Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant increase in match fees for cricketers participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed that players will now earn a whopping Rs. 7.5 lakhs per game, a substantial jump from the previous match fee.This announcement comes ahead of the upcoming IPL retention rules, which are expected to be released soon. The Governing Council is scheduled to meet on Saturday evening to finalize the retention and auction plans.According to reports, the BCCI is considering allowing teams to retain five players and have one Right to Match option for the IPL 2025 auction. This move aims to provide teams with more flexibility in retaining their core players.The BCCI had previously held a meeting with all 10 IPL team owners in July to discuss retention rules and other key issues. Major franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings face crucial decisions regarding high-profile players, including MS Dhoni, ahead of the auction.The date and venue for the mega auction are also expected to be announced soon, likely to be held in the second week of November. It remains unclear whether the retention and auction decisions will be made public after Saturday's meeting or tabled for further discussion at Sunday's Annual General Meeting (AGM).The BCCI's decision to increase match fees and finalize retention rules is a significant development for the IPL. It reflects the board's commitment to enhancing player compensation and providing teams with more flexibility in managing their squads.

IPL 2025 Auction: Teams Likely to Get Five Retentions and Right-to-Match CardThe Indian Premier League (IPL) is considering allowing its ten franchises to retain up to five players each ahead of the 2025 auction, according to ESPNcricinfo. Additionally, teams will have the option to use one right-to-match card during the auction.The IPL is expected to finalize the retention rules soon, ahead of the mega auction for the 2025 season. It is still unclear how many Indian players can be retained or if there will be a limit on overseas players. The retention slabs and overall purse have also not been confirmed, but it is believed to be around INR 115-120 crore.The five-retention rule would provide teams with greater flexibility in building their squads. It would allow them to retain their core players and target specific players in the auction. The right-to-match card would give teams the opportunity to match the highest bid for a player they have released.The IPL has been experimenting with different retention rules in recent years. In the 2022 auction, teams were allowed to retain four players. This was reduced to three in the 2023 auction. The five-retention rule would be the most generous retention policy in IPL history.The IPL is one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world. It attracts top players from around the globe and generates significant revenue. The 2025 auction is expected to be one of the most competitive in IPL history, with teams looking to build strong squads for the upcoming season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to unveil its retention rules shortly, with the Governing Council (GC) convening in Bengaluru on Saturday. The official announcement is anticipated within the next few hours or by Sunday at the latest.Sources indicate that the decision to hold the GC meeting on Saturday was made at the last minute, with notices sent to members only on Friday evening. The retention rules may be presented at the general body meeting scheduled for Sunday before a formal announcement.The mega IPL auction is expected to take place in the Middle East in late November, and the GC meeting may also determine its date.Speculation has been rife regarding the retention rules, with estimates ranging from 2 to 8 players. The BCCI is likely to settle on a number between 5 and 6, including the Right to Match (RTM) option.The retention rules will have a significant impact on the upcoming auction, as teams will need to strategize their player acquisitions accordingly. The auction is expected to be highly competitive, with several high-profile players available.The IPL is one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world, attracting a massive fan base. The retention rules will play a crucial role in shaping the tournament's dynamics and ensuring a thrilling and unpredictable season.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain, has sparked a frenzy on social media with a viral video showcasing his laid-back style. The video captures Dhoni riding a bike in slippers, executing a stylish U-turn with effortless flair.Dhoni's return to Ranchi after a rejuvenating vacation in the United States has been met with much fanfare. The video of his bike ride, shared widely on social media, has become a testament to his humble and approachable nature.As excitement builds around Dhoni's return, speculation intensifies regarding his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the mega auction approaching, questions linger about whether Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will retain their legendary captain or if he will enter the auction pool.Rumors have circulated about Dhoni's status, particularly after images of him enjoying an American football game in the US emerged online. Earlier, there were suggestions that CSK management had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow Dhoni to be retained as an uncapped player. However, CSK's CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, has denied these claims.Should the "uncapped player rule" be reinstated, which permits franchises to retain retired international players as uncapped, fans may witness Dhoni donning the iconic yellow jersey once more in the upcoming IPL season.Dhoni's return to Ranchi has not only sparked excitement among fans but also raised questions about his future in the IPL. As the mega auction looms, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the decision of CSK and Dhoni regarding his participation in the upcoming season.

Dwayne Bravo, the legendary West Indies all-rounder, has bid farewell to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after a remarkable journey that spanned four IPL titles. He will now embark on a new chapter as a mentor for defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from the 2025 season onwards.Bravo, who turns 41 in October, will replace Gautam Gambhir, who recently took over as India's head coach until 2027. The move comes a day after Bravo announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.According to ESPNcricinfo, Bravo recently met with KKR CEO Venky Mysore during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) before agreeing to the contract. In addition to KKR, he will also oversee all franchises under the Knight Riders umbrella in various T20 leagues, including Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20)."DJ Bravo joining us is an exciting development," Mysore said in a statement. "His relentless drive to win, along with his vast experience and deep knowledge, will greatly benefit our franchise and players."Bravo expressed his excitement about the new role, saying, "I've been part of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the last 10 years in the CPL. Having played for and against the Knight Riders in various leagues, I have a lot of respect for how they operate. The owners' passion, the professionalism of the management, and the family-like environment make it a special place."This will be Bravo's second coaching stint in the IPL. After retiring from the IPL as a player in 2022, he joined CSK as their bowling coach for the 2023 season. Having won the IPL three times as a player, Bravo continued his success in his first coaching assignment, guiding CSK to victory over defending champions Gujarat Titans in 2023.Widely regarded as one of the best death bowlers in T20 cricket, Bravo is the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history and the first player to win two purple caps in the tournament. With over 500 T20 appearances to his name, he is known for his tactical acumen and motivational skills, qualities that earned him the West Indies captaincy.Bravo retired from international cricket after the 2021 T20 World Cup but continued to play in T20 leagues. He also played a key role as a consultant coach for Afghanistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup, helping the team reach the semi-finals for the first time.

Lalit Modi, the visionary behind the Indian Premier League (IPL), has cast doubt on the financial viability of the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) Hundred tournament. In a scathing post on social media, Modi leaked confidential financial projections and team valuations, accusing the ECB of being "disconnected from reality."Modi's intervention comes as the ECB seeks private investment for the Hundred, which has faced delays in securing equity sales. Despite Modi's initial interest in the tournament, he now dismisses the ECB's projections as "dangerously overambitious and unsustainable."Modi acknowledges the potential growth of the ECB's domestic TV rights but questions the Hundred's international appeal. He argues that the tournament faces stiff competition from established leagues like the IPL, Caribbean Premier League, and Major League Cricket."The Hundred's teams are projected to be worth a mere £5 million to £25 million in the best-case scenario," Modi wrote. "Worse still, it struggles to match even the Caribbean Premier League's profitability."Modi's criticism is significant as he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing T20 cricket with the IPL. The IPL's media rights recently fetched a record US$6.2 billion, making it the world's second-most valuable sports league on a per-game basis.The ECB has anticipated pushback on its financial projections but points to Modi's previous interest as proof of concept. However, Modi's latest comments raise concerns about the Hundred's long-term viability.

Star Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has vehemently denounced the spread of false news regarding his potential transfer to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.Pant took to social media to express his frustration and anger towards an individual who had disseminated baseless information on the platform. The user had alleged that Pant's management had inquired about the possibility of him becoming the captain of the RCB team, but Pant had ultimately declined the offer.The user further insinuated that this decision was influenced by a political agenda, taking a swipe at senior batsman Virat Kohli in the process.In response, Pant strongly condemned these claims, emphasizing the importance of responsible reporting and the need to verify facts before making such statements. He urged the individual to exercise more caution when sharing information on social media."Fake news. Why do you guys spread so much fake news on social media? Be sensible guys so bad. Don't create untrustworthy environment for no reason. It's not the first time and won't be last but I had to put this out. Please always re-check with your so-called sources. Everyday it's becoming worst. Rest it's up to you guys. It's wasn't just for you it's for a lot for people who is spreading misinformation. Tc," Pant tweeted.Pant's outburst comes amidst a sensational Test comeback in the opening game of the two-Test series against Bangladesh in Chennai. He scored a magnificent century, re-entering the ICC rankings at an impressive sixth position.The spread of false news and misinformation on social media has become a growing concern, with individuals often sharing unverified information without considering its potential consequences. Pant's response highlights the importance of responsible reporting and the need for individuals to be more discerning when consuming information online.

Punjab Kings, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, has announced a major shake-up in its coaching staff ahead of the 2024 season. Trevor Bayliss, the head coach, and Sanjay Bangar, the head of cricket development, have both been released from their roles.The move comes as part of a wider restructuring of the Kings' coaching setup, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently appointed as the new head coach. Bayliss had taken over as head coach after the 2022 IPL season, while Bangar joined the franchise in December 2023.Despite the changes, the Kings have yet to taste IPL success, finishing seventh in 2023 and ninth last season. The franchise is hoping that the new coaching team, led by Ponting, can help them break their title drought.Bayliss, a former England coach, has a wealth of experience in T20 cricket, having led the Sydney Sixers to two Big Bash League titles. Bangar, on the other hand, is a former India international who has served as the head coach of the Indian national team and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.The Kings' decision to part ways with Bayliss and Bangar is a sign of their determination to improve their performance in the IPL. With Ponting at the helm, the franchise will be hoping to challenge for the title in 2024.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, has returned to India after a vacation in the United States. His arrival at Ranchi airport has sparked speculation about his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL).The IPL retention rules for the upcoming season are yet to be announced, leaving uncertainty over Dhoni's status with CSK. The franchise has reportedly requested the BCCI to allow them to retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, but CEO Kasi Viswanathan has denied these claims.If the "uncapped player rule" is reinstated, CSK could retain Dhoni as an uncapped player, allowing him to continue playing for the franchise. However, the rule was scrapped in 2021, and its reinstatement is not guaranteed.Dhoni's future in the IPL has been a topic of discussion for several months. The 40-year-old has not played international cricket since 2019 and has not captained CSK since 2022. However, he remains a popular figure in the IPL and is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.The IPL auction is expected to be held outside India in November. If Dhoni is not retained by CSK, he could enter the auction pool and be available for other franchises to bid on.