Author: Staff Reporter

Sydney Sixers will be without Babar Azam for the remainder of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) after the Pakistan star was asked to return home to join his national team camp. The franchise confirmed this on Thursday, January 22. Confirming the development, Sydney Sixers released a statement saying, “The Sydney Sixers have today been informed that Sixers opener Babar Azam is required to return to Pakistan to join his national teammates in camp, as preparations commence for upcoming international matches.” The statement further added, “As a result, Babar will depart Australia immediately and will not be available for selection…

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson recently reflected on his decade-long career, admitting that his biggest motivation has always been the urge to represent his country in the World Cup. Speaking in a video released by the BCCI, Samson said that he was ‘grateful’ to have been selected in India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. “10 years of lots and lots of failures, a few successes here and there. It has always been to understand what it takes to be a World Cup cricketer for an Indian team, and how badly I want it. Talking about the 2024 World…

India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma revealed that ‘intent’ and relentless practice are the driving forces behind his aggressive brand of cricket. The young left-hander played a sensational innings, scoring 84 runs off 35 balls in the first T20I of the five-match home series against New Zealand to guide his team to a 48-run victory. He was adjudged the Player of the Match and, speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, the 25-year-old said: “I think, sir, one thing I’ve figured that if you want to hit all the balls properly, if you want to play at the striking of 200 or…

India captain Suryakumar Yadav lauded the batting group after registering a 48-run victory against New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Suryakumar said: “The way we batted, even when we were put under pressure in the powerplay, we were 25 for 2, we took the game till the 15th over and then never stopped. All the batters contributed.” India lost Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan inside the first three overs of the innings. However, from there, Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar took responsibility and built a…

Former Australian all-rounder Mark Waugh has suggested that the Sydney Sixers should make a tough call for the BBL 2025–26 knockout by dropping Babar Azam from their playing XI. Waugh believes the team should reshuffle their batting order to improve their chances in the knockout stage, as Babar has failed to deliver consistent performances at the top. Speaking on Fox Sports, Waugh highlighted how dependent the Sixers have become on Steve Smith and stressed the need for change. “I think they need a bit of tough love and a rejig in their batting because, right now, it’s almost entirely reliant…

India’s 2024 ICC T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma has shared his emotions about not being part of the next T20I World Cup in 2026, admitting that the experience will feel unfamiliar after years of continuous participation. Talking on JioHotstar, Rohit said: “We were talking about this at home, that it will be strange watching it from home, especially the T20 World Cup. From the time it started until now, I have been part of every World Cup, so it will feel different. When you miss a World Cup, the reality really sinks in. That’s when you realise you’re not…

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have added another name to their coaching staff by appointing Dishant Yagnik as their new fielding coach ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise confirmed Yagnik’s appointment on Wednesday, January 21. The 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has represented Rajasthan in domestic cricket, where he played 50 first-class matches. He was also part of the Rajasthan Royals setup during IPL 2011–14. After retiring, he moved into coaching and made a strong name for himself, serving as a fielding coach for several seasons. At KKR, Yagnik will join an experienced coaching setup. The franchise has appointed Abhishek Nayar as…

Delhi Capitals captain Jemimah Rodrigues played a crucial role against Mumbai Indians on January 20 at Vadodara. Her impactful knock of an unbeaten 51 runs helped DC secure a seven-wicket win in the ongoing WPL. Praising the explosive start given by the openers, Rodrigues underlined how important the partnership was on a slow surface. Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma added 63 runs in 7.3 overs for the first wicket. Speaking at the post-match conference, Jemimah said, “With Lizelle and Shafali batting together, it is a very destructive opening pair. Bowlers know they have to get everything right or they are…

Ajinkya Rahane believes that frequent changes in the playing XI were one of the reasons for India’s defeat in the recently concluded home ODI series against New Zealand. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Rahane said that too many changes in the team compromise the security that a player needs to perform well. “See, there will be tough questions. India lost five ODIs in the last nine. And that’s the reason: too many changes. Again, that’s why I said you are looking at the World Cup, where players actually need that security, that clarity from management. If you are going to play certain…

After a mixed start to their WPL 2026 campaign, Gujarat Giants are aiming for a strong finish in their final three league matches at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. So far, the franchise has registered two wins and three losses, and they are ready to make the most of their home conditions to stay in the race for the playoffs. In a media release, head coach Michael Klinger mentioned how they were experimenting with the batting order to find the right combination, saying, “Our initial strategy was to find the right combination, especially for our playing XI. We’vespoken to the…