PCB Chairman Naqvi Orders Review of National T20 Cup Salary Reduction

PCB Chairman Naqvi Orders Review of National T20 Cup Pay Cut Decision Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has directed a review of the decision to reduce match fees for players and reserves selected for the National T20 Cup. Reports suggest that the fees may be restored to the previous season's amounts—PKR 40,000 per match for players and PKR 20,000 for reserves. Initially, match fees had been slashed by 75% to PKR 10,000 (approximately USD 35) and PKR 5,000 for reserves. However, even the proposed restoration to PKR 40,000 would still be lower than the 2022 rates, where players received PKR 60,000 per match. The drastic reduction, decided by PCB's domestic department, sparked concern within cricket circles, with fans and analysts questioning whether the PCB was experiencing financial difficulties. However, PCB sources clarified that the cost-cutting measures were due to an increase in domestic tournaments this season, which would provide more earning opportunities for players. The National T20 Cup is scheduled to begin on March 14, featuring 39 matches across Faisalabad, Lahore, and Multan. The final will be held in Faisalabad on March 27. Notably, several top Pakistani international players will miss the tournament as they are touring New Zealand for a series of five T20Is and three ODIs.

Axar Patel Appointed as Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025

Axar Patel Named Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025 Axar Patel has been appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the IPL 2025 season. Having joined DC in 2019, Axar was the franchise's top retention at INR 16.50 crore ahead of last year's mega auction. Though his leadership experience is limited, he was named India's T20I vice-captain earlier this year. The 31-year-old has previously captained Gujarat in 23 matches across various domestic formats, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in the 2024-25 season. He also led DC in one IPL match last year when Rishabh Pant was suspended due to a slow over-rate. Following Pant’s exit from the DC setup, Axar emerged as the team's most experienced player, having played 82 matches across six seasons. In the previous IPL season, he scored 235 runs at an average of nearly 30 and claimed 11 wickets with an economy rate of 7.65. Expressing his gratitude, Axar said, "It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I'm deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me. I've grown as a cricketer and a human being during my time here, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward." DC chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi emphasized Axar's journey within the franchise, stating, "Axar has been an integral part of the Capitals family since 2019 and embodies the values that this team is built on. This decision reflects the natural progression for him as a leader, and we have full confidence in his abilities." Co-owner Parth Jindal also praised Axar's growth, saying, "Having personally picked Axar in 2019, I have witnessed his evolution as a cricketer and leader. He is a much-loved figure in the dressing room and someone who will inspire his teammates." The DC squad for IPL 2025 features experienced international players like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc. Axar himself comes into the season after contributing significantly to India's Champions Trophy triumph, taking five wickets with an economy rate of 4.35 and offering key contributions with the bat. Delhi Capitals, still chasing their first IPL title, finished sixth last season with a balanced win-loss record. This year, Axar will be working alongside a refreshed coaching setup, including Hemang Badani (head coach), Venugopal Rao (director of cricket), and Matthew Mott (assistant coach). DC will kick off their campaign against LSG in Visakhapatnam on March 24. With Axar's appointment, all five IPL teams that required a new captain post-auction have confirmed their leaders: Rajat Patidar (RCB), Ajinkya Rahane (KKR), Rishabh Pant (LSG), and Shreyas Iyer (PBKS).

Giants' Promising Season Ends in Eliminator Amid Trial and Error Approach

Gujarat Giants' Season Ends in WPL 2025 Eliminator After Costly Errors The Gujarat Giants' (GG) campaign in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 came to a disappointing end as they were defeated by the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 47 runs in the Eliminator. A series of fielding lapses and poor running between the wickets proved costly for the Giants, with head coach Michael Klinger summing it up as, "probably minus 20 to us [for the lapses] and plus 20 to them." Early Setback with Dottin’s Injury The Giants suffered a major blow even before the first ball was bowled, as star allrounder Deandra Dottin was ruled out minutes before the toss due to a knee tendon injury. Dottin experienced discomfort during the warm-up and, despite a brief attempt to return to the field, was unable to continue. Expressing his disappointment, Klinger explained, "We tried to give her another opportunity to come out and see if she could [play], but she felt pain again and realized she wasn't going to make it." Danny Gibson was brought in as a replacement and delivered a commendable performance. Still, Klinger's acknowledgment was clear: "Deandra is a fantastic player and an impact player, so there's no doubt when she doesn’t play last minute, you lose a little bit." Tactical Misjudgment at the Toss Opting to bowl first, the Giants aimed to capitalize on dew conditions. While they initially restricted MI to 37 for 1 in the powerplay, a 133-run partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews swung the game decisively in MI's favor. Gujarat's struggles in the field, including dropping four catches and misfielding numerous times, contributed to Mumbai's imposing total of 213. Reflecting on the decision, Klinger admitted, "We may have actually misread the conditions slightly... But tosses in T20 cricket don't win you games." He added that defending a 200-plus total under pressure ultimately derailed their chase. Fielding and Running Woes Mumbai’s sharp fielding proved pivotal, with Matthews setting the tone by dismissing Beth Mooney in the opening over. MI capitalized on every run-out opportunity, completing three decisive dismissals. In contrast, GG’s fielding errors and multiple run-outs, including those of Harleen Deol, Gibson, and Kashvee Gautam, compounded their woes. "Yeah, our fielding wasn't great tonight. That was obvious for most to see," Klinger admitted. "I thought there was about a 40-run swing there. We lost by 47 runs, and sometimes that can be the big difference." What Could Have Been Klinger acknowledged that the outcome might have been different had they made better decisions at the toss, had Dottin been fit, or had they held onto their catches and avoided costly run-outs. "A few run-outs in a run chase isn't ideal, and we had to get a lot of things right in that chase, and it didn’t quite happen," Klinger concluded. Despite their exit, the Giants will reflect on a season of promise, learning valuable lessons from a campaign that ended in trial and error.

'I Earned My Opportunity' - Connolly Reflects on Rapid Test Debut Before Returning to Shield Action

Connolly Reflects on Whirlwind Test Debut as He Prepares for Crucial Shield Clash After an eventful overseas stint that saw him make his Test debut and open in the Champions Trophy semi-final against India, Cooper Connolly has returned to the familiar surroundings of the WACA. The allrounder is now focused on helping Western Australia (WA) secure a spot in the Sheffield Shield final as they gear up for a decisive clash against Victoria. WA currently sit fourth on the table, just 2.37 points behind second-placed Queensland, in the battle to meet South Australia in the final starting March 26. Victoria also remain in contention, albeit with slimmer chances. For WA to progress, they must defeat Victoria and hope that both Queensland and New South Wales fall short in their matches. Connolly Ready for Shield Return Returning to Shield cricket for the first time since October, Connolly is eager to make an impact. "Always love coming back to play for WA," he shared. "I actually haven't played many Shield games, but I'm looking forward to getting around the boys again. Just playing some cricket back at home will be nice, and hopefully, some results go our way so we can reach the final." The 21-year-old began the Shield season with back-to-back half-centuries and had previously impressed with a 90-run knock in last season's final. However, a busy schedule followed, including an Australia A match and a hand fracture suffered in an ODI against Pakistan. Test Debut and Learning Experiences Connolly's strong performances in the BBL, where he was named Player of the Tournament alongside Glenn Maxwell, paved the way for his selection on the Sri Lanka tour. Despite limited first-class experience, he debuted in the second Test, an opportunity he embraced fully. While his Test outing was challenging—scoring just four runs and delivering only five ineffective overs—Connolly valued the learning experience, particularly under the guidance of stand-in captain Steven Smith. "Just taking in his knowledge and seeing what worked for me," he said. "I felt like it wasn't really a surprise [making my debut]. I felt like if I was going to play, I earned my opportunity. It was an overall great trip to Sri Lanka, and I loved it." Champions Trophy Semi-Final Challenge Connolly's rapid rise continued as he stepped in for the injured Matthew Short during the Champions Trophy semi-final against India. Despite falling for a duck against Mohammed Shami, he rebounded by claiming his maiden international wicket, trapping Rohit Sharma lbw. "To walk out there in a semi-final was an unbelievable experience, and I'll take a lot of learnings from it," Connolly said. Shield Clash and Future Focus Returning to the WACA, Connolly is aware of the challenging conditions, with a grassy pitch expected for the clash against Victoria. WA will miss several key players, including Lance Morris and IPL-bound stars like Mitchell Marsh and Aaron Hardie. With no upcoming commitments in the off-season, Connolly is keen to make the most of this opportunity. "The dream would be to play the IPL eventually, but for now, I'm just focusing on what's in front of me—trying to enjoy cricket and put some scores on the board while improving my bowling," he concluded.

Bumrah Likely to Miss Initial Matches of IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians

Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss Initial Matches of IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the opening matches of the IPL 2025 season for Mumbai Indians (MI) as he continues his recovery from a back injury sustained in January. Bumrah is likely to join the MI squad by early April, pending clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence medical team in Bengaluru. The pace spearhead has been sidelined since January 4, after suffering a stress-related lower back injury during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. This setback also ruled him out of the recently concluded Champions Trophy, which India went on to win. This marks Bumrah’s first back injury since undergoing surgery in March 2023. Recovery Timeline and Return Uncertainty While announcing India's squad for the Champions Trophy, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had stated that Bumrah needed at least five weeks of rest, beginning from the Sydney Test. Although Bumrah was included in India’s provisional squad for the tournament starting February 19, discomfort during scans in early February led to his withdrawal from the final lineup. Although his return date remains uncertain, it is believed Bumrah might miss at least the initial three games of MI's season in March. Mumbai Indians' Opening Fixtures March 23: vs Chennai Super Kings (Away) March 29: vs Gujarat Titans (Away) March 31: vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Home) MI's subsequent fixtures in early April include matches against Lucknow Super Giants (April 4) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 7). Bumrah's availability for these games will depend on his recovery progress. Workload Concerns and Injury Risks Bumrah’s unique bowling action has made him prone to back injuries, prompting the BCCI to closely manage his workload. Former MI bowling coach Shane Bond recently highlighted the risks, warning that another injury in the same spot could be "career-ending" for Bumrah. Bond emphasized that transitioning too quickly from T20 to Test cricket poses significant risks, especially with India's upcoming five-Test tour of England in June, just a month after the IPL concludes. Bumrah's fitness and workload management will be crucial, not only for MI's IPL campaign but also for India’s preparation for the critical Test series in England.

Women's World Cup Qualifiers Scheduled in Lahore from April 9 to 19

Women's World Cup Qualifiers Set for Lahore from April 9 to 19 The Women's World Cup qualifying tournament is scheduled to take place in Lahore from April 9 to 19, paving the way for the final two spots in the ODI World Cup, set for October 2025 in India. The qualifying competition will kick off on April 9 with two matches: Pakistan facing Ireland and Scotland taking on West Indies. Bangladesh and Thailand, the remaining teams in the six-team event, will clash on April 10. Tournament Schedule April 9: Pakistan vs Ireland & Scotland vs West Indies April 10: Bangladesh vs Thailand April 11: Pakistan vs Scotland & Ireland vs West Indies April 13: Bangladesh vs Ireland & Scotland vs Thailand April 14: Pakistan vs West Indies April 15: Bangladesh vs Scotland & Ireland vs Thailand April 17: Pakistan vs Thailand & Bangladesh vs West Indies April 18: Ireland vs Scotland April 19: Pakistan vs Bangladesh & Thailand vs West Indies Venue Details The matches will be held at Lahore's revamped Gaddafi Stadium and the Lahore City Cricket Association grounds. Warm-up matches will take place at these venues and Aitchison College on April 5 and 7, following the arrival of teams in Lahore on April 3. Qualification and Context While India (hosts), Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka have already secured spots in the 2025 ODI World Cup, the final two berths will be decided through this qualifier. This is the second ICC tournament hosted in Pakistan after the Champions Trophy, with all fixtures confined to Lahore due to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) only resuming in the city from April 24. The PSL season begins in Rawalpindi on April 11. Pakistan's Participation Clause Due to a reciprocal arrangement between the PCB and BCCI, if Pakistan qualifies for the main World Cup, they will not play their matches in India. Instead, those games will be staged at a neutral venue. World Cup Overview India will host the Women's ODI World Cup for the fifth time, and the first since 2011. It will also be the first global women’s tournament in India since the 2016 T20 World Cup. The 2025 edition will feature eight teams contesting 31 matches, similar to the 2022 format.

Delhi Capitals Aim for First WPL Title, Hoping Third Time's the Charm

WPL 2025 Final: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals - Clash of Powerhouses Match Details: Fixture: Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai Date: March 15, 2025 What to Expect: Battle of Two Powerhouse Teams In a throwback to the 2023 final, MI and DC, two of the most consistent teams in the Women's Premier League (WPL), face off once again for the coveted title. DC have enjoyed a smooth run into the final, while MI took the tough route, playing three matches in four days to secure their spot. DC have been consistent in their team selection and performances. Captain Meg Lanning found form late in the tournament, Shafali Verma has been dominant at the top, and Jess Jonassen’s promotion to No. 3 has worked well. However, DC’s middle order (positions 4-7) remains a concern, averaging just 17.50 and striking at 116.66—the lowest figures among all teams this season. MI, on the other hand, boast a powerful line-up with Nat Sciver-Brunt in prime form, Hayley Matthews contributing with both bat and ball, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur hitting her stride. However, MI's middle order has shown inconsistency. The advantage for MI is playing at home, where they have won six out of seven games this season. Team News and Key Selection Decisions Mumbai Indians:MI experimented with Amelia Kerr as an opener while pushing Yastika Bhatia down the order. Though Yastika adapted well, Kerr struggled to convert starts. The Eliminator saw them revert to the original line-up, but the performance was underwhelming. It remains to be seen if MI will shuffle the order again. MI also swapped left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque for Parunika Sisodia in the Eliminator. However, Ishaque bowled only one over, raising questions about her inclusion for the final. Probable XI: Hayley Matthews, 2. Amelia Kerr, 3. Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5. Amanjot Kaur, 6. Yastika Bhatia (wk), 7. S Sajana, 8. G Kamalini, 9. Sanskriti Gupta, 10. Shabnim Ismail, 11. Saika Ishaque Delhi Capitals:DC have had a stable line-up and are unlikely to make changes after their last outing on March 7. Probable XI: Meg Lanning (capt), 2. Shafali Verma, 3. Jemimah Rodrigues, 4. Annabel Sutherland, 5. Marizanne Kapp, 6. Jess Jonassen, 7. Sarah Bryce (wk), 8. Niki Prasad, 9. Minnu Mani, 10. Shikha Pandey, 11. Titas Sadhu Key Players to Watch Jemimah Rodrigues (DC):Rodrigues has struggled this season, managing just one fifty and multiple single-digit scores. With the final in her hometown, she’ll be eager to make an impact. However, her fielding has been outstanding throughout the tournament. Hayley Matthews (MI):Matthews has been consistent with the ball, currently leading the wicket charts with 17 scalps at an average of 15.88. She rediscovered her batting form in the Eliminator and will be crucial in both departments for MI. Stats to Know Nat Sciver-Brunt is just three runs away from becoming the first player to reach 1000 WPL runs and seven runs shy of 500 runs in a single WPL season. Rodrigues, Jonassen, and Shikha Pandey will be playing their fifth franchise final together in two years. Meg Lanning has won every international title and claimed her first franchise title in 2024 with London Spirit. If DC win, the WBBL will be the only major title missing from her illustrious career. What’s at Stake? MI are looking to defend their home advantage, having lost only once at Brabourne this season. DC, having lost in the final twice before, will hope that the third time’s the charm as they chase their maiden WPL title. Will it be Meg Lanning lifting the trophy or Harmanpreet Kaur defending MI’s crown? All eyes are set for a thrilling finale!

Cricket Scotland Faces Fresh Criticism Over Alleged Racism Cover-Up

Cricket Scotland Faces Renewed Allegations of Racism Cover-Up Cricket Scotland (CS) is once again under intense scrutiny following allegations of a cover-up in its handling of racism investigations. Accusations have surfaced that the board has been selective and elusive in addressing the aftermath of investigations into racism and discriminatory behavior. The controversy reignited after a report emerged indicating that former cricketer Majid Haq had suffered racial discrimination and was victimized for speaking out about it. Haq, his lawyer Aamer Anwar, and anti-racism advocacy group Running Out Racism have criticized CS for allegedly concealing key findings from the report and manipulating the narrative to suit its interests. Background of the Controversy In 2022, a damning report declared Cricket Scotland institutionally racist, following allegations by Haq and fellow former player Qasim Sheikh. This led to over 50 cases being investigated by two independent legal firms and a race equality charity. Although no sanctions were imposed, the investigations resulted in 245 recommendations for Cricket Scotland, which the board is in the process of implementing. However, new information suggests that the legal firms’ reports included conflicting views. One report allegedly confirms that Haq faced discrimination, particularly after his controversial exclusion from the 2015 World Cup following a tweet about minority struggles. The report concluded that his subsequent victimization was influenced by racial bias. Another report, however, appears to downplay this interpretation. Accusations of Concealment Haq and Running Out Racism have criticized Cricket Scotland for withholding full copies of these reports. Running Out Racism claims to have received an anonymous copy, revealing significant details that the board allegedly tried to suppress. "Cricket Scotland has chosen to summarize aspects they wish to share and leave out conclusions they don't like," Running Out Racism stated. "These conclusions expose their lack of action when faced with clear evidence of issues." Haq echoed these sentiments, stating, "It validates what I already knew—that I've been racially discriminated against and continue to be victimized for speaking out. Cricket Scotland has tried to hide that from me and brush it off with vague statements." Cricket Scotland's Response Cricket Scotland responded by emphasizing that the findings were opinions, not declarations of fact, and expressed disappointment over the breach of confidentiality. "The report is an opinion, not a declaration of fact," the board stated. "It is deeply disappointing that an investigative process reliant on trust is now being used to further personal agendas." CS reiterated its commitment to anti-racism, dismissing claims that they have failed to address the issue. "To suggest this means Cricket Scotland is not taking an anti-racist stance is simply wrong." Calls for Transparency Haq has called for full disclosure of all reports, asserting that transparency is necessary for accountability. "Everything should be disclosed and let the public decide who is culpable. It’s clear that information has been swept under the carpet." The renewed controversy adds to Cricket Scotland's ongoing struggle to restore its reputation and fully address the deep-rooted issues of racism within its structure.

Nitish Reddy fit to rejoin SRH squad following recovery from side strain

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been cleared by the BCCI's Centre of Excellence to participate in IPL 2025 after successfully recovering from a side strain suffered during the recent T20I series against England. He passed the mandatory yo-yo test with a score of 18.1, comfortably surpassing the required 16.5 mark. Nitish, who is a key figure in India's Test plans ahead of the upcoming England tour, is set to join the SRH squad at their pre-tournament camp starting Sunday. During IPL 2024, Nitish had an impressive batting performance, scoring 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92, although his bowling was less effective. His international reputation was bolstered by a notable debut against Bangladesh in T20Is, followed by consistent performances in Australia's Border-Gavaskar Trophy, including his maiden Test century at Melbourne. Plans to work with former India bowling coach Bharat Arun were delayed due to his injury.