Cricket

Discover what India's cricket schedule looks like for 2026, including key tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup and strategic bilateral series against top cricketing nations.

India's future in cricket looks strong, driven by tech-driven strategies and youth talent development, promising dominance across all formats.

India's cricket team has changed the global cricketing landscape with strategic innovation and strong leadership, transforming into a global powerhouse.

The Champions Trophy 2025 host venue remains a mystery, with three options on the table: Pakistan, a hybrid model, or a complete relocation. The uncertainty stems from the BCCI's refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, the designated host nation.Pakistan has maintained a firm stance against a hybrid model, which would involve matches being played in both Pakistan and a neutral venue. Former Pakistan pace legend Shoaib Akhtar believes that back-channel talks are ongoing and that a solution is possible."We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution," Akhtar said. "It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI."Akhtar emphasized the importance of the Champions Trophy for Pakistan, as it could pave the way for hosting larger tournaments in the future. "Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events," he said.Sources close to the development have indicated that the ICC is expected to finalize and announce the schedule by the end of the week. The ICC is reportedly in discussions with the PCB to address India's concerns.The decision on the host venue will have a significant impact on the tournament and on Pakistan's reputation as a host nation. The Champions Trophy is a prestigious event, and its successful hosting would be a major boost for Pakistan cricket.

KL Rahul Reveals Virat Kohli as the Most Famous Person in His Contact ListAhead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) conducted a light-hearted Q&A session with Indian batter KL Rahul. Among the questions posed, Rahul was asked to name the most famous person in his contact list. Without hesitation, Rahul promptly replied, "Virat Kohli," eliciting laughter and amusement from fans and fellow cricketers.Rahul's response is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two cricketing icons. Kohli, widely hailed as one of the greatest modern-day cricketers, has not only dominated Indian cricket but has also left an indelible mark on the global cricketing landscape. His influence extends far beyond the sport, making him a household name.Rahul's answer underscores the deep bond they share, having played together in countless international matches and sharing both triumphs and setbacks on and off the field. Their camaraderie and mutual respect were evident throughout the Q&A session, with Rahul's candid response highlighting the admiration he holds for Kohli.During the same session, pacer Mohammed Siraj posed a question to Kohli, asking him to select his favorite knock in Australia. Kohli reminisced about his remarkable century in Perth during the 2018-19 series, describing it as his top pick.Despite India's heavy defeat by 146 runs in that match, Kohli's innings stood out as a beacon of brilliance. He was the lone Indian batter to shine, showcasing his resilience and determination in challenging conditions. His century remains a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering spirit.As Kohli responded to questions from the BCCI's Social Media team, both Sarfaraz and Mohammed Siraj were heard enthusiastically exclaiming "Legend, Legend," a clear indication of the profound respect he commands from his teammates.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a worldwide Trophy Tour for the Men's Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. However, the initial plans to conduct the tour in contested regions of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoJK) sparked objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, promptly opposed the PCB's unilateral decision and called for ICC intervention. Subsequently, the ICC suspended the tour and issued a revised schedule excluding PoJK locations.Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev emphasized that such matters fall under governmental jurisdiction. "It's the government's responsibility. If the government says it's okay, then it's fine. People like us should not give opinions, our opinions don't matter," he said.The international Trophy Tour will commence in Islamabad, where the trophy will be displayed at Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and Pakistan Monument. Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will accompany the tour.The tour will then visit prominent Pakistani cities including Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila before proceeding internationally. The ICC stated that the tour will offer unique engagement opportunities for global supporters through vibrant activities aligned with the event's refreshed visual identity.ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya welcomed the event's launch, stating, "We are delighted to launch the Trophy Tour with DP World ahead of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy, where another action-packed programme of activity is available to fans across the world."He elaborated on the fan experience, noting, "The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport's passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy."

The recent Test series defeat to New Zealand on home soil has prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to revive its 'A' programme, which aims to develop a strong bench of players for the Indian cricket team.The 'A' programme, which was a dynamic initiative under former NCA head Rahul Dravid, involved touring with developmental teams throughout the year. However, the programme suffered after the COVID-19 lockdown, as other countries refused to bear the expenses of hosting India's U-19 and 'A' teams.NCA head VVS Laxman is now working on a plan to create a player resource pool. The BCCI has tried to organize a couple of shadow 'A' tours, such as the one that preceded India's Test tour of Australia. Laxman is exploring ways to provide greater exposure to the next generation of cricketers.Other boards are reluctant to host 'A' series, which do not generate revenue for them. The expenses must be borne by the local board. The BCCI needs to find a way to make these tours affordable.Earlier this year, an 'A' series against England Lions was held just ahead of England's tour of India. The series provided the selectors with valuable insights into the players' abilities. The board also needs to ensure that Emerging tournaments and other series do not coincide with the Ranji Trophy, as this can impact the quality of the competition.The impact of the 'A' programme was evident during the last tour of Australia, where players like Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, and Washington Sundar stepped up in the absence of senior players.

IPL Mega Auction: BCCI Unveils Two Marquee Player ListsAhead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant change in the bidding process. The auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will feature two sets of marquee players, each comprising 8-9 individuals.This move marks a departure from the previous mega-auction in 2022, which utilized only one marquee list. However, it aligns with the format employed in the 2018 and 2014 auctions.The marquee players are expected to include top-tier talent such as Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, R Ashwin, Mitchell Starc, and Jos Buttler. Notably, Ben Stokes, who would have been a marquee player, has opted out of this year's auction.Each marquee player will have a base price of INR 2 crore, which could potentially exhaust 30-50% of the total auction purse. Franchises are expected to secure at least two prominent players each, with an average cost of INR 20-25 crore. This could amount to INR 200-250 crore from the total purse of Rs 641.5 crore.It's important to note that franchises have already allocated Rs 558.5 crore of their permitted INR 1200 crore during recent retentions. The auction's trajectory will likely hinge on the bids placed for players in the first two sets, many of whom are expected to be sold.Punjab Kings, holding the largest available purse at INR 110.5 crore, are well-positioned to acquire top players. The BCCI will soon announce the precise bidding order and the marquee list. They recently distributed a register of 1,574 names, including 1,165 Indian players and 409 overseas players. This roster comprises 320 capped, 1224 uncapped, and 30 Associate players. Additionally, franchises have retained a total of 46 players.

The fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remain at loggerheads over the tournament's venue.The BCCI has refused to travel to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns. The PCB has rejected a "hybrid model" that would see some matches, including India's, played at a neutral ground.Amidst the impasse, speculation has emerged that the tournament could be shifted to India if Pakistan withdraws. A report by Sports Tak claims that discussions within the BCCI have explored this possibility.The report suggests that the ICC could face significant financial penalties if Pakistan pulls out, as the India-Pakistan clash is a major draw for broadcasters. However, the BCCI has not yet made any formal proposal to host the tournament.Cricbuzz has reported that an unnamed "key official" has criticized the ICC for not being more proactive in resolving the issue. The publication notes that India's refusal to travel to Pakistan has been known for some time, and that no objections were raised when the Champions Trophy schedule was announced.The ICC has not yet commented on the latest developments. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.