Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council is set to meet with franchise owners in Mumbai on Wednesday to discuss potential changes to the team purse and retention policies. The meeting will focus on five key points:1. Team Purse:The current team purse of Rs 100 crore is expected to be increased by 20-25%, bringing it to a maximum of Rs 120-125 crore. This increase is seen as necessary to accommodate the rising player salaries and the expansion of the league to 10 teams.2. Player Retention:The number of player retentions is likely to be increased from four to five or six, including the use of 'Right To Match' (RTM) options. This will allow teams to retain their core players and maintain continuity. However, there is some disagreement among teams on the ideal number of retentions, with some advocating for as many as eight.3. Impact Player Rule:The 'Impact Player' rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during a match, has drawn mixed reactions. While some teams support the concept, others, including India captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, have expressed concerns about its impact on the development of all-round cricketers.4. IPL Gaming Rights:The meeting will also discuss the issue of IPL gaming rights. The BCCI is considering selling the rights to a single operator, which could generate significant revenue for the league.5. Revenue Sharing:The distribution of revenue from the IPL's Central Merchandising pool will be another topic of discussion. Teams are seeking a more equitable share of the revenue, which is currently dominated by the larger franchises.The outcome of the meeting will have a significant impact on the upcoming IPL auction, which is scheduled for the end of the year. The decisions made will shape the composition of teams and the overall dynamics of the league.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to hold a crucial meeting with its ten franchises on Wednesday to discuss several key issues, including the future of the Impact Player rule and the retention of uncapped players.Impact Player Rule:Introduced in IPL 2023, the Impact Player rule allows teams to field an additional specialist batter or bowler based on the game situation. While it has led to higher scores, especially in the powerplay, some experts and franchises believe it may hinder the development of all-rounders. The meeting will consider whether to abolish or retain the rule.Uncapped Player Retentions:Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of two uncapped Indian players. However, with these players performing consistently, franchises are seeking to increase the number of uncapped retentions or create a special allowance within the main retention pool for them.Incremental Performance Pay:The IPL is considering introducing incremental performance pay for players who have improved their stature since being retained at their base price. However, franchises have raised concerns about players who sit on the bench. They suggest a discretionary incentive pot that franchises can use to reward performers.Overseas Players:Franchises have proposed removing restrictions on the number of overseas players they can retain within the retention cap. They also believe overseas players have exploited mini auctions to secure record sums of money. The IPL is considering making it mandatory for overseas players to register for mega auctions and imposing a bidding cap at mini auctions.Other Proposals:* Holding the mega auction every five years instead of three.* Reinstating the right-to-match (RTM) card option at auctions.* Addressing the availability of overseas players.* Determining the total number of retentions.The IPL will consider all these proposals at the meeting, but it is unclear whether final decisions will be announced immediately.

The future of legendary cricketer MS Dhoni in the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains uncertain as the league prepares for a mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. Dhoni, who stepped down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before the start of the 2024 season, has not yet confirmed his plans to continue playing.According to reports, Dhoni's continuity in the league as a player depends on the retention policy set by the IPL management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With a mega auction scheduled, there is speculation that the BCCI may allow franchises to retain a limited number of players.If the BCCI allows the retention of only 3-4 players per franchise, it is unlikely that Dhoni will be retained by CSK. However, if the retention limit is increased to 5-6 players, Dhoni's experience and leadership could make him a valuable asset for the franchise.Currently, CSK's most likely retention candidates include skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and all-rounder Shivam Dube. The order of retention could vary depending on the team's priorities.The IPL bosses have reportedly invited franchise owners for a meeting on July 31 to discuss the retention matter. IPL CEO Hemang Amin has sent text messages to the owners, indicating that the meeting will likely take place in the late afternoon or evening at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai.Sources suggest that the BCCI may allow the retention of 5-6 players per franchise, which could open the door for Dhoni's continued involvement in the IPL. However, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the meeting between the IPL management and the franchise owners.

Following the recent acquisition of India Cements' promoters stake by UltraTech Cement, it has been clarified that the transaction will not impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).India Cements acquired CSK when the IPL was established in 2008. However, in 2015, the team was transferred to Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), a separate company. Former CSK captain M.S. Dhoni serves as one of India Cements' vice presidents.According to the company's 2023 annual report, former BCCI president N. Srinivasan (Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of India Cements) and his family are the promoters of CSKCL, holding a 28.14% stake. They will continue to own the five-time IPL champion.Apart from CSK, India Cements has been actively involved in promoting cricket in Chennai through its support of various clubs in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) league across divisions. The company employs numerous former first-class and international cricketers. It also operates three teams in the top-flight First Division: Vijay CC, Grand Slam CC, and UFCC (T. Nagar).Sources indicate that most of the cricketers employed by India Cements have been transferred to CSKCL and will not be affected by the acquisition. "The sporting activity of India Cements will not be affected, and the club activities across various divisions will continue without any change. The former cricketers who are employed have already been moved to CSK and will be taken care of," said a highly placed source.With the IPL Mega Auction approaching later this year, all eyes will be on whether Dhoni will continue to play for CSK for another season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ten Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners will convene on July 31 to discuss crucial matters ahead of the mega auction for the 2025 season.Retention and Right to Match (RTM) Options:One of the primary topics on the agenda is the number of retentions teams can make and the RTM options available. These decisions will significantly impact the composition of squads for the upcoming season.Future of the 'Impact Player' Rule:The controversial 'Impact Player' rule, which allows teams to field 12 players by substituting one at any point during the match, will also be under scrutiny. Despite criticism from star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the rule is reportedly likely to remain in place for the upcoming season.Stakeholder Perspectives:According to a report in Sportstar, several stakeholders, including franchises and broadcasters, believe that the 'Impact Player' rule has enhanced the tournament's intensity and competitiveness. However, players like Axar Patel have expressed concerns about its impact on their playing time.Kohli and Rohit's Objections:Kohli and Sharma have voiced their disapproval of the rule, arguing that it undermines the traditional 11-player format and reduces opportunities for all-rounders. Kohli stated, "Entertainment is one aspect of the game, but there is no balance."Impact on All-Rounders:The 'Impact Player' rule has been criticized for limiting the batting opportunities of all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube. Patel has blamed the rule for his reduced batting time in recent seasons.Conclusion:The BCCI and IPL franchise owners will engage in thorough discussions on these key issues to shape the future of the tournament. The decisions made at this meeting will have a significant impact on the strategy and performance of teams in the upcoming IPL season.

Ricky Ponting, the former head coach of the Delhi Capitals, has shed light on his decision to move on from Prithvi Shaw, citing the latter's inability to meet team expectations. Shaw, once a promising talent in Indian cricket, has struggled to maintain his form, leading to his omission from the Delhi Capitals' playing eleven during the IPL 2024 season.Ponting expressed his disappointment in Shaw's situation, acknowledging his exceptional skills and potential. However, he emphasized that despite multiple discussions and efforts to improve Shaw's cricketing abilities, the player had not met the team's expectations. Ponting stated, "When you feel like you're not making players better and they're not doing what you need for the team, then you've got to look for other players that can do it for you."Ponting's comments highlight the challenges faced by coaches in developing players and the limitations of their influence. He acknowledged that Shaw is still a young and talented player, expressing hope that he will eventually realize his potential.As the Delhi Capitals prepare for the IPL 2025 season, speculation about Shaw's future with the team has arisen. It remains uncertain whether he will be retained, given the strategic planning underway ahead of the mega auction.

The appointment of Gautam Gambhir as Team India's head coach has sparked discussions about his relationship with star batter Virat Kohli. The duo's past verbal altercation during IPL 2023 has raised questions about their compatibility in the national team setup.However, former India cricketer Venkatapathy Raju believes that the incident should be put behind them. "They are very senior cricketers and they are mature sportsmen," Raju said. "There will be a lot of discussions on social media. We should just leave them."Gambhir's emergence as the frontrunner for the head coach position is attributed to his successful stint with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. Kohli's decision to participate in the ODI series against Sri Lanka will mark the first time he works with Gambhir in the same team.Both Gambhir and Kohli are known for their fiery personalities on the field. As captains of opposing IPL teams and later as mentors and senior players, they have had heated exchanges. However, their relationship seemed to improve after Gambhir joined the Kolkata Knight Riders as a mentor.Gambhir has downplayed the significance of his relationship with Kohli, stating that it is a private matter. "My relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli... I think it's between two mature individuals," he said.India's upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka will provide an opportunity to observe the dynamics between Gambhir and Kohli in a national team setting. The series will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network, with Raju providing commentary in Telugu.

Jonny Bairstow, the England wicketkeeper-batter, has acknowledged the toll that an extended period of international cricket has taken on him. After losing his place in the Test team, Bairstow expressed his desire to continue playing for England but admitted that the demands of playing all three formats and the IPL had necessitated sacrifices.Bairstow emphasized the importance of the break he has taken since returning from the T20 World Cup. "It was a much-needed break," he said. "It was nice to spend time at home, get away from cricket, and catch up with family."Bairstow was the only England player to participate in all four major tournaments this year: the 50-over World Cup, the Test series in India, the IPL, and the T20 World Cup. While he scored a century for Punjab Kings in the IPL, his form in other competitions was inconsistent."I had the best part of seven months away from home since January," Bairstow said. "That's the scheduling of the game. That's being lucky enough to be a part of all three formats, but it also means sacrificing time at home."Bairstow's absence from the Test squad for the West Indies series has raised questions about his future in the team. However, he remains determined to regain his place. "I think you know me well enough to know that all I want to do is play for England," he said.Despite his recent struggles, Bairstow believes he has a point to prove. "I've been around long enough," he said. "It's a case of just playing some cricket, scoring some runs, and winning the game."

Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has expressed his support for the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach. Shastri believes that Gambhir's contemporary approach, fresh ideas, and experience make him the ideal candidate for the role.Gambhir, who recently led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL), brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Indian team. Shastri highlighted Gambhir's understanding of the current players, especially in the white-ball format, as a key advantage."He's contemporary, he just had a great season in the IPL," Shastri said. "I think he's the right age where he's young, he'll come with fresh ideas. He knows most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, having been part of teams in the IPL."Shastri also emphasized the importance of player management in the role of a coach. He believes that Gambhir's ability to understand his players as individuals will be crucial for success."Obviously, player management becomes the key as a coach," Shastri said. "So it'll be interesting to see how he goes. I think he's got the tools, he's got the goods for the job and he's got the experience."Gambhir's first assignment as head coach will be the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, starting with the three T20Is on Saturday in Pallekele. He will then take over in all formats, with major assignments including the five home Tests starting in September and the ICC trophies in 2025 and 2026.Shastri believes that India needs to find the right mix for the T20I format, especially with the departure of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, he is confident that Gambhir has the talent and experience to guide the team to success."I think a lot of the players that won this T20 World Cup will still be around two years later," he said. "So I don't think there's much to be done there. In fact, you will get a problem on your hands because you'll have to choose from the new lot that's coming and there's some real exciting talent there."