickets with his off-spin to finish with impressive figures of 3/31, while Kuldeep Yadav took 2/33 as India, after opting to bowl, restricted West Indies to 171. Iyer (102 not out) and Ishan Kishan (37 not out) then made short work of the chase, stitching together an unbeaten 137-run partnership for the third wicket to help India chase down the target in 14.4 overs. Chasing the total, India didn't have the best of starts as they lost both openers Abhishek Sharma (21) and Sanju Samson (11) inside four overs with the scoreboard reading 35. Roston Chase picked up Abhishek in the third over, with Shimron Hetmyer taking a brilliant diving catch while running in from long-off. An over later, Sanju Samson departed, extending his lean patch sin

Naman Dhir awaits batting opportunity after impressive bowling debut vs WI

India all-rounder Naman Dhir, who made a dream debut in the first T20 International against the West Indies, was happy to contribute with his bowling, though he is still "awaiting an opportunity" with the bat, which remains his primary strength. On his T20I debut, Naman returned impressive figures of 3 for 31 with his off-spin bowling to help India bundle out West Indies for 171 - a target India chased down in 14.4 overs, riding on skipper Shreyas Iyer's maiden T20I ton (102 not out off 43 balls). "I am still waiting for my chance in batting, and I will be happy if get a chance with the bat. But I am happy that I could contribute with the ball and the team won," Naman said at the post-match press conference here on Tuesday. Naman said the pitch at the Ekana stadium ensured that one bowled a bit slower as far as the spinners were concerned. "Obviously the first wicket which I got today was an achievement for me, but at the same time it is all about executing your plans. The wicket .

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make his return after 4 years with New Zealand T20Is

Bhuvneshwar's recall comes after two productive Indian Premier League seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he took 45 wickets and helped his team win back-to-back titles

IND vs WI 1st T20I live streaming: Where to watch today's cricket match?

India vs West Indies 1st T20I begins at 7 pm IST on Tuesday, with the toss at 6:30 pm IST. Fans in India can stream the match on the JioHotstar app and website

India a key market as SA20 looks to widen global audience: COO Lynn Naude

In an interview with Business Standard, SA20 COO Lynn Naude discusses sponsorship renewals, affordable tickets, Indian audiences and why strengthening the existing six franchises remains the priority

End of Era! Harmanpreet Kaur steps down from India women's team captaincy

Indian women's cricket team's long-serving captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Tuesday stepped down from her position in all three formats, saying that she has done her duty as leader and is now "ready to play for the love of the game again." Harmanpreet's announcement came after a BCCI review meeting in Guwahati to evaluate the team's trajectory in the past few months. Chaired by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the meeting was attended by Harmanpreet, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and head coach Amol Muzumdar. The 37-year-old led the Indian T20 side for a decade, taking over the position in 2016, and was elevated to ODI captaincy in 2022 before becoming the all-format leader in 2023. "Today, I step down as captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team across all formats," she posted on her instagram account. "This is not an easy decision. It carries years of memories, emotions, sacrifices, and moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life," Harmanpreet said in a lengthy statement. "N

India vs West Indies 1st T20I: Playing 11, live toss time (IST), streaming

India will look to continue their momentum in T20I cricket as they face West Indies in the first T20I at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow

Just enjoy and give your best: Abhishek to Vaibhav ahead of IND vs WI T20Is

The 26-year-old said he sees it as a responsibility to support younger players, just as senior cricketers and the team management backed him when he was starting out

Hope's 162 powers West Indies to five-wicket win over India in 3rd ODI

Skipper Shai Hope struck a peerless unbeaten 162, stealing the thunder from KL Rahul's classy 129 not out as the West Indies scored a consolation five-wicket win over India in the third and final ODI here on Saturday. India won the series 2-1, courtesy triumphs at Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. Hope's 21st ODI hundred, which came off 143 balls, carried the Windies past India's 351 for seven, which was constructed around Rahul's 87-ball knock. West Indies ended up at 352 for five, their highest successful chase in one-day cricket. Facing a mountain, the West Indies came out with intent, racing to 78 in the powerplay despite losing John Campbell, who was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. Hope was handed a reprieve by Gurnoor Brar and made India pay heavily, bringing up his fifty in just 46 balls. Amir Jangoo then joined him in a fluent partnership, scoring 67 off 56 balls with five fours and a six. His innings ended when he was run out while attempting a second run after a misfield b

Asiad 2026: Gold wasn't on platter, says Samson after India's triumph

Wicketkeeper batter Sanju Samson asserted India did not get the Asian Games gold 'on a platter', and said fielding experienced A-list players helped the team manage the pressures of a high-octane final against Pakistan. India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs to defend their men's cricket gold at the continental showpiece here on Saturday. "We had a very experienced team. That's where the experience of experienced players comes in. We knew how to manage our energy, how to keep ourselves motivated and focused even when practices were not happening and matches were not happening," Samson said after the match. India's decision to bring their regular T20 contingent ensured they had the firepower and composure to handle the occasion. "Bringing the 'A' team really helped, and that's what happened against Pakistan in the final. I think it was a proper game for everyone," he added. India rode on half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma to post a formidable 211 for six be

Archery to Hockey: Full list of India medal winners in Asian Games 2026

India rise to fourth in the Asiad 2026 medal tally after men's hockey gold against Malaysia. India's final medal tally at Asian Games 2026 - Total 85 (21 Gold, 27 Silver, 37 Bronze)

Asian Games 2026 HIGHLIGHTS Day 14: India defends cricket and hockey gold; Aman wins wrestling gold

India added five more gold medals to their tally on day 14 from archery, wrestling, gold, cricket and hockey events. India finished thier Asiad 2026 campaign with 21 gold, 37 silver, and 37 bronze med