Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and the anticipation is building for the potential record-breaking deals. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a bold prediction, suggesting that Rishabh Pant could surpass Mitchell Starc's auction record of Rs 24.75 Crore.Pathan took to social media to express his belief in Pant's ability to fetch a staggering price. "Mitchell Starc's auction record is in danger. @RishabhPant17 is ready to break it," he wrote.Pant, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has established himself as one of the most sought-after players in the IPL. His explosive batting and exceptional wicket-keeping skills make him a valuable asset to any franchise.Starc's record-breaking deal with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024 auction set a new benchmark for player salaries. However, Pathan believes that Pant's star power and recent performances could eclipse that record.Meanwhile, the IPL auction has also created a scheduling conflict for Australia's bowling coach, Daniel Vettori. He will leave the team during the first Test against India in Perth to attend the auction in Saudi Arabia as the coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad.This scheduling conflict also affects Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who will leave the Test to attend the auction as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.Vettori's decision to prioritize the IPL auction over a Test match reflects the evolving landscape of cricket. While franchise commitments have previously caused coaches to miss series, this is the first time a coach has left midway through a Test to attend the IPL auction.Cricket Australia (CA) is currently seeking a new full-time national pace bowling coach to cover for Vettori when he is unavailable.

Mitchell Starc's IPL Auction Record Under Threat from Rishabh PantAustralian pacer Mitchell Starc's record-breaking INR 24.75 crore acquisition by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2024 auction may be short-lived, according to former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan.Pathan predicts that Rishabh Pant, who has recently returned to competitive cricket after a car accident, is poised to break Starc's record in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Pant's sensational form, despite India's 3-0 Test series whitewash against New Zealand, has drawn widespread acclaim.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes Pant's aggressive batting, leadership potential, and ability to single-handedly turn games make him a prime candidate for a record-breaking bid. Ali suggests that Pant could fetch as much as INR 50 crore in the auction.The IPL 2025 mega auction is scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will feature 574 players, including 366 Indians and 208 overseas cricketers. The auction will also see significant procedural updates, with marquee players divided into two sets for the first time since 2018.Mallika Sagar, who previously conducted the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, will helm the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The Australian soil has been a breeding ground for Indian cricketers, with many making their mark on the international stage. From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, the country has witnessed the rise of several stars. This tradition continues with the current Indian squad, which features promising youngsters who could make their Test or international debuts during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Irfan Pathan (2003)Pathan's Test debut in 2003 was a memorable one, with India securing a historic win at Adelaide. He made his mark as an all-rounder, scoring a century and taking a wicket in his debut match. Pathan went on to play 173 matches for India, winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.Vinay Kumar (2012)Kumar made his Test debut in 2012 under MS Dhoni's captaincy. He picked up a wicket in his only Test outing and also played 31 ODIs and nine T20Is for India. After retiring from first-class cricket in 2020, Kumar joined the Mumbai Indians talent scouting team and later became the bowling coach for MI Emirates.Karn Sharma (2014)Sharma made his Test debut in 2014 under Virat Kohli's captaincy. He took four wickets in the match but was overshadowed by Nathan Lyon's 12-wicket haul. Sharma has since played two ODIs and a T20I for India and continues to be a key domestic cricket player for Railways.KL Rahul (2014)Rahul made his international debut in 2014 and has since become a regular in the Indian team. He has scored over 8,000 runs in international cricket, including 17 centuries. Rahul will be looking to make a strong impact in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he has an average of just over 20.Mayank Agarwal (2018)Agarwal made his Test debut in 2018 and played a crucial role in India's victory in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He scored 195 runs in two innings, including a fine 76 in the first innings. Agarwal has since played 21 Tests for India, scoring over 1,400 runs with four centuries.Mohammed Siraj (2020)Siraj's Test debut was a moment of resilience and emotion. He stepped up in the absence of injured senior players and led the pace battery in the final Test at Gabba. Siraj took 5/73 in the match-winning effort, helping India to an inspirational series win. He is now an all-format star for India, having taken 165 wickets in 91 matches.Navdeep Saini (2021)Saini made his Test debut in 2021 and has since taken 23 wickets in 21 international matches. He was recently picked for the India A series Down Under and is present in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad as a reserve player.Shubman Gill (2021)Gill made his Test debut in 2021 and played a crucial role in India's 2-1 win over Australia. He scored 259 runs in three matches, including two half-centuries. Gill has since become an all-format star, scoring over 4,700 runs in 97 matches with 12 centuries.Washington Sundar (2021)Sundar made his Test debut in the iconic Gabba Test win in 2021. He scored 62 and 22 in the match and took four wickets, including three in the first innings. Sundar has since been picked up as the third spinner for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.T Natarajan (2021)Natarajan made his debut across all formats during the 2020-21 tour to Australia. He played his first Test at Gabba, picking up three wickets. Natarajan has not played first-class cricket since then and his last international match was against England in March 2021.

Irfan Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, celebrates his 40th birthday today. Known for his prodigious swing bowling and vital knocks, Pathan was one of India's most versatile cricketers during his illustrious career.Hat-trick against Pakistan in 2006:Arguably Pathan's most iconic moment came in the Karachi Test against Pakistan in 2006. He became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match, dismissing Salman Butt, Younis Khan, and Mohammad Yousuf in consecutive deliveries. This historic feat etched his name into the annals of cricket history.Man of the Match in the 2007 T20 World Cup Final:Pathan played a pivotal role in India's victory in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. In the high-pressure final against Pakistan, he delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 16, helping India clinch the trophy. His remarkable bowling under pressure earned him the Man of the Match award, contributing significantly to India's historic triumph.Match-winning All-round Show in the Perth Test, 2008:In one of the toughest assignments for any cricketer, an overseas Test in Australia, Pathan produced a stellar all-round performance in Perth in 2008. He took 5 wickets in the match and also scored 46 vital runs in the second innings, helping India secure a rare victory on Australian soil. His ability to make an impact with both bat and ball was on full display, earning him the Man of the Match award in India's famous win at the WACA.Maiden Test Century in 2007:Pathan was not just a bowler but also a more than capable batsman. In the Bangalore Test against Pakistan in 2007, he scored his maiden and only Test century, batting at No. 8. His knock of 102 was a testament to his batting skills and versatility, proving he could contribute with the bat at crucial moments. It remains one of the highlights of his Test career.As Irfan Pathan turns 40, his contributions to Indian cricket are fondly remembered. Whether it was his lethal swing bowling, his crucial knocks with the bat, or his never-say-die spirit, Pathan remains a beloved figure in Indian cricket.

Irfan Pathan's Historic Hat-Trick: A Moment Etched in Indian Cricket HistoryIn the annals of Indian cricket, Irfan Pathan's hat-trick in the first over of the third Test against Pakistan in 2006 stands as an unforgettable moment. Held at Karachi's National Stadium, the match witnessed Pathan's extraordinary feat, becoming the first and only player to achieve a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match.India entered the match with high hopes, and Pathan, renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways, was entrusted with the new ball on a pitch offering movement. Pakistan's openers, Salman Butt and Imran Farhat, faced the daunting task of countering Pathan's probing deliveries.The fourth ball of Pathan's over proved decisive. A full-length delivery swung in sharply, deceiving Butt, who edged it to Rahul Dravid at first slip. Buoyed by this early success, Pathan unleashed an inswinger that trapped Younis Khan plumb in front. Two wickets in two balls had the crowd stunned and the Indian players sensing something special.For the hat-trick ball, Pathan faced Mohammad Yousuf, another experienced Pakistani batsman. With nerves of steel, he delivered a perfect inswinger that pitched in line and jagged back in. Yousuf was left clueless as the ball crashed into the stumps, completing a historic hat-trick in the very first over of the match.The Indian team erupted in joy as Pathan, arms raised in triumph, was swarmed by his teammates. He became only the second Indian bowler to take a Test hat-trick after Harbhajan Singh, but the first to achieve it in the opening over of a match - a record that remains one of the most unique feats in Test cricket.Despite Pakistan's eventual victory in the Test, Pathan's hat-trick became one of the most iconic moments in India-Pakistan cricket history, a testament to his skill and the unpredictable nature of the game.

Sanju Samson's return to the Indian T20I team after being benched in the first match against Sri Lanka was short-lived, as he was dismissed for a golden duck while opening the innings. This move raised questions about Samson's role in the team, especially considering the prominence given to Riyan Parag.Parag has emerged as a key figure in the Indian team under new head coach Gambhir, occupying the middle-order batting spot that many expected Samson to fill. Parag's ability to bowl a few overs gives him an advantage over Samson, who is primarily a wicket-keeper batter.Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Parag's bowling ability will give him a long rope in the middle-order, especially in T20I cricket. "You will see Riyan Parag getting many chances due to his bowling ability. As a top-order batsman, not many in the country have the ability to roll their arm over. This is where Riyan Parag will get an extra advantage, and rightly so," Pathan said.Samson's situation in the Indian team has been puzzling, with the talented wicket-keeper batter being shuffled across different roles and positions since his debut. Despite his undeniable talent, Samson has struggled to cement his spot in the team, as he continues to be tried and tested in various roles.The first two matches under Gambhir's leadership have made it clear that Parag is part of his long-term plans. This raises questions about Samson's future in the team, as he may have to adapt to a different role or face the prospect of being overlooked for selection.

Irfan Pathan's Iconic In-Swinger Strikes Again, Reminiscent of Historic Hat-TrickIn a thrilling display of nostalgia, Irfan Pathan's legendary in-swinging delivery made a triumphant return in Birmingham on Saturday. During the final of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) between India and Pakistan, Pathan's signature ball pierced through the defenses of Pakistan Champions skipper Younis Khan, echoing his famous hat-trick in the 2006 Karachi Test.Attempting to drive the ball on the on-side, Khan was caught off guard by Pathan's late in-swinging delivery, which found the gap between bat and pad. The sound of timber reverberated through the stadium as the stumps behind Khan were shattered.Eighteen years prior, Pathan had etched his name in cricket history with a remarkable hat-trick in the third Test of India's tour of Pakistan. Coincidentally, Younis was the second victim of that hat-trick, which remains the only instance of a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match.While the mode of dismissal differed on Saturday, with Khan being clean bowled instead of adjudged lbw, the impact of Pathan's delivery was undeniable. The in-swinging ball, reminiscent of his prime, reminded fans of his exceptional bowling prowess.In the 2006 Karachi Test, Pathan's hat-trick also included the dismissals of Salman Butt and Mohammad Yousuf. On Saturday, India Champions emerged victorious in the WCL final, defeating Pakistan Champions by five wickets. Led by Yuvraj Singh, India successfully chased down a target of 157 runs in 19.1 overs.Ambati Rayudu's quickfire half-century (50) laid the foundation for India's victory, while Yusuf Pathan (30*) and Gurkeerat Singh Mann (34) made crucial contributions. Irfan Pathan's iconic in-swinging delivery not only secured a wicket but also evoked memories of his legendary hat-trick, showcasing the enduring legacy of one of India's finest bowlers.

Irfan Pathan's Hilarious Meme Captures the Essence of Sibling RivalryFormer Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has shared a hilarious meme on Instagram that perfectly captures the dynamics of sibling relationships. The meme features a video clip of Pathan and his brother Yusuf Pathan having a verbal spat during a World Championship of Legends (WCL) match against South Africa.In the video, the brothers can be seen arguing while attempting a run. The caption reads, "Brothers when they are alone." The video then cuts to a scene of Irfan and Yusuf sharing a hug, with the caption "Brothers in front of parents."Pathan's meme has resonated with many siblings, who can relate to the nature of fights between brothers and sisters. In the caption, Pathan wrote, "Brothers can you relate?"The meme has garnered over 100,000 likes and thousands of comments, with many users sharing their own experiences of sibling rivalry.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is mourning the tragic loss of his hairstylist, Faiyaz Ansari, who drowned in a swimming pool during their T20 World Cup 2024 trip. Ansari, who was Pathan's personal hairstylist, was accompanying him in the Caribbean for his commentary engagements.The incident occurred ahead of the Super 8 match between India and Australia. Pathan took to social media to express his grief, posting a collage of pictures and videos featuring Ansari and himself. The caption read, "In the past six years, Faiyaz became family to us. My children would run to greet him whenever he came over. He loved me like an elder brother, and I loved him like a younger one. The pain of losing him is indescribable; I've never experienced anything like it. His ever-smiling face and his constant 'ji bhai' will stay with me forever. I miss you dearly my brother my shadow, Faiyaz."Ansari hailed from Nagina in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, and had started his salon in Mumbai. According to reports, Ansari's cousin, Mohammad Ahmed, said that the news left his family devastated. Pathan is reportedly working on the formalities to get Ansari's body back to India.Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly praised Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities for India's unbeaten run in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He urged the team to play with freedom in the final against South Africa to end their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy.India will face the Proteas in the title clash at Bridgetown, Barbados, aiming for their first global trophy since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013. Ganguly said, "I'm very happy for Rohit Sharma. Life comes full circle. Six months ago he was not even the captain of Mumbai Indians and the same man is now leading India to a World Cup final, unbeaten."