Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has decided to maintain the number of matches at 74 for the 2025 season, despite initially planning for 84 matches. This decision is primarily driven by the need to manage the workload of Indian international players, who are expected to participate in the World Test Championship final in June 2025.The IPL has been a major success since its inception in 2008, attracting a massive fan base and becoming one of the richest sporting leagues in the world. In 2022, the media rights for the 2023-27 cycle were sold for a staggering INR 48,390.5 crore (USD 6.2 billion approx.).The number of matches in the IPL has varied over the years, with 74 matches being played in the last three seasons. However, the IPL had initially planned to increase the number of matches to 84 in 2025 and 2026, and 94 in 2027.The decision to reduce the number of matches in 2025 is a significant departure from the original plan. It reflects the BCCI's commitment to player welfare and the recognition that the increased number of matches could put undue strain on the players.The IPL dates for the 2025 season have not yet been finalized, but the window is likely to stretch between mid-March and the last week of May. The IPL will determine the number of matches in the special package (package C) based on the total number of games in a season.The special package includes the tournament opener, weekend evening matches, and the four playoffs, including the final. The opening match and the playoffs will be mandatory, while the IPL will decide which evening matches from the double-headers will be included in this package.With 74 matches in a season, the special package will have 18 matches. If there are more than 74 matches in a season, the special package matches will rise by two for every ten additional matches.

Gujarat's batting lineup showcased resilience and determination on the opening day of their Buchi Babu Memorial All India invitational cricket tournament match against TNCA President's XI. Despite losing four wickets early on, they rallied to end the day on a strong note, scoring 321 for seven wickets.Left-handed batsman Jaymeet Patel played a pivotal role in Gujarat's recovery. Coming in at number six, he struck an unbeaten 125 runs off 214 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and two sixes. His innings was a display of both power and finesse, as he punished loose deliveries and rotated the strike effectively.Patel's partnership with Kshitij Patel (62 runs off 106 balls) was crucial in stabilizing Gujarat's innings. The duo put on a 73-run stand for the fifth wicket, providing a solid foundation for the team's recovery. Kshitij's contribution was characterized by his ability to score runs off the backfoot, hitting all his boundaries in that manner.After Kshitij's dismissal, Jaymeet Patel continued to anchor the innings, finding an able ally in Urvil Patel (33 runs). Together, they added 70 runs for the sixth wicket, further consolidating Gujarat's position. However, Urvil's run-out at the non-striker's end brought an end to their partnership.The TNCA President's XI bowlers had a strong start to the day, with left-arm spinner M. Siddharth claiming four wickets before lunch. The turning pitch and close-in fielders created challenges for Gujarat's batsmen, but Jaymeet Patel and Kshitij Patel managed to overcome these obstacles.In the latter stages of the day, Dhrushant Soni (44 runs) provided valuable support to Jaymeet Patel. The pair put on 101 runs for the seventh wicket, extending Gujarat's lead and putting them in a commanding position heading into day two.

Pakistan Aims to Secure Runners-Up Spot in Women's Asia Cup Clash with UAEPakistan's women's cricket team faces the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a crucial match of the Women's Asia Cup 2024, with the aim of securing the runners-up spot in their group. After a disappointing loss to arch-rivals India in their opening match, Pakistan bounced back with a convincing victory over Nepal.UAE, on the other hand, has yet to register a win in the tournament, making them the underdogs in this encounter. However, Pakistan cannot afford to take their opponents lightly, as they will be eager to prove their worth and upset the favorites.The match will be played at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka, and is expected to be a closely contested affair. Pakistan will be relying on their experienced players, including captain Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar, and Javeria Khan, to guide them to victory.UAE will be looking to their young and talented players, such as Chaya Mughal and Esha Oza, to make an impact. The team will also be hoping for a strong performance from their captain, Humaira Tasneem, who has been in good form with the bat.The winner of this match will secure the runners-up spot in Group A, which will give them a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. Pakistan will be determined to finish the group stage on a high note and build momentum for the knockout rounds.

England and West Indies are set to face off in a highly anticipated T20I match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. England, currently leading the series, will aim to solidify their position, while West Indies, ranked fourth, will seek to improve their standings.In their previous encounter, England's Adil Rashid emerged as the top fantasy performer with 67 points, while Gudakesh Motie led the way for West Indies with 101 points. England's recent victory over Namibia saw Harry Brook shine with 85 fantasy points, while Nicholas Pooran's 146 points propelled West Indies to victory against Afghanistan.The pitch at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is balanced, with an average first innings score of 110 runs. Pacers have historically dominated at this venue, accounting for 75% of wickets. The weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions with a slight chance of rain, which could favor the pacers.Fantasy XI Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Johnson Charles: A high-risk, high-reward pick with an average of 46 fantasy points per match.* Sam Curran: A consistent performer with an average of 61 fantasy points per match.* Alzarri Joseph: A reliable bowler with an average of 43 fantasy points per match.* Akeal Hosein: A left-arm spinner with an average of 53 fantasy points per match.* Phil Salt: A consistent batter with an average of 56 fantasy points per match.* Adil Rashid: A leg-break bowler with an average of 53 fantasy points per match.* Andre Russell: A versatile player with an average of 62 fantasy points per match.* Roston Chase: A consistent all-rounder with an average of 44 fantasy points per match.Squads:England: Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood, Reece Topley, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Tom HartleyWest Indies: Andre Russell, Johnson Charles, Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Obed McCoy, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar JosephFantasy XI Team:* Wicket-Keepers: Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt* Batters: Jonny Bairstow, Sherfane Rutherford* All-Rounders: Sam Curran, Andre Russell* Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan* Captain: Sam Curran* Vice-Captain: Adil Rashid

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, joined the team a day before their warm-up clash against Bangladesh but missed all three practice sessions. He was also not selected for the warm-up game, with skipper Rohit Sharma citing his late arrival as the reason.However, a recent report claims that Kohli, along with other Indian team members, missed a practice session on Sunday due to rest following their match against Bangladesh. The report also states that Kohli will participate in India's training session on Monday.Kohli's late arrival for the warm-up game has raised questions about his fitness and preparation for the T20 World Cup. However, the report suggests that he is expected to be fully fit and available for India's first match of the tournament against Pakistan on October 23.Kohli finished the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with 741 runs in 15 innings, winning the Orange Cap for the second time in his career. Despite concerns about his potential non-selection for the T20 World Cup, he enters the tournament as the top run-getter in history, having amassed 1141 runs in 27 appearances since 2012.The 35-year-old was also named the ODI Player of the Year by ICC ahead of the T20 World Cup. He had a remarkable 2023 season, scoring 1,377 runs in 27 ODIs at an average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13, with six centuries and eight fifties. His best score was an unbeaten 166.Kohli played a crucial role in India's Asia Cup 2023 triumph, scoring an unbeaten 122* in 94 balls against Pakistan in a crucial Super Four stage game. He continued his impressive form in the ODI World Cup held last year at home, scoring 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62, with three centuries, six half-centuries, and a best score of 117.Kohli ended the tournament as the top-scorer, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record of 673 runs in a single World Cup edition. He also surpassed Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI tons, scoring his 50th ODI ton against New Zealand in the semifinals.With his impressive recent form, Kohli will be a key player for India in the T20 World Cup. His experience, leadership, and ability to score runs in pressure situations will be invaluable to the team as they aim to win their second T20 World Cup title.

Virat Kohli, India's talismanic batsman, has joined his team in New York for the upcoming T20 World Cup. His arrival comes five days after the rest of the Indian squad landed in the city.Kohli's participation in the warm-up match against Bangladesh on Saturday remains uncertain. The BCCI has confirmed his arrival, but he is expected to rest after a long flight. His involvement in the practice match will depend on his personal inclination and readiness.Despite missing three training sessions, the team management is not concerned about Kohli's preparation. They trust his experience and ability to prepare himself adequately for the tournament. Kohli has an impressive tally of 741 runs in 15 IPL matches, indicating that he needs minimal additional match practice.Kohli's arrival completes the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. The team has been arriving in batches, with the first group landing on May 25 and the second contingent reaching on May 28.The Indian team management has a history of granting special considerations to Kohli. He was allowed a break before the South Africa Test series and opted out of the entire Test series against England at home to be present for the birth of his second child.Kohli's presence in the Indian team is crucial for their success in the T20 World Cup. He is one of the most experienced and successful batsmen in the world, and his leadership and batting prowess will be vital for India's chances of winning the tournament.

Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka's star all-rounder, will lead the team in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Hasaranga missed the entire 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a heel injury but has since made his return in Sri Lanka's ongoing T20 practice games.Sri Lanka has been placed in Group D of the T20 World Cup alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, and South Africa. They will kick off their campaign against South Africa on June 3 in New York before facing Bangladesh in Dallas on June 8. Their final two group matches will be against Nepal in Florida on June 12 and Netherlands in St Lucia on June 17.Hasaranga's return to fitness is a major boost for Sri Lanka, who will be looking to make a strong impact in the tournament. The 26-year-old is one of the most talented all-rounders in the world, capable of both destructive batting and economical bowling.Sri Lanka's squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is as follows:* Wanindu Hasaranga (captain)* Charith Asalanka (vice-captain)* Kusal Mendis* Pathum Nissanka* Kamindu Mendis* Sadeera Samarawickrama* Angelo Mathews* Dasun Shanaka* Dhananjaya de Silva* Maheesh Theekshana* Dunith Wellalage* Dushmantha Chameera* Matheesha Pathirana* Nuwan Thushara* Dilshan MadushankaTraveling reserves:* Asitha Fernando* Vijayakanth Viyaskanth* Bhanuka Rajapaksa* Janith LiyanageSri Lanka will be hoping to improve on their performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the Super 12 stage. With Hasaranga leading the charge, they will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament.

PBKS vs RR: A Clash of Titans in the IPLPunjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to face off in a highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mohali. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, with PBKS languishing in eighth place and RR holding onto the top spot.PBKS's Recent FormPBKS has endured a disappointing start to the IPL, losing four of their five matches. Their only victory came against the Chennai Super Kings, but they suffered a narrow two-run defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous encounter. Arshdeep Singh has been their standout performer, scoring 112 fantasy points in the last match.RR's DominanceIn contrast, RR has been in impressive form, winning four of their five matches. They suffered a setback against the Gujarat Titans in their last outing, but they remain the team to beat. Sanju Samson has been their key player, scoring 109 fantasy points in the previous match.Pitch and Weather ConditionsThe pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is expected to favor batters, with a good bounce and pace. The average first-innings score at this venue is 148 runs. The weather forecast predicts a cloudy day with temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius and humidity at 28%.Head-to-Head RecordIn the 26 matches played between these two teams, PBKS's bowlers have earned the most fantasy points, while RR's batters have been the most productive. In their last encounter, Sam Curran and Navdeep Saini topped the fantasy points leaderboard for their respective teams.Fantasy XI PicksCaptain and Vice-Captain:* Captain: Riyan Parag* Vice-Captain: Sanju SamsonWicket-Keeper:* Jos ButtlerBatters:* Shashank Singh* Shikhar Dhawan* Yashasvi JaiswalAll-Rounders:* Riyan Parag* Sam CurranBowlers:* Yuzvendra Chahal* Nandre Burger* Arshdeep Singh