Match Fees Expected to Return to PKR 40,000 Per Game Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has directed a review of the recent decision to reduce match fees for players and reserves participating in the National T20 Cup. It is now expected that the match fees will be restored to the previous edition’s rate of PKR 40,000 per game for players and PKR 20,000 for reserves. Initially, the fees had been cut by 75%—dropping to PKR 10,000 (approximately USD 35) for players and PKR 5,000 for reserves. However, even the restored amount remains lower than the 2022 rate, when…
Author: Raghav Mutdeyja
Sodhi Returns to T20I Squad with Focus on India’s Spin-Friendly Conditions Uncontracted players James Neesham, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert remain firmly in New Zealand’s plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, having committed to participating in all of the Black Caps’ T20 series leading up to the tournament, according to selection manager Sam Wells. All three players recently featured in the 50-over Ford Trophy before being recalled for New Zealand’s upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan. “We’ve had discussions with these guys, and New Zealand Cricket has emphasized the importance of preparing well for major tournaments. They have committed…
South Africa Likely to Play First Two T20Is in August Darwin is on the brink of hosting international cricket for the first time since 2008, with Cricket Australia planning two T20Is against South Africa in August. An official announcement on the winter series schedule is expected later this month. South Africa’s tour will include three T20Is and three ODIs, with the tentative plan placing the first two T20Is in Darwin. Cairns is set to host one T20I and an ODI, while Mackay is expected to stage the final two ODIs. The schedule is yet to be fully confirmed, with the…
MI Eye Direct Final Spot, RCB Seek to End on a High Mumbai Indians (MI) came close to securing a direct entry into the WPL 2025 final on Monday but fell short after Gujarat Giants managed to cross the 156-run mark. However, MI still clinched victory and maintained their unbeaten record at the Brabourne Stadium. Now, they have another chance to finish at the top of the table, as they stand level on points with Delhi Capitals. Their key concern—if any—would be the tight turnaround, with this match scheduled within 24 hours of their previous outing. While shifting Amelia Kerr…
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav is expected to be sidelined for the first half of IPL 2025 as he recovers from a lumbar stress injury. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Mayank has recently resumed bowling at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he has been undergoing rehabilitation since sustaining the injury after his India debut in the T20I series against Bangladesh last October. While there is no confirmed timeline for his return, the BCCI has outlined a fitness-based progression plan. If he successfully meets all fitness parameters and increases his bowling workload, Mayank could be available…
Despite missing the final, Matt Henry finished as the leading wicket-taker of the Champions Trophy. Henry was eager to play in the final, especially after his impressive five-wicket haul against India in Dubai during the group stage. He had been in top form throughout the tournament, and even after injuring his shoulder while taking Heinrich Klaasen’s catch in the semi-final against South Africa, he continued bowling and fielding. However, the injury ultimately ruled him out of the final against an Indian side he has historically performed well against. In 11 ODIs against India, Henry has claimed 21 wickets at an…
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally asked the ICC for an explanation after Champions Trophy tournament director Sumair Ahmed was not included in the post-final presentation ceremony in Dubai. Sumair, who also serves as the PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, attended the final as both the tournament director and Pakistan’s representative, as Pakistan was the official host of the tournament. Following India’s victory over New Zealand, four officials participated in the trophy presentation: ICC Chair Jay Shah, BCCI President Roger Binny, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Director Roger Twose. Notably, no PCB official was present. Traditionally,…
Champions Trophy Schedule “Out of Our Hands,” Says Coach New Zealand has faced the most demanding travel schedule in the Champions Trophy. Their journey began in Karachi, moved to Rawalpindi, then to Dubai for their final group-stage match against India, followed by a semi-final in Lahore, and now they are back in Dubai for the final. There have been ongoing discussions about whether India’s advantage of playing all their matches at the same venue gives them an edge. However, New Zealand coach Gary Stead refrained from commenting on the matter, stating that such decisions were “out of [their] hands.” Instead,…
Bengaluru Need Back-to-Back Wins to Stay in Playoff Race Match Details Fixture: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs UP Warriorz (UPW) Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow Time: 7:30 PM IST What to Expect: RCB Fighting for Survival RCB find themselves in a do-or-die situation. Placed fourth, the defending champions must win both their remaining matches—starting with this encounter against bottom-placed Warriorz—and then rely on other results to keep their playoff hopes alive. A single loss will eliminate them from contention. Meanwhile, Warriorz have already been knocked out following their defeat to Gujarat Giants. With nothing to lose, they will aim to…
India Expected to Retain Winning XI; Henry’s Fitness a Concern for New Zealand The Bigger Picture: Battle of the Top Spin Attacks This contest follows a familiar pattern. India will once again turn to their formidable spin arsenal, which has made scoring runs a challenging task. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy continue to deceive batters, while Axar Patel, despite limited turn, remains a consistent wicket-taker. India’s spinners have dominated the tournament, claiming 21 wickets—more than the combined tally of the other three past World Cup winners. Dubai has been a stronghold for India, though questions about travel advantages persist. However,…