Cricket

Lancashire County Cricket Club is actively seeking a partnership with an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise to jointly operate the Manchester Originals franchise in The Hundred from 2025 onwards. The club has been actively engaging with potential investors over the past month, with the ECB set to distribute prospectuses for the sale of stakes in each of the eight Hundred teams early next month.Lancashire's interest in partnering with an IPL franchise stems from its strategic focus on growing its profile in India. The club has organized pre-season tours for both men's and women's teams, played friendlies against teams affiliated with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and signed Indian players such as Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, and Venkatesh Iyer as overseas players.As the owners of Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire will receive a 51% stake in Manchester Originals as part of the Hundred's sale process. The club has emphasized its preference for a "sporting partner" rather than a purely financial investor. Chief executive Daniel Gidney expressed the club's desire to work with an IPL franchise, citing the potential opportunities for both parties."Our preference is a partner who will partner with us on cricket, who can really help us grow our cricket, and clearly we have a strong interest in India," Gidney said. "We'd love to work with an IPL, of course, because of the opportunities that would bring - both for us and for them… our pathway is the best in the country, and so is our medical staff."The ECB is overseeing the sale of stakes, with the Raine Group and Deloitte acting as financial advisors. However, Lancashire will play an active role in selecting a partner. The club has hosted officials from several IPL franchises, including Lucknow Super Giants, during the Hundred.The two London Hundred franchises, London Spirit and Oval Invincibles, are expected to command the highest valuations, followed by Manchester Originals and Birmingham Phoenix. Gidney emphasized the value proposition of Manchester Originals, stating that the club offers the best value for investment."As I've said to different people from that part of the world, the first round is being run by the ECB, so you need to get your number up," Gidney said. "If you want an ego and to pay a lot of money, then London is your gig. There'll be loads of people that want London, but there's only two teams, and one of those only wants a passive investor so it narrows your choice down. Outside of that, I said to people: 'If you want cheap, we are not it. If you want the best value, we are it."Gidney also suggested that the ECB consider increasing the number of overseas players per team in the Hundred from three to four, as well as implementing a revised draft system that would allow for more "local heroes" in Hundred squads.

Zaheer Khan, the former Indian fast bowler, is reportedly in talks with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise for a mentorship role. LSG is keen on bringing in a seasoned Indian player with extensive T20 experience to bolster their coaching setup following the departure of Gautam Gambhir.Zaheer, who recently stepped down as Mumbai Indians' head of global development, has been approached by two other franchises as well. Prior to his role at MI, he served as the franchise's director of cricket from 2018 to 2022.LSG has been without a mentor since Gambhir's departure late last year. Gambhir, who played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' third IPL title triumph in 2024, has since taken over as India's head coach. Morne Morkel, the former South African pacer who was LSG's bowling coach, has joined Gambhir's team as the bowling coach.In addition to the mentorship role, LSG is also considering giving Zaheer a broader profile that would involve scouting and player development during the off-season. The franchise's backroom staff is currently led by Justin Langer, who replaced Andy Flower as head coach ahead of IPL 2024. Lance Klusener and Adam Voges serve as his assistants.After securing playoff berths in their first two seasons, LSG narrowly missed out on a top-four finish in 2024 due to net run rate. Zaheer's potential return to the IPL comes at a time when teams are preparing for a mega auction. The IPL is expected to announce the retention rules by early September.Zaheer represented three franchises during his playing career: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils. He played 100 matches across ten seasons, claiming 102 wickets at an economy rate of 7.59. His last IPL appearance was in 2017, when he led the Daredevils before retiring from all forms of cricket.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings is also searching for an Indian head coach to replace Trevor Bayliss. They were reportedly interested in VVS Laxman, but that option is no longer available as Laxman has extended his tenure as head of the BCCI's National Cricket Academy. Sanjay Bangar currently serves as Punjab Kings' head of cricket development.

MS Dhoni's Future in Cricket Remains Uncertain Amidst Retirement SpeculationsFormer Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni's future in cricket has become a topic of intense speculation among fans. The 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who retired from international cricket in 2020, has been battling knee pain and has stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad.Dhoni's performance in IPL 2024 raised concerns about his fitness and longevity. He struggled with his batting, often batting lower down the order, and his fielding was noticeably slower. These factors have led to questions about whether he will continue playing for CSK in IPL 2025.However, Dhoni has remained tight-lipped about his retirement plans. He is currently enjoying time with his family and friends in his hometown of Ranchi. Recently, he was spotted at a local dhaba with a group of friends, showcasing his humble and down-to-earth nature.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Dhoni's legacy in cricket remains unblemished. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest captains and wicketkeepers of all time, leading India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.Young Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed recently paid tribute to Dhoni's mentorship and guidance. Ahmed recalled an incident in New Zealand where Dhoni handed him a bouquet of flowers and asked him to bowl the first over in an Asia Cup match. Ahmed expressed his admiration for Dhoni, calling him his "guru" and crediting him for his success as a bowler.As Dhoni's future remains uncertain, fans eagerly await any news regarding his retirement decision. Whether he chooses to continue playing or hang up his boots, his impact on cricket will be forever etched in the annals of the sport.

Yash Dayal's IPL journey has been a rollercoaster ride. After a promising start with Gujarat Titans in 2023, he endured a confidence-shattering experience against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showed faith in the young pacer, acquiring him for Rs 5 crore in the 2024 auction.Dayal's resurgence at RCB was remarkable, as he emerged as a key contributor with 15 wickets. In a recent interview, he credited Virat Kohli for his resurgence, revealing that the star batter's unwavering support boosted his confidence."The biggest thing he (Kohli) said to me was that he will back me the whole season," Dayal told Sports Tak. "He told me that I will not feel like I have come to a new place, and he backed me completely. So this was a huge boost up."Dayal also praised Kohli's mentorship of young players, describing him as "nothing like what people talk about on TV."Meanwhile, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulated Kohli on completing 16 years of international cricket. Kohli made his debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka and has since become one of the most successful batters in the history of the game.Shah tweeted, "16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!"Dayal's resurgence and Kohli's continued excellence highlight the importance of support and mentorship in sports. Dayal's journey serves as a reminder that even after setbacks, with the right guidance and belief, athletes can overcome adversity and achieve success.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, remains an icon in the world of sports. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to captivate fans with his presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL).As the IPL 2024 season approaches, Dhoni has relinquished the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Ruturaj Gaikwad. This move signals the franchise's search for a successor to the veteran skipper.Recently, a heartwarming video emerged on social media, showcasing Dhoni's enduring popularity. The former CSK skipper delighted a fan by signing an autograph on his motorcycle. Such gestures underscore Dhoni's enduring connection with his admirers.However, speculation persists regarding Dhoni's future in the IPL. While the mega auction is scheduled for the upcoming months, the player has remained tight-lipped about his participation in IPL 2025.Earlier, reports surfaced that CSK had requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate the "uncapped player" rule. This rule would have allowed Dhoni to be retained at a lower price. However, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has denied these claims, stating that the franchise has not made such a request.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Dhoni's legacy in the IPL remains secure. Under his leadership, CSK has emerged as one of the most successful franchises, winning five IPL titles, including the most recent one in 2023.Dhoni's contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable. He led the team to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His astute captaincy and exceptional wicketkeeping skills have earned him widespread admiration.As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, fans eagerly await Dhoni's next move. Whether he continues to play or decides to retire, his impact on the game of cricket will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has witnessed a remarkable financial surge, earning a surplus of Rs 5120 crore from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. This represents a significant 116% increase compared to the Rs 2367 crore surplus generated in IPL 2022.The BCCI's total income from IPL 2023 amounted to Rs 11,769 crore, marking a substantial 78% year-on-year growth. However, the expenditure also increased by 66% to Rs 6648 crore, as per the BCCI's annual report for 2022-23.The primary drivers behind this financial growth were the new media rights and sponsorship deals. The new media rights deal, valued at Rs 48,390 crore for the 2023-27 cycle, commenced with IPL 2023. Disney Star secured the IPL TV rights for Rs 23,575 crore, while Jio Cinema acquired the digital rights for Rs 23,758 crore.Additionally, the IPL title rights were sold to Tata Sons for Rs 2500 crore. These lucrative deals have significantly boosted the BCCI's revenue streams.Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team has decided not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host India's matches in Sri Lanka or Dubai instead.This decision stems from the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Since 2008, India has not participated in any cricket tournaments held in Pakistan. The last bilateral series between the two nations was held in India from December 2012 to January 2013.The Pakistan Cricket Board had proposed that India play all its matches in one city, reportedly Lahore. However, the BCCI has rejected this proposal, citing security concerns.

Virat Kohli, the star Indian batter, has etched his name among the greatest cricketers of all time. Since his international debut in 2008, Kohli has propelled Indian cricket to unprecedented heights with his exceptional batting prowess and record-breaking achievements.Despite stepping down as T20I captain, Kohli remains on track to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's legendary feat of scoring 100 centuries in international cricket. Beyond his contributions to Team India, Kohli has been an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008.Despite RCB's consistent performances, they have yet to claim an IPL trophy. However, the franchise boasts a massive fan base, making it one of the most popular in the league. Recently, Kohli expressed his preference for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as his favorite rivals in the IPL, over five-time champions Mumbai Indians.On Sunday, Kohli celebrated 16 years of international cricket. His debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in 2008, shortly after leading India to victory in the Under-19 World Cup.BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to congratulate Kohli on his milestone, stating, "16 years ago today, a 19-year-old @imVkohli stepped onto the international stage for the first time, marking the beginning of what has become a truly legendary career. Congratulations to the King on completing 16 years in international cricket!"In his debut match, Kohli opened the batting with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir and scored 12 runs. He concluded his maiden international series with 159 runs in five matches, averaging 31.80.Since then, Kohli has evolved into a formidable batting force for India. In 295 ODIs, he has amassed 13,906 runs, including a record 50 centuries, 27 of which have come in run-chases. In 113 Test matches, he has accumulated 8,848 runs, while in 125 T20Is, he has scored 4,188 runs.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, is reportedly in negotiations with former Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan for the role of mentor. This move comes after the departure of Gautam Gambhir, who left the franchise in 2023 to join the Kolkata Knight Riders.Zaheer, 45, is a highly respected figure in Indian cricket, having played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for the national team. He was known for his exceptional bowling skills and his ability to mentor young fast bowlers.If the negotiations are successful, Zaheer will fill the void created by the departures of Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel, who has joined Team India in the same capacity. Sources within the IPL indicate that Zaheer is being considered for the role previously held by Gambhir.Zaheer was initially considered for the bowling coach position under Gambhir's new set-up in Team India, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly preferred Morkel on Gambhir's recommendation.During his playing career, Zaheer was recognized for his role in mentoring young fast bowlers within the Indian team. If he joins LSG, he will be collaborating with head coach Justin Langer and a robust coaching team, including Adam Voges, Lance Klusener, and Jonty Rhodes.The report also indicates that another notable coach may be added to the Sanjiv Goenka-owned franchise, though details are not yet clear.LSG, which came into existence in 2022, reached the play-offs in their first two seasons. However, they missed out on a top-four spot in the 2023 edition due to an inferior Net Run Rate (NRR).Meanwhile, the BCCI is expected to announce the retention rules by the month's end. Teams are projected to be allowed around six retentions, including the Right to Match (RTM) option. Despite calls from some franchises to discontinue the Big Auction, the BCCI plans to retain it for now.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanath has dismissed rumors that the franchise requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reinstate a scrapped rule to acquire MS Dhoni at a reduced price. Previously, international players who had retired for five years were classified as "uncapped" in the IPL, allowing them to be acquired at a lower cost. However, this rule was abolished after the 2021 IPL season.Reports emerged that CSK sought the reintroduction of this rule to retain Dhoni as an "uncapped" player, potentially reducing his salary to as low as Rs 4 crore. The franchise had previously retained Dhoni for Rs 12 crore in 2022.However, Viswanath has denied these claims, stating, "We've not requested for it. They (the BCCI) have themselves told us that the 'uncapped player rule' may be kept, that's all. They (the BCCI) haven't announced anything as yet. The rules and regulations will be announced by the BCCI."The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's future in the IPL persists ahead of the upcoming mega auction. The 43-year-old has remained silent on his participation in IPL 2025, fueling speculation about his retirement.If Dhoni decides to retire, CSK will face a dilemma. Retaining him as a player would consume one of the limited slots available before the auction. However, the franchise is reluctant to part ways with the legendary cricketer, who has led them to five IPL titles.CSK's decision will be influenced by Dhoni's performance in the upcoming season. If he continues to perform at a high level, the franchise may consider retaining him. However, if his form declines, they may opt to release him to free up a slot for a younger player.