Author: Subhayan Chakraborty

International cricket kicks off in India for 2026 with an exciting three-match ODI series between the Men in Blue and New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. This marks the venue’s debut as a host for a men’s international match, adding extra significance to the opener. The series serves as India’s first international assignment of the year and comes at a crucial juncture, just weeks before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – scheduled from February 7 to March 8, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. For the hosts, it’s about striking a balance between workload management…

Subhayan Chakraborty The Bangladesh government and cricket authorities are maintaining a resolute position on relocating the national team’s matches in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from India to co-host Sri Lanka, emphasising player safety and national dignity following the controversial release of fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his Indian Premier League (IPL) contract. Sports adviser Asif Nazrul has reiterated that Bangladesh remains committed to participating in the global event, but only under conditions that prioritise the well-being of players, officials, and supporters. Discussions are ongoing, including potential meetings between ICC officials and the BCCI in the coming…

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has clearly hinted to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that altering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule is impractical with the tournament just a month away. This follows a conference call on January 6 involving senior ICC officials and BCB representatives, prompted by the BCB’s recent communication expressing reluctance to travel to India due to safety concerns. Bangladesh, placed in Group C alongside England, West Indies, Italy, and Nepal, are scheduled to play their first three group-stage matches at Eden Gardens in Kolkata – against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February…

As the Indian cricket team prepares to kick off its 2026 home international calendar, the squad is converging in Baroda on Wednesday ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The opening encounter is slated for January 11 at the BCA Stadium in Baroda, with subsequent games in Rajkot and Indore. Most players are expected to assemble today, January 7, but wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer will link up with the group slightly later due to their domestic commitments in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Pant, who is leading Delhi in the domestic 50-over competition, has been…

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, faces a significant hurdle following a formal request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to relocate all of Bangladesh’s matches away from Indian venues. The controversy erupted after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from his IPL 2026 contract. KKR had acquired Rahman for Rs 9.20 crore in the recent auction. In response, Bangladesh’s interim government adviser on sports, Asif Nazrul, urged the BCB to raise player…

In a significant escalation of sporting friction between India and Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is preparing to approach the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift the team’s group-stage matches in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 from Indian venues to Sri Lanka. This development follows the controversial release of Bangladeshi pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The decision to release Mustafizur came directly from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which cited “recent developments” as the reason. “Due to the recent…

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match One-Day International series against New Zealand, set to commence on January 11. Shubman Gill will captain the side, marking his continued leadership in the 50-over format whereas vice captain Shreyas Iyer also marks a return to international cricket, subject to fitness clearance. Veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been included, continuing their participation in ODIs following strong showings in recent bilateral assignments and domestic competitions. The batting lineup receives a significant boost with the inclusion of Iyer as vice-captain, though…

The ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 has seen several Indian internationals deliver standout performances as they gear up for national duties. On Saturday, multiple matches featured big scores from established names, underlining the depth and quality of India’s domestic circuit. Hardik Pandya marked his return to Baroda colours with a spectacular knock against Vidarbha at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The all-rounder rescued his team from a precarious 71 for 5, batting at No. 7. He reached his fifty in 44 balls before accelerating dramatically, needing just 24 more deliveries to complete his first-ever List A hundred. The highlight…

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, is set to host home games of Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, sources have confirmed. The decision comes after Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the franchise’s regular home base, failed to comply with evacuation safety norms. As has been the case the last couple of seasons, the Royals will play a few of their home matches in Guwahati as well. The MCA Stadium in Pune acted as a temporary home base for IPL teams in the past. Chennai Super Kings had used the venue in 2018 and went…

In the world of Indian cricket, Sarfaraz Khan is one such name who continues to make headlines. Whether getting dropped from the Indian Test team or his continuous pursuit of big runs in the domestic circuit, Sarfaraz is a name who continues to remain one of the talking points in Indian cricket. The Mumbai batter has consistently delivered performances that demand attention, yet he has often found himself on the fringes of the national team, particularly in Test cricket. Having played six Tests and scored 371 runs with one century and three half-centuries, Sarfaraz’s top-flight career so far has been…