Friday, July 10
Despite missing the World Test Championship final, India secured a substantial USD 1.44 million for finishing third in the 2023-25 cycle. The ICC announced a record USD 5.76 million prize pool, with Australia and South Africa set to compete for the top prize at Lord's. India, led by Rohit Sharma, won nine out of 19 matches in the cycle.
Following his surprising Test retirement, Virat Kohli is gearing up for the resumption of IPL 2025, spotted with wife Anushka Sharma en route to Bengaluru. Kohli, having recently visited Vrindavan, now shifts his focus to leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru's batting line-up as they prepare to host Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday.
Gautam Gambhir and the initial group of Test players are scheduled to depart for England on June 6, with subsequent departures contingent on IPL 2025 commitments. Gambhir will concentrate on preparing the Test squad, while support staff may join the team directly in England. The India A squad's departure will also be staggered, commencing on May 25.
The BCCI is yet to confirm the venues for the IPL 2025 playoffs and final, with Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium emerging as a strong contender to host the title clash. While Kolkata's Eden Gardens was initially scheduled, weather concerns and the need to avoid further delays are influencing the decision.
Yograj Singh expressed his disappointment over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Test retirements, viewing it as a significant loss for Indian cricket. Drawing parallels to the 2011 transition, he believes both players had more to offer, emphasizing the need for experienced players to guide youngsters. He feels Rohit, in particular, could have benefited from consistent motivation to extend his career.
Anushka Sharma shared an emotional message on social media following Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket after 14 years. Kohli, who debuted in 2011, scored 9,230 runs with 30 centuries. He also holds the record for most double centuries by an Indian and led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 wins.
Venues in Kolkata and Hyderabad been removed from the responsibility of hosting the IPL Playoffs and final. While six venues have been named to host the remaining 17 games in the competition, a set of reasons have forced BCCI to consider alternatives for the final act. The tournament resumes on the 17th.
Following a week-long suspension due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions, IPL 2025 will resume on May 17 with RCB hosting KKR. Sunil Gavaskar has urged for a respectful atmosphere, suggesting no music or dancing girls to honour grieving families after recent terror attacks. The BCCI has released a revised schedule, with 17 matches culminating in the final on June 3.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hosted India cricketer Rohit Sharma at his residence, Varsha, to celebrate the veteran's Test career. The CM conveyed his best wishes to Sharma, who recently retired from Test cricket after playing 67 matches.
Mustafizur Rahman's cryptic tweet about joining Bangladesh's T20I series against UAE created confusion after Delhi Capitals announced him as Jake Fraser-McGurk's replacement for IPL 2025. The BCB has not received a formal NOC request, casting doubt on his IPL participation. Delhi Capitals' playoff hopes hinge on Mustafizur's availability, but his immediate destination appears to be UAE.
