Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are facing a big decision after failing to bring back captain Shreyas Iyer for the IPL 2025 season. Although Venkatesh Iyer, KKR’s top buy at INR 23.5 crore, was initially considered for the role, reports suggest that Ajinkya Rahane is now the frontrunner. Rahane, bought for INR 1.5 crore, was reportedly purchased with the intention of leading the team. Rahane, a seasoned leader, has captained various teams in different formats, including the Indian team in the absence of regular captains and is currently leading Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. In the IPL, he captained Rajasthan Royals…
Author: Virat Verma
Virat Verma
Virat Verma is a senior content writer at Cricreads with over five years of experience and more than 10,000 cricket articles to his name. A literature postgraduate from IGNOU, he blends in-depth knowledge with a passion for storytelling, making his cricket content both informative and engaging.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is prepared to move forward with the Champions Trophy 2025, even if it means proceeding without Pakistan. After attempts to mediate between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the ICC has decided it’s time to take a firm stance. ICC Pushes for Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Announcement With the majority of viewership and revenue generated by the BCCI and the Indian cricket team, the ICC is ready to relocate the Champions Trophy 2025 entirely out of Pakistan if the PCB refuses to accept a hybrid model.…
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has implemented a major policy change affecting its players’ participation in international franchise leagues. According to The Telegraph (November 28), the ECB has banned English cricketers from competing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other global franchise tournaments that clash with England’s domestic season. However, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been granted an exemption. This move aims to protect the integrity of domestic competitions, including the Vitality Blast and The Hundred, by ensuring English players are available for these key events. The restriction applies specifically to centrally contracted players, prohibiting their…
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have finalised their 22-member squad for the 2025 Indian Premier League after a two-day auction, but the captaincy remains uncertain. While there is no official confirmation yet, many expect Virat Kohli to be reappointed as captain. Kohli, who led RCB for several years before stepping down in 2021, guided the team to their last IPL final in 2016. AB de Villiers, former RCB batter and cricket legend, seemed to drop a hint about Kohli’s potential return as captain. Speaking on his official YouTube channel, de Villiers said, “I don’t think it has been confirmed yet, but…
The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan, remains uncertain as the ICC Board meets today to make a critical decision. With India refusing to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, the tournament’s schedule and venue are in jeopardy. The political unrest in Pakistan, highlighted by recent violent protests in Islamabad, has further raised questions about the country’s ability to host international cricket. Three key scenarios are under consideration: a hybrid model where matches are split between Pakistan and a neutral venue like the UAE, hosting India’s matches in Pakistan (including the final…
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not accept the hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy and urged the governing body to exclude the option from discussions in Friday’s board meeting. The ICC has scheduled a virtual meeting with executive members to address scheduling issues for the marquee event following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. “The PCB has formally communicated to the ICC that the hybrid model is not acceptable,” a source told PTI. The PCB has consistently opposed the hybrid model and has advised the ICC to explore alternative…
Australia has included uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster in their squad for the second Test against India, providing cover for Mitchell Marsh, who is dealing with fitness concerns. Marsh pulled up “sore” following Australia’s 295-run defeat in the first Test in Perth earlier this week. Webster, a right-handed pace-bowling all-rounder like Marsh, has been a standout performer in the Sheffield Shield over the past two seasons, scoring 1,788 runs with five centuries and nine fifties. Webster showcased his all-round abilities in Tasmania’s recent Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales, where he scored 61 and 49 and claimed five wickets. Reflecting…
The IPL 2025 mega auction has set a new benchmark, with a record-breaking Rs 639.15 crore spent by franchises. While most teams successfully addressed their key requirements, some hits and misses remain evident. Building a squad is one challenge; getting them to perform as a cohesive unit is another. As the season unfolds, we’ll see which teams truly stand out. However, based on squad strength and balance, here’s an analysis of the strongest XIs and Impact Player options for each franchise on paper. Although each team boasts a squad of around 20 players, only 11 (excluding the Impact Player) will…
Prithvi Shaw led India to victory in the U-19 World Cup in January 2018, and that same year, he was picked by the Delhi Capitals for the IPL. The right-handed batter from Mumbai made his IPL debut against Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, scoring 22 runs off 10 balls. In the next match, against Kolkata Knight Riders at the same venue, the 18-year-old Shaw hit 62 runs from just 44 balls. This performance earned him a regular spot in DC’s playing XI, and he was retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2022…
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has once again criticized India ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Speaking at a press conference on November 28, Naqvi expressed his dissatisfaction with India’s refusal to participate in an ICC tournament in Pakistan, despite the Pakistani team traveling to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Naqvi, who is working to ensure that the Champions Trophy is fully hosted in Pakistan amidst ongoing political tensions between the two nations, stated that he would do everything in the best interest of Pakistan cricket. He mentioned being in constant communication with ICC officials and…