On Wednesday, 30 April 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) produced a monumental performance to defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets at the famed Chepauk Stadium in IPL 2025, which gave PBKS the win they required to eliminate CSK from the tournament and push the Punjab Kings up the table. PBKS moved up four places in the IPL 2025 points table and into second place after this victory. In IPL 2025, the victory drastically improved their chances of making the playoffs as we approach the final leg of the tournament. 

The match was a pulsating contest, and the Punjab Kings showed tremendous poise to execute the chase conditions when it was tense. The middle-order players contributed key input for Punjab to recover from two wickets down early to chase down the total by CSK. In the end, CSK could not defend the total they posted and exited the tournament in a valiant effort. A bit of contrast as the CSK supporters at Chepauk had to watch their team exit the tournament at home.

See Also: Top 3 reasons why Chennai Super Kings Lost to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Match 49

Despite the win, Punjab Kings faced a setback as their captain, Shreyas Iyer, was penalised by the BCCI for a slow over rate during the match. As this was Punjab’s first such offense in the ongoing season, only Iyer was fined, in accordance with the IPL Code of Conduct. The team will now be more cautious about maintaining the required over rate in upcoming fixtures. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of discipline and time management in the high-stakes environment of the IPL.

Shreyas Iyer fined for slow over rate

The BCCI has fined Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over rate during the match against Chennai Super Kings. Due to this mistake, Punjab Kings were also not allowed to keep an extra fielder outside the circle in the 19th over.

Before Shreyas Iyer’s penalty in IPL 2025, several captains faced similar fines for slow over rates during the 2024 season. Among them were Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians, Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, Rajat Patidar of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Shubman Gill from Gujarat Titans, and Rishabh Pant representing Lucknow Super Giants. These instances highlight a recurring issue among teams, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of maintaining over-rate discipline in the fast-paced format of the IPL.

The Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) has been thrashed with a legal notice for naming their robot dog Champak, which has sparked a legal battle between the board and Delhi Press Patra Prakashan, the publisher of 31 magazines in nine languages, including a popular children’s magazine, ''Champak.' BCCI is accused of copyright infringement in the Delhi press. A hearing date was also conducted in the Delhi High Court, a matter yet to be solved. 

According to a media report, Advocate Amit Gupta, from the Delhi Press, in his petition has said, "AI tool” was a clear infringement of the publisher’s registered trademark. "This AI tool [robotic dog] has been named Champak. The IPL has been going on. The product was introduced earlier, but it was named later on April 23, purportedly based on fan voting." 

BCCI has introduced this AI-driven robot dog during the ongoing IPL 2025 season to enhance the viewer's experience. The dog was first introduced on April 13 at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium when Delhi Capitals faced Mumbai Indians. From then, the robot dog has been an integral part of the IPL broadcasting scene. People can spot the dog on the pitch during the toss and then at the sideline for the rest of the match. Cricketers have also been spotted getting friendly with the robot dog. 

Read More: IPL 2025: What has gone wrong for CSK this season?

J Sai Deepak, the advocate representing the Indian cricket board at the Delhi High Court, informed the court that the dog's name has nothing to do with the magazine name. Robot dog's name is rather inspired by a television character Champaklal Jayantilal, an infamous figure of Gada Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, played by Amit Bhatt. 

We asked and you answered ✍️

Based on fan votes, we present 'Champak' - the newest member of our family 🗳🥳#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/D2x1o8FeDR

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2025

Court pointed out the name 'Chiku'

Another interesting fact is that the 'Champak' magazine has a character named Chiku, and Virat Kohli's nickname is also Chiku. So the Delhi High Court asked the Delhi Press why they did not point out the matter. 

In response, Gupta said that Virat Kohli having the same nickname as one of their characters did not harm them in a commercial way, unlike the robot dog. The next hearing will be on July 9. 

A golden opportunity for those who are looking for a passage in the world of cricket. The Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) has released a notice regarding a recruitment drive.

BCCI is currently in search of individuals who have a good hold on videography and editing works. The board, in a written release, has mentioned who is eligible for the role and who can be considered perfect to make an application. Only skillful and experienced candidates in the relative field will be the perfect fit for the position.

BCCI released an official notice regarding this on April 29, 2025, signed by the honorary secretary of BCCI. The board on the written notice has informed us that a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be made available on receipt of payment of a non-refundable fee of INR 100,000 (Indian Rupees One Lakh Only) plus any applicable Goods and Services Tax.

Read More: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announces ₹10 Lakh cash prize for Vaibhav Suryavanshi

In the words of BCCI, it is stated that "interested parties are requested to email the details of payment made for the purchase of the RFP to rfp@bcci.tv, as per the procedure laid down in Annexure A. It is clarified that the RFP documents shall be shared only upon the confirmation of payment of the non-refundable RFP fee."

The required will be conducted through tender process 

BCCI has mentioned that the recruitment process will be done through a tender process. In the notice, the board further mentioned that they can cancel or amend the RFP process at any stage in any manner without providing any reason.

From here you can find all the details

NEWS - Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) invites proposals for provision of videography and editing services.

More details here 👇👇https://t.co/DumEEW8mMB pic.twitter.com/PLa8iSVx7X

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 29, 2025

According to BCCI, "Any interested party wishing to submit a bid is required to purchase the RFP. However, only those satisfying the eligibility criteria set out in the RFP, as laid down in Annexure B, and subject to the other terms and conditions set out therein, shall be eligible to bid. It is clarified that merely purchasing the RFP does not entitle any person to bid."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is thinking about making the IPL even bigger. From the 2028 season, they are planning to increase the number of matches to 94, but the number of teams will stay the same at 10. Right now, the 10 teams play 74 matches in total to fight for the trophy.

According to social media reports, IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal said that the BCCI wants to move to a full home-and-away format from the next media rights cycle, which will start in 2028. He explained, "Ideally, we want a longer window, maybe increasing the number of games from 74 to 84 or even 94 at some point. We want every team to play every other team at home and away. For that, we will need 94 games."

However, Dhumal also said that it's not easy to do it right now because there’s already too much cricket happening bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and more. "In the short term, it’s tough. But cricket is changing every year, and maybe in the future, we’ll find a way to make it happen," he said.

He added, "We just had a Test series in Australia, then the Champions Trophy, and now IPL. So, it didn’t make sense to jump to 84 matches straight away in 2025. But when the time is right, we’ll take that step."

#IPL chairman Arun Dhumal hints at an expanded 94-match IPL in 2028 without new teams. #IPL #BCCI #IndianPremierLeague #CricketFever pic.twitter.com/qPXx2j2f0a

— Sachi (@sachi_gkp) April 28, 2025

BCCI Plans Bigger IPL with 94 Matches from 2028

The IPL 2025 season has been really exciting. All 10 teams are still in the race for the playoffs, which has made things even more interesting. Dhumal said he would love to see a new champion this year. "Every year, the IPL keeps getting bigger," he said. "The way fans have supported the tournament, whether it's TV ratings or people coming to the stadiums, has been amazing. We’re proud of how the IPL has grown over the last 17 years, and we’re sure this 18th season will be even better."

ALSO READ: WATCH: Ravichandran Ashwin honoured with Padma Shri Award by Government of India

He also mentioned that he’s hoping for a fresh winner in this IPL 2025. "Teams like Delhi Capitals have been playing well for a few seasons but haven’t won the trophy yet. Punjab Kings made it to a final once, and RCB have had their good moments too. If any of these teams win, it will be great for the league. It would make me really happy to see a new team lift the trophy," he said.

In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of over two dozen tourists, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly sent a strong message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to discontinue any and all cricketing relations with Pakistan. Known for his candid opinions, Ganguly did not mince words. “India should break all cricketing ties with Pakistan. Strict action is necessary. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” he said, as he engaged with public sentiment.

The BCCI is firm with its position that there will not be a bilateral game with Pakistan, home or neutral, unless the Indian government expressly approves it. This action is consistent with national policy and displays India's growing displeasure with repeated incidents of cross-border terrorism with minimal consequences for Pakistan. 

Ganguly's call, issued in 2023, bears similar admonitions he made in 2019, after the Pulwama attack, wherein he expressed that sport cannot take priority over national mourning. "You do not play cricket with a country that supports terrorism. You are sending the wrong message." Thus, this latest statement merely is reaffirming that there is continuity and consistency coming from the former skipper: cricket does not coexist peacefully with terrorism.

Watch the video here

Sourav Ganguly on India & Pakistan's Cricketing relationship. (ANI).

- He said "India should break all cricketing ties with Pakistan. Strict action is necessary. Terrorism cannot be tolerated". pic.twitter.com/8psUjCQEi4

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 26, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs PBKS Match 44 - A Head to Head breakdown

National Security Over Sporting Spirit

The BCCI has made it clear that meeting Pakistan outside of the ICC tournaments and the Asian Cricket Council tournaments is a no-go without the explicit clearance from the government. No surprises here. National interest trumps cricketing interest. Sourav Ganguly’s declaration strikes a chord with the many former cricketers and fans who believe that boundaries on the field start with boundaries off the field first. 

There is consensus that India must stay away from Pakistan diplomatically and in sport until Pakistan acts truly against terrorism. In a country that is united by cricket and transcends boundaries, Ganguly's comment is a reminder that loved sports must come second to the lives of innocent people. The Indian cricketing icon's message is clear as the nation mourns the loss from the Pahalgam tragedy: enough is enough!

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam has left the entire nation in grief, deeply affecting every Indian. Citizens across the country have been expressing their outrage and sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. Among them, former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has also paid tribute to the victims. He extended his condolences and expressed solidarity with the affected families, echoing the collective pain and anger felt throughout the country in the wake of such a horrifying act of terrorism.

In addition to expressing his grief, Sourav Ganguly strongly voiced his opinion on India’s diplomatic stance with Pakistan. He advocated for a complete severing of ties with the neighboring country, stressing that acts of terror cannot be taken lightly or normalized as yearly occurrences. Ganguly’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among many Indians who believe stronger actions should be taken to ensure national security and send a clear message against terrorism. Citing this, the former India skipper told ANI that he fully supported breaking ties with Pakistan, stating that strict action was necessary. He emphasized that it was no joke for such incidents to occur every year and added that terrorism could not be tolerated.

"100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” Ganguly told ANI.

Watch the video;

#PahalgamTerroristAttack | Kolkata, West Bengal: Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly says, "100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated." pic.twitter.com/J4v4HX3TZJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2025

See Also: Bowlers with best economy in death overs in IPL 2025 (min 7 overs)

India and Pakistan have not played each other since 2013

It has been nearly a decade since India last played a bilateral series with Pakistan in 2013, and since then, the two cricketing arch-rivals have only played each other at ICC events. Political ramifications and security threats have halted any bilateral commitments, and earlier this year, during the Champions Trophy, India decided not to berth in Pakistan, and all scheduled matches were played in Dubai via a neutral venue. 

India and Pakistan participated and played against each other once during the Champions Trophy, with India winning that match. Global interest began and peaked in the good old days when India and Pakistan used to play against each other. India and Pakistan met once during the Champions Trophy, however, they were able to demonstrate the action and intensity of their rivalry happy which became a normal ICC event match, without a bilateral series. And cricket fans across the world all continue to share an imagination on whether the bilateral series will resume forever.

The gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam has shocked everyone in the country. Rajeev Shukla, the vice president the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already stated that Team India will not entertain any bilateral series with Pakistan. Further media reports have suggested that the Board can take further steps to avoid any match against Pakistan.

According to a media report, BCCI wrote the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to put the Indian cricket team in the same group as Pakistan in their future events. The update came as a media report, yet to be announced by the board or by the Council officially. 

The 2008 Mumbai terror attack was considered to be a major setback for relations between the two countries, India and Pakistan. After the incident, Team India never traveled to Pakistan. Even in ICC events, both teams faced each other in neutral venues.

Read More: IPL 2025: CSK vs SRH Match 43- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

Both sides played the series way back in 2012-2013 when Pakistan toured India to play a limited-overs cricket series. India last played against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka won the trophy by defeating India. 

Know what BCCI vice president has said

BCCI even refused to send team India to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Pakistan Cricket Board was the host nation of the team. Later, ICC converted the multiple-nation tournament into a hybrid model. Instead of playing on Pakistani soil, Team India played their matches in Dubai. 

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said in a statement, "We are with the victims, and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in a bilateral series because of the government’s stance. And we will not play with Pakistan bilaterally going forward. But when it comes to the ICC event, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware of what is happening; they will do it."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made their position very clear after the Pahalgam terrorist attack incident— no bilateral series with Pakistan. Due to political tension between two countries, the BCCI long ago paused playing on Pakistani soil.

After the Pahalgam incident, where terrorists took over 26 Indian lives, the tension between the two nations became worse. Actions already have been taken in diplomatic ways; now BCCI also made their stance very clear. BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said, "We will not play with Pakistan bilaterally going forward."

According to Shukla, "We are with the victims, and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government’s stance. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilateral going forward. But when it comes to the ICC event, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware of whatever is happening; they will do it."

Read More: WATCH: Ubaid Shah’s viral celebration sparks laughter in PSL 2025

2008 Mumbai terror attack still haunts many 

The 2008 Mumbai terror attack was considered to be a major setback between India and Pakistan. After the incident, Team India never traveled to Pakistan. Even in ICC events, both teams faced each other in neutral venues. Both sides played the series way back in 2012-2013 when Pakistan toured India to play a limited-overs cricket series. India last played against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka won the trophy by defeating India. 

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also released a statement regarding the Pahalgam incident. He said, "On behalf of the BCCI, while condemning this ghastly and cowardly act with the strongest possible words, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. In sharing their pain and grief, we stand hand in hand at this hour of tragedy."

T20 Leagues all over the globe are experiencing an increasing amount of viewership and an opportunity to expand business across continents. Keeping an eye on the Indian Premier League, some other cricket playing nations now have their own franchise leagues. SA20 (South Africa), ILT20 (United Arab Emirates), Major League Cricket (MLC) are among few popular T20 leagues. 

But, from the arriving season, the Indian Premier League is able to secure a particular identity. Franchise owners of IPL, have already expanded their business wings in other countries as well, though BCCI registered Indian players have restrictions for participating in other T20 leagues. 

If the England and Wales cricket board (ECB) can break this barrier and make a knot with BCCI, then the T20 franchise league can touch new heights, feels Lancashire CEO Daniel Gidney. 

Read More: WATCH: Ubaid Shah’s viral celebration sparks laughter in PSL 2025

According to a recently published report, Gidney shared his thoughts about a mutual passage so that Indian cricketers can also participate in overseas franchise leagues, It could be possible if BCCI and ECB come together for an agreement. According to him, "I think it's possible. If I was the ECB, I'd be talking about perhaps bringing the BCCI in as a minority ownership partner in the tournament as a whole. If you do that, then you are aligning interests." 

The BCCI has been really successful with protecting their brand by making sure they don't plan any T20 tournaments anywhere in the world… If I were the BCCI, then I would have to say I would need a significant incentive to relax the current policy because that has been extraordinarily successful and has grown the IPL into the massive commercial entity that it is," he added. 

Proposal for a possible bridge between BCCI and ECB 

Though Indian men's cricketers are not allowed to play any foreign club cricket, the country's women cricketers, like captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, featured in England's The Hundred and Australia's Women's Big Bash League. For the Lancashire CEO, it is the right time to welcome Indian men's cricketers to other leagues. 

He said, 'That is probably your best chance of getting (Indian) players in The Hundred. It comes down to the will and the individuals on both sides."

In a symbolic act of solidarity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared that both players and umpires will don black armbands today in the IPL 2025 match to pay tribute to the victims of the catastrophic terror attack on Pahalgam, Kashmir. The attack took 26 lives, both tourists and locals, and sent shockwaves of sadness across the nation.

A minute's silence prior to the match will be observed to honor those who were killed. Furthermore, the BCCI has also made the decision to mute the entertainment elements that come with the league—there will be no cheerleaders and no celebratory fireworks during the game, keeping the event subdued and respectful.

Standing in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Prayers for the families who lost their loved ones in this gruesome attack 💔 pic.twitter.com/KXAJelZ1n3

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 23, 2025

Also read: Heartbreak in Pahalgam: Ritika Sajdeh reacts to tragic terror attack

Players Show Sadness and Provide Support

A number of Bollywood and cricket celebrities from IPL took to Twitter expressing their grief and sympathies. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya were among the first to tweet mourning the loss of the innocent lives and extending their support to the families who suffered the loss. Rohit's wife, Ritika Sajdeh, shared a story on Instagram displaying her shattered heart emoji, which clearly states the bolstered sadness and grief within the sporting world.

Ritika Sajdeh also posted on her Instagram story highlighting the tragedy, which shows the unified grief throughout the sporting world.

The entire IPL community is united in grief and using the medium of cricket and compassion to remember the departed, bringing an important message of hope and solidarity.