Business end of IPL begins
The IPL has reached the business end with the two qualifiers, the eliminator and the final promising edge-of-the-seat drama for fans across the globe. Whether Royal Challengers Bengaluru retain the crown, whether Rajasthan Royals finally end their long wait for a second title, or whether Gujarat Titans or Sunrisers Hyderabad clinch their second trophy will be known by the end of the weekend.
What has been most striking this season is the absence of traditional heavyweights like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders from the playoffs. All three franchises arrived with formidable squads but endured campaigns that never really got out of second gear.
Such was the intensity of the competition that until a few days ago, barring two teams, every side remained in contention for a playoff berth. It was a season where one bad week could send a team from penthouse to outhouse.
Punjab Kings in particular lived through a rollercoaster campaign. They stormed through the first half of the tournament unbeaten in seven matches and looked unstoppable after chasing down 265 with seven deliveries to spare. At that stage, they appeared destined for a season to remember. Then came a collapse straight out of a horror script as they lost six games on the trot. Their final league fixture became a virtual knockout and although they beat Lucknow Super Giants, they were edged out of the playoffs by Rajasthan by barest of margins. Cricket, as they say, is a game of glorious uncertainties.
There was also some late drama involving Virat Kohli and Travis Head after the game between RCB and SRH, with Kohli refusing to shake hands following a heated on-field exchange between the pair.
Bethell doubtful for Lord’s Test
England’s rising star Jacob Bethell is doubtful for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s after suffering a finger injury during the IPL. The prolific left-hander missed the tail end of the tournament and returned home for treatment, leaving James Rew in line for a possible Test debut.
England are already without express quick Jofra Archer for the opening Test. Archer’s IPL commitments with Rajasthan Royals delayed his return to England and selectors are now targeting a comeback for the second Test at The Oval.
Big Bash eyes India
In a bold bid to globalize the Big Bash League brand, Cricket Australia is exploring the possibility of staging the opening match of next season in Madras.
Officials believe taking the BBL to India could significantly boost the league’s popularity among the vast Indian audience and strengthen its commercial reach. Madras Cricket Club and Tamil Nadu Cricket Association are understood to be keen on the idea, although approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India is still pending.
Brisbane Heat have already shown interest in playing the historic opener, but several hurdles remain. One major issue is the participation of Pakistani players in the BBL, with visa complications continuing to cast a shadow over Indo-Pak sporting ties.
Shan Masood under fire
Changing captains has become almost a seasonal ritual in Pakistan cricket and Shan Masood now finds himself under immense pressure after Pakistan’s 2-0 series defeat to Bangladesh.
Under Masood’s leadership, Pakistan finished bottom of the previous World Test Championship cycle and currently sit eighth in the standings. Of the 16 Tests he has captained, Pakistan have lost 12, numbers that make grim reading.
His own batting form has hardly helped his cause either. In his last 21 innings, Masood has managed just one century and three half-centuries.
Newlands tickets vanish in minutes
Tickets for the traditional New Year Test at Newlands were sold out within minutes of going to sale. England will play South Africa in the Test.
Cape Town remains one of the world’s premier tourist destinations and almost 40 percent of the tickets had already been snapped up by travel companies catering to England’s famous Barmy Army supporters.
Test cricket at Newlands has long been considered one of the sport’s great experiences, with the majestic Table Mountain providing a postcard-perfect backdrop.
Tickets are still available for matches at Wanderers and Centurion, but the first four days in Cape Town are already sold out. With England and South Africa closely matched sides and the Proteas fresh from winning the World Test Championship final against Australia, demand was always expected to be sky high.
Test cricket returns to Ireland
Test cricket will return to Ireland after a two-year absence when Belfast hosts New Zealand in a one-off Test .
Ireland last staged a Test in 2024 against Zimbabwe and head into this fixture carrying several injury concerns. Four uncapped players; Jake Egan, Tom Mayes, Liam McCarthy and Reuben Wilson have been drafted into the squad.
Paul Stirling and Josh Little remain sidelined through injury while veteran Andy Balbirnie continues as captain.
Mendis confirmed as Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain
Kusal Mendis has officially been confirmed as Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain for the upcoming tour of the Caribbean later this month.
Mendis takes over the ODI captaincy from Charith Asalanka and the T20 leadership from Dasun Shanaka. Both players endured lean patches with the bat while Mendis has been Sri Lanka’s most prolific white-ball batter in recent times.
His work ethic also earned praise from former Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya following the World Cup.
Kamindu Mendis has been appointed vice-captain across all three formats, while Dhananjaya de Silva continues as Test captain.
Sri Lanka will play two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is in the Caribbean.
Afghanistan women refugees team to tour England
The Afghanistan women refugees team, currently based in Australia, will tour England during the Women’s World Cup this summer.
More than 20 members of Afghanistan’s women’s cricket set-up fled the country following the return of the Taliban, who banned women from participating in sports. Since relocating to Australia, the players have continued to train and play exhibition matches.
The side will play several fixtures around the UK and are also expected to attend the Women’s World Cup final. The International Cricket Council is yet to formally recognize the Afghan women’s team in exile.
Ironically, while Afghanistan’s men’s side has emerged as one of the world’s fastest improving teams in recent years, the women’s game in the country remains trapped in political limbo.
