UAE cricketers gain invaluable experience sharing the ILT20 stage with global cricket legends. Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull emphasises the benefits of local players learning from seasoned internationals, predicting long-term growth for UAE cricket. Season 3's commentary team features renowned names, ensuring the tournament's continued excitement and strategic depth.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the joint-highest wicket-taker among pacers in IPL history with 183 wickets during RCB's match against Gujarat Titans. Despite his impressive performance, RCB lost by eight wickets. Bhuvneshwar's economical bowling stood out in the game where Gujarat chased a 170-run target successfully, thanks to contributions from Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler.
The IPL 2025 season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday is under threat due to an orange alert for thunderstorms and lightning by the weather department in West Bengal. The groundstaff has already taken precautions by covering the playing arena.
Team India engaged in a lively fielding drill in Brisbane before the crucial third Test against Australia. Players were divided into groups, aiming to knock down targets within a limited number of balls. Captain Rohit Sharma missed a target, while Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli added to the spirited session with their inputs and banter.
Afghanistan sealed a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, winning the two-Test series with standout performances from Rashid Khan, who took 11 wickets, and centurions Rahmat Shah and Ismat Alam. Zimbabwe, overnight at 205-8, failed to add a run, with Khan and other bowlers quickly wrapping up the game, overcoming early rain interruptions.
In a notable SA20 debut, 18-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored 97 off 51 balls, leading Paarl Royals to a dominant nine-wicket win against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Pretorius, focusing on team success over personal milestones, received significant support from Joe Root. Despite a strong innings by Aiden Markram, Royals’ bowlers restricted Sunrisers to 175/5, ensuring a confident victory.
GMR Group has taken a stake in Southern Brave, completing the ECB's equity distribution for The Hundred. Southern Brave now joins three other IPL-linked teams. The ECB has also attracted global investors for teams like Birmingham Phoenix, Welsh Fire, London Spirit, and Trent Rockets. The GMR Group made history in September last year by acquiring Hampshire Cricket, marking the first instance of an international company taking ownership of a county cricket team.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar anticipates Indian captain Rohit Sharma to adopt a conservative approach in the upcoming ODI series against England, aiming to regain his form. Bangar highlights the potential of Yashasvi Jaiswal as a backup player, favouring Shubman Gill alongside Sharma and Kohli as the top three.
Mumbai allrounder Tanush Kotian has been asked to be ready for the first flight out Down Under, ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Kotian will come in as a replacement for R Ashwin - who announced his retirement after the third Test.
Mohammed Shami's return to the India squad has been a major point of interest in the series against England. Although he's fit, his match participation is pending a strategic decision by coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, likely closer to the ICC Champions Trophy. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak citeed planned management of Shami's workload as key.
Paarl Royals made history this past week in the SA20 with a 20-over all-spin attack, securing their playoff spot. They lead the points table with six wins in seven matches, thanks to key contributions from Joe Root and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. MI Cape Town follows closely, having also been on an unbeaten streak.