Kohli’s non-renewal attitude with RCB sparks IPL-retirement rumors!
In a surprising turn of events, a report from Rev Sportz has created rumors in the cricket fraternity about Virat Kohli’s retirement from IPL! Sources have also revealed that Kohli has turned down the renewal of his contract with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the team he has been with since the league’s inception in 2008. Kohli’s tenure with RCB has been marked by numerous unforgettable performances and a strong fan following. His leadership qualities and exceptional batting skills have played a crucial role in the team’s journey over the years, and his potential absence would undoubtedly leave a significant void. Beyond the pitch, Kohli has inspired young cricketers and fostered a professional environment within the franchise. According to the report, Kohli was expected to review his contract ahead of upcoming season, but he has opted not to pursue it, shedding uncertainty over his future in the IPL. Cricket analysts suggest that Kohli’s potential departure could usher in a transition period for RCB, prompting the franchise to reassess its strategy and leadership ahead of future seasons. However, neither Kohli nor RCB has issued any formal statement on the matter.
Lalit Modi drops another IPL bombshell!
Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi claimed that he broke broadcasting rules for the first match of the tournament back in 2008 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first-ever IPL encounter. Modi said that he was willing to ‘break every rule in the book’ given the magnitude of the occasion. Modi claimed that he was worried about the reach that Sony Network had at that moment and decided to override their exclusive broadcasting rights. Instead, he instructed other broadcasters as well as news channels to go live with the match at the same time. “Everything, everything was dependent on that one game. I broke every rule in the book that day. I signed the contract, an exclusive contract with Sony, but Sony didn’t have the reach. I said open the signal. Was it now available everywhere? And I told all the broadcasters who lost out, all of you, all news channels, go live,” Lalit told Michael Clarke during a recent podcast. Sony said, ‘I’ll sue you. ‘I said ‘Sue me later, forget about it? Ok, we are going live now because you don’t have the reach. I needed everybody to watch the first game. If the first game had flopped, I was dead.” Following his recent revelations about IPL broadcasting, Lalit Modi found himself embroiled in a major controversy once again after he released a video of Harbhajan Singh slapping S Sreeshanth during the IPL 2008. The ‘Slapgate’ row caused a huge stir at that time, but Harbhajan heavily criticized Lalit Modi for revealing the video after such a long time. “The way the video has been leaked it’s wrong. It shouldn’t have happened. They might have a selfish motive behind it. Something that happened 18 years ago, people have forgotten, and they are reminding people about it,” Harbhajan told Instant Bollywood.
How IPL is influencing english clubs to survive
Will the investment by IPL owners in The Hundred competition ease the financial struggles of the majority of 18 county clubs in England? It is a “make or break” question facing the struggling clubs in the county circuit right now. According to the recently-released Leonard Curtis Cricket Finance Report, the gap between the top clubs and the smaller ones is widening with the big three — Surrey, Lancashire and Warwickshire — generating 44 per cent of the total revenue of all 18 first-class counties in 2023. The smaller clubs like Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire are hugely reliant on the funding from the parent body — the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The sale of equity in the eight franchises of The Hundred is expected to raise approximately 520 million pounds, a part of which would be shared with the county clubs. The ECB decided to sell stakes of the eight franchises ahead of The Hundred’s fifth season that begins on August 5, day after the conclusion of the Test series between India and England. Four out of the eight teams have attracted investments from IPL franchise owners connected to Mumbai Indians (49 per cent of Oval Invincibles), Sunrisers Hyderabad (100 per cent of Northern Supercharges), Delhi Capitals (49 per cent of Southern Brave) and Lucknow Super Giants (70 per cent of Manchester Originals). The other four teams — Welsh Fire, Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Trent Rockets — have drawn huge sums from American investors. The eight counties hosting The Hundred teams, including the hosts of Test matches in the summer, are sitting pretty but the majority of the remaining 12 face an existential threat. “The Hundred money allows the 18 first-class counties to look to the future rather than simply survive from one summer to the next,” said former England captain Michael Vaughan in the report. In a separate interaction with PTI, Vaughan said the fresh investments into The Hundred would help England produce better cricketers. “There is an expectation that it’s (Hundred investments) going to help County cricket. What it does do is help England produce better players because some of our players go to the IPL and mix with some of the legends of the game and coaches and they come back better players. “The IPL is not going to move and it’s not going to get any smaller, so the game is going to accelerate,” he said, referring to the money pumped in by the IPL teams. Stuart Cain, CEO of Warwickshire County Cricket Club believes the fresh influx of cash in English cricket will help all 18 counties but in the long run they need to develop multiple revenue streams, that money will help red-ball cricket and T20 cricket thrive in all the counties. Cain said there is also plenty to learn on the operation front from the IPL biggies besides stressing on the important of creating different revenue streams for clubs that don’t have teams in The Hundred. Farokh Engineer former India stumper and Lancashire great said With more cash in hand, the clubs would be able to attract better players and improve the standard of red ball game he also added county cricket’s standard has fallen down, in his time time there was myself and Clive Lloyd playing for Lancashire. There was Gordon Greenidge, Barry Richards playing for Hampshire, Andy Roberts, Ian Botham and all these guys are playing.” “The standard of county cricket was very high then, with Indian money coming in, let’s hope county cricket standards will improve.
RCB to donate Rs. 10 lakh aid for families of stampede victims
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Thursday announced financial support of Rs 10 lakh for the families of each of the 11 deceased during the stampede that ensued outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Forty-seven people were injured in addition to the 11 who died in the incident that occurred during RCB’s celebration after they won the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) the previous day in Ahmadabad. The franchise and the Karnataka state government have since come under fire. “The unfortunate incident in Bengaluru yesterday has caused a lot of anguish and pain to the RCB family,” said RCB in a statement on Thursday. “As a mark of respect and a gesture of solidarity, RCB has announced financial support of INR 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased. In addition, a fund called RCB Cares is also being created to support fans injured in this tragic incident. Our fans will always remain at the heart of everything that we do. We remain united in grief.” RCB’s victory on Tuesday was followed by hugely emotional scenes, with the team ending an 18-year wait for the title. However, there was uncertainty over whether there would be an open-top bus victory parade from the Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Meanwhile, India’s World Cup-winning captain and legendary bowler Kapil Dev, expressing deep anguish over the tragic incident, commented, “Lives are more important than celebration.” He urged everyone to take precautionary measures so that such incidents do not take place in the future. However, Denying any prior information, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said: “We did not know any victory parade or celebrations planned in Bengaluru. We had no idea who organized it and how so many fans came there”
‘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.
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.
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.
BCCI considers Gavaskar’s advice about the ‘no-entertainment’ part in the remainder of the IPL
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seriously considering Sunil Gavaskar’s advice of rejecting the entertainment part in the remainder of the IPL, resuming from 17th May. Gavaskar urged the BCCI to organize the remaining 17 matches without cheerleaders and DJs. According to a report from India Today, the BCCI is now seriously considering the suggestion made by Gavaskar. IPL 2025 was suspended for a week on 8th May amidst cross-border tensions with Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The heinous attack claimed the lives of as many as 26 civilians. “The Indian cricket board will make a decision after Sunil Gavaskar urged the BCCI to stage the remaining 17 matches without cheerleaders and DJs,” the report said. As a gesture for those who died during the Pahalgam attack, Gavaskar felt that there should not be any entertainment (apart from the sport on display) in the remaining IPL matches. “What I would really like to see is these are the last few matches. I think we have had about 60 games or thereabouts. I think it will be around 15 or 16 matches in the remaining phase of the League. I would sincerely apologize for what has happened, and some families have lost their near and dear ones. I would like all the show-sha baji that goes with it not to be there. It should be just a game to be played. Let there be a crowd but no music. Let’s not have the DJs screaming in the middle of an over. None of that,” Gavaskar told Sports Today. He also stated, “Let’s just have a tournament, the balance of a tournament. No dancing girls, nothing. Just cricket would be a nice way to respect the sentiment of the families who have lost their near and dear ones.”
