Author: Virat Verma

Australia and England are set to play a one-off Test at the MCG in March 2027 to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket. This match will replicate the Centenary Test of 1977, where Australia won by the same margin as the first-ever Test in 1877. The announcement coincides with Cricket Australia confirming seven-year agreements for the MCG, SCG, and Adelaide Oval to host regular Tests. The traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year’s Test in Sydney are secured until the 2030-31 season. Adelaide Oval has also locked in a pre-Christmas Test slot for seven years. Meanwhile, Perth’s…

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Joe Root has the potential to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most runs in Test cricket, provided he maintains his hunger and consistency over the next few years. Root recently surpassed the 12,000-run mark during the Edgbaston Test against the West Indies, becoming only the seventh player to achieve this milestone. Currently, Root has amassed 12,027 runs in 143 Tests at an average of 50.11, with 32 centuries and 63 fifties. He is poised to overtake Kumar Sangakkara and Alastair Cook soon. Tendulkar tops the all-time list with 15,921 runs from 200 Tests.…

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering reintroducing a rule that would classify players who have been retired from international cricket for at least five years as uncapped when they announce player retention regulations for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). This rule, originally in place since the IPL’s inception in 2008, was removed in 2021 due to lack of use. However, during a recent meeting between IPL team owners and the BCCI, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management reportedly pushed for its reinstatement. While CSK’s proposal didn’t gain much support from other franchises during the…

You might think the biggest drama in the IPL unfolds on the field, but it seems the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are dealing with chaos off the field as well. Co-owner Preity Zinta is reportedly embroiled in a legal battle with fellow co-owner Mohit Burman, who holds the largest share in the franchise. The Bollywood star is taking Burman to court, signaling serious trouble within the PBKS camp. What’s going on at PBKS? Zinta, who owns a 23% stake in the team through KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, claims that Burman, who holds a 48% stake, is planning to sell 11.5%…

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mandated that all centrally contracted players who are fit and not on national duty must participate in domestic cricket. Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have already faced consequences from the Board for failing to play domestic cricket when they were available. Earlier this year, both players were excluded from the BCCI’s central contracts list because they missed domestic matches despite being fit and not engaged in international duties. Iyer and Kishan are now included in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which begins on September 5, a decision influenced by BCCI’s firm…

The IPL remains divided over the relevance of the mega auction. Teams with strong squads argue it should be discontinued, while those with weaker teams favor its continuation. Discussions are ongoing, and a decision is expected soon. Ultimately, the BCCI will make the final call, but Secretary Jay Shah emphasized that both majority and minority opinions will be given equal consideration. “We’ve heard all the franchises’ views,” Shah told Cricbuzz. “For us, a minority view is as important as the majority opinion. Ultimately, the BCCI office-bearers will decide. Those with a strong team believe the big auction is unnecessary, while…

Kagiso Rabada played a limited role in South Africa’s drawn Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain last week. While left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took center stage with eight wickets in spin-friendly conditions, Rabada stayed in the background. However, the 29-year-old could return to the spotlight in the second Test in Providence as he edges closer to a significant milestone. The wiry paceman from Johannesburg, who managed just two wickets in three matches during his first Test tour of India, has since amassed 293 wickets in 60 Tests. With five more wickets against the Windies this week, Rabada…

Australian cricket icon Steve Smith has announced his intention to enter the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, marking a potential return to the league after a two-year break. The former Australian captain, who last played in the IPL in 2021, has seen renewed interest in his T20 career following his outstanding performance in Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024. Smith played a pivotal role in leading Washington Freedom to their first-ever MLC title, excelling as both captain and top run-scorer. He amassed 336 runs with an impressive strike rate of 148.67, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer. His 52-ball 88…

There has been ongoing uncertainty about Ishan Kishan’s future in international cricket across all formats, especially after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) denied him a central contract earlier this February. Since then, he has not been included in any Indian squads, including for the T20 World Cup, and his potential return was not addressed during Gautam Gambhir’s first press conference as head coach of the men’s team. However, Ishan is now poised to receive a significant opportunity to make a comeback to the Indian side ahead of the selection meeting for the Bangladesh Test series next…

In an unexpected turn of events, former England pacer James Anderson is eyeing a return to T20 cricket, with a potential appearance in the IPL 2025 capturing the imagination of cricket fans worldwide. Although Anderson has been largely focused on Test cricket, recent observations of T20 leagues have reignited his passion for the shorter format. James Anderson, who retired from international T20s in 2014 to concentrate on Test cricket, has continued to impress with his performances and longevity in the game. Despite his age, Anderson’s skill and resilience have remained evident. His recent interest in T20 cricket has been fueled…