Cricket News Archives - Page 2 of 5

Dinesh Karthik has joined Sharjah Warriorz for the DP World ILT20 season.

Posted on September 30, 2025 by [email protected]

The former India batsman-wicketkeeper was introduced as a replacement one day prior to the first player auction for the ILT20.

Dinesh Karthik, a former India batsman and wicketkeeper, has joined Sharjah Warriorz for the forthcoming ILT20 season in the United Arab Emirates. Prior to the league’s first player auction on October 1. Warriorz announced Karthik as a replacement for Sri Lankan batsman and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.

While serving as a batting coach and consultant for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Karthik, 40 will rejoin with the big-hitting Tim David with whom he won the 2025 Indian Premier League at Warriorz.

Karthik released a statement saying, “I am thrilled to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz team for the DP World ILT20 tournament.” I’m glad to be here, and I know they’re a young team hoping to accomplish some unique things. One of those famous venue. Where one usually desires to play is Sharjah. Being a part of the Sharjah Warriorz franchise is an absolute dream come true.

Dinesh Karthik

JP Duminy, the head coach of the Warriorz, welcomed Karthik onto the team. When it comes to T20 cricket, Dinesh Karthik is among the most seasoned players and has a really creative mind. I’m happy to have him on our side, Duminy added. He has demonstrated his batting prowess to the entire world, and his explosive style, lively demeanor, and wealth of knowledge will undoubtedly help the younger players throughout the competition. I’m excited to collaborate with him in-depth.

Karthik will be playing in franchise cricket for the fourth time outside of the IPL. He previously played for the Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20, the Southern Superstars in the 2024 Legends League, and the Bangla Tigers in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10. In June 2024, Karthik retired from Indian and international cricket to venture into the world franchise circuit.

Karthik has many years of T20 experience; in 412 games thus far. He has scored 7537 runs with a strike rate of 136.66 and an average of 27.01. He participated in the IPL for six clubs. Including the top-seeded Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was also one of the IPL’s fittest players, missing just two games in 17 seasons.

In the upcoming ILT20 season, Karthik might play either with or against his old teammate from Tamil Nadu and India, R Ashwin. Ashwin, the only player with a base price in six figures, has the highest base price going into the ILT20 auction. Piyush Chawla, a former legspinner for India. is also on the shortlist for the auction, with a starting price of $40,000.

Mendis has pulled out, as has all-rounder Dasun Shanaka. Who was previously kept by the reigning champions Dubai Capitals, as the LPL 2025 clashes with the ILT20.

Chris Woakes Announces Retirement from International Cricket 🏏

Posted on September 29, 2025 by [email protected]

England all-rounder Chris Woakes has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. Bringing the curtains down on a remarkable career that spanned over a decade.

Chris Woakes, known for his swing bowling and reliable lower-order batting, represented England across all three formats and played a pivotal role in some of the team’s most memorable victories. A World Cup winner in 2019, he was often regarded as one of England’s most dependable all-rounders. Delivering consistently with both bat and ball.

During his career, Woakes claimed crucial wickets with the new ball. Excelled in English conditions, and provided depth to the batting order with several match-saving contributions. His calm presence in pressure situations earned him respect from teammates and fans alike.

Reflecting on his decision, Woakes expressed gratitude towards the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). His teammates, family, and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey. While stepping away from the international stage. He is expected to continue playing in domestic cricket and franchise leagues around the world.

🏆 Career Highlights

2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Winner – Woakes played a crucial role in England’s historic triumph, particularly in the semi-final against Australia. Where he dismantled the top order with the new ball.

Ashes Performances – His ability to trouble Australian batters in English conditions made him one of the go-to bowlers in Ashes contests.

All-Round Contributions – Beyond his bowling, Woakes often chipped in with handy runs down the order, including a Test century against India at Lord’s.

Hampshire Face Up to Relegation Nightmare After Surrey Defeat

Posted on September 27, 2025September 27, 2025 by [email protected]

Hampshire now find themselves staring at the real possibility of relegation from Division One of the County Championship following a gutting loss to Surrey.

Collapse in Chase Leaves Them Teetering

In their second innings, chasing 181, Hampshire imploded from 61 for 0 to being all out for 160 — a collapse that sealed their 20-run defeat. On debut for Surrey, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar wreaked havoc, picking up 7 for 45 to rip through the Hampshire lineup. That spell has left Hampshire’s survival hopes hanging by a thread.

Relegation Scenarios & Dependencies

Hampshire’s fate is now not entirely in their hands. If they lose and Durham avoid defeat to Yorkshire, Hampshire will be relegated. A draw in the Durham vs Yorkshire match might be enough to condemn Hampshire, depending on the points tally. The bad light that halted play with Hampshire still 33 runs short and one wicket in hand adds another cruel twist to their plight.

Broader Troubles & Penalties

This season has already been tough for Hampshire. Earlier on, they were docked eight points following a pitch rating violation in a match vs Sussex, compounding their troubles in the relegation battle. Moreover, in the past fortnight, the club have lost multiple finals in other competitions. Adding to the sense that things have not gone their way.

R. Ashwin will participate in the ILT20 and BBL.

Posted on September 23, 2025 by [email protected]

R Ashwin no longer has to choose between the UAE and Australia. As a replacement to having to decide between the ILT20 and the Big Bash League (BBL), it looks like to be a double dose, or twin assignments. Due to difficulties with scheduling at the end of the year. The experienced spinner would have been forced to choose between the two. But it is quite likely that he will play in both.

One of the best spinners in India has signed up for the ILT20 auction and will probably play in the BBL in Australia as well. Numerous teams have made offers to him, including Tim Paine’s Adelaide Strikers, Ricky Ponting’s Hobart Hurricanes, and both the Sydney teams (Sixers and Thunder). Naturally, he will have to select one of them.

R. Ashwin

Players who are still participating in Indian tournaments under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are not permitted to participate in foreign leagues. But Ashwin, who declared his retirement from the IPL in August, is taking full use of this opportunity. He has finally signed up for the October 1 auction. After a lengthy period of negotiations with the ILT20 organizers. He is anticipated to formally sign with one of the four teams listed above. But he has also been in discussions with a few BBL teams.

Managing the schedule of the back-to-back events will be extremely difficult because some of the tournaments’ fixtures may conflict. While the BBL begins on December 14 and ends on January 25, the ILT20 takes place from December 2 to January 4. Currently, Ashwin will begin with the ILT20 before traveling to Australia for the BBL. Where he will have restricted availability this year.

Since all six teams have finished their direct signings, there was no direct admission into the ILT20 this year. “I signed up to participate in the auction. Ashwin confirmed his participation in the auction. Which is taking place for the first time in the UAE league’s four seasons. Saying, “Hopefully, one of the six franchises will be interested in bidding for me.”

Though there are hints that something may be decided in a few days. Ashwin remained silent over the BBL developments.

Regarding other international leagues, Ashwin is probably going to play in The Hundred in the UK or Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA. Of all, there is still time to finish those tournament procedures.

Yastika Bhatia will not feature in the World Cup or Australian ODIs.

Posted on September 5, 2025 by [email protected]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Thursday. That Indian wicket-keeper batter Yastika Bhatia will not feature in the 2025 50-over World Cup or the coming three-match ODI series against Australia.

Yastika Bhatia is under observation by the BCCI medical team. After injuring her left knee, While at India’s training camp in Visakhapatnam.

The India A team, which will play in a World Cup warm-up. Will no longer feature Uma Chetry, who was picked as her replacement in both teams.

India’s revised ODI squad against Australia:

Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Sneh Rana, and Harleen Deol.

Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, and Priya Mishra are standby players for the ODI series against Australia.

India’s revised squad for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025:

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Uma Chetry (wk), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma

ICC Women’s World Cup standby players are Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Minnu Mani, and Sayali Satghare.

India A squad updated:

Minnu Mani (c), Dhara Gujjar, Shafali Verma, Tejal Hasabnis, Vrinda Dinesh, Tanushree Sarkar, Tanuja Kanwer, Titas Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Raghvi Bist, Nandini Kashyap (wk) and Sayali Satghare.

Amit Mishra declares his retirement from the game in all its forms.

Posted on September 4, 2025 by [email protected]

At the end of a professional career that lasted more than 20 years, veteran legspinner Amit Mishra announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

The 42-year-old Amit Mishra finished his final international match in 2017, but he continued to play in both domestic and IPL cricket, most recently for the Lucknow Super Giants in 2024.

He finishes with 156 international wickets from 22 Test matches, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India. Mishra made his Test debut in Mohali in 2008, taking five wickets against Australia to honor the occasion.

Throughout the IPL, Mishra proved himself as one of the most reliable spin options for all teams. He is one of the competition’s all-time top wicket-takers with 174 in 162 games. With the Delhi Daredevils (2008), Deccan Chargers (2011), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013), he also has the exceptional record of being the first bowler to have three IPL hat-tricks.

Mishra cited injuries and a desire to create room for the next generation when he announced his decision. “I am announcing my retirement from cricket today, after 25 years. Cricket has been my first passion, my teacher, and my biggest source of happiness.

There have been countless feelings along the way, including pride, adversity, education, and love. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Haryana Cricket Association, the BCCI, my coaches, support staff, teammates, and above everyone else my supporters, whose encouragement and faith kept me going at every turn.

No Place for Dane van Niekerk in South Africa’s Women’s World Cup Plans

Posted on September 3, 2025September 3, 2025 by [email protected]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a strong 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. But the absence of former captain Dane van Niekerk is the biggest talking point. Despite reversing her retirement earlier this year and participating in the team’s training camp. Van Niekerk has not been included in the final roster. Confirming that her return to international cricket will have to wait.

The squad, unveiled on September 3, 2025, will be led by Laura Wolvaardt, who has grown into one of the most consistent batters in women’s cricket. She will have the support of experienced names such as Marizanne Kapp, Chloé Tryon, Suné Luus, and Ayabonga Khaka. South Africa’s selectors have opted for a blend of experience and youth, signaling their confidence in a unit that has shown steady progress over the past two years.

For van Niekerk, however, the disappointment is clear. The 32-year-old all-rounder had retired from international cricket in March 2023 following a series of fitness-related controversies and selection snubs. At the time, she voiced her frustration with CSA’s strict fitness standards, particularly the much-debated 2 km run requirement. Which had kept her out of contention for major tournaments. But in mid-2025, she made a surprise U-turn, withdrawing her retirement and rejoining the national setup through a training camp in Durban.

Dane van Niekerk

It was believed that her return would provide her a chance to mend fences and regain her standing. At the squad announcement, CSA head coach Mandla Mashimbyi made it clear that van Niekerk was never assured a World Cup spot. She was taken to the camp to refresh herself with the expectations and team dynamic. Although this World Cup is too soon for her, there is yet hope. If she wants to make a full comeback, she knows what she has to do,” Mashimbyi said.

The omission reflects CSA’s desire to look forward with a settled core group. In van Niekerk’s absence, leadership within the squad will rely heavily on Wolvaardt and the senior trio of Kapp, Tryon, and Luus. The balance of the side looks strong, with a mix of batting depth, pace options, and spin resources that can adapt to varying conditions expected in the World Cup.

Van Niekerk’s international record remains highly impressive. With more than 100 ODI caps and a reputation as one of South Africa’s finest all-rounders. She played a pivotal role in putting the Proteas on the global women’s cricket map. Her absence from the World Cup, however, underscores the challenges of regaining form and fitness after stepping away from the international stage.

For now, South Africa will march into the tournament with a confident and well-rounded squad. The exclusion of van Niekerk may be disappointing for fans who hoped to see her experience bolster the side. But the team’s focus is firmly on building momentum and achieving their long-cherished dream of lifting a World Cup trophy.

As for van Niekerk, the message is clear: her international journey isn’t necessarily over. But she must prove her readiness once again to reclaim a place among the world’s elite.

Mitchell Starc announced he will retire from T20Is.

Posted on September 2, 2025 by [email protected]

Mitchell Starc wishes to play Test cricket. Particularly as Australia is packed with work from the latter part of 2019 and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Starc debuted in T20I in 2012 and has appeared in 65 matches until now. Mitchell Starc was a member of the Australian team that won the 2021 T20 World Cup. His recent T20I was in 2024, and he retired six months prior to the following T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He is now ranked second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is for Australia. With his best being 4 wickets for 20 against the West Indies in 2022.

Starc declared, “My primary priority has always been and will remain Test cricket.”.

I’ve enjoyed all the games I’ve played, particularly the 2021 World Cup, not for winning, but for the team and the wonderful experience we shared.

Australia is set to have a lot of Test matches lined up from mid-2026.

These are a home series against Bangladesh, a tour of South Africa, a four-game series against New Zealand, five Tests in India in January 2027, a special match against England at the MCG for its 150th anniversary, and the Ashes series towards the end of 2027.

During October and November 2027, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will stage the ODI World Cup, and Australia will be the champions.

Starc feels quitting T20Is is the best decision for his health and being ready to his potential for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Ashes, and the Indian Tests.

It also provides the bowling unit with time to prepare.

Mitchell Starc was famous for his yorker and new-ball swing.

Though Australia have won 14 of their previous 17 games since Starc last appeared in a T20I, his pace is not easily replaceable as the team heads to the forthcoming World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

George Bailey commented, “I don’t think we’ll find someone swinging the new ball at 145 kph.”.

A like-for-like substitute may not necessarily be available. He has worked with the new ball and bowled vital overs when it really counted.

So, have we demonstrated the sort of players who can replace him?

Nathan Ellis has been a regular in the T20 side. Ben Dwarshuis is great. Xavier Bartlett and Sean Abbott have also gotten their chance. It could be just a matter of a slight position adjustment.

I believe his record stands for itself.

I’m happiest that he’ll be playing one-day and Test cricket for a long period of time.

When Australia named their most recent T20I squad for the three-match series against New Zealand early last month in October, Starc made the revelation.

Cameron Green can become a returnee to bowling by missing out on the trip to feature for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

Nathan Ellis will be absent when his first child with his wife, Connie, is born.

Matt Short, who was absent from the last two series against the West Indies and South Africa with a side injury, has returned. Mitchell Owen, concussed in Darwin last month, also returns. Marcus Stoinis, who played in the Hundred and was not picked for the last two series. Returns having come to terms with the selectors regarding his availability.

Australia T20I team vs New Zealand:

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.

Rahul Dravid has left his role as the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals

Posted on September 1, 2025 by [email protected]

A surprising decision made before the IPL 2026 season. The team confirmed his departure, explaining that while he was offered a more strategic role as part of a recent change in the team’s structure, Rahul Dravid chose not to take it.

Rahul Dravid has a long history with the Royals.

He played for them from 2011 to 2013, captained the team during that time, and then acted as a mentor from 2014 to 2015. In early 2025, after leading the Indian team to win the T20 World Cup, he was hired as the head coach under a multi-year contract. His return was seen as a way to bring new energy and direction to the team. But the 2025 season didn’t go well for the Royals.

They only won four games out of 14, finishing ninth in the league and missing out on the playoffs. This poor performance put pressure on the team to rethink their coaching and leadership structure.

As part of a restructuring effort, the franchise proposed a more strategic, less hands-on role for Dravid.
The team highlighted the positive impact he had on the team’s culture and leadership. However, Dravid turned down the offer, which led to his exit.

Behind the scenes, there are reports of some tension.

Some sources suggest that there were disagreements over captaincy and leadership choices. The team is pushing to develop Riyan Parag as a future captain, which some feel could be at the expense of experienced players like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal. This shift clashed with Dravid’s belief in leadership based on performance rather than brand image.

Further speculation came from former Royals player AB de Villiers, who said Dravid’s exit “looked like he was kicked out.”
This suggests that Dravid’s decision to not take the new role might not have been entirely of his own volition.

Despite the rumors, both the franchise and Dravid have handled the situation with respect.
The Royals issued a heartfelt statement thanking Dravid for his contributions, and there was no public argument from him.

With the head coach position now open, the Royals have a big off-season ahead.
Decisions about who will take over as coach and captain will be important for the team’s future and how they plan to compete in IPL 2026.

Injured Craig Ervine Ruled Out of Sri Lanka ODIs

Posted on August 29, 2025August 29, 2025 by [email protected]

Zimbabwe have been dealt a major setback ahead of their ODI series against Sri Lanka. As veteran batter Craig Ervine has been ruled out due to injury. The experienced left-hander, who has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s batting line-up for over a decade. Sustained a muscle strain during training and has failed to recover in time for the three-match series.

Ervine’s absence is a huge blow for Zimbabwe, considering his wealth of experience and calm presence in the middle order. With more than 100 ODIs under his belt and over 3,000 runs in the format. The 39-year-old was expected to play a crucial role against a strong Sri Lankan side on home soil.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka

Confirming the news, Zimbabwe Cricket stated that Ervine would remain under medical supervision and rehabilitation, with a focus on regaining full fitness ahead of future assignments. “Craig’s injury is unfortunate at this stage, but we don’t want to risk aggravating it further. Our medical team is working closely with him to ensure a safe recovery,” the board said in an official statement.

The selectors have named a replacement in the squad, with Tadiwanashe Marumani expected to fill the gap. While the youngster brings energy and flair, Zimbabwe will sorely miss Ervine’s composure and ability to anchor long innings — qualities that have often been vital in their batting structure.

Craig Ervine

Ervine has had a decorated international career, serving as Zimbabwe’s captain on several occasions and delivering match-winning performances across formats. His calm temperament under pressure and ability to build partnerships have made him one of the most respected figures in the Zimbabwean setup.

Ervine’s absence might be advantageous for Sri Lanka. But the visitors remain wary of Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit at home. The upcoming ODIs are crucial for both teams as they look to build momentum in the lead-up to future ICC events.

Head coach Dave Houghton expressed his disappointment but urged the squad to rise to the challenge. “Craig has been a backbone of our batting order for years. It’s unfortunate to lose him at this point. But this also provides opportunities for younger players to step up and prove themselves.”

The series is expected to test Zimbabwe’s depth and resilience. Especially against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Much will depend on the form of Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza, and captain Regis Chakabva to carry the batting responsibility in Ervine’s absence.

Zimbabwe’s fans, though disheartened by the news, will be hopeful that their team can rally together and deliver strong performances despite the setback. As for Ervine, the focus now shifts to recovery, with hopes that he will return fully fit for the next phase of Zimbabwe’s international commitments.

Category: Cricket News