Tim David will miss Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s opening match of IPL 2027 after being handed a one-game suspension for throwing an ice bag towards umpire Nitin Menon during the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The IPL announced on Monday that David had been fined 50 per cent of his match fee and handed two demerit points for a Level 1 offence. The Australian was found guilty of violating Article 2.9 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with throwing a ball or any other item of cricket equipment at or near a player, team official, umpire, match referee, or any other person in an inappropriate or dangerous manner during a match.

The incident took place in the 10th over of the first innings. According to the IPL, David reacted to the fall of a wicket by throwing an ice bag aggressively in the direction of umpire Nitin Menon. 

David admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath.

While the immediate penalty was a fine and two demerit points, the breach carried greater consequences because it was David’s third Level 1 offence of the season. He had earlier received one demerit point in Match 20 and two more in Match 54.

The latest offense took his tally to five demerit points for the season, triggering an automatic one-match suspension under the IPL’s disciplinary regulations.

As a result, David will miss Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first game of IPL 2027. If he represents another franchise next season, the suspension will instead be served during that team’s opening fixture.

The punishment comes at the end of a successful campaign for both David and RCB, who capped their season by defeating Gujarat Titans in the final. However, the title celebrations have been tempered by disciplinary action against one of the side’s key batters, with David set to begin next season on the sidelines. (India Today)

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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) contest might have been a dead-rubber form the IPL 2026 playoffs qualification standpoint, but it went on to enthral fans in an unexpected way after a personal battle erupted between Virat Kohli and Travis Head. 

The match ended with SRH securing a victory, shortly after which, Kohli turned down Head’s handshake, setting the internet ablaze. While fans could make out that the RCB star wasn’t happy with Head’s antics in the middle, Kohli’s fans decided to drag the SRH batter’s wife Jessica into the matter. 

It isn’t the first time that players’ spouses have had to bear the consequences of what happened on the field. Travis Head’s catch to dismiss Rohit Sharm during India and Australia’s ODI World Cup final in 2023 produced a similar experience for Jessica. The aftermath of the Kohli-Head clash in the IPL 2026 match wasn’t much different for her.

“It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup. I woke up to my socials blasting… we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family,” Jessica said while speaking to Australian media outlet The Advertiser.

“I think across all sports at the moment there’s an important conversation around mental health, perspective and the way we speak to one another. Passion will always be part of sport, but so is remembering there are real people and families behind the game. Hopefully this encourages more kindness and support for one another,” she added.

What Prompted Virat Koli To Snub Travis Head Handshake?

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who was doing commentary during the SRH vs RCB match, revealed that a lot transpired between Kohli and Head while the former was batting. The on-field tussle then led to the snubbed handshake, which could’ve been avoided.

“Yes, I was commentating at that time. Look, Virat also likes to play cricket the way the Australians do. A little banter, a little aggression, a little talk of ‘okay, come and bowl a few deliveries.’ That’s what he was saying: ‘You are not an Impact Player.’ Generally, he is an Impact Player, and he goes off the field. He asked him to bowl, something happened, and he was calling him out as well. Look at what happened after the game-I am not going to talk much about that. 

But what happened on the field is okay, it happens. You want to play aggressively, you want to wear your heart on your sleeve, and that brings a little banter and aggression,” Irfan had said.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad could clash again in IPL 2026 season as both have qualified for the playoffs. (NDTV Sports)

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Television viewership for the Indian Premier League (IPL) has dropped by around 26% during the 2026 season, according to recent audience data reported by Indian media.

Reports citing BARC India and TAM Sports statistics state that IPL television ratings have declined by approximately 18.8%, while average TV viewership has fallen by nearly 26% compared to previous seasons.

Advertiser participation has also reportedly decreased, with the number of brands advertising during IPL broadcasts falling by around 31%.

However, industry reports suggest that digital streaming platforms continue to record strong engagement, indicating a shift in audiences from traditional television to online streaming platforms. (Newswire)

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has taken the cricket world by storm with his scintillating performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to face some legal hurdles with social activist CM Shivakumar Nayak threatening to lodge an FIR against the Governing Council for ‘allegedly’ flouting rules by permitting 15-year-old to play the cash-rich league.

Vaibhav, who plies his trade with Rajasthan Royals had become the youngest ​player, and the fastest by balls faced, to complete 1,000 runs in Twenty20 cricket as en route to smashing a 36-ball century ⁠in the IPL 2026 tie against Sunrisers Hyderabad recently.

He hit 12 sixes ⁠and five boundaries as he completed his ‌second century in the tournament, shortly after reaching 1,000 runs in T20 cricket, having faced just 473 balls in the format. The ⁠century was the third fastest in IPL history, after Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton in 2013 and his own 35-ball hundred last year.

The southpaw has poleaxed some top-of-the-draw bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Josh Hazlewood in IPL 2026. However, Nayak believes he should not be playing cricket and instead focus on studies.

“This 15-year-old boy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Rajasthan Royals is being exploited. This is nothing but child labour. How can they make a minor boy play in such a big league like this?” Nayak said during a televised debate.

He added that Sooryavanshi should be focusing on studies instead. During the debate, he also said that he would be taking legal action against the franchise. 

As per law children below 14 are prohibited from working in most occupations, while adolescents (14-18) can work in non-hazardous sectors under regulated conditions. However, sports activities are exempted from the ambit of the law.

Recently he was accused of using an AI chip to generate more power by Pakistan’s cricket expert Nauman Niaz.

The Rajasthan Royals’ chubby-cheeked batting sensation has literally taken the cricket world by storm that his name has been put in the list of 35 T20 specialists that the national selectors have picked as probable for the T20I leg of the Ireland tour in June-July. (Deccan Herald)

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Riyan Parag came into the spotlight after videos showing him vaping inside the Rajasthan Royals dressing room went viral during their match against the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in New Chandigarh on Tuesday. 

The incident occurred in the 16th over of the second innings when a broadcast camera briefly captured Parag with what looked like a vape. The footage quickly went viral, leading to many fans expressing concern and calling for action. 

This moment gained even more attention as it came right after Parag got out, having scored 29 runs off 16 balls, failing to capitalise at a key moment in the chase. Since then, the video has circulated widely on social media, raising questions about possible disciplinary measures. 

Although there is no clear public rule against vaping, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strict guidelines for player behaviour within stadiums. The use of tobacco or related products in dressing rooms or dugouts is generally banned under health and safety protocols, putting Parag at risk of punishment. 

This controversy arises when the 24-year-old is already facing challenges, leading the Rajasthan Royals in the 2026 season after Sanju Samson moved to the Chennai Super Kings. Parag has struggled with his batting consistency, scoring only 81 runs in seven innings before this match, which has drawn criticism from fans and former players. 

Despite the off-field distraction, Rajasthan Royals successfully chased down 222 with six wickets in hand, defeating Punjab Kings and handing them their first loss of the season

Earlier, Rajasthan Royals (RR) team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs 1 lakh and handed an official warning for using a mobile phone inside the dugout during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on April 10.

The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) of the BCCI has issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder over the usage of a device during the match and sought his response within the next 48 hours. (NDTV)

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The Bangladesh government has ordered an indefinite ban on the telecast and promotion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following the controversy surrounding the removal of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad.

In an official communication issued on January 5, the authorities confirmed that all IPL-related broadcasts, promotions and event coverage have been suspended with immediate effect and will remain so until further orders. The decision, the statement said, was taken in the “public interest” and approved by the appropriate authority.

The order follows the IPL decision to release Mustafizur from the KKR squad ahead of the new season. According to the Bangladeshi authorities, the move was conveyed as an instruction from the Board of Control for Cricket in India and has been described as lacking “any logical reason”.

“There is no logical reason for this decision of the Indian Cricket Board and such a decision has distressed, shocked and angered the people of Bangladesh,” the government order stated, reflecting the strong public sentiment that has built up around the issue.

As a consequence, the government said it had been compelled to act by suspending all IPL-related telecasts and promotional activities across Bangladesh. “A request has been made to stop the promotion/broadcast of all games and events of the Indian Premier League (IPL) until further orders,” the statement added.

The fallout has extended beyond broadcast restrictions. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has decided against sending its national team to India for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, citing security concerns and government advice. The decision came in the wake of KKR’s move to release Mustafizur following BCCI instructions.

While the BCCI did not explicitly cite the current state of bilateral relations for seeking Mustafizur’s release, it indicated that the decision was influenced by broader developments. The pacer’s abrupt exit from the IPL prompted the BCB to call an emergency meeting on Saturday night. A subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors on Sunday resulted in a unanimous decision that the national team would not travel to India for the tournament, scheduled to begin on February 7.

“The Board reviewed the situation in detail, taking into account developments over the last 24 hours and expressed deep concern over the overall circumstances surrounding the participation of the Bangladesh National Team in matches scheduled to be played in India,” the BCB said in a statement.

“Following a thorough assessment of the prevailing situation and the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India, and considering the advice from the Bangladesh Government, the Board of Directors resolved that the Bangladesh National Team will not travel to India for the tournament under the current conditions.”

After the meeting, BCB director Khaled Mashud Pilot elaborated on the board’s concerns. “If they (India) cannot provide security to one of our players, how will they ensure the security of our entire team? That is why we will not go there to play,” he said, referring to Mustafizur’s situation.

The International Cricket Council is now expected to address the issue, with Bangladesh scheduled to play all four of their league matches in India under the existing tournament plan. (India Today)

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Rajasthan Royals confirmed on Monday that Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara has been reappointed as the team’s head coach ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Sangakkara, who served in the role between 2021 and 2024, was promoted to the director of cricket role last year with Rahul Dravid as the coach in IPL 2025.

Royals also named other changes to the coaching staff, with Vikram Rathour elevated to lead assistant coach, and Trevor Penney and Sid Lahiri returning as assistant coach and performance coach, respectively.

Shane Bond, who joined the Royals in 2024, will continue as the fast bowling coach.

The Royals also made an eye-catching personnel change in the playing staff by trading long-serving captain Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from the Chennai Super Kings. (Sports Star)

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Indian all-rounder R Ashwin announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League on Wednesday through a social media post.

“Special day and hence a special beginning. They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today.

“Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the wonderful memories and relationships over the years and most importantly the @IPL and the @BCCI for what they have given me until now. Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what’s ahead of me,” wrote Ashwin.

Having made his debut in 2009 with the Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin played 221 matches in the IPL, taking 187 wickets with his off-spin at an impressive economy of 7.20.

Ashwin was also a handy contributor with the bat, scoring 833 runs, which included a fifty.

The 38-year-old represented five teams in the IPL – CSK, Rising Pune Super Giant, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.

Ashwin was an integral part of CSK’s IPL title wins in 2010 and 2011.

Ashwin turned out for CSK in the 2025 season. But he endured a difficult campaign, taking just seven wickets from nine games. (Star Sports)

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A petition has been filed in the Karnataka High Court by event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt Ltd and IPL cricket franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) seeking to quash the FIR registered against them in connection with the stampede incident at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium that claimed eleven lives.

In its plea, DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd stated that the incident occurred due to failures on the part of the state police, alleging that the police did not adequately manage the large crowds that had gathered for the public event.

The company submitted that there were not enough officers deployed at the stadium and claimed that most of the police personnel had been stationed near the Vidhana Soudha, leaving the stadium vulnerable to uncontrolled crowd surges.

In its petition, the firm highlighted that it had earlier handled a much larger crowd during India’s T20 World Cup victory parade without incident. It noted that although the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai had a limited capacity of 32,000, the event went off smoothly.

The event organiser further claimed that it had written to the authorities on June 3 seeking permission for an open-bus parade, but the police denied the request. Instead, the state government chose to hold the celebration in front of the Vidhana Soudha, where a significant police force was deployed, allegedly leaving the stadium inadequately guarded.

According to DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltd, it had deployed 584 private staff for the event and arranged 2,450 food packets for the police. However, only 600 of these were received, allegedly due to low police presence in the area around the stadium during the afternoon.

The company also alleged that despite clear signs of crowd surge, the gates were opened only at 3.30 pm on the day the incident occurred. The situation allegedly escalated following a lathi-charge by police, which it claims triggered panic and caused the deadly stampede.

The petition argues that DNA Entertainment Networks Pvt. Ltdis being unfairly targeted to deflect blame from governmental lapses, and that two of its staff members were arrested under political directions.

It further states that the event was held with an official invitation from the Karnataka government, with the Chief Secretary personally overseeing preparations.

The High Court is slated to hear a total of four petitions in this matter today at 2.30 pm before Justice Krishna Kumar. This includes a separate plea by Nikhil Sosale, the marketing head of Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), who has challenged his arrest in the case, calling it arbitrary, illegal and a violation of his fundamental rights.

In a petition filed before the court, Sosale contended that the manner in which he was arrested was illegal, arbitrary and in violation of his fundamental rights. Sosale’s petition argues that his arrest was not based on any investigation and appears to have been the result of political pressure. “It is clear from the timing of the Petitioner’s arrest, which is evidently the result of an oral directive of the Hon’ble Chief Minister to arrest various RCB officials – that too, in the absence of any investigation whatsoever – that the Petitioner’s arrest is motivated and an attempt to shift the blame of the tragedy to Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) and its officials,” the petition states. (India Today)

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Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has strongly criticized the poor planning and crowd management during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where a stampede claimed the lives of at least 11 fans and injured several others. 

After RCB’s long-awaited first IPL title win on June 3 in Ahmedabad, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had organised a felicitation ceremony in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Thousands of fans gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

However, as the crowd swelled, the situation became unmanageable. Police resorted to a lathi-charge to control the crowd, leading to panic and chaos. Seven people were killed in the resulting stampede, while several others were rushed to Bowring Hospital and Vydehi Superspeciality Hospital for treatment.

“People will not forget this —or Virat Kohli. While people were dying outside, there was a celebration inside. It’s truly shocking and disheartening. The families of the dead should consider suing RCB and the state government for ₹100 crore for this tragic mishap…BCCI is also shirking responsibility,” former Indian cricketer Madan Lal told IANS.

Earlier in the day, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the media after the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of the dead.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the arrangements, stating, “We had arranged for 5,000 police personnel. We couldn’t use force on such a young, vibrant crowd.”

The authorities have confirmed that the bodies of two persons are at Bowring Hospital and that of four others at Vaidehi Hospital. Six people are being treated in the ICU of the Vaidehi Hospital and three are admitted to the ICU.

The government of Karnataka had earlier cancelled the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, citing security reasons. (IANS)

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In a dramatic IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar criticised the on-field umpires for ignoring a dangerous running act by Virat Kohli. 

The incident occurred during the 12th over of the RCB innings when Kohli ran straight down the pitch while completing a quick double off Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling. Gavaskar, who was commentating live, questioned why Kohli wasn’t warned, highlighting that such running could damage the pitch for the second innings.

RCB were put into bat by PBKS at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With boundaries hard to come by, Kohli was looking to keep the scoreboard ticking through quick singles and twos. In the 12th over, after nudging the ball wide of long-on, Kohli called for a second run. His partner, Liam Livingstone, comfortably made his ground with a dive at the non-striker’s end.

However, Gavaskar was quick to point out that Kohli had run straight down the pitch, which is typically frowned upon due to the potential damage it can cause to the playing surface. “Kohli is a swift runner between the wickets. As soon as he hit the ball, he knew it was two,” Gavaskar said. “No umpire will ever tell him. There he is, running straight down the pitch again. Punjab Kings are batting second,” he added.

While the umpires did not intervene, Gavaskar’s remarks have sparked conversation on whether top players are sometimes allowed to get away with such actions.

Apart from the pitch controversy, Kohli’s approach with the bat also raised eyebrows. Known for his high strike rate this season, hovering around 150, he chose a more conservative route in the final. Instead of going for big shots, he focused on rotating the strike and giving more deliveries to power-hitters like Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar.

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who was part of the English broadcast team, questioned the approach. “200 is just a par score here,” he noted, suggesting Kohli should’ve been more aggressive.

Kohli eventually fell in the 15th over to Azmatullah Omarzai after scoring 43 off 35 balls. During the first strategic time-out, RCB coaches Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik were seen in an intense discussion with Kohli, likely urging him to increase the scoring rate.

PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and opted to bowl first. Both teams remained unchanged for the final. (NDTV)

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a significant step by announcing the schedules for the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the next three seasons.

This is a departure from the usual practice of releasing schedules closer to the tournament.

The 2025 IPL will commence on March 14 and conclude on May 25.

The BCCI has also finalized the schedules for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

This early announcement reflects the IPL’s growing prominence and its established window in the international cricket calendar. It allows for better planning for both franchises and players.

In another important development, the BCCI has confirmed the availability of England fast bowler Jofra Archer for the entirety of the next three IPL seasons, as per a Cricbuzz report. This news is sure to excite franchises vying for his service.

Archer, known for his pace and skill, has committed to playing all the matches in the upcoming seasons.

Archer has set his base price at INR 2 crore for the auction. Interestingly, he has been listed as Player No. 575 in the accelerated round. He is included in the accelerated list alongside USA’s Saurabh Netravalkar (No. 576) and MCA’s Hardik Tamore (No. 577).

The structured scheduling and confirmation of key players highlight the IPL’s increasing significance as a global cricketing force. (Times of India)

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The England cricket team could be preparing an IPL reunion as they aim to shake things up in the coaching department. 

With reports stating that present white-ball head coach Matthew Mott will depart next week, England are looking to add another star name to their coaching unit. 

Despite a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup, and failing to reach the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, England are reportedly set to stick with Jos Buttler as captain. 

However, Buttler’s boss at Rajasthan Royals, Kumar Sangakkara, is reportedly a candidate for the head coach role.

As per a report by The Telegraph UK, Sangakkara could be one of the favourites to replace Mott in charge of England’s white-ball outfits. Sangakkara has been the Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals since January 2021, a period in which the franchise has even reached the IPL final.

Buttler has grown into a pivotal player under Sangakkara’s directorship at the Royals, and could form a familiar bond with him at the helm of the England cricket team.

Apart from Sangakkara, former Australia batsman Michael Hussey and Afghanistan head coach and former England batsman Jonathan Trott have been reported to be candidates.

Trott has led Afghanistan to many heights in his one-and-a-half-year tenure as head coach, including sixth place in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup semis. 

On the other hand, Hussey is already familiar with the English dressing room, having serves as their batting coach between 2022 and 2023.

The report also states that former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is unlikely to remain in the race for the head coach role.

England have found success and an aggressive identity in Tests under the coaching of Brendon McCullum. Under their new appointment, England will be aiming to return to the top of white-ball cricket. (NDTV)

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Young Sri Lankan cricketer Vijayakanth Viyaskanth made his debut in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) representing the franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Viyaskanth, the first cricketer from Jaffna to play in the IPL, conceded just 27 runs but was unable to pick up a wicket in his allotted four overs.

However, the Sunrisers Hyderabad won by 10 wickets against the Lucknow Super Giants in the match played yesterday.

With his performance in the IPL, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is likely to be part of Sri Lanka’s 19-member touring squad heading for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in the US and West Indies.

Watch the IPL video on Sri Lanka cricketer Vijayakanth Viyaskanth’s IPL debut for Sunriser Hyderabad: https://shorturl.at/hAHV0 (Newswire)

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Indian commentator Aakash Chopra predicts Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka will be acquired for a higher bid at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction.

Commenting during his YouTube show, Chopra also hinted that Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir’s sights will be set on Madushanka this season.  

“So Madushanka might actually have a field day. He might get sold for six to eight crores,” he added. 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction will happen on December 19 in Dubai, the first time an IPL auction will happen outside India. 

According to some reports, 1,166 players have registered for the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Among these 1,166 players, there are 830 Indian and 336 overseas players.

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews is among the list of players who have opted for a maximum base price of Rs 2 crore.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana have been retained by the Chennai Super Kings. (NewsWire)

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Harry Brook has hit out at “keyboard warriors” while explaining his decision to leave social media.

The England batsman scored a maiden IPL century in April, having joined Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the 2023 season. However, amid inconsistent form for his new team, the 24-year-old has been subject to trolling from a number of cricket fans.

Brook has enjoyed a fast start to life as a test cricketer, hitting four centuries in less than a year in the red ball game. That hasn’t stopped some criticising him from behind a screen, though, and he has opened up on the experience.

The England star endured a tough start to the IPL season. He hit 13, 3 and 13 again in his first three outings, with Sunrisers only winning one of the three games.

Things changed in a big way in their fourth game, though, as Brook bagged his first IPL century against Kolkata Knight Riders. Reflecting on that achievement, he told ESPN Cricinfo he was happy to be able to “shut up” his critics.

“It’s one of the hardest bits,” Brook added. “When you’ve got nothing to do, you’re in the hotel, and you don’t really get out and about as much as at home, you do find yourself on your phone a lot.

“Things pop up, but it’s keyboard warriors at their finest – it’s pointless,” he continued. “I’ve gone off it [social media] for now. Hopefully that makes a difference.”

Sunrisers missed out on qualification for the playoffs last season, prompting a recruitment drive which brought Brook to the franchise along with a number of others including fellow England man Adil Rashid. Play-off qualification could be a challenge again this time, though, after three wins and six losses in the first nine games.

Brook hasn’t been able to add to that century in the games since. His old coach Martin Speight, however, recently spoke of how the batsman’s game has improved after working on his technique.

“By putting a trigger in, it loaded his core up ready to move and helped to align his body properly so that his bat could come down in a straight path,” Speight told Cricinfo in March. “He realised that if his head was in the right position and his trigger was right, he shouldn’t miss it, and that’s still the basis of his game.

“He has an innate self-belief. He doesn’t look nervous when he walks out to bat, does he? So whether he is or he isn’t nervous, he trusts himself from ball one. To be successful, you have to have that. It’s what separates the best few players from the rest.” (Mirror UK)

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Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday named Chris Jordan as a replacement for the injured Jofra Archer for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

Jordan, who made his IPL debut in 2016, has so far played 28 IPL matches and has 27 wickets against his name. 

The speedster has represented England in 87 T20Is and has scalped 96 T20I wickets. 

Jordan joins MI for INR 2 Crore. (IPL Media)

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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli and Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) bowler Naveen-ul-Haq are engaged in a social media battle following their clash during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Lucknow on Monday (01).

After RCB’s 18-run win, Virat Kohli and Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor Gautam Gambhir engaged in an ugly spat before the teammates came and interfered.

The altercation between Kohli and Gambir has cost them 100 per cent of their match fees, as both have been fined for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct after the match in Lucknow yesterday.

Kohli and Gambhir have admitted to the Level 2 offence under Article 2.21 of the IPL Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, who was involved in a verbal duel with Kohli during the 17th over of Lucknow’s run-chase, has also been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for a Level 1 offence.

Despite being fined, both Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq have taken the battle to social media, with both sharing posts on Instagram. 

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth,” Kohli first shared on Instagram.

Naveen-ul-Haq, thereafter, posted; “You get what you deserve. That’s how it should be and that’s how it goes.” (NewsWire)

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England cricketer Ben Stokes has offered a new suggestion with regard to Mankadding in the sport of cricket.

In a Twitter message, Stokes suggested that at the discretion of the Umpire, 06 penalty runs should be awarded if a batsman is obviously trying to gain an unfair advantage by leaving the crease early.

Stokes pointed out that this would prevent batsmen from doing so without causing controversy.

The England cricketer made the suggestion to former Indian cricketer and current commentator Harsha Bhogle. 

Responding to the suggestion, Harsha Bhogle welcomed the idea, stating that he was open to Stokes’ suggestion and a discussion on the matter.

The comments come, as in the final over of the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), ace pacer Harshal Patel attempted a non-strikers end run-out on Ravi Bishnoi, who was miles ahead of his crease. 

The spinner left the crease early and in case Patel would have followed the rules during his attempt, Bishnoi would have given out and the match would have been decided in the Super Over.

Previously, a lot of former and present English and Australian cricketers have pointed out that it is against the ‘Spirit of the Game’.

However, Harsha Bhogle took a dig at them, stating that only a silly person will be against the idea. (NewsWire)

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