‘Lost the battle, not the war’: Shreyas Iyer promises to bounce back Qualifier 2
Punjab Kings suffered the worst defeat in IPL Play-off history as Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down 102 with 60 balls to spare. It seemed like the good old PBKS that fans were accustomed to witnessing. But under captain Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have improved by leaps and bounds in IPL 2025. Even when PBKS could only manage 111 against Kolkata Knight Riders, they bounced back, saving the lowest total ever. Hence, Iyer is not giving up on the dream to win the maiden IPL title for PBKS. He has a message for fans after the RCB humiliation: ‘We lost the battle, not the war’. “Not a day to forget, but got to go back to the drawing board. We lost a lot of wickets in the first innings. There’s a lot to go back and study on. I am not doubting my decisions, to be honest. Whatever we did in terms of planning, outside the ground, I think it was on point. It was just that we couldn’t execute it on the field. I can’t even blame the bowlers, as it was a low total to defend. At the end of the day, we have to bat according to the situation and we have to live up to it. We have lost the battle, but not the war,” Shreyas Iyer said after the match. Punjab Kings will now face the winner of GT-MI in Ahmadabad in Qualifier 2 on June 1. PBKS have already beaten both teams in their own backyard this season. They began the IPL 2025 campaign with an 11-run win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmadabad and beat Mumbai Indians by 7 wickets in Mumbai.
Bangladesh, South Africa cricketers get embroiled in physical altercation!
An unsightly incident happened on the cricket field in an Emerging Teams’ four-day match between Bangladesh and South Africa in Dhaka. With Bangladesh batting and South Africa bowling, players of both teams got involved in a heated altercation, leading to a brawl in the middle of the pitch. The incident was triggered after an exchange between 22-year-old Bangladesh batter Ripon Mondol and 29-year-old Proteas pacer Tshepo Ntuli. The fight was soon joined by other players of the team. No immediate action has been taken yet, but the umpires are set to file an official report before sanctions are imposed. As per a report by ESPNcricinfo, Ripon had initially smashed a straight six off Ntuli’s bowling, leading to an exchange of glares between the bowler and the batter. However, after that, as Ripon moved towards his batting partner, Ntuli charged towards the Bangladesh batter. The two players were at first involved in a shove, which quickly turned into a bigger brawl. Ntuli pulled Ripon’s helmet on multiple occasions, despite the attempted interference of umpire Kamruzzaman. Some of the on-looking South African players also appeared to enter the fight. It is unclear whether there had been any verbal exchange between the two prior which may have preceded the heated altercation. Three balls after the incident, Ntuli threw the ball back at Ripon after bowling it, which the Bangladesh batter fended off. “This is extreme, this is unacceptable. Normally we see verbal altercations in a cricket field but we don’t often see a fight. Ntuli struck Ripon’s helmet at one point,” Nabil Kaiser, one of the on-air commentators, said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. As per the report, the match referee will submit reports of the incident to both the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA), before official action is taken.
Shubman becomes the fifth-youngest Test captain for India; Shami ignored
Shubman Gill will become the fifth-youngest player to captain India’s Test team when he leads the side against England at Leeds on 20th June. The Punjab batsman, aged 25 years and 285 days, was named captain for the five-match series following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket earlier this month. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi remains India’s youngest Test captain, having led the team at 21 years and 77 days in 1962 against the West Indies. Meanwhile, Pacer Mohammed Shami was not picked in India’s squad for the five-match Test series. Shami, whose last Test was the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June 2023, made a comeback to the national side earlier this year after undergoing an ankle surgery in February 2024. Abhimanyu Easwaran, however has cracked into the side following his impressive performance in the domestic cricket last season. But it is to be seen whether he gets opportunity to play in Tests. However, after eight long years, Karun Nair has returned to the India Test squad for the five-match series against England, beginning June 20. Nair last played for India in 2017, in a Test against Australia in Dharamsala. He has featured in six Tests, scoring 374 runs at an impressive average of 67. Notably, he became only the second Indian batter after Virender Sehwag to score a Test triple century. Along with Sai Sudarshan, Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has also earned his maiden Test call-up for the upcoming five-match series in England. Arshdeep’s County Championship stint with Kent last year saw him take 13 wickets in five Division 1 matches at an average of 41.76, with best figures of 3/58. In first-class cricket, he’s claimed 39 wickets in 12 matches for Punjab at an average of 28.05. Arshdeep also leads India’s T20I bowling charts with 99 wickets. “Arshdeep is a quality bowler, he has played county cricket, and domestic cricket. We have watched him over the last couple of years. There is no other reason,” said chief selector Ajit Agarkar while announcing the test squad. India’s squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav. Test series will commence on June 20th in Leeds before the action moves to Birmingham for the second Test. The Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the third Test, beginning on July 10, 2025. Old Trafford and Kennington Oval will host the fourth and fifth Tests of the series respectively.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi gets call from Team India for England tour after IPL heroics
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Team India’s Under 19 squad for the upcoming England tour. The teams will face each other in a 50-over warm-up match, followed by a five-match Youth One-Day seriesandtwo Multi-Day matches, scheduled fromJune 24 to July 23, 2025. Vaibhav Suryabangshi who came into the limelight after smashing a century in his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, also made cut to the team.Ayush Mhatre who showcased an impressive performance for the Chennai Super Kings has been named as the captain. Abhigyan Kundu is named a vice-captain. “The Junior Cricket Committee has picked India’s U19 for the upcoming tour of England,” BCCI announced in a release. Significantly, Vaibhav’s mobile phone found nearly 500 ‘missed calls’ as he switched off his phone for the last five days. He said, “I have been preparing for 3-4 years. And I saw the results too. Whatever was missing, I was able to work on it. All the things that once looked tough, became easy. I have realized that it’s important to stay focused. There’s no such thing as a natural game. You only have to play according to what the team needs. And not try to do too many extra things at this level. I have to stay in my strong zone and make the team win,” he said. Vaibhav also revealed, “I received over 500 missed calls, but I had kept my phone switched off. A lot of people were approaching him after I scored the century. But I don’t like having too many people. I try to stay away. I had kept my phone off for 4 days; I told you that. I like to be around my people at home and a few friends.” However, Rajasthan Royals chief coach Rahul Dravid has warned the team’s sensational find-out that he will have to go under intense scrutiny before the next IPL, especially by the opposition bowlers. So, according to Dravid, touring England should give Vaibhav valuable learning.
Mukesh Kumar fined for breaching IPL Code of Conduct in Wednesday’s match
Delhi Capitals fast bowler Mukesh Kumar was fined 10 per cent of his match fee and given one demerit point for breaching IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday. Mukesh was punished for a Level-1 offence under Article 2.2 of the Code, which pertains to the abuse of cricket equipment or ground fixtures. “Mukesh Kumar admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 (Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match) and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction,” the IPL said in a release. “For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.” Mukesh had a forgettable evening with the ball on Wednesday, also conceding five fours and three sixes in his spell of 2 for 48 in four overs. He also conceded 27 runs in the 19th over of the first innings as Suryakumar Yadav and Naman Dhir eventually lifted MI to a match-winning score of 180. The over consumed 6, 1, 4, 6, 6, and 4 runs. This season, Mukesh has featured in 11 of DC’s 13 fixtures so far, taking 11 wickets at an average of 32.63 and economy of 10.11.
Harbhajan spins again; Convinces BCCI to organize IPL Play-Offs in Punjab
Harbhajan Singh, a former India international spinner and currently the Chief Advisor of Punjab Cricket Association, has spun once again to convince the IPL organizers to organize the IPL’s forthcoming Play-Offs in Punjab. The initiative came from Harbhajan after the news of the IPL Play-Offs’ venues shifting from Hyderabad and Kolkata to New Chandigarh and Ahmedabad. According to sources close to BCCI, a report from a leading national daily revealed that Harbhajan Singh played a huge role in shifting the fixtures to Punjab. He reportedly took pains to convince the top brass of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of the stadium’s suitability to host the matches in the present weather conditions. “Harbhajan pushed hard for it. He convinced key decision-makers that New Chandigarh is ready, both in terms of facilities and audience enthusiasm. He wasn’t just lobbying; he was deeply involved in inspection visits, pitch discussions, and logistical planning,” confirmed a source to IANS. Harbhajan, the Chief Cricketing Advisor of the Punjab Cricket Association, has been actively promoting cricket in the region post-retirement and has always voiced concerns about the lack of international and IPL-level matches in Punjab after Mohali’s decline as a regular host venue. With the successful completion of the stadium in Mullanpur, he saw an opportunity to bring elite-level cricket back to the heartland. The BCCI announced the schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Playoffs on Tuesday. After 70 action-packed league-stage matches, the spotlight will shift to the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh as it gears up to host the much-awaited Qualifier 1 – featuring the top two-ranked sides on May 29, followed by an engrossing Eliminator clash on May 30. Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium in the world will host an electrifying Qualifier 2 and the grand Final. Qualifier 2, to be played between the loser of Qualifier 1 and the winner of the Eliminator, will take place on June 1. The highly anticipated summit clash is set to be played on June 3. The new venues for the Playoffs were decided by the IPL Governing Council, keeping in mind the weather conditions and other parameters.
Rathi faces ban after a quarrel with Sharma in Monday’s match
Lucknow Super Giants spinner Divesh Rathi has been suspended for the team’s final league-stage match after accumulating more demerit points from a Code of Conduct breach following a tussle with Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday. He was also fined 50% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Monday’s high-octane clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The tournament organizers confirmed that Rathi had committed a Level 1 offence for the third time this season, tallying five demerit points that warrant a one-match suspension. “This was his third Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season and hence, he has accumulated two Demerit Points, in addition to three Demerit Points he had accumulated earlier – One Demerit Point against Punjab Kings on 1st April and Two Demerit Points against Mumbai Indians on April 04, 2025. “As he now has Five Demerit Points this season – which result in a one-game suspension – Digvesh will now be suspended for LSG’s next game – against Gujarat Titans on 22nd h May, in Ahmadabad for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” the statement from IPL read. The incident occurred in the eighth over of SRH’s chase, with Abhishek Sharma in blistering form, having smashed 59 off just 19 deliveries. With the Sunrisers cruising at 99/1, LSG captain Rishabh Pant turned to Rathi for a breakthrough — and the spinner delivered, inducing a catch to extra cover. But what followed marred the moment. As Abhishek walked off, Rathi gave him a fiery send-off, complete with an intense glare. Abhishek, visibly provoked, turned back and walked towards the bowler. The two exchanged words before being separated by the umpire and the LSG fielders. Abhishek, too, was penalized — fined 25% of his match fees for his reaction.
Ben Stokes quits alcohol to boost fitness!
England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he has given up alcohol to recover from a hamstring injury, which he suffered in December in a Test match in New Zealand. According to media reports, the all-rounder has stopped drinking alcohol since 2nd January this year, making a lifestyle shift for the all-rounder. Stokes has admitted that his previous drinking habits were “all or nothing” and had begun to affect both his physical recovery and personal well-being. The 33-year-old spoke on the Untapped podcast, saying, “After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it, after the initial adrenaline had stopped, thinking: ‘How has this happened? We did have a bit of a drink four or five nights ago, could that have played a part? It wouldn’t have helped.’ “Then I was like: ‘OK, I need to start changing what I do.’ I don’t think I’ll ever be completely sober, but I’ve not had a drink since 2 January. I said to myself: ‘Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field.’ I think the day I wake up and can’t be bothered to do the training program is getting towards that time when you don’t want it anymore. But I haven’t got any interest in stopping. “It’s just getting harder to do everything. Hence why now I feel like I have to work so much harder away from the field, in the gym, and all that kind of stuff to just give me the best chance of being out there to perform. But I’ll keep going as long as I possibly can.”
BCCI yet to take decision about withdrawal from the Asia Cup
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said any matter related to participation in events of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has not come up for discussion at any level, adding that any news or report around is purely speculative and imaginary. On Monday, various reports emerged about the BCCI informing the ACC about its decision to withdraw from the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the Men’s Asia Cup, which will be held in June and September, respectively, citing the continuing tensions between India and Pakistan. It is to be noted that the ACC is currently headed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister in the country’s central government. Since this morning, it has come to our notice that some news items about BCCI’s decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC’s events. Such news is devoid of any truth as BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men’s and women. “The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary. It may be said that BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media,” said Saikia in a statement issued to IANS. India does have the hosting rights for the Men’s Asia Cup, set to happen in September this year in T20 format. Apart from India and Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Oman are supposed to be a part of the tournament. India is the defending champion of the Men’s Asia Cup, after beating Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo. That event was also affected by India-Pakistan tensions. Originally set to be hosted entirely by Pakistan, the 2023 Men’s Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model after India refused to travel there and had all its matches shifted to Sri Lanka.
Sunny says Shubman is more competitive; praises IPL for gaining maturity
Legendary Indian batsman and former captain, Sunil Gavaskar feels the IPL is the perfect training ground for future India captains. According to Sunny, tremendous mental pressure of this League is providing the likes of Shubman Gill the required leadership experience before graduating to the highest level. Gujarat Titans skipper Gill is expected to captain India on the Test tour of England following the retirement of Rohit Sharma. Rishabh Pant is likely to be his deputy. Virat Kohli’s retirement, which came just days after Rohit’s decision, has left a massive void in the Test team. Gavaskar said it would take at least a couple of years for Gill and other potential leaders like Pant and Shreyas Iyer to become finished products. “It would take a couple of years (to groom future leaders) to get to the level of our super captains (MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli). All of them brought a different approach to captaincy,” said Gavaskar in a response to a PTI query on Star Sports Press Room. Pant is currently captaining LSG, while Iyer is leading the Punjab Kings in this IPL. “When you see Gill, Iyer, and Pant, three main pretenders to Indian captaincy, you see an amalgamation of all three (Dhoni, Rohit, Virat). Gill is probably more competitive; when there is a decision, he asks the umpire right away. He is probably a lot more involved. “Though Pant is behind the stumps, he is also very involved. Iyer, too, has been superb. All three have brought a lot of positivity in the way they have been captaining. “As a captain, nothing gets you more experience than the pressure of a T20 game. It is the best training ground for captaincy,” added the former India captain.
