Cricket News

Transfers, squad news, series previews and reaction from across international and franchise cricket.

RCB sold for USD 1.78 billion to Aditya Birla–Times Group consortium

In an eye-popping deal, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been sold for USD 1.78 billion (approximately ₹16,600 crore) to a powerful consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group and the Times of India Group, making it one of the most expensive deals in franchise history. cricket. The acquisition also includes participation from global investment firm Blackstone and sports-focused investor Bolt Ventures. The deal involves the complete acquisition of RCB from United…

Mar 25, 2026

Ben Duckett pulls out of IPL 2026, hands Delhi Capitals massive setback

England batter Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the IPL 2026 , opting to prioritise his international career over franchise commitments. Duckett, who was set to represent Delhi Capitals after being picked for ₹2 crore in the 2025 auction, announced his decision on Tuesday. The timing of his withdrawal has come as a major blow to the franchise’s preparations. Duckett’s withdrawal carries serious consequences. As per IPL regulations, overseas…

Mar 24, 2026

"He should be given the captaincy": R Ashwin wants Mumbai Indians to hand the captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that Mumbai Indians should consider handing the captaincy reins to Suryakumar Yadav instead of persisting with Hardik Pandya. When Pandya was appointed MI captain in 2024, replacing the highly successful Rohit Sharma, he was seen as a natural successor. At that point, Pandya also held a leadership role in India’s white-ball setup, serving as vice-captain. Meanwhile, Suryakumar…

Mar 24, 2026

"Unless Cricket Australia signs off on him": Delhi Capitals provides update on Starc's availability

Delhi Capitals are closely monitoring the situation surrounding their marquee player Mitchell Starc , as uncertainty continues to hover over his availability for the upcoming season of IPL. The left-arm pacer has yet to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia. However, the franchise remains optimistic that Starc will join the squad in time for their opening fixture scheduled on April 1. "We are waiting to get the NOC from…

Mar 23, 2026

"Not a fluke": Virat Kohli reflects on RCB's title win in 2025

The IPL 2025 was highly successful for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who won their maiden title, beating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final of the cash-rich league in Ahmedabad. RCB had been chasing the title since the inaugural season back in 2008 before finally claiming the ultimate prize last year. They were runners-up in 2009, 2011 and 2016; however, their relentless determination yielded a positive result last year, with the side racing to the title…

Mar 23, 2026

PCB threatens legal action against players pulling out of PSL

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has taken a firm stance against last-minute withdrawals from the PSL, warning that players who have pulled out of PSL to join IPL could face legal consequences. The clash of schedules has made player availability quite unpredictable, putting franchises in difficult positions just as tournaments get underway. The latest player to opt out of PSL is Dasun Shanaka. He was signed by Lahore Qalandars…

Mar 23, 2026

PSL 2026 to begin behind closed doors

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 is set to commence under unprecedented circumstances, with matches to be played in empty stadiums due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the tournament will proceed, but with major changes to its original plan. Instead of six venues across the country, matches will now be restricted to just two cities – Lahore and Karachi. Adding to the scaled-back nature of this year’s event, the highly…

Mar 22, 2026

Tom Latham ruled out of 4th T20I vs South Africa after thumb injury

New Zealand have suffered a setback ahead of the fourth T20I against South Africa , with Tom Latham ruled out due to a thumb injury picked up in the third match. The development was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on Sunday. In Latham's absence, James Neesham will lead the side. Latham picked up the injury during the third T20I at Eden Park on Friday after being struck on the thumb by South African pacer Nqobani Mokoena. Even…

Mar 22, 2026

Karachi Kings sign Reeza Hendricks for PSL 2026

The Karachi Kings have made a late adjustment to their squad ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season, bringing in South African batter Reeza Hendricks as a replacement for Johnson Charles, who has withdrawn due to personal commitments. It will be Hendricks' second appearance in the PSL, having previously represented the Multan Sultans in 2024. During that campaign, he delivered an impressive run, amassing over…

Mar 22, 2026

"What is Cricket Australia doing?": Ex-Indian cricketer raises questions over Australian players' absence from IPL

With just a week to go before the IPL 2026 begins, several franchises are facing a major headache with the absence of key players, particularly from their overseas contingent. Injuries, workload management, and personal commitments have been the main reasons behind their absence. One of the most significant setbacks has come for SunRisers Hyderabad, who will be without their regular captain, Pat Cummins . His absence forced the franchise to appoint Ishan…

Mar 21, 2026

"The other teams are going to come hard at us": Kohli fires up RCB squad with powerful message ahead of IPL 2026

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru find themselves in a position that once felt almost out of reach—defending champions. Last season, they finally ended a 17-year wait for their maiden title. Now, the team is gearing up to defend the title. During the team’s opening training session at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli delivered a clear and focused message to his teammates, asking them to stay switched on and value…

Mar 21, 2026

"I had lost around 7 kg after my injury": Shreyas Iyer ahead of IPL 2026

After years of inconsistency and underwhelming campaigns, Punjab Kings have finally rediscovered their competitive edge under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. Iyer guided the franchise to the final last season after a long drought, which was no small feat; even if the trophy slipped away in a heartbreaking loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the side showed their resolve by being competitive. Heading into this season, the journey for Shreyas Iyer…

Mar 21, 2026