In Australia, Markram and Bavuma are back to lead South Africa.

In August, South Africa is going on a white-ball tour to Australia. Which will be led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma. Markram was one of the few seniors given time off, while Bavuma has been sidelined since the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June due to a hamstring issue. They did not attend the two Test matches in Zimbabwe, and Markram did not play in the ensuing T20I tri-series there, which also featured New Zealand.

Head coach Shukri Conrad remarked, “It’s great to have our senior players back in the mix after their rest following the WTC Final.” As we continue to develop a solid core in all forms, their expertise and caliber truly benefit the group. From now on, each series contributes to the development of our teams for the 2027 home 50-over World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Australia is a difficult country to visit. Their intensity and conditions will put us to the test in every department, and that’s precisely the kind of challenge we’re looking for.

South Africa T20I squad:

Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Rassie van der Dussen

South Africa ODI squad:

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Prenelan Subrayen

Following his recent Test debut in Zimbabwe, South Africa has also called up Prenelan Subrayen for the first time in both ODI and T20I. The Dolphins won the One-Day Cup earlier in March under the leadership of the off-spinner.

Additionally, Lhuan-dre Pretorius was included in the ODI squad for the first time. Over the past month, the hard-hitting batter. Who attracted attention in the T20 circuit, made his Test and T20I debuts in Zimbabwe. Both squads have included Brevis, who also made his Test debut in Zimbabwe.

In addition to these two, both teams include players like Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada.

The three 50-over matches on August 19, 22, and 24. Will come after the T20Is on August 10, 12, and 16.

The Champions League T20 will return after more than 10 years.

The Champions League T20 (CLT20) is about to make a reappearance. It will be even better and bigger this time. The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) members recently met in Singapore as part of the ICC Annual Conference. Formally decided to bring back the competition with teams from various domestic Twenty20 leagues. Assuming all proceeds as planned. The league might resume as early as the next year.

Cricbuzz understands that the international boards will meet soon to hash out the mechanics of the league. Particularly in view of the fact that many franchise owners have teams across many nations. Addressing this cross-team ownership structure will be a significant challenge for the authorities. Who are expected to set up a Governing Council (GC) or a Board to regulate the league.

The Champions League T20

Creating the league’s size and scope will be another significant obstacle for the regulators to overcome. In 2015, the Champions League T20 was discontinued, leaving. Just a few big Test-playing countries with franchise-based leagues. The T20 scene has changed significantly in the past ten years. With leagues springing up all over the cricketing ecosystem and even Associate nations like the USA and UAE hosting their own competitions. This technique has also been adopted by countries such as Canada and Nepal. Approximately eleven major franchise leagues, including The Hundred in England. Exist worldwide as of the most recent count.

Apart from deciding how clubs from different leagues will be distributed. The organizers will also need to locate a window in a busy calendar. Like in the previous edition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Its famous Indian Premier League (IPL) are likely to lead the planned leadership.

It is also expected that Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Which did not play in the previous league, will be active members. It’s unknown who else will be engaged. The framework could possibly include Cricket South Africa (CSA), one of CL T20’s three creators.

Launched in 2009, the CL T20 was shut down during the 2014 season. When broadcaster Star Sports proposed to dissolve the league. Which was agreed by the league’s original three members: the BCCI, CA, and CSA. In 2015, following major financial problems. Star offered a compensation proposal that was approved by all three boards.

Everything will therefore start where it finished. Before achieving anything else, the new members will need to submit a tender to bring on a broadcaster.

Pavan Rathnayake ton leads dominant Sri Lanka A batting display

The visitors built a huge first innings total, largely due to a century from Pavan Rathnayake. Australia A’s hitters faced a searching test to salvage their two-game series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin.

Sri Lanka A totally retaliated against rival captain Jason Sangha’s decision to put them in by advancing to declare 486 for 6 on day two of the second four-day match, having started at 263 for 4.

At the Marrara Cricket Ground on Monday, the hosts were 76 for 1 at stumps, with Jake Weatherald at 45 and Kurtis Patterson at 19. The first game was tied, leaving them with a mountain to climb to win the series.

Nathan McSweeney, the former Test opener for Australia. A was bowled between bat and pad by offspinner Nishan Peiris for 12, failing to duplicate his excellent 94 from the first game.

Pavan Rathnayake

When Rathnayake returned at 43. He took full advantage of a perfect batting strip to reach 122 off 223 balls, his team’s second century after Nuwanidu Fernando’s 102 on the first day.

Sonal Dinusha, who returned on five, joined the run-fest by reaching 88 off 191 deliveries. In 53 overs, he and Rathnayake contributed 170 for the fifth wicket.

Rathnayake was tempted into a reckless clip to short midwicket by left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh. Who was superbly caught low down by Oliver Peake, ending their stand.

Dinusha and Sohan de Livera kept punishing the bowlers, scoring 40 runs in 14 overs. When Patterson caught Dinusha at mid-on after he mishit a lofted pull.

The finest of the eight bowlers used was Zeh, a 22-year-old unknown who had never participated in state cricket at the top level. Look a third wicket as a result. As Australian officials continue to look for good left-arm spinners. The Queenslander was chosen for the first game from the left-field.

De Livera finished 50 not out at the time of the declaration. Being the fifth batter to reach a half-century or more.

McSweeney was bowled between bat and pad after hitting two fours in his 20 balls. The home team was led to victory by Weatherald and Patterson. Who added 44 without suffering any more losses.

🏏 Nitish Kumar Reddy Appointed Captain of Bhimavaram Bulls for APL 2025 🏆

In a significant move ahead of the Andhra Premier League (APL) 2025 season. Dynamic all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been named the captain of the Bhimavaram Bulls. The announcement was made on July 17. Sending waves of excitement among fans of Andhra cricket and followers of the domestic T20 scene.

Reddy has already garnered media attention for his outstanding domestic and international cricket performances. He is going to guide the Bulls into the APL’s fourth season. August 8–August 24, 2025 is the planned occurrence date at the Visakhapatnam-based Dr. YSR ACA–VDCA Stadium.

🌟 Rising Star Takes Charge – Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy has rapidly climbed the cricketing ladder, with impressive displays across formats. His leadership appointment reflects the franchise’s vision to build a team around a young, aggressive, and tactically aware cricketer. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Reddy’s all-round skills are expected to bring a perfect balance to the Bulls’ strategy.

In 2024, he made his Test debut for India and delivered standout performances in T20 Internationals, showcasing maturity beyond his years. He is currently among the most promising cricket players coming out of Andhra Pradesh based on his career thus far.

🐂 Bhimavaram Bulls – A Team Reimagined

The Bhimavaram Bulls have also unveiled a strong 20-player squad for APL 2025 .With a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting youngsters. The team looks well-equipped to challenge for the title this season. Key players alongside Reddy include Satyanarayan Raju, Hari Shankar Reddy, and Pinniti Tejaswi, among others.

This season, the Bulls are expected to adopt a fearless brand of cricket. Nitish Kumar Reddy bringing his aggressive mindset and calm leadership to the forefront.

🏆 APL 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

The Andhra Premier League has grown in popularity over the years and the 2025. Edition is set to feature seven teams for the first time, up from six in the previous season. The inclusion of top domestic stars and rising talents is a major attraction for fans.

The recent APL auction saw intense bidding, with top players like Paila Avinash and Satyanarayan Raju fetching high prices. Amidst this, Bhimavaram Bulls have quietly assembled a versatile squad, and with Reddy at the helm. They are tipped as serious contenders this season.

🔊 Reddy’s Reaction

Speaking after his appointment, Nitish Kumar Reddy expressed his gratitude and excitement:

“It’s a proud moment to lead Bhimavaram Bulls. I look forward to taking on this responsibility and helping our team play competitive and spirited cricket. We are ready to give our best and aim for the championship.”

📰 Final Take

All eyes will be on Nitish Kumar Reddy as he leads his side through the pressure of a high-stakes competition as the countdown to the APL 2025 gets underway. Reddy’s leadership, talent, and temperament could be the deciding factor that propels the Bhimavaram Bulls to victory.

Andre Russell will retire from international cricket, After the Jamaica T20Is

Following the first two Twenty20 Internationals against Australia at his home stadium, Sabina Park in Jamaica, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will announce his retirement from international cricket.

Russell, 37, presently has 84 caps and has only played in T20Is since 2019. He will retire seven months before the next T20 World Cup, which will take place in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. In addition, he played 56 ODIs and one Test.

There are no words to describe what that meant. “One of the proudest achievements of my life has been representing the West Indies,” Russell stated. I never imagined I would reach this level when I was younger, but the more you play and develop a passion for the sport, the more you realize what you are capable of. I wanted to make an impression in the maroon colors and serve as an inspiration to others, so this motivated me to improve.

In addition to performing for the West Indies, I enjoy performing at home in front of my loved ones, which allows me to show off my skills and give better performances. I want to be a role model for the upcoming generation of Caribbean cricket players and end my international career on a strong note.

Russell will leave international cricket in less than two months, making him the second well-known West Indies player to do so after Nicholas Pooran. It is believed that Russell’s announcement caught the West Indies’ selectors off guard.

In 2012, Russell was a member of the West Indies team that won the T20 World Cup. In 2016, he took the new ball and got rid of Alex Hales in the second over in Kolkata.

According to coach Daren Sammy, Andre has always been a hard competitor and the epitome of professionalism. His will to compete and win for the West Indies has never faltered. Whether I was captaining him or am currently coaching him. I hope he continues to inspire future generations and wish him luck on his next journey.

Andre Russell

Russell will be replaced by Matthew Forde in the roster for the St Kitts leg of the match versus Australia.

In the meantime, 23-year-old Jediah Blades and adolescent Jewel Andrew received their first calls-ups to the West Indies T20I team. Andrew became the youngest West Indian and the second youngest player overall to score a fifty in a major T20 league in the 2024 CPL at the age of 17 years and 266 days. In Guyana’s current Global Super League (GSL), Andrew plays for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Blades has not yet participated in the CPL. But he made an impression with the new ball at the first West Indies breakout league. A competition recently established to find up-and-coming talent in the area. In addition to Rovman Powell, who missed the GSL for the Dubai Capitals. Shai Hope will continue to captain the team.

“We have strategic plans and goals that are in line with winning the T20 World Cup in 2026,” Sammy stated. As a team, we will continue to refine our style and brand in preparation for the World Cup. We have continuity in the roster from the previous series.

As we build momentum for next year’s World Cup with our exciting and dynamic bunch of players. We aim to get back to our prior form at home, where we lost both of our previous T20 series. We start against Australia.

West Indies squad

Andre Russell, Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd

Jitesh Sharma moves to Baroda from Vidarbha to get ready for the domestic season in 2025–2026.

Vidarbha and Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma will play for Baroda in the upcoming season.

The 31-year-old played second fiddle to captain and first-choice wicketkeeper Akshay Wadkar during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, and he did not appear in any games. He continued to play for Karun Nair’s Vidarbha white-ball teams.

It has been reported that the relocation to Baroda has been planned for some time. The close bond between Jitesh and Baroda captain Krunal Pandya is believed to be the cause. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate he was with. helped make the transfer possible after their initial IPL title win earlier this year.

The change might present Jitesh with a fresh chance to establish himself as a first-class cricket regular. Jitesh has only appeared in 18 first-class games in the last ten seasons since making his debut in 2015–16. He has four half-centuries and a modest average of 24.48. It has been over a year since his last first-class match.

Jitesh has proved himself in the shortest formats of cricket in recent years. While having little playing experience in red-ball cricket. In October of 2023, Jitesh made his India T20I debut in the Asian Games after making a breakthrough for Punjab Kings. He nine T20I matches are remarkable.

Jitesh Sharma

As RCB’s finisher at the IPL 2025 earlier this year. Jitesh was instrumental in helping them place in the top two by scoring their first half-century an unbeaten 85 against the Lucknow Super Giants. He served as Rajat Patidar’s deputy captain and took over as captain in the latter stages of the tournament after Patidar was hurt.

The only RTM (right to match) for RCB in the mega auction. Jitesh’s IPL teammate Swapnil Singh, is expected to relocate to Tripura. Swapnil played domestic cricket for Uttarakhand in 2024–25, taking 18 wickets in five games during the Ranji Trophy. However he did not play a single game for RCB. He had low white-ball stats.

In the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025, Swapnil, a regular in Chennai’s club cricket scene, most recently played for the Chepauk Super Gillies. Where he took three wickets in eight games and batted for 85 runs.

In men’s Test cricket, Mitchell Starc records the fastest five-wicket haul history.

In dramatic fashion, Mitchell Starc reached the 400-wicket club on the third day at Sabina Park. Taking the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history. In just 15 balls after destroying the top order of the West Indies with a triple-wicket opening over.

Mitchell Starc produced one of the best opening overs in his 100th Test match. When the left-hander edged a superb outswinger to replacement wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was filling in for the injured Alex Carey. He removed John Campbell first ball, marking the fourth time in his career that he had done so with the first delivery of an innings.

Debutant Kevlon Anderson reviewed the plumbest of lbws despite shouldering arms four balls later as the ball spun around to hit his leg in front of the middle stump. The stumps were destroyed by another delivery that bent back to take Brandon King’s inside edge. It was the sixth time a team had gone 0 for 3 in Test history.

Mikyle Louis was the fourth Australian bowler to reach the 400th wicket, following Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon. He survived the hat-trick ball at the beginning of Starc’s second over. But he duly took his 400th wicket with another of his signature inswingers, trapping Louis leg before wicket.

Two balls later, he added Shai Hope leg before wicket to reach a five-wicket total in just 15 deliveries, breaking the previous record. Which was shared by Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland, by four deliveries. The incredible sights continued.

Starc used to rule the pink-ball cricket format in Australia. Confirming his position as the sport’s king. This is the team’s first abroad day-night test.

MI New York wins the MLC title in a thrilling match.

MI New York had one of the most amazing comebacks in franchise T20 history. After losing six of their first seven games this season. They won the 2025 Major League Cricket (MLC) title with a five-run win over reigning champions Washington Freedom at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Freedom was chasing 181 and required 12 runs from the last over. Which was bowled by Rushil Ugarkar, 22, with captain Glenn Maxwell and a composed Glenn Phillips at the crease. After Maxwell hit a single off the first ball, Phillips hit another one. Then Maxwell missed the third ball with a strong swipe. Maxwell tried to slog over midwicket with 10 needed off 3. But mistimed the ball high over long-on, where Michael Bracewell caught it. Freedom needed 10 runs off the last ball as new hitter Obus Pienaar swung and did not work at the fifth delivery, finally capping MINY’s incredible comeback.

Freedom’s run-chase got off to a terrible start. When they lost Mitchell Owen and Andries Gous to Trent Boult in the first over and were struggling at 0 for 2 before Rachin Ravindra and Jack Edwards’ 84-run partnership steadied the innings. With 70 off 41 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes, Ravindra led the way, while Edwards added 33 off 22. In the ninth over, Edwards was caught at long-on by Nosthush Kenjige, ending the partnership.

MI New York

Ravindra and Glenn Phillips (48 not out) added 46 more runs. But MINY took back control as Ravindra was dismissed by Rushil Ugarkar in the 16th over. After slicing a wide slower ball to extra cover. Boult let up just 12 runs in the 19th over. Leaving 12 needed from the final over, in which a composed Ugarkar easily defended the runs. Phillips kept Washington in the chase with two sixes off Tristan Luus in the 18th over.

Earlier in the day, Quinton de Kock formed a 72-run opening partnership with Monank Patel, who hit 28 off 22 balls before mistiming a Lockie Ferguson delivery to cover. Kock top-scored with a fluid 46-ball 77 that included six fours and four sixes. Nicholas Pooran, who combined 56 runs for the fourth wicket with de Kock to steady the ship. After Tajinder Dhillon was dismissed by Ian Holland in the tenth over, was out. That stand was broken by Saurabh Netravalkar. Who deftly bowled an off-pace delivery wide outside off, forcing Pooran to slice his shot to cover.

Ferguson was the most impressive bowler for the Washington Freedom, taking 3 for 24 in his second session. Which included an in-form Kieron Pollard and a well-set de Kock in the same over. Despite being costly with the ball, Maxwell helped MINY lose five wickets for eighteen runs by taking out Michael Bracewell. Pooran’s team posted a score that looked to be just about par for the surface and was ultimately sufficient thanks to Kunwarjeet Singh’s 22 not out off 13 balls in the final few overs.

Brief Scores:

Washington Freedom 175/5 in 20 overs (Rachin Ravindra 70; Trent Boult 2-32, Rushil Ugarkar 2-32) lost to MI New York 180/7 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 77; Lockie Ferguson 3-21) by 5 runs.

India won the series thanks to bowlers.

India easily defeated England by six wickets at Old Trafford on Wednesday, securing a decisive 3-1 lead in the five-match series under the leadership of an all-around performance. India overtook the score with three overs remaining, chasing 127 for victory.

England chose to bat, and their innings got off to a poor start. Sophia Dunkley was at her best against Shree Charani in the third over. She hit the first ball beyond cover point for a boundary. Then worked a flighted delivery over cover for a six. Despite being costly in the opening two overs, Charani eventually got rid of Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

Even though England continued to score goals, particularly when Tammy Beumont replaced Sneh Rana, the striking rotation was insufficient to keep the scoring rate under check. Radha Yadav’s superb fielding in the second half limited the scoring rate, therefore the early inability to apply any pressure backfired.

India

England’s attempts to hurry up were successful. By the 19th over, England had fallen to 110 for 7, as wickets continued to fall at a rapid pace. Sophie Ecclestone and Izzy Wong’s sixes in the last over helped England cross the run-a-ball threshold, but the total wasn’t competitive enough.

In the powerplay, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma blasted from both ends. Destroying any chance England had of making the pursuit difficult for India. In just the first four overs, India reached 45/0. The third half-century opening partnership of the series had set the stage for a resounding victory, but England did manage the scoring pace for a few overs after that, even getting Shafali caught at backward square leg.

Mandhana eventually retired as well, giving the short third fielder an advantage, but India held firm. Experienced professionals Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues ensured. There was no fear as they effortlessly rotated the strike on their way to their 42-run partnership for the third wicket. 4. The hosts were not too comforted by England’s quick dismissals of Harmanpreet and Amanjot Kaur.

RCB overcomes CSK to become the most valuable IPL team.

As a business entity, the IPL has increased in value by 12.9 percent to USD 18.5 billion. According to a study conducted by the US-based global investment firm Houlihan Lokey, Inc. The IPL’s standalone brand value has grown by 13.8 percent to USD 3.9 billion in the last 12 months.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost ground to first-time winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Who have a brand value of USD 269 million, up from USD 227 million a year earlier. This is another noteworthy development. With a brand worth of USD 235 million, up only slightly from USD 231 million the previous year, CSK fell to third place after a poor season. They had a poor season-ending record.

The Mumbai Indians (MI), valued at USD 242 million (USD 204 million in 2024) have moved up to second place from fourth place the previous year. With a 39.6% gain in brand value over 2024, Punjab Kings (PBKS) witnessed the largest year-over-year growth. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) came in second with a rise of over 34%.

RCB & CSK

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), with a brand value of USD 154 million, is in fifth place. While the two-time former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are in fourth place with a brand worth of USD 222 million. The Delhi Capitals (DC), with a brand worth of USD 152 million, are placed sixth among the other teams. With a valuation of USD 142 million, Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT), whose ownership changed last season, came in eighth position, while the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in seventh place with USD 146 million.

Under new captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS performed well as runners-up with the highest increase of 39.6% to reach USD 141 million and rank ninth. With a brand worth of USD 122 million, the Lucknow Super Giants are, incidentally, the most expensive team, ranking 10th.

“In the sports industry, the IPL keeps setting standards. “Media rights contracts have hit all-time highs, franchise values have skyrocketed, and brand alliances have expanded across industries,” said Harsh Talikoti. Director of Financial and Valuation Advisory at Houlihan Lokey.