Author: Staff Reporter

India’s stylish opener Smriti Mandhana has set a new record by becoming the highest run-scorer in a single year in women’s ODIs. She achieved the feat playing against South Africa women in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup on October 9. Mandhana scored 23 in the game, taking her annual tally to 982 runs from 17 matches at an average of 57.76, including four centuries and three half-centuries. The previous record was held by Australia’s Belinda Clark. She scored 970 runs in 16 matches at an average of 80.83, including three hundreds and four half-centuries in 1997. South Africa’s Laura…

In the opening ODI of the ongoing three-match series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi, Rashid Khan became the first bowler from his country to pick up 200 wickets in that format. The spin wizard achieved another feat at the same time, becoming the first bowler from Asia to take 150 T20I and 200 ODI wickets. He is also the sixth fastest to reach the landmark of 200 ODI scalps. In 115 ODIs, Rashid has picked up 202 wickets. His bowling average stands at an impressive 20.28. His best ODI figures of seven for 18 came against the West…

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has announced important details of its 2026 mega auction. Each team will have Rs 15 crore in their purse, and deductions are based on the number of players retained. Now, franchises can retain up to five players from their 2025 squads. Reportedly, the deadline for announcing retentions isNovember 5. The auction is expected to take place between November 25 and 29. According to the WPL’s new retention rules, each franchise can retain a maximum of three capped Indian players, two overseas players, and two uncapped Indian players. However, if a team decides to keep all…

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has created huge excitement in India. Tickets for two India matches – against Australia in Visakhapatnam on October 12, and England in Indore on October 19 – are already sold out. The overwhelming response from the fans shows that they are connecting with women’s cricket, making this World Cup one of the most followed sporting events of the year. ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said the response from fans had exceeded expectations. “We saw this World Cup as an opportunity to deepen the connection between fans and the women’s game,” said Gupta.…

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has confirmed that he will not be the coach of Northern Superchargers in The Hundred next season. He explained that he felt undervalued by the franchise’s new owners. Flintoff guided the Superchargers to a fourth-place finish in 2024 and into the Eliminator this year. He said he had turned down a new offer from the Sun Group, the team’s new owners. Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Flintoff explained his decision, saying, “I genuinely don’t do it for the money, although it’s nice, but I’m worth more than just over a quarter of the [salary of] other head coaches.” The 47-year-old added that he…

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has advised two veteran Indian batters – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – to play for India A in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said that since India are not scheduled to play many ODIs before the World Cup, it becomes imperative for the former captains to make the most of the opportunities available. “The India A series is currently underway. You know there aren’t many ODI matches before the 2027 Cricket World Cup. So, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be asked to…

Even as concerns grow over Pat Cummins’ participation for the first Ashes Test, Mitchell Starch has expressed full faith in his captain’s ability to perform without much preparation. Only six weeks are left for the opening Australia-England Test in Perth. Meanwhile, Cummins has not bowled since July due to a lumbar bone-stress injury and he is currently undergoing rehab. “Playing with Pat and being close with Pat, he doesn’t need much,” Starc said, while backing his long-time teammate. “Whether he bowls three warm-up balls and the first over the game, he’s on the money, he just knows when to switch…

India pacer Mohammed Shami has spoken out about being overlooked for the upcoming Australia series. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shami said that selection in the team depends on the decision of the selectors. “There have been many rumours and memes,” said Shami. “People want to know my opinion on the non-selection for the Australia series. I will just say that getting selected is not in my hands; it’s the job of the selection committee, coach, and captain. If they feel I should be there, they will select me, or if they feel some more time is needed, it’s in…

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja scored a brilliant century and took four wickets in the first Test of the two-match series against the West Indies. This performance has helped Jadeja climb to 32nd in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, with 616 rating points. It has also further solidified his position at the top of the all-rounders’ rankings, with 405 points. Jasprit Bumrah sits at the top of the bowlers’ rankings with 889 rating points. Mohammed Siraj, who bowled brilliantly—taking seven wickets in the match—holds 15th place with 674 points. Jadeja is the next Indian bowler in the top 20, at…

Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the 17-member Bengal squad in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season, which starts on 15 October. Abishek Porel, who plays for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, has been named vice-captain. Bengal’s batting will rely on Anustup Majumdar, a consistent performer for the team, along with Sudip Kumar Gharami and others. Capped Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep will spearhead the pace attack, which also includes Ishan Porel and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal. After a disappointing campaign last season, Bengal will be hoping for a turnaround under coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla. They failed to qualify for the knockout…