Back to back titles for RCB
Nine weeks of intense rivalry and nail biting encounters came to an end with Royal Challengers Bangalore being crowned IPL champions for the second year running.
For a franchise that featured some of the biggest names in the game – from Chris Gayle to AB de Villiers – the title had long remained elusive. But RCB have now mastered the art of winning, securing back to back championships and establishing themselves as the team to beat.
There was little to choose between RCB, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans during the league phase. All three teams finished with identical records of nine wins and five defeats, ending on 18 points apiece. But when the pressure mounted and the tournament entered its business end, RCB stepped up. They crushed Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier One and then beat the same opponents by five wickets with two overs to spare in the final.
Young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi had such a remarkable season that he virtually needed a separate cabinet for his awards. The 15-year-old amassed 776 runs at a strike rate of 237, smashing 72 sixes along the way. He collected the Emerging Player Award, the Most Valuable Player trophy and the Orange Cap as the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
The prize for the tournament’s Super Striker, awarded to the player with the highest strike rate, was a car. Suryavanshi won that too, although he will have to wait another three years before he can legally drive it.
Pink ball for day games too
Pink balls have traditionally been reserved for day-night Test matches, but the ICC Board, meeting in Ahmedabad on Sunday, approved a recommendation from the Chief Executives’ Committee to expand their use in a bid to reduce time lost due to bad light.
Under the new regulations, pink balls and floodlights can be used for Tests scheduled during daytime hours if the light is bad, provided both participating nations agree before the commencement of a series.
The board also approved another significant change. Coaches and members of the support staff will now be allowed onto the field during drinks breaks to speak directly with players. Previously, only substitute fielders could relay messages. International cricket continues to borrow ideas from the IPL playbook.
Rare Tests for Ireland and Afghanistan
Test cricket remains a rare luxury for the smaller Full Member nations.
While Ireland hosted New Zealand in a one-off Test in Dublin, Afghanistan were preparing to face India in New Chandigarh.
The Kiwis wrapped up a one sided contest inside three days, winning by an innings and 79 runs as their fast bowlers fine tuned preparations for the three Test series against England beginning this week.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, will feel the absence of Rashid Khan, who misses the Test but is expected to return for the ODI series. The champion leg-spinner played a pivotal role when Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe in a Test in 2024 and his absence will be keenly felt.
Afghanistan last played a Test in October 2025, while Ireland’s previous appearance in the longest format came in November of the same year, further evidence of how infrequently these nations get opportunities to play Test cricket.
Aussies stumble against debutant spinner
Australia began their three match ODI series against Pakistan with renewed questions about their ability to handle quality spin bowling.
Pakistan deployed four spin options and bowled out the defending world champions for just 200 runs in Rawalpindi.
Little known left arm spinner Arafat Minhas ran through Australia’s top order, claiming a five wicket haul and becoming an overnight sensation. The 21-year-old from Multan is expected to play a major role in the remainder of the series as the teams travel to Lahore for the final two matches.
Canada suspended by ICC
Despite making encouraging progress in international cricket in recent years, Canada have found themselves in trouble with the ICC.
The global governing body suspended Cricket Canada after identifying serious breaches of membership obligations.
Canada will still be permitted to participate in ICC events, but funding from the governing body will be restricted until the issues are resolved.
McCullum vows to address dressing room culture
England head coach Brendon McCullum has promised to tackle dressing room culture following widespread criticism of the team’s conduct during tours of Australia and New Zealand.
Reports of excessive drinking generated significant negative publicity, prompting the former New Zealand captain to acknowledge that international cricketers have responsibilities as role models.
McCullum insisted that the issue has been addressed internally. He also rejected suggestions that England’s disappointing Ashes campaign stemmed from poor preparation, instead attributing it to the team’s inability to cope with sustained pressure from the opposition.
India eye Women’s T20 World Cup
For decades, England and Australia have dominated women’s cricket. But India’s rapid rise has altered the landscape dramatically.
India stunned the cricketing world last year by defeating South Africa in the World Cup final in Bombay. Since then, interest in the women’s game has skyrocketed, with the BCCI investing heavily and participation numbers among young girls increasing significantly.
India are now eyeing a double crown. They have sent their squad to England well ahead of the Women’s World Cup to acclimatise to local conditions.
Before the tournament begins in the second week of June, India Women will play a bilateral series against England Women. During the World Cup itself, India A will simultaneously contest a series against England A.
The arrangement ensures that reserve players remain match ready and that replacements can be drafted in seamlessly should injuries occur during the tournament.
Inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy
The women’s game continues to gather momentum, with the ICC confirming the launch of a Women’s Champions Trophy.
The inaugural tournament will be staged in February 2027, with Colombo set to host the event.
Like the men’s version, the competition will feature eight teams. The hosts, along with the top seven ranked sides in the world, will qualify for the tournament.
