Tanmay Srivastava, Virat Kohli’s 2008 U19 teammate, embarks on a new career chapter as an IPL umpire, aligning with BCCI’s innovative vision.

Tanmay Srivastava: Cricketer to IPL Umpire

Discover Tanmay Srivastava’s inspiring journey from cricketer to IPL umpire, reflecting BCCI's progressive approach in cricket officiating.

Tanmay Srivastava, Virat Kohli's 2008 U19 teammate, transitions from player to umpire in IPL 2025, reflecting BCCI's new approach.

In the ever-evolving world of sports, career paths can often take unexpected turns. Virat Kohli, who announced his arrival on the world stage by leading India to victory in the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup, has since cemented his legacy as one of cricket's all-time greats. Yet, for many of Kohli's teammates from that U19 squad, the journey hasn't been quite as illustrious.
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season kicks off, Kohli will once again don the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jersey. Meanwhile, one of his former U19 teammates, Tanmay Srivastava, embarks on a new chapter as an umpire in the tournament. According to the Times of India, Srivastava, now 35, has secured a role as an umpire in the IPL.
Back in the 2008 U19 World Cup final, Srivastava was India's top scorer, sharing the spotlight with Kohli.
Despite his early promise, his cricketing journey diverged after a brief stint with Punjab Kings, following his U19 success. Reflecting on his career path, Srivastava shared, "I understood that was the best player I could be. I was nowhere close to playing the IPL. I had to decide if I wanted to prolong life as a player or have a longer, successful second innings."
Having captained Uttarakhand and previously represented Uttar Pradesh, Srivastava hung up his boots at 30. His passion for cricket, however, remained undiminished.
Transitioning from player to umpire, he embarked on a challenging yet fulfilling journey. Although he is yet to take charge on the IPL field, he's hopeful about his prospects.
Srivastava continues to maintain a rapport with Kohli. He remarked, "I am still in touch with Virat, but I had to decide for myself and have a practical outlook."
Upon expressing his desire to pursue a different role within cricket to Rajiv Shukla, Srivastava faced initial surprise given his young age. After exploring different avenues, including completing a Level 2 coaching course, he found his calling in umpiring. "I knew the best I could become was a fielding coach, so I decided to focus on umpiring," he explained.
Balancing various roles, including working as a talent scout for RCB and coaching at the National Cricket Academy, Srivastava dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of umpiring. "Studying for umpiring is tough. You have to stay up late and study a lot to understand the laws and their implications," he shared.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen on encouraging young players to enter umpiring, shifting reliance away from older individuals with primarily theoretical knowledge. Srivastava's transition reflects this changing mindset and the BCCI's broader vision for the future of cricket officiating.

Liverpool approaches their first Premier League win post-Klopp. However, recent defeats and looming contract issues over Salah and Van Dijk bring uncertainty to this milestone achievement.

Liverpool's Premier League Title Journey

Liverpool inches towards Premier League glory yet faces a future shadowed by defeats and player contract uncertainties. Salah and Van Dijk's futures are in focus as the team's post-Klopp era unfolds.

Liverpool stands close to a Premier League win, but recent setbacks and contract uncertainties cast doubts on their future. Addressing key players' potential exits will be crucial for enduring success.

Liverpool stand on the brink of Premier League glory, their first since the departure of legendary manager J&uuml;rgen Klopp. However, recent setbacks and a clouded future have cast a shadow over what should be a triumphant moment for Arne Slot's team.
In a week that tested their resolve, Liverpool fell 2-0 to Newcastle United in the League Cup final, following a midweek exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
The Magpies, hungry for their first domestic trophy in 70 years, outperformed at Wembley, leaving Slot to acknowledge the deserving winners led by Eddie Howe.
"Football involves facing formidable teams, and we had to play two very strong ones this week," Slot remarked post-defeat, adding focus back onto the Premier League challenge where Liverpool enjoys a 12-point cushion with just nine fixtures remaining.
Sixteen additional points will secure the title, regardless of second-placed Arsenal's results. The pivotal match against Arsenal at Anfield in May looms less significant with every passing week.
While equaling Manchester United's historic 20 top-flight titles is within Liverpool's grasp, captain Virgil van Dijk stresses the need for focus. "Motivation isn't the issue; we have hard work ahead. With five wins, the title is ours," he asserted.
The season began with Liverpool fans longing for domestic success after Klopp's exit, but the team&rsquo;s dazzling Champions League performances had sparked dreams of a historic season, largely driven by Mohamed Salah's brilliance.
Yet, their earlier dominance has waned. In recent outings across competitions, Liverpool have managed five victories, suffered three defeats&mdash;including one on penalties to PSG&mdash;while Salah&rsquo;s goal-scoring magic seems to have dissipated, his impact at Wembley minimal.
Compounding matters, contract uncertainties loom over key players. Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract by season's end, with Salah linked to a move to Saudi Arabia and Alexander-Arnold drawing interest from Real Madrid. Van Dijk's future too remains an open question, with the defender admitting uncertainty about his tenure at Anfield.
Even if Liverpool retains some of these stars, the current squad is perceived as reaching the end of its cycle. Van Dijk is 33 and both Salah and Alisson Becker are 32, with veteran Andy Robertson a year junior, all of whom formed the backbone of Klopp's era when they won both the Premier League and Champions League.
Arne Slot, once at Feyenoord, shouldered the massive responsibility of succeeding Klopp and only faced his second loss in January. The imminent Premier League triumph would mark just Liverpool's second top-flight win since 1990, a milestone for Slot but a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in building the next chapter.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr takes on Yokohama F-Marinos in the Champions League Elite's quarter-finals in Jeddah. Ronaldo aims for his first Asian success as all matches are decided over a single leg. Tournament runs from April 25 to May 3.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr in Asian Champs Clash

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr square off against Yokohama F-Marinos in the Champions League Elite quarter-finals in Jeddah. Set from April 25 to May 3, the competition features single-leg matches and Ronaldo's first Asian triumph quest.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr is set for a thrilling quarter-final against Yokohama F-Marinos in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo aims for his first Asian win at 40. The tournament, from April 25 to May 3, promises intense action under single-leg knockout rules.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr have been matched against last season's finalists, Yokohama F-Marinos of Japan, in the quarter-finals of the revamped Asian Champions League, now known as the Champions League Elite.
The Portuguese star, who has claimed the UEFA Champions League title five times, aims to secure his first Asian triumph at the age of 40. Al Nassr's challenge will include overcoming Yokohama, managed by Steve Holland, the former assistant to Gareth Southgate with the England national team.
All phases from the quarter-finals to the final will be hosted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with each match decided over a single leg.
Should Al Nassr prevail over Yokohama, they would face either Kawasaki Frontale from Japan or Al Sadd from Qatar in the semi-finals.
In another quarter-final, Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia's four-time Asian champions, will compete against South Korea's Gwangju FC.
The victor will then face the winner of the clash between Thailand's Buriram United and Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli in the semi-final stage.
The quarter-finals are set for April 25-27, the semi-finals on April 29-30, culminating in the final on May 3.

Explore Shreyas Iyer's inspiring journey from a ball boy to leading Punjab Kings in the IPL, highlighting his KKR victory.

Shreyas Iyer: From Ball Boy to IPL Skipper

Discover Shreyas Iyer's rise from IPL ball boy to Punjab Kings captain. True inspiration lies in his cricketing achievements, including a KKR title.

Shreyas Iyer's journey, from an IPL ball boy to Punjab Kings' captain, highlights his growth and achievements, including his 2024 KKR title victory.

Shreyas Iyer, the dynamic skipper of Punjab Kings (PBKS), recently reflected on his cricketing journey and his early interactions with the Indian Premier League (IPL).
During a candid chat on the 'Superstars' program with JioHotstar, Iyer shared poignant memories from the inaugural IPL season when he served as a ball boy at Wankhede Stadium for a clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Iyer, who famously led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third IPL title last year, revealed his early brush with the big stage. "I grew up playing street cricket and was part of Mumbai's U-14 team.
Being a ball boy at the IPL was my first up-close experience of this incredible tournament," Iyer reminisced. At that match, the young cricketer had a memorable interaction with one of his idols, Ross Taylor, then representing RCB.
"Approaching Ross Taylor was daunting, but his kind response when I told him I was a fan left a lasting impression," Iyer noted, reflecting on his shy yet memorable moment.
In another highlight from that IPL match, Iyer encountered Punjab Kings' all-rounder Irfan Pathan. "Irfan bhai was charismatic and popular.
He interacted with us ball boys, and his warmth left us thrilled," Iyer recalled, adding that the star-studded lineup of the Punjab team, featuring players like Yuvraj Singh, seemed almost surreal to the young fan.
Fast forward to today, since his IPL debut in 2015, Iyer has accumulated 3,127 runs at an average of 32.23 with a strike rate of 127.47, boasting 21 half-centuries.
Impressively, Iyer claimed the 'Emerging Player' accolade in his maiden season with the Delhi Capitals after amassing 439 runs. He took his first steps into leadership with DC in 2018 and by 2020, had steered the team to the finals, eventually succumbing to MI.
Now, as he dons the captain's cap for PBKS, Iyer aspires to recreate his success when they commence their IPL campaign against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 25.
Already a seasoned leader, Iyer&rsquo;s journey from a ball boy at Wankhede to an IPL-winning captain with KKR in 2024 under Gautam Gambhir&rsquo;s mentorship, exemplifies his meteoric rise in the cricketing world.

Prithvi Shaw, once heralded as a future cricket icon, now confronts career hurdles. Shashank Singh discusses Shaw’s path forward as he excels in IPL.

Prithvi Shaw: Challenges and Potential

Prithvi Shaw faces challenges as his cricket career hits a roadblock. Insights and possibilities from his peer Shashank Singh.

Prithvi Shaw, once a promising cricketer, faces challenges as Shashank Singh excels in IPL 2025. Shaw's career needs reassessment.

Once touted as the next Sachin Tendulkar, Prithvi Shaw's once-promising cricket career has taken a puzzling turn. Initially celebrated as a bright, emerging talent, Shaw's international presence has been limited to just five Test matches, six ODIs, and a single T20I for India.
Compounding his struggles, the 25-year-old recently went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, and he has been omitted from Mumbai's squads for the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy. Shashank Singh, a standout performer for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and a former teammate of Shaw, shared insights into Shaw's tribulations.
During an appearance on the Shubhankar Mishra podcast, Shashank discussed Shaw&rsquo;s potential and struggles. Highlighting Shaw as an underrated talent, Shashank expressed confidence in Shaw's capabilities, provided he returns to the fundamentals of cricket.
"If he goes back to his basics, he can achieve anything," Shashank remarked. Having played club cricket alongside Shaw in Mumbai since the latter was 13, Shashank provided a glimpse into Shaw&rsquo;s challenges, citing potentially beneficial changes in his work ethic and lifestyle, such as adjusting his sleeping schedule and dietary habits.&nbsp;
"Maybe he can change something about his work ethic, maybe sleep at 10 PM instead of 11 PM, maybe improve his diet," Shashank suggested. However, he acknowledged that Shaw likely has access to expert guidance.
"He does not need me to advise him. He probably already has 10 better people giving him advice," Shashank commented.
Recently, Shaw took the field as captain of the 'Route Mobile' team in the DY Patil T20 2025 tournament. Despite his efforts, Shaw did not attract any bids in the IPL 2025 auction, setting a modest base price of Rs 75 lakh but failing to secure a contract with any of the 10 teams.
Contrasting Shaw's challenges, Shashank Singh is experiencing a career upswing. Following his breakout performance in IPL 2025 with the Punjab Kings&mdash;where he scored 354 runs at an impressive strike rate nearing 165&mdash;he became the franchise's first retention for a hefty Rs 5.5 crore ahead of the mega auction.
His rising popularity was evident as he was the ninth-most searched athlete on Google in 2024, alongside Hardik Pandya as the only other Indian in the Top 10.
As the Punjab Kings, now led by captain Shreyas Iyer, aim for their first-ever championship, Shashank is poised to play a crucial role in their campaign, leaving the cricketing world to wonder if and when Prithvi Shaw will reclaim his past glory.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket prodigy from Bihar,  made history as the youngest IPL player ever. From humble beginnings, he rose through the ranks with stellar performances in youth cricket.

Meet Vaibhav Suryavanshi – the youngest IPL player ever

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket prodigy from Bihar, &nbsp;made history as the youngest IPL player ever. From humble beginnings, he rose through the ranks with stellar performances in youth cricket.

A Small-Town Boy with Big Dreams
Hailing from the small village of Tajpur in Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is fast emerging as one of India&rsquo;s most promising cricketing talents.
Born on March 27, 2011, his journey from playing in his backyard to donning the Rajasthan Royals jersey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is nothing short of a dream come true.
His father, Sanjeev, a farmer by profession, noticed his son&rsquo;s passion for cricket early on.
To support his child&rsquo;s dream, Sanjeev sold his farmland in Motipur to fund his cricket training. At the age of 9, Vaibhav was enrolled in a cricket academy in Samastipur, setting the foundation for his future.
<h3>Making History in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction</h3>
The world took notice of Vaibhav when he became the youngest cricketer ever shortlisted for an IPL auction in 2025. His raw talent and power-hitting ability caught the eye of the Rajasthan Royals, who called him for trials in Nagpur ahead of the auction.
Vaibhav didn&rsquo;t disappoint&mdash;during his practice match, he smashed eight sixes and four boundaries, impressing all.&nbsp;
This set the stage for a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, with the Royals eventually securing the young left-hander for a staggering INR 1.1 crore (Rs 11 million).
<h3>Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson backs Vaibhav</h3>
Ahead of IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson heaped praises on the young batter.
"Vaibhav looks very confident; he was hitting sixes out of the ground at the academy. People were already talking about his power-hitting. What else can you ask for? It is all about understanding his strengths, backing him, and being there for him like an elder brother," Samson said when asked about Vaibhav&rsquo;s training session ahead of the IPL 2025 season.&nbsp;
He further added, "The key is to keep him in the best shape and provide a relaxed environment. Rajasthan Royals ensures a positive atmosphere in the dressing room and backs its players. You never know&mdash;he might end up playing for India in a couple of years."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
𝘋𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘋𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘬𝘢 in training with Vaibhav 💪🔥 <a href="https://t.co/hvBVO5lN2F">pic.twitter.com/hvBVO5lN2F</a>
&mdash; Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1901500786078871570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>A Rapid Rise Through the Ranks</h3>
Vaibhav&rsquo;s rise in the short period has been extraordinary. At just 12 years old, he played in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he scored around 400 runs in five matches.
His performances earned him a spot in the India B U-19 squad for the Under-19 quadrangular series in November 2023, which featured India A, Bangladesh, and England.
While he didn&rsquo;t make the final squad for the ICC U-19 World Cup 2024, he bounced back by impressing Bihar selectors at a U-23 selection camp.
His performances led to a historic Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar against Mumbai in January 2024, making him the youngest Indian first-class debutant since 1986 at just 12 years and 284 days.
<h3>Raising the Bar at the International Stage</h3>
Vaibhav&rsquo;s potential further strengthened when he made his India U-19 debut in a youth Test against Australia in Chennai in September 2024. He smashed a 62-ball 104 in the match.
His ton was the fastest by an Indian in youth Tests and the second-fastest globally. He took only 58 balls to smash the hundred.
Later that year, Vaibhav played a crucial role in India's run to the final at the U-19 Asia Cup 2024 in the UAE.
He finished as the team&rsquo;s second-highest scorer, with two crucial half-centuries: one came in a must-win group stage match against the hosts and another was a match-winning knock in the semi-finals against Sri Lanka.
<h3>The Youngest to Play List A Cricket</h3>
Vaibhav&rsquo;s did not stop there and kept upping the ante at the crucial stages of the various tournaments.
He created another record when he became the youngest Indian to play List A cricket, making his debut for Bihar in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 against Madhya Pradesh at 13 years and 269 days old.
A fortnight later, he became the youngest Indian to score a fifty in List A cricket, smashing 71 off 42 balls against Baroda.
As IPL 2025 knocks at the door, all eyes will be on Vaibhav Suryavanshi as he prepares to shine on one of cricket's biggest stages.
The big question now is whether Rajasthan Royals will give him a spot in their playing XI or not? We&rsquo;ll find out soon!

The Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, met Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ahead of IPL 2025. The CM praised the team's performance and highlighted the state's growing sports culture.

UP CM meets Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL, encourages team for victory

The Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, met Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath ahead of IPL 2025. The CM praised the team's performance and highlighted the state's growing sports culture.

Ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 season, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team, accompanied by team owner Sanjiv Goenka and captain Rishabh Pant, paid a courtesy visit to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, an official statement issued said.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
आज लखनऊ स्थित सरकारी आवास पर <a href="https://twitter.com/LucknowIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LucknowIPL</a> की टीम से शिष्टाचार भेंट हुई। आप सभी विजय के नए आयाम गढ़ें, इस हेतु अनंत मंगलकामनाएं! <a href="https://t.co/fUUlDkPILO">pic.twitter.com/fUUlDkPILO</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/1901670267879116996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
During the meeting, the chief minister extended his best wishes to the players, coaching staff, and senior management, commending them for their dedication and efforts ahead of the tournament.
According to the statement, Adityanath praised the Lucknow Super Giants for their remarkable performances in previous seasons, highlighting the team as a symbol of talent, discipline, and sportsmanship.
He expressed confidence that the players would again showcase their skills and strive to bring home the IPL trophy.
Addressing the team, the chief minister emphasized that the state is ushering in a new era in sports.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Lucknow, UP: Lucknow Super Giants IPL Cricket team called on Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath at the CM's residence this evening. <a href="https://t.co/V79zfpN7fV">pic.twitter.com/V79zfpN7fV</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1901658621924253712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The government has taken significant steps to foster a thriving sports culture in the state, enabling young athletes to excel on national and international platforms,&rdquo; he said.
Encouraging the players to uphold perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship, he urged them to inspire the youth through their dedication. He expressed his optimism and stated that the Lucknow Super Giants would deliver an outstanding performance this season and clinch the championship.
The LSG team, in turn, appreciated the government&rsquo;s continuous efforts to promote sports culture in Uttar Pradesh. They acknowledged that these initiatives have contributed to a growing number of athletes from the state excelling in various national and international sporting events.
In this meeting, Rishabh Pant (captain), Aryan Juyal, Himmat Singh, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Yuvraj Chaudhary, HR Suhas, Arshin Kulkarni, Ayush Badoni, Siddharth M, Digvesh Rathi, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Mavi, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Matthew Paul, Nicholas Pooran, and Shamar Malvern were present.
Mentor Zaheer Khan, Justin Langer, Vijay Dahiya, and Lance Klusener, along with LSG COO Vinay Chopra and team manager Soumyadeep, were also present during the meeting with the chief minister.

Pakistani players have been absent from the IPL for over a decade. Till date, only 11 Pakistani players have participated in the IPL. Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, they were barred from the IPL 2009 onward.

Pakistani players in IPL: A forgotten chapter in the tournament’s history

Pakistani players have been absent from the IPL for over a decade. Till date, only 11 Pakistani players have participated in the IPL. Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, they were barred from the IPL 2009 onward.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown into the world&rsquo;s biggest T20 cricketing spectacle, featuring top talent from across the globe. However, one nation that has been absent from the tournament for over a decade is Pakistan.
Do you know, only 11 Pakistani players have ever featured in the IPL?&nbsp;
They participated in the inaugural 2008 season, but due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani players were barred from the league from 2009 onwards.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67d90fa897cd3_1742278568.jpg" width="279" height="361"> <img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67d90fb3e7263_1742278579.jpg" width="279" height="362">
As the IPL 2025 season starts from March 22, let us take a look at the 11 Pakistani players who have featured in IPL&nbsp;
1. Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals)
The left-arm pacer was the standout performer among the Pakistani players in IPL 2008. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he picked up 22 wickets in 11 matches, winning the Purple Cap (awarded to the highest wicket-taker of the season). His best performance came when he got 6/14 against Chennai Super Kings.
2. Shahid Afridi (Deccan Chargers)
A global T20 superstar, Shahid Afridi played for Deccan Chargers but failed to make an impact. He scored only 81 runs in 10 matches and took 9 wickets with his leg-spin.
3. Shoaib Akhtar (Kolkata Knight Riders)
The "Rawalpindi Express," Shoaib Akhtar played just three matches for Kolkata Knight Riders but left a mark by picking up five wickets, including a fiery spell of 4/11 against Delhi Daredevils.
4. Shoaib Malik (Delhi Daredevils)
The former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik represented Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He played seven matches, scored 52 runs and took two wickets.
5. Misbah-ul-Haq (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Future Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq played for Royal Challengers Bangalore. In eight matches, he managed 117 runs but failed to make a major impact.
6. Mohammad Asif (Delhi Daredevils)
A skillful swing bowler, Mohammad Asif played for Delhi Daredevils, picking up eight wickets in eight matches. Unfortunately, his career was soon overshadowed by controversies.
7. Umar Gul (Kolkata Knight Riders)
One of the best T20 bowlers at the time, Umar Gul played for KKR and had a great run, taking 12 wickets in six matches.&nbsp;
8. Kamran Akmal (Rajasthan Royals)
The wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal played for Rajasthan Royals, scoring 128 runs in six matches, with some crucial knocks in the middle order.
9. Salman Butt (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Left-handed opener Salman Butt played for KKR, scoring 193 runs in seven matches but struggled for consistency.
10. Younis Khan (Rajasthan Royals)
One of Pakistan&rsquo;s finest batsmen, Younis Khan played only one match for Rajasthan Royals and scored just three runs.
11. Mohammad Hafeez (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Before becoming Pakistan&rsquo;s T20 mainstay, Mohammad Hafeez played for KKR, featuring in eight matches, scoring 64 runs, and picking up two wickets.
Azhar Mahmood: The First Pakistan-Origin Player to Play in IPL
While Pakistani players were barred from IPL after the inaugural 2008 season, one player of Pakistan origin managed to make a return in later editions&mdash;Azhar Mahmood.
Born in Pakistan, Mahmood later acquired British citizenship, which allowed him to be eligible for IPL contracts even after the ban on Pakistani players.&nbsp; In the 2012 IPL auction, Mahmood was picked by Kings XI Punjab for $200,000, double his base price of $100,000. He played as an all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball.
Later, in 2015, he was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for James Neesham. However, he played only a few matches before being dropped in the next season.
Mohammad Amir Eyes IPL Contract in 2026
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has expressed his desire to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 if given the opportunity. The 33-year-old left-arm pacer, who has retired from international cricket twice, is currently active in franchise leagues worldwide.
Amir, whose wife is a UK citizen, has reportedly applied for a British passport, which could allow him to participate in the IPL as an overseas player. "By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL, and if given the chance, why not? I will play IPL&rdquo;, &nbsp;Amir said on the show &lsquo;Haarna Mana Hai&rsquo;.&nbsp;
Why Were Pakistani Players Banned from IPL?
Despite their participation in IPL 2008, Pakistani players were excluded from future seasons due to the political fallout following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This decision led to an indefinite ban on Pakistan players in the IPL, which continues to this day. &nbsp;
The question of whether Pakistani players will ever return to the IPL remains unanswered, but despite all the ups and down that the IPL itself has seen since its inception, the future remains bright.

Inzamam-ul-Haq blames PCB's mismanagement for Pakistan cricket's decline, urging strategic planning and stability to reverse the trajectory and supports Babar Azam.

Inzamam-ul-Haq Critiques Pakistan Cricket Management

Ex-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq criticizes PCB for Pakistan's cricket decline, urging strategic stability. He supports captain Babar Azam and highlights the need for comprehensive planning.

Inzamam-ul-Haq criticizes PCB mismanagement for Pakistan's cricket decline. He urges strategic planning, stable management, and supports Babar Azam despite struggles.

Former national team captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has expressed his concern over the constant decline in Pakistan cricket and attributed it to the mistakes made by those running the game in the country. Inzamam told the media in Lahore that there had been a rapid decline in the performance of the national team in the last two years. "We are not working in the right direction and making the wrong calls in many areas," he said. The former chief selector warned that the team would continue to spiral downwards if there is no planning and execution. He blamed frequent changes in the team's management, coaches, and players for the chaotic situation.
"I would think that the cricket board now needs to learn from its mistakes and not repeat the same mistakes we have made in the last two years.
"In the past two years, the performance of the Pakistan team has been on a decline. If we don't work in the right direction, we will continue to fall further," said Inzamam.
The former captain himself has been a victim of the chaos in the PCB as he was forced to step down as chief selector in 2023 after the board mishandled a matter relating to conflict of interest.
He made it clear that constant changes in team management is not a solution to the problem.
"We need to sit down and think about where the mistakes are being made." Inzamam said that being a former captain and player he knew that when constant changes are made, it only undermines the players.
"Instead of making too many changes, we need to think carefully about where things are going wrong. If there are constant changes, players won't gain the confidence they need, and the situation will remain the same," he further said.
The former captain also said he remained a big supporter of Babar Azam whom he described as a top player.
"Babar Azam is a top player. Everyone goes through a rough patch, but the national team hasn't been playing good cricket for the past few months," he added.
"Trust the management and the players, and work together to identify where the mistakes are," he said.
To a question about the role of the stars from the 1990s and the impact they had, Inzamam made it clear that the players from that era will hold special place in Pakistan cricket.
"If we look at the players from the 90s generation, Pakistan cricket would lose its strength without them," he concluded.

Veteran South African batsman Faf Du Plessis appointed as vice-captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025, serving under Axar Patel. Du Plessis, an experienced T20 player, aims to enhance team dynamics as the Capitals start their campaign on March 24.

Faf Du Plessis Joins Delhi Capitals as Vice-Captain

Seasoned T20 player Faf Du Plessis becomes vice-captain of Delhi Capitals, working alongside captain Axar Patel for IPL 2025. Their strategic collaboration aims to lead the team effectively as they prepare for the upcoming season starting on March 24.

Faf Du Plessis appointed vice-captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025. Team led by Axar Patel, with first match on March 24 against Lucknow Super Giants.

South African veteran batter Faf Du Plessis has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The franchise made the announcement via their official X handle, sharing a video where Du Plessis, in a phone conversation, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role and his fondness for the team, stating phrases like "I am at home," and "Delhi has been great and boys have been fantastic."
Du Plessis, at 40, continues to demonstrate his prowess in T20 cricket, having participated in 404 matches for both his country and various franchises globally.
He has amassed an impressive 11,236 runs at an average of 32.66, including six centuries and 78 half-centuries in 383 innings.
His IPL journey has been equally noteworthy, with extensive experience that includes three seasons of captaincy for a Dubai-based team, leading them to two playoff appearances. In 145 IPL games, Du Plessis has accumulated 4,571 runs, averaging 35.99 with a strike rate exceeding 136, including 37 fifties with a top score of 96. A two-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Du Plessis was acquired by DC for Rs 2 crores in the last auction.
Du Plessis will serve as deputy to Indian all-rounder Axar Patel, who takes over as captain this season. Since joining the Capitals in 2019, the 31-year-old Axar has become a crucial player for the franchise.
Across 82 matches, he has contributed significantly with 967 runs and 62 wickets, maintaining a commendable economy rate of 7.09.
Axar, known for his dynamic fielding and crowd rapport, has been integral to the Indian national team's recent successes, including the T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victories.
Delhi Capitals are set to launch their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Vizag on March 24.

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Delhi Government on Wednesday appointed former&nbsp;Olympic medallist weightlifter Karnam&nbsp;Malleswari as the first vice-chancellor&nbsp;of the Delhi Sports University.&nbsp;Malleswari&nbsp;who is the first Indian woman to bring an Olympic medal home was appointed VC by the LT Governor Anil&nbsp;Baijal, the chancellor of the newly formed University.&nbsp;Malleswari&nbsp;brought home the bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Olympic Medallist Karnam Malleswari named first VC of Delhi Sports University

The 46-year-old&nbsp;Padmashri&nbsp;Awardee&nbsp;won a historic bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics

Olympic Medallist Karnam Malleswari named first VC of Delhi Sports University Malleswri: first Indian woman to bring an Olympic medal home Malleswari&nbsp;won the bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics

Delhi Government on Wednesday appointed former&nbsp;Olympic medallist weightlifter Karnam&nbsp;Malleswari as the first vice-chancellor&nbsp;of the Delhi Sports University.&nbsp; Malleswari&nbsp;who is the first Indian woman to bring an Olympic medal home was appointed VC by the LT Governor Anil&nbsp;Baijal, the chancellor of the newly formed University.&nbsp; The 46-year-old&nbsp;Padmashri&nbsp;Awardee&nbsp;won a historic bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The 18th IPL edition opens in Kolkata with dazzling star performances. BCCI plans ceremonies at all venues, featuring Bollywood celebs.

IPL 2025 Launch: Cricket 

IPL 18th edition launches on March 22 in Kolkata with Bollywood performances. BCCI introduces opening ceremonies at all venues, featuring stars like Salman Khan and Shreya Ghoshal.

IPL's 18th edition kicks off in Kolkata on March 22 with star performances. BCCI plans unique opening ceremonies across all venues, featuring top Bollywood stars.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for an exciting new chapter as the 18th edition of this thrilling T20 league kicks off on March 22 in Kolkata.
Fans can expect a spectacular start to the season with Bollywood diva Disha Patani set to perform at the opening ceremony, just before the first match featuring Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Acclaimed singer Shreya Ghoshal will also grace the event with a performance at the venue, where ICC chairman Jay Shah is expected to attend.
In a departure from tradition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ambitious plans to host opening ceremonies at all 13 venues staging IPL matches this year.
This move marks a significant shift from previous seasons.
A wide ensemble of Bollywood celebrities is being lined up to perform across various venues, with stars such as Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Katrina Kaif, Triptii Dimri, Ananya Panday, Madhuri Dixit, and Janhvi Kapoor among those expected to dazzle the audiences throughout the league.
"The plan is to have a diverse range of Bollywood performers featured across all events, with the possibility of including two to three artists in the limited time between innings," a source revealed to Sportstar.
Organizing such a large-scale series of events does bring logistical challenges.
However, the BCCI is collaborating closely with State associations to ensure smooth execution without interrupting the matches, as noted in the report.
Besides the traditional venues of the 10 IPL franchises, a few teams will play some of their matches at alternative locations, including Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Dharamshala, and Mullanpur. These venues will host home games for Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings throughout the season, contributing to a diverse and exciting cricketing festival across India.

Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy secure top positions in latest ICC T20I rankings, while Hardik Pandya dominates as the leading all-rounder. New Zealand players make significant ranking strides.

Latest ICC T20I Rankings: Abhishek and Varun Shine

In the latest ICC T20I rankings, Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy hold top positions. Hardik Pandya is the leading all-rounder, with New Zealand players also making significant strides following their series against Pakistan.

Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy shine in the ICC T20I rankings. Hardik Pandya remains the top all-rounder with 252 points, while New Zealand players climb positions.

Indian swashbuckler Abhishek Sharma and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy continued to hold on to their career-best number two position in the latest ICC T20I chart for batters and bowlers respectively.
Hardik Pandya leads the all-rounders' list with 252 points ahead of Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee (233) and Australian Marcus Stoinis (210). Hard-hitting batter Tilak Varma and India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav occupied the fourth and fifth slot respectively in the rankings released on Wednesday.
Australia's Travis Head leads the chart for batters with 856 rating points with England's Phil Salt placed third with 815 points.
Abhishek has 829 points, Varma has 804 and Suryakumar 739 points.
In the bowling list headed by West Indies' Akeal Hosein (707 points), Chakaravarthy is just one point behind at 706, and ahead of England leg-spinner Adil Rashid (705), Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga (700) and Australian leggie Adam Zampa (694).
India's Ravi Bishnoi is at sixth place with 674 points, while left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh held the ninth spot with 653 points.
There has been no movement of late as far as the Indian players are concerned as the team has not played any matches since the series against England at home in January-February.
Meanwhile New Zealand's opening pair of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, and new-ball bowler Jacob Duffy have made huge gains in the player rankings after helping their team to a 2-0 lead against Pakistan in the five-match T20I series.
Seifert and Allen got fine opening stands in both matches, the highlight being a 66-run blitz in the second match in Dunedin, in which seven of the first eight scoring shots of the innings were sixers as New Zealand chased a target of 136 with 11 balls to spare and five wickets in hand.
Sifert, who smashed 44 off 29 in the first match in Christchurch and 45 off 22 in the second, has progressed 20 slots to 13th position while Allen has moved up eight spots to 18th position with contributions of 29 not out off 17 and 38 off 16.
Duffy, who has picked six wickets in the two matches including a career-best haul of four for 14 in the first match that New Zealand won by nine wickets with almost 10 overs to spare, has advanced 23 slots to a career-best 12th position.
Other players to gain in the latest weekly rankings were New Zealand bowlers Ish Sodhi (up two places to 36th), Ben Sears (up 22 places to 67th) and Zakary Foulkes (up 41 places to 90th), and Pakistan's Haris Rauf (up four places to 26th).

Suryakumar Yadav steps in as captain for Mumbai Indians against CSK due to Hardik Pandya's suspension. MI faces challenges with Jasprit Bumrah absent due to injury. Hopes are for his return in April.

Suryakumar Yadav Leads MI vs CSK Amid Pandya Ban

Suryakumar Yadav leads Mumbai Indians against CSK as Hardik Pandya serves a one-match suspension. Jasprit Bumrah misses initial IPL matches due to injury. Mumbai aims to overcome these challenges in the opening game.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their IPL debut match against CSK. Hardik Pandya misses out due to a one-match ban over previous season offenses. Jasprit Bumrah is also unavailable due to injury, with hopes for his April return.

Suryakumar Yadav will step in as captain for the Mumbai Indians in their opening IPL match against the Chennai Super Kings this Sunday.
Regular skipper Hardik Pandya will miss the game due to a one-match suspension for over-rate offenses from last season. Suryakumar, who also leads the national T20 side, recently led India to a 4-1 home series victory against England. Despite the team's success, his personal performance was underwhelming, with just 38 runs across five matches.
"Surya leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice," Pandya commented at the MI pre-season press conference.
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that the BCCI has imposed the one-match ban on Pandya due to three slow over-rate violations by MI last season.
The team finished at the bottom of the table in 2024, registering only four wins against ten losses during Pandya's debut year as captain. He had succeeded Rohit Sharma, who had previously led MI to five trophies but was facing challenges at the time.
Jayawardene also addressed concerns over Jasprit Bumrah's absence, citing it as a significant "challenge" for MI in the IPL 2025. Bumrah is recovering from a back injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and will miss the initial games of the tournament. "Jasprit Bumrah is at the NCA, and his recovery is being monitored daily," said Jayawardene.
Bumrah, regarded as one of the world's top bowlers, has been sidelined since January following a Test match against Australia in Sydney. His return remains uncertain, but there's hope for his presence in the MI dressing room as a guiding force.
Expected to join the team in early April, Bumrah might continue his rehabilitation with MI. Pandya expressed appreciation for the experienced figures around him.
"I'm fortunate to have three captains with me - Rohit, Surya, and Bumrah. They're always supportive and available when I need guidance," he remarked.

The KKR vs LSG IPL match set for Eden Gardens might be rescheduled due to Ram Navami security concerns. A grand 2025 IPL opening ceremony is planned.

KKR vs LSG IPL Match Faces Rescheduling

Due to security concerns linked to Ram Navami, KKR vs LSG match at Eden Gardens may be rescheduled. The 2025 IPL will begin with a grand ceremony on March 22.

The KKR vs LSG IPL match is set for rescheduling due to security issues during Ram Navami at Eden Gardens. The 2025 IPL will open with a grand ceremony on March 22.

Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL home match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 6 at Eden Gardens is likely to be rescheduled, as the city police have not given security clearance due to Ram Navami celebrations.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has earlier announced that over 20,000 processions will take place across West Bengal on Ram Navami, leading to heightened security requirements across the state.
Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly, after holding two rounds of discussions with the city police on Tuesday, confirmed that authorities "have not given the go-ahead" for the match. "They have categorically said they won't be able to provide adequate security.
If there's no police protection, accommodating a 65,000-strong crowd becomes impossible," Snehasish said.
"We have informed the BCCI, and there is still time to take a final call. Even last year, a scheduled IPL match on Ram Navami had to be rescheduled."
The clash between KKR and LSG, owned by RPSG Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka, was expected to draw a packed house, with both teams boasting strong local support.
Last season, the IPL fixture between KKR and Rajasthan Royals was also rescheduled due to security concerns on Ram Navami.
Glittering opening ceremony
The 2025 IPL season will begin at Eden Gardens on March 22, with defending champions KKR taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
A glittering 35-minute opening ceremony will precede the match, with likely performances by noted singer Shreya Ghoshal and actress Disha Patani.
The event is also likely to be attended by ICC chairman Jay Shah and other dignitaries.
"It's a marquee match with full demand for tickets. Eden Gardens is set to host an opening ceremony after a long time," Snehasish said, refusing to divulge details about the opening ceremony.

Bombay High Court expedites Yuzvendra Chahal's divorce, allowing completion before IPL 2025 due to prolonged separation.

Yuzvendra Chahal's Divorce Fast-tracked

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and wife Dhanashree Verma's divorce is fast-tracked by Bombay High Court, aligning with Chahal's IPL 2025 schedule.

Bombay High Court approves expediting Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma's divorce, bypassing the mandatory cooling-off, aligning with Chahal's IPL 2025 schedule.

In a significant development in the divorce proceedings between Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife Dhanashree Verma, the Bombay High Court has granted the couple's request to waive the mandatory six-month cooling-off period typically required after filing for divorce.
This decision allows the family court to fast-track the divorce proceedings, ensuring a resolution by March 20, ahead of Chahal&rsquo;s commitments with the Punjab Kings in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, which kicks off on March 22.
The legal update emerged from a ruling by a bench led by Justice Madhav Jamdar, who overturned an earlier decision from the Family Court.
The initial ruling had denied the couple&rsquo;s application to bypass the cooling period mandated under the Hindu Marriage Act. The couple, who wed in December 2020 and have been separated since June 2022, filed for divorce by mutual consent in February 2025, alongside a request to expedite the process.
Per Section 13B(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, a cooling-off period is intended to allow couples time for potential reconciliation.
However, the court found this provision unnecessary given Chahal and Dhanashree's prolonged separation of over two years, deeming the prerequisite fulfilled in spirit.
Complications arose when the Family Court initially refused to waive the cooling period due to partial compliance with financial terms agreed upon by the couple.
According to the terms, Chahal was to provide Dhanashree a permanent alimony totaling Rs 4.75 crore; however, only Rs 2.37 crore had been transferred at that point. This non-compliance led to the initial rejection of the waiver request.
Despite these setbacks, the Bombay High Court acknowledged the considerable duration spent apart by Chahal and Dhanashree, and their mutual consent for divorce, which inclined the court&rsquo;s decision towards allowing the waiver.
Consequently, the Family Court has been directed to reach a decision on the divorce petition promptly, ensuring no interference with Chahal&rsquo;s participation in the IPL season.
As the cricket season approaches, this legal resolution provides a timely relief for Chahal, allowing him to focus on his professional commitments with the Punjab Kings.

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