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As IPL 2025 gears up for its resumption on May 17, Punjab Kings are still awaiting confirmation on the return of several key overseas players. The availability of Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, and Aaron Hardie remains uncertain, creating some concern for the franchise as the league enters its crucial final stretch. Among them, Jansen and Inglis have been named in South Africa’s and Australia’s squads respectively for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final, scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s. Their inclusion for the high-profile Test clash adds further doubt over their participation in the remaining IPL matches. On a positive note, Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mitchell Owen have confirmed their return to India and will link up with the squad shortly. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, most members of PBKS’ overseas support staff, including head coach Ricky Ponting, and assistant coaches Brad Haddin and James Hopes, have remained in India despite the recent suspension of the tournament. PBKS management has directed its players and staff to regroup within the next two days, with the team set to resume training in Jaipur starting Thursday. The side will prepare for their final three group stage matches against Rajasthan Royals (May 18), Delhi Capitals (May 24), and Mumbai Indians (May 26). Punjab Kings are currently placed third on the points table, having collected 15 points from 11 matches. The team finds itself in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs, with momentum on their side and just three fixtures left in the group phase. The league had come to a sudden halt on May 9, when it was suspended due to heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, sparked by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, scheduled for May 8, was abandoned mid-way as a result. Following the de-escalation of hostilities on May 10, the BCCI swiftly resumed discussions with government officials and other stakeholders. By Monday, the board had released a revised schedule for the remainder of the tournament, covering 17 matches. Six cities, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, have been designated as hosts for the remaining 13 league matches. However, venues for the four playoff games are yet to be finalised. According to the updated fixture list, Qualifier 1 will be held on May 29, followed by the Eliminator on May 30, Qualifier 2 on June 1, and the final on June 3. (With inputs from ANI)
13 May,2025 08:03 PM IST | Jaipur | mid-day online correspondentPunjab Kings co-owner and Bollywood actor Preity Zinta strongly rebuked a social media user on Tuesday after being subjected to an inappropriate remark during an interactive session on X (formerly Twitter). The user made a tasteless comment linking Glenn Maxwell’s underwhelming performances in IPL 2025 to his past association with Zinta, suggesting that the Australian cricketer was underperforming because the two did not get married. Will you ask this question to the male team owners of all teams, or is this discrimination just towards the women? I never knew how difficult it is for women to survive in corporate setups until I got into cricket. I’m sure you asked this question out of humour, but I hope you… https://t.co/cBX4SbqAwS — Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 13, 2025 “Mam Maxwell ki aapse shadi ni Hui isiliye vo aapko team se accha ni khelta tha?” (Ma'am, you not getting married to Maxwell is the reason behind his poor performance this season?), the user asked. The comment was met with a sharp and dignified response from Preity, who called out the ingrained gender bias and urged the user to be more respectful. “Will you ask this question to the male team owners of all teams, or is this discrimination just towards the women? I never knew how difficult it is for women to survive in corporate setups until I got into cricket,” she wrote on X. She went on to add: “I'm sure you asked this question out of humour, but I hope you can actually look at your question and understand what you are trying to say because if you really understand what you're trying to say, it's not pretty! I think I have earned my stripes by working very hard for the past 18 years so please give me the respect I deserve & stop with the gender bias. Thank you.” Her response has been widely praised by netizens, with many lauding her for calling out inappropriate behaviour and standing up against gender discrimination in sports administration. Meanwhile, on the field, her team Punjab Kings has emerged as one of the most formidable sides in IPL 2025. Currently placed third on the points table with seven wins, three losses, and one no-result, PBKS have accumulated 15 points and are well on track for a strong finish. The team’s success has been fuelled by an explosive opening combination. Prabhsimran Singh has scored 487 runs in 12 matches, including five fifties, while his partner Priyansh Arya has amassed 417 runs with one century and two fifties. Skipper Shreyas Iyer has led from the front, contributing 405 runs in 12 matches along with sharp fielding and astute bowling changes. Punjab Kings will resume their campaign on May 18 when they face Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, aiming to secure a top-two finish ahead of the playoffs.
13 May,2025 07:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith the IPL 2025 set to resume on May 17 following a week-long suspension, the BCCI and franchise officials are actively engaging with foreign cricket boards to ensure the return of overseas players. The suspension, triggered by escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, was lifted after a ceasefire was announced. Following this, the Indian government granted the necessary security clearances, allowing the league to announce its revised schedule. The BCCI has directed IPL COO Hemang Amin to personally reach out to key boards such as Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to address any residual safety concerns players may have about traveling back to India. All the 10 teams are involved in a lot of back and forth with their overseas recruits over their arrival plans in India a day after the IPL announced the revised schedule following necessary security clearances from the government. "We have been speaking to the foreign boards individually while teams are directly dealing with their players. We expect majority of them to return," a BCCI official told PTI. While Cricket Australia has given players the autonomy to decide on participation, the players' association is also involved in these discussions. Team representatives noted that although a few players are still hesitant, the general expectation is that most will rejoin their squads before the tournament resumes. Chennai Super Kings, whose next match is scheduled for May 20, are in the process of confirming the availability of their foreign players. Among CSK’s overseas contingent are Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, and Matheesha Pathirana. While Ahmad and Pathirana are expected to return, uncertainty surrounds the availability of their New Zealand recruits. At Punjab Kings, head coach Ricky Ponting is making efforts to persuade Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis to return, though their participation remains doubtful. However, the team anticipates the return of Xavier Bartlett, Aaron Hardie, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Marco Jansen. Punjab are on track for their first play-off berth since 2014. SunRisers Hyderabad, though already eliminated, are hopeful of seeing captain Pat Cummins and opener Travis Head rejoin the side for their remaining three fixtures. “We are confident that majority of foreign players will return including the captain,” a franchise official said. Delhi Capitals, still in the play-off hunt, have reached out to their overseas players and await responses. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is among those they are particularly keen to have back. “We hope that all of them return. We will know more by tomorrow,” said a team official. With the IPL final now rescheduled for June 3, the proximity to the June 11 WTC final at Lord’s poses a logistical challenge for players from Australia and South Africa who are balancing national duties with IPL commitments. (With PTI inputs)
13 May,2025 06:40 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentVirat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, bringing the curtains down on an illustrious red-ball career in which he played 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. Despite a noticeable dip in form over the last five years, Kohli retires as a bona fide Test legend. In 113 matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. His 14-year-long journey in the longest format was laden with milestones, some of which may stand the test of time. Below are three such records that might never be broken: 3 or more double tons in multiple calendar years While three players have scored more double centuries than Kohli’s tally of seven, none of them can match a unique feat he achieved. Kohli remains the only batter in history to score three or more double centuries in two different calendar years, 2016 and 2017. To put this into perspective, most elite players consider themselves fortunate to score three centuries in a year. Kohli went several steps further, notching up three double hundreds in successive years, a level of consistency and dominance that even the great Don Bradman didn’t reach. Highest win percentage at home as Test captain As captain, Kohli turned India into an indomitable force, particularly at home. Under his leadership, India played 31 home Test matches, winning 24 and losing just two. His home win percentage stands at a staggering 77.41 percentage, the highest ever for any captain in the history of Test cricket. More impressively, India did not lose a single home series during his tenure. Teams touring India under Kohli’s captaincy were not just beaten; they were comprehensively outclassed. That level of home dominance may never be replicated. Most double centuries as Test captain Each of Kohli’s seven double centuries came while leading India, a record no other captain has achieved. The next closest is Brian Lara, who registered five double tons as skipper. Other legendary captains such as Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith, and Michael Clarke fall well short of this benchmark.
13 May,2025 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia batting stalwart Virat Kohli visited spiritual leader Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan on Tuesday along with his actor wife Anushka Sharma, a day after announcing his retirement from Test cricket. A video of the couple seeking blessings from the saint was shared on micro-blogging platform 'X' by the disciples of the revered leader. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma at Vrindavan for blessings. 🙇🤍 pic.twitter.com/ql4LWIGo6K — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 13, 2025 The clip featured a brief interaction between the couple and the spiritual leader, who asked Kohli if he was happy. Kohli and Anuskha listened with rapt attention when Premanand ji emphasised the significance of inner reflection and the transformative power of chanting God's name with devotion to attain inner peace and spiritual liberation. The couple spent over three hours at the Shri Radha Keli Kunj Ashram located near Varaha Ghat. Following his spiritual interaction, Kohli toured other initiatives run by the ashram and also visited the nearby ashram of Gaurangi Sharan Maharaj, the guru of Premanand Ji Maharaj, before returning. This marked Kohli's third visit to the ashram, his previous ones were on January 10 this year and on January 4, 2023. Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, drawing the curtains on a stellar red-ball career. He represented India in 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. His decision to retire from Tests came after it was reported that Kohli had communicated his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of next month's five-match Test series against England. In his Test career, the 36-year-old made 123 appearances in white clothing, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 210 innings and the best score of 254*. He is India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs). He made his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies. While his first Test tour was a massive disappointment with just 76 runs in five innings, a young Kohli made a name for himself with some serious, counter-attacking knocks in the coming days. (With inputs from agencies)
13 May,2025 05:33 PM IST | Vrindavan | mid-day online correspondentFive key Australian cricketers currently participating in IPL 2025 have been named in the national squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. Their inclusion all but rules them out of contention for the IPL play-offs and possibly the remainder of the tournament. Initially slated to conclude on May 25, the IPL 2025 season was extended by a week due to escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. As per the revised schedule announced on Monday, the IPL final will now take place on June 3, just eight days before the WTC final, which begins on June 11 at Lord’s. This revised timeline has thrown the availability of several Australian stars into serious doubt. Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, all part of IPL franchises, have been selected for the WTC final squad. Among them, Hazlewood has already been ruled out of the tournament’s remainder due to a shoulder injury. The seasoned pacer, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has had an impactful season with 18 wickets in 10 matches. However, he missed RCB’s recent fixture against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, and his absence is a major setback for a team firmly in the play-off race. Josh Inglis, who was brought into the Punjab Kings squad as a replacement for the injured Marcus Stoinis at a price of Rs 2.60 crore, has had limited impact with the bat. He has scored 92 runs in seven matches, with a highest of 30, but Punjab remain just one win away from sealing a top-four spot. Delhi Capitals’ Mitchell Starc, acquired for Rs 11.75 crore at last year’s mega auction, remains integral to their playoff push. Having taken 14 wickets in 12 matches, Starc has been a consistent performer, even though DC’s playoff chances hang in the balance. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, have already fallen out of playoff contention. Cummins has had a lackluster campaign, managing just nine wickets at an economy rate of 9.60. Travis Head, also part of SRH, has seen a dip in form, amassing 281 runs in 10 matches at an average of 28.1, far below his stellar 2024 season. Several media reports indicated that most Australian players and support staff have begun departing India to return home over the weekend. Cricket Australia has also confirmed it will support players’ individual decisions on whether to rejoin their IPL teams or remain in Australia ahead of the WTC final.
13 May,2025 04:58 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTemba Bavuma will lead South Africa in the WTC 2025 final against Australia, scheduled to be played at Lord's on June 11, as the 'Rainbow Nation' announced their squad on Tuesday. South Africa will get a major boost ahead of the Lord's clash after the inclusion of pacer Lungi Ngidi, who was out of action due to a groin injury. Having recovered from his injury, the pacer has made appearances for South Africa in white-ball cricket and has also featured in T20 leagues. South Africa came victorious in eight out of its 12 matches, which in return helped them seal their spot in the finals. With Bavuma leading the South African side in their first-ever WTC final, their batting lineup consists of Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram. Also Read: From Kohli to Dhoni: India's top Test captains with most wins Youngsters Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham have also made the cut for the final of the marquee event. Kyle Verreynne will be an electric presence behind the stumps and lower down the order, and all-rounders Wiaam Mulder and Marco Jansen can also contribute with the bat. Mulder and Jansen will be joined by ace pacer Kagiso Rabada, Ngidi, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch to frame up the fast-bowling lineup. Tweaker Keshav Maharaj will be the face of the spin resources alongside Senuran Muthusamy. Kwena Maphaka and Matthew Breetzke have been sidelined from SA's 16-member squad. South Africa finished at the top of the league stage with a points percentage of 69.44. They dominated at home, securing series wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka while drawing against India. Their away form was equally impressive, with victories over the West Indies and Bangladesh. Their only setback came in New Zealand, where they were missing a host of their first-choice stars. South Africa squad for WTC final 2025: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson. (With ANI Inputs)
13 May,2025 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara feels that after Virat Kohli's retirement, the side needs a couple of series to find the right batsman to play at number four, according to ESPNcricinfo. "We will need a couple of series to figure out who is well suited to bat at No. 4, because it's an important position. You need your best batter to bat at No. 4. And at this time, I think it's still a spot where the team management will have to figure out who is the most suited player at No. 4," Pujara said on Tuesday as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. Earlier, Kohli played at the number four position in 99 out of the 115 Test matches since Sachin Tendulkar's retirement. Also Read: Shahid Afridi's 'victory rally' post-ceasefire mocked as fantasy storytelling by Indian fans Further, Pujara said that a lot of players are hunting their way to feature in the playing XI, but no one has secured a fixed spot at this stage. "There are a lot of players who are making their way into the playing XI, no one has a secure spot at this stage. It's a process which will take some time," he said. Team India will lock horns with England for a five-match Test series, starting from June 20. Ahead of the tour, the veteran of 103 Test matches said that one who performs well in England can have that number four position. "It's still early days to make a call, but it will be important to see who performs well in England because someone who can perform well in England can have that No. 4 spot," concluded the 37-year-old. The series against England will also mark the commencement of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle. Previously, skipper Rohit Sharma, too, drew curtains on his Test career. It will be interesting to see how Team India deals with the absence of Rohit and Kohli in the longest format of the game. Also, the Indian think tank will have a task to find the right pair to fit in the setup ahead of the England tour. (With ANI Inputs)
13 May,2025 02:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe immediate retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the Test series against England came as a huge surprise to former Team India captain Anil Kumble. He feels that the duo deserved an on-field farewell. "Right now, Rohit Sharma a few days ago and then Virat Kohli. I think all three (Rohit, Virat and Ravichandran Ashwin) of them deserved a proper send off on the field. I strongly believe people who matter need to address that. I know it is a social media age, yes the fans want to be there, there would have been plenty of fans and have a roaring send off," said Kumble on ESPNCricinfo. Virat Kohli on Monday drew curtains on his illustrious Test career of 14 years. He represented India in 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs with an average of 46.85. The veteran also had 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries to his name in the format. Also Read: 'Enjoy retirement, brother': Conor McGregor wishes Virat Kohli after his Test retirement His decision came after the retirement of Rohit Sharma. Further speaking on Kohli, the former cricketer feels that the 36-year-old had a few more years left in him. "It is a huge surprise. Two outstanding, great players retiring on the back of few days. I didn't see it coming. It has certainly caught me off guard. I thought he has a few more years left in him, especially at the Test level," said Kumble. "He's playing only the ODI format now. No player leaves with any regret and I am sure he would have thought through this and ultimately it is the player's call," added the 54-year-old. Kumble, who ended as India's leading Test wicket-taker with 619 scalps, said players of such stature should have been given an opportunity to bow out in front of fans. "It is a very quiet exit. Every player deserves to leave on his terms, but I think on the field. We spoke about this when R Ashwin retired as well, right in the middle of the series, he announced his retirement and came back (to India from Australia)". Ahead of the five-match Test series, legendary Team India bowlers stated that the retirements of two stalwarts would have also come as a surprise for the selectors as well. "Rohit has retired, he had been captain for a while and Virat is probably the most accomplished captain for India and you would have wanted one of the guys to be around. England is going to be tough, it is a five-Test... I think it must have come as a surprise to the selectors as well. I'm sure the selectors would have looked to pursue him," Kumble concluded. (With PTI Inputs)
13 May,2025 01:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCricket Australia stated that it will support players' individual decisions on returning to India to feature in the IPL 2025, which was earlier suspended for one week. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced the resumption of the IPL 2025 across six venues from May 17. The dates of the IPL 2025 are clashing with the preparations of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final scheduled at Lord's on June 11. The development of the Indian league has left Australia and South Africa's regular players in a dilemma, whether to stay in their countries for the preparations of the Lord's final or return to India for the league. "Following the announcement that the IPL will resume on Saturday, Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not," CA said in a statement. Also Read: WTC final: Australia announces squad for Lord's clash against South Africa "Team management will work through preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those players who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches. "We are maintaining communication with the Australian government and BCCI around security arrangements and safety." The IPL 2025 was suspended due to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. According to the new schedule, the league is set to conclude just eight days before the WTC final, which will be played between Australia and South Africa. In the wake of the unrest, several Australian players, including skipper Pat Cummins and fast bowler Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, have returned home. Only a few former players like Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin, who are part of coaching setups, remain in India. Other coaches, including Justin Langer and Mike Hussey, have returned home amid the rising border tensions. Australian Test players currently involved in the IPL who are likely to be impacted include captain Cummins and Travis Head (both Sunrisers Hyderabad), Starc (Delhi Capitals), and Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru). While SRH are out of the playoff race, second-placed RCB are well-positioned to qualify, and fifth-placed DC remain in contention. (With PTI Inputs)
13 May,2025 12:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India stalwart Virat Kohli recently announced his retirement from the longest format of the game. Following his retirement, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Conor McGregor congratulated the global cricketing star on his incredible Test career. McGregor took to his official social media handle by sharing a story which read, "Enjoy retirement, brother Virat! Huge congrats on a stellar cricket career!". Virat Kohli represented India for 14-long years in Test cricket, in which he dominated every opponent that he faced in whites. Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of the game, tops the list of Indian cricketers with the most double centuries in Test cricket. Having played 123 Tests, Kohli has scored seven double tons, followed by former cricketer Virender Sehwag, who has six double centuries. Also Read: WTC final: Australia announces squad for Lord's clash against South Africa To date, he stands as the most successful Indian captain in the longest format of the game. The veteran comes second on the list after Sunil Gavaskar to score the most runs in a series by any Indian captain. Kohli has scored 655 runs during the 2016-17 Test series against England. Gavaskar tops the list by 732 runs in the 1978/79 Test series against West Indies. The 36-year-old holds the top spot on the list of most runs scored by an Indian captain in a Test innings. During the Test series against South Africa in 2019, the right-hander registered a score of an unbeaten 254 runs, which to date stands as the highest score by any Indian captain in a Test innings. Virat Kohli led Team India in 68 Test matches and has registered 40 victories, 17 losses and 11 draws. His stint as an Indian captain in Test cricket came to an end with a win percentage of 58.82. Concluding his Test career, Virat featured in 123 matches and scored 9,230 runs. With 30 centuries, the veteran also had 31 half-centuries under his belt. His career best score in the longest format of the game is an unbeaten 254 runs. Under his captaincy, Team India dominated the top spot on the Test team rankings for 42 consecutive months. During the captaincy stint, the Indian team also stayed unbeaten in Test series at home and won 10 out of 11 series under him.
13 May,2025 12:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
