Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and the anticipation surrounding the retention policy is palpable. The Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) has yet to announce the official guidelines, leaving franchises and fans eagerly awaiting details.One of the key questions is the number of retentions allowed per franchise. In previous seasons, teams were permitted to retain a maximum of three players, but there are speculations that this number could be increased to four or even five. This would give franchises greater flexibility in building their squads.Another crucial aspect is the maximum number of overseas players that can be retained. Currently, teams are allowed to retain a maximum of two overseas stars. However, there are suggestions that this limit could be raised to three or four, allowing franchises to bolster their international contingent.The BCCI was expected to unveil the retention policy by the end of August, but it is now likely to be delayed further. Cricbuzz reports that franchises may be given until November 15 to finalize their picks.One of the most talked-about topics regarding the retention policy is the potential reintroduction of a rule that would allow retired players to be classified as "uncapped." This means they could be retained at a lower price.Earlier in the IPL, international players who had retired for five years were eligible for the "uncapped" category. However, this rule was abolished after IPL 2021. Reports suggest that the BCCI is considering bringing it back, which would benefit Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their iconic captain, MS Dhoni.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has denied reports that the franchise requested the BCCI to reinstate the "uncapped" rule for Dhoni. However, the latest reports indicate that the BCCI itself is contemplating such a move.The reintroduction of the "uncapped" category would not only benefit Dhoni and CSK but also the league as a whole. It would allow franchises to retain experienced players at a lower cost, creating a more balanced and competitive environment.

Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), extended his birthday wishes to India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, on Saturday. Shah expressed his excitement to witness Yadav lead the team to further victories in the shortest format of the game."Happy Birthday to our T20I skipper and Mr. 360 with the bat, @surya_14kumar! I'm excited to see you lead the Men in Blue to many victories in the shortest format. Best wishes for the year ahead!" Shah wrote on his 'X' account.Suryakumar, who also held the top ranking in the men's T20I rankings, etched himself into cricketing history with his stunning relay catch at long-off of David Miller in this year's T20 World Cup final at Kensington Oval in Barbados. This catch paved the way for India to end an 11-year drought of winning a global title.Devisha Shetty, Suryakumar's wife, also posted a heartfelt note on her Instagram account on the right-handed batter's birthday. "Happy happy birthday to my best friend, husband, lover, my world and the best decision of my life! Thankful for you every single day. You make this world a better place and I don't know what I'd do without you. love you now and forever," she wrote.Since his international debut in 2021, Suryakumar has firmly established himself as one of the greats of T20I batting. However, his ODI and Test career has yet to reach the same heights.Suryakumar has been out of action after sustaining a hand injury during Mumbai's match against TNCA XI at the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Coimbatore, leading him to miss the ongoing Duleep Trophy.On the international cricket front, Suryakumar will be back in action to captain India in three T20Is against Bangladesh to be held in Gwalior, New Delhi, and Hyderabad on October 6, 9, and 12 respectively. The last time Bangladesh toured India was in 2019, where they lost the three-match T20I series 2-1.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering postponing the announcement of its Indian Premier League (IPL) retention rules until September, according to sources within the league. The delay could extend until the conclusion of the BCCI's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29 in Bengaluru.The BCCI has not officially linked the AGM to the release of the retention policy, but there is speculation that the board may surprise everyone by unveiling the policy in the coming days. However, the prevailing sentiment among IPL officials suggests that the announcement is likely to be postponed by 10 days to a fortnight.While no official statement has been made regarding the delay, BCCI representatives have reportedly hinted to franchises that there may be a postponement in the announcement. The franchises have been seeking clarity on the matter, but the board has not provided a definitive timeline for the release of the policy.The BCCI had originally planned to reveal the policy by late August, as explicitly mentioned by Board officials after the owners' meeting in Mumbai last month. However, as the end of August drew near, franchise officials contacted the BCCI and were apparently notified of an additional postponement.The officials were given the impression that the policy would be announced towards the end of September instead.The BCCI's retention policy announcement date remains uncertain, but it has been revealed that franchises will have the deadline of November 15 to make their final decisions regarding player retention. It is expected that the auction, which is tentatively planned for December, will also include the Right to Match (RTM) options for the teams.The BCCI is reportedly considering a controversial decision to categorize retired international cricketers as uncapped players. However, it remains uncertain whether this move will have a significant impact on the auction purse.While some speculate that this policy might be designed to benefit Chennai Super Kings by allowing MS Dhoni to be placed in the 'uncapped' category, it is more likely that the league itself has a vested interest in ensuring Dhoni's participation for another season.Chennai Super Kings management has stated that if MS Dhoni chooses to continue playing in the next season, he will be one of their retained players, regardless of whether the BCCI allows only two retentions. This stance by the CSK officials highlights Dhoni's importance to the franchise and their desire to keep him on the team.The decision to retain players who have retired from international cricket could also impact other cricketers, such as Sunil Narine. Narine, who last played a T20I in 2019, announced his retirement from international cricket some time ago.The retention policies set by the BCCI and the stance taken by teams like CSK may influence the future of players who have stepped away from representing their countries but continue to participate in franchise-based leagues.

Greater Noida's Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, despite its lack of prominence in the domestic cricket circuit, has found itself in the national spotlight as the host of a one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand. However, the stadium's unsuitability for hosting such a high-profile event has raised questions about its preparedness.The stadium, maintained by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), lacks the infrastructure and trained personnel necessary for handling wet outfield conditions. The absence of adequate covers and equipment for quick drying has resulted in the cancellation of play on the first two days of the Test match.The stadium's history of hosting cricket matches is limited, with its last BCCI-sanctioned match being an U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy contest in 2019. Despite being the 'home' ground of the Afghan cricket team, it has only hosted three T20 matches between Afghanistan and Ireland in 2020.The stadium's lack of maintenance has also been a concern, with sources indicating that it has not been properly cared for in recent years. This has contributed to its unsuitability for hosting serious cricket matches.The match referee's report on the stadium's preparedness is eagerly awaited, as it will shed light on the reasons behind the venue's selection for the Test match. The incident has raised questions about the BCCI's decision-making process and the need for stricter criteria for selecting venues for international cricket matches.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold its 93rd Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) on September 29 in Bengaluru. While the election of a new board secretary is not expected to take place at the meeting, the AGM will coincide with the inauguration of the state-of-the-art National Cricket Academy (NCA) center on the outskirts of the city.The appointment of a new secretary became necessary after incumbent Jay Shah was unanimously elected as the ICC Chairman. However, Shah will continue as BCCI secretary until December 1, when he assumes his new role.Another key agenda item at the AGM is the appointment of a BCCI representative to the ICC meetings, as Shah will no longer be available for that role. Current BCCI president Roger Binny is a potential candidate, but at 69 years old, he may not meet the age requirement of 70 for administrative positions.The AGM will also see the induction of two general body representatives into the IPL Governing Council and one representative from the Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA).Other regular board activities include the ratification of the annual budget for 2024-25, the appointment of an Ombudsman and Ethics Officer, and the formation of a new Umpires Committee.The AGM will also consider the report of the Internal Committee of BCCI formed under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy and approve rules formed by the Apex Council pertaining to domestic cricket.

Ajay Ratra, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has been appointed as a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) men's senior national selection panel. Ratra replaces Salil Ankola, who has been moved to the national junior selection panel.Ratra's appointment restores the convention of the national selection committee comprising a selector from each of the five zones. Since Ajit Agarkar's appointment as chief selector in July 2023, the west zone had two representatives while the north zone had been overlooked.Ratra, who played six Tests and 12 ODIs for India, brings a wealth of experience to the selection panel. He had an illustrious domestic career, representing Punjab and Haryana in the Ranji Trophy. After retiring from playing in 2013-14, Ratra coached three state sides and had stints with the National Cricket Academy. He was also part of India's men's support staff for the tour to South Africa last year.BCCI secretary Jay Shah welcomed Ratra's appointment, saying, "His insights will be instrumental to the committee in ensuring that the best talent is identified, nurtured, and given the opportunity to excel at the highest level."Ratra's induction into the selection panel is expected to bring a fresh perspective and help identify and develop the next generation of Indian cricketers.

Suryakumar Yadav Ruled Out of Duleep Trophy Opener Due to Hand InjuryIndian batsman Suryakumar Yadav has been ruled out of the opening round of the Duleep Trophy due to a hand injury. The setback comes as a blow to both the player and his team, India C, as they prepare to face India D in Ananthapur on September 5th.Yadav sustained the injury during the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Coimbatore last week while representing Mumbai. He was forced to miss the final day's play against TNCA XI, unable to participate in the second innings.The exact nature and severity of the injury remain undisclosed, but BCCI sources have confirmed Yadav's unavailability for the Duleep Trophy opener. The batsman has reported to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for further assessment and rehabilitation.Yadav's absence is a significant setback for India C, as he was expected to play a key role in their batting lineup. The team management will now need to reassess their strategy and potentially explore alternative options to fill the void left by the experienced batsman.The Duleep Trophy will proceed as scheduled, with India A and India B squaring off in the other opening-round match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This match, alongside the fixture in Ananthapur, will be closely monitored by the selection committee as they finalize the squad for the upcoming Bangladesh series.As for Suryakumar Yadav, the focus now shifts to his recovery and a swift return to full fitness. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, and updates are expected following his assessment at the NCA.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has made history by becoming the new International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman. This significant appointment has sparked discussions about his successor in the Indian board and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).As Shah assumes the ICC role, he will relinquish his positions as BCCI secretary and ACC chairman. According to reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is the frontrunner to replace Shah as the ACC boss.A source quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency claims that Naqvi is set to take over as the new ACC president for a two-year term. "When the ACC meets later this year, it will confirm that Naqvi will be the next president for a two-year term," the source said. "When Jay Shah steps down, the PCB chief will take over."Upon his election as the ICC Chairman, Shah expressed his commitment to working closely with the ICC team and member nations to further globalize cricket. He emphasized the importance of balancing multiple formats, promoting technology, and introducing marquee events to new markets.Shah also highlighted the significance of cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, stating that it represents a major growth opportunity for the sport. He expressed confidence that it will drive cricket forward in unprecedented ways.The appointment of Naqvi as the ACC chairman is expected to be formally announced later this year. This move will mark a significant change in the leadership of both the ICC and ACC, with both organizations set to embark on new chapters under their respective new leaders.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating the retention of two significant playing conditions from the previous domestic and Indian Premier League (IPL) season: the two-bouncer clause and the Impact Player rule.Two-Bouncer Clause:Introduced last season in domestic cricket and the IPL, the two-bouncer rule allows bowlers to deliver a second bouncer in an over. While initially welcomed by the cricketing community, the BCCI is now reviewing its implementation. The rule's impact on the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the men's Twenty20 inter-state competition, is being considered.Impact Player Rule:The Impact Player rule, which permits teams to substitute a player during an innings, remains a contentious topic. While former cricketer Zaheer Khan supports the rule, many players and coaches have expressed reservations. The BCCI is yet to make a decision on its inclusion in the SMAT.BCCI's Delay in Sharing Playing Conditions:Despite assurances, the BCCI has delayed sharing the playing conditions for the SMAT. State associations are still awaiting confirmation on the two rules, which could impact their continuation in the IPL.Key Points:* The BCCI is reviewing the two-bouncer clause and Impact Player rule.* The decision on these rules for the SMAT will influence their inclusion in the IPL.* The BCCI has not yet released the playing conditions for the SMAT.* Zaheer Khan supports the Impact Player rule, while others have expressed concerns.