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(PC: IPL) BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board is considering starting the IPL earlier next year in order to conclude the tournament by mid-May, citing concerns over extreme heat affecting both players and spectators. Traditionally, the IPL is played from late March to late May, spanning a two-month window. However, given the increasingly challenging weather conditions, the board is exploring the possibility of bringing forward the start date of the world’s biggest T20 league. “This year, the IPL started around March 28 and concluded on May 31,” Saikia told PTI. “The only thing we are discussing is that during the latter stages of the tournament, after May 15, there is apprehension about rainfall or the onset of the pre-monsoon season. On the other hand, the hot weather is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds. Therefore, discussions are taking place within the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council regarding whether we can start the ...

  It was immediately evident that Shreyanka’s  injury was a serious one. Image :X Boria Majumdar It was her very first delivery, and she sprinted across to stop a single towards midwicket. That’s when it happened. Her ankle twisted and, in an instant, it was evident that the injury was a serious one. Shreyanka couldn’t get up, and medical assistance had to be called immediately. For the next few minutes, the entire Indian team stood by her as the physio and support staff tended to her. She did try to get up and walk, but clearly the pain was too much. That was when she was put on the buggy to be escorted out of the ground. It was a cruel end to her game and, who knows, perhaps even to her World Cup. At the time of writing this piece, 9.45 pm England time on 18 June, we just got confirmation that Shreyanka will have no further role in the World Cup. She was taken for scans at around 7 pm on 17 June after the game, and the management has been with her ever...

Ishan Kishan (PC: BCCI) Former England spinner Graeme Swann lauded India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan for his adaptability and commitment to the team after his brilliant century in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow on Wednesday. Speaking on JioStar, Swann highlighted Kishan’s dedication to the game. “He is the sort of player who will do whatever job you ask of him without any complaints,” he said. “The fact that he has come back into the team and looks like he has never been away is remarkable.” Batting at No. 4, Kishan produced a stunning knock of 125 off just 79 balls. The left-handed batter smashed 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 158.22. In the process, he crossed the 1,000-run mark in ODIs. He also shared a massive 224-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill (154). Swann was also impressed with the way Kishan built his innings. “He came to the crease and was circumspect for his first fifty, but then took just 19 deliveries to go from 50 to 100, wh...

  Image :X Shubman Gill’s 50-over form has polarised opinion. People have questioned his ability to lead the 50-over team from the front, and he has even been subjected to social media trolling over the last few months. However, that has not deterred Gill from standing up and taking control. Much like what he did in England last year during India’s five-Test red-ball tour, so far in this series against Afghanistan it has been Gill who has looked in complete control. Panache, doggedness and, of course, sublime skill, Gill is gradually exerting himself in the 50-over team in what is a very good sign for India, with 15 months to go before the 2027 World Cup. It is true that Gill has not done much in this format since taking over as skipper. Except in one or two games where he has batted beautifully, his performances have been modest at best. Also, as he is India’s captain in red-ball cricket, the question that often comes up is whether putting too much on Gill is impacting his cons...

Shreyanka Patil injury vs Netherlands (PC: BCCI Women) India were expected to beat the Netherlands comfortably and they did so by 95 runs. The victory made it two wins in two for the Women in Blue and provided a significant boost to their net run rate (NRR) in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. However, all of that was overshadowed by an unfortunate incident at Headingley in Leeds. It was the sixth over of the Netherlands’ chase when India captain Harmanpreet Kaur handed the ball to off-spinner Shreyanka Patil. On the very first delivery of the over, Netherlands batter Phebe Molkenboer nudged the ball towards the leg side and Shreyanka sprinted after it to prevent a single. However, as she collected the ball and attempted to turn quickly for a throw, she appeared to twist her right ankle and immediately collapsed to the ground. She was in visible discomfort and was unable to put any weight on the injured foot. India’s physio rushed onto the field but the spinner eventually ...

After starring in India’s 95-run victory over the Netherlands at Headingley, Shafali Verma struck a confident note ahead of the team’s next challenge against South Africa. The opener scored a half-century and picked up three wickets as India registered their second consecutive win of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.   Working Through Opening Partnership Struggles India’s opening pair had come under scrutiny following an inconsistent run of scores in the England series. Reflecting on the work done since then, Shafali said communication and preparation were key. “We were talking a lot and helping each other about how we could build partnerships in the middle. After the last match, I worked a lot in the nets, tried to play more along the ground and control myself mentally,” she said. The result was a fluent century stand with Smriti Mandhana that laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 209/5 against the Netherlands.   South Africa Clash Already On India’s Mind...