Cricket

Shreyas Iyer, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain, has opted to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, setting the stage for a bidding war for his services. Iyer's decision to leave KKR, where he led the team to the IPL title in 2024, has sparked speculation about his potential destination.According to reports, Iyer's former franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC), is keen on bringing him back. DC, who released Rishabh Pant ahead of the auction, is reportedly offering Iyer the captaincy role. With a purse of Rs 73 crore, DC has the financial muscle to make a significant bid for Iyer.Iyer's departure from KKR was amicable, according to CEO Venky Mysore. "There won't be too many teams that would want Iyer the T20 batter, but just to ensure DC spends a bomb on a player, they might engage in a bidding war for Iyer," said an IPL franchise official.Meanwhile, other teams are also eyeing potential acquisitions. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is reportedly considering KL Rahul, who was released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Rahul could be a potential captaincy option for RCB.Punjab Kings is expected to retain Arshdeep Singh via the Right to Match (RTM) card if his value stays below Rs 20 crore. LSG is reportedly interested in wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan as a replacement for Rahul.The IPL auction is set to be a major event, with several high-profile players available. Iyer's availability is likely to be one of the most sought-after acquisitions, as teams look to bolster their squads for the upcoming season.

IPL 2025 Retention Deadline: Franchises Finalize Retained PlayersWith the mega auction for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaching, the ten franchises have until October 31, 5pm IST, to submit their lists of retained players. Here's a detailed breakdown of the players set to be retained by each franchise:Chennai Super Kings (CSK)CSK will retain five players: captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, batter Shivam Dube, Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, and the legendary MS Dhoni. The amounts paid to each player are yet to be confirmed, but CSK will lose at least INR 65 crore from their overall purse of INR 120 crore.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)KKR will retain four players: spinner Sunil Narine, batter Rinku Singh, all-rounder Harshit Rana, and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Star all-rounder Andre Russell and 2024 title-winning captain Shreyas Iyer are unlikely to be retained.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)LSG will retain five players: wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran, batter Mayank Yadav, spinner Ravi Bishnoi, and uncapped duo Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni. KL Rahul, who has led the franchise since its inception, is unlikely to be retained.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)SRH will retain five players: South African power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins, Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Klaasen will receive the highest salary of INR 23 crore, followed by Cummins at INR 18 crore and Sharma at INR 14 crore.Key Takeaways:* CSK retains MS Dhoni and four others, losing a significant portion of their purse.* KKR retains Narine and three others, with Russell and Iyer likely to depart.* LSG retains Pooran and four others, with Rahul's future uncertain.* SRH retains Klaasen as their top earner, along with Cummins, Sharma, Head, and Reddy.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer and coach, is currently a free agent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after parting ways with Delhi Capitals (DC) in July 2023. Ponting, a two-time World Cup-winning captain, joined DC in 2018 and guided the team to its maiden IPL final in 2021. However, the team's performance in subsequent seasons fell short of expectations.Despite his lackluster coaching record in the IPL, Ponting remains a highly sought-after figure in the league. As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, rumors are swirling that Ponting could join defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In a recent interview, Ponting expressed his interest in continuing his IPL journey, albeit with a different franchise."There might be a few opportunities coming up in IPL in the next few weeks, and we'll see what happens," Ponting told Sky Sports.KKR is reportedly considering Ponting or Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara as a replacement for former mentor Gautam Gambhir, who was recently appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team.Meanwhile, Ponting remains eager to take up coaching opportunities in the IPL. He acknowledged that the lack of silverware during his tenure at DC led to his departure but expressed his desire to return to the league."I'd love to coach again in the IPL. I've had a great time every year that I've been involved, whether that was in the early days as a player or the couple of years I had at Mumbai as head coach there," Ponting said on The ICC Review podcast."I've had seven seasons at Delhi, which unfortunately didn't really work out the way that I would have wanted and certainly the way that the franchise would have wanted.""Me going there was all about trying to bring some silverware to the team and that didn't happen," he conceded.With his wealth of experience and knowledge, Ricky Ponting remains a valuable asset to any IPL franchise. His potential move to KKR would be a significant development in the league and could bolster the team's chances of retaining its title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been rocked by a series of captaincy changes, with the latest rumors swirling around Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). After a disappointing season that saw MI finish at the bottom of the points table, the franchise replaced Rohit Sharma with Hardik Pandya as captain. This move sparked speculation of a rift between Rohit and Hardik, which was reportedly resolved during the T20 World Cup.However, the drama surrounding MI's captaincy continues. Reports have emerged that Suryakumar Yadav, who was recently appointed captain of India's T20I side, has been approached by KKR to become their skipper. According to journalist Rohit Juglan, KKR has made an unofficial offer to Suryakumar and is willing to trade Shreyas Iyer, last year's title-winning captain, to MI in exchange.This potential move could be facilitated by the mega auction scheduled for next year. However, KKR has not officially commented on the matter. Meanwhile, both Suryakumar and Iyer are currently playing for Mumbai in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament.The Buchi Babu Tournament provides a platform for both players to showcase their skills ahead of the upcoming international season. The BCCI has encouraged India internationals to participate in domestic tournaments to maintain peak performance.The captaincy changes and trade rumors surrounding MI and KKR have added an element of intrigue to the IPL. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact the teams' fortunes in the upcoming season.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has expressed his reluctance to speculate about his future as the head coach of the men's national team. Despite being heavily linked to the role, Gambhir maintains that he is content with his current position and is not looking too far ahead.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently evaluating potential candidates to replace Rahul Dravid, whose tenure as head coach is set to expire after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender, with many former cricketers endorsing his credentials.However, Gambhir remains cautious about the possibility of taking over the reins of the Indian team. "I don't see that far ahead," he said. "It's difficult to answer right now. All I can say is that I am happy being here."Gambhir's reluctance to commit to the head coach role stems from his contentment with his current position as team mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his guidance, the Knights lifted their third IPL trophy in 2024.Gambhir's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of treating all players equally. "In a team sport, it's the team that matters the most," he said. "Individuals do play a role, but ultimately, if everyone is treated equally, you will achieve an unbelievable amount of success."Meanwhile, the Indian team continues to impress in the T20 World Cup, having secured a 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their Super 8 opener. The Rohit Sharma-led side will face Bangladesh on Saturday in Antigua.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed remarkable financial growth in the past year, with its business value surging by 6.5% to US$16.4 billion and its brand value increasing by 6.3% to US$3.4 billion, according to a report by global investment bank Houlihan Lokey.The report highlights the growing appeal of the IPL as a business enterprise and brand, attracting esteemed brands seeking to enhance their value. The title sponsorship for the IPL has been secured by the Tata Group for a further five-year period, from 2024 until 2028, for approximately US$300 million, reflecting the league's status as a pivotal platform for brands.In terms of franchise valuations, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains the most valued franchise, despite failing to make it to the playoffs in 2024. CSK's brand value stands at US$231.0 million, a 9% growth from the previous year.The IPL 2024 winners, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have seen the highest growth in brand value, with a 19.30% rise from 2023. KKR's brand value now stands at US$216.0 million, securing them the third spot in the rankings.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ranks second in both brand and business value, with a brand worth of US$227.0 million. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), despite their immense popularity, trail in fourth place with a brand value of US$204.0 million.The report also notes the return of Hardik Pandya as captain of MI, solidifying the team's status as one of the most evolving franchises in IPL history.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season concluded with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging as the champions. Led by Shreyas Iyer, KKR dominated the league stage, securing 19 points and defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1. In the final, KKR once again triumphed over SRH, riding on a half-century from Venkatesh Iyer and exceptional bowling performances. This victory marked KKR's third IPL title, earning them a prize money of Rs 20 crore.The IPL has become the world's leading T20 franchise-based league, boasting impressive prize money compared to its competitors. The South Africa-based SA20 offers a prize of 34 million Rand (Rs 15.4 crore) to its champions. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) awards USD 1 million (Rs 8.3 Crore) to its winners, while the International League T20 (ILT20) offers USD 700,00 (Rs 5.8 Crore).In contrast, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Big Bash League (BBL) offer significantly lower prize money. The PSL 2024 winners received Rs 4.13 crore, while the BBL 2024 champions earned USD 450,000 (Rs 3.7 crore).The IPL's prize money reflects its immense popularity and financial strength. The league has attracted top players from around the world, creating a highly competitive and entertaining tournament. The substantial prize money serves as a major incentive for teams to perform at their best, contributing to the IPL's status as the most lucrative T20 league globally.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) IPL 2024 campaign ended in heartbreak as they fell to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final. Despite an impressive season marked by explosive batting, SRH's openers failed to deliver in the crucial match, resulting in a disappointing 113-run total.KKR chased down the target with ease, thanks to a brilliant half-century from Venkatesh Iyer. SRH owner Kavya Maran expressed her disappointment but praised the team's efforts, acknowledging their impact on the tournament."You've made us proud," Maran said in an emotional speech. "You've redefined the way we play T20 cricket. Everyone is talking about us."Despite finishing last in the previous season, SRH's resurgence this year drew massive fan support. Maran emphasized the team's potential and the positive impact they had on the league."Even though we didn't win, everyone will still be talking about the style of cricket we've played," she said. "We played the finals, it wasn't just any other game."In the match, Andre Russell's three wickets and contributions from Harshit Rana and Mitchell Starc restricted SRH to a low score. KKR's victory was sealed by an eight-wicket margin.SRH's explosive batting had been a highlight of their season, with two scores over 250. However, their openers' failure in the final proved costly.Despite the disappointing result, SRH's performance throughout the tournament showcased their potential and the impact they have made on the IPL.

When Shreyas Iyer recreated Lionel Messi's iconic World Cup celebration after lifting the IPL Trophy as Kolkata Knight Riders captain in Chennai, it was a moment of triumph and vindication for the embattled Indian cricketer.Just weeks before the IPL, Iyer's central contract was torn up, and a recurring back injury threatened to derail his season. However, he found redemption in this victory, much like Messi did after exorcising the ghosts of losing the 2014 final and winning the trophy for his country after a 36-year wait.For the two-time IPL champions, the wait lasted 10 years as Iyer sang a redemption song following a topsy-turvy start to the year. It was no wonder then that he chose to imitate the man who knows all about rising from setbacks.So, with the trophy in his hands, Iyer took a playful walk towards his teammates, similar to Messi's actions after the final against France in Doha, and handed them the big prize."I am hearing a lot about Gautam Gambhir, who has created a magnificent culture in the KKR team. But this guy (Iyer), I don't think he is getting enough credit. Shreyas Iyer needs some credit," said legendary commentator Ian Bishop on Sunday as KKR defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a completely one-sided final to win their third IPL title.KKR may have gotten most of their runs from openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, but they played as a team and managed to come out winners in a dominant season, topping the table with two rounds to spare and enduring just three losses in between."It is hard to express how we are feeling right now. The wait was so long. We played like invincibles throughout the season. There is so much to cherish right now," said Iyer.It was a special feeling for his childhood and Mumbai coach Pravin Amre, who first tested his character by promoting Iyer to No.3 from No.7 in his maiden Ranji season in 2014-15. Iyer returned with 153, his maiden first-class hundred in their match against Bengal at Eden Gardens in December 2014."I challenged him in his entire career (in Mumbai)...I knew how strong-willed he's and it was my job as a coach to challenge him. He always liked to take the challenge in a good stride. he is a good team man. In the last world cup, he scored 530 runs," Amre said."I always told him you just do whatever is in your hands, let the other people do their job, you just remain focus on what's in your hands," added Amre who first took him under his wings at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana.By leading KKR into the final, Iyer achieved the rare feat of playing the summit clash as captain of two different franchises in the IPL. The KKR skipper missed the last season because of a back injury that required surgery in London last year. He made a comeback in the Asia Cup and went on to become India's third leading run-getter after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the last year's ODI World Cup.The year didn't start well for him though as he had a difficult outing in the home Test series against England and looked patchy scoring 140 runs in the first two matches before being left out for the final three Tests. It was learnt that he developed the recurring back problem, even though he was cleared by the Board medical staff.Iyer then became the center of a controversy when he missed the Ranji Trophy for his home state Mumbai and went on to attend KKR's pre-season camp. Iyer, however, returned to play for Mumbai in the semifinal and final against Vidarbha where he scored a resolute 95 in the second innings of their 42nd Ranji triumph.The Board omitted him from the Grade B contract and BCCI secretary Jay Shah issued a stern warning asking players not to prioritize IPL over domestic cricket. Under intense scrutiny, Iyer looked rusty at the start of the IPL and got out for a two-ball duck in their opener against SRH. He had some significant contributions later on but his efforts were all overshadowed by Narine and Salt's explosive batting.However, Iyer personified "Captain Cool" and held the team's cause ahead of his individual milestones. He went on to become the fourth leading run-getter for KKR this season with 351 runs and two fifties. His best came against the crucial first qualifier against SRH when he anchored their tricky chase of 160 with an unbeaten 58."The way he handled the team as a player is commendable. More than that, he is improving as a leader and the experts in the game are also appreciating his leadership qualities," Amre said."I personally believe success is not an accident he has worked hard for this, handling the team. Yes, he had a good team under him but bringing the best out of everyone is important," he added.