Tag: IPL 2025

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Weighs In: Will IPL 2025 Have 74 or 84 Matches?

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has disclosed that the board is still deliberating on increasing the number of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches from the current 74 to 84, starting with the 2025 season. Shah emphasized that the final decision will take into account the players’ workload and the availability of a suitable window for the expanded tournament.

Balancing Players’ Workload and Viewer Engagement

In an interview with the Economic Times, Shah remarked, “We have not yet decided on organizing 84 matches in IPL 2025, as we must consider the impact on players due to the increased number of matches. While 84 matches are part of the contract, the BCCI will determine whether to proceed with 74 or 84 matches.”

The proposed increase in matches is part of the BCCI’s media rights and sponsorship agreements, which also include plans to further expand the tournament to 94 matches by 2027. However, Shah’s comments indicate the board’s cautious approach, given the potential strain on players amidst an already busy international cricket calendar.

Reports suggest that IPL franchises are in favor of an 84-match tournament to enhance revenue, while broadcasters—Star India and Viacom18—prefer sticking to the 74-match format to prevent viewer fatigue and avoid challenges in ad monetization.

Also Read: Zaheer Khan to Mentor Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025- Report

Ongoing Discussions on the IPL 2025 Mega Auction and Player Retention

Shah also touched on the ongoing discussions regarding a mega auction for the 2025 season and the rules surrounding player retention. He noted that the board is working towards a consensus with the franchises. While some teams advocate for a mega auction to strengthen their squads, others prefer retaining their existing core group for continuity.

As the BCCI navigates these critical decisions, the coming months will be vital for shaping the future of the IPL. Striking a balance between the interests of franchises, broadcasters, and player well-being will be essential in determining the league’s direction in the years ahead.

August 20, 2024
Zaheer Khan to Mentor Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025- Report

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, have reportedly approached former India cricketer Zaheer Khan to join their coaching staff in a dual role. Over their three years in the IPL, LSG has reached the playoffs twice but has been without a mentor since Gautam Gambhir left to rejoin Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, where he holds a similar position.

Gambhir, who is also the current head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, was instrumental in LSG’s early success. Additionally, LSG’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, exited after the 2024 season to join Gambhir’s support staff with the Indian team in the same capacity.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, if LSG finalizes the deal with Zaheer Khan, he is expected to take on the roles of both mentor and bowling coach for the upcoming IPL season. The report also mentions that Zaheer will serve as a crucial intermediary between the players and the franchise management. In this capacity, he would collaborate with head coach Justin Langer and other key figures in the coaching unit, including Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes.

Zaheer Khan was previously considered for the role of bowling coach for the Indian cricket team. However, Gautam Gambhir advocated for Morne Morkel to be appointed to the position, given their successful partnership at LSG during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. For Zaheer Khan, a 2011 World Cup champion with 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, 17 T20Is, and 100 IPL matches under his belt, this would be his second coaching role in the IPL, following his earlier stint with the Mumbai Indians.

Zaheer Khan’s cricketing journey is a testament to his value in Indian cricket. At a time when India struggled to find top-tier fast bowlers as Javagal Srinath neared retirement, Zaheer emerged as a remarkable talent. Renowned for his lethal new-ball bowling, especially against left-handers, and his mastery of reverse swing with both the old and new white ball, Zaheer established himself as a formidable Test bowler and a World Cup hero.

Also Read: Rinku Singh Wants to Join Virat Kohli’s RCB if Released by KKR in 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Zaheer made a memorable debut during the ICC Knockout Cup in 2000, famously yorking Steve Waugh with his pace. He, along with Ashish Nehra and Javagal Srinath, formed a potent pace attack for India during the 2003 World Cup. Zaheer’s standout performance in the 2011 World Cup, where he was among the top wicket-takers with 21 wickets, played a crucial role in India’s victorious campaign.

In the IPL, Zaheer started his career with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008, spent two seasons with Mumbai Indians, then rejoined Bangalore in 2011. He returned to Mumbai Indians for the 2014 season after previous stints in 2009 and 2010, before being signed by the Delhi Daredevils for the 2015 season.

August 20, 2024
Rinku Singh Wants to Join Virat Kohli’s RCB if Released by KKR in 2025 IPL Mega Auction

India’s young batter Rinku Singh has expressed his desire to join Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) if Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) release him during the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Rinku, who debuted in the IPL with KKR in 2018, gained widespread recognition after hitting five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans in a dramatic win during IPL 2023.

Rinku made his international debut for India against Ireland on August 18, 2023, and his ODI debut on December 19, 2023, against South Africa. In an exclusive interview with Sports Tak, Rinku shared that he would be keen to join RCB if released by KKR, citing Virat Kohli’s presence as a major factor.

When asked about Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy, Rinku praised him, describing him as a calm and effective leader. He compared Suryakumar’s style to that of Rohit Sharma, noting that both are calm captains who lead well without much talk.

Also Read: Neither Kohli Nor Bumrah! But These 3 Players Can Break Mitchell Starc’s Record in IPL 2025 Auction

Rinku was part of the traveling reserves for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad and played in the subsequent five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. He last appeared in the T20I series against Sri Lanka under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy. Rinku will next be seen leading Meerut Mavericks in the UP T20 League, with their first match scheduled for August 25.

August 19, 2024
3 Players Whom Kolkata Knight Riders Can Release Before 2025 Mega Auction
Every team is preparing for the IPL 2025 auction at this time. Current champion Kolkata Knight Riders is also busy with their preparations. KKR won the title last time and that is why they would not want to make much changes in their team. Perhaps this is the reason that when a meeting was held in Mumbai regarding the IPL auction, KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan talked about retaining as many players as possible. Kolkata had many great players during IPL 2024. However, if more retention is not allowed, then many great players will have to be released. In this article, we will tell you who can be the 3 players whom KKR can release before the auction.
Table of Contents
3 Players That KKR Could Release Before IPL 2025
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
2. Mitchell Starc
3. Nitish Rana
3 Players That KKR Could Release Before IPL 2025

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

KKR can also release Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Last season, he did not get a chance to play many matches, because Phil Salt was showing a great game. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played only 2 matches and scored 62 runs during this period. If Phil Salt is retained by the team, then Rahmanullah Gurbaz can be released.

2. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc

Many people will be surprised to see this name, but KKR can also release Mitchell Starc. There are two big reasons for this. The first thing is that this time there is a mega auction, so more and more players will have to be released and the second thing is that Mitchell Starc was sold at a very high price and if KKR releases him, then a lot of purse will remain with them. With this, they can buy many other excellent players in the mega auction.

Also Read: Kolkata Knight Riders Can Retain These 4 Players Before IPL 2025 Mega Auction

3. Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana has been a part of the KKR team for the last several seasons. He has also played many great innings so far but he was not able to make a place in the team last season. It was becoming very difficult to fit Nitish in the playing XI. This is the reason why he was able to play only two matches and scored only 42 runs in it. For this reason, Rana can be released from KKR.
August 19, 2024
Neither Kohli Nor Bumrah! But These 3 Players Can Break Mitchell Starc’s Record in IPL 2025 Auction
Before IPL 2025, a meeting was organized between BCCI and all the franchises regarding the upcoming mega auction, in which all the team owners put forward their views. In this meeting, there was a lot of discussion about retained, RTM and uncapped players, but BCCI will reach a conclusion by the end of August keeping everyone’s suggestions in mind.

But if before the IPL mega auction, it is being heard in the news that some veterans will leave their old team, then according to some rules, they will hardly be seen back in their team. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive players in the upcoming IPL auction. Neither Kohli’s nor Bumrah’s name is in this list, but here are 3 players can break Starc’s record of 24.75 crore.
Table of Contents
3 Players Could be Most Expensive Buys in IPL 2025 Auction
1- Jake Fraser McGurk
2- Heinrich Klaasen
3- Rohit Sharma
3 Players Could be Most Expensive Buys in IPL 2025 Auction

1- Jake Fraser McGurk

Jake Fraser McGurk

In IPL 2024, Delhi Capitals included Australia’s Jake Fraser McGurk in their team and when he got the chance, he also batted in a rapid style. His batting not only impressed the players but the fans of the Delhi team also became fans of his batting. However, if the Delhi team does not retain him, then due to his explosive style, any other team can rain money on him.

2- Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive batsman Heinrich Klaasen can also be a part of the auction this time. It is being speculated that according to the IPL rules, the team can retain only 2 foreign players. In such a situation, the Hyderabad team is in a dilemma because it would like to retain Travis Head along with captain Pat Cummins. In such a situation, if Klaasen comes into the auction, then several crores can be bid on him too.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya To Be Released From Mumbai Indians! Now This Player Will Be The New Captain In The IPL 2025

3- Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma can also distance himself from his team before the upcoming IPL. According to reports, Rohit Sharma can part ways with the Mumbai team and join some other team. If he is not traded and he becomes a part of the auction, then crores of rupees can rain on him. He can break Mitchell Starc’s record of around 25 crores in the auction.
August 19, 2024
IPL 2025: CSK and MS Dhoni Set to Gain as BCCI Considers Bringing Back Old Retention Rule

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 July 31 meeting, the BCCI is said to be seriously contemplating its return. If the rule is reinstated, it would enable CSK to retain their former captain MS Dhoni as an uncapped player, allowing them to secure most of their capped core players without significantly impacting their salary cap.

“There is a strong possibility of the rule being reintroduced,” a well-placed source told News18. “It was thoroughly discussed in the meeting last month and could be reintroduced when the player regulations are announced.”

Also Read: MS Dhoni will play in IPL 2025! BCCI is Going to Make This Big Change Before the Mega Auction- Reports

Under the previous retention rule, retaining an uncapped player would only cost a franchise INR 4 crore, potentially allowing Dhoni to continue playing for CSK without taking a substantial hit to their salary cap. Prior to the 2022 mega auction, CSK had retained Dhoni for INR 12 crore.

Ahead of IPL 2024, Dhoni stepped down from captaincy, passing the baton to the talented Ruturaj Gaikwad. The Men in Yellow narrowly missed out on a playoff spot, finishing fifth on the points table. During the season, Dhoni batted lower in the order, delivering several impressive cameos and scoring 161 runs from just 73 balls at a remarkable strike rate of 220.55.

As one of the most beloved cricketers in Indian history, Dhoni’s fans would undoubtedly be thrilled to see him return to the IPL in 2025, showcasing his skills once more in the league.

August 18, 2024
IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma will be a part of Mumbai Indians, if BCCI agrees to Shah Rukh Khan

Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Team India won the T20 World Cup 2024 title. This happened when Rohit Sharma was removed by his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians even after being the captain for 10 years and winning the title 5 times. Since then, there have been constant talks that Rohit may leave Mumbai Indians and play for another team next season. There is also a mega auction to be held before the next season and in such a situation, its possibility seems high. But if Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has his way, then Rohit can remain with Mumbai. Yes, Shah Rukh i.e. the owner of IPL 2024 champion Kolkata Knight Riders.

Now you must also be wondering that the decision which is in the hands of the owners of Mumbai Indians, how can KKR owner SRK take it? We will give you the answer to this later. First it is important to know where this news came from. Actually, on Wednesday, July 31, the board officials had a meeting with the owners of the IPL team at the BCCI headquarters. The reason for this meeting was the discussion about the change in the rules before the next season of the league, in which the issue of player retention was the most important. There was a discussion about player retention, but an issue came up in this meeting, which can change IPL forever.

Shahrukh made a big demand from BCCI

So the thing is that this time a mega auction is to be organized before the next season of IPL. Now what happens in the mega auction is that the teams are able to retain only 3-4 players and they have to prepare the squad again. In such a situation, many teams which perform well also have to change their team. This is the reason why in this meeting of BCCI, Shah Rukh Khan demanded to end the mega auction forever. According to the reports, not only Shah Rukh, but some other franchise owners apart from him expressed their desire to stop the mega auction in front of BCCI officials.

Also Read: SRK had a Heated Argument with PBKS Owner: Here is What Happened during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction Meeting

Will Rohit Sharma stay in Mumbai?

Since the beginning of IPL, a mega auction has been held after every three seasons, on which the eyes of the players as well as the fans are fixed. This also becomes a source of entertainment in itself. Now, it remains to be seen whether BCCI accepts this demand of the franchise owners or not. If BCCI accepts this demand of Shah Rukh Khan and decides to end the mega auction and conduct only a mini auction, then it is certain that Mumbai Indians will retain its former captain and star batter Rohit Sharma. But, if Rohit himself asks for his release from the franchise then it is a different matter but many teams will benefit from the point of the mega auction.

August 18, 2024
Kavya Maran 3 Big Demands Regarding Change in IPL Rules; Here is What the SRH Owner Said!

During the meeting of IPL team owners with BCCI officials here on Wednesday, opinions were divided on issues ranging from mega auction to impact player rule. With the mega auction scheduled to take place ahead of the 18th season of the T20 league next year, the BCCI had called a meeting at its headquarters here to discuss various issues.

Among the team owners who attended the meeting were Shah Rukh Khan from Kolkata Knight Riders, Kavya Maran from Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ness Wadia from Punjab Kings, Sanjiv Goenka from Lucknow Super Giants. Along with this, Parth Jindal of Delhi Capitals was also present.

Manoj Badale and Ranjit Barthakur from Rajasthan Royals, Prathamesh Mishra from Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kashi Vishwanathan and Rupa Gurunath from Chennai Super Kings, Amit Soni from Gujarat Titans while the owner of Mumbai Indians joined it online.

Kavya Maran made a big demand in IPL auction rules

According to reports, SRH owner Kavya has said, “It takes a lot of time to build a team and as discussed, it also takes a lot of time and investment to prepare young players. It took Abhishek Sharma 3 years to bring consistency in his performance. You will agree that other teams have many such examples.” She prefers mini auctions every year instead of mega auctions.

Kavya further said, “After being selected, if a player does not play the entire season for any reason other than injury, he should be banned. The franchise puts a lot of effort in the auction, if a player goes for a low amount and he does not come. So it affects the team combination”.

Also Read: MS Dhoni to Retire- IPL Franchises Do Not Agree With CSK’s Demand for Rule Change

Kavya Maran has demanded the removal of restrictions on the number of foreign players, as last time BCCI allowed a maximum of 2 foreign players to be retained, since every team is formed in a different way which consists of Indian players, foreign players and uncapped players.

August 18, 2024
Punjab Kings Face Turmoil Ahead of IPL 2025: Preity Zinta Takes Co-Owner to Court

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% of his shares without following the internal agreements among the owners. These agreements require that any shares intended for sale must first be offered to the existing promoters.

Despite Burman’s public statement to Cricbuzz that he has “no plans to sell his shares,” reports have surfaced suggesting that he is indeed looking to offload 11.5% of his shares to an unnamed party.

The exact details of Zinta’s legal action remain undisclosed, but the case is scheduled for a hearing on August 20. This dispute has cast a shadow over the future of the franchise, which has already struggled to find consistent success in the IPL.

Also Read: “Jay Shah’s Candid Remarks on Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan: ‘Because Of Harsh Steps I Have Taken…’”

Like Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings have yet to lift the IPL trophy, despite being a part of the tournament since its inception in 2008. The team has only made it to the final and semifinals once each in their 17-year history. While the team’s performance on the field has been disappointing, this off-field legal battle could create further distractions for the franchise.

August 17, 2024
Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul to part ways from their teams, will be seen captaining these franchises in IPL 2025- Sources

According to reports, Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant and Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul may not be seen playing in their current IPL teams anymore and they may go to other teams. If believed in the sources, then Rishabh Pant is ready to join the CSK franchise. On the other hand, KL Rahul might go back to his hometown franchise i.e. RCB.

Rishabh Pant can leave Delhi and join this team

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul both left their teams, will be seen captaining these 2 new franchises in IPL 2025. Rishabh started his career in IPL by playing for Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) and he is now also captaining the team. However, now it is being claimed in many media reports that he may leave Delhi Capitals and join another team.

Actually, earlier also such news has come out that Pant can leave Delhi Capitals and join Chennai Super Kings. The main reason for this can be former captain Dhoni and Pant are good friends and are often seen with each other. In such a situation, if Rishabh becomes a part of Chennai, then he can captain the team and Rituraj Gaikwad can be removed from his post.

KL Rahul may leave Lucknow and join this team

Star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is currently captaining Lucknow Super Giants and under his captaincy, Lucknow has reached the playoffs twice. However, things got very bad between him and team owner Sanjiv Goenka in IPL 2024 and since then there have been reports that Rahul may be released by the Lucknow franchise.

If Rahul goes to the auction, he will have many teams in his camp. However, there is every possibility that the wicketkeeper batter can be included in Royal Challengers Bangalore and can also hand over the captaincy to him. Currently, Faf du Plessis is the captain of Bangalore but as soon as Rahul arrives, he can be made the captain.

Also Read: LSG to Remove KL Rahul as Captain before IPL 2025; Amit Sharma Drops Major Hint

Before the mega auction, BCCI allows only 4 to 6 players to be retained and in such a situation, it will be interesting to see this time whether there are some changes in the rule or the same rule will remain applicable because all the franchises are giving their different opinions.

August 17, 2024